#Lemme know and also lemme know who you want to be in it

[dilf-docs]

All Roads Lead To Rome

pedro pascal x younger!reader

summary: your boyfriend swears he isn't annoyed at your little surprise visit on the set of gladiator II; you might have to help him release his anger, one way... or another.

warnings: 18+ (minors dni), age gap (BARK BARK BARK), smut, p. in v., bit of exhibition kink cause they fuck on his trailer, he swears he's mad but he just wants head, oral (m. receiving), he also uses his armor and skirt while at it bc its hot and not bc i totally want that to happen to me or smth!!!, brat taming, orgasm denial, breeding and daddy kink lowkey, i'm so down bad for him so there's fluff!!! + pedro being whipped cause that's exactly what i want in my men, the cast makes cameos bc i love them!!! use of spanish (i'm latina so don't even try me), pedro wearing a skirt tehee

word count: 3,519 words

side note: i'm about as FERAL and horny as much as one could be!!! damn u pedro, making me walk out in the middle of class and walk on foot to the nearest theather for an early gladiator II screening (bc they're cheaper and i'm a jobless broke student lmao) that mind u it's my first solo trip to the movies but it's okay!!!! nobody interrupt me on my horny dilf hours amirite I TELL U that cinema was almost empty: just me, pedro and hey there's a spot if u wanna join mescal (look at my blog banner IYKYK) so yeah!!!! enjoy this porn lovechild that steemed from it; my pedro renaissance that'd been asleep since tlou dropped AWAKES (u don't get it, i literally watched narcos just for him) i'm so fr i need this man BIBLICALLY!!

"Lemme guess, that's her, right?"

Pedro looks up from his phone, slightly red and embarrassed. He would blame the color on the sun, and as an actor, fake his way out.

"No idea what you're talking about, Paul"

The young man chuckles.

"I mean, every break we get, you take your chair, sit the farthest and pull your phone with the most ridiculous grin I've ever seen. I'm afraid to tell you, friend, you aren't as slick as you think"

He leans back against the chair, covering his face with his large palm.

"At least I tried" he finds no point in lying anymore, "seems like I'm addicted, but if it wasn't for y/n, I wouldn't touch it"

"I'm curious, though" Paul scoots his chair closer, "who texts who? You or her?"

"Me" he answers, but then corrects himself quickly, a bit ashamed of how that makes him sound, "but it's mostly her first".

"Right" he doesn't sound convinced, rather curious and annoyed, something he's too old and tired for, "I don't believe you"

He's about to lock his phone, but the wallpaper (a selfie with you) would probably earn him another mock from Mescal.

"Too bad I don't need you to"

Before he can do so, the irish man yanks his phone away.

"Give it back!" he shouts, earning a few glances from the crew around them, "what are you, ten?"

"No, twenty-eight" they look like kids bickering. "No need to fight me, Mr. Pascal, they haven't taught us the new fighting choreography yet" he mocks, before the phone chimes; they both stop at the sound.

"What does this mean?" Paul asks. "Malta's nice" he reads out loud, "were you talking about possible future vacations? I might have to tag along"

He doesn't follow the man's joke, instead, looking at the message on your chat. Malta's nice, says the little cryptic message, and yes―it is cryptic, because you were just talking about missing each other and some other corny stuff he'd take to his grave. Not vacations, and certainly, not about the european island, which happens to also be the place were he's filming his latest movie.

"No, we weren't" he replies confused, "what do you think it means?"

"Well, obviously, you boys don't know anything" May pops up from behind, laughing.

"Were you eavesdropping?" he asks playfully, albeit, a little offended.

"No, you guys are just too loud" she replies nonchalant. "Besides, you aren't very good at hiding it, either"

"That's what I said!" Paul backs, laughing on his face.

"Stop being misterious and just drop it"

"It means" she pauses―laughing at her own little dramatic effect, "that you're getting a visit soon"

When you met Pedro, you were working in The Last Of Us. Nothing fancy, just part of the technical cast of the show: helping with the filming and stuff.

During those months, it was easy to find yourself falling for the main star (alongside Bella Ramsey), especially when you spent months behind a camera, capturing all of his perfect features; learning them by memory until you could draw them without seeing his face.

Yes, you had fallen for the older man, because it was as natural as breathing; easy as being alive―the fall so gentle and so easy, it was hard to know when the feelings started. You just woke up one day, feeling different.

You liked to act up―always had what you wanted, and times had changed (so it's not like he had to ask first): why not? Which is why during your last day of shooting you took some liquid courage on your veins and went up his way. It was at a little gathering the crew you've grown to call family organized, while wearing your favorite and tightest dress, that you approached him.

It surprised you that he even recognized you, but that's who he was: warm, welcoming and caring.

To augment the surprise, turns out he had eyed you already, but was too shy to do anything. Yes, the worlds most famous Chilean man. It did stroke your ego, and maybe that's why you feel like most of the time, you've got the upper hand on your relationship, despite the years in between.

You know your boyfriend isn't exactly the type to scold or get mad―despite his strong figure, but going against the only thing he asked you might test him. Which is why you feel nervous, despite the happiness around you, everyone in the airport looking straight out of a picture perfect summer edition magazine.

Still, you feel like the last message you just sent was a bit too blunt. Now you sit at the tiny airport, pondering your next move.

And your theory is proven exactly right when you arrive impromptu at the Gladiator II set: making heads turn and guards almost kick you out, thinking you're a fan.

"You don't get it!" you protest, "he's my boyfriend".

"Sure", they laugh on your face. "you're not the first to say that".

"She's not lying" oh, how you love that gravely voice. But not today: not when he sounds like a parent scolding a naive child. Not when his eyes bore into you, slightly irritated.

So now he's dragging you among the set, right to were his trailer is.

"Aren't you going to introduce me?" you ask, puffing your cheeks out in annoyance. He keeps dragging you by the arm, without sparing a glance in your way. Who does he think he is? "I wanted to tell Paul he made me cry―twice. You know I don't play about Normal People and Aftersun"

"But you do seem to play about my orders" he grunts out, opening the door to his trailer. The sunlight reflects against the white, slightly bothering your eyes with its shine, contrary to your boyfriend's gloomy behaviour.

"Are you being serious right now? You're not my dad to scold me. I just wanted to surprise you" you stand still, refusing to get inside. Pedro knows your character tends to be stubborn, and thought he finds it hot to reel you up sometimes, there are other times where he can't just stand that juvenile spirit of rage you tend to have when things don't go the way you want them to. "What's gotten into you?"

"I could ask you the same" he mocks. "Get inside. Now"

"Rude" you scoff, but obey regardless, and he breathes out relieved you didn't do a scene like last time; he still can't show his face on that restaurant to this day.

"I thought you'd be happy to see me" you say a tad bit dissapointed, and Pascal feels the pissed off feelings clouding his brain start to dissipate.

"I do, amor" he sighs, "just hate to see you do things I tell you not to; waltzing in here like you own the place".

You don't see the mistake, though. What's wrong with wanting to do a little surprise? It's not like you were a stalker or something; just a very clingy girlfriend who happens to miss her boyfriend.

"So, you're not mad?" you venture, "tell me you're not embarrassed"

He looks at you, the fondness of his gaze betraying him.

"I'm not the one wearing a skirt while trying to sound intimidating" you joke while caressing the crook of his nose, knowing you always get on his good side. Being mad isn't something that lasts, "if anyone should be embarrassed, that's you"

"Are you saying I shouldn't wear one because I'm a man?" your boyfriend looks offended, "Have you forgotten the movie I'm starring in? People feared the skirt-wearing Roman army"

"Well, I'm not intimidated" you stand defiant, and something dark tints his brown eyes. You can feel the excitement begin pooling in your stomach.

"You're not?" he grips your wrists and yanks you to him, then holds your chin, tilting your head between his calloused fingers. "Well, cariño, you should be"

Your body slams against one of the trailers walls, and you have to suppress a whine.

"You must be punished for what you did today"

You give him a doe-eye look, pretending to be all innocent, as if you weren't enjoying the punishment.

"I don't know what you're talking about. I've been a good girl"

"You know exactly what I'm talking about" he clicks his tongue, "don't play dumb with me"

"I just came to visit you" you murmur, voice husky against his ear. He grunts, and with the proximity, his hard-on rasps against your bare legs, only partly covered by the flowy summer dress you're wearing, "is that so bad?"

"It is. Has sido mala, cariño" his hand travels down under your dress, carresing with his large palm the silhoutte of your ass. The rings on his fingers create a shock, cold metal against your warm sun-bathed skin. "Naughty girl"

"I promise I'll be good, papi" you purr, using that honeyed voice of yours that makes it hard: hard to say no and hard between his pants.

Pedro sits on a small couch he has inside the trailer, guiding you with his hand enveloped around yours, motioning you to follow with a care so soft, you'd doubt he's about to do to you what he is about to do to you. He pulls you across his lap, smiling (God, you love his smile) as your stomach presses against his tights.

"Don't worry" he breathes low, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'll make you a good girl. Tell me, aren't you?"

You swallow, "I am"

He moves the panties easily to the side, rubbing your pussy a little. He then spanks it softly, making you mewl at the sting.

Pedro continues to trace over it, "Are you sure about that?"

"N-no" you shiver in delight, resolve dissolving as quick as it came. "I'm naughty"

"It's good to be aware" he murmurs, "Dilo otra vez"

"I'm a naughty girl"

He lifts your head by your hair. "Tell me what you did"

"Disobeyed your orders, coming to the set" you whisper. He lets go of your hair, his hands traveling down again, slowly teasingly rubbing your pussy while he humms.

"You were a little brat, amor"

You whimpered and mewled in delight. "I was a very naughty brat"

He pushed his fingers inside you, plunging his fingers into your pussy.

"Look at you. You're soaking wet" he pumped his fingers in you, making you moan, "Is that why you came to see me? Couldn't wait any longer for daddy to be inside of you?"

You bucked a little, making him stop. He drags his fingers out, causing you to beg for him to go back.

"Answer my question you greedy thing" He leaned closer to your ear. "Did you need my cock this much?"

You whimper, "I do! Missed you so much"

He pushed his fingers back into you, provoking a moan out of you.

"You're always so needy for me" your core tenses, making you shiver. "How badly do you want me? Tell me"

You whimpered "Badly, papi"

"Say it" his face contorts in satisfaction at your pathethic display; crying little mess, "Who's cock, fingers and mouth make you feel good?"

You can't think at this point, your brain fuzzy and pussy hot, leaking. You kiss his lips, moaning against them, "you!"

"Just me, yes? Nobody else can make you feel this good?"

"No one!"

You involuntarily roll your hips to aid you in pleasure, yet Pedro stops you just before you can reach your orgasm.

"Little brat." he tuts, making you groan. "Did you think I'd let you? You were naughty today, baby"

You huff in annoyance, used to having your way.

"That's your punishment"

"But I'll behave" you mewl against his ear, "I promise"

“Good, because I'm planning on fucking your brains out” his hot breathe whispers in your ear seductively, trying his best not to slur the words at the drunken haze that your arousal provokes in him, "but you have to help me first"

You get on your knees, looking at the garment he's wearing. The skirt and general costume makes this all the more hot, mouth watering at the sight. You raise the skirt, glancing at the briefs; just seeing his dick strained against the fabric makes you wet in anticipation.

He sees the pleasure bore into your orbs, and before you do any dirty idea of yours, he's already warning:

"You have to take this off, what if we-"

"Alright" you cut him off, "but the skirt stays"

"Sigue, pues" he growls, voice low yet demanding, following you in your little game.

As you pull the briefs down, his erection springs out enthusiastically, slapping up against his lower abdomen. You shifted your gaze up to meet his, his eyelids heavy and his proud smirk driving you absolutely wild.

"That's right" he chokes out, "show me how much you missed it"

You give him a proud lick, and Pedro hisses at the moment his preseminal fluid goes in between your hungry lips.

Your tongue darts to the head of his cock, running over it several times before bobbing your head down, taking most of him in your mouth. He keeps praising as you pump the base of his cock with your hand. Your head bobs, yet you peek up to hear Pascal's little sounds and facial expression, a motivation so intimate in the way his brows furrow and eyes roll, mouth agape at your movements while his lip suck on those pretty lips of his. It makes you keep going. With every bob you take as much of him in your mouth as you can, before slowly moving your way back up to the tip, increasing your suction the closer to his head you got. A throaty moan escapes the man above you when you now focus on the final lick, making him closer to coming, all while maintaining eye contact the entire way through.

"Don't do that" he rasps, yanking you by the hair again, as of punishment, but he knows you enjoy it, "you promised you'd be good"

You can't answer, so instead, you reach the head of his cock again, and now his eyes roll back, mumbling profanities that sound like heaven.

"Do you want them to hear us, brat? Qué necia eres" he manages to chastise while moaning.

You feel his dick stuck in your throat, and the way he's about to come; you think that after some time dating, you know him well enough.

You're about to leave with your mouth when he stops you.

"No" your eyes open in shock, "what? Did you think your punishment is over?" Pedro laughs, "don't look at me like that. Like you have never done it before"

He keeps you in place by the hair, the rings prickling against your scalp. You feel his muscles tense up, and before you can think anything else thick and hot shots of cum invade your mouth, making it sticky and warm.

"Don't pretend you don't like it" his voice goes dark, husky. "Swallow it all. Te han enseñado a no desperdiciar nada, ¿verdad? Show me your good manners, then"

When you pull out, your throat feels raspy.

"You gotta reward me" you cough out.

"I promised, didn't I?" his fingers trace your face delicately, with adoration.

"It's all about duty, General Acacius" you purr, and the dick springs out again. Hard.

"Princess..." he warns.

"For the glory of Rome" you joke and laugh, then cough, as your throat is still sore.

"Have you been reading my script?" as you avoid to answer, he just chuckles, "ay, nena"

"C'mere" he motions, and you sit on his lap again. Pedro lifts your dress, exploring the curve of your ass. There's anticipation as he hooks his finger around the waistband of your panties, pulling them down to access your core.

"Fuck" you squirm at his touch, grinding your freed cunt against his hard cock. He grabs you by the hip, adjusting you right on his lap.

"You taste so good" he kisses down your throat, ending at the chest were your tits peak.

"Want them?" you offer, pulling your dress down. He kisses them, gently nipping at your perked up nipples.

A wave of pleasure courses through you, and with whines and moans, you show how desperate you are, the hunger making the meal taste better. After all those weeks missing him, you just want him to fuck you senseless.

His lips are rosy and swollen against yours, mouths clashing; starved of the yearned contact. Truth is, no matter how much you know how to touch yourself, it'll never be the same as having his hard cock tear through your tight folds.

Pedro easily aligns his leaking cock with your uncovered pussy, all while mantaining the kiss. He pushes down on you, your dripping cunt taking all of his rock-hard cock, fingers holding onto the soft brown grey sprinkled locs.

"Pedro" you cry out his name, full of ecstasy as the stretch burns so sweetly. His low grunts only fuel your desire.

You trace with your eyes his body, now bare without the upper part of the costume: his pecs and abs, flexing with every pump. With now free hands, your fingers travel to softly caress his stomach, even if your tits are jiggling and the pace frenetic.

"I miss your tummy" you pout.

"I miss eating too" he whispers out, tiredly. He's reminded of his old age, forgetting about it as soon as you two kiss, because you bring out a stamina he thinks he doesn't have anymore; almost animalistic. His bones creak and adding the tiring filming day under the hot sun, he feels his body start to give up, the orgams closer and closer.

"No matter how you look" you clash your lips onto his, the adoration translating through the smile you press against, a trail of saliva that symbolizes how interwined you are, "you always look so fucking good"

He blushes, feeling like a stupid school boy with a crush. What did he even do to deserve you? Never thought a pretty young wild thing like you would even spare a glance on his way, but now you're taking all of his cock inside with such greed yet loom into his eyes with a love he's only dreamed of.

You're real, and his.

As soon as those words leave your mouth your orgasm spills over him, some of it dripping onto the skirt, making him curse. You can't stop, still meeting his thrusts halfway, despite your trembling body after reaching your high.

"Mierda" he groans against your mouth,

You feel yourself collapsing on top of him, the weight of the jet lag catching up.

"Getting tired, baby?" he coos. "Shit, and I thought I was old"

"You are" you reply back; you can never not have the last word. And he lets you, because, God, doesn't he love you? He pretends to look offended by it, but the way your eyes shine tell him you didn't mean it that way. "You and your white hairs" tracing over his moustache, a soft hand combing through his locks, "These wrinkles... don't you know how much I love them? how much I love you?"

"And you have no idea how much I love you" he squeezes his eyes shut, feeling it coming through. "God, wanna make you mine. Sólo mía" his pace slows. It's coming, and yes, you will take it all. "Wanna make you a baby, mami. Want you to take it all like the good girl you are"

When he comes, filling you with burning hot cum until you feel like you might burst, you're numb. But there's a feeling so content that pools warmth in your chest, that you can't say anything else, resting your head against his bare chest, both covered in sticky sweat.

"No sé cómo voy a explicar esto" he speaks through ragged breathes, and you can only smirk, "a squirted and cummed roman skirt".

"That isn't my problem" he scoffs, and you feel your head rise against the movement, earning a laugh out of you, "I'm not part of the movie"

"You'd sure think so, with the way you walked in here"

You roll your eyes, face hidden against his chest, "can you let that go?"

"You're right" he pulls you closer to him, hand enveloping you behind your bare back. The quiet doesn't bother you as you lie closer to his chest, his heartbeat the only thing you need to be at peace, "I think punishment time is over. Think you've learned your lesson"

"Then, how about we go out? I've heard Malta's beaches are pretty"

"Relájate, cariño. Seems you've gotten your energy back" he quips, then kisses your forehead. "We need to wait for everyone to get out"

"That embarrased you are of me?" you joke.

"No" he can already imagine his fellow cast members making fun of him, starting with Paul and Joseph when they see you and Connie who she totally notices the fun sticky stains on the costume, "but embarrased of the explanation I'll have to give"

[amuseoffyre]

Fyre's convention adventures - Day 1

I've never done a con before, but for the chance to meet 5 of the folk from my favourite little pirate show, of course I was going to break that streak. Especially since it was a convention entirely focused on them and the show.

And since this is liable to get long, lemme put a lil snip

Since it was a hotel con and only focused on the one show, it was a lot smaller and more intimate than the more intimidating scale (to me) of Comiccons and things like that. Plus loads of people I knew already from fan meet-ups and things were going, which made it sound a lot more fun.

It was also the time for the wider OFMD fan community to meet the OFMD muppets :D My priority was to take down all of the characters of the cast who would be attending, so 5 in all: my latest Stede, Izzy, a new Calypso, Lucius and Jim. And two extras on commission - a second Stede and a full-body Ed in his Penitence Onesie. Seven in all 😅

I had three of them shipped down special delivery and the other four filled my case. Thank goodness for a generous hand-luggage allowance is all I can say. It also turned out to be the best decision of my life to bring them because they cause chaotic joy all over the place.

Did a bunch of mingling and scheming (more details on the Elusive Birthday Scroll later) and then the opening night and got to say it never stops being surreal seeing people off the telly in the same room as you.

Since I was treating myself to the gold ticket, I got to go along to the fanmeet which is basically a group of 8 at a table get a few minutes with each of the guests, speed-dating style (we also did chair rotation so everyone got a chance to sit beside the guests). Since we had enough muppets for nearly everyone, lo, we had them arrayed around the table on peoples' laps :)

I'm gonna do a brief summary of each, pulling in from my notes made the morning after as well.

First up was Vico when I was sitting by the guest seat and I got exactly the "OMG!" reaction I had hoped for when they saw the puppets❤️ Turns out they're super into puppetry (as is their partner) and have been incorporating it into their drag routines and have been planning to do a lot more with it with mention of an N'Sync style puppet routine for themself as well.

They also talked about an actor they've been compared to for years - Roberta Colindrez - and that they have recently done some work together and it made Vico realise that they are the muppet version of Colindrez in human form XD They are so animated as well, all hands all moving all the time :D I also said if I could arrange it, I'd try and get the puppet to them if they wanted it (Con rules are that you can't hand gifts directly to guests)

Nathan was second and went "ooooh those are all so creepy... except that one. He's gorgeous" about the Lucius puppet :D He chatted a bit about the show and adamantly insisted that he is a professional actor no matter what the sandwich to the head scene tells you.

Kristian was our third and for the first time in my life, someone recognised my accent as Scottish 🥹 Turns out we both have family from similar parts over here :D We had a nice chat about the places people were all from around the table.

And, of course, he got to see and hold Calypso :) Unlike all my other muppets, I redesigned her specifically for him. My usual design, the neck would be too small, so instead, I left the back of her head open and scaled up the body with a flat base.Course, he didn't know this and went a-seeking the hole 🤣 I explained she'd been redesigned and he had a chuckle about the fact "I went straight under the skirt there" :D "She's got better make-up than me" as well :D

And when I told him she was for him, his eyes went as big as Puss in Boots. And of course, then started pondering what would happen if he crossed her with his furry Calypso muppet and what kind of babies they would have. Probably furry XD

Next up was Con and with the most perfect timing, he arrived at the table just as one of our gang was shoving their hand right up the Izzy muppet 🤣 "Blooooody hell," says he and just has a good look around at all the mups. Asks who made them and all fingers point my way and he was out of his chair in an instant and around the table to give me the biggest hug and tell me "these are genius".

There may have been a bit of blue-screening in that moment and mental declarations of fealty.

I don't even remember how he ended up holding the Izzy muppet (or why he ended up giving it a snog 🤣), but he happily cradled it for the rest of the chat and looked very thrilled when I said that he could have it after the con if he wanted. Topic moved on and led to discussions of the boyfriend of one of the attendees, who made an... impression on him. Relating to size. And proportion. And how bits... fit 🤣

When asked about cars, he said he likes something sturdy and reliable and a bit like him and someone said, "what? A mini?" XD He also would like to go back to theatre, but says it would absolutely have to be the right piece. There have been discussions but they fell through, and he's off back to America to do some filming this week.

And lastly, with me back in the guest-neighbour-seat, it was our captain, who is very excited about getting back on the road with his stand-up tour and has lots of other bits of work coming his way.

He also talked about the fact that OFMD isn't going anywhere. He compared it to shows like Fawlty Towers, where there's the kind of humour and character stuff in there that was good and funny and loved for years, despite not running long at all.

The Star Trek stuff wot he can't talk about has him all excited but he would also love to do Doctor Who, ideally as some kind of helpful alien, though he wouldn't mind playing a bad guy.

He'd also like to do Star Wars at some point, but after they've stopped doing this oversaturation stuff, because there is so much of it all pouring out all of the time and they've lost sight of the heart of it. He loved Rogue One, though, so more like that :)

They were all so lovely and attentive and enthusiastic and it genuinely did just feel like sitting down for a chat with a bunch of friends. And so. frigging. funny in such different and fantastic ways :D It was definitely a great start to the weekend and it only escalated from there :)

There was some music and discoing, but after early travel and much dashing about, honk-shu time was calling and day one of the Fyre's first con experience was done :)

[jschladderall]

rewatched that sdmp episode where schlatt kept referring to himself as daddy and😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫 wowziers

bro even had the AUDACITY to say "daddy always gets what daddy wants" in that gravelly ass voice of his ughhhh i need him off this earth I cant handle him anymore !!!@#@#@32/

(the episode is ranking your succulent cheeks btw its golfing.. why is schlatt so horny playing golf who tf knows)

Have you seen that clip where on CS he says “yeah, lemme look in that mouth. Yeah, open wide for daddy”? ❤️

Also ugh I’ll check that out for sure

And yeah daddy gets what daddy wants ❤️❤️❤️

[the-one-and-only-taffie]

Back with more White Diamond x Sentinel Prime crackship nonsense baby!!!

Ever since I first thought about these goobers, I haven't known a single day of peace (mostly cause the ideas are just racking around in my brain)

So here's a list of headcanons I came up with for Prime Diamond! If you have any questions regarding this ship, my ask box is open. Double if you have any thoughts or anything to add, go on ahead! I hope y'all enjoy!

I may make a part 2 when I come up with more lol

For this relationship to even be possible (as possible as a crackship between two characters from completely different franchises can be), it will have to take place Post-Steven Universe Finale/Future when White Diamond is in her therapy, self-help guru era. And when Sentinel Prime is... alive.

Also, I have been trying to do research regarding this but since the results are so inconsistent, I'm gonna assume White Diamond is around 80 to 90 ft tall and Sentinel is around 60 (based on how he's double Orion Pax's height and apparently TF One Orion is around 33 ft tall). If you know their actual canonical heights or anything close to that, please lemme know!

As mentioned in a reblog, White Diamond would take an interest in Sentinel Prime as a sort of little DIY project. Though he tries to hide it, White with her supernatural intuitiveness can tell there's more to him than meets the eye (he's an asshole). Having been inspired by Steven to see the worth and beauty in imperfections, she wants to give someone like Sentinel a chance like Steven did for her. Though she is making genuine strides to improve upon her previous controlling and obsessive behavior regarding perfection, this aspect of her will resurface in her attempts "fix" Sentinel while in a relationship with him. She adores and finds much interest in his "positive imperfections," but helping him improve on his more negative ones wouldn't hurt, right?

Other reasons she developed an attraction to him is for the same reason all the Sentinel fangirls did: he's just so... pathetic. When he tries to impress her with stories of battles he's never fought in and gives her a tour of his treasure room full of artifacts he didn't discover, she can tell he's trying way too hard to impress her. She finds this cute and charming rather than douchey and desperate.

Sentinel Prime pursued her because, as stated in a previous reblog, "his diva ass was always going to try and seek out a gem fit for a king." He laid his eyes on an 80-90 ft giant alien rock woman and thought,"I need her." As any sane person would. She was supposed to be nothing more than another symbol of wealth for him to show off to the other elites and officials of Iacon City to further cement the royal image he works so hard to maintain. He definitely underestimated how overwhelming White Diamond can be, and I am not just referring to her height.

Sentinel would rather have his spark be extinguished than admit to this, but his stabilizing servos get wobbly at the idea of his alien girlfriend being so much taller than he is. His pride would never admit to this, nor would it accept someone taller than him accompanying him. He believes that as a "Prime," he is supposed to be much taller, bigger, and more imposing than those around him.

Whenever they make a public appearance, Sentinel insists that White shrink herself to a height more tolerable for his fragile ego. He bullshits an excuse about their buildings not being designed for a being as tall as she is. White obliges, but given how Iacon was built when the previous actual Primes were all gigantic and alive, she quickly figures his lie and confronts him about it. He'd just lie again and say he didn't want the other Cybertronians to be intimidated... by her beauty. Clearly, it's not because of some Napolean complex or something. Still, White is in her patience era, so she takes the compliment for what it is.

The "guy who doesn't like speeches" vs. "professional yapper" isn't a joke. Sentinel can't stand how much White Diamond loves to yap. She's the kind of person to have thoughts and opinions about anything and everything. Given that she doesn't breathe, she doesn't even need to catch her breath in the middle of speaking, so she can go on and on and on, much to Sentinel's annoyance.

He tries to get her to quiet down at times, but as White tends to do, she either doesn't hear him or straight up ignores him. Her monologuing, along with her height and just how shiny she is, is very overwhelming for Sentinel at times. The only good thing he finds about this aspect of his sweetspark is when she dotes on him and showers him with compliments and attention. As if an attention hungry fame whore needed any more of it.

Sentinel even allows White to indulge in her psychoanalysis, playing up the whole "tragic hero whose brothers and sisters perished in battle and now has to face the pain and weight of protecting his people alone" angle that she eats up. White does sometimes hit dangerously close to home, so Sentinel shuts her down before she could dig straight to bedrock and uncover the more unfavorable parts of himself he wants to stay hidden.

Speaking of staying hidden, the way White carries herself in public makes Sentinel was to keep her locked away in a jewelry box. White is excellent when it comes to using her words to inflict psychic damage or to build someone up. When it comes to social situations where charisma, relatability, and poise are needed, this is when White is at her most alien. She is not the most socially adjusted given that prior to the finale, she spent thousands of years hidden away in a world of her own delusions. She doesn't have much of a filter, something she has been working on to avoid upsetting others.

She has the habit of pointing out any interesting thing that catches her eye, especially about people, whether or not it's positive or negative. This has led to her unsettling the bots at best or offending them at worst. Sentinel then has to come in and use his charisma to difuse the situation and paint her behavior in a more positive light. Only for White to turn around and ask everyone if they ever noticed how Sentinel's wings move in accordance to his mood and how adorable it is. Everyone laughs. Sentinel is thoroughly pissed.

Sentinel definitely has more relationship experience than White Diamond. All of her knowledge comes from what she's heard from the gems that come to her for advice or from that human show the little green Crystal Gem recommended (she can't remember her name). In her attempts to emulate the behavior she's heard of and observed, she ends up coming off as cringe or detached from reality. At certain points of the relationship, she even imposes certain "deadlines" on courtship behaviors she expects from Sentinel. All his previous relationships were private, casual flings. He only made this one public because bagging a bad bitch like White Diamond is an accomplishment he felt he had to show off.

This may come to bite him in the aft when her radiance catches the attention of other bots. On these occasions, he acts possessive and showers her with attention, gifts, and affection. He tells himself and Airachnid it's because he doesn't want her to outshine him in the eyes of the public. In reality, he gets jealous and doesn't want to lose her interest and, most importantly, her attention. As overwhelming and embarrassing as she can be, a twisted part of him really craves her attention.

In private, Sentinel can flip flop greatly in how he treats White. On some days he leans on her for support and wants her to pet his wings while he vents about all the dumb, annoying bots he has to fraternize with and all the boring meetings he has to attend. White occasionally interrupts him with advice or her own views on the situation, which frustrates Sentinel. On other days, he's completely detached, not even bothering to give her the time of day. He is at his most consistently sweet and romantic when they're both in the public eye, performing grand gestures of love. This intensifies when they're on camera.

They present themselves as THE Iacon couple, but Sentinel and White argue a lot about pretty much anything. More often than not, White is trying to advise him on how to improve himself and his city, and Sentinel kindly tells her to shut up and mind her own business.

They are both very prideful people who can't accept when they are wrong. White is more willing than Sentinel to admit to it and compromise. If she believes she is 100% in the right, she won't go down without a verbal fight. She has yet to figure out how to properly counter Sentinel's "NUH UH!" though. She believes this is normal and healthy as she hears time and time again how arguments are a sign of a functional relationship. White knows how in the past she never allowed anyone to express their grievances or criticize her. If they did, she'd twist their words to further force her own viewpoint or take control over their mind and body. Seeing Sentinel passionately argue back while White practices her listening skills and only sometimes speaks over him gives her hope that she isn't regressing back to her previous toxicity. No one has told her that disagreements are healthy and normal, but frequent fights and arguments are not. And the kind of hellish circles these two go in just ain't it

[theoddest1]

Nahh, Val defenders are SCARY. I just saw the recent tea and lemme tell you. I’m an artist who does artist alley at huge cons over the USA and I’ve had people upset at me for having almost every Hazbin character as a keychain design except for Val because that mothafucker can go jump into an insect repellent buzzer for all I care. And I have had actual encounters IN PERSON of people who were upset I didn’t have the rapist man. I’d tell them I am too uncomfortable to draw him because guess what honey, I survived rape so of course he makes me uncomfortable. Also I’m the artist and I can draw whatever the fuck I want. And people would get upset saying they needed their husbando or tell me gee sucks for you but he’s a fictional character. Don’t care! I don’t care if he’s fictional, do you see how people treat awful men like him saying shit like they wished that Val had a contract with them? Don’t get me started on the ValAngel cosplayers who would pose in questionable manners, or the Val cosplayers who used their cosplay to excuse they heinous shit like touching people’s asses because they think they’re in character. And now with this print issue, it’s just going to get worse because people find the rapist man hot thanks to glorification of sexual assault. Also to the people comparing ValAngel to a consensual non-con kink, please seek help. Sorry babes I just had to get it out of my system because this is making me furious. Anyways, that’s my piping tea, and I love your blog.

Oh, sis, I just wanna start off saying that I am so sorry you have been dealing with this and that you're strong af for still being here and being you despite what horrors you faced. I wanna applaud you for your strength and keep up the good fight! I'd also like to apologize for taking so long to answer asks! After the latest drama, I have been getting so many more asks, and tbh I never thought my acc would get as much traction as it does nowadays! Glad you and every have been enjoying my posts and hope that I can better she'd light on Biv and her little posse!

Regarding your situation at cons, I am so sorry you had to deal with them obnoxious ass people. They say in one breath, "Oh, it's fiction!" But then, in the other, get pissed when said fiction is not available, that's how you know that they dgaf and only care about their "interests" over actual survivors concerns and critiques over the handling of SA. The fact that a lot of them do these sexual acts onto people proves the fiction DOES INDEED affect reality, unsurprisingly. Ima say it again, these mfers need to see Val get dogged on and made fun off lime a punching bag, and we'll see if they pull that same excuse.🫢🤭

[yowumi]

Hotshot surgeon Gojo x Medical Student Reader Ft. Hotshot Surgeon Suguru [ modern au ] TW. Pregnancy & Love Triangle

Shotgun Wedding Ch. 03 | Make Up

Summary. Satoru Gojo, The states #1 Neurosurgeon, known for his wealthy clan. He was known for his success, parties, and his willingness to fuck anybody and everybody in a 10 mile radius. Unfortunately, one unlucky night, you make the wise decision to do what any hard working young medical student would do when faced with a sexy doctor…you sleep with him in which changes your life forever.

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Warnings. Accidental pregnancy, no protection (wrap it before you tap it), love triangle, roommates (they all live together), arranged marriage, satoru is a bit of a meanie, plot twists, angst, smut, you only end up with one.

A/N. this is my first time writing a fanfic, although i’ve always wanted to! i’m always open to take constructive criticism or any tips to make my writing better! I hope you guys enjoy and definitely lemme know if you have any suggestions, read well luv <3

keep up! // ch. 1 // ch. 2 // ch. 3 // ch. 4 (coming soon)

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As the time has passed, things have been going smoothly at home. Satoru has been keeping his promises about controlling the drinking and his whore behavior and there was no drama in the house.

Although, after two months since the pregnancy, you’ve started to notice changes within your appearance as your belly is starting to show. Nobara claims you’ve got the ‘pregnancy glow’ even though, you would disagree as you haven’t fully gotten used to your new body.

[12:07pm] King Nobara: OMG!! we should totally go baby clothes shopping

Nobara’s texts appear in your shared groupchat with you, her and Yuji. Megumi was originally supposed to be in here as well but Nobara bullied him out after teasing him about his shared drunk kiss with Yuji.

[12:07pm] Yuji: can i come toooooo? it’s been so boring lately also it’s been a while since the gang has been together, i need to get fushiguro out the house, i’m afraid he will become emo!!

[12:08pm] King Nobara: he’s already emo :((

You roll your eyes at their teasing, a small smile leaving your lips as you feel comforted talking to them again. Hanging out with all of them again would be good for you, after all it’s been a while since you’ve talked to Megumi who still has refused to talk to you after you’ve moved out.

[12:10pm] You: Yeah, sounds good. How’s 2 sound?

[12:12pm] King Nobara: good for me, you in itadori?

[12:12pm] Yuji: yes Ma’am!!

You set your phone down as you think out your day before getting your thoughts interrupted by the sound of your maid coming in the room in a rush ready to clean up, she apologizes as she thought you would be up by now.

Taking notice of her stressed out behavior as she pants, you ask, “is everything alright? what’s the matter?”

“Well today is a big day, you know” She says offering you a kind smile at your concern for her.

“How so? it’s saturday” You ask, furrowing your eye brows trying to think if you’ve missed a holiday.

“You weren’t informed?! Oh my!! The Gojo’s will be arriving for dinner today so you two can break the news of your pregnancy, I apologize, I assumed Mr. Gojo had made you aware.”

“Oh I see” You nod in understanding as you get up from your place on the bed, matching your way towards the door.

Loud slippers make its way through the hall, passing by the living room in which Suguru sat on the couch sipping his coffee as he flicked through channels. As if he reads your anger, he mutters “uh oh” as he looks towards the situation before him amused as you violently knock on Satoru’s door.

You can hear what sounds like Satoru getting up from his bed followed by a muffled groan as if he is stretching before being approached by a shirtless Satoru in front of you, yawning without shame which seems to set you off.

He looks down and quickly reads your angry expression before a sly smirk appears on his lips, “ah and good morning to you too, baby mama”

“You shouldn’t call her that Satoru, it makes it sound like you knocked her up after a one night stand or something” He sarcastically teases followed up by Satoru grinning in front of you.

“My apologies, Now what do i owe the pleasure of being in the presence of my strong, beautiful, glorious, soon to be mother of my child” he says dramatically.

If you were cartoon characters, you’re sure smoke would be coming out your ears by now.

“Why am i now getting informed that we will be breaking the news to your parents tonight?” You cross your arms annoyed by how calm he is by all this.

“Relax, i just didn’t want to stress you out, not good for the baby.” He says nonchalantly making your blood boil. Not wanting to stress you out? Since when did he care about that. As if his whole existence didn’t stress you out.

“Well now i’m stressed out even more, i can’t even prepare and i have to rush to see if i can get a gift or something!”

“No need, we will have a little dinner at the house and that’s it, no need for gifts, they aren’t that formal” He brushes you off with a scratch to his head.

You stomp away in anger, not feeling the need to further speak with him as you might just strangle him right there.

“Those slippers are super cute on you by the way!” He shouts out playfully before you turn around to throw one at him before he retreats to his room.

You look towards Suguru who is encouraging Satoru to run and retreat before you aim the other slipper towards him causing Suguru to throw his hands up in defeat, “I surrender!”

You let out a small huff as you walk away.

“You’re breakfast is in the microwave!” he shouts out softly laughing as you walk away giving him a thumbs up of acknowledgement.

getting dressed to meet up with your friends ended up more stressful than you intended, feeling a weight in your chest knowing Megumi would be there.

I mean you always knew that he wasn’t the biggest fan of gojo but not talking to you because of it just seemed like a little much to you. you didn’t understand why he cared so much about you and gojo, i mean it was always playful banter, right? Megumi didn’t seriously hate gojo, could he.

either way you knew you would have to find a way to repair the friendship between you and megumi, you valued it a lot considering having growing up with him.

Gojo was always like an older brother figure to Megumi, I think apart of Satoru wanted to relieve the pain of Megumi losing his parents, budging his way into a brotherly role in his life.

When you were kids you would remember the car rides as Satoru would drop you both off at highschool as Satoru would make his way to college.

the nights you spent alone with megumi where you felt safe and loved at a time where you felt alone. In a way it felt like you found a familiar comfort in being with him. growing up with him felt so natural that it made you anxious at the thought of losing him over someone as stupid as Gojo.

Megumi felt like family, the family you never got to have.

after working up the courage to walk out your room, clutching your bag filled with junk and medications gojo prescribed you on.

“where are you heading?” a voice comes out from behind you, almost startling compared to the silence you were surrounded in moments ago.

you turn around to see gojo eying the sundress you’re wearing, helping you cover up the small baby bump that was barely beginning to form.

“I was going to meet up at the mall with some friends”

he nods, “hm okay, i assume megumi will be there as well?” he asks, a hint of concern in his voice.

“mhm” you hum. what was with the sudden interest in Megumi?

“do you mind if i come with? i’ve got some things i need to get from there before my parents come, and it would be nice to see megs ya know” he says, surprising abandoning his playful tone he usually has at the mention of megumi, instead now showing some guilt on his face.

you think for a moment, thinking if bringing Gojo was really the best idea. would megumi really be okay with that? he’s been so silent that it’s hard to read how he will react.

after moments of thinking, you finally nod. giving your approval as a soft smile appears on Satoru’s lips as you both head out the door.

“We’ll be back, Suguru!” Satoru shouts before closing the door.

The car way there was silent once again, you couldn’t quite read the mood between the both of you. Satoru was a big personality in front of people, yet with you, most times he would just stay silent, making you wonder what’s happening in his head. You would try not to overthink it too much.

arriving at the mall you see Nobara and Yuji sitting on the curb frantically waving as you get out the car like fangirls. while Megumi stands quietly by the light pole next to them, a blank expression on his face.

Gojo takes a few seconds before walking out of the car, letting you’re friends greet you with excitement before quietly walking out, closing the door. when he turns Nobara gives you a mouth open look of dramatic surprise as she nods her head in ‘hottie approval’.

You roll your eyes as you hug her tightly and seeing Yuji greet Gojo, “Hey doc! what are you doing here!” he goes in to give him a handshake as Gojo laughs returning a friendly greeting towards Yuji and Nobara.

You look to see megumi who is already facing you, turning away once you make eye contact, you look down feeling a guilt feeling in your stomach, you hated when he was upset with you. but you weren’t going to give up, you would make it your mission to make sure you can make up with Megumi today.

“There’s my little munchkin, hey megs! it’s been a hot minute since you’ve visited, holidays are coming up, come by sometime!” he says pulling Megumi forcefully into a hug as Megumi makes a salty face looking away, “Okay.”

You wave and walk towards him, “Hi” you say giving him a soft smile, Megumi turns his gaze towards you, he wanted to be upset but he knew you were pregnant and he couldn’t help how innocent you looked trying to make an effort to speak to him, “hey” he says back, his eyes softening for a moment as he looks down at your sundress hanging loosely around your body, noticing the small baby bump.

You guys walk around the mall, Gojo and Yuji disappearing off as they talk each others ears off as they wondered off to god knows where in the mall, leaving you, Nobara and Megumi left.

Nobara babbled about the third year medical students and something about how there’s a rumor of third year student Inumaki getting to work along side Nanami Kento as a gynecologist. Meanwhile Megumi stays silent trailing behind you both as he watched you eying the baby clothes.

as she speaks about the subject a voice pops out behind all of you, “Hey first years, what are you guys doing here? doing some last minute shopping?” Maki wraps an arm around Nobara’s shoulder watching Nobara’s eyes light up.

“Yeah, we’re doing some last minute christmas shopping since Yuji decided he would invite his asshole of an uncle over for christmas, we’re totally low on supplies. Oh by the way you guys are still coming right?” Nobara says looking towards you, Maki, Yuta, and Inumaki. They all nod as you stay silent, not knowing where you’re going for thanksgiving, did Satoru even want you there? you would assume he would have plans along with Geto.

“Uh Im not sure actually”

“Aw why nottttt! Gojo and Geto are coming! so is Shoko and Nanami!” She says pulling your arm like a child wanting their mom’s approval.

“They are?” you ask, surprised at the fact.

“Yeah! it’s at Megumi’s apartment so everyone’s meeting up there! you have to come, i won’t accept no!”

you finally nod giving your approval leaving Nobara satisfied.

The next hour at some point Nobara heads off with Maki and the others leaving Megumi alone with you as you walked around stores. A silence filled the void between you two before Megumi surprisingly broke the silence pulling you into a store, “come here”

you’re confused but you follow him into the store in which you soon realizes sells baby clothes and supplies.

you look and run your fingers through the small baby clothes along the racks, imagining ones you would like your baby to wear as he watches you fiddle with the small buttons along the baby coats.

He watches you carefully and silently as you do so, after several minutes finally breaking the silence.

“is it his?” he asks and you turn towards him startled by the question.

you try to play it off as confusion, “w-what?”

“Satoru, it’s his isn’t it. He dropped you off that night of the event, your carrying his child aren’t you?” he keeps his calm demeanor.

you look down, not wanting to answer the question. for moments it’s quiet before he lifts a hand on your shoulder, “it’s okay.”

you look up at him to see his face is filled with an expression you weren’t familiar with on his face, a look you hadn’t seen on him in a long time. A soft smile appears on his face.

You admire the sight, taking advantage of it while it lasts, burning the imagine in your mind.

“y-you aren’t mad…?” you ask turning your head slightly.

he shakes his head, “no. i know you’re smart enough to take care of yourself, I trust that you will.”

he says before taking the palm of his hand and putting it gently on your waist slightly caressing the bump on your stomach. “but if anything doesn’t work out, you can always come back home.”

you smile, in the moment it made you feel nostalgic, reminding you of the comfort you once felt in Megumi’s presence as kid. You’re home.

before leaving the store, Megumi purchased small white mittens and a small black snow hat, for the baby. He holds the bag as he walks with you out of the store finally finding Gojo standing alone at the food court making small talk with an old woman.

“Hey, where did everyone go? don’t tell me they left the old man to fend for himself” you tease as you walk towards him, a grin appearing on his lips.

“don’t tell me i’m getting wrinkles already! but yeah they went and found a bar somewhere across the street but i had to lead by example, you know, as their mentor and all” he brushes his shoulder dramatically finally realizing megumi was beside you. “Oh you’re still here! Oh Megumi you should come home with us, my family is coming in just a few hours, they would love to see you!” he says cheerfully,

Megumi shrugs, “Yeah whatever” He says nonchalantly looking at your eyes for a response,

“sounds like a plan”

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A/N. This chapter is a little short but only because the family dinner with Satoru’s parents is most likely going to be long considering everything i have planned to happen for it. There’s going to be some flashbacks and drama next chapter for sure so I figured this chapter would be more of a calmer setting where reader and Megumi make up and we get some fun scenes.

let me know if you guys would like to be added to the tag list for ‘Shotgun Wedding’ updates!

tags: @jeannieboys @maskedpacific @muimuiwisteria @baileebear

[asordinaryppl]

A3! Backstage Story Translation - Chikage Utsuki SSR: BE.MINE ver.CHIKAGE - Part 2

requested by taruchikas, who also provided the raws for the story! thank you!

Chikage: I’m home—

Citron: How about this route?

Itaru: We’d probably avoid the traffic jams in the city like this.

Sakuya: What should we do about lunch?

Tsuzuru: How about…

Chikage: (I’ve got a bad feeling about this…)

Chikage: You look like you’re having fun.

Tsuzuru: Oh, Chikage-san. Welcome back.

Chikage: What are you all hunched over there for?

Sakuya: We’re making plans for a drive.

Citron: You will be clearing your schedule too, Chikage.

Chikage: I’m being forced into this, I see.

Itaru: Can’t do without you.

Tsuzuru: If anything, you’ll be the star of the show.

Chikage: Meaning?

Itaru: We heard from the Director that your situation prompt for the magazine is a drive date.

Chikage: Figured that’s what’s going on…

Chikage: I drive pretty often anyway, I don’t think there’s a need for me to go out of my way to prepare.

Citron: Non, non! Simply driving and driving with someone else on board are completely different!

Tsuzuru: Citron-san’s saying something that makes sense for once.

Masumi: … This is weird.

Sakuya: It was cool!

Itaru: So, if you would.

Chikage: … I got it. It's important to make some time for family, after all.

-

Izumi: There are drinks and snacks in here.

Chikage: Thanks.

Izumi: I don’t think I have any reason to worry, but please drive safely.

Chikage: Of course. Well then…

Citron: I will be in the passenger seat today.

Chikage: ? Sure…

Citron: Off we go!

-

Chikage: Let me know if you want to stop by a convenience store or something. For music—

Citron: Ah~ I’m so glad the weather is nice today, Chi-kun ♪

Chikage: Chi…

Tsuzuru: Chi-kun!?

Itaru: “Chi-kun” is crazy. I think I’m gonna die.

Citron: The weather is fire and I’m sooo geeked~★ Chi-kunnn, I’ll be counting on you to drive sa-fe-ly ♪

Sakuya: Are you playing the girlfriend…?

Itaru: And a gyaru. I think.

Tsuzuru: The slang’s a little outdated though…

Masumi: … The light is gone from Chikage’s eyes.

Chikage: …

Tsuzuru: B-But it’ll be good practice for the magazine…?

Itaru: And it’ll help with Citron’s future female roles.

Chikage: … *sigh* Alright.

Chikage: But, I don’t want to hear any complaints if my driving gets weird.

Itaru: Remind me why we're risking our life for this…

Citron: Playing the girlfriend is fun! You should all try it too.

Tsuzuru: Uhhh…

Sakuya: It’d be good to try out all kinds of situations!

Itaru: We’ll all take turns playing the girlfriend whenever we stop in a service area or convenience store, then.

Chikage: That’d be helpful in many ways.

Sakuya: We’ll do our best!

Chikage: … I think I’m going to get something to keep me awake, just in case. Can we stop by that store?

Citron: My shift ended fast!

-

Sakuya: Ummm…

Sakuya: Chi—…

Chikage: You can just call me the way you usually do, Sakuya.

Citron: Did you hate it that much?

Itaru: I’ll be remembering it and rolling on the floor, at least.

Masumi: I’m gonna be sick.

-

Tsuzuru: …

Chikage: …

Citron: He can’t practice if you don’t speak, Tsuzuru!

Itaru: ^ This. You need to say something.

Tsuzuru: U-Uhhh…

Tsuzuru: A-Aren’t you tired~?

Chikage: You don’t need to force yourself so much. Could you hand me my coffee?

Tsuzuru: ‘Kay!

Tsuzuru: Wait, I’m supposed to be helping you…!

-

Masumi: …

Chikage: …

Citron: There’s too much silence again!

Itaru: Masumi, just think of this as rehearsal with Director-san.

Masumi: With the Director…

Masumi: …

Masumi: … *sigh* I can’t. You’re too cute.

Chikage: … Just what thoughts are going through your head?

-

Itaru: Okay, lemme show you all how it’s done.

Chikage: No need to get so into this.

Itaru: Utsuki-san, should I play some music? Or are you more of a radio person?

Chikage: I suppose I prefer the radio. We can also get information about traffic jams like this.

Itaru: Me too~

Itaru: *Yawn*…

Citron: Oh, how flirty.

Itaru: No, that was for real…

Chikage: Are you sleepy? You can go ahead and sleep. I’ll wake you up when we get there.

Itaru: I’m being put to bed.

part 1 | part 2 | part 3

[noornight]

Long distance besties. This definitely happened after the third movie (source: trust me bro)

Based on this

[fallout-fucker]

Part Two is below the cut.

Warning because it's long. @wizardhatwithacowboybrim Glad you like it! I've had a sequel in the works since I made this post but kept forgetting to finish it, so thanks for reminding me! I hope you guys like this concept, lemme know if you guys would like a Part Three. It's lowkey a fic now and I'm debating actually fully writing one with this concept on AO3 because of how fun it is, and have been debating so for a while. I haven't covered all of the companions in this Part, mostly some of the NV ones, because honestly I haven't played NV as much and haven't travelled with some of the companions yet 🤡💀 It also leans into Sole X Hancock. I hope it's enjoyable either way. Also, no beta reading because I cba and honestly I should be doing work right now but did this instead. I would make it actually grammatically correct and such if I was fully writing a fic on AO3 but alas, I have to actually stop procrastinating.

Six has half a mind to pick up Pre-War money when they see it, or jet and orange mentats. They don't really do chems, but finds themself collecting them. That and...Well, all sorts of stuff, really. History books. Ink and working pens or pencils, notepads. Comics. Wigs and different kinds of sunglasses. Silly hats. The pile at base grows overtime. They don't recall who they were meant to gift these things to.

Or why they grab at random junk. They have caught themselves reaching for a broken light bulb mid gun fight, almost getting shot in the proccess, on one too many occasions. We could use the copper- Who's we? Why would we need copper?

They're not keen on the NCR. They can understand the goal, and agree with the idea but don't quite like their execution. Six has an arguably egotistical belief that they could do a better job, for some reason. The NCR would do better with more structure. Less focus on a new currency, and more priority on actually rebuilding and providing support to the local settlements and people. There's a difference between being a militia out of necessity because of the world they live in, but with humanitarian goals at heart, and being a military faction that uses humanity as an excuse but not actually a goal. Too many of those factions around, in fact. The trade is a good idea, but are they actually protecting caravans on their routes? Cassidy would beg to differ. There has to be balance. Money alone doesn't solve these issues.

ED-E seems a comforting companion. Six doesn't quite know how they're seemingly already used to a little flying robot. They finally have someone to use some of the gifts for, though. They quite enjoy putting little decorative hats on her metal head. Sometimes, though, they'll go to hand something to the bot only to watch it drop. Many mugs have been shattered this way, glass and coffee everywhere. ED-E has never had hands, what did they expect? Yet they do it more often than they wish to admit.

Rex is adorable. Even with his brain showing. Loyal to a fault, but dogs are, aren't they? Six all but ran to him when they saw him sniffing about on his own, almost cried from the overwhelming joy. They'd had a dog, they think...Two...One before and one after...Before and after what? They can't recall...All Six knows is the relief they feel when Rex lets them pet him, trusts them enough to roll to his side and gives them room to rub his belly. Soft fur...A few metal paws, but that's okay. When they sit with him back at base, a screwdriver tightening the joints in his hand- No- Paw...They smile. But it's a sad smile. Like one would have when missing a friend, or a few. Not just a dog...But a man, too...Borrowed brains and metal limbs...Ha...Rex was a loyal dog, but an even better partner.

When they become properly acquainted with Boone, a sniper with a deceased wife, they feel a sense of deja vu. When the Novac mess is over, Six has to catch their tongue before they ask if Boone's son is safe, if they both got away. He never mentioned a son. Who would they be running from?

They also smile at the rare occurrences when Boone takes off his hat. Something about a man in sunglasses -Changing out of one thing, maybe into another- Makes Six chuckle, like they're expecting Boone will come out with some one-liner or joke. But he's not the type.

Cassidy is fiery. Downs more whiskey than water. Whiskey Rose is a fitting nickname, though Six had originally settled on Cass. That was until they almost called her Cait. They didn't, thankfully...Had they known a Cait? They don't know whether the question makes them happy or not. If it's a good thing to remember or not. Regardless, they can't deny the- Nostalgia...? Yeah...Yeah. Nostalgia- They feel when Cassidy's eyes burn into their own when partaking in their now traditional weekly arm wrestle. Whoever Cait was, Six thinks they must've liked her. They hope she is okay. They hope she is...Healthy? Well, they guess, they just hope she is still alive.

This world isn't kind. It wasn't really kind then, with all the Wars- What Wars-? But even worse now. Even with all that time...How long had it been? Since...Since what? A fresh breeze, a sunny morning...The sound of cars driving past an open window...Someone dancing by a kitchen counter...The soft sound of a crib mobile playing a lullaby...Maybe...Maybe in another life...Maybe past lives are real...In a way...

They should check on Boone and his son. Is the boy alright? Six hoped so, they know how awful it is to lose a chi-

...Boone doesn't have a son. I don't have a...Did I...Do I have a son?

Veronica is a sweetheart. Her love for dresses is enough to make anyone's heart just that much warmer. There's something familiar in the softness of her smile. Her eagerness to wear dresses and explore that almost long-dead idea of 'girly-ness'. Six knows she’s an ass kicker working with the BOS, and laughs at the idea of her beating people up in a dress and heels. Yet whenever they stroll their way towards the BOS HQ, something always makes Six reach out to grab her wrist; a want to high tail it and run the other way. A sense that they don't value their soldiers as much as they say. Six is scared Veronica will be met with a betrayal from seemingly nowhere. Veronica always just smiles and tells them everything is fine, and marches on in, like a good soldier. Always a good, blind soldier. Six swears they taste poison whenever they mutter the words 'Ad Victoriam'.

Raul is a breath of fresh air. Fresh air laced with a sense of home. Sometimes when he calls Six 'Boss', they look over at Boone, expecting it to have come from their designated sniper. But that isn't quite it.

A large part of it is the occasions he talks about the Pre-War world. When he does, Six goes quiet. Not even a peep. They just sit and listen to his tales, almost like they remember those years themself. Like they can see them. The grass, the beaches and neighbours and houses and shopping streets, the schools and college students and the kids in playgrounds...

Six traces a finger over the watch on their right wrist. On their left arm is where they keep their Pip-Boy. It doesn’t say which Vault it was made for, but it doesn’t match the models of the local Vaults. The words 'Pip-Boy 3000' are engraved on the back, which is hidden when wearing it. It's the only clue Six has of their past. That and their watch. They don't need a watch, their Pip-Boy shows the time...So, they have come to the conclusion it was a gift. They think they would've made a good Detective in another life...If that were true, they'd probably be home now, though. Wherever home was...

Still, they look at the small hand ticking by the seconds and smile. The soft ticks and turning of gears. Whoever made this had been taught well, and had inherited their own habit of gift-giving. Six often puts the watch up to their ear and just listens. The sound of metal and gears. The sound of loved ones. They don't like the idea of wasting time, feels like they missed many years somewhere, somehow...But those moments are worth it. Copper. That's what he asked for...He wanted to fix a camera...Because...I mentioned I wanted...An album of...Of us...That's what we planned before he was born...I...I need to...I need...I don't even know...

But that’s still not fully it. Six also has a soft spot for captured people, like enslaved people at the Legion. Also a soft spot for ghouls, especially those with a sense of humour. Raul's had Six doubling over quite a few times. Sometimes when they're travelling, and sleeping near each other, when Six wakes up, all groggy and such, they almost reach for Raul, almost pull him close as if it's natural. Like one would if they woke up next to a friend of brown hair, and mistook them for their brown-haired love at first glance. That had also happened before, Six thinks...But then they stop, their hand hovering. There's a stigma that ghouls smell of rotting flesh. That isn't true. Six could smell vintage clothes and leather. Worn books. Jet and orange metats, could almost taste that latter on their tongue. They were his favourite, but he isn't here. Whoever he is.

He was always warm, the way that ghouls are. Something about the radiation. Six faintly remember how reassuring it could be, especially on those nights that brought the threat of chilly air. Especially when they were terrified of even the hint of cold. When a hand would gently touch their shoulder, and then someone's warm chest would press against their back and keep the cold, the fear and uncertainty and everything else, everything dangerous, at bay. Like a human radiator. It felt like fire meeting ice. Like moonlight and...

It's nights like that where Six has to turn away and put their hand over their heart, trying to rub the ache in it away. To force themself to focus on the night sky and breathe...But then that sky only reminds them of black eyes, the stars like glints of light and love against a pitch-black backdrop...Where only if you look close enough, you see blue amongst the black.

Six thinks they even really loved the word Blue. Six thinks they loved a lot of things.

Six knows they loved the sky because it reminded them of him. Six now hates the stars and hates the sunshine, which they can't escape from in the literal fucking desert, because they know they loved them at one point, but not why. Or at least not the person that caused them to.

So Six takes a break for a few days from all of their companions and sleeps alone again. Only when they look at the other side of the bed, empty and cold, do they feel the sting of tears. They don't even understand their thoughts, but that doesn't stop them from racing.

I may not remember you but I know I love you...Take care of...Of our boy. Get him some copper for me, will you? You're always good to him like that...Take pictures for me, so I can see them when I'm back. I don't want to miss watching him grow up this time...Not...Not again...I'll come back to you. All of you. I will.

I'll survive...I always do...

Don't I…?

---

The next time Six goes out, they make sure to hand-pick the best items from their 'Random Stuff Pile'. They walk. They help the locals, do odd bits and bobs, and take the odd jobs no one else is willing to do. Most importantly, they wait.

They walk. They work. They wait.

Until it happens.

Until they catch a glimpse of them. Exactly what- Who- Six was waiting for. The group of 'other Couriers' that follow Six when they start helping people again; leaving rumours of their reputation around the Mojave in their wake, like breadcrumbs and clues. A trail to follow. That, until recently, Six hadn't realised they had been leaving. Six almost made a betting game with themself based on how long they thought it'd take until they found them again. A small gamble.

They suppose that's what this is; a gamble. To see if there was a reason Six never felt fear when they saw those figures in the distance. If it were anyone else, they might, in a world like this. Or at least be on edge. But that was never the case. They felt familiar. Six wanted to test that.

Six finds a spot. Out in the open, a valley. One that they cleared any hostiles out of weeks ago. They wanted to make sure they would be safe during this. Six looks towards the hills and mountains looking into the valley, and sure enough, there's a group of masks and red lenses watching. They make no effort to hide anymore. It seems they're betting on Six, too.

Sol- Six smiles behind their mask, debating taking it off. But then they remember the scar that runs over their forehead and into their hairline and thinks not yet. I'm not ready. Small steps first. I have to be sure.

Gambling is dangerous, and they never were a fan of Russian Roulette or bullets or unprotected faces.

Six takes their time setting out the small shrine of trinkets and treats they had brought with them. It's made up of a collection of smaller shrines. It's set out in a way that the number of people on the mountain is accounted for, with a few spare piles depending on which cards Six is betting they have in their deck. Six thinks they can remember and recognise a few of them, their mannerisms, but is unsure about the identities of most of them.

The one with sunglasses sticking out of his shirt pocket, replaced by a mask, sticks out the most. He's always been good at this stuff; following, detail gathering, listening out for whispers and rumours through the grapevine type of stuff. He was the first person Six had put money on being in their recon group, they think he was even the original masked face trailing them around, back when it was just one. His pile is one of the ones Six is confident about, made up of an assortment of wigs and funky glasses, and candy he likes.

Six couldn't necessarily figure out the rest, but could reasonably guess. The Detective, perhaps? That made sense. Otherwise, Six only had their hope.

Cait's name is the only one they remember, and only because of Cassidy. So they hope Cait is there. Six leaves a bottle of whisky as the centre of Please-Be-Cait's pile, more so as an inside joke to themself. That pile is one of the spares, towards one of the sides of the general shrine.

There's hope in all of the piles, Six supposes. Bits of 'I'm trying', 'I want to remember. I want to know you again', and 'I hope it's you, whoever I think you are to me' scattered throughout all of them.

History books. Ink and working pens and pencils, notepads. Comics. Wigs and different kinds of sunglasses. Silly hats. Copper and orange mentats. The shrine grows over time. Six doesn't recall who they were meant to gift these things to, but they're hoping they're right regardless.

When the offerings and gifts are all laid out, and Six has ensured they're perfect, they look once more towards the mountain. The figures are still watching. Of course, they are. They would follow Six anywhere. That's what they did, didn't they?

Six stares back for a moment, savouring it. The hope. Then they begin walking away from the offering. Six moves slowly, so they'll have time to investigate the offerings and still catch up. But now the ball is in their court. Six…Had made their move. Now it's their turn to make a play. To gamble.

Because if Sole's time in the Mojave had taught them one thing…It's that this game…This game was rigged from the start.

What do we think of finessing the Fallout timeline a bit so that Fallout NV takes place after Fallout 4 (I'm working out details and looking into lore to see if this would work without a bunch of plot holes and what not. As far as I know it's not too interconnected to the other games so I feel like you could get away with a 6-8 year jump without too much going wrong) for a plotline where Sole and The Courier are the same person.

So after a bunch of Nuke World shenanigans, Sole 'takes care' of a lot of the people who were running Nuka World, but someone gets away. Anyway skip a few months and Sole and MacCready go to The Capital Wasteland to bring good ol' baby Duncan to the Commonwealth, as well as catch up with an old friend of MacCready's (The Wanderer) to look into the water purification thing that Sole would wanna attempt to do in the Commonwealth.

On their way back to Boston, however, they're ambushed by a group of raiders, who have links to some cult-ish faction down in Nevada. One of the raiders recognises Sole. It's the person that escaped Nuka World. For payback, they take Sole (MacCready manages to escape with Duncan when Sole gets them an opening) and sells them off to that cult. MacCready catches the name just barely. Caesar's Legion.

He gets Duncan back to Sanctuary as quickly as he can and immediately gets word to the rest of the companions. Preston had stayed to run the Minutemen in Sole's absence, Hancock to run Goodneighbour, Nick to carry on with the agency but also to attempt to keep peace in Diamond City after the Sheep's Clothing disaster, etc. Of course there's panic, and they begin to make a plan.

Sole on the other hand, was taken to the Legion. They managed to escape, but not before they were stripped of all their possessions. They have no money, no weapons, no food, no connections. No way to survive, and no way home. They scavenge, get basic supplies. Manage to ask around for work. They get a few odd jobs, not enough caps yet though to be able to get home. Until, they hear of a job through the grapevine. Some delivery that needed to happen, its important, but all hush hush. Doesn't matter much, the pay out is huge, if done right. Last time they took a job no questions asked, it didn't exactly go well, but they ended up with Hancock willing to be their companion, so who knows. Besides, reluctantce based on the unknown isn't so putrid next to the sweet smell of enough caps to tag along with a few trading caravans along the routes back to Boston.

Really, how dangerous can a delivery job be? Being a courier sounds like an easy job compared to being a General.

It should be easy. Should be. Until they're looking up the barrel of a gun. Until a bullet goes through their brain.

They survive, somehow, because they always do, don't they? It's in their name. Sole Survivor. Was it ever a surprise. You'd think they're immortal, a God, when neither a bullet to their brain or even a nuclear war can kill them. But they're not a God. They're human. So, it's doesn't take long for that kind of luck to run out. Like Russian Roulette, there's always at least one bullet in the chamber. You'd think in Vegas, it'd be worth the gamble. But, when they wake, they don't remember anything. Being a Courier sounds easy when you're under the belief that's what you always were.

Less easy when it seems everyone in Vegas and their mother is gunning for you, for whatever reason. All Sole is interested in is catching the bastard that shot them, and getting some damn answers. Both about the damn chip, and who they are themself. Not a single person in Nevada seems to know who the fuck they are, like they appeared from nowhere. The mask probably doesn't help, but it beats getting shot in the head again.

All they know is they have it out for Benny.

As well as a few strange things.

Like how a chill runs up their spine when they hear talk of the Legion, and have almost an instinct to stay away. The same happens with the Brotherhood of Steel. The name feels like it should mean something. Those men and women prancing around in clunky armour feels like it should ring a bell.

They hate the heat of the Nevada, but they know if they had to choose, they would rather boil to death than freeze. They pile on blankets at even the slightest hint of a cold night, which is rare in the desert anyway. But Six doesn't like to gamble. The threat of a bullet has a history of not going well for them. They didn't sign up to play this game. They don't want to know if the other gun chambers are empty or not. Something about the cold just doesn't feel safe, reminds them of something they can't even remember. It's just an inkling feeling, gives them anxiety of a looming threat. Especially going to sleep cold. Something about that thought keeps them up at night, scared to sleep. Like a haunting sense that when they wake up, things will be different.

They're a little paranoid of people whose movements seem too perfect, not entirely human, find themselves looking at the back of people's necks where there could be scars, as if they're chipped or have inplants. It's not like they're not actually human though, right? Right...? They have no reason to believe that. Maybe. They hear a folktale about how your phobias in your current life are warnings from your previous lives. Six doesn't know what they think of that theory. They don't know if past lives are real. Something tells them they could be, in a way.

Six also feels watched. Turns to look over their shoulder far too much. At first they blame the paranoia, but something feels too real. Something feels familiar. After a while, they start to notice the figures in the distance. Faces ducking back behind rocks when Six turns around at the feel of eyes on the back of their head. The man, or men(?), who wear the same Courier outfits as them. Who follow Six's every move. Who, from what Six has been hearing from their discreet asking around, seem to be trying to find out who Six is almost as quickly as Six themself. Six had wondered what had happened to the other Couriers. They wonder if it's actually them. Or maybe they hope they do. Otherwise, the reflective shine of a red lens in an identical mask that matches your own behind your reflection as your walking past a broken window gets too eerie for someone who still doesn't know if they even have a friend's house they can run to if shit hits the fan. At first it was one. Now it's a handful. Six swore there were only five more couriers other than them. Despite the unease, there's still something else. That familiarity. Like when Six sees that ducking of a head in the corner of their eye, it's like a hand on their shoulder. A guardian angel only you don't know if it's an angel just yet. It's like they're growing more confident, like they want to actually reach out. Six isn't so sure they don't want them to, isn't so sure they shouldn't just walk over to them the next time they see them lingering on a cliff in the distance. It feels as if their meeting is inevitable. As if it's not really an 'if', but rather a 'when'. Then again, they shouldn't be surprised.

After all, the game was rigged from the start.

[itsmariejanel]

can you hear me through the white noise, friend? 🩸

introducing blood type, an underground vampire band ft. myra vatore, kat cave, samantha gratz and markus crow

[demonir]

The TF2 men and their beautiful bodies <3 I'm just so overcome with love for all of them and I wanted some anatomy practice so here ya go!

close ups over here ↓

And BONUS!

[ywpd-translations]

Ride 781: Three wheels!!

Pag 1

1: Ohhh... this fence?

2: He jumped over it!?

With a bicycle!?

As he was riding it!?

3: Ahaha you're lying

That can't be, Taa-kun

4: It's true... I saw it!

There's no way he jumped over it

He showed me a jumping technique called bunny something!

You said that guy is running in the race now?

Ye!Yeah!!

Pag 2

1: Then if it's true, should we go see him?

The television there is showing the race, right?

If he's such an amazing cyclist then he'll play a big role in the race, right?

3: Onii-chan....

4: It's exciting, they're arriving here at the sprint line

The race is at its climax

How does this guy looks like

Uhm, huh

5: He- he wears sunglasses and they're huge

But he might have takes them off.... he's very tall and his hair are chestnut color....

There's an “R” written on his pants

Ehh, he's realistic (haha)

Pag 3

1: Taa-kun, you're practicing with your bike yet you haven't improved at all

Hahaha

2: So... if I practice I'll be able to do it too one day?

Of course

If you fall a lot, and skin your knees a lot, and eat a lot

3: And he had really beautiful eyes!!

4: It would be so cool if someone like that actually existed

Let's find an “R”, an “R” (haha)

Huh... it's true!

5: Hahaha

6: Three people are neck and neck before the sprint line

Please look!

Pag 4

1: Because there's a small kid

Pag 5

1: cheering for me

Pag 6

1: 30m left!!

2: They're still neck and neck and the sprint line is getting closer!!

Pag 7

1: The sprint line!!

2: This year for sure I'll take it!!

3: Impulse!!

Pag 8

1: It's an “R”

A person with beautiful eyes

Chestnut color hair

3: Amaziing...!!

Do your best, Onii-chan!!

Pag 9

1: Doubashi-san!!

2: Kaburagii!!

Pag 10

1: I'll take it!!

2: Pedal!!

3: I won't yield!!

Pag 11

1: I'm right

I'm Hakogaku

The right person wins

2: I'll be the one to prove it!!

3: This is why I gained experience

4: To win the spot of number one in Japan!!

5: MTB and road racing are different

In MTB you're always....

6: you always fight alone!!

Pag 12

1: Three people are jumping towards to sprint line!!

Pag 18

1: It's decided!!

Did you see? Just now

The one who controlled the sprint line is Gunma!!

Amazing

The last speed was terrific

2: From Gunma Ryosei, who's participating for the first time this year, number 181, the two times champion of the mountain bike Inter High....

Pag 19

1: Kiji Kyuui!!

Ah.....!!

2: It was hard

Yon

4: Well, I'll play a big role in the race, so watch it!

Cheer for me!

5: He really did play a big role....!!

Pag 20

1: Wait, who's that – Kiji, they said

Gunma!?

That guy caught up all on his own, and at the end he also lined up on his own....

2: And passed Hakogaku and Sohoku!!

3: Isn't this the first time in history? That an unknown cyclist takes the first result!?

He must have held those two down with his power!!

He rode in mountain bike until last year?

This year's Inter High is incredible

4: The flow is changing!!

[esoterictboy]

to all the tgirls on my frat tboy posts yall can audition to be in it in some capacity but you’re gonna be stripped and fucked and humiliated as much as the other ppl in it so long as you don’t mind getting your mouth spat in and gettting pounded in front of other people while they laugh at you…then you’ll be fine

[widowmaker]

How do we feel about my melnem themed phone :3c

[hauntingofhouses]

BRB thinking thoughts about Taigen's character, the TaiMizu ship, and a big chunk of fandom's perceptions regarding both those things.

(Inspired by @farintonorth's post related to this topic that just got my brain going brrrrr)

OK so let me just... start off by saying that I think that reducing stories to their tropes is seriously detrimental to the way some people are interacting with fiction, and while that honestly warrants its own post about the subject, I wanna talk specifically about how this affects the way some people in the fandom talk about Taigen and TaiMizu.

Because yeah, tropes are useful shorthand to refer to certain dynamics or archetypes etc, and they are indeed the building blocks to any story. But in a well-written story, characters and their relationships, actions, and motivations, are much more complex than just tropes. Because in a story that has characters who are more than just cardboard cutouts, their behaviours, backgrounds, motivations and all of that, are inseparable from the context of the overall story they exist in.

So like, sure, you can say Mizu and Taigen have an enemies-to-lovers or rivals-to-lovers dynamic. I also use those terms because it's easier. But I also think this is where things start to get a bit twisted, especially from an intertextual sense. Because "enemies-to-lovers" is also commonly used to refer to other ships in other media, whereby it tends to be rooted in an imbalanced power dynamic, such as oppressor-oppressed and bully-victim.

And while that's a whole can of worms that I won't be getting into because it can quickly derail into a whole separate sort of fandom discourse, I'd just like to make it clear that Mizu and Taigen, in particular, do not have an imbalanced power dynamic. They are not bully-victim or oppressor-oppressed. The only understandable reason why someone might actually think their relationship is imbalanced is if

A) they only watched the first episode, or

B) they cannot grasp the slightest bit of nuance in a character, or

C) they're being obtuse on purpose simply because the Mizu/Taigen relationship, or Taigen's character in general, just doesn't suit their tastes.

While yes, Taigen, along with his whole gang, had bullied Mizu when they were children, that dynamic does not exist between them whatsoever in adulthood. Whatever imbalanced bully-victim power dynamic that had once existed between them was decisively ripped apart the moment Mizu beat him in that duel in the dojo, and then completely obliterated by the end of the season.

Mizu is not a defenseless victim at Taigen's mercy. Mizu can beat Taigen's ass any time she wants (and she DOES, repeatedly in fact), and could even kill him if she felt like it. She taunts him openly and without fear ("I like your hair"; "I can beat you with any weapon you choose") and all he does is bark back, because that's pretty much all Taigen ever does. Time and time again, he yaps about how much he wants to kill her, but time and time again, his actions prove that all of it is just an empty threat. Because though his words say "I hate you", his actions demonstrate the complete opposite. He's shown how protective he is of Mizu, how unhesitatingly he sacrifices himself up for her, how loyal he is in enduring days-long torture to not give up information about her, how even when near-death and in pain, he's still willing to keep standing back up so he can fight by her side and help her win against her enemies.

And Mizu is not an idiot! She sees that too. She does not see him as a threat, an enemy, or even a bully. Especially not by the end of Episode 3, and definitely not by the end of the season. When she finds him in the dungeon in Episode 6, she smiles from relief, and doesn't think twice to take him with her. Mizu finds him, at best, an annoyance, or at worst, an infuriating hindrance on her quest for vengeance. Which is why, when Taigen is about to say, "It's a shame our duel's set for tomorrow; I have to kill you before you get your revenge," Mizu whacks him on the head without a second thought before he can even finish his sentence, and leaves him lying unconscious, face-down, in the snow.

And this further emphasises how he does not hold any power over her. There is no abusive power dynamic between them. She is more powerful than him, he knows this, and all he's ever done after they've met up again in adulthood is get his ass whooped by her, get mad about it and pester her and follow her around, get his ass whooped by her some more, and put his life on the line to protect her.

"OOoooOOoooH b-but he called her a demon at the end of Episode 7 and threatened to kill her again!!!" Oh my god. He called her that because he's calling her out on her selfishness to stay silent about her knowledge of Fowler's plans to attack Edo. Because to him, loyalty and honour as a samurai is more important than anything. So in his own brash-and-immature Taigen way, he felt betrayed that Mizu did not hold the same principles. That's why he got angry. He wasn't even that mad about letting Akemi get dragged off by the Tokunobu guards. It was about saving the Shogun and the Shogunate as a whole. That's why the first thing he does in Edo is not find Akemi, but try to warn the Shogun about Fowler's attack.

Look, I'm not defending his stupid ass, of course. Because calling her a demon especially after their cute little wrestling time was obviously rude and inappropriate, especially since words like "demon", "monster" and "Onryo" have had such a deep effect on Mizu throughout her life, and continue to contribute to her self-hatred. But like? That's the fun of realistic and flawed characters, and realistic and flawed relationships. They're not perfect, and it's why we as an audience root for them, wanting to see them work through their shit and find a way to prevail despite it all.

Also, him saying that was in the heat of the moment. He was angry, he felt like his initial belief of who Mizu was—a strong and loyal samurai, just like him—was shattered, and so he lashed out. Was it rude? Definitely. Was it immature of him? Yes, incredibly. But it's also very much in line with his character, because even though he's grown a lot over the course of the season, the show isn't over yet, so obviously his character arc is just beginning, as that is also the case for the other three main characters: Mizu is beginning to accept herself, Akemi is beginning to grow into her position of power, Ringo beginning to train under Master Eiji, while Taigen is beginning to simply be a better person.

On that note, when speaking of Taigen's immaturity, I think that's also one of the main things that people tend to gloss over when it comes to his character. Because when you boil everything down to its bare essentials, Taigen is, essentially, a boy. I've talked about this before, but to reiterate, Taigen very much behaves like an unhealed child. Even as an adult, he is insecure, prone to throwing tantrums, and is desperate to latch onto some material goal in hopes that it will make him feel better—initially he was chasing status/glory/greatness, and then when Mizu tells him that "Nothing comes from being a samurai but death," he immediately decides he wants to run away with Akemi in hopes that he will be happy.

And it's a big step, acknowledging that he doesn't truly want greatness, but had always just assumed it was his only path to a good life. But it's clear he still hasn't really figured it out. Because if he did run off with Akemi to get married and live in the countryside, he still wouldn't be happy. Because he still doesn't know who he really is, or what it is he really wants. Marriage at this moment is the last thing he needs, and as he is now, he would be a pretty awful husband. A simple life would be good for him, but would he be good at a simple life, when he still has so much he needs to work through?

So anyway, what I'm getting at here, is that he's trying and he is learning and growing. So yeah, he is flawed, but honestly? So is Mizu. And the funny thing is that they're flawed in very similar ways.

Because Mizu is also an unhealed child. That's why she's so angry all the time. That's why she pushes people away. That's why she, just like Taigen, is so happy when given the chance to playfully wrestle in the forge, laughing and rolling around like children without shame or pretense.

Again, this shows there is no imbalance between them. They had grown up together as peers from the same town. And while Taigen had had the upper hand back then, because he'd had a gang of other kids with him, that is definitely not the case anymore. Today, they are equally flawed, equally strong, equally skilled swordsmen, and equally bull-headed.

However, yes, Mizu is definitely leagues more mature than Taigen. But she still holds a lot of childhood wounds that mirror Taigen's own. And we see this especially in relation to her mother. Similar to Taigen who had an abusive and alcoholic father, Mizu's Mama was an opium addict and had hit her, berated her, had shaved her head without her consent as a child, and as an adult, had constantly emotionally manipulated and guilt-tripped her. Mizu's love for her Mama was what had driven her to a path of vengeance in the very beginning. And when she'd found out Mama was still alive, she had wanted nothing more than her Mama's love, and it was this alone that pushed her to agree to the marriage with Mikio in the first place. And now, knowing from Fowler that her birth mother is someone else entirely, is what makes her agree to keep him alive and haul his ass to London to seek answers.

Thus, integral to Mizu's self-hatred is also Mizu's intense longing for love and family. Just like Taigen, whose pompousness comes from his insecurity about being the son of a poor fisherman, Mizu's goals are also shaped by who her parents are. Remember, her vengeance is not against just anyone who's corrupt or evil, but specifically against the men who she believes had assaulted her mother, the men she believes had made her a monster, the men she believes had abandoned her to die and continue to try to kill her. Her vengeance is against a father, on behalf of a mother. In The Tale of the Ronin and the Bride, Mizu is not merely the Ronin, the Bride, or the Onryo, but also the Child.

This is also why Ringo is so good, not only for Mizu, but for Taigen as well. Ringo is wise and caring and considerate, but above all, he is in tune with his inner child in ways that Mizu and Taigen are not. He is always earnest and positive, he sees the world with childlike wonder, but is not naive or blind to its ugliness. His whole life has been a battle. Ringo brings out the best in Mizu, consistently acting as her moral compass and conscience, and Mizu's choice to save Akemi in the final episode is only because she promised Ringo that she would. Because it's the right thing to do. Ringo inspires her to be a better person, and to think outside of her narrow-minded goal of revenge. At the same time, Ringo also brings out the best in Taigen. While at first Taigen had looked down on both Mizu and Ringo ("Half-limb to a half-wit"), by the end of the season, he's proud to have Ringo as a friend and ally, he listens to Ringo's advice ("What would Master do?"), and asserts to the fucking Shogun that Ringo is a worthy warrior to have by his side.

Okay, I've gone on a bit of a tangent here, but my main point is that Mizu and Taigen are incredibly similar. They are equals. They are both flawed, unhealed children who are chasing some impossible outlandish goal in hopes that it will fill the void in their hearts. They also both have a long way to go in terms of character development if they were to ever build a healthy romantic relationship (either with each other, or even with anyone else). So while I believe things will be rocky (because duh, it's a story, we all live for the drama, etc), I think with Ringo's help, they'll get there eventually.

[front-facing-pokemon]