#He also has what I affectionately call ��Dad-blindness”

[gingermintpepper]

Day 3: Asclepius

Interpretation notes and trivia under the cut!!

Woo boy, this guy was another difficult character to settle on both a design and an interpretation for! Asclepius tends to have two big schools of thought for his tale, either he's the tragic doctor who resorted to illicit methods in order to save his patients or he's a strict scientist who was so skilled at his art that his resuscitations were called magic but were just science. I don't actually mind either interpretation, but due to the way I personally see Coronis and the way I chose to interpret Asclepius' birth story, I chose to focus on a different facet of Asclepius; Asclepius the family man. The theme of geneology and the inheritance of 'curses' through blood and birth is one that permeates this work and Asclepius, in a lot of ways, has not only inherited both his mother and father's banes but his actions and talents create new ones for his children. Throughout this, and all the many messy crimes Asclepius will commit in the name of what he thinks is necessary and right, he will willfully ignore the warning signs staring him dead in his face screaming that he will leave the burden of his work to his children and it will be easy. After all, Asclepius has made a career out of ignoring his own father's warnings and cautions, what are a few more red flags to ignore?

Less of a character note and more of a personal thing, but for a very long time I used his teenaged design when sketching out scenes and ideas but after tidying up my timeline, I realised that he would be an older man throughout the events of the story!! Since he's properly mortal, he would have to look his age and while that was slightly intimidating since I've not drawn many older characters, it also made me very excited since characters in the 40+ age range are rarely protagonists of these sorts of adventure/fantasy stories and working in the physical differences between him and his brothers was extremely fun!

Some fun trivia:

Youngest of Apollo's children currently alive and kicking. Maybe it was because Apollo so intensely regretted the way he dealt with Coronis but he doted endlessly on Asclepius and essentially personally oversaw his education and training. Because of this, Asclepius, without a doubt, is the child with the best relationship with Apollo between the brothers and believes unfalteringly in his father even if they have many practical and philosophical differences.

Has a bit of a sixth sense when it comes to necromancy and communing with the dead and spirits beneath the earth. Because he was rescued from the torch of death when he was babe, he has retained a connection with the chthonic. While he cannot exactly see figures like Thanatos or Hermes, he can certainly sense when they are afoot. Is very aware that Thanatos cannot stand him and expects to be taken by Ker when he does finally die.

Always keeps gold coins on him on the off chance he is spontaneously struck down while doing research or healing some previously unhealable disease. His father, upon realising that his warnings would be thoroughly ignored, pleaded for him to do at least that since after Asclepius is dead, Apollo would be unable to intercede for him.

Happily married and has four children! His eldest Machaon chose to follow his footsteps and became a gifted surgeon in his own right while his second eldest Iaso chose to follow her mother's footsteps and become more of a nurse than a doctor. He's endlessly proud of all of his children and hopes his research makes the world a better place for them.

Was recognised by Apollo at 15 and became Doctor Laureate at 17. Lost said laurels at 22 after he revived his second corpse from the dead and since then has been on a strict probation when practicing his medicine. Has a mark on his left wrist that will fill itself out if he commits such an atrocity again and then he will be marked for death and supposedly tormented until he forfeits his soul.

On very good terms with Orpheus and the two often work together and catch up when they happen to meet up while travelling. Never knew Eurydice but he gets the feeling that he would've really liked her.

Despite being a son of Apollo, has absolutely zero musical talent and cannot dance. He can't maintain his hair either and would've cut it multiple times over if Apollo himself didn't stop him and chastise him for even thinking about such a thing. Epione does his hair. The little braids in his beard are courtesy of the twins Hygiea and Panacea who enjoy putting little braids in anything they can get their hands on.

Doesn't resemble his father or his mother actually! The relative he resembles most is his paternal grandfather Zeus, a fact that gives his wife endless grief because his hair is thick but not curly, a trait she covets. Asclepius having thick body and facial hair was also very awkward considering Apollo is incapable of growing body hair and, for a while, his lack of curls and cascade of body hair when Asclepius started puberty made Apollo doubt whether Asclepius was truly his or if he had saved Ischys' child instead.

Has zero self preservation and will hunt monsters and creatures for their blood, teeth, claws and hides for his medicines. Like his father, he has a personal 'wall of horrors' where he stores everything from gorgon blood to pegasus feathers to hydra venom. Sometimes gods in the guise of men will simply give him precious materials because they know Asclepius is the one who will take their unsolveable cases in the face of disaster. It is a very risky exchange and has only barely skirted by Zeus' notice because actual money hasn't been exchanged (yet).

Preferred weapon is the scalpel and doesn't like fighting humans. Has a fire-retardant mantle made from chimera skin Apollo gave him when he was a child that doubles as a very good shield in a pinch.

Favourite colour is withy purple and his favourite food is goat butter spread on bread and topped with celery, tomatoes and olive oil. Has a lot of snake themed jewellry that he's passed on to his son because he thinks they're too gaudy for his old self to be wearing.

[maliha-lili]

It was never really a love triangle

Jeremiah's Cabo incident isn't even what makes him the wrong boy for Belly. It's more the final nail in the coffin.

He has never, not a day in his life, had true, genuine romantic feelings towards Belly and you cannot convince me otherwise. To him, Belly is the one thing he can win over his brother. The one thing he can have that Conrad doesn't, the one person who should choose him over Connie. Let's be real, Laurel is Conrad's person, Steven is clearly closer to Connie and likes him more, their dad (who Jeremiah clearly idolises in a way and refuses to see in a negative light- despite him being a terrible father and husband) cares more about Conrad, Belly has been in love with Conrad all this time. Even Susannah, who yes, absolutely loved Jeremiah, clearly held Conrad to a higher regard.

So here's this final person in their family who he can take advantage of, because she's been in love with Conrad, but he hasn't been very direct with his affection towards her (because he has been affectionate with her, just not direct enough to clear through her insecurities and make her realise it). So what does he do? Goes on a "Conrad sucks" mission, trying to sabotage him in front of the person who has always seen this ideal version of him. Everyone but Belly understands that Conrad is human and isn't perfect. So she's the one that will struggle to cope with having the rose tinted lenses snatched from her face so that she can see the real him; broken, struggling, often cold- even towards her.

Mr. Jeremy Fisher swoops in and takes every chance he can get to convince Belly that because his brother doesn't go around acting like a puppy the way he does, he has to be the world's biggest jerk. Which is funny considering that title so clearly belongs to their father, who he always makes excuses for. Somehow that well of excuses dries up when it comes to his brother.

This very obvious but mostly underlying issue he has with Conrad, rooted in insecurity and jealousy, permeates into his feelings for Belly. He's not going after her because he truly wants her, it's also because he wants to hurt Conrad. Wants to win over him, for once in their lives.

He sees them almost kiss on the fourth, and knows that he is about to lose the one person in their family (I know it's weird to call them family considering yk😭but clearly they're a family in a sense) that could still love him more. So he sabotages what would have been their first kiss (sabotage really seems to be his brand). So at this point, he knows Conrad most likely reciprocates Belly's feelings. The normal thing to do in this case would be to let your brother, and your best friend who's been in love with him for years, to explore their feelings.

But clearly, Jeremiah doesn't really understand normalcy when it comes to Conrad. No dear, he is far too blinded by the envy that can only exist in the heart of a younger sibling who knows they will never be good enough. And so he pursues a "fling" with Belly.

Two other point that clearly demonstrates the difference between Conrad and Jeremiah's feelings:

Conrad is jealous regardless of who Belly is interested in. He's jealous of Jeremiah AND Cam Cameron. Because he actually likes Isabel, and will thus see everyone as competition. He's not just jealous of Jeremiah because what he feels for Belly isn't rooted in some lame siblings rivalry. Jeremiah on the other hand did not care about Belly being with Cam, because at the end of the day, to him, it's not about Belly being with him. It's about her not being with Conrad. It's about making him lose something. Lose her.

Their reactions when Belly chooses the other brother. Belly couldn't even enjoy her relationship with Conrad, something she dreamt of for years, because Jeremiah was acting all broody over a few make-out sessions. He didn't care that he was hurting her by acting like that. Conrad on the other hand, does his best to put his hurt aside at the end of the day (and don't bring up the car ride to the motel because he actually should've reacted worse after finding them doing all of that on his car, on his campus, while she was in his sweater). Conrad wants Belly to be happy, because when you love someone, you do your best not to be selfish. Not to stand in the way of what they need or want. Something Jeremiah can't relate to, because he doesn't really love Belly. Not in the way he claims to.

[geneviveleocardius]

john price romantic headcanons

im so happy omg, i love this man

actually marriage headcanons with captain john price

(feat. gaz, soap, ghost)

John is your rock. His job means he’s often in dangerous situations, but he takes his role as your husband seriously, keeping his family his number one priority. He’s the type to check in with you whenever he can, even if it’s just a quick text:

“Just landed. Miss you already, love.”

When he’s home, his presence feels like a safe haven—a stark contrast to the dangers of his job.

John is a traditional man in many ways. He takes pride in being dependable and protective, but he admires your independence too. He’ll hold the door open for you or pull out your chair but will also support your career and passions wholeheartedly.

John isn’t one for grand displays of affection, but he shows his love in quiet, meaningful ways. He’ll make you tea exactly how you like it, leave little notes for you to find when he’s away, or restock your favorite snacks without you asking.

“Figured you’d want these for your late-night reading sessions.”

After all these years, John still gets that soft, admiring look in his eyes when he sees you. Whether you’re dressed up or in sweatpants, he makes you feel cherished every day.

Soap, Gaz, and Ghost have practically adopted the two of you as their surrogate parents. Price is their Captain, but they’re not blind to the way he softens around you, and they fully lean into the family dynamic.

Soap jokingly calls you “Mum” all the time.

“Mum, Dad’s being grumpy again. Fix him, please.”

Ghost is quieter about it, but he’ll casually ask for your advice like he would with a parent.

Gaz loves coming over for dinner because, as he puts it: “You’re the only ones who know how to cook real food."

John’s already fiercely protective of his squad, but with you? It’s a whole different level. If someone disrespects or threatens you, his quiet, commanding presence is enough to shut them down instantly.

“You alright, love? Good. Now excuse me while I have a word with that bloke.”

After years of action-packed missions, John values the peace he finds at home. His favorite moments are the simple ones—sharing a meal with you, sitting by the fire, or walking the dog together.

“The world’s a mess, but right now? This is perfect.”

John isn’t overly expressive with his emotions, but his actions speak volumes. He’ll fix something around the house without being asked, carry your bags, or stay up late to talk when you’ve had a hard day.

His squad gets the gruff, no-nonsense Captain Price, but you get the softer, more affectionate side of him. When the two of you are alone, he’ll pull you close, rest his head against yours, and let out a rare laugh.

When Soap, Gaz, and Ghost visit, Price transforms into the classic dad figure—flipping burgers at the grill, cracking dry jokes, and making sure everyone’s plate is full.

“Soap, stop eating all the chips before dinner. Ghost, you’re too quiet—what’s on your mind, son?”

John notices when you’re overworking yourself or feeling down, and he’s quick to step in with practical care:

“You’ve been at that all day, love. Come here, sit down. I’ll handle the rest.”

Soap and Gaz often tease him about how smitten he is with you.

Soap: “Price, how’d you convince someone like her to stick with you?”

Price: “Charm, wit, and being a better man than you’ll ever be, MacTavish.”

John loves your banter and will jokingly challenge you to harmless competitions, like who can throw the ball farther for the dog.

“Let’s make this interesting. Winner gets to pick dinner; loser washes up.”

Not that you and John argue often, but when you do, Soap, Gaz, and Ghost inevitably take your side, just to see him squirm.

Soap: “Sorry, Captain, but you’re wrong. Mum’s right. Always.”

At the end of the day, John is a man who’s seen the worst the world has to offer, which only makes him appreciate what he has with you even more. His love for you is steady, profound, and unshakable.

“I’ve been through hell and back, but coming home to you, love… that’s all I need.”

he’s the best right? i’m out, xoxo!

[princesscolumbia]

Star Trek Captains, A Review and Categorization

Star Trek is a show about a Neo-military organization that has rank structures, ships, and fights wars, so naturally there's plenty of captains to talk about, but for this post I'll be highlighting specifically the main cast captains, in something resembling chronological order. (But, I mean, this is Star Trek, so even that's kinda up in the air)

Captain Archer

That Guy who had to hand crank the warp engine up-hill both ways in the blinding ion storm. We don't need no stinkin' Prime Directive! Remember The Alamo Pearl Harbor 9/11 Florida! But...uh, maybe don't be dicks about it, not everyone who looks like the ones responsible for that thing we're never going to forget actually wants us dead. Got transformed into an alien, got possessed by another alien, slept with a couple more. Never got pregnant, though (that was his chief engineer)

Scorecard

Ships commanded: 1

Wars started: 0

Wars ended: 3

Times on screen naked: 1

Nazi facilities destroyed: 1

Category: Grampa

Captain Pike

Midlife crisis? What midlife crisis? Everything's fiiiiine. Now eat something, it'll make you feel better. I'm not mad, I'm just disappointed. Number One, don't tell me I can't adopt more kids, I don't care that they're from the future they're mine now. Besides, we've already got a whole ship-full, what's two more?

Scorecard

Ships commanded: 2

Violations of the Temporal Prime Directive: -3 (yes, it's an irrational number, we're talking time travel, people!)

Musical Numbers Participated While On Duty: 3

Hair: Really Great

Category: Dad (or DILF if you swing that way)

Captain Georgiou

You will be captain when you can snatch the stone from my hand.

Scorecard

Ships commanded: 1

Protege's who required a redemption arc: 1

Awesomeness: Transcendent

Category: Gone too soon, also, MILF who can kick your ass

(Edit: Courtesy of @cheer-me-up-scotty for pointing out an oversite on my part)

Captain Burnham

Cosplays as a Vulcan 'cause she's jealous of her adoptive brother. Accurately called an audience-stand-in-self-insert-mary-sue (shut up, Star Trek fandom invented the Mary Sue, it was a term coined by women fans, so shut up!), but by season 2 she actually gets interesting.

Scorecard

Mommy Issues: Has a subscription

Moms: 4

PTSD inducing life events: Like, all of them

Ships commanded: 3

Mutinies led failed: 1

Category: That One Cousin who married surprisingly well and made something of herself in spite of all expectations

Captain Kirk

Golden retriever energy, would be the Useless Bisexual Himbo if he didn't have so much game. Probably smarter than he lets on. Polyamory King and certified Alien Fucker. Boyfriend is a half-space-elf, main sometimes-girlfriend will go on to create the deadliest super-weapon ever built by humans by accident.

Scorecard

Number of Klingon Bounties on his head: [CLASSIFIED]

Number of women he's slept with: [CLASSIFIED]

Nazi regimes toppled: 1

Number of times he should have had a test that determines if you can stick your dick in it that got named after an upstart from that other science fiction show instead: 1

Ships Commanded: 3

Ships He's Stolen: 3

Category: Slut(affectionate)

Captain Kirk (the other one)

Golden Retriever that got left behind when his family moved away and had to lead a ragtag team of a crotchety older dog and a wet cat on a journey...

No, wait, hold on...

Right! That's the one!

Scorecard

Times he should have been kicked out of Starfleet: At least 4

Ships commanded: 3

Ground transport destroyed: 2 (that we know of)

Number of middle fingers given to Admiralty: 2

Category: Bad Boy

Captain Picard

You know that guy who you see going to the library all the time and always seems to have his nose in a book and always seems to be telling people off for breaking the rules and doing dangerous shit? You'd never know it but he used to be That Guy in college who got, like, ALL the girls and is going to be the Hot Grampa that you don't know how he has that much game, but he got it.

Scorecard

Ships lost in the line of duty: 2

Number of times he married and then estranged his best friend's wife who named their son after her dead first husband: 1

Number of toxic omnipotent and omniscient boyfriends who are obsessed with him and spends their spare time playing with ponies: 1

Category: Inexplicable Sexyman

Captain Badass Sisko

The Cool Dad with baggage. He's got game, but he's got priorities as well, and DON'T mess with his son or you won't even exist anymore to regret it. BLM before it was cool. Led a civil rights riot two centuries before he was born. Space Jesus who can make the best jambalaya you've ever had. Fought and won a war, punched a god, then became one.

Scorecard

Civilizations saved: 4

Native Cultures Treated With the Respect They Deserve: Many

Times He Bent the Rules so his CMO could get some nookie from a Cardasian spy plain, simple tailor: The counter broke

Successful black-ops assassinations completed: 1

Category: BAMF

Captain Janeway

THE single most decorated captain in Starfleet history. Successfully dropped the hammer on dozens of petty tyrants, oppressive regimes, roaming mass murderers, and the Borg. What Prime Directive? Your Mom. Also, probably slept with your mom, that's how much she is the Domme-est of Dommes. She told the Borg to use the safe word...and they DID!

Scorecard

Borg Daughters: 1

Times she told the Borg to step off: 3 (or 4...or 5? Honestly, with the time travel shenanigans it's hard to know for sure)

Nazis she's personally shot: 1

Category: Mistress, but it's "Ma'am" to you

Captain Freeman

She's angry AND disappointed! She's just as good as all the other captains in the fleet, and the good ones know it, but all the rest? They see "cali class" and assume all they're good for is the jobs nobody else wants. But jokes on them, because thanks to that attitude her crew are the flippin' Jacks and Jills of all trades and are more capable of fixing AND fucking AND "fucking" shit up than damn near anyone else!

Scorecard

Times the ship has nearly been destroyed but she and her crew got through it: ...uh...how many episodes are there? And then there's the times that get casual mentions that we never get the details on!

Daughters who should probably be captains now if they were at least a LITTLE more respectful and didn't actively try to piss off Admirals: 1

Times the Cerritos has had to be rebuilt to the point it might as well be called "The Ship of Cerritos Problem": At least 4

Category: Your mom...get back here, I'M NOT DONE TALKING TO YOU!

Captain R'El

Cinnamon Roll, just let m'boy into Starfleet! He just wants a home and a family! I'd like to see full-grown captains who can keep up with half of what this Best Boy is capable of!

Scorecard

Number of species his genetic code is made up of: All of 'em. Even the GODDAMN Q!

Number of Janeways he impressed the socks off of: 2

Quality of his Janeway impression: Bad

Number of Ferengi he out-Ferengi'd: 1

Nazis punched: Give him time...

Category: Teenage Boy Who's NOT GOING THROUGH A PHASE, MOM!

Should I do Captains Shaw and Seven? How about Alternate Timeline Tripp or Future Chakotay? (Going too far down that rabbit hole will eventually lead to Imperial Kirk and Captain Spock from the movies.) Let me know in the comments.

Next Post in this series

[poodlejoonas]

I didn't wanna say anything, just observe and try to process on my own, but fuck it we ball.

Joel leaving the band should be a wake-up call for some of y'all to come to terms with how you treat mental illness and neurodivergence. Yes, even if you're also depressed, or also anxious, or also diagnosed ADHD. Especially if you're one or more of those things. It's like you don't wanna believe that Joel's lifelong, every day mental and emotional state could actually cause serious physical health concerns - you only wanna see him as the "hehe quirky energetic boi." Which he can be that sometimes, but y'all let that view of him cloud your judgment and make you ignore real issues.

And when you only see the quirky side of his ADHD, some of y'all [emphasis on some] get a little too comfortable with bullying him about it. But you might say, "Oh, well I have the same thing too and it's #relatable so it's okay if we joke and bully him (affectionately)." That's still ableism, babes! Being a little depresso bean yourself doesn't mean you get to make fun of someone else's depression, it just give you permission to talk about your own. Having ADHD doesn't mean you get to be a bully about someone else's symptom expression, even if you think you're just being playful about it. Leaving it on your blog or on Discord is one thing. Posting it in a place where you know he'll see it is a totally different beast. We should all know better than to know you can't read tone through text. You can only do that once you know someone's typing style on an intimate level and can understand if they're joking, pissed off, or chill about it.

None of us know Joel on a daily basis, no matter how many IG stories he posts or how many times we rewatch their tour vlogs and watch him make silly noises or be moody. The other guys can (affectionately) joke around with him because they know him and they've lived in buses and the studio with him for 12+ years. WE. CAN'T. He's always caught the most shit from fans for captioning pictures with future song lyrics that read a little depressingly (like what the other guys did), posting about his sad feelings or low self-esteem, and even sharing his playful moments. He's been a lot of fans' personal voodoo doll for projecting feelings and fanfiction headcanons because his ADHD and other issues are treated like a headcanon.

(And before you say anything - yes, I'm aware I'm not entirely innocent of this either. I've written it into the dad!AU to be as honest to reality as I can be. But I've never tried to force any of my fanfic ideals onto others. I've never forced my fics into anyone's faces if they didn't want to read them. And I for damn sure haven't been the judge, jury, and executioner for how fics with Joel could be written. Because he's a person, not a doll to play with.)

Finally - for the love of GOD - recognize the difference between Blind Channel's songs about mental illness and suicide and the reality behind them. In the songs, they're aesthetics. That's what musical symbolism is about. They exist in their aesthetics so that we can also feel things and process our own shit on our own time. Anytime I get "Die Another Day" on my shuffle, I stop what I'm doing to cry about it then move on with my day. Every one of their sad songs has an even sadder backstory. "Bad Idea" exists because Niko was literally talked off a ledge. "Feel Nothing" tells the story of being so done with life that your whole body goes numb. "Don't Fix Me" is about coming to terms with having a fucked up life and mental state. "Scream" is dedicated to one of Joel's dearest idols, whose life story and death (I'm 95% certain) was part of his fears of continuing in the band with his mental state.

Remember that Joel was literally the guy whose answer to the question, "Where do you see yourselves in ten years?" was "In a grave." IN A GRAVE. And he has the self-preservation now to acknowledge that he may end up there in his stated timeline if he continues doing something that will get him there. Maybe, just maybe, there's a little twinkle of hope that he can grow old and find real happiness and peace in his life. This is someone who probably never thought he'd live to see 30. And he finally has the chance to chase peace on his own terms. We should be grateful for that, but the Anger part of the "Fandom Five Stages of Grief" would rather have us all turn against the five remaining members of the band we all claim to love so much.

Cope how you want, I'm not a fucking cop. But when you're ready for this conversation, return and do some serious thinking about it. There will be future depressing songs not written by Joel. Then who will you project onto?

[magicrainbowkitties]

Hyperfixations are insane bro.

Anyways here's my "MK1 Roster By How Good Of A Hugger They Are" tier list

Not Pictured:

Shang Tsung: A

Reiko: B

Explanations under the cut if you want them.

S tier:

Smoke/Tomas: Great arm strength, super sweet and cute in his intro dialogues, definitely goes for head pats. Also big ups for the smokey smell.

Scorpion/Kuai Liang: Arm strength, sensitive and protective in his dialogues, and very warmb. Perfection.

Johnny Cage: You cannot tell me this version of the guy is not absolutely INSANE at hugs. Arms, emotional sensitivity, words of affirmation if you need them, and LOVES giving them. CageCon attendees attest he hugs like a giant teddy bear.

Sindel: She doesn't give them often, but when she does it's the absolute Best. Mom hugs are best hugs, you can fight me on that. But her big up is the prehensile hair. Mom hug + more hug from hair? FUCK YES.

Reptile/Syzoth: I mean this for both reptilian and human form btw. Because in one case, gigantic croco-man being extra careful to not to nick you on claws and scales, and on the other, nuzzles and contact. BOTH have the ups of strength, dad hugs (his son may be dead but I will attest that no matter the status of the child, the ability to give dad hugs remains with the father in question) are also best hugs, and a tail. Also being cold-blooded he'll probably try to seek warmth from the person he's hugging. So more physical contact. Which is Amazing.

A Tier:

Raiden: Very sweet and kind, just BARELY didn't make S tier. Only because the lightning probably means he's got static everywhere and even if his amulet is turned off, he's still gonna accidentally shock you. Which for some people is negligible, but this is my list. Still great at hugs, but with a fatal flaw.

Liu Kang: Also a very near-miss for S tier. He's got a lot of the same ups as Kuai Liang, except he's a good deal less sensitive than the latter dialogue wise, and he strikes me as the kinda guy who feels a little awkward hugging people. Not bad in the slightest, but he prefers other methods of affection.

Kenshi: He's not a very physically affectionate person, before or after blindness, and probably has a few issues recognizing when it's necessary. However, when he does give hugs, (more likely that he's the one being given the hug), he's very sweet about it. Probably goes on for a while longer than originally intended, very good for touch starvation. Just don't expect it very often.

Kung Lao: Would be an S if he TOOK OFF THE FUCKING HAT. Look man, I'm tryna get physical affection, and you're real nice and sweet when you wanna be, but I am NOT tryna get decapitated by that fuckin table saw super-glued to your head! Good arms, tho.

Shao: Yeah this one surprised me too. But, big guy, leans down, and DEFINITELY a fan of head pats. But he's a near miss for B because of the fact that 1, definitely not a hugger, and 2, he's an asshole. He probably gives side hugs if absolutely necessary. Definitely hugged Reiko when he was a kid, tho.

Shang Tsung: OK HEAR ME OUT. Absolute BOTTOM of A tier, but DAMMIT that fucker is a convincing guy. He's spent years and years hawking fake cures and things, you think he doesn't know how to use physical means to make his sales pitch more convincing? He's actually very, very good at hugs and making people feel better about themselves, and that's part of what makes him so damn dangerous.

B Tier:

Kitana: People are gonna hate me for not putting her higher, huh? Well I speak naught but the truth. Bc my girl is NOT a hugger for anybody except her family. Just not really her thing. She prefers a handshake and good conversation from her friends and allies. She gives decent hugs when called for, and is a good person to hug in crisis, but she'd rather be there either in a group hug or on the side talking someone through it while one of the S or As handle the Actual Hugging Part.

Tanya: Same kinda deal as Kitana, but mostly for maintaining professionalism as an Umgadi. She's very sweet and understanding, but prefers to pat shoulders and give affection through presence unless you're very, VERY close to her (cough Mileena)

Ermac: Total wild card. Countless souls within the body mean countless possibilities for hug affinity or quality. So direct middle of B tier, just to be safe. Based on story mode, however, Jerrod is a solid S.

Ashrah: Again, not much of a hugger, but gives decent ones when necessary. Isn't used to physical affection in the slightest, but overtime may graduate to an A as she comes to understand touch as something that doesn't have to hurt.

Takeda: I... Really don't have an explanation for this one. I just. Very mid vibes.

Reiko: Affection is for weak losers, man up and get over it, why don't you? What do you mean touch doesn't have to be hostile, that's crazy talk, leave him alone. Nevermind the fact that he will probably break down sobbing if he gets a real hug he can't push away, and will probably come just this side of crushing the hugger's ribs in return, what? Didn't happen, if you speak of this, you lose your jaw. Why are you bringing the General into this?

C Tier:

Rain: Not a hugger, not good at it, doesn't want to be. Also VERY sweaty. Or maybe that's just his water magic. Either way not good. The only thing keeping him out of D tier is he's got a decent amount of strength to it.

Havik: Will absolutely detach his entire torso in the middle of a hug so the other person freaks the fuck out. He thinks this is funny. It's not.

Peacemaker: Cop mentality and insensitive. The ONLY reason he's not in D is because I am told John Cena is amazing at hugs, so he has some trickle-down skill from there.

Mileena: Was a solid A before getting Tarkat. Very sweet and physically affectionate, and one of the things she mourns the most from before the infection. She especially wishes she could hug Tanya and Kitana more often, but they're also the last people in the world she wants to get sick.

D Tier:

Sub-Zero/Bi-Han: Ew cold hands. Also believes that physical affection is a weakness and refuses to do it. How in the hell is he related to Kuai Liang???

Li Mei: Is a fucking cop. As a rule, cops are bad at hugs.

Quan Chi: Why would you ever want a hug from this fucker? Unless you're Shang Tsung. And even then it's probably not great just because he doesn't get the point.

Baraka: NOPE. Even if you don't care about Tarkat, he does, and will refuse hugs of any kind ever. Even if it wasn't contagious, he's very spiky and awkward with it. Ask Syzoth.

Omni-Man: Just as likely to crush your ribcage as to awkwardly pat the back, more either way depending. Best avoid this fashy fuck all together.

Geras: He is very sweet and a good emotional rock. But a hugger he is not. He refuses hugs with a similar fervency to Baraka, but without the urgency ofc. He hates hugs, and asks that you please respect his boundaries. Also he'd get sand all over your clothes.

Homelander: Do I even need to explain.

[rainbowdelicsunshine]

What kind of parents do you think PolyMercs would be? Any specific domestic headcanons?

OOOOOOOOOOO IMMA HAVE SO MUCH FUN WITH THIS YOU HAVE NO IDEA!!!!!!!!!!

I'll start off with listing the Mercs' HCs I have for this off individually starting with the kind of parent they are

After that will be HCs on how all eight of them are when it comes to parenting as a group

Here we go, it's gonna be a long one!

(Yep, Gonna Need a ReadMore for This Bitch)

Soldier

The Really Loud and Super Fun Military Dad that LOVES to play wrestle with his kids and will let the kids be around his Raccoon Squad (dw the kids are the only people the Raccoons seem to actually like for whatever reason)

Parental Title for Him is Dad

Was the One (Alongside Medic) that had the honor of cutting Leon's umbilical cord when he was born

Had taught/influenced Leon to be the Daddy's Little Helper that ALWAYS loved to help his Dads with any and everything they needed throughout his entire childhood

When Leon was an infant and had started to crawl, he would do it in a way that looked like an Army Crawl. Soldier would LITERALLY scream and smile like an idiot in sheer joy of his Little Soldier, everyone had to see it

Thanks to Soldier, LuluBelle EXCEEDED and loved Social Studies Class, esp when she was younger

Pyro

The One Parent, Though They May Not Say Much and Are Quiet, They're One of The Best Shoulders to Lean On and Almost Never Fails to Comfort Their Kids When the Time Calls for It.

They Also are a Child at Heart so They're VERY Fun and Will Love to Go to Disneyland with Their Family!

Parental Title for Them is Either Padre (Latino!Pyro Lives Here!) or Nopa

Absolutely LOVES Theme Parks, Circuses, Carnivals, Pretty Much Anything You Can Take a Child to Since Pyro Has a Draw to Childish Things/Activities

Helped A Lot with Teaching LuluBelle How to Draw and A Lot of the Techniques She Uses for Her Art She Had Learned From Pyro

Watching Fireworks (Esp During 4th of July) is One of Pyro's Favorite Ways to Bond with Their Kiddos

The Kids (LuluBelle and Leon) Have Been the Only Two People That Has Seen Pyro Unmasked on a Regular Basis (Pyro Only Unmasks with the Other Mercs on Very Spare Occasions) and The Kids Understand Them Perfectly When Masked

Demoman

The Other Super Loud and Fun (Alcoholic) Dad, Except This Time, He's Very Much a Snuggler with His Kids and LOVES to Make Up Stupid Games for Them to Play (Or Just Simply Set Fireworks Off Inside Alongside Soldier).

He Also Has a Very Strong Protective Streak for His Kids as Well

Parental Title for Him is Da/DaDa

Along with a Few Other Mercs, He's Very Openly Affectionate with His Kids, Often Giving Them Smooches on Their Cheeks, Holding Their Hands or Just Hugging on Them When Watching TV or Sitting Outside

Loved to Tell Stories or Sing Folk Songs from His Homeland as A Way To Put the Kids to Sleep (esp as babies, toddlers and very young)

If He Ever Sees Merasmus Even Try to Lay his Hands on his Children, He's Going to Just Shove a Sword into his Chest, No Warning

Was UNGODLY Nervous When He First Introduced LuluBelle to his Mom, Thankfully for Demo, She Took to LuluBelle Very Quickly and She (Along with Leon) are the only two people she ever acts warm towards (everyone else gets an old crotchety blind lady lol)

Heavy

The Certified Papa Bear. Big, Loving, Super (Sometimes Over) Protective of His Children.

He Also is the Worrywart that Tends to Overthink Social Situations and Sometimes Overcompensates for How He Grew Up

Is the Most Paternal Alongside Sniper and Spy

Parental Title for Him is Paposhka

Is the One That Checks If His Children Have Ate Enough Food and If Not, He'll Be Sure to Have Them Be Fed Good, Yummy, and Filling Meals

Was The One The Kids Went to If Either of Them Felt Like They Needed Someone "Big and Strong" to Protect Them from What Scared Them (for example, booming thunder and lighting music from a vinyl record)

His Mom and Sister Absolutely ADORE the Kids, Heavy's Mom loves to spoil them with sweets and fun stuff a Russian Grandma Would Get Up to with her Grandchildren, Heavy's Sister Just Take the Kids Under Their Wings as They're All Basically the Cool Fun Aunts You Wish You Had

Is Lowkey Not Ready for When Both Kids Find Their Special Someones (None of Them Are, But Heavy the Most) and Goes to Have Their Own Lives (and Even Get Married and Have Their Own Families). He's an Absolute Mess Whenever the Subject Comes Up, He'll Be in a More Messier State When It Actually Happens

Engineer

The Coolheaded, Calm, and Collected Dad That Just Tend Either to Lounge Around While Playing Their Guitar and/or Sipping a Beer or In his Workshop Building Sentries and Other Machinery.

One of the Mercs Whose the Sweetest and Has a Beautiful Way with Words (esp for verbal affection for his children). The Most Maternal Alongside Medic

His Parental Title is Either Paw, Pops, or Papa

Due to Being the One that Has Helped with Medic the Most with his Pregnancy (Being a Study Buddy for the Whole Thing) and LuluBelle's Birth, When Engie Gotten Pregnant with Leon it was Actually a Fairly Smooth and, Dare I Say, Easy Pregnancy Since He was Very Prepared for It. Being around Livestock and Farmlife in His Early Years Also Helps with That

One of the First Sounds that LuluBelle Had Heard in Her Life was the soft and melodic strums of Engineer's guitar, and She Loved It Almost Instantly. He Also Played His Guitar in Intervals During His Labor with Leon. Now Both Kids LOVE When He Plays Guitar and Think He's One of the Greatest

Leon LOVES helping Engineer with his projects and sentries, he even tries to tinker with his own little projects just to try his best to imitate his Paw. Everyone Thinks It's the Most Precious Thing in the World

He's a Big Reason Why LuluBelle Also Got into Music/Singing (Alongside Spy and Medic)

Medic

The Eccentric Maverick Who Has a Very Deep, Burning and Carnal Love and Maternal Possessiveness Over His Children (Especially LuluBelle Since First Baby and He Carried Her). With the Exception of The Mercs, Scout, and Pauling, He Does Not Trust Anyone But Himself with His Children and Feels He Knows Them the Best Inside and Out.

Is the Most Maternal of the Mercs Alongside Engineer

His Parental Title is Either Vati or Daddy

Despite his Quirks, He is the Most Affectionate (Physically and Verbally) out of All the Mercs (All of Them Are, but Most Esp Medic). He's Almost Always Seen Giving Some Sort of Loving Fatherly Gesture to Either of His Children

Medic Absolutely LOVED Being Pregnant with LuluBelle, Especially Since He Got to Study His Own Body, It's Changes and How His Baby Grew in Him. He Calls It One of His Most Interactive Study He's Conducted, Plus Having Engie as a Study Buddy Made It Even More Fun for Him (Even with the Symptoms that Sucked Ass)

Does Not Trust Other Doctors with his Children Besides Himself Since He Feels His Medical Skills Help Enough (and He's Not a Fan of Strange People Putting Their Hands on His Kids). The Most He Allows are Yearly Check Ups and Emergencies

Medic's Pigeons (Esp Archimedes) are Strangely VERY Loving and Protective Towards the Kids (Esp LuluBelle). If Anyone/Anything Ever Tries Anything Harmful with Them, the pigeons will turn on that danger like a Murder of Crows

Sniper

The Quiet and Stoic Hunting Dad, It May Not Seem Like He Shows A Lot of His Love Outwardly (With Words), But He Doesn't Hesitate to Show Small Ways of Affection like a Side Hug, Watching TV/Going Outside Together, A Small Peck on the Cheek/Forehead/Hand, and Holding Hands.

He's Very Animal Like in the Ways He'll Be Willing to Tear and Gut Apart Anything that Attempts to Hurt his Children and Likes to Huddle Close to His Kids Like an Animal as Well. Is the Most Paternal Alongside Spy and Heavy

His Parental Title is Dad or Daddy

He's the Reason and Catalyst to LuluBelle's Deep Love and Passion for Animals, since He Would Talk to Her About Them and Read Books About Them with Her

He Also LOVES it when Leon tries to help him with pretty much ANYTHING that the little fella could think of

The Kids LOVE Driving in Their Dad's Camper Van, and They Always Get Hyped Up and Excited Whenever They Go Camping in it

The Kids Also Love Visiting their Grandparents in Australia since they both love the animals and landscape there and their grandparents always spoil the hell outta them every visit (Constant Black Current Candies from Nana and Sneaking Off to Local Hangouts at Night with Grandpa) (Sniper Gets Pissed Every Time He Finds Out About Grandpa's Adventures with the Grandkids lolol)

Spy

The Dad That's Doing Everything In His Power to Do the Opposite of What He Did When He First Had Scout. He Overcompensates for Basically Everything Involving his Relationship with Scout. He Spoils Them in Every Way Possible, While Still Being Strict and Intending his Children to Be Good Additions to Society.

He is VERY proud of his children and their achievements and makes sure they're celebrated to their fullest extent, also Funding Most Trips and Most, if Not All the Kids' Extracurriculars (LuluBelle with His Art and Singing and Leon with his Snowboarding and Rock Music), Also loves to boast about his children in general

Is the Most Parental Alongside Sniper and Heavy

Parental Title for Him is Either Dad or Papa

Was the One That Jumpstarted and Encouraged LuluBelle to Perdue and Reign in Her Talents For Singing! Without Spy, LuluBelle Wouldn't Be Passionate in Singing Like She is Now

Was the One that Had the Honor of Cutting LuluBelle's Umbilical Cord After a Quick Toss Up of Who Wanted to Do So, His Butterfly Knife Skill Made the Process Go Lighting Fast and Easy. He Still Brags About Giving LuluBelle "The Perfect Belly Button"

LuluBelle and Leon are the ONLY ones who are allowed to be in Spy's Lounge Room for prolonged periods of time (It Slowly Stopped Being a Smoking Room After LuluBelle was Born). He Loves Having It as a Place to Have Quality Time with Just Him and the Children. He now even has a small version of the Super Soft Luxury Rug He has in front of his Fireplace that LuluBelle Loves to Lay Down on Ever Since She was Little (Being Autistic, Soft Surfaces Make Good Stim Spot)

He and Sniper Are the Main Two that Taught The Kids Manners and Politeness (Their Own Versions of It At Least). Strangely Enough, it's Worked Out Perfectly.... It Scares Them A Little

General Parenting/Polycule Headcanons for the Mercs

The Closest Thing to Describe Their Dynamic As A Polycule/Group Would Be Hollyhock's Dads from Bojack Horseman, Except Much More Chaotic and Explosive

Just Like in the Games, Every Merc Has a Goofy/Silly/Childish Side That They Happily and Openly Show to Their Kids, Which Just Makes The Kids Feel Even Closer to Them

They are All Vehemently Against Physical Punishment for the Kids, Especially Since a Decent Number of the Mercs Have Trauma Around Physical Violence Growing Up (examples being Soldier, Heavy, Medic, Sniper, Demo, and Engineer)

The Mercs are All Now Very Affectionate with Each Other in Various Degrees and Intensities since the Kids Being Around Has Oddly Brought The Team Much More Closer Than They Ever Were Before (I Mean, Polycule and All That)

They All Have Given LuluBelle the Nickname of the Mosaic Child/Girl, Since She Harbors Every Piece of Her Dad in Some Way, Shape, or Form (Even More than Just DNA)

------------------------------------------------------

OH DEAR GOD ITS FINALLY FINISHED, THE BEAST HAS BEEN SLAIN!!!!!!!!

I really, really hope this was well worth the wait since this took me FOREVER to write this all down! I also really hope that you'll be able to actually read through this Borderline Novella and give your feedback on it!

I would appreciate it so much with all the time I spent on this!

Please come by the inbox again soon and have a fantastic evening!!

[ozimagines]

NSFW and sfw alphabets for Keller?

Cannnn do! I'll start with the SFW as always and move on to the NSFW next post. Thanks for the ask! Chris Keller reminds me a lot of my dad so it’s an interesting write. My family isn’t close anymore so this is gonna be a somewhat vulnerable write. MY dad is a narcissist, and so our relationship has been strained over the years.

Also, I feel like I only post here when there’s bad news. I took a full psych eval last week. The official diagnoses is Bipolar 2 with rapid cycling, Major Depressive Disorder (redundant), and provincial borderline. I’m a schizoid personality, but my therapists have said that I’m not psychotic, I’ve just been gaslight by narcissists in my family for so long. The official recommendation is space from family. Sorry if that’s a lot but this is where I’m at. As always, Oz is the one part of my life that hasn’t gone to shit.

SFW Alphabet with Chris Keller

A = Affection (How affectionate are they? How do they show affection?)

Can be affectionate in two ways; one is sickeningly false. He’ll smile and hold you and do all the things a boyfriend is supposed to do, but with this air of insincerity. His other mode is so serious it’s a little scary. Intense eye contact and vows of permanence.

B = Best friend (What would they be like as a best friend? How would the friendship start?)

He’d be your fake friend for a long time. Around you and taking care of you in the shallowest ways. You defend him though, saying he has a complex personality that cannot easily be understood. No one ever describes him that way.

C = Cuddles (Do they like to cuddle? How would they cuddle?)

Full body contact, and large spoon always. Enjoys the feeling of encapsulating you, almost a little predator and preyish. He liked to breath down your neck and run his teeth over your nape.

D = Domestic (Do they want to settle down? How are they at cooking and cleaning?)

Not super domestic and really doesn’t want to be. He likes the excitement of being somewhat feral in his habits.

E = Ending (If they had to break up with their partner, how would they do it?)

MISSED PHONE CALL

VOICEMAIL

“Hey, it’s over. Don’t call me back.”

F = Fiance(e) (How do they feel about commitment? How quick would they want to get married?)

Commits zero percent and then one hundred percent but can’t be doing with that fifty/fifty shit. You’re either nothing to him or everything to him.

G = Gentle (How gentle are they, both physically and emotionally?)

HA! Triple HA! Emotionally he’s a cactus. Physically he’s a gorilla. Either way it’s usually not working out well for you if you don’t proceed with common.

H = Hugs (Do they like hugs? How often do they do it? What are their hugs like?)

Actually loved hugs. He doesn’t show it much, but he’s touch starved. I’m not talking the beast with two backs, but rather a genuine hold of someone who loves him. Takes him off guard.

I = I love you (How fast do they say the L-word?)

Can say it until he means it, then can’t seem to say it outside of an almost means ing nature. Like “You’ll never get away from me, I love you”

J = Jealousy (How jealous do they get? What do they do when they’re jealous?)

Yoikes people who pay you too much attention will start to disappear, if he doesn’t. Beat them in front of you. Ex’s, baristas, blind people who can’t see you anyway. He gets to be super jealous.

K = Kisses (What are their kisses like? Where do they like to kiss you? Where do they like to be kissed?)

Sloppy kisser, lots of tongue, and breathy/hot. Doesn’t kiss without using his hands to tease you. His nose crashing against yours only makes it all the more hot.

L = Little ones (How are they around children?)

Ehhhhhhhhh they say kids and animals are excellent judges of character. Kids are able to see past the bullshit charm. It makes them uneasy and sometimes they cry. It’s hard not to take that personally.

M = Morning (How are mornings spent with them?)

Usually likes a good morning screw. Will tickle and tease and torment until he gets his way. You resists a little but only because that’s what’s expected of you. He’s not a big coffee guy but will learn how you like yours, not necessarily making it but bringing over the ingredients you like.

N = Night (How are nights spent with them?)

Likes a digestive before bed. His go to is any dark liquor. He like rum as it makes him feel like some sort of pirate. Starts the day with a screw, and ends it with a screw. Oh, well, at least he’s consistent.

O = Open (When would they start revealing things about themselves? Do they say everything all at once or wait a while to reveal things slowly?)

He never reveals anything if he can help it. You literally just find things out about him in passing when his guard is down. Doesn’t even tell you his favorites of things; you just see what he does and go from there.

P = Patience (How easily angered are they?)

Oop. Anger management wishes. That said, he usually gets cruiser angry instead of loud angry. Rarely just yells, but rather plots and schemes.

Q = Quizzes (How much would they remember about you? Do they remember every little detail you mention in passing, or do they kind of forget everything?)

He’ll pretend to remember less than he does. When asked, he can’t list off a single thing about you, but he knows your habits, your likes, and your dislikes.

R = Remember (What is their favorite moment in your relationship?)

He’s in the middle of hyping himself up, just getting juiced on his own jizz, and your face is reading concern at the wild story he’s telling. That’s part of the reason he does that, is to make you react. Suddenly, you say something to the effect of “that has to be lonely”. He pauses and excuses himself but you hold onto his wrist. He stops and you pull him into a hug. It’s a quiet moment between you two but it’s the closest he gets to vulnerability.

S = Security (How protective are they? How would they protect you? How would they like to be protected?)

He’d be protective to you to everything but himself. He can’t seem to protect you from himself ever. He’s just a torrent of a personal always careening around the corner to knock you down.

T = Try (How much effort would they put into dates, anniversaries, gifts, everyday tasks?)

He’d put a lot of effort in and pretend like he put no effort in. His love language is acts of service. He does things for you and then expects to have his dick sucked as a result, either figuratively or literally.

U = Ugly (What would be some bad habits of theirs?)

Besides being a demented, narcissistic sociopath? Lol he’s a compulsive liar. He’ll lie about things that aren’t even worth lying about. It just comes so naturally to him.

V = Vanity (How concerned are they with their looks?)

Extremely vain. How he looks is who he is. Anything that makes him desirable or attractive is something he keeps.

W = Whole (Would they feel incomplete without you?)

He never feels complete on his own. He’ll lie and says he does, but narcissists are extremely insecure. He thinks he’s a piece of shit and while he’s not entirely wrong, he does want to be better.

X = Xtra (A random headcanon for them.)

I wrote it on a different post but I think Chris Keller likes hamburgers. Like, just loves making and eating them any chance he gets. He mixes mustard and ketchup and mayo and slathers it in onions.

Y = Yuck (What are some things they wouldn’t like, either in general or in a partner?)

Dislikes all form of teas. Black, white, green, herbal, just all of it. If he has to have some he sweetens it to shit.

Z = Zzz (What is a sleep habits of theirs?)

Body pillow hugger. Can’t sleep when his knees are touching. He needs to feel something in his arms to get a good night’s sleep.

[hughungrybear]

Me while watching Last Twilight Ep. 12 (Final Ep.):

Okay, we'll finally see if we should take P'Aof's offer and storm GMMTV if the finale for this episode is unsatisfactory 😂

1. Hmmm, so Day was never able to get a successful surgery to restore his sight? I guess I could understand since endings that are *remotely* happy does not need to mean that he will be able to see again.

2. So after three years, Mhok is now a sous chef? Also, is this episode going the Bad Buddy route??? Cause if it is, I need to get ready 😂😂😂

3. Oof. They are trying to fool us with Porjai saying the "groom will be here" right after they show Mhok trying to call Porjai's phone <after 5 seconds> There it is! Seriously, I would like Night to be loved and happy for the rest of his life as he truly deserves it 🥹🥹🥹

4. At least, they weren't fooling us with the location. They have indeed met accidentally on the escalators of a hotel, not an airport. <after 5 seconds> P'Aof!!!!! I almost thought you'll never appear in this series 😂😂😂

5. Didn't Day got sus with the "usher"? I mean, Mhok still smells the same, right? RIGHT???? <after a few irritating scenes of Mhok in denial> I knew that perfume will make an appearance eventually. I mean, pretty sure at this point it is an official GMMTV merch 😂

6. Aaaaaaargh. Day wrote a book entitled "Begin with same person"??? With him and Mhok at the top of that mountain as a book cover??? It even has Day's voice for the audiobook??? 😱😱😱 No wonder Mhok's smile is from ear to ear.

7. I'm beginning to hate (affectionate) Mhok and Day 😅😅😅 What kind of flirting is this??? 😂😂😂

8. Night saying out loud that he is not paying for Mhok's "excellent care service" sends me 🤣🤣🤣🤣 I kennat 🤣🤣🤣

9. If looks could kill, Porjai would be dead on the spot 🤣🤣🤣 Night and Porjai playing cupids is the dream tag team lol

10. Mhok is freaking relentless 😂😂😂 Also, Day, you can go with Mhok to the US. I mean, you're rich enough to hire an assistant for your book shop. 😂

11. Don't worry Mhok. I also did not get why Day broke up with you lol (not until I read the series' writer's thoughts about Ep 11). <after 5 seconds> Ngl, that's a good conversation between the two. 🥹🥹🥹

12. Glad that Mum have accepted Porjai without difficulties 🥹🥹🥹 Their scene did managed to activate my tearducts 😭😭😭

13. Oh? Dad is also here. Will Mum and Dad have a fresh start too? I mean, Mum looks a bit shook and concerned at the same time. Also, why is Night just calling people to give improptu speeches? 😅

14. Oh, boy. NightPorjai's wedding is just full of happy tears and I have feelings 😭😭😭

15. Ugh. I hate it when the self-reflection is so late, it ends up with them rushing to the airport (or a bus terminal) to catch their romantic partner before they go away for good. But then again, Night and Porjai running in their wedding attire to look for Mhok is effing epic (even Porjai lying to the airport's information counter get Mhok is just 🤌🤌🤌) 😂😂😂

16. Wait, if Night knew that Mhok returned to the hotel, why the fvck did they all run in their wedding gear all throughout the airport looking for Mhok??? Does Porjai know about this? 😂😂😂

17. At least, it looks like we are going to get a happy ending. I really thought we are going to get an open ending based on previous events and the end credit song lyrics. Although, I am still not sure if this a good thing for the series as a whole.

18. Day can finally see (although again, it would have been more acceptable if he had stayed blind since a happy ending should not hinged on his ability to see). Also, Night hitting Day for being more excited to see Mhok rather than their mum (or him, for that matter) is 🤣🤣🤣

19. Oh? Is that Gee and August? Are they a thing now or just badminton partners???

20. Looks like they repainted Rung's car. I guess, it also symbolises a fresh start for it.

21. Two chefs in the family? I'm envious (and also hungry. I haven't eaten breakfast yet 😅). Also, Porjai's preggy again!

22. And they are back to the mountain top again. I hope it's much easier hiking this time around 😅. Also, Day, why are you lying? What d'you mean Mhok (Jimmy) is not handsome??? Lol

And it's ended. And it's happy (though a tad fairy tale-ish) 😭😭😭 Now, it was rumoured that 23.5 degrees will take the Friday time slot. I wonder if it's true. Can't hardly wait for it 😭😭😭

[dropthedemiurge]

i started watching because of you and i did not expect to cry so hard over the main character's dad. don't get me wrong, the angst and romance drama is very sad and secondhand embarrassment too but what apparently hits me the hardest rn is the dad stuff. i don't know much about thai society but i can guess they value family a lot and being a sudden orphan must have nerfed the main character's confidence even more

oh also pear is really cute we love to see a girl winning. you go get that education and the life you deserve! im hoping for her sake the writers will be compassionate to her in the ending however that works out. she's so kind to everyone, please be kind to her. it's not her fault she has a somewhat crush on her childhood best friend. that's quite a long time to get to know someone

i also feel bad for the angsty guy like when he showed up drunk the day of the wedding i wanted to close the blinds and give him water. call his heart a fiddle the way he's being played/strung along rn. ten years ago i probably would have read sad angst fics of him and cried for him because he's so obvious about his feelings but clueless guy is so oblivious. but i don't think those secondhand emotions will hit until clueless guy is enlightened so im happy to postpone all of that for later. clueless guy really is quite the train wreck.who knew time wizards could fix light-up snow globes? i want a snow globe that lights up AND plays music. in the show they think it's cheap but that is combining several snowglobe selling points into one. in addition to having fake snow in the sculpture ball!!!!!!

i don't really know what else to say so far im not caught up yet but thanks for exposing me to this. oh also! it's funny they included a cat food commercial in the show. they really know their demographic lol

First of all, I really appreciate you anon sharing your impressions of Be My Favorite with me - but I couldn't be more perplexed when the first message came in without warning and NOTHING indicated me that you were talking about BMF and not some random time wizard shops xDD Anyway, now that I'm on the same page -- YOU GET IT! Anon, you get it. I'm not watching BMF as much for the romance and everything, as I'm watching it to see all character's development (which is done so great) and damn, all the scenes and flashbacks of Kawi, the clueless guy, with his dad are just so. Hitting right in your heart :'))) Not just Thai society, basically in Asian culture they value family and traditions very strongly! (as opposed to western's individualism etc). You can see a lot of Thai, Korean, Japanese series incorporate it so well with showing hierarchy between people, dependence from parents -- but also caring about each other, sticking close with your family and wanting to put all effort into managing that bond. It even extends to other people outside of the family, people being affectionate and bonding with one another and calling their friends family or caring for strangers and helping them because they remind them of their relatives etc.

Sorry for the sidetracking xD Pear is absolutely loveable person but all the characters so far in this series are grey, there is no fully bad or fully good person.👀 I'm really curious to see whether they'll go with Pear.

Clueless guy is maturing with full speed. Pisaeng also found the courage in Kawi and now he'll stand up hopefully to own his life and be confident about it. They all grow and hopefully they'll take care of each other, as it seem to be the message of the show. But... There are still few episodes left and damn, let's get ready for even more angst xD I'm happy that you were motivated to watch Be My Favorite because of my posts! I feel bad sometimes for spamming but the quality, the production, the storytelling is done SO WELL in this series that I cannot help but share and share. Because it's a rare thing nowadays and I'm excited. I literally have no complains about this show at all, I'm fascinated to dig and interpret every single detail.

New episode is coming today! Have fun watching!

[cheri-translates]

One-shot: When you meet your ideal type at a blind date

Original author: 八重垂樱 (ba zhong chui ying)

Original title: 相亲对象遇到理想型怎么办 (source)

🍒 Warning: Slightly suggestive! 🍒

1.

I’m going on a blind date.

-

2.

Why am I going on a blind date? Why else? Because of my mom.

My mom is someone who doesn’t have lofty aspirations. Ever since she retired, her life goal has been to watch me walk down the aisle. I can’t fathom why she’s so certain that I’d remain single for life without her help. Anyway, this is how conversations typically unfold in my household:

Mom: Auntie Zhang and Uncle Zhang from next door are watching a movie over the weekend.

Me: Which movie do you and Dad want to watch? I’ll order the tickets.

Mom: That’s not the main point.

Me: Huh?

Mom: When are you bringing someone to the movies?

Me: ...

Mom: Whether they’re male or female doesn’t matter. You should know that our family isn’t conservative.

Me: Fine, fine.

-

3.

I just don’t understand - what’s so good about being married? Are games not fun enough? Are variety shows not interesting enough?

Also, I’m still working hard to save up for an apartment. The earlier I move out, the less I have to watch my parents being all gooey and affectionate with each other.

Spending time on someone who has nothing to do with me - isn’t that silly?

-

4. 

During the New Year celebration, my mom went into a frenzy after my cousin brought her boyfriend home.

During the Qingming Festival, another cousin brought her boyfriend home.

I asked, “Who in the world brings their partner to meet the family during the Qingming Festival?”

[Trivia] Qingming Festival is also known as “Tomb Sweeping Day” - a traditional Chinese festival where people sweep tombs and commemorate their ancestors

Anyway, my mom gave me an ultimatum after the Qingming Festival. I could either go on a blind date, or move out and rent an apartment by myself. 

She knew exactly where to strike where it hurt most.

When I tapped open the calculator app on my phone, I quickly realised just how far the funds in my bank account were from getting an apartment.

Fine, a blind date it shall be. I’d just treat it as though I’m meeting an online friend.

As long as I didn’t feel awkward, it’d be fine.

-

5. 

I never expected the other party to be so handsome!

How should I put it... 

When I first saw him, the phrases from novels I read over the past twenty years seemed to spring up like bamboo shoots after a spring rain. 

Phrases like “sculpted brows”, “eyes reminiscent of stars”, “magnificent looks”, “extraordinary poise”, “a vast sky full of stars reflected on a lake”...

Hang on, the last one isn't correct, sorry.

It’s definitely not because my emotions are akin to an undulating lake with endless ripples.

-

6.

He’s a police officer.

Police officers are great - they uphold virtue and condemn evil, remain steadfast to justice, look tempting in uniforms...

Stop!

So here’s where the questions flood in.

With such an appearance and occupation, he doesn’t seem like someone who would be lacking in pursuers. It’d be as easy as throwing a basketball into a university classroom - he’d definitely hit at least three targets with ease.

Excusing myself to touch up on my makeup, I head into the washroom, splashing some cold water on my face. Then, I pinch myself on the arm.

I’m not dreaming. 

Why would he be on a blind date?

I’m utterly confused.

Oh yes, his name is Gavin.

Even his name sounds nice.

From head to toe, he’s my ideal type.

-

7.

As for why I haven’t found a partner, the reason is pretty simple.

It’s probably due to the “poison” I imbibed since young, which took the form of romance novels, shoujo manga and otome games. They framed my unrealistic expectations of love that there was definitely one person on earth who was 100% born just for me.

The so-called “destined romance”.

If I can’t find Mr 100%, why would I settle for anyone else? Instead, I should work hard and strive to be financially stable.

In this era, marriage isn’t a necessity.

What about Gavin then?

Why doesn’t he have a girlfriend?

-

8.

While ruminating on the puzzle of Gavin’s unmarried status, I whip out my makeup tools, being only ten times more meticulous than before. Walking back with a strange sense of anticipation, my mind is filled with potential conversation topics with Gavin...

I didn’t expect for reality to whack me on the face the moment I returned.

A slender sized man is standing beside Gavin, his head lowered as he speaks into Gavin’s ear. He looks pretty suspicious. As though sensing something, Gavin lifts his head suddenly, his gaze landing on me from across several tables. The other man follows suit, the paper bag in his hand plopping onto the table, knocking over a glass of water.

I know this person.

He’s the ex-classmate who sat beside me in high school, and traded ten cups of milk tea with my homework so he could copy it.

Minor.

-

9.

Gavin: ...

Minor: [stuttering] O-old classmate, long time no see. I... Bro Gavin... we...

I pat him on the shoulder with force, giving him a knowing smile. “It’s okay, there’s no need to explain. I understand completely.”

It couldn’t have been clearer.

It thoroughly explains why Gavin hasn’t had a girlfriend, why Minor would appear during the blind date, and why the both of them look as though they have a guilty conscience.

After staring at Gavin for half a minute, the tips of his ears start to turn red, a hint of indignation flashing in his amber eyes.

Tsk tsk tsk.

At a fiery speed, a tragic play writes itself in my mind. Lovers whose romance was not tolerated by society. One was forced to go on a blind date, and the other watched on in the restaurant secretly, yearning for a love that he couldn’t let go of...

-

10.

Minor: H-hello... old classmate? Old classmate, why are you in a daze?

I return to my senses from Episode 17 of the tragic play.

Minor: Let me explain. This isn’t what you think...

Me: No need, I understand.

I glance at him, then glance at Gavin. He’s painstakingly handsome. His cold expression makes him even more charming.

I lament in my heart. “Classmate Minor, on account of those cups of milk tea from back then, I’ll help you out!”

It might have been my misperception, but when I mentioned milk tea, Gavin’s expression was a little strange.

-

11.

Since we aren’t on a proper blind date, there’s no need to eat expensive French cuisine. 

Gavin insists on giving me a treat. After thinking about it, I offer a suggestion. “Let’s go to Lynn’s Kitchen near high school. I haven’t been there in a while, and it isn't far from here.”

Gavin probably doesn’t know of that noodle shop, so I explain. “Minor and I used to go there often when we were in school. The noodles there are really good. There won’t be any left if we’re late.”

Gavin: I know.

Me: Huh?

Gavin: There’s a row of ginkgo trees along the street outside the noodle shop. The falling leaves in autumn are really beautiful. Stray cats often appear at the roadside, and would roll around. When it rains...

“Bro Gavin is two years our senior... I mentioned him a lot back then!” Minor interrupts with a mumble.

He did? I probe my memories, and seem to have some recollection of it. But my memories of high school have been consumed by test questions and novels. Back then, Minor would spout nonsense beside me, his words entering my right ear before leaving through the left.

Have he and Gavin been together since high school?

What a heart-wrenching romance...

-

12.

To express my amicableness, I hook an arm with Gavin, intending to hook the other with Minor next.

Before I can even reach Minor, Gavin tugs me on the arm, pulling me towards him.

Whoa, so he’s the only one who can touch Minor?

How possessive.

Outside the shop, a question suddenly occurs to me. What if my mom was hiding in a corner and observing this blind date?

Me: Gavin, play along with me. My mom might be nearby.

Gavin arches his brows, strangely cooperative as he places his hand on my shoulder. He lowers his head and leans towards my ear, the warmth of his breath twirling the stray hairs at my ear. It’s a little ticklish.

“No problem. Anytime.”

-

13.

You can’t blame me. I’m an ordinary salaried worker who has never dated in over twenty years.

If an electrocardiogram was measuring my heart rate, the data would have leapt out of the screen when Gavin spoke into my ear. If I could just pretend that I never saw Minor, I’d have a talk with Gavin about our marriage, which house to buy, whether we should adopt a cat or a dog, and how many kids we should have.

But that’s wrong.

Minor’s my good classmate. I need to be loyal to our friendship.

-

14. 

The boss of Lynn’s Kitchen actually recognised Gavin, which makes me wonder if I suffered from memory loss.

Wait. Since I could still recognise Minor, that shouldn’t be the case.

I heard that Gavin was a famous figure back in high school.

What was I doing at that time?

Probably reading books with a goal to earn big bucks.

Ugh. Why didn’t I know Gavin before Minor did?

-

15.

Gavin says something to the boss, and the latter returns to the kitchen. While I’m still waiting for him to take my order, the noodles are served.

A bowl of my favourite tomato and pig intestine noodles is placed before me. Gavin has a bowl of spicy beef noodles, and Minor... Minor is just having plain noodles served in a simple broth?

Is this meant to maintain his figure?

Hang on, how does Gavin know that I like pig intestine noodles? Could this be the instincts of a police officer? That’s amazing!

-

16.

When I lift my eyes, my gaze happens to meet Gavin’s. His eyes brighten, the flowing light in them akin to a galaxy submerged in the ocean.

His lips, which have chilli oil on them, look really nice.

His fingers, which are holding the chopsticks, look really nice.

His Adams’ apple, which bobs as he swallows, looks really nice too.

...

No way, I have principles.

If I were to continue dwelling on this, the watch on my wrist might automatically call the ambulance if my heart beats too quickly.

-

17.

“Cough.”

I wipe my mouth clean, take a sip of water, clear my throat, and embark on the long speech I prepared. “My mum has always been pushing me to go on blind dates. But I really don’t have the time nor emotional capacity to date right now.”

Unless the other party is you, I add silently.

Me: I understand the situation the two of you are in. Gavin, you were probably pressured by your family to come for this blind date too, weren’t you?

Gavin glances at me, not expressing an opinion.

Me: Here’s what I’m thinking. Since we both need a partner as a cover up, why don’t we collaborate? We’ll treat this as a successful blind date. From today onwards, Gavin will be my boyfriend, and I’ll be your girlfriend. In name only, of course. We just need to fend off our families.

Gavin: Hm.

Me: Don’t laugh. I’m serious.

Minor is about to say something. But after receiving a glance from Gavin, all he does is mumble, “I’m buying milk tea” before vanishing.

That’s good. Without him around, I’d feel more at ease. After all, I’m “borrowing” his boyfriend.

-

18.

Me: I know that you fancy someone.

Gavin: You do?

MC: Even a blind person can tell.

Gavin: Really?

Me: Don’t beat around the bush. I’ll get straight to the point. I’m pretty low maintenance, so I won’t trouble you unnecessarily. At most, I’ll invite you over to my house for meals, to watch movies, and things like that.

Gavin: Are you sure?

MC: I’m 100% sure!

Gavin gives me a meaningful glance.

-

19.

Wait, my response seemed a little odd.

-

20.

By the time Minor returns with three cups of milk tea, Gavin and I have already reached a mutual understanding. I won’t probe into his personal love life, and I’d simply be his girlfriend in name.

To be honest, I’m not happy about it.

The breeze of early summer courses past, and the honeysuckles bloom vibrantly.

Music drifts over from someone’s house.

“The sun’s a little hot, and it might have gone to my head

My heart is beating quickly, and I can’t stop it from dancing

As I accidentally fall into your gentle trap...”

I want to fall in love.

-

21.

Gavin is a perfect boyfriend.

He’s handsome, has a good figure, personality, hobbies, income, incredible chemistry... as well as double standards.

Quoting from his colleague, “Captain Gavin’s a completely different person when he’s with Sis-in-law.”

I think to myself, your “Sis-in-law” is someone else. And Gavin’s just an astounding actor. Next time, I’ll vote for him as the “Best Actor in the Police Industry”.

If someone was truly willing to place me at the top of his heart, and would treat me differently from how he treats everyone else - what a blessing that would be. 

Especially if that person was Gavin.

Today is a day in which I almost feel like murdering Minor from envy.

-

22.

If I had to find a flaw of Gavin, it’d be how he’s overly affectionate. When we’re together, he's so sweet that it’s as though all the strawberry ice-cream in the world turned into pink coloured bubbles, exploding into tiny honey fireworks, sweet mist pouring all over him. Who could resist that!

Whenever he sends me home after a date, I’d find myself lamenting. Minor must have saved the galaxy in his past life in order to have such luck.

I have to admit - Minor’s been really cooperative. Ever since Gavin and I agreed to pretend to be a couple, he’s rarely appeared in front of us. Gavin even seems to spend less time with Minor than with me.

I must be overthinking.

-

23.

Actually, I don’t get to see Gavin much because of work. Sometimes, we won’t meet for a month. When we arrange for a meal, we have to fix a date weeks in advance.

However, we still manage to go through all the motions of what dating couples do: eat, watch movies, spend the holidays together.

He’s met my parents and had a discussion about marriage with them. He’s obtained full marks in terms of work ethic and honouring his word.

Anyway, they can discuss it as extensively as they want, but whether we end up tying the knot is a decision left to us.

They couldn’t possibility take our household registers and force us to get married.

-

24.

They really can’t take our household registers and force us to get married?

-

25.

Once, I couldn’t help but ask, “Why do you like Minor?”

He glanced at me from the side, and I quickly continued. “I’m not saying that it’s wrong. I’m just curious.”

He curled his index finger and tapped it against my forehead. Then, he stuffed the candy floss he just bought into my hand. “Let’s go. I want to ride the Small Airplanes.”

Me: Weren’t we going to queue for the carousel?

Gavin: I want to ride the Small Airplanes.

Me ...can I suggest a different opinion?

Gavin: Nope.

Tsk. If he didn’t want to tell me, then so be it.

The lanterns were strung up, and the colourful bulbs in the amusement park twinkled in the hazy glow. I took a fierce bite out of the wolf-shaped candy floss, the other hand pulling on the hem of his clothes as I usually did.

Why did I feel as though he was laughing at me in secret?

-

26.

Also, why did he take the pink rabbit-shaped candy floss and give me the wolf-shaped candy floss instead?

-

27.

Over the New Year, I bring Gavin over to my house for reunion dinner. Hearing the news, my aunts, uncles and cousins come over with several bottles of white spirit. I’m sitting at the side anxiously, afraid that he’d expose the truth about us while in a drunken stupor. 

Seeing a red hue surfacing on Gavin’s face, I hastily tug on his arm.

Me: Stop drinking. Your face is all red.

Gavin: It’s polite to drink with the elders. I’m not drunk, don’t worry.

Me: People who are drunk never think they’re drunk. I’ll drink this cup on your behalf.

My relatives start hollering. “Dearie, you’re already siding with Little Gav even before marriage. Truly, girls leave the nest completely once they’re married.”

With this, Gavin’s face turns even redder. It’s clear from a glance that he’s definitely drunk despite what he said. I grumble, snatching the cup of white spirit and downing it myself, thinking it’d just be slightly stronger than beer.

Ack, it’s awful!

A hand pats my back gently, and a cup of warm water is brought to my lips. Amid the laughter from my relatives and my teary eyes, I hear Gavin’s voice.

It’s very soft, and brings with it a smile.

“Silly.”

-

28.

I walk Gavin out.

Winter evenings are incredibly cold. Our breaths form wisps of white mist, just like magic.

Me: Are you okay?

Gavin: Nope.

Me: Huh?

Gavin takes a step towards me, bending down and leaning his forehead against mine.

Gavin: I drank too much. Let me stay like this for a while.

Hey, Gavin. It’s fine to use me as a crutch, but is this position really necessary?

The scent of alcohol seeps from the open neckline of his coat, gradually encasing me within it. Both of our breaths intertwine, and the atmosphere is subtle.

I feel my face growing warm, almost bursting into flames.

It must be the white spirit’s fault.

Fine, this position isn’t that bad.

-

29.

When gorgeous fireworks explode in the sky above us, Gavin lifts his head, leaving a kiss on my forehead.

“Happy New Year, my... girlfriend.” 

-

30.

At 3am, I give Willow a call.

“What does a forehead kiss mean?”

“Familial love, friendliness, affection - just pick one.” She yawns.

“I don’t want any of those.”

“Okay. Bye.”

-

31.

I just can’t fall asleep. The more I think about what happened in the evening, the faster my heart beats.

I grab my phone, making another call.

Me: Can I snatch Gavin away from Minor?

Willow: You can.

Me: Really?

Willow: I’m absolutely sure.

Me: How do I take action? Any suggestions?

Willow: Ask him out, press him onto the bed, then sleep with him.

“I’m being serious!” I shout, slightly irritated. “I genuinely want him to be my boyfriend, and not just to act in front of parents.”

Willow: Miss, if you’re genuine, you should take action! What’s the time now... It’s 5.27am, and you’ve been perplexed about this for two hours on the phone. Why not use this time to knock on his door and confess your feelings? You can still make it in time to share the first meal of the new year together.

Me: I don’t want do that.

Willow: In that case, I’ll call him for you. Give me his number. You’re welcome. Since we’re close friends, just treat me to ten meals of hotpot and a month of milk tea.

Me: Get lost!

-

32.

I did think of knocking on Gavin’s door.

But what if I see Minor when the door opens?

Come to think of it, it’s been a long time since either of us mentioned him.

Flipping through the yearbook bright and early on the first day of the new year, I discover that Gavin appeared countless times in the photos from my time in Year 1..

The library, basketball court, music room, rooftop...

He’s always in an inconspicuous spot in the background, and I never noticed.

-

33.

Once a person thinks about love, they will feel lovesick.

-

34.

After the Spring Festival, what comes next is Valentine’s Day.

Gavin told me since a while ago that his bureau was conducting team building activities over Valentine’s Day at a hot spring resort in the outskirts, and asked me to go with him.

Even though I don’t understand why there’d be team building activities during Valentine’s Day, a hot spring resort sounds very tempting.

Furthermore, I’d get to see how a certain person looks half naked...

I’ll never admit the sheer number of mental images I conjured.

Hang on. Is Gavin secretly bringing Minor along and using me as a cover?

That doesn’t seem to be an impossibility.

Just as I’m holding up a few swimsuits and hesitating on which one to purchase, my phone rings.

Speak of the devil and he shall appear.

It’s Minor.

-

35.

Minor: Sis... old classmate.

Me: [cautious] What’s up?

Minor: Let’s meet for a meal at Lynn’s Kitchen.

Me: What’s this about? I’m pretty busy these days, so we might have to pick another day.

Minor: It’s about you. I’ll see you at 12pm.

-

36.

This is the first time I’m applying makeup to meet Minor.

A smokey eye coupled with an appropriate shade of lipstick. Suitable for meeting a love rival.

It’s been half a year since we last met. Minor looks the same as always, albeit a little guilty.

Shouldn’t I be the one feeling guilty?

Harbouring our own ulterior motives, we finish our noodles. After giving it some thought, I decide to initiate the showdown.

Me: I’m going to a hot spring resort with Gavin tomorrow.

Minor: I know.

I’m taken aback. Gavin told him about it? My confidence wanes.

Me: Are you going?

Minor: Why would I be going?

Me: ...then why’d you ask me out?

Minor: [stuttering] If I lied to you about something, would you beat me up?

Me: Do I look like I have the ability to beat you up?

Minor: You could ask Bro Gavin to do it.

Me: He can’t bear to.

Minor hesitates. Then, he sighs. “Anyway, if you ever realise that I’ve lied to you, you have to forgive me. I really didn’t mean to do it. I was forced.”

-

37.

Mulling over it afterwards, the expression in Minor’s eyes from earlier gave me the impression that he was dealing with two fools.

I take out my phone and send a message: What could Minor possibly lie to me about?

Before Willow replies, my mom pushes open the door to my room and asks if I prefer amber walnuts or salted walnuts.

“Amber. Definitely amber.”

While spacing out, I send another message: Do you think it’d work if I bribe Eli and the others to lock Gavin and I in a room then toss the key away?

While munching on a walnut, two new notifications appear on my phone.

Willow: Nobody knows that Minor is thinking. Don’t mind him. Instead, think of how to handle your boyfriend tomorrow.

Gavin: There’s no need for Eli and the others. I could give it a try.

! ! !

My fingers slipped earlier!

-

38.

I’m doomed.

-

39.

Can I change my mind about going to the hot spring resort?

-

40.

I can’t.

Which is why I’m currently seated on a tatami in the Japanese-styled room, watching as a certain officer sticks the key into the doorknob, locking us in from the outside with a dead serious expression. Then, he opens the window and tosses the key out.

It’s not a good idea to throw things so haphazardly. What if it hits a child? Even if it doesn’t hit a child, the flowers and grass would feel pain too.

Ooh... now’s not the time to worry about such things.

The smile on Gavin’s face has a tinge of slyness in it, and it reminds me of the cartoon I watched in my childhood - how the Big Bad Wolf successfully devoured the Little Red Riding Hood after much effort.

It finally dawns on me that in hindsight, things have been odd since the very beginning.

Me: Gavin...

Gavin: Hm?

Me: Is there something you want to tell me? About the blind date from a year ago, and Minor?

Gavin: There’s no hurry.

He walks over to the door, hand resting on the light switch.

“The door’s locked from the outside. The key has been tossed out. We have an entire night.”

The light turns off.

-

41.

I used to be curious about how it feels to be touched by skin which was calluses from long-term wielding of guns.

Now, I’m no longer curious.

-

42.

Gavin actually prepared protection beforehand.

Saying that he planned this from the start doesn't count as maligning him.

I’ll settle the score with him eventually. And with Minor too!

-

43.

During a break in the middle:

Me: So you’ve been serious since the start?

Gavin: Yes.

Me: I was mistaken all this time? Why didn’t either of you tell me! Senior Gavin, that’s so unreasonable! 

Gavin: You were really nervous when we first met, and you only relaxed after the misunderstanding happened. To me, that wasn’t a bad thing. We could date naturally, and wouldn’t have to treat each other as people who were forced together by a blind date.

Thinking about how I’ve always been averse to blind dates, what he said makes sense.

Me: It’s still wrong to lie! Police officers can’t lie!

Gavin: I didn’t lie. I just...

He flips me over, leaning close to my earlobe and giving it a nibble.

“I just didn’t tell you that your guess was wrong.”

It’s true that he never admitted to dating Minor, and I simply took his silence as tacit agreement. As expected of Officer Gavin!

-

44.

“The last question!” I struggle to stop Gavin’s hands from roaming further. “Why was Minor at the restaurant that day?”

“Minor has always been giving me ideas on how to pursue you. Since high school.”

Gavin bites my finger, then gives it a kiss. The room is pitch-black, but his eyes are as bright as a midsummer starry sky, filled with a gentle smile.

“Before you even knew who I was, I already liked you.”

-

45.

I’m getting married.

Marriage is pretty nice. It’s true.

I don’t know if this is my destined romance, but that person is Gavin.

And that’s enough.

More original and translated writings: here

-

[ Permission to Translate ]

八重垂樱: Sure, thank you for liking it

[annabethy]

doctor, doctor

in which Annabeth is pregnant and Percy is a super hot sexy doctor,, percabeth

Annabeth isn’t entirely sure what’s her imagination and what’s reality anymore. To be quite honest, she doesn’t care to decipher between the two either because her stomach is protruding far enough from her body that her sleep is scarce, and she’s not about to ruin that just to see if Percy got out of bed.

She doesn’t need to open her eyes and check anyways because he’s pressing a kiss to her forehead a second later. It causes her to stir, and she kicks up one leg to her side, stretching her arms.

“Hey, beautiful.”

Annabeth cracks open an eye and a lazy smile morphs onto her lips. The sun still hasn’t popped over the horizon – she estimates it’s around six in the morning. She yawns. “Why are you up?”

Percy brushes her hair out of her face before his hand trails down to circle around her bump where her shirt has ridden up. His fingers tickle the skin lightly. “I have to go to work.”

Annabeth frowns. It’s dark in the room and her vision is still blurry, but she can see the backpack he’s holding that she knows contains the things he’ll need throughout the day. It makes her unjustifiably sad because she knows the backpack means he’ll be gone for a long time. She’s so close to her due date that she can’t go to work herself, and all she really wants to do is snuggle up against him and sleep, which she can’t do if Percy’s at the hospital until she’s asleep again.

“Stay with me,” she pleads, hands blindly reaching out to grab him by the shirt. He concedes and leans down next to her so he’s on his knees facing her. He kisses her a few more times and nudges her with his nose.

“I wish I could,” he says softly. “But I have to saves some lives first.”

Annabeth groans, rolling over so that her back is to him.

“Hello?” Percy pokes her back playfully. “Anyone home?”

“Not you,” she deadpans.

“Aw.” Annabeth hears Percy stand back up and grab the bag by his feet. “Sick people need me to help them feel better.”

“What if I’m sick and need you to make me feel better?” she questions.

“Are you sick?”

Annabeth pauses. “Yes.” She pointedly coughs.

“Cute.”

She looks over her shoulder and finds him staring at her lovingly.

“I shouldn’t be gone too long,” he promises, rubbing her back soothingly. “Three in the afternoon.”

“You love your job more than me,” she breathes dramatically.

Percy laughs lightly. “That’s not possible. Now I have to leave now, so are you going to give me a kiss?”

“No.”

“Please?’

Annabeth pouts but flips back over. It’s actually quite mortifying the way she struggles to face him, her stomach proving to be an obstacle, but Percy helps her sit up. The kiss is short and sweet, and when he pulls away, he brushes her face affectionately. “I love you,” he says.

“Love you too,” she says back, but she’s pouting. Percy kisses her once more.

“I won’t be gone long. Go back to sleep, okay? You need the rest.”

She rolls her eyes and nods, laying back down. Percy helps lift the covers around her, and he disappears for a moment to refill the glass of water by her nightstand. It makes her roll her eyes fondly when he comments on how thirsty she is, but it also makes her feel warm that he’s noticed. It’s something he’s been doing recently, bringing her water in the middle of the night because he cares about her.

Annabeth feels oddly deflated when she hears the front door shut behind Percy when he leaves for work. She lays in bed for at least an hour, just watching the sun slowly begin to rise through the closed blinds of the window. Sleep doesn’t come for a while, and she blames Percy for waking her up in the first place. But she’s also glad he woke her up because as disappointed as she is that he left, she’d be even more upset if she just woke up with him gone.

He’s going to be such a good dad, she thinks. A hot dad, too. She’s sure she’s told him a million times but there’s just something about him in scrubs that gets her going. When he was in his residency, she didn’t think he could get any more attractive than in those light blue scrubs, but then…

Those navy blue attending scrubs makes her a bit more hot and bothered than she cares to admit.

At some point, she thankfully does fall back asleep. It’s some of the best sleep too because after being awake for hours in the early hours of the morning, there’s something otherworldly about sleeping in. She’s content sleeping until Percy gets home actually, but all hope goes flying out the window when she wakes up and feels overbearingly nauseous.

She stares at the ceiling trying to figure out what exactly woke her up, but it takes a few seconds of fighting the urge to pass out before she realizes her phone is ringing beside her head.

"Hello?"

Percy’s voice appears over the line. “I’ve been calling you. Are you okay?”

“I’m great.” Annabeth’s following cough says otherwise. “What do you need?”

“Nothing,” he says, laughing. “I’ll be home in an hour. Do you want anything to eat?”

Annabeth groans, the sound of any food disgusting. “No thank you.”

“I’ll get you something for later then.” Percy pauses, and Annabeth closes her eyes. “Are you sure you’re okay? You sound sick.”

“Because you jinxed it by leaving,” she tells him. “I told you to stay and play doctor with me.”

“I’ll come play doctor in a little bit,” he says jokingly. “See you soon. I love you.”

She barely musters the energy to repeat the three words back before he hangs up, leaving her to wallow in pain and misery. Realistically, she just kicks her blanket off in a sudden wave of heat and she falls back asleep.

When her eyes decide they’re ready to blink back open, it’s to Percy sitting next to her, a hand pressed to her bare stomach.

She smiles lazily, taking in the sight of him. He’s still in his scrubs, much to her delight. “Hey, sexy doctor.”

Percy purses his lips to suppress a grin at the comment. “Hey, you. You’re sick.”

“Nah.”

Percy raises an eyebrow. “Nah?”

“Mhm.” “You have a fever,” he says. “Why didn’t you tell me?” “You wanted to go see your work wife,” she accuses. “I don’t have a work wife,” he tells her.

“Sure you don’t.”

Percy looks at her as though to say, really?

“I’m okay,” she assures, “I’ve just been sleeping all day.”

“Did you take anything to help?”

“No,” she admits. “I was waiting for my personal doctor to come help.”

“Where is he?”

Annabeth pokes Percy’s neck, and he grabs her finger to press the tip to his lips. “Right here.”

“Yeah? You want me to take care of you?”

“What’s the point of dating a doctor otherwise?”

“We’re married, you doofus.”

Annabeth snickers. “I forgot.”

Percy’s hand is still rubbing her stomach as he stares into space blankly.

“What does the doctor prescribe?”

“Lots of cuddles,” is his answer.

Annabeth opens her arms, smiling when Percy settles into them. He rests his head on her chest gently, and it makes her heart feel full. He’s usually the one to hold her, so moments like this are rare. It just makes her wish she could live in this moment forever.

“You’re too warm,” Percy mutters against her neck. He kisses the skin softly, nuzzling against her. He tries to move a second later, no doubt going to grab her some medicine, but she tightens her grasp on him.

“Stay here,” she complains.

He gives in, resting against her once more. “Only for five more minutes, then I’m going to take care of you.”

“You’re taking very good care of me.”

“I don’t want the baby to be too warm inside your tummy,” he says.

She makes a sound of agreement but doesn’t move to let him go. “I wish we could listen to her.”

He stays silent for a while, and she thinks nothing of it until he lifts his head suddenly so that he can lock eyes with her. “Do you want to?”

“Is that possible?”

Percy smiles widely, wiggling off of her. “Let me show you something I learned not too long ago.”

As he runs out of their bedroom, she watches him in his childlike excitement. He bangs around the kitchen for too long, and it has her calling out, “Hurry up.”

When he does pop back in the door, his arms are entirely full. He’s holding a cup and a stethoscope, and of course, there is a fresh glass of water in his hands.

“You’re going to love this,” he says, nudging her over on the bed. She reaches out to mess with the fabric of his scrubs as he sets the water down on the table.

“What are you doing?” she asks when he lifts her shirt up and the top of her pants down right below her stomach.

He places the stethoscope tips into his ears, gentle fingers pressing the bell to her lower stomach. He places the cup over the stethoscope, moving it around slightly, and then a soft smile breaks out across his face. “Here,” he says, taking the stethoscope out of his ears and handing them to her. He helps her put the ear tips in, and she suddenly can’t wipe the smile off of her own face.

There’s a steady thumping in her ears that she knows is her baby’s heartbeat. It’s subtle, but it’s there. She begins to feel overwhelmed with love as her eyes tear up and her hand presses against the bump.

“You hear it?” he asks.

She nods, unable to speak.

Percy kisses below her belly button. “That’s our baby.”

“I still can’t believe we’re going to be a family,” she whispers.

“Mh-hm. You’re going to be the best mama.”

She laughs wetly, tossing her head back. “God, I love you.”

Percy kisses her stomach for a few long seconds. “It sounds like our baby girl is nice and safe inside of there right now, so why don’t we take care of you now?”

Annabeth’s hand darts down to press over his, preventing him from moving. “Just a few more minutes? Please?”

They fall into a silence, and Annabeth continues listening to the beating heart. It blows her mind that in only a few more weeks, she’s going to get to meet this baby, and they’re going to be a family. She can already see it, Percy holding their baby, maybe even dressed in a pair of clean scrubs, while she watches him talk to the baby like she’s the only thing that matters.

“You’re going to be such a good dad,” she tells him.

“Yeah?”

“And a super hot one.”

Percy snorts.

“A dilf.” “Oh my god, please never call me that again.”

“Thank you for marrying me,” she says.

Percy softens. “Of course I married you. I love you more than anything.”

“I don’t know what I’d do without you,” she admits. “You wouldn’t be listening to your baby’s heartbeat with a stethoscope and a cup.”

She smiles. “No, I wouldn’t.”

“You also wouldn’t have a super sexy, smart, funny doctor husband.”

She shoots him a look.

“You said it, not me.” “I didn’t say that.”

“Well, you called me a dilf, so.” He shrugs. “Same thing.”

Annabeth shakes her head at him, amused.

“Come on,” he says, sitting up. He pats her on the stomach and drags her up as she complains. “I want to make sure you’re okay, and then we can keep intruding on our daughter’s womb.”

“Is that a pun?”

“What?”

“Room? Womb?”

“Shut up,” he says fondly, kissing her on the forehead. “Let me take care of you. I’ll even keep the scrubs on.”

“Now that I can live with,” she says teasingly, pushing him away with her foot. “Go on, then. Play doctor.”

He does, but she can’t help grabbing his butt when he turns. He looks at her over his shoulder as he leaves, and she smiles into a pillow.

Yeah, she’s pretty lucky she married a super sexy, smart, funny doctor.

Percy’s words, not hers.

(Not that she doesn’t agree.)

[quirklessidiot]

Title: coward :: warm saki for the cold nights Pairing: Y/N x Miya Atsumu Genre: angst, romance, and very slow burn [ex to lovers au] Warnings: Cursing, alchohol, mentions of unprotected sex, unplanned pregnancy, and mentions of abortion

Synopsis: Atsumu deals with heartbreak again and while doing so, receives an unexpected call that may just help bridge you two again.

notes:

someone said that my character for atsumu was differently written from most fanfiction. tbh the only fuckboy i see in haikyuu is Yuuji HASHHSSHAHA have u seen the piercing and how agressive he is. that def screams fuck boi

also i will be closing the taglist already after this chapter :/ if you guys don’t want to be tagged in the side stories, just message me hehe its not a problem (also i will be updating the side stories every FRIDAY’S) the drabble requests will be open for ten drabbles after the side stories hehe ily all so much. stay safe and i hope you enjoy this chapter!

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Atsumu watches you walk out of his life again for the second time.

He doesn’t know what to do or why he’s here on his bed, playing with the silver ring band that he was supposed to give you six years ago after he’d been accepted in the jackals. As much as he was heartbroken by the fact that you didn’t want to get married then, he still wanted to give you a simple ring band as a promise that marriage was never the only way to get him to stick around you.

He couldn’t throw it away even after all these years.

Now that he looks at it, he’s reminded of that time you left him. The first time. 

He really thought it would hurt less this time around. It was the second time after all but it still stings especially now since it was right at his face. He lets out a bitter chuckle, ‘selfish, huh?’ he thought.

Those words were odd coming from you.

In the two year span of your relationship, you were never the selfish one. In fact, he came to the late realization that he was the selfish one between you two in the relationship. Atsumu always thought physical and loud declarations of affection were the key to a healthy relationship, mundane things like sleeping next to each other or being there everyday (hence why long distance relationships were a no go for him) but you, you took it up the notch.

It may have been your first relationship but you were better than any girl he had dated. He realized then that maybe that's why you broke up with him, because you probably thought that he didn’t care to know more about you (when in actuality he was just too scared to ask because he might lose you if he did)

The phone starts to ring and as much as he wants to ignore it again, something tells him that he should answer this unknown contact.

“...Yo, this is Daiki.”

He blinks as he hears the deep voice of the basketball player, wasn’t this supposed to be his rival? How the hell did he even get his number?

“I heard Y/N pushed you away again like before, want to grab that drink?”

Atsumu doesn’t know why he agrees right after.

They ended up at a private japanese bar, apparently they had the best saki in the whole of japan and Daiki was willing to treat him despite the high price of alcohol because of what happened between you two, “You look like shit, man.” he points out as soon as he arrived, “No offense. Then again, that’s what I looked like when Y/N first rejected me.”

Atsumu sits across him at the booth and ignores the man’s statement about his looks, “Do you still like Y/N that way? Even after she rejected you a lot?” he asks, suddenly.

“After I realized how much she liked those kid’s father. I sorta gave up.” He laughed as if it was nothing,  “He was hard to match, Y/N was begging me not to go to him to punch him in the face, she was in tears that night.”

“He’s a lucky bastard.” Atsumu spat bitterly, pouring more sake on his cup, “I’m guessing you know this guy?”

“Of course I do.” Daiki began, “Only recently though, Y/N never told anyone who the dad was. I had to figure that shit out on my own.”

Atsumu stares at his drink for a moment and swirls it around, he wants to know but at the same time he doesn’t. What would he even do if he knew? Would he find him and punch the asshole in the face for doing that to you? He’s starting to get Daiki, whoever this guy was, he was impossibly hard to match.

“I want to be in her life.” Atsumu confessed, “I want to replace that bastard’s place.”

Daiki’s eyes crinkle in utter amusement, just how long was this cat and mouse game going to play? What would happen if he told this blonde guy? Would you talk to him after he told Atsumu why you left? Would Daiki even be able to handle you leaving him?

Daiki’s take a deep breath as he ponders on that thought. He was willing to risk it though. He sees the genuineness in this guy’s eyes. From a man to a man, he could sense it. God, if only he had been a bit more pushy towards you back then about the whole tell-your-boyfriend thing, maybe you’d have it a bit easier now.

“What’s stopping you?”

“Y/N.” The blonde shrugs, the mere mention of your name stinged like the alcohol he was drinking, “I can’t force her. I can’t repeat the same mistakes I made before. Relationships were never her strongest suit and I feel like I forced it on her.”

“You didn’t.” Daiki proclaims, the basketball player ponders for a moment in deep thought, “The thing about Y/N is that she’s careful with whom she wants to be intimate with. The reason why she probably said yes was because she saw something in you but in the end…” Daiki paused, he’s not sure what to say next, this was a sensitive issue after all, “In the end, her fear got the better of her…”

“Sometimes I wish I could take it all away.” The setter quietly confessed, recalling the fear in your eyes back then made him sick. 

In the two-year relationship you had, it had always been about him. He really had the audacity to proudly proclaim that he loved you yet it seemed more like you had loved him more.

It showed when you’d quietly just hold his hand and draw small circles on it after a loss, how you’d listen to his stories without interruptions, how you’d help him out in classes that he had a hard time at, how you’d prepare a hot meal for him every night he stayed up later to train, and how you’d silently just let him snuggle on your chest after a long day. It was those little things, things he realized later on that you’d never do to other people but he was a special case.

It was always about you taking care of him and putting him first.

It wasn’t openly affectionate like the girls he had before or after you, you had your own little way.

It was always about wanting to get a physical reaction from you, he was too blinded to the fact that it was never your type of thing. 

He was the taker in the relationship, you had always been the giver.

Daiki was silent once again as he observed his devastating figure, “You really love her, don’t you?”

“I do.”  he chuckled, “People tend to call me a fuck up for that but they don’t get it. When Y/N shows a little side of her, you...you can’t stop loving her, ya know? God, when she smiled and laughed at me for the first time. I knew at that moment that I wanted to hear that beautiful sound for the rest of my life.”

It felt good to get that out of his chest for once, ‘samu would call him a sappy piece of shit if he had heard that but it was the raw truth. Every word he said, every feeling he tried to express, it was all so genuine and that’s what made everything so painful.

God, the saki was getting to him. He can’t believe he told Daiki out of all people about this.

“You said you wanted to know who the father of those kids was, right?”

Atsumu stops whatever he’s drinking and feels his ears perk up at the sound of that. Daiki looks dead serious as he downs the saki straight-up, the next few words sobers the blonde setter because it’s not what he expects.

“Y/N told me the father was her first boyfriend, a boy from tokyo university.”

Atsumu feels his heart thumping fast as he makes his way to your apartment in the dead of the night, the alcohol long gone but the words of Daiki still stinging and fresh, a father? Was that why you ran away?

Because you were pregnant with his kids?

He curses underneath his breath as he finally parks his car in front of your apartment, he’s still shaken by the sudden revelation and he feels like kicking himself, how he could’ve been so stupid? He should’ve known something was odd when you suddenly disappeared and broke up on the phone.

While he was enjoying his life as a pro, you were out there fending for the kids alone.

He shakes his head.

“...I can’t tell you why Y/N ran away, it’s better if you heard the story from her.” Daiki’s words echo in his head, “I know she placed a lot on your plate these past six years but she has her reasons, I’m not saying that you should forgive her immediately. I’m just asking you to listen.”

Atsumu gets out of his car and takes out his phone, calling the number he got from Daiki. You had never exchanged numbers even after all that had happened. Now that he noticed, you were keen on distancing yourself from him. Ever since the beginning, you were so adamant to push him out of your life in the same cold way like before. 

How could he not have noticed?

He curses himself in his head, for all the times he had to be slow, why now?

“Hello?” Your voice is groggy, signaling that you were asleep, “May I know who's on the line?”

“I’m downstairs.” he blurted out, not knowing what to say, he knows you recognize his voice, “Can we talk Y/N?”

“Miya-san? What are you?- It’s almost twelve-”

“One last time, Y/N.” He pleads, voice soft as he says your name, “Please?”

You hang up soon after, he doesn’t care if he has to stake out here in his car for the whole night and wait for you to come down in the morning. Right now, all that matters is you.

Only you.

Thankfully, he doesn’t need to do that since he sees you going out of your apartment a few moments later in a large black coat with mismatched socks, if it weren’t for the gravity of the situation, he would’ve teased you for your unusual get-up.

“I thought I told you that I didn’t want to have anything to do with you anymore.” in contrast to your soft tone, your words are harsh and if it were the old him, he’d have back down but he knows something now. 

He takes in a deep breath and lets out a drawling sigh as he removes his scarf, “It’s cold tonight.” He observes, ignoring the harsh words you said as he inches closer to you to wrap his scarf around your neck.

“You smell like alcohol.” 

“Aomine-san and I went out for a drink.” He recounts, tying the scarf on your neck. He sucks in a deep breath before he says the following words, “You know Y/N, you never told me his name.”

“Excuse me?” You're confused by the sudden words as you try to remove the scarf but he stops you and grabs a hold of your hands instead, clasping his fingers on yours like the old times. He loved the warmth you radiated. It always felt nice.

“The name of that bastard who left you.” He stated. He’s so close to you to the point that you could smell the saki and perfume on him, hear his ragged breathing, and hear the thumping of his heart. You try to remove yourself from his grasp but you’re trapped in his stare and tight hold, “What’s his name, Y/N?”

“I told you, it’s none-”

“Just a name, Y/N.”

Silence ensued between you two and you nervously gulp down.

So it really was him.

This was now or never.

“Just for one moment, can you stop running away from me?” he begs, as he inched closer to hug you and place his head on your shoulder, “Just stop running, Y/N. You don’t have to tell me what happened and why you ran away back then, just let me love you now and be a father to those kids.”

It's silent for a moment and he feels fear engulf him again, his confidence slowly vanishing. Were you going to push him away again? 

Yet he feels you starting to tremble on his hold and something wet on his shoulders, he suddenly stands up straight to find you crying on his shoulder, “You’re so fucking stupid, did you know that?” you suddenly cried, “I literally broke up with you on the fucking phone, ran away from you-”

“Yet you never forgot me and raised those kids very well on your own.” He hummed, cutting you off as he rested his head on top of yours, still hugging you tightly. Yes, this was right, the warmth that he wanted was right here, he was finally at ease.His anxiety was slowly dwindling, “God, I should’ve tried harder to not make you feel that way before.”

“I-It’s my fault.” You stammered, “I kept doubting you and kept running from you.” 

“You must’ve been scared, sweetheart.” He murmured, cutting you off as he ignores you recounting your past ‘mistakes’ --- he wouldn’t call it mistakes though, they were the seeds of doubt that he planted on you, so he was technically at fault there, he should’ve tried harder to not make you feel that way. He should’ve been more observant ---- He buries himself on your scent and draws small circles on your back to soothe your shaking figure. You’d do this to him a lot before, it was his turn now to return all the comfort and support you gave him. 

Atsumu slowly lets go and sees you’re a mess in front of him from the red rims under your eyes to the wet cheeks to your non-stop shaking figure.

‘...You always had trouble expressing yourself naturally to people after all.’

No, it seemed like you had turned it off towards other people except your kids. Atsumu noted how strong you were towards your kids, how you tried hard to build a home for them and be the most genuine mother you could be, it breaks his heart that he wasn’t there to help and support you.

He slowly brings his hands up and softly cups your cheeks to wipe the stray tears, “I know that I can’t take all your problems and baggage away for a night but I’ll be here, Y/N. I’ll be here even if you’re annoyed, I’ll be here even if you throw me out because of the confusion you have with your feelings. I’ll stay. Permanently, no take-backs.”

You shakily lift your hands to grab a hold of his rough hands and squeeze it to make sure this is all real, that this wasn’t a dream.

“You’re an idiot.” You sniffle, taking in his warmth and basking on it, “I really told you to be selfish, for once. Why can’t you do that?”

“That’s ironic coming from you.” he mused, “You were always the giver in our relationship in your own way, you raised our kids in the best way possible. I could think of a million ways that you were the giver in our relationship and I was more of the receiver.” Atsumu chuckles at the irony as he slowly runs his fingers through your hair. He feels better now that everything is out of the way, that he can finally hold you with no restrictions. The little family with you that was supposed to be a fleeting moment, was now slowly becoming a reality.

“In the end, all that matters is that I love you. It’s never changed for the past six years, Y/N. I doubt it’ll change in the long run.” he confessed, leaning in to give you a brief kiss on the temple. You feel yourself start to calm down as you rested on his chest and listen to his heart beat.

You missed that sound, the sound of home.

It takes a while for you to actually settle down and sit with your kids, Atsumu reminds you that you could take your time in the introductions, even volunteering that he could help you with it but you decided against it in the end. This was your responsibility. You still had to make up for the past six years of heartbreak you gave to the poor man and your kids.

Atsumu doesn’t shy away though, he comes by after his morning training during your lunch break to have lunch with you and even volunteers to pick up the kids after class before his nightly training.

Slow pace and baby steps as he’d like to call it.

“Jiji’s acting weird.” Yuuto frowns as he picks on his fish with his chopsticks, “He’s been hanging around us too much, kaasan.”

“Yeah!” Youta echoes, “Is he going to be like Daiki-ojisan? Is he going to be our ojisan?”

You place your chopsticks down and stare at the pair in front of you. It would be hard to explain to the pair about Atsumu and his relationship with them, you almost wanted to call the man himself to help you explain but you decided against it.

This was now or never.

“Can kaasan tell you something?” You softly ask, placing your chopsticks down, the steamed fish long forgotten.

“What is it, kaasan?” Youta asks innocently, tilting his head just a bit, “Did jiji do something again? Should me and yu do something about it?”

“No,” you shake your head, “It’s...It’s about your otosan…”

Silence enveloped the table, the boys never talked about their father in front of you because they noticed how sad you’d be by the mere mention of their father yet that didn’t stop them from asking around your close circle of friends like Atsumu and Daiki. Did you find out about their interest? Were they going to be scolded?

“I...I want to introduce him to you…” You slowly began, “he...he’s come home…”

Youta and Yuuto’s eyes widen immediately, “He? He has?” Yuuto suddenly exclaimed, standing up from his chair. You could detect the excitement in his eyes, “What does he look like, kaasan? Does he have the same hair as us? Does he look like us? Did- did he get all his dreams?”

“Is he a doctor, kaasan? Or does he play sports like Daiki-ojisan and jiji?” Youta adds, wondering out loud, “Weird. We’re not that famous yet, kaasan. Is he going to be proud of us?”

You feel your heart thump and your eyes water at the question as you swallow the lump on your throat, “He’s, he’s very proud of you.” you try to blink away the tears, “In fact, your otosan was very scared because you might hate him.”

“Is that why he wasn’t able to come home?” Yuuto asks quietly, he had always been smart for his age.

You were silent for a moment and you take in a very deep breath, when they were old enough you’d tell them all about what happened, in the meantime, you’d tell them a simple explanation, “No, it was kaasan’s fault...Your otosan wasn’t able to come home because of kaasan…”

“Will...will you tell us why, kaasan?” Youta questions, you could tell that he was scared to ask that question.

“Because kaasan was scared…” You paused, trying to find the right words to explain to them, “Kaasan had you when me and your otosan was still quite young so kaasan ran away…”

“Did o-otosan not want us then?” Yuuto quivers, his lifted spirits now down, you could tell that he was trying to hold it in. You immediately had to stand up and rush to their side to comfort them, “Of course not!” You exclaimed, taking their hands and bending to their level, “It’s just, kaasan had very bad things happening around her that she had to run away.”

“Are...are the bad things gone now then, kaasan?” 

You turn to Youta whose eyes were soft and spirits down too, he seemed to have grasped the situation yet at the same time, he couldn’t get it. Maybe it was a big kids type of thing? Would he understand this all when he was older?

“Almost…” You quietly replied, you knew you still had a lot of things to fix within yourself like Atsumu had said, it’s not something you can ever get rid of but it’s never bad to take a helping hand once in a while, “Your otosan is helping me and you guys are helping me too, so they’re slowly disappearing…”

“When...when will we meet him? Our otosan?”

You’re silent for a second and you nervously tell them to wait a moment as you go to your room to take out a Polaroid, one with you and Atsumu in it. It’s an old one, taken on your last anniversary. It’s one of those memorabilia's you kept of him that you could never throw away.

You come back to the table and sit across them as you place the picture in front of them, “You’ve met him already…”

Youta’s eyes widen, “Isn’t this…”

“Jiji?” Yuuto finishes, jaw slacken.

You couldn’t tell if they were happy or disappointed at all. Their faces were bare stripped of emotion, the only thing you detected was shock.

“It was never your otosan’s fault, I…” You shakily sighed, holding in the tears, “It was mine, I’m so sorry…I’m so so sorry…”

At that moment, you really didn’t know how you should face them or how you should explain it to them, you were so caught up in your fears and anxiety that you didn’t notice how soft their features became, “Will you tell us?” Youta asks.

You look them both in the eye.

“Will you tell us why where we’re older, kaasan?” Yuuto adds.

Your shaking ceased when you heard those words.

Ah yes, they were their father’s kids. Always so patient, always there to listen to you. How were you blessed with such good kids? You broke down a smile reserved just for them.

“Yes, when you’re ready and older.” You affirmed, bowing down in apology, “I hope you’ll be patient with me then.”

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[poodlejoonas]

Dad!BC AU - the moms

So wow-ihateithere and I (because for some reason Tumblr won’t let me directly @ you) have been tossing out so many amazing ideas for the BC dad AU lately that we’ve thought of pretty much every scenario under the sun. One idea I’d like to throw in here is the group that is the moms who make up their own personal wolfpack. Since they’ll be brought in as stand-alone characters soon, it would be better to have a basic introduction for each and how they know/interact with each other.

(Under the read-more for length)

Joel - Emilia (”Millie”) Hokka - The absolute baddest bitch you will meet on this planet. She's a 5′1″ sweetheart, but if you lay a single finger on her kid, her husband, her BC brothers and sisters, or any of her nieces and nephews, she will become the human embodiment of that one line from “Wolfpack.” You know the one. She’s gone viral before for Joel needing to hold her back from fighting the mom of a kid who’s bullying Enkka at school, and literally watching this tiny woman become a human hurricane at the drop of a hat was enough for this kid to immediately leave him alone. From then on, kids at school know not to come after Viktor Hokka because his mom doesn’t play around. Why would she? After all, she dedicated 18 months of her life to trying to become a mom, and anyone who dares to come after her baby needs a running start to get away from her.

Sometimes even Joel has to hold her back from doing something she probably should regret but wouldn’t if it involved her family. He knows better than to cross a line with her. Then there are other times when they work together to be the shadiest power couple on earth, like when Aleksi’s ex-girlfriend Laila slanders him in the media for talking about taking custody of their son from her. If Joel comes home pissed about something, she’s the first one to jump on board with whatever plan he has to get his point across. She would totally have a stan account on Instagram dedicated to her called “milliehokkasupremacy”. And Joel loves his wife so much that he would eat every bit of this shit up. When she tells someone off, he writes down what she says and turns it into the lyrics of Blind Channel’s next single.

In short, Millie Hokka is 100 percent That Bitch™.

Bonus bit because this idea made me laugh: (in the comments section of a post slandering BC) @milliehokka: Bitch you better take this shit down before I puncture your fucking tires @joelhokka: She's my better half ❤️

Joonas - Kirsten Porko - Kirsten’s one of the quiet BC moms, and a hell of a lot more tame than Millie. But she has her shining moments every now and then, like when she was wondering why Millie took Joel with her knowing that she could’ve easily beaten that bully’s mom’s ass without him. She has the patience of a saint, being married to Joonas and raising two (soon to be three) kids with him. But she adores every minute of their chaotic little family. Since Sohvi was the first of the BC kids, the guys were quick to show up in support of her and Joonas. She was also pretty lonely until the others started dating their wives, and she was more than happy to have more friends to bond with.

She does the most to mother the rest of the kids when they need it. They love to come to their house because Kirsten will have a fresh pan of cookies ready for them. They also like hanging out with Joonas, but Kirsten is a fun aunt on her own. She’s typically the first to show up when one of the other moms tosses out a cry for help in taking care of their kids, especially when they’re newborns and the guys are away on tour. Kirsten’s total aesthetic is the absolute opposite of Joonas’s: she’s bubbly and wears nothing but pastel dresses and soft fabrics. A lot of people wonder what a “nice girl” like her is doing with a punk rocker like Joonas, until you see them interact and know that they’re crazy in love with each other and their kids. She’s the unassuming type, but she loves pranks as much as her husband and kids; she’ll play along whenever there’s a really good one and sometimes she can totally outdo them.

Niko - Jenna Moilanen - Jenna is Millie’s co-conspirator and partner-in-crime. If Millie needs someone to back her up and Joel’s trying to talk her out of whatever she’s thinking about doing, Jenna is the first to show up on the scene. She’s very much Niko’s type - she has just as many tattoos as him, several piercings, and hair that changes color depending on her mood. She’s naturally a blonde but you almost never see her as one. A lot of people tend to pass judgement on her abilities as a mom based on her appearance, but both of her and Niko’s kids adore her (especially their daughter Lahja) and they grow up happy with their loving parents. She’s a fantastic cook and works as a head chef at a five-star steakhouse, and she’s always willing to come home and cook for her family as well. She and Millie are the two shortest of the group, and it’s hilarious because they are both absolute spitfires.

Jenna has the best intuition when it comes to deciding who is trustworthy and who isn’t. There’s no “leader” in the group, but most of the others trust Jenna when someone gives her a bad feeling. She would be the one to raise the alarm on Laila years before she and Aleksi ever break up, and Laila would find the absolute worst way to end up on Jenna’s shit list. In her time with the group, Laila does nothing to help take care of the rest of the kids or try to fit in with the group. One day, when Leevi cries because he needs something, Jenna spots an annoyed expression out of the corner of her eye coming from Laila. It takes an intervention from God to stop Jenna from ripping her apart on the scene. The most important thing to note about Jenna: she calls her closest friends “bitch” affectionately. The moment it stops being affectionate, there’s no turning back.

Olli - Kaarina Matela - The quietest and calmest of the BC moms. She perfectly matches her husband’s energies, which is why they parent their daughters so well. She was definitely more calm than him on the day they learned they were having twins, and still is to this day. When he was panicking about their pregnancy scare, she was still managing to stay collected somehow (but just as relieved as he was). She’s very much like a suburban soccer mom type, but far from being a Karen because she’s aggressively kind to everyone around her, including hardworking people. And Olli just adores her so much, sometimes he doubts if he even deserves her. She’s always the first to remind him that there’s no one else she would rather be with.

Kaarina is the arts and crafts kind of aunt. During the summer, she likes to have the kids come over for day camp style hangout sessions where they mix in time outside with craft activities. She’s the reason why Olli’s stage outfits have been so cool lately, because she’s got a perfect eye for colors and is super skilled at hand-stitching patches. If the kids need anything repaired, they’ll know to go to Aunt Rina first because she’ll either make it as good as new, or turn it into some sick artwork. All the moms get along but she and Kirsten vibe together the best. They get together and plan the summer activities for the kids, which involve Rina planning the crafts and Kirsten baking for, and with, them.

Tommi - Marja Lalli - Marja is unique in her position as a BC mom because she joined the group when her son Miikka from a previous relationship was already almost 4. For a brief time, she was worried about herself and Miikka feeling left out of the group dynamic that was already there, but they were so quick to invite her in as one of them. A lot of it had to do with her being friends with Jenna since elementary school, and Jenna knew that the sisterhood would be more than happy to accept her. She and Niko help set her up with Tommi because they both know he would love her and accept Miikka as his own. She’s chill and reserved, but she’s still a ton of fun to be around. Along with Kaarina and Kirsten, she’s one of the level-headed moms and is typically the voice of reason for a lot of things (especially when it comes to trying to contain Millie and Jenna’s tempers).

The rest of the moms were thrilled when she told them she was pregnant with Anna, but constantly concerned and fretting over her when she was on occasional bed rest. If Tommi couldn’t be with her, it was one of them coming over to help take care of her and Miikka. Marja’s health showed the caring side of the sisterhood of the BC moms, how they are willing to take care of each other in sickness as well as celebrating the good times and defending each other from drama. Even months after Anna is born, they still come over from time to time to see if there’s any way they can help.

Aleksi - Laila Pekkanen (later on, marries Hanna Kaunisvesi) - So this one is a bit complicated. For about three years, Aleksi was in a high-profile relationship with Laila Pekkanen, a producer who worked with him on a solo single before joining BC. They meet again a couple years later and begin a relationship that last for about three years. But it was far from loving, as they were just in general not good for each other. A few weeks after their break-up, Laila calls Aleksi while he’s in the studio to break the news to him that she’s pregnant, which sends Aleksi into total emotional turmoil because he thought they were being careful. Of all the guys, he’s the most careful with avoiding this kind of thing, but it was her who missed one too many days of her birth control. They’re barely on speaking terms, but they agree to try to stay cordial until Aleksi can take full custody of the child himself. She admits to having no maternal instinct and wants nothing to do with the baby.

Here’s where it gets messy. Aleksi finally decides to break his silence on the matter and announces via Instagram that he will be a father and raise his son on his own. He does his best to tell his side of the story without dragging Laila down. But she takes it personally and goes on the radio to try to attack Aleksi, feeling like she’s being treated like a villain and a bad person for giving up her child. She feels like she’s being “exposed” in thinking that Aleksi publicly acknowledging their son’s existence would ruin her career, because she’d been trying everything possible to cover it up. It becomes a major feud between her and her team, and Aleksi and the BC team, but more industry people can back him up as a stand-up guy than they can come to her defense. She nearly ends up having Noah prematurely, and yet Aleksi still shows up in support, more so for their son than for her. When Noah is born months later, she refuses to hold him and immediately cuts off all contact with Aleksi. 

Aleksi raises Noah alone and learns to support his son when he’s later diagnosed on the autism spectrum. Noah is semi-verbal and partially communicates with sign language. He uses sign in situations when he meets a stranger, and Aleksi respects his intuition when someone makes him uncomfortable. Noah has separation anxiety from losing his mom at a young age, so Aleksi refuses to date for years because he doesn’t want to bring a revolving door of strangers around him. But then he meets Hanna, who makes an almost instant connection with him. He’s hesitant to make a decision about a long-term relationship with her until he sees how well she works with Noah. She’s one of the first people he opens up to - mostly because of her experience as a child psychologist - but the moment that seals the deal is when Noah calls her “mom” for the first time (in sign to his cousins). Fans and people he works with can’t help but notice that Aleksi is so much happier with Hanna than Laila. And as much as he would like to have a baby with her, he’s happy having Noah and wants to invest his energy into ensuring his happiness. But Hanna understands, because she’s an angel and only wants the best for her family.

[lunartearrose]

Bestie tell me about xue rn on god I'm pointing my kensa splattershot pro with the mpu at u

WAAA OKEY OKEY-

Hehehe um. So. Like i said in the post! Xue is probably one of the newest in a long line of fankids (fansquibs as i affectionately refer to it as) umm- and like. For context there is a lot aloot of vintage ships i like and like. So. *cue visual of vintage holdin hands w skull, avi, emperor, double and kinda also specs bc everyone likes specs i decided like. What are we?*

And there is a generally deeper storyline i assure you that takes some explaining so im just gonna recap and keep in mind its generally a sorta inch resting story me n my gf have sorta made together (tho i do most of the art and writing and we bounce ideas off of eachother buuutt since i mainly wrote down a lot of it and have to keep changing lore to game standard i do a lot of the chara keeping and am rlly attatched to it)

Under the cut this got lengthy!

So the story of the fansquibs! Actually has backstory to it in the sense that there was a gross mean squiddyman called Sky. He was a big ol pain with no redeeming qualities and a lot of bad mafia man moneys. The basics is he meddles with the coroika cast in a way a lot of them refuse to talk about to their kids, but it ultimately ended up that the agents worked together to finally take the guy down, and he’s ended at the hands of skull, who regrettably couldn't catch the guy before he took out a family just to hurt the poor gentle-hearted squid, the only survivor of this drive-by massacre being Neon. The bab, a smol baby at the time and ten years away from turf maturity is rushed to the hospital bc like i said, Sky had intent to kill! Complications happen, she ends up with a blind eye and brain damage and the only person who she can remember from the tradgedy is Skull - who she connects as the person who must've killed her parents, cuz all she knows now is that she's in the care of Specs and Mask (the two even got a house built right by walleye to care for her in and care for her deeply). Anyways the day was severely traumatizing for Skull, he feels horrible regret for not being there in time to save Neon's mom and dad and removes himself without any explanation, keeping distance from Neon and taking comfort in his team and Avi, mainly, for support.

NOW, on the opposite end of things Vintage is a proud father of a mimic octoling he saved from octo valley. This is Xue, named so bc he wanted to give the lad an X name and Avi suggested such a short and elegant name. He was also involved in the hunt for Sky, and in this time Xue played a lot with the kids of those who Vin was close to (again this is the two aviskull kids, Rhodium and Sugar and Emperor’s son who i named somethin like Duke? But i wanna change that bc it sounds silly so doing research on royalty now ive decided on Majesty for now!)

Sugar and Majesty were, well, smol babies at the time and Rhodi was a timid adoptee that was only some years older and afraid of everyone, but regardless Xue liked them all and figured they were related since he saw them so often. Childhood attatchmrnt things! He would often take a sort of Vintage-shaped form to interract with them all.

But anyways, doing his part in wrapping up, Vintage soon discovered that Sky, in fact, had an Heir! This was Mint, an at the time just turf war aged kid who seemed quiet.

Vintage, rightly assuming his father mustve traumatized him and wanting to do right by Mint welcomes him into his home and just in general tries to be fatherly, giving a room and meals and all such things. Xue naturally tries to connect with mint, but very quickly finds out that Mint isn't nice, nor does he want to get better. The damage is done to Mint, and in his mind the only right way to be are the ways that his father had taught.

This results in not only the Near-murder of Vintage (kid literally nearly poisoned him and planned to finish him off with a house fire), but an arson attack with Xue that leaves him badly burned. Luckily the other Xbloods are back in time to save the two from death but Mint escapes into the night, not to bee seen again for some time.

Now, with Mint as a main conflict for a lot of the story years later, there are also a lot of ties to the damage his dad had done that were moreso gaping holes. What stops neon from being tricked by mint into finding Skull guilty? Who could have the time to spend to help Rhodium keep from getting back in his abusive relationship with mint? What would stop the innocent Majesty from becoming a ransom note? And who would simply intertwine themselves and his siblings with everyone to make sure that simply could not get an opening to hurt anyone else further?

The answer i came up with is Xue, a mischevious mimic that for various reasons can only use light weaponry. He tries to shoulder the whole sprawling mission himself having been witness to the worst tradgedies of team efforts, but two squids change this:

Neko cares more for Xue's well-being than Xue themselves, and gained a habit of tracking down Xue to make sure Xue sleeps, eats, and recovers when wounded. The only downside is Neko tends to get annoyed when Xue constantly gets up too soon and Xue finds out that if Neko has no time to cuddle Xue into submission hes getting cocooned snugly in a blanket! Neko also has a grappling hook setup so thats fun.

Now the other inkling that Xue knows:

That's Luci, hive's adopted daughter! Though she wasn't involved in the whole mint family thing directly, she is a guardian and intends to keep peace, not afraid to use the mind hacking she learned to accomplish it. She's more Rivals with Xue at first, especially bc Xue is teasing and rebellious, but over time comes to respect his drive to protect and often comes to his rescue in a tight spot. She's also neon's Cousin by blood, so take of that what you will take! She admires team neon of course, especially Mercury, but since they dont ever use Neon's silver ink Luci knows no connection.

Anyways, Xue ends up directing Neon in the right direction, giving Rhodi the push he needs to meet and connect with one of the strongest teams in Inkopolis for safety, and spends most of his time bribing Sugar with candy to stay out of trouble and driving off people that want to hurt majesty. Xue does a lot of work behind the scenes, all for the family that accepted him the most, all the while wishing to get Mint that sweet, sweet Karmaic retribution before he can do more damage than he's already done.

Oh, and he's also buddies with boron! Boron struggles with his reality and often suffers hallucinations and a few delusions, and Xue, taking boron's form, helped him out of a particularly harsh episode and stuck with him until Mercury arrived to collect. Boron wanted to pay her back for any trouble, but Xue assured him it was fine, and if anything, asked if he could keep using Boron as one of his main faces. Boron agreed, but made him tie his hair up so that people could tell them apart for the mostpart. They twin their gear in duo league, too! But buckets are heavy.

So that's the context for that picture, the shadow is no shadow self but Xue in disguise! Funny thing too, Boron’s team is slightly monster themed with him as the charming devil, whilst Xue is often reffered to as the Angel of X, as xe only does solo Q most of the time but his expertise often heralds a win the moment you're on the spawn pad with him.

Anyways tldr: Xue is caring, he loves xis family, they love their friends, and want to murder Mint for his crimes against her loved ones. Also goes by a lot of pronouns!

Abyways i hope you like the info dump! And sorry if the story is a bit too serious im trying not to introduce and kill my detested villain in the same chapter like i do because i fill them with every personality characteristic i hate. Abyways heres last nights doodle dump again cuz i love to see Xue in action

Eyes and teeth are giveaways btw

[soundsaboutrighttumblr]

More WBL meta about the scene on the bridge in episode 4, season 2.

What is a bridge, what is the function of a joke, what does forgiveness mean, and what’s the matter with food and eating for Shu Yi? That scene on the bridge, that packs a punch.

The scene starts with the voice over of Bing Wei to Shi De in mind: How hard Shi De’s American betrayal was for Shu Yi, and “You can find noone else in the world, who loves you as much as he does.”

And we see Shi De considering that, as they walk, considering Shu Yi, his love and the choices it has had him make. He looks worried. And it makes me think, he worries about Shu Yi forgiving him for things where forgiveness would not be needed, because those things never happened.

I mean he knows mistakes were made that warrant forgiveness, but he doesn’t want Shu Yi’s love to carry a heavier load than necessary, after all, and I think that’s why he adresses it, finally after all this time.

Ahem. After making a clumsy joke that jabs at Shu Yi’s very love, when broken down to its core. About his confession back then. That you, Shi De failed to fully believe, remember? And you are calling Shu Yi an idiot?

Shi De. You are a tease and a masochist and possibly a bit of a sadist, too, and talk about ‘too soon?’.

But then again maybe it isn’t too soon.

He makes a joke at Shu Yi’s expense, and Shu Yi signals him to stop it, and it is just their dynamic, but also: Shu Yi’s face is soft and playful, and forgiving, as if nothing ever happened.

I mean, they do do that rough teasing all the time, it is their thing, they CAN handle it, it does strengthen their bond, just by being their thing.

But I think here, Shi De also realizes the dangers of that, and that he does not want Shu Yi’s blanket forgiveness any longer, now that he doesn’t have Dad’s promise to keep.

So he ‘adresses’ the misunderstandings still uncleared between them, that he knows of, that he now knows have weighed heavily on Shu Yi in the past, because he worries Shu Yi, out of the magnitude of his love, has forgiven them too, when there is no need for his love to carry that particular load.

But Shu Yi clears it up, that it is not forgiveness that has happened in that particular incident, it is that he has made up his mind to clear Shi De of his suspicions, because with all that he knows now about Shi De’s motives and insecurities, and stupid self-sacrificing choices, he doesn’t suspect him of cheating anymore.

The word stupid might have gotten mentioned a few times.

So that’s that. Which doesn’t mean that there is nothing for them that needs talking about and working out still. Which is proven by the very next more explicit echange:

Idiot./Who’s the idiot./You are. etc.

It is dressed as joking, but there are truths that are exchanged here, arguments made, accusations.

But where are they standing, as they voice those accusations?

They are standing on their bridge.

What is a bridge? It is a solid connection between two places where, without it, no two-way interaction and passage were possible, no exchange between those two worlds and instances. It must be solid enough to tread on. With baggage, even.

So what is their bridge, the ground they stand on, solid enough for them to voice dangerous steps and accusations, without fear of the bridge breaking?

I think, that yes, it is their love, but it is also their forgiveness. Their commitment to each other, their choice to move on with it, together.

So, the jokes that follow? Those are no easy, lighthearted jokes. They poke at their realest weaknesses and insecurities. They poke where it hurts. And they don’t hold nothing back, calling each other idiots -if affectionately, mostly-  for the way they handled various matters:

They poke at: Shu Yi’s love that Shi De couldn’t believe, through the continued ‘affectionate’ mocking of his confession. I think Shi De at the start just tries to say, that they have both been idiots for each other in the past, for not believing in the other, it is rather clumsy to step into it like that and mock Shu Yi’s confession, but well, they are standing at the very place.

But Shu Yi gives back just as good: Shi De’s drunk break down and those transgressions that are not forgotten. And you can see Shi De swaying, ‘You’re gonna talk about that, huh?’ Shu Yi probably still holds the power of knowlege over Shi De’s blackout here, it is a freaking power move and a punch below belt-line, but well deserved. His mocking line of ‘I’m  not drunk.’ probably hints at what might have happened after the scene we saw.

Shi De’s next desperate jab reaches back to their very beginning, or does it, because the core of it is as follows: Shu Yi’ insecurities when it comes to parental love and acceptance.

Those two are some fierce fighters, each one of them.

So. Are these really jokes, or teasing, or something else entirely? I think they are conversation starters. Sometimes jokes are just that. Serious matters presented in a manner that seems more accessible, more digestible, to start the process, over joined laughter.

This is important between them, and a good thing I believe?

This is them working out new boundaries, new ways to talk to each other, about the most painful stuff, because they stand on the common ground of their bridge. Their love, their willingness to forgive. Not forget.

Because that isn’t what forgiveness means. You don’t have to forget the ways that you have been hurt. But forgiveness can be a decision important for both parties, should they agree to go on together, and work through this together.

It means allowing yourself and your partner to move on, but to learn from the mistakes made. To try and not repeat them.

It doesn’t mean that Shu Yi gave in, as Zhe Yu might see it. But that he decided he needed that forgiveness, for himself as much as for Shi De, because he wanted to move on, with him.

So, lastly, to the fact that Shu Yi is eating in that scene.

What does it mean, when a patient that suffers from gastropathy, who often neglected his stomach’s needs for regular meals, or even hurt himself by eating spicy foods, what does it mean if such a patient is seen eating happily?

I think it means that he is taking responsibility for his own needs and well being. To show him eating in that scene here?

I think it shows how much Shu Yi has matured, and that he is very much an active and conscious and consenting participant in the things that happen, and that he lets happen.

He is not overrun by his blind love, his blind need to be with Shi De and thus gives in despite it costing him, what I think might be what is worrying Shi De at the beginning of the scene.

He is an active agent in this exchange, minding his emotional needs and boundaries.

This is them, exchanging on equal and secure footing, or learning to.

Minding their needs and responsibilities, and starting the conversation and work, that might take the rest of their lives.

Because they chose to step on that bridge together.