I feel like there's an under-explored dichotomy in the valorant lore between the tech-users and the radiants with regards to choice. Sova, Deadlock, Chamber, etc. all chose their fields of study and/or combat. They have made themselves into soldiers, into walking weapons, because they wanted to or thought it was the best option for them. They have different reasons for doing so, but they all chose those paths.
The radiants didn't. Jett is a good example. So is Neon. It's implied that Jett accidentally left a trail of destruction in her wake because she couldn't control her powers, and Neon needs a pretty beefy suit to keep her powers in check. She risks casually electrocuting everyone without it. (This is, incidentally, part of why I think Chamber and Neon don't get along. Chamber created his powers and tailored them to himself. Neon didn't have that luxury and resents being viewed as a power source. That's a separate post though). It's sort of tragic, because you can kind of tell that a lot of the radiants, younger or otherwise, have been messed up by it. They're loners, or socially awkward, or lived in small, obscure parts of the world where they could train. Or they're like Reyna, who faced human experimentation and violence from the Kingdom corporation. They all have to fight, regardless of whether or not they want to. Most of them have learned to enjoy it, or at least live with it, but I think it's pretty clear that some -- if not many -- of them would rather live their days in peace. Gekko. Sage. Jett.
idk. I feel like there's gotta be a fundamental difference in how the agents view their duties based on whether or not they're radiant. something something born great vs achieved greatness vs greatness thrust upon you. lots of thoughts
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(2) casual iso <3
contents: headcanons, reader is a uniqlo employee for plot purposes, self indulgent
part 2,, i couldnt help myself alright? its a little rushed but i just needed to get this out
this part is inspired, actually this whole casual iso thing is inspired by @angelltheninth 's pining! iso post
its actually really funny how i love pretty much all their posts and writing for at least six months and now just started following them thats how often i see their content in my feed i just never hit the follow button im sorry
part 1, part 3
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iso who starts giving you a discount on your drinks, just as long as you give him your employee discounts in uniqlo and the exclusive early news on unreleased lines and collabs
iso who talks to you like everyday now haha
iso who then starts to pine for you, hard
iso who most to all of the time has his eyes on you not just when you speak, he actually almost tripped on a curb because he was so focused on you
iso who low-key craves your attention, after the first time you hugged him after he accompanied you home, he's started wishing he could hug you for long periods of time
iso who gets teased by yoru and phoenix for crushing on you, he's already embarrassed enough with the realization he likes you
iso who gets flustered with every physical interaction you two have, hugs? freezes up a bit before wrapping his arms lightly around you (poor baby's a little awkward), tugging his hand along? cheeks dusted pink, the occasional brush against his fingers? ears a little red <3
iso who started carrying bluetooth earbuds when he's out with you instead of headphones, it gets him to focus on you more, and maybe.. you two can listen to music together.. with his earbuds
iso who insists on giving you his jacket (the one that you found for him cough cough) when he sees you tense and shiver in the cold, he can handle it so just take the coat, man's not taking no for an answer
iso who out of habit, sub-consciously leans more towards you to hear your voice better, sometimes he stops himself and gets a little embarrassed with how close he is to you
iso who at any location, on the bus or train, at the movies, at any point if you're falling asleep, he's going to tilt your head towards his shoulder. it's fine you're too much into sleep to see his faint blush and endearing eyes on you
iso who sometimes pays for your food, you've had a rough day at work? snacks on him, some customer got on your nerves? he's got you a drink to cool you off <3
iso blushes a lot when you thank him, sometimes it's that same earnest smile you gave when you got him that jacket, sometimes it's a tired relieved smile with a small quiet thanks and your eyes are looking at him so sweetly and a little dazed from fatigue it makes his breath hitch and heart race a bit. "always.." he murmurs
iso who starts getting a little jealous when he's around you yet your attention is mainly on someone else, it gets a little much for him
iso who is a little noticeably annoyed when he sees you doubling over in laughter from gekko's stories, you two seem to be having a lot of fun
iso who doesn't know how to deal with how he's feeling, so whether he realizes it or not, he starts creating a bit of distance
iso takes his leave silently, going to the tea shop to work even on his day off to get his mind off of his envy
iso who left his phone on do-not-disturb full silence and in a locker so he doesn't look at it, meaning he doesn't see the worried texts and numerous calls to him from you asking if he's okay and where he went off to without telling you
iso who on his break in the back still without his phone and doesn't take mind of the bell that rings whenever the door opens and he just thinks it's another customer
iso who is surprised when it's you showing up through the door in a bit of disarray, heavy breaths, and chest heaving from exhaustion
------
"granny!" you barge through the door in labored pants. "granny, have you seen where zhao yu is? he hasn't picked up at all."
the elderly woman's mood is quite calm, maybe too much for your worry.
"oh yes, he's here, zhao yuuu! come out!" she beckons iso before he steps out curiously, eyes wide when they meet your own.
"what's goin' on-"
"where have you been?!" you cut him off in an approaching fury. "i've been texting and calling for hours, why didn't you tell me you left? why didn't you tell me where?"
he senses you're upset with him, pissed beyond what he's seen from you. and he panics.
"i.. granny called me in to ask me to work-"
"bullshit, yu." ah, you caught him. "if that was the case you would've at least told me, why?"
iso's hesitant, and his eyes show it the most when they lock contact with your hardened gaze before it softens into a vulnerable, pleading one.
"please.. don't lie to me." and his resolve breaks when he hears the pain and desperation in your voice. iso's head hangs low and his eyes are now everywhere else but your own. "you made me really worried."
"i know, i know." he admits quietly and he can't help but lean close to rest his forehead on your shoulder. "i'm sorry.."
he's so quiet about it, ashamed about how immaturely he handled it and causing you stress, akin to somewhat like a kicked puppy.
"i'm sorry i tried lying to you," he starts off again, your hand swinging over his shoulder and the other at the back of his head to bring him in an embrace. he spills, voice is a little muffled against your shoulder. "i'm sorry i left without telling you, worrying you and having you run to find me. i'm sorry for not picking up or responding at all, that was childish of me.."
"but why?" you begged for a reason, he's closer to you than ever, torso flushed to yours and your grip firm, it makes him feel like he's melting as he indulges himself more into your arms. still hesitant.
"i'm.. sorry, i was.." he pauses, his face heating up with having to admit this to you of all people. "i didn't like.. i.."
gosh he'll never hear the end of this from yoru and phoenix.
"i was jealous" he whispered so quietly, if he was any farther than now you wouldn't have been able to catch it and honestly, he was hoping you didn't.
"oh, yu.." his heart soars at your soft voice. you pull away with a light giggle, just enough to see him, his face flushed with a slight pout.
you lightly brush his fringe apart, caressing his face and pressing a soft kiss to his forehead in a silent confession. iso's eyes are squeezed shut, red in the cheeks as his stomach does flips before giving into his desires and burying his head into the juncture of your neck to hide away from embarrassment. <3
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