#I would like to apologise formally for my actions

[christinedwyer]

who's gonna stop us from waltzing back into rekindled flames if we know the steps anyway ? we embroidered the memories of the time I was away stitching we were just kids, babe.

[iiwaijime]

intertwined, sewn together — s. itoshi

wc; 3.3k

cws; fem!reader, brother's best friend, second chance, situationships, angst, fluff, cursing, suggestive i'm sorry whenever i write for sae a demon (shidou) takes over me. PLATONIC RIN X READER OHHH I LOVE HIM SM happy ending!! not proofread.

﹟you and sae are really stupid. especially sae. that's it, that's the fic.

english is not my first language, so i apologise for any mistakes :)

[august 2024.]

sometimes, love is a feeling, or a place. or sometimes it's an action. but today, just for you, love presents itself in the form of sae, five foot eleven, with widened teal eyes, and slightly parted lips, as he stares at you in the drinks aisle of the local convenience store.

"oh, shit," he says. and then he murmurs your name, reverently, like a prayer. you wish he didn't. you want to ask what he's doing here. why here, why now, why is world-famous sae itoshi at a stupid small store at the same time as you, when you're even in spain for only another day. why couldn't he have come tomorrow? or the day after?

[march, 2018.]

"hi," whispers sae itoshi. he's still in his school uniform, even after graduation, and the way he towers over you would almost be intimidating if you hadn't known him for this long. the slight tinge of a smile that had graced his lips before you opened the door — you'd seen it through the peephole — has now widened at the sight of your face.

"what exactly are you doing here, itoshi?" you half-snarl.

he counters your question with his. "what's with the last name?"

you say nothing.

"okay, i get it." he rolls his eyes. "but i came to give you something."

"what?" you stare at him suspiciously. his hands are empty, and he doesn't have any bags or similar items with him either. but then your eyes widen, and a mixture of dread and elation rises up like bile from your gut as one of his hands reaches up to the second button of his uniform. it comes off much easier than you expect, and he places it carefully in your cupped hands. your fingers brush against each other, and he lets the touch linger for a moment too long before he backs away. you're stuttering and stammering, not knowing what to say. "but this—!"

he shrugs. "do with it what you will; throw it away if you want to."

oh.

you've half a mind to run after him, call him back as he turns around to go home. maybe even— your thoughts freeze as he looks back, and there's a cocky grin on his face as his eyes meet yours. "really?"

you stare back at him, a perfect deadpan, before he starts walking towards you again. you don't want to seem too eager — you know that if you dare to look at him right now you'll end up throwing yourself into his arms — so you distract yourself by counting his steps. they're slow, calm, deliberate. everything that's not you right now. but you also know how good he is at faking things — faking this calmness, maybe. and your suspicions are confirmed correct when he uses a trembling hand to angle your head just right, so he can kiss you.

it's nothing special, the kiss that you share, but it's simultaneously everything. you pour all the yearning and passion of the past years into it, and so does he. sae lets his gaze drag over your flushed face one time, slow and tortuous when he pulls away — there is a foreign tenderness in them that you do not quite recognise — before he shakes his head, as if to clear his thoughts. "are you okay?"

"of course," you reply, caught off guard by the overly formal tone. suddenly, this sae is no longer the one who's pulled you into closets and empty classrooms and deserted kitchens, who barely a minute ago had his lips pressed to yours like his life depended on it, who traced hearts across your damp cheekbones with something that could only be defined as love.

he leaves you in the dust of stolen kisses and secret touches and his heart cradled in your hands, but he does not tell you that last part. of course not.

the button you're holding is the one closest to the heart. surely it's not what it means though, right? it has to be a prank or something, you tell yourself, but you know you're lying to yourself, too. it's small and cold to the touch — light and almost weightless, but it still feels like the weight of the universe is entirely in your palms.

[2005—2011.]

rin is the first — and only — best friend you ever have. he is three and a half (three and eight months! not three and a half!) and he is in the same grade as you, even though you're about a year older. you started school somewhat late for your age, due to being sick — you've never liked being older than the others, but having rin as your friend makes it worth it, you think. he is wide-eyed and full of wonder, and yes he occasionally says some weird things but it's okay because the two of you will be best friends forever.

his older brother, sae is extremely cool. he's almost six and he dominates the kindergarten soccer team. rin wants to be like him.

soon enough, there's no kindergarten team; instead, sae and rin control the field together as they grow older. you're at all their games to cheer on rin — that is, until, you finally really talk to sae. you've met him before, of course, but it's not like either of you have ever said anything to each other. but ten-year-old sae stares down at you, face passive as he holds a lolly out to you. you've seen this ritual maybe a thousand times — sae buying them both lollies on the way home — but you've never been included in it until today.

"what, don't you want one?" he demands, and you shake your head, scrambling up hastily to take it from him with a hurried thanks. he watches you with something almost akin to amusement, and you feel a spark of pride at being acknowledged by the sae itoshi, who is so, so cool.

"did you win?" he asks. sometimes it's a yes, mostly it's a no. you like winning, because occasionally, when you least expect it, he graces you with a rare smile that lights up his usual somber expression.

rin isn't the only reason you frequent soccer practices anymore. sometimes, when he doesn't go, it's just you and sae walking home alone. it's not that you hate rin, no way — he is your best friend, after all — but you like these walks with only sae much more than you'd like to admit.

aged ten, you find out what a crush is. you think maybe you like sae like that.

sae isn't oblivious; he notices it. of course he does. rin does too, but he hides his disgust well. his brother? gross.

[april 2018.]

you haven't seen rin this angry in a while. his relationship with sae has already been strained as of late, not to mention... this.

"fucking bastard," he says through gritted teeth. "who the fuck does he think he is to mess around with you?"

"rin." you reach out to him half-heartedly, but he ignores you, eyes still zeroed in on the button that lies innocently on his bedside table.

"he's not worth losing your shit over like this," he tells you, and you bury your face in the damp sheets again with a half-giggle, half-sob.

"but i miss him."

you hear him groan, before he climbs into bed and wraps an awkward arm around you. rin has never been good at showing physical affection.

"he doesn't deserve you," he says gently. "he's a stupid bitch."

"yeah, but he's my stupid bitch."

"gross, disgusting, fucking ew, can you not talk about my brother like that?"

his reaction makes you laugh, and it lifts the mood, if only a little bit.

"i've liked him for a really long time," you confess.

"i know."

"we spent an entire year going back and forth, doing i don't know what— i feel stupid now."

"i know."

[2017.]

you feel guilty for blowing rin off just to hang out with his brother, but who are you to refuse when sae asks you, of all people?

you're lying on your bed, using a stuffed dragon as a pillow, while your arms are wrapped around a bear. sae is beside you, and he's... staring at you? your head whips around to look at him, and his eyes dart away from your lips.

"what's up, sae?"

"nothing," he hums. the movie drones on in the background, and you know he's lying, and his tongue comes out to wet his lips as he still stares at you.

"y/n."

you tilt your head to one side in lieu of a response.

"come closer," he says, and your heart skips a beat. you know what he's asking of you; you know it won't do rin any justice if you get with the one person he really dislikes right now.

so you shake your head. "but rin—"

"you're dating?"

"no, of course not!"

"you like him?"

"gross—"

"so what's the problem, then? i know you like me." he says it with an easy confidence, the voice of someone self-assured in his allure. he's sure you like him, you realise — not that you don't, but still. and his eyes bore into yours in a way that's hypnotising and so undeniably him that you can't help but move closer.

sae kisses you for the first time that day, one of many more to come over the course of the year. he's equal parts gentle and rough, fingers digging into the skin of your waist even though the way he kisses you is almost shy.

"we should hang out more often," he says as he leaves. the corner of his mouth quirks up, and you know he's talking about something else that's not just hanging out. waving his phone at you, he adds, "text me later."

[june 2018.]

the artificial glow of your phone screen lights up the entire room as you scroll through the old texts between you and sae.

you looked good yesterday.

those girls r hitting on me like i want any1 other than u LMFAO

imy come over??

unbeknownst to you, the brightness wakes up rin behind you; you don't notice until he's reaching blindly for your phone to turn it off, grumbling way too many swears for a sixteen-year-old boy.

"stop thinking of him," he complains sleepily. "it's gross and also pathetic. but mostly gross."

you don't oppose him as he pulls it away from your hands. maybe he's right. maybe you do need to stop.

[march 2020.]

today, you graduate. standing beside rin, you don't tell him about the button tucked neatly in your pocket. you also don't tell him that you think his brother has ruined you, that you think— no, you know you'll never be able to love anyone else like this ever again. you love/miss/hate him so much and it curls around your heart and lungs like blooming flowers, but slowly you are forgetting how to breathe. you ignore them, the flowers die a little faster. rin cuts them out like weeds, too, but sometimes he nicks you in the process. the momentary pain is worse than slowly sinking into death, though, so you let him.

[august 2024.]

"sae," you breathe, and he takes a singular step forward.

"what are you doing here?"

"i'm just, y'know, getting around a bit, travelling here and there," you babble nervously. an anxious, high pitched laugh bubbles out of your throat.

sae has never been one to mince his words, to beat around the bush. so he puts the can of schweppes dry ginger ale back onto the shelf, and comes over to you. "come home with me."

your first instinct is to say no — because what the actual fuck is going on, and why does he expect you to even— sae laughs. "i don't intend to, y'know, get you into my bed tonight."

a cocky grin. "unless that's what you—"

"of course not!" you snap. "what do you want, sae?"

"just wanna catch up," he says, and his smile is downright evil. he knows what effect he has on you, and he's not afraid to exploit it. "just wanna catch up with my favourite girl."

your knees turn to jelly. momentarily, you entertain the thought of running into oncoming traffic.

"i'm only here for two more days," you argue helplessly. you know it's a losing battle either way; it's incredibly difficult to even pretend you don't want to see him again, talk to him again, have things just like they were before. because even if it wasn't the best for you back then, you'd still had him, still gotten to know him and feel him.

"that's long enough, no? tonight, and i'll drive you back to wherever you need to go."

you relent far too quickly; you know that he knows there was no real resistance in the first place.

he lives close by, he tells you, so the two of you can just walk. what are you getting? he'll pay for it— oh, come on, don't refuse! it's almost a tradition at this point. do you still like that rare brand of chocolate milk? guess what, this store has it. here, i'll buy you some. oh, remember to inform whoever you're staying with, lest they get worried.

he is talkative, caring. you, on the other hand, remain silent. does he miss you? you wonder. has he missed you, all this time?

neither of you expect the night to go the way it does, though. not that you're really worried about it. not when you're clumsily going through sae's drawers in search of extra PJs, not when he pulls the covers back to let you stumble drunkenly into his arms, and not when you're kissing him again so many years later. certainly not when he's telling you about how much he's missed you, how you're the only one he's wanted all along, how you're the only girl he's thought of these past six years. you can taste the wine on his lips — nothing unpleasant, if you're being honest — and when he rasps baby into your mouth, you think that there aren't a lot of things you wouldn't give up to stay like this forever.

true to his word, sae doesn't let things go too far. it doesn't mean that you don't spend the night at his, however, and when you finally wake up, he's still there.

okay, so what if some part of you had assumed that this was some sort of fever dream? you've dreamt of sae before, of course, so it's nothing new. sure, it's a little more intense than your usual, but who are you to complain? only, all of those thoughts disappear when sae stretches with a groan and slides his freezing hands under your shirt to rest against the warmth of your stomach.

you let out a sleepy shriek, rolling away from him before he pulls you back. "what the fuck, sae?"

"i'm cold," he complains, and with a mix of horror and delight, you realise that the two of you have fallen right back into your old dynamic. his fingers are warming up as he traces a three-part pattern onto your skin under your shirt. by the fourth repeat of the pattern, you come to the conclusion that they're letters. by the sixth, you've recognised it as his name.

you brush your teeth in the bathroom together; it is an odd display of domesticity that you don't exactly hate. you're still in his clothes when he places a mug of coffee in front of you.

"i did it the way you like it," he says. "i remembered."

it's obvious he's not talking about coffee here. you stare into warm liquid; a distorted reflection of yourself stares back. you swallow. "sae."

"mm?" turning back to face you, he takes a sip of his own coffee.

"what are we?" the age-old question that you've never dared to ask — neither has he, for that matter — slips out from between your lips. sae chokes.

"what do you want us to be?"

"no, no, no." you shake your head, standing up. "don't turn this around on me, sae, you already know what i want. i'm asking you, because i'm not going to tolerate this on-and-off thing like i did last time."

"hm." he sits down next to you. "i know i fucked up before, but i want to try again."

"try again as in...?"

"go out with me," he says flatly.

your heart thumps a staccato beat inside of your chest.

"wait, but i'm leaving the day after tomorrow," you protest. "how's this going to work out?"

sae smiles lopsidedly, tipping sugar out of the little bowl of it onto one of the table mats. you follow the movements of his finger as it creates rough paths through the white crystals.

"long distance?"

you shrug. "i don't know, sae, it's a lot to start off with."

"who says we have to start with long distance?" he asks, grinning."

"what?"

"i'll be going back to japan soon, to renew my passport again."

oh. oh.

"we don't... have to do anything that's out of your comfort zone," he tells you. "but you should know that i want you, a lot."

"the feeling's mutual." your face is shamefully pink, something which appears to amuse him greatly.

you leave him with remnants of wine-soaked kisses and your favourite hair tie wrapped around his wrist and a promise of return; his heart is still in your hold, but this time he tells you that. you promise to keep it safe.

[november 2024 onwards ♡]

you are at the airport, waiting for him. not yet his, but you will be, soon. or maybe you have been, all this time. he looks refreshingly pretty against the backdrop of hundreds and thousands of other people you don't know; when his eyes finally meet yours, he smiles. the normally expressionless (in public, at least) sae smiles as he all but runs over to you. you're about to greet him when interrupts.

"can i kiss you now? it's literally the only thing i've thought about since you left."

an airport kiss? how cliché. you do it anyways. his cheeks and nose are tinged red because of the cold — or not the cold — and he holds you carefully, like you'll break with a singular wrong move.

in the parking lot, you think someone recognises him. there's a shy whisper of his name that he ignores, and he kisses you again, harder, before opening your car door for you like a perfect gentleman.

"fuck," he breathes as he leans back in the passenger seat. "if you're like this the whole time i'm here, i won't be able to just leave."

your boyfriend is absolutely whipped, and it shows in every little action, every word he says. it shows when you ask him when he's leaving and he shrugs, and it's not really brought up again, and when he hands you a key and the address of his new apartment. yeah, soccer matters, of course, but you matter more.

rin finds that he hates the two of you being together more than how much he hates sae and how he left you, combined.

"you're disgusting," he tells the two of you, but he still ends up (willingly) being the best man at your wedding.

a/n; whew, writing 4 sae again <3 btw sae is not ooc he's only this open with reader bcuz he wants her ok. crying i hate this actually. title from not a lot, just forever by adrianne lenker

tags !! @c4ttheart

[maslows-pyramid-scheme]

Andrew Thomas Hayler, 38, pleaded guilty to 28 counts of using a carriage service to cause offence [creating deepfakes] involving 26 women between July 2020 and August 2022, including his close friends, former housemates, colleagues, his best friend's sister and family members. In many instances, Hayler took photographs of his victims from social media accounts and superimposed their faces onto sexually explicit images, which he then uploaded to an Instagram account and pornography website with more than 300,000 members. These were sometimes accompanied by graphic rape fantasies and descriptions of physical violence. In captions accompanying a photograph of a woman who described Hayler as a "close friend", he described a sexually explicit rape fantasy to be enacted over the "dumb slut". In some cases, Hayler also published identifying details including the women's full names, occupations, the suburbs they lived in and links to their social media profiles. At times he invited other users to publish comments detailing the ways in which they would like to assault the women. In September 2020, he posted on Instagram a photograph of a family member and another woman with a caption asking users to choose one for a derogatory sexual act. A photograph of another family member and three others in school uniforms were accompanied by the words: "It is up to us to turn them into our sluts, we need to force them to..." Hayler sometimes used multiple accounts to reply to his own posts, creating the illusion of social engagement. As he walked into the Downing Centre District Court on Thursday morning, the ABC asked Hayler how he felt about what he had done. "I'm really, really sorry," he replied. "It was a dark part of my psychology that came out and manifested." Although Hayler was not formally sentenced, Judge Jane Culver indicated that she planned on imposing a term of imprisonment. Hayler's defence lawyer told the court her client had "said his goodbyes" and wished to begin his custodial sentence immediately. ... After listening to the victim impact statements, Hayler took the stand and apologised for his offending. "I have really done a terrible thing and I am so very sorry to them, their families, friends and work colleagues," he told the court. "It's bigger than myself and them, it's affected the community. "I was living in this weird messed-up fantasy not thinking about the consequences of my actions." Hayler agreed that he chose "strong women" whom he found sexually attractive. He said the activity had been an "outlet for part of [his] psyche [he] didn't want to bring out in public".

He's not sorry that he did it; he's only sorry that he got caught.

[redhotj]

formal apology

i guess its time i made this.

yes, its me, redhotj, the person who has been spewing transphobic bullshit in the drdt fandom the past week and had overall been ridiculous and saying stuff that was weird at best and outright harmful at worst so its time i apologised. and no, i dont want anyone trying to defend my actions (not that you would, ive rightfully been called out)

im sorry to anyone i had sent threats too. i plan to send in a proper apology to the main person who i downright sent rape threats too (i don't know what i was thinking, that was disgusting.) and had overall been a huge asshole too as well.

im really sorry for my offensive tier lists, such as the n word tier list and the "who is transphobic" tier list. i did the former at the time because i thought it was funny but seeing as im not black, i shouldn't have been making that list (and it later came to my attention that charles is latin, not black, so i have no idea why i put him in "can say the word").

im really sorry to all the transphobic bullshit ive been spouting. im still trying to understand trans people now and ive been overreacting and being downright hurtful. especially towards nonbinary people. im not going to defend myself or try to explain myself because why i did it doesn't matter. i hurt people. end of. what i said is inexcusable and i did actual damage to real people who have lives.

im sorry for completely misunderstanding the cast and not putting my biases aside when making posts. i dont know why i thought eden, the nicest character to ever character, would be anywhere close to what i used to be. i guess i just wanted to be spiteful.

like i said before, im not deleting any of the posts i made. not because i dont regret them, but because i dont want to sweep what i did under the rug and pretend it never happened. because it did, and people got hurt because of me.

im sorry for everything. i truly am. i dont expect forgiveness and its okay if you don't forgive me for what i did, but i am willing to learn and change. if there is anything i can do, let me know.

apart from killing myself because... id rather not sorry

yours sincerely, redhotj

[thesparklingwriter]

taking fate into one's own hands

09—acceptance

Word count: 2.5k

navi | taglist | masterlist

“Is there some kind of invisible barrier I am not privy to?” you joke, unfolding the layers of fabric and preparing to hang them up in your closet. They are soft and cool against your hands. A luxury, you remind yourself as your fingers slide over the pink embroidery. It is beautiful and familiar. The familiarity confuses you, and you move one to the next piece.

Zhongli’s response is delayed as his eyes zero in on how you’re unfolding your clothes—into colour piles first, and then you look at each piece in more detail. The action is familiar to him, and even more so is the glint in your eyes as you look over your shoulder at him.

“Does the aforementioned barrier reduce your ability to hear, too?” you add, holding a brown dress with golden embroidery. You had never thought much of earth tones, but this one is so stunning that it almost takes your breath away.

“I apologise. I was preoccupied. It is your space and I did not want to intrude.”

And as much as you would like to deny that it has become your space, a quick look around quickly tells you that it has—it is lived in but in a neat kind of way. You surprise yourself with your emotions nowadays—you actually like your routine here, you enjoy looking out and the Liyuean scenery, and you want to talk to Zhongli.

“That’s sweet.” you reply. “You don’t have to stay out there if you don’t want to.”

He glances over to your desk, at the sealeed letter that rests there. “You finished it?”

You nod, getting up to hand it to him. “Do you know anything?”

“Nothing that is certain.” he replies. You don’t even know why you bother. 

“Do you think my parents made some kind of deal with them?”

“That is a possibility.” he says. And you want to call him out on being secretive and not telling the truth, but the look in his eyes is telling you that he wishes he’d known more, that he could help you more.

And you find yourself staring into those eyes—for longer than is reasonable before you clear your throat. “I should find Alanna.”

“I shall see you at dinner, then.” he says finally, and you smile lightly. There is nothing else for you to say as he excuses himself. As he walks out, Alanna walks back in, brandishing what can only be described as a trove of assorted accessories.

“How on Teyvat do you disappear like that?” you grumble as she urges you into your seat.

Alanna doesn’t reply to your question. “Sit down, please! I heard there’s a new inn opening in Liyue Harbour, and they invited the king to the opening. And I have it on good authority that the king will ask you to accompany him.” 

You glance up at her as she starts fussing with your hair, “He would have asked me earlier.”

“Have you ever considered that the king has nerves?”

“Of steel? Yes, I have.” you sigh. “How long have you known about this opening? Is this why you wanted to dress me up?”

“I found out while I was hunting for hair pieces.” Alanna smiles. “But now I have a perfect excuse to make you look even better since I’m not allowing you to decline the invitation.”

“Alanna!” 

“I see the way you look at him. And I know you. You will wallow in pity for as long as I allow you to. You are allowed to make friends, you are allowed to be happy. Stop denying yourself that because of decisions your parents made.”

You scowl at her, but you allow her to doll you up. You don’t question it when she picks the gold and brown outfit, and the dragon hairpiece. You don’t question the way she hurries you out the door when Zhongli arrives once again to let you know dinner is ready.

“Why the fanfare?” you ask him, noting his hair is braided and his attire is more formal than on usual days.

“It would be impolite to allow you to dress up while I relax in my casual wear.” he replies easily as you both begin the short walk to the dining room. You wonder why he always finds you himself rather than asking one of the palace help to get you.

Your dinner is quiet and amicable. You ask Zhongli about grammar rules, and when you mention that they're similar to an old dialect from when your kingdom was first born, the look on his face changes so slightly that you almost miss it. He asks you to elaborate, and when you do, he is shocked that you sound the same as you used to.

But as usual, he doesn’t address it, and pushes the topic forward. Clearing his throat as he finishes his meal, he speaks.

“I was wondering if you might accompany me on a small outing later. I have been invited to the opening of a new inn and i thought you might appreciate it if i passed forward the invite.”

You blink at him. You expected this, but you didn’t expect him to ask so humbly. “Does the initial invitation extend to me?”

“In a very discreet way, yes. They mentioned provisions for an additional guest. This rarely ever happens.”

“If i am not putting anyone out,” you agree quietly, “I would be honoured.”

The tension in Zhongli’s frame seems to dissipate. “I shall ask someone to alert you when the carriage is ready.”

“Do I need to do anything to prepare?” you ask, and zhongli pauses.

“It is not a political affair.” he says finally. “There is nothing for you to worry about in that regard.”

“Okay.” you say. “I’ll come.”  

~

The carriage differs from the one you were in the first time you came to Liyue, and you are grateful. Although your time here hasn’t been unpleasant, you don’t think you’d be able to cope with reliving your emotions from that morning.

“What's so special about this inn? Do you always get invited to all new openings?”

Zhongli smiles, sat across the carriage from you. Alanna opted to stay home, and Xiao had chosen to make his own way there.

“Not ordinarily. An acquaintance of mine is in charge of the kitchen, and since she has invited me to her previous ventures and most have thrived, she seems to believe that I am a lucky charm.”

You laugh at him. “It’s one thing for her to believe that but another thing for you to indulge it.” You've learnt that there are many complexities to Zhongli’s character. Although he can be firm, there’s a soft side to him bubbling under the surface. A soft side that seems to be coming out more as the days go by.

“She is a dear friend and her joy is contagious," Zhongli says. "You’ll see.”

You feel the beginnings of jealousy build up in your chest, but you ignore it. As far as you’re concerned, you have no claim on him other than on paper. So you glance out the window so Zhomgli can’t see the conflict on your face.

The inn is incredibly popular. There are already people milling about, and although they are waiting for the announcement of the store opening, Xiao catches quite a few people expressing excitement for being in the king's presence. And he even hears a few people mentioning you, the foreign bride—although there was no wedding to be heard of.

And Xiao himself had his concerns, but he was mostly interested in viewing the two of you from the people's perspective.

Even though the carriage is parked a decent distance from the inn due to space constraints, it's easy for Xiao to pinpoint when you're both in the vicinity. Zhongli brings with him an air of tranquillity. But you seem to have the opposite effect. 

There’s a buzz in the air when they catch sight of you, and as it isn't a formal event, there is no one to announce your entry, so speculations ripple through the group. People at the back of the crowd see Zhongli talk to you quietly and urge you forward so you are not walking behind him. They see—but probably don't notice—how he positions himself so you are at the centre of his vision.

They cannot fault your attire or your demeanour. You are not loud or intentionally disrespectful of their culture; there is not a single hair or piece of fabric out of place. And more than anything, the king looks at ease near to you.

Zhongli’s friend darts out of the inn doors, flying out at him as if to give him a hug, but she glances at you and pauses.

And then, even more to your surprise, Zhongli glances at you too, and you conjure up a phrase from the kids books you’d been going through to say you don’t mind.

Immediately she turns to you instead, pulling you into a hug.

“i’m Xiangling, it’s nice to meet you.” her accent is different to Zhongli’s and you feel bad that your grasp of her language is so bad that she has to speak yours.

“It’s lovely to meet you too,” you reply, smiling brightly. You open your mouth to apologise, but Zhongli thinks better of it.

“Xiangling often travels to different nations for ingredients. She enjoys practising her linguistic abilities.” Zhongli lowers his head to speak to you, and his warm breath against your ear makes you shiver. What is happening with you today?

“Already sharing secrets.” Xiangling scoffs. “i never thought i'd see the day.”

Zhongli makes no effort to defend himself. “If a heart doesn’t beat once in it’s lifetime, it cannot claim to be one.”

Xiangling scoffs. “That makes no sense. Come, I want to show you around.”

Xiangling takes you both around the inn, showing you all the suites and important rooms and meal preps and menus. She lets you taste the champagne, and after a while, it all becomes a little too much, so you excuse yourself.

You sip at your flute of champagne, glancing over at the plains. It is bittersweet to see the green and fresh grounds when you know things aren’t so idyllic at home. All the inn does is remind you of your home and how busy it used to be in your palace.

“May i join you?”

“You may.” you reply, as Zhongli rests his hands on the balcony railing beside you. “It’s a beautiful view.”

“But you feel guilty for appreciating it.” He says quietly.

“I know my parents, and despite everything, they would only ever send me away if I was in danger. Whatever they did, whatever deal they made was going to affect me. They’re choosing me over their people. I am the reason my kingdom is dying. And they won’t tell me the truth, so I can’t even help, and I’m scared. I’m so scared that the blood of thousands and thousands of innocent civilians will be on my hands, and I can’t do anything about it.” Your hands begin to shake, and Zhongli takes the glass out of your hand and places it on the deck.

“It will not be on your hands. You are not responsible for your parents actions.”

“Have they replied to my letter?”

“My courier has not returned.”

“This is all my fault.” you sob. “They wouldn’t do this if not for me. I pray their deal was worth it because I don’t know if I can take the guilt.” you wrap your arms around your body as if you can compact yourself with your own hands.

Zhongli is silent for a while, trying to think of any comforting words. But he knows what you need is the truth, and he does not know it.

“Would you like me to hold you?” he says finally and you turn to hug him before he even finishes the sentence. You melt into his arms as he gently rubs your back.

“This is not your fault. Not at all. So please, I beg of you, do not let it make you feel guilty.”

Your knees give way underneath you, and Zhongli follows, using himself to stop your knees from tsking the most of the hit as you sob into his chest. He doesn't say anything, he doesn't ask when you'll be done, and he doesn't try to soothe you with cheap lies and half-truths. His hands cradle the back of your head until your tears have subsided.

“I’m sorry.” you whisper.

“You can feel every single emotion under the sun if you need to. you never have to feel sorry for relying on me.” he replies. “We will figure this out. It will all be as it should..”

You get comfortable in his arms, so much so that when you reluctantly separate yourself from him, the world suddenly feels cold.

“Do not rush yourself.”

“I fear I overestimate your goodwill.” you reply drily, gently rising to your feet.

“No such thing. Do you think you can tolerate the ride home tonight?”

You nod. You would rather sleep in your own bed.

On the carriage ride home, your head lolls against Zhongli’s shoulder as you fall asleep. Acting impulsively, he cradles your head as the carriage flies over a rocky patch. As much as he promised to not let his past emotions influence what he does in this life, he cannot help but be drawn to you. And maybe you’ve begun to do the same over the past few days.

When the carriage draws to a stop, he decides to at least try to carry you if you’ll let him, and if it will keep you asleep for longer, he is okay with doing it. He is surprised by how you turn into him and ignores the look Xiao gives him as he carries you in.

“Might I speak with you?”

“You may. Once she is comfortable,” he replies, almost dismissing Xiao. He grapples with where to let you sleep—he doesn’t want to invade your privacy by taking him into your room, but he doesn’t want to worry you by leaving you in his.

“Surely the obvious choice is to—“

“Is your grand plan to wake her up?” Zhongli shoots back. He decides to risk your scrutiny and leave you in your room. Alanna is nowhere to be found when he opens the door, so he places you in your bed and tucks you in. Suddenly, he feels the urge for more—to stroke your hair, to kiss your forehead… but he regains his composure and excuses himself.

Xiao immediately returns to business as Zhongli is back in his sights. 

“It does not take a genius to observe, but you don't think as negatively of her as you want us to believe,” Xiao replies drily.

“Giving precedence to unrequited emotions is a waste of time.” 

“You wouldn’t give precedence to any emotions if I allowed you the opportunity to do so.” He grunts. “I don’t see why you cannot simply refrain from lying to yourself.”

“I am not lying to myself. I am simply being realistic.” Zhongli retorts, sitting wearily at his desk. “

“She is here anyway. There is no shame in doing something for yourself for once. Allow yourself happiness. It is not a crime to like a woman, you know.”

“Perhaps the fact I like her is the problem.” Zhongli shoots back.

The two men stare at each other blankly until Zhongli clears his throat. “I believe I have a better understanding of the Abyss’ intentions. But if what i suspect is true, i do not know how to solve this problem.”

Neither of them notices you as you leave your room, looking for an entrance to the gardens and catching the tail end of their conversation.

notes: are we all enjoying the celeste resurgence? two posts in the last 2 days like wth who even am I

Taglist: @tartigglez @ainescribe @blue-sapphire-ink @mikashisus @local-lover-boy @osmanthus-wine-addiction @vitanye @peachystea

[lost-in-elfhame-help]

I would like to formally apologise to @kitt-azer and @clydetourmaline for my actions while drugged. But still you are disgustingly cute Kitt. @balek1ng I regret nothing.

@viviiduarte only thing I regret is making you chase me around and worry. I meant everything I said 🩷

@pr1nce0fsunl1ght deal with it

[exchangestudentnova]

Jushiro Ukitake first saw you when the whole squad 13 went out for picnic in celebration of their latest win. You, being one of the new recruits, did not feel much deserving to be celebrating a win where you only played a small role and did not confront the enemy at all. Nonetheless, you were there with your friends as you make flower crowns for everyone. "May I wear one as well?" You were startled and quickly rose to your feet and bowed, you did not expect the captain to come and talk to you personally. Ukitake smiled and let out a small laugh, telling you to drop the formalities for such an event and you proceeded to make a flower crown for him.

You noticed he talks to everyone with the same level of politeness and respect, with his fellow captains, with his immediate subordinates, with his squad members and even with newbies like yourself. But you felt something was....off. There was a glint in his eyes that seemed to be present only when he's having a conversation with you, but maybe you were imagining things. You interacting with him became a daily thing. He would call you in his office and give you a small chore and ask you questions about your life, which turned into hour long conversations.

You joined squad 13 because of its calm environment, but you still haven't had the chance to join the battlefield, the zanpakuto on your hip collecting dust. You decided to talk to the Captain, he'll surely help you right? Even killing a small hollow would be a big achievement for you. "Captain if I'm not interrupting, may I make a small request?" Ukitake looked up from the book in his hand. "Go ahead" "Captain I'll like to join my colleagues on the frontlines" He closed the book, making eye contact. "I see... so that's your request? I'll do something about it okay?" You were happy he listened to you, now you can finally put your academy training to work.

The squad was preparing to go the site where a huge hollow was spotted and during the preparations you got summoned to the captain's office. You hoped it would be about him allowing you to go there as well."Ah you're here. Please take a seat, I have important matters to discuss with you. I've also prepared tea and snacks for us" Ukitake ushered you to sit in front of him as the two of you created a strategy to approach the holllow. When the solid plan was completed you excused yourself, but as soon as you stood up you fell to your side, the last thing you saw was Ukitake's arms holding you before you hit the ground.

The sound of a man's cough woke you up. It was a dimly lit room, a room you've never set foot in before. " You're awake. That's good. Now let me help you sit up straight" You recognised the man's voice, of course you did, you've conversed with this man daily.

Ukitake held your hand in his as he spoke " I must apologise for my actions dearest, but what other option did I have? How else could I have kept you away from the pain? Don't worry the poison I add in your meal would not cause you any harm, just makes you a little weak. That's all. Being affected by a chronic illness has made me a bit educated in medicine, so you're in good hands. I'll take great care you. I will not let anything harm you."His hands reach out to the bowl kept at his side.

He scooped some soup into the spoon, bringing it near your mouth.

"Now say ahh..."

[i-just-like-goats]

Gojo x Female Reader

Summary: Gojo's soulmate is an assassin sent to kill him

Warnings: choking, attempted murder, mentions of death

WC: 1.4k

Part 2

A/N: this is my 4th time posting this and I am so sorry. The first 3 were because of tags, this one is just cos I noticed an inconsistency in the original but tumblr wouldn't let me save my edits😭

The first time Gojo met you, he was sure he was in love.

There you were buying kikufuku, with that soft smile of yours. You captivated him in a way that no other woman had. How could he not fall in love?

And when you turned to look at him gawking at you, you smiled so brightly that Gojo's heart was immediately touched.

"Hello. Sorry, was I in your way?"

"Not at all,"

You smiled so sweetly and held his arm so gently when he offered to walk you home. Fushiguro and the finger would have to wait. He was so infatuated with every action you did that he only narrowly missed the knife you swung at his chest.

"This usually how you greet the men that walk you home?"

"Only for you love,"

Perhaps it was unwise for him to develop feelings for you when you were trying to kill him. Yet the way you were holding your own against his attacks and your raw beauty had him debating which side he was on. Maybe not to that extent, but you were definitely confusing him.

Which reminded him he needed to get back to Fushiguro. He'd definitely be scolded by his student.

"As much as I'd love to continue seeing your beautiful face, I've got somewhere to be. See you!"

"Hey!"

The second time you met Gojo, he almost didn't recognise you. Your disguise was impeccable. Even people who had known you for years couldn't recognise you whenever you put this disguise on. Yet he somehow managed to call out to you in that cheerful voice.

"Hey! Fancy seeing you here!"

You grimaced at his loud voice. Must he draw attention to the both of you in this way? You forced a smile and poured him his glass of wine he had ordered.

"Your red wine sir." You smiled.

"Come on now. No need to be so formal with me. We're so-"

One waiter had tripped and knocked Gojo's elbow, causing his wine to spill over his front.

"I apologise for my incompetence sir! I accept any punishment you see fit!"

"It's quite alright. This jacket is dark, so the stain won't be visible and it was in need of a wash anyway,"

The waiter bowed deeply and continued apologising profusely while you groaned and glared daggers at your coworker. Your last batch of poison had been in that glass of wine. The next shipment of ingredients for your poison wouldn't be until next month. What a drag this mission was.

"Say, why don't we catch up once your shift is over? I'll wait for you,"

A perfect opportunity. You smiled again.

"Of course,"

Hours passed and true to his word, Gojo had remained sitting at his table until it was closing time. Your manager had him wait outside for you while the restaurant was cleaned, providing you with an opportunity to surprise him.

You leapt deftly onto Gojo's back, wrapped your arms around his neck.

"What a nice sur-"

And attempted to choke him. He struggled in your grip.

"How cute! What a beautiful couple! Would you mind if I took a photo of the two of you?"

You immediately stopped choking him. You ground your teeth but smiled nonetheless. Gojo took several deep breaths

"I don't mind, do you honey?"

"No, of course not love,"

"You might want to loosen up, your boyfriend there looked like he was struggling to breathe,"

"That was the point," You muttered.

Gojo chuckled and posed for the photo.

"Great! Thank you!"

With that, the person walked off content with the photo. You began to constrict his air supply again, but he flipped you onto the ground over his shoulder. With a groan, you sat up and rubbed your back.

"Was that necessary?"

"A bit of payback for the second attempt on my life,"

"Alright. Well I'll be off then,"

"Leaving already?"

"Can't have you knowing where I live, otherwise you'd annoy me every day,"

"I would never,"

Gojo watched as you threw something at the ground, then stepped through the mist it created and vanished.

"Always coming but never staying. How cruel. Soulmate. I don't even know your name,"

The third time Gojo met you, he knew he would risk it all for you. Whatever side you were on no longer mattered to him. Had you been on the side of the sorcerers, perhaps things would have been much easier.

"Soulmate! Are you hurt?"

"Oh no, I'm perfectly fine thank you. The curse bit me, which took a chunk out of my leg and it doesn't hurt at all. I'm enjoying the pain so very much you idiot,"

"Alright alright I get it. No need to be so moody soulmate,"

"Stop calling me your soulmate,"

"Why? Don't you know that the red string wrapped around our fingers means we're soulmates?"

"I know what soulmates are stupid,"

Gojo pouted, "Why aren't you calling me love anymore?"

"Because I'm no longer trying to seduce you. I just need to kill you,"

"So blunt. But you don't need to kill me since you've been fired,"

"What are you doing?"

Gojo made no answer and hovered his hand up and down your leg, assessing the damage.

"Hey this isn't funny. I didn't consent to this. Ow!"

You clenched your jaw tightly as a burning sensation erupted from where Gojo placed his hand on your leg.

"There. Wasn't so bad now was it soulmate?"

"I told you to stop calling me that,"

"I can't, unless I know your name,"

"I'm not giving it,"

"Well then sucks to be you, I'm still calling you soulmate because that's what you are,"

You muttered angrily under your breath and exhaled.

"I severely dislike you because I find you insufferable and I don't know how on earth we came to be soulmates, but thank you, for healing me,"

"How did you even get hurt?" He asked softly.

"I haven't been able to kill you. It's harming my reputation and my employer's reputation, so I guess they decided I wasn't worth keeping around anymore if I couldn't kill one man and they sent me on a suicide mission. I exorcised the curse's buddy but it's still out there,"

"Why don't you and I hunt the curse down?"

"Sure, not like I have really much else to lose anyway,"

Needless to say, you got your revenge on the curse and its owner. By the end of it, both had been in tears before you exorcised the curse and turned in its owner.

"Good thinking there. You kept us out of trouble by letting him hit you first,"

"I'm an assassin Gojo, it's only natural that I know how to get myself out of situations,"

"Right. So, want to continue our date?"

"No,"

"Come on. I'm no longer the enemy am I?"

"I may no longer be required to kill you, but like I said before: I severely dislike you,"

"Bit harsh," Gojo ran to catch up with your walking figure, "At least let me feed you tonight and make sure you've got a job,"

"Fine,"

"Great!"

You slumped into the seat across from Gojo and plugged in your earphones as Gojo ordered something for the two of you to eat.

"So why do you hate me?"

"I don't hate you. I just said severely dislike,"

"Alright, so why do you severely dislike me?"

"Because you're hard to kill,"

"Is that it? Shouldn't be too hard to get you to like me. You lost your job because of me, so all I need to do is get you a new job. How would you like to teach at Jujutsu Tech. I saw your physical capabilities, such little cursed energy but your fighting is remarkable. The students, Maki in particular, would benefit greatly from your expertise,"

"And you still try to help and befriend me even after I tried to kill you. Twice. You're not mad? Not even in the slightest?"

"A bit annoyed, definitely, but the determination wins,"

You took a sip from your drink, deep in thought. How could he be so kind to you after all you put him through?

"Determination to do what?"

"To at least get a friend out of this,"

He lifted his right hand, gesturing to his pinky.

"We're soulmates for a reason, we're not destined to hate each other, so I want to see if we can make this work, but baby steps. So please consider taking the job,"

"Alright, I'll teach the young sorcerers at Jujutsu Tech. Just know that I'm only doing this because I need to financially sustain myself somehow,"

"Excellent!"

Gojo shook your hand enthusiastically.

"Can't wait to teach alongside my new co-worker!"

You buried your face into your hands and groaned. There's no way he'd let you back out now that you agreed. This year would be an interesting one that's for sure.

[helpimhyperfixating]

*Peeks your hoarder status*

So......... y'all got any of them WIPs? 👀 Tbh, I've always been intrigued by that Android Joots...

The android fic has been a little baby of mine for so so long. And I’m so mad at myself for constantly forgetting about it

I wanna finish it, Dangit 😩

So, I’ve decided to give you all the first scene of meeting Android!Jotaro :3

Is this inspired by DBH? Yes, but it’s my own spin on androids too ^^

The plot of course involves romance and this is just one (long) scene, but have an extended sneak peak:

Word Count: 1562

The doorbell ringing caught your attention.

Putting down your book, you got up and started walking to your door, only to hear the doorbell ringing once more. Calling out a soft ‘I’m coming!’ as you sped up, the doorbell rang again and you furrowed your brow for whoever impatient was standing behind it.

Pulling the door open a little harder than you intended, you glared up. “What?” You asked with a hint of annoyance, only for your eyes to widen.

Looking down at you, face devoid of any emotion, stood an android. Your j.o.e.s.t.a.r. Android. “O-Oh, hello.”

He was wearing the standard android uniform of long-sleeved shirt and pants – the dark coloured version. Simple yet effective. His right sleeve sported the android indicator, as if the glowing light on the left side of his head was not evidence enough.

“Good morning. I am the KJ03, serial number 172941, your new android.”

For a second you just stood there, dumbfounded. His voice was very deep and sounded smooth, making you want to blush. At that being your first thought however, you mentally slapped yourself and jump-started into action.

“Uh, come in, sorry!” You stepped aside and let the door open a little wider, giving him room to get inside.

He didn’t say anything but just got inside, walking through the hall and then stopping in the middle of the room, holding his hands in his pockets as he seemed to just… stop.

After twenty seconds of you just staring at his back and him not moving, you walked up to him and around to in front of him. “Uh, are you alright?”

At this, he finally averted his eyes down to you, looking you over for a second and stopping at your feet before turning around and looking behind himself.

“I apologise, I’ve tracked dirt.” Stepping out of his shoes, he bent down and picked them up, turning back to you. “I’ll clean it.” With that, he walked back to the door and put his shoes in the corner. In the same area as yours but still a bit away - out of the way.

“You don’t have to, you know, honest mistake.” You spoke and you could have sworn you saw his eyes soften for a split second before steeling back into what they were before.

“It is my duty as your android.” He opened the broom closet in the hallway without faltering and took out a dustpan and tin, as if he had always known it was stored there.

Furrowing your brows a bit, you simply looked at him for a bit while he cleaned the few atoms of dirt he had tracked inside, getting lost in your thoughts at the same time.

He was a lot politer and more formal than you would have imagined. But at the same time, every sentence he had said so far seemed a bit strained. As if someone dragged to a party and forced to talk and intermingle with others. Did he not want to talk like that but was he being forced to? Could you do anything to make him more comfortable? Make him change his mind about being formal? He seemed really stubborn, would that even be possible?

“Miss L/N.” His voice speaking up snapped you out of your thoughts and you saw him standing right in front of you, bent down slightly to your height to look directly into you eyes. “I asked if there was something else you wanted me to do.”

“Oh, uh…” You looked around a bit, but honestly, you had no idea what to do with an android. “No, not really, sorry. You can just go do something you like?” You said, unsure, and he hummed, standing upright and going to turn away before you stopped him. “Wait!” At this, he stopped turning and looked back at you.

“Yes?”

“Do you have something I can call you?”

“I am the KJ03. Many abbreviate that to Kujo.” He stated but you frowned.

“Would you want to be called by your model number all your life?”

At this, he fully turned to face you again. “I don’t have a life. I don’t die.” He spoke in a deadpan but his words sent a pang through your heart. “I’m a machine, I don’t need a name, personally - other than what kind of machine I am.”

With that, you already had enough. “Hey!” You pointed a finger right at his face, firmly getting his attention. “Stop talking like that! Just because we have different insides doesn’t mean I can’t care nor that you shouldn’t! I name everything, buddy-boy. From my printer, to my plushies, to my plant over there! That’s Marie by the way.” You angrily pointed to the plant standing in the hallway to your left. “Everything deserves a name, and that definitely includes you.”

He was silent while he looked down at you, his face showing nothing, but a faint yellow light was coming from his emotional indicator on his left temple. You didn’t know what exactly that meant but you’d figure it out later.

“So, I will ask again. Do you have something I can call you? Something that is not your serial number or model, I mean.”

“……” He was silent for a few seconds longer before he opened his mouth again. “You can appoint a name for me, should you so desire.”

“W-Wait?! Me?!!” You called out loudly in response and he flinched back a bit, automatically making you quickly apologise before starting to nervously bounce again. “Why me?” You asked nervously and he cocked his head to the side.

“Did you not just say you name everything?”

You, who was biting you nails while staring mindlessly at his chest, looked up at him at that. “Y-Yeah but those were for silly little things! Does that plant look like a Marie to you?” You said while frantically pointing at the tall plant in the pot to your left.

“It looks like a Dracaena Gold Star.” He simply spoke.

You stuck out your bottom lip in worry, going back to biting your nails.

“Don’t do that.” The android in front of you then pulled your hand away from your face and you took a deep breath. “Just take my model if you are that worried. Kujo is fine.”

“No, other people already call you that! I don’t want to copy! Besides, where does the 3 go in that name?” You put your hands on your hips now, staring intently at the KJ03 model number displayed on his shirt on the left side of his chest. As if that would reveal all the answers.

“Did you know a 3 looks a bit like the Japanese kanji for ‘ro’?” You suddenly questioned after a few seconds of intense staring, but didn’t look up, the android also choosing to remain silent while your mind was just spinning. “So… how about something like Jo…ro… or something? No, that doesn’t sound right, it needs something in the middle.” You were just talking your thoughts out loud now and your eyes drifted over to your plant, making you perk up. “Hey, what kind of plant was Marie again?”

“A Dracaena Gold Star.”

“So! How about, Jostarro…? No, that doesn’t sound right either, I don’t want your name to be your line of design, just slightly spelled different.” You mused. “So, we get rid of the ‘s’. And then the double ‘r’ also makes no sense so we’ll get rid of that one too. Then, we are left with… Jotaro.”

With that, you slowly straightened your back and looked up at his face, still seeing him looking down at you.

“Do you like it?”

He didn’t say anything, though it looked like he was going to open his mouth for a very brief second before being stopped, his emotional indicator flashing orange for a very brief second before going back to the neutral white. “I don’t have to like it. Only you do.”

“Do. You. Like. It? I don’t want to ask again.” You threatened lightly and the android in front of you stared for a second, almost contemplating before he spoke.

“Where does the K of KJ03 go in the name Jotaro?”

Opening your mouth, you stopped yourself from speaking before squinting at him, seeing the tiniest of smirks on his face. “Alright, alright. Sarcasm huh? Well, Kan fuck off, that’s where it goes.” You answered back with a smirk of your own.

“Can starts with a C.” He spoke back in the driest tone possible and you snorted.

“So you do got jokes.” You grinned, still getting not much emotion out of him other than the faintest upward curves of his lips, but that was already all you needed.

“That is not correct English.”

You snorted again. “You are right but also shush and let me talk my lingo.” Your finger was sassily waving back and forth again and he followed it with his eyes, making you realise and bring it back down together with your head. “Uhm, so, you do like it, right? I know it is technically still you model number but it is kind of unique and-“

“I like it.” He cut you off and you looked up at him again, seeing the emotional indicator on his temple glow a very faint blue.

[grand-theft-carbohydrates]

Bargain Bin Prince was ostensively the villain origin story of lu buwei, but ying yiren really came out of left field and became my favourite character to write. I was trying to come up with a character that qin shi huang would absolutely LOATH with every fiber of his 13 yo heart, my first instinct was to make his dad cruel/neglectful, but i realised that a kindhearted wimp would actually piss him off 800% more. favourite bits: 1. Ying Yiren is repeatedly compared to a dog, a servile and lowly creature. Even his positive qualities are dog-like, his earnest loyalty to Lu Buwei and his mother is framed as gullible and pathetic.  He can be naive and clumsy like a puppy, or "rabid" in his rage. like a dog, he is passive in his suffering and joy. He takes what is given to him without question, and he only bites back in service of someone else, never for himself e.g. fighting to protect the jade his mother worked for.

First, they made him bark like a dog. Then they made him get on all fours and walk like one. After he had completed a few circuits, yipping and yapping, they finally made good on their promise and tossed a bun onto the ground. 

Yiren was only a concubine's whelp and barely worth the scraps he was fed. He had been the most expendable of his litter

Everyone else was probably worried the prince had contracted rabies and might start biting. 

#2 He is unsuited for the position of king and will not last long. In his first formal meeting with Lu Buwei, LBW dominates the conversation, controls his actions, and quite literally shapes his image.

His clothes wear him:

The door opened in a haze of sandalwood incense, revealing a new set of clothes and a pink, freshly scrubbed Ying Yiren standing stiffly inside them. 

He fails to “get over the threshold”.

Ying Yiren turned crimson and tripped on the doorsill. “Sorry! Sorry!” It wasn’t clear who he was apologising to: the girls, Lu Buwei, or the door. 

the symbolism of tripping at the doorway is apparent in any language, but it’s more explicit for a chinese speaker. “a high/low doorsill” in chinese is analogous with the english phrase “setting the bar too low/high”. he quite literally fails at the first hurdle. 

Buy cheap, sell dear:

“How extraordinary!” The only extraordinary thing here was that jade seller’s outrageous pitch, spinning such a fantasy to convince an ignorant concubine that this second-rate rock was a rare and marvellous item. 

ying yiren is the cheap jade in this analogy. he is a middle-ranked prince with no special talents, and lu buwei needs to convince the queen that he is actually extraordinary enough to adopt.

[total-drama-brainrot]

Hello hello ophe 👋😇

Just gonna say hockey bro Gwen

That it’s that is the ask

But I have a question? If you mind answering I’m fine if you can’t answer it really 👽

Do you have any writing tips for an amateur fanfic writer? (Me😔) cause I have a hard time with characterization. Just tips on that would be great😊 but it’s kinda sad to see that some people think of Rice Krispies like that even though it has been tagged and all that 😔

But I wish you the best of luck ophe! 😎🥳

-Ass Stars anon

Hello hello, Ass Stars Anon! 👋😊

(Is it obvious that I know literally nothing about hockey?)

As for writing tips, I'm not exactly a qualified or professional author, but I'm more than happy to share some of the tips and tricks I use when it comes to characterisation.

Primarily, it's really important to understand three key aspects of the character you're writing; their habits, their motives, and their temperament.

When you're writing for a certain character, always consider not only what they're doing, but why they're doing it. You can have your characters do something entirely OOC if you can justify why they'd be doing it, either through circumstance or by utilizing the three key aspects.

For example, when Trent gets uncharacteristically aggressive towards Cody in "Up the Creek", it's still in character because it's motivated by his feelings for Gwen- Trent's already established as a bit of a hopeless romantic, so having him act irrationally due to his uncertainty over Gwen's returned feelings excuses his hostility (despite his usual laid-back nature). We see later, especially in Action, that Trent has a habit/tendency of acting irrationally when it comes to anything that threatens his love life.

Of course, habits can also refer to the little patterns and behaviours certain characters have; for example, Harold's continuous use of "Gosh!" is a habit of his- something that can be easily identified as a Harold Behaviour, and something super easy to add to his dialogue to keep it feeling in character.

Another good example of utilizing dialogue habits is (not to self promo here) how I write Alejandro's speech in my stories. Throughout the show itself, you'll rarely hear Alejandro use contractions and abbreviations (he'll say "we all" instead of "we'll", or "is it not?" instead of "isn't it?"), and his manner of speech is very formal (for a ~16 year old) both due to the fact that English is his second language and the fact that he's the son of a high profile diplomat. That's why, when I write for him, I make a point of keeping his written dialogue as contraction-free as possible.

I hope that my little tangent there helps at least somewhat!

And thank you for the concern! I think some people misconstrued what my intentions were with the RK fic, which is understandable given one of the primary concepts used in the fic is generally used in a sexual context (which is such a waste of a perfectly good plot device by the way! Honestly, I wish people would stop associating cool concepts with The Horny to the point where people trying to explore them as narrative devices are assumed to be creeps 😓) but the anon who initially accused me of unsavoury things has since apologised, so no harm no foul. Though my fic is properly tagged, I should've made it more apparent either in the summary or the author's notes that it isn't as, uh, 'distasteful' as some might assume.

I wish you the best of luck too! 😁

[reviewinghiccup]

I really love this blog and I know its focus is to analyze Hiccup’s character from what we are given from the films and shows but do you think he felt some sort of resentment towards the other teens, the village, and even Stoick shortly after the events of the first movie? I don’t recall seeing anything like this from Hiccup (correct me if I’m wrong) since it’s just in his nature to be very selfless and forgiving. However, I’m sure that with the lost of his leg and the people suddenly treating him with respect (aside from Stoick, I don’t think we’ve seen any other character formally apologizing for treating him so poorly before), it must have been a very difficult time for him to adjust to, both physically and emotionally. I might be missing a lot things as I write this but I’m sure Hiccup has plenty of scars under the surface that will take lots of time to heal. I’d love to know what are your thoughts about this, thanks!

Wow, that's a really interesting question. @per4mancecheck noted in my post that the reason Hiccup was able to sympathise w Astrid in the episode Blindsided [Episode 11, Season 4 (Race to the Edge)] is because of his own disability. And that got me thinking about what it was possibly like when he woke up and saw his leg missing.

We know that at the end of the 1st movie, he sorta just accepts it. I reckon that was more a pacing issue and the show had to finish on a congratulatory note. It would be a bit too heavy perhaps to go into his disability thereafter. But the shows don't go into it much either. And from what I know and recall of the episodes thus far, no one has apologised for their mistreatment towards him or that he lost his leg. At least not verbally and not written into the shows.

I have a few theories:

(1) THE PRIDE OF BATTLE SCARS

Maybe it wasn't something he dwelled on, because to lose a leg was better than to lose a life. It could be Hiccup was a glass half full kinda person and he was just glad to be alive.

We know from the franchise that the Vikings take glory in battle scars. And they love a good story that comes with it. And losing a leg battling the Red Death is a damn good one.

I also think Hiccup isn't someone who dwells on things, because in HTTYD 2, it didn't take him long to forgive his mother who left him motherless to rescue dragons. He was just happy to have her back again (like Stoick). No resentment towards her or the dragons. Or even Toothless who killed Stoick. It's like his level of understanding reaches undefinable strides. [Granted he was angry, but not for long. He just gets it.]

A) IT WAS NORMAL TO LOSE A LIMB

Further, it is possible that it wasn't something to think about because it was normal for them to lose a limb back then. Many of them have or know someone who has lost a limb (or their minds). When its normalised, the sting of stigma is neutralised.

B) THE FIGHTING SPIRIT

Its that fighting spirit, that even though they suffer from some sort of physical impediment, that isn't going to stop them from fighting Outcasts / Berserkers or serving the community.

Hiccup must've also been used to "coming short" if you get me. And in a way, he supplements his short comings w gadgets. Like the shield, Inferno/Dragon Blade and lots of training.

(2) THE NO HARD FEELINGS CULTURE

Most of the people around him are pretty unapologetic. They're Vikings. It might be in their constitution to not apologise, with words. Maybe they might w actions. We know in the series "When Lightning Strikes" [Episode 13, Season 1 (Riders of Berk)] when the town mistakenly accused Toothless for the fierce lightning storms, they apologised to him by giving loads of peace offerings. Maybe they did the same with Hiccup and we didn't see it because the episodes only began after he was able to walk on the peg-leg, which could've taken some time.

A) ACTIONS SPOKE LOUDER

For example, when he wakes up, dragons could roam freely. They didn't fight dragons anymore. They believed him. I also like to think, their image of him had taken a drastic turn for the better. He gained a lot of respect and that could mean more to him than an apology. Especially since he's the son of the chief and heir to the title. He needs that respect.

B) SORRY, NOT SORRY

In certain cultures, to say sorry might mean nothing much to them. My cousin is half Chinese, and her mother is not much of a "saying sorry" to fix things type. She might, make your favourite meal or buy a snack you like to make up for it and my cousins accepts that as an apology. Live and let live? Yannow?

But as for Snotlout and Tuff/Ruff (can't recall which) I don't think they would've said sorry or even knew they did something wrong. Either because they were too proud to realise (Snotlout) or too dense to notice (the Twins). In fact, they do make fun of him for it.

BUT HAVING SAID THAT...

I believe you have a solid point. Regardless of what society you live in and what type of person you are, when you lose a limb it is counted as a great loss. Especially, if you could've saved it if the people around you had listened. In a natural sense, I'm sure he must've been at least angry. Life without a limb is tough.

Because of his metal leg, he attracts lightning during a storm when flying Toothless. Sometimes during an adventure, he might lose his leg or an enemy might take it away from him to impede him. I mean, it is weakness in the strictest sense, cumbersome if anything else. But I don't think he held it against the other teens on the island for long because whatever he did during the show for them came from a position of genuine friendship.

Emotion wise though, I too wonder if he has completely healed. You see, Hiccup is very attached to Toothless. Toothless is like an extension of himself. He serves like an emotional support animal. The Dragon Academy, Alvin, Dagur, the Grimborn brothers, etc. they also serve as distractions. When he hyper-fixates on these things, he doesn't seem so interested in his own personal issues. That's probably where the phrase "an idle mind is the devil's playground" came from. And why adults asks us to keep busy, cause when you don't your thoughts could run wild.

That may explain why in HTTYD: The Hidden World, Astrid said "but he thinks he is nothing without Toothless." Because for the longest time, Toothless has made things easier for him. Instead of just walking, Hiccup can now fly.

This statement might be an indication that Hiccup hadn't fully resolved his internal conflict and insecurity. I mean, how many of us young adults have issues that date back to childhood?

I think the internal struggle branches out in the final movie because of the loss of his father. That could be why he wasn't ready for marriage, as Astrid knew the case to be. Because before he can transition into a new position, he needed to first know who he is, independent of Toothless. Leg or no leg.

He also needed to believe in the strength he now had with Astrid. And maybe even why it had to be with just Astrid.

I think he must've carried some sort of scar, that only letting go of Toothless could heal. Because, while Toothless resembled strength and adventure, he also signified dependence. And the only way to know you have recovered completely is to let go of your crutch.

I may be overstepping here, but this is just my two-cents.

Thank you so much for asking this question. I had a wonderful time answering it. Gave me a chance to think about things I haven't yet given enough consideration. Above all, I really hope this answer helps.

[v1nsmoke]

PRINCE // VINSMOKE SANJI

prince!vinsmoke sanji x princess!reader

chapters are available a lot earlier on wattpad, i recommend checking that out!!

made by v1nsmokes

chapter three

Me and Donna had a nice little chat on our way back home. I explained my situation to her about likely having to marry Ichiji, and she didn't seem to like it either.

When we arrived, there were no signs of the Vinsmokes.

"Donna, do you think we got home a bit too early?" I worriedly look at the maid.

"It is already past noon, they should have arrived by now. Let's go inside, shall we?" She asks as she opens the huge door.

Just as i entered, i spot my mother walking down the staircase.

"Y/N dear, what took you so long? I was getting worried you would not be able to greet our guests when they arrive!" She storms down. "One more action like this and you will be no longer allowed to go outside with Donna!"

"Forgive me your highness. Have the guests arrived yet?" Donna bows at the sight of my mother.

"They are still on their way. Escort Y/N to her room and get her ready to greet the princes!" My mother coldly says as she walks away.

"Come on lady Y/N, I'll help you out" the maid gently grabs my hand and we make our way to my room.

I enter the huge room and plop down on my queen-sized bed, covering my face with my palms.

"Looks like there is no escape for me!" I sigh. Donna warmly smiles as she motions for me to sit on the chair in front of my table and mirror. I slowly get up and make my way there.

"I'm sorry lady Y/N" she apologises.

"There's no need for apologies, you did everything you can, it's not your fault. I'll deal with it somehow" i smile at Donna in the mirror, the maid doing my hair.

"Still, I think you should be careful, lady Y/N. The Vinsmoke family is known for their brutality, coldness and their military power, they call it Germa 66. I don't think this marriage is a wonderful idea, I fear that your soon-to-be husband might be violent towards you" she tells me, true worry in her eyes.

Brutality? Coldness? Germa? Who do my parents want me to marry? I thought that maybe it could be a happy marriage, but violence is something I was not a fan of. And I will need to live with a family like this for the rest of my life? Please, tell me that they are not special guests for this reason!

"Lady Y/N, let's pick out a dress, shall we?" Donna's gentle voice hits my ears, making me snap out of these thoughts.

"Of course, of course... I'll go with my usual dress, is that fine?"

"I don't think we would need anything lot more formal than that, I feel like it is fine" she walks up to my wardrobe and picks out a greenish dress, and hands it to me.

Right after I put the dress on, I hear a knock on the door. It wasn't a soft one. I quickly get to my door, and a maid stands there, slight sweat covering her forehead, looking like she just ran the marathon.

"They're here!" She quickly says between heavy breaths. My eyes widen, knowing very well who "they" are. I look out my window, and see the carriage at the front door.

"Thank you for informing me, go get a rest!" I say to the maid as I run past her, all the way down to the main hall.

Halfway on my way there, I am met with my sisters, looking more formal than usual, excitedly chatting. They turn around when they hear my footsteps.

"Sister! So you have been told, too! Oh, I can't wait to meet them!" Cassandra squeals as we head to the main hall with quick footsteps.

"Y/N, what are you wearing? Don't you think you should have picked something more elegant?" Daniela looks at me, examining my dress from head to toe. "What will they think of you? You're the one who will get married to Ichiji, not us! You should have been the one who dresses nicer than me and Cass! He might refuse to marry you!"

"I hope he does" I mumble as we finally reach the main hall, our mother and father already standing there.

We quickly line up next to our parents and pull ourselves together, taking a deep breath before the door opens.

An extremely tall man enters, four people by his side, all with different hair colours. I noticed that there was somebody behind them, his head lowered a bit, not allowing us to see his face. We all bow, and my mother greets the family.

"Welcome, I am glad you could make it. I bet you had an awfully long journey on the way here. Let me introduce my daughters. Cassandra" she points at Cass with her palm and my sister bows, "Daniela, and Y/N, the eldest."

"Pleasure to be here" we both lower our heads at once, and the tall man hums in response.

"We are thankful to be here. My sons and daughter. Ichiji, Niji, Yonji, Reiju, and..." he pauses, like he didn't even want to mention the last man's name. "Sanji."

My eyes widen at the name, memories flooding back from this morning. "Y/N! What's yours?" I shout with a big smile. He thinks about it for a moment, but a huge smile appears on his features.

"It's Sanji!" He introduces himself.

Is this the same man I met earlier today? He was from the Vinsmoke family all along? Donna said they are brutal, violent... cold... but he had such an endearing smile, and spoke so kindly to me...

"Our maid, Donna will give you a tour of the castle, she knows it like the back of her hand. Please get comfortable and make yourself at home. We will meet again at dinner. Donna!" My mother's words interrupt my thinking, and Donna runs down the stairs, giving me a warm smile as she does.

"Your majesty" she bows before the Vinsmokes. "Follow me, please" she walks away, the family following close behind. As they walk away, the blonde man looks up, his lips slowly parting a bit when he notices me.

"Sanji!" The pink haired woman calls out to him and motions for him to hurry up and follow them before he's left behind. He quickly turns his head and catches up to the others with quick steps.

made by v1nsmokes, 2023

9 chapters out of ? out on wattpad

3 chapters out of ? out on tumblr

vinsmoke sanji and one piece belongs to Eiichiro Oda

[apartfromgod]

Guys I would like to Formally Apologise for the last hour of my blog. I was Possessed, and should Not be held accountable for any and all actions made during that duration of time. That being said... Farewell. Adieu. Salut. Au revoir. Bonne nuit.

[wttt-dirus-work]

Character ask game - 1, 2, 7, 12, 15, 16, 17, and 22 for New Jersey and for Florida

Hey! Thanks Anon! Thats not a small list lmao

So, starting with New Jersey:

1. Why do you like or dislike this character?

I like him because, first he's underrated. Dude's always compared to New York (which i do like also) or Penn, and he deserve some love too. Also, he got the Pines, and im a sucker for anything cryptids or supernatural; the Jersey Devil is something i love to read about, and i find it so funny (in a good way) how it's a big thing for Jersey's people. I'm also a sucker for grumpy character who show their love by actions instead of words (my love language is giving gifts/actions so...) I also love the northeast attitude of "Only I can fuck with you." since im kinda like that with my friends (i respect boundaries tho ^^)

2. Favorite canon thing about this character?

Tourette's. I know Ben stopped giving him it to prevent tics for viewers (which is something i respect) but i always love characters having disabilities and representing them as normal. I also love the sibling-like relationship he has with NY most of the time.

7. What's something the fandom does when it comes to this character that you like?

When y'all are giving him anger issue, or when he's the mom friend while not taking care of himself. I'm the mom friend, and i relate so hard to forcing people to take care of themselves (we're both hypocrites lol)

12. What's a headcanon you have for this character?

The scars and anxiety issues. Dude's more anxious than me, always wanting to make a good impression in formal event.

He bites too. No i won't elaborate.

15. What's your favorite ship for this character? (Doesn't matter if it's canon or not)

I mean, I got my own ship of him/QC so that's my favourite i guess? Tho i do like NY/NJ (in the world they aren't sibling) and i do like NJ/RI too.

16. What's your least favorite ship for this character?

I don't realy have a least favourite i think? Like, you can ship whatever you want, i don't really care tho. But i guess i don't see him with any of the midwest states ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

17. What's a ship for this character you don't hate but it's not your favorite that you're fine with?

NJ/CA or like any other ship that are not in my favourite list. It's the first coming to mind, but like i don't hate any ship (unless it's abusive, because i hate toxic relationship; i don't like them so i don't read them. If both parties learn from the mistakes and apologise and make some self introspection and get better, well then i don't mind. but plainly abusive? yeah no not my cup of tea)

22. If you're a fic reader, what's something you like in fics when it come to this character? Something you don't like?

Well, im a sucker for Tourette's jersey, so i love when people add it to their fic.

I don't like when he's being degrated in a condescending way; you can tease him, like the northeast does with food fight or whatever, but don't be mean to be mean. An please, give him more character than just being "Angry" all the time (i maybe only saw it once, but like i really don't like it. Give your characters some depth, more than just stereotypes)

Now doing Florida:

1. Why do you like or dislike this character?

He makes me laugh, and how impredictable he is makes it even better.

What i dislike? I wouldn't be able to manage him, like at all in real life. Dude would terrify me.

2. Favorite canon thing about this character?

He doesn't know how to read, but he knows how to write? and i love his relationship with Louisiana. Oh, and he always start chaos for the fun of it lmao

7. What's something the fandom does when it comes to this character that you like?

He's crazy, and owns it. He knows he ain't the smartest but still prefer to fuck with Gov/Cal than rectify it.

12. What's a headcanon you have for this character?

He's the most cryptid looking. He got sharp teeth, gator's eye, and his skin is scaley when you touch him. There's something about him that makes you uncomfortable; your brain know there's something wrong with him.

15. What's your favorite ship for this character? (Doesn't matter if it's canon or not)

Flo/Loui, hands down. I also love Flo/Connecticut, or Flo/Cal, but flouie is my to go.

16. What's your least favorite ship for this character?

Flo/Mother nature. I don't really like her so... yeah. personal preference.

17. What's a ship for this character yo don't hate but it's not your favorite that you're fine with?

Him with anyone else(?) than Loui, cut or cal

22. If you're a fic reader, what's something you like in fics when it come to this character? Something you don't like?

He's the main reason for chaos.

I don't like when people don't flesh his character out. He's more than the dumb one; he delightfully smart in his chaotic way.

Thanks for the ask!

[faroreswinds]

I’m sure sending you an ask off anon will probably get me put on a list of some kind but fuck it, I’ve already got one unhinged stalker, what’s another one in the mix lmao, and i want to make it extremely clear that I support you in this.

Like it really says something that these stannies absolutely do not quit after four damn years of the same thing. Doesn’t matter how factual you are (correctly citing art history in its original intent and context, canon game dialogue and timelines, interviews, etc), how polite you are, how straightforward you and others are because none of that matters at all to these chumps. This is a straight up gamergate-style sealioning campaign that in the end isn’t really about edelgard at all—she’s just the convenient platform for these people to expound their insane maximalist fandom-as-politics viewpoint that has irreparably damaged houses’ reputation for fans and has conflated videogame communities as a testing ground for in-group loyalty metrics.

Aside from what you and others have already said, it’s telling that they always follow a set script: Church Evil and Fascist, Edelgard Revolutionary and Morally Good, alongside truly reprehensible weaponisation of identity politics and socjus buzzwords. It’s not enough to assert that Edelgard is a pure lesbian hero (biphobia what), it must mean that by diametrically opposing her, Dimitri has to be evil, straight (but when they grudgingly acknowledge his queerness, it’s then asserting that said queerness can only exist within him being repressed and tamping it down because of evil Faerghian misogynist politics, never mind that Adrestia is the biggest misogynist of the continent lol), and singularly obsessed with targeting what she represents; Rhea, the chief architect of all that is evil in Fódlan and directly responsible for its misogyny, homophobia, and whatever else alongside with lobbing assertions of her being a “groomer” (which anyone with half a brain cell not dedicated to being chronically online know is now a popular right-wing argot used to directly target the lgbt community with truly heinous accusations equating them to paedophilia), among other things.

Only extreme statements and buzzwords for the characters, all the time: Edelgard as a hero, Dimitri and Rhea as representatives of ontological evil that Edelgard must defeat with extreme prejudice.

Let’s also point out the fact that in a true debate—because they’re not really debating at all and I say this as a professional debater myself who has won medals for this shit and trained youth teams in my country—the onus on the opposing side has to accept neutral statements from their counterparts. They cannot seriously say that their statements on Edelgard must be taken as fact while simultaneously discounting yours as fiction, because at best that would obviously be called out as ad hoc attempt to muddy the waters; at worst, blatantly trying to control the debate solely with their own parameters as the only acceptable ones, and thus openly attempting to silence dissenting opinions. If they really want to try to convince others that they’re really presenting legitimate debate, they cannot seriously pretend that their actions support that claim when they:

Approach you first and then continue to hound you

Constantly repeat themselves in an attempt to wear you down and confuse you, which is absolutely something that can be penalised in formal debate

Get offended and then accuse you of abuse when you firmly disagree with them and draw boundaries

Let’s also not forget the fact that their actions as a community absolutely do constitute harassment when they’ve been caught gloating about running moonlitboar off tumblr, the revelation that they keep a list of Edelgard critics to monitor them, forcing vas to apologise for expressing negative opinions about Edelgard (note how Rhea gets called so much bad shit but you don’t see Rhea fans calling for her haters’ blood), and even prompting YouTubers to change entire videos to avoid backlash, if not to simply stay in their good graces (and milk them for views and ad cash)

Aside from absolutely garbage essentialist Pure Lesbian Women are from Venus, Evil Repressed Hettie Obsessed Men are from Mars viewpoints, it’s truly mind boggling that they’ve bought into the belief that f/f is somehow purer and “less problematic” than m/m solely because they’ve decided that the heavy mlm moments for the Lions must point to their inherent moral degeneracy, which I would again like to remind them that that is actually homophobic; hell, I’ve seen quite a few using fujoshi as an insult. Let me take the time to explain that fujoshi and mlm fandom in Asia (explained by Asian fans themselves!) has always been seen as a symptom of mostly women fans being disgusting and “rotten,” and that their interest in mlm relationships is not only a betrayal of their gender (and ofc fujoshi as an insult in the west is a popular argument with terfs), but a sign that they’re degenerate and that something is deeply wrong with them.

Never mind that across the world, ff in media has sadly mostly been used as porn fodder for straight, misogynist men, because lesbian sex titillates them while gay sex repulses them. Utena is the outlier in a sea of garbage and said ff garbage is mostly shown as porn anyways. Gengoroh Tagame, a popular gay mangaka, has spoken about how female fans of mlm in japan are often big supporters of lgbt rights. Let’s not even get into the fact that the demographics of most edelgard spaces (like r/edelgard) are of straight men.

I also really despise how they’ve discovered “antisemitic” as a new buzzword. I’m Jewish. I loathe how most people only seem to care about opposing antisemitism when it’s in a videogame or movie, instead of in real life when we get hatecrimed. But it’d be remiss of me not to mention the way my blood boils when edelstans seriously repeat church slander of the nabateans being fake humans, evil reptilians wearing human skins as a disguise for them to manipulate the world from the shadows and using a fake, evil religion as their cover (not to mention how they describe the tenets of said religion as evil and conveniently forge and misrepresent its texts to make it look worse…where have i seen that before), who impede societal development to keep themselves on top, and, as the cherry on the shit cake, as miserly hoarders who keep monumental wealth to themselves and refuse to use it to help others.

Really makes you think then that it doesn’t take much for them to admit they see the Nabatean genocide as a positive, that its completion is necessary for edelgard to succeed (even if they hem and haw about what they think would happen to byleth, Seteth, and flayn), and borrowing from blatant irl genocide denial rhetoric saying that the agarthans (who are literal moustache twirling evil villains) were the original inhabitants who actually got genocided by the nasty coloniser lizards and that their retribution is absolutely justified and understandable. I laugh to think what their though process will be like if they even play the jugdral games.

And finally, since it bears mentioning, they should keep byleths name out of their fucking mouths. As a huge self admitted Byleth stan, seeing them whinge and whine and bitch and moan about poor Edelgard getting criticised really grinds my gears when the last four years has been seeing me constantly trying to navigate a fandom space that relentlessly shits on byleth and says they ruin the games and are nothing but player pandering or when people fucking celebrated the scene of shez killing them in hopes. Edelstans don’t get to try and use them as a prop to prove how edelgard is so good to them (and is so pure as a whole) when we have quantifiable data showing that Byleth smiles the most in verdant wind, has an incredibly strong character arc in azure moon, and that for THREE ROUTES OUT OF FOUR in houses (two if you count hopes scenarios when they’re kept alive) they always end up opposing her, because that is their actual character. Let’s talk about how r/byleth is mostly populated by r/edelgard fans who mostly post porn of fem byleth but have admitted to actually hating her, but liking the fact that she’s got big tits and can be used for yuri fanservice. Or let’s talk about feh: all their alts so far show their loyalty and closeness TO THE NABATEANS. And fuck it, I’m of the opinion that actually the devs’ edelgard bias is what ruined byleth and what made them silent. Because when they’re separated from houses (and thus not in her immediate focus), they fucking shine!!!

Tldr: hi raxis, what’s good!!

Addendum: edelgard has the most 3h alts in feh, cipher card art showing her naked and/or with suggestive costumes, is the most attached to the avatar characters in 3h/hopes/feh of her roster, is named first in the dlc for 3h in engage, has the tea set paired with hreslveg blend, ETC. if that’s not obv favouritism by an obv mostly male dev team, then, well…

Hey, how are you? Hope things are well!

When thinking about that exchange from the other day, @butwhatifidothis had an excellent post that put into words more eloquently than I could about issue:

They are right - I never mentioned it myself because my brain didn't quite go there, but many of the arguments were basically "this character would do this hypothetically", which is nothing more than mere headcanon.

Full disclosure, but I am not a professional debater. I am not even trained. Back in school I famously hated debates because I always felt they relied on twisting facts rather than empirical data. I liked data, that's why I went into the Sciences.

The only debating in Science is whether your results are accurate and if your method is indisputable. Is this ethical? What are we basing our ethnics off of? Proper science doesn't care about your opinions, or how bad so and so was back in the 1700s. Science - and Math - liked numbers, and numbers are cold and inflexible.

So I must admit that debating (not discussions, but debating) do tend to make me nervous at times. I like to learn, and to be challenged on how I view the world. But debating is not a skill I am honestly good at. I can lost track of the original point. I can get discombobulated by the lexicon and factoids when they are rapid fired at me.

That's why I engage in them. It's practice. If I don't do it, I will never get better.

And my untrained eyes could see that this debate... was not really a debate, but a shake-down. I was curious to see where it would go.

If anyone else finds this in this situation, here is my unprofessional advice:

Do not insult or use language that could be misconstrued as aggressive. Remain polite and sincere. Remaining polite does not mean agreeing to everything they say. But, instead of saying something like "You are wrong!" re-word it as "I don't agree with your view" or "I do not believe that is correct".

Do not let yourself be bullied. If this means you wish to disengage, just disengage. Make it comfortable for yourself. In my case, I was comfortable to keep going, but that may not be true for you. They make take this as a win, but you aren't being graded on this and this isn't politics. It's video game stuff.

Use only facts, do not use headcanons or opinions. This makes it harder for the other person to fight you, because you are remaining neutral. If you wish to discuss or bring up something that is not based on text, be sure to make it clear.

Call out when they twist your words. One user claimed that I had once used their name in my post. I never did, so I asked them where I had said that. It forces the other user, if they wish to respond, to either acknowledge they made a mistake, or they risk making themselves look like liars.

Never take it personally. They don't really know you. They are just bored and angry.

Always try to get them to think. This one I am still trying to master. When they make a claim, ask them why they think that. Why are they drawing that conclusion? What if they thought about it this way? If they are regurgitating whatever they have heard from others, they may get tripped up by this. This does run the risk of irritating the other person, but I find it is a helpful tool to both learn and to challenge your opponent to explaining themselves better.

This is the hardest one of all. Do not lose sight of the topic. It is not uncommon for these discussions to go a million different directions. If you lose sight, you may end up on a path you don't want to be on. Stay on topic. I'm still working on this too.

It's really cool that you are a trained debater. If you have any other further advice, or if my advice is terrible, I would love to hear it!

Ultimately, I think many of these types of fans just want to use whatever buzzwords and language they can to not only guilt the other party into bending a knee to their opinions, but to also shame anyone who likes another fictional character.

It's really a shame that other fans feel the need to go to such lengths over someone who is not real.

But per your addenhem, it is true that Edelgard gets a lot of love and attention from IS. She is popular. She doesn't need someone to come sweeping in defending her fictional honor.

Poor Claude really gets the shortest end of the stick in all this. This guy doesn't even have the same number of alts as Dimitri in FEH.

The sexuality stuff confuses me the most. Perhaps it is because my particular sexuality makes up 1% of the population, but I usually don't see why it is such a big deal when it comes to FE. FE doesn't make statements about sexuality. It is not try to teach about sexuality. It is not trying to push an agenda of any kind except the Make Money Agenda.

This weird vilifying fans of who likes mlm content, often framed as disgusting straight fujos who fetishize men. I find this an odd statement. From my point of view, anything that has any sort of sex is fetishizing, period. Straight, gay, whatever.

Well, regardless, thank you for the nice ask. I hope I could give is an answer that gives it justice. :)