#OP has experience with this situation

[swagyna]

[ms-all-sunday]

i say this with so much heart, one piece has more respect for mentally ill people being a dick because of trauma than i would have in that exact situation. like sanji in wci when hes fully being a massive huge wet pathetic asshole that. like. completely justified that nami reacts so negatively to that while the narrative has a lot of empathy for him because i would kill someone in real life if they did that to me. even if it was a beautiful blond haired man and i had been playing heterosexual chicken with him ever since we first met. the self control on nami there is literally neverending.

like its good that this is the case, well written narratives about mental illness should be this empathetic while fully understanding the consequences of someones actions LIKE wci. these two things are so often treated like theyre mutually exclusive but for op they're not. and i love that. but jesus. she really loves him huh.

[soupspkmncorner]

just realised how active ive been on here today BUT!!!!! abt my lil shiny litten im thinkin abt her. i want to do a low-to-mid-stakes thing where probably legion finds her? with cornerstone soup?? bc soup Does have dual registration at both naranja-uva and blueberry academy they just dont talk abt it bc they dont wanna get doxxed or anything. so they COULD REALISTICALLY FIND STARTERS……… it is just a matter of like. would they even come across a shiny female litten in the wild like tht (bc when i caught mine in-game i already had boosted odds) or do i take the angst route

[radrobotz]

i keep thinking about the transphobic cishet maga sonic from a trans girl tails au i found in 2017 why did they do that to him

[agirlking]

This post is missing the very big context that the arm was infected and if it wasn’t removed he would die. It wasn’t done for funsies.

“I had to replace it *lest the injury endanger you further.*”

Since this IS fiction, if you saw someone bitten by a zombie and they were unconscious, you can either make the call to cut their arm off or let them die, and you’d not be right to let them die. THAT is an accurate comparison. Not a society wide issue where doctors are performing non consensual medical procedures that aren’t necessary! A prosthetic arm in real life wouldn’t save you from an infection. This is not the same.

ETA cause I’m not arguing with the rebloggers: Rauru is a ghost whose only physical presence is an arm. He couldn’t lob Link’s arm off and leave it, (how would he cauterize it? With what?) All he could do was replace it with the only physical part of himself left. I don’t even think he actually fully took Link’s arm off? But meshed them somehow? Because the gloom is still there and comes out whenever you beat a shrine and it purifies some of it. Again, not a real life equivalent.

i'm going to say this because other disabled people deserve some warning, and it sure as hell wasn't given by any prerelease or review media i saw:

the new zelda game, 'tears of the kingdom' has a major trigger for medical abuse body horror front and centre from the very beginning, all throughout the game

at the very start of the game, link is injured, and then wakes up to be told that he has had someone else's dead arm grafted onto him, without consultation or consent, as a "necessity" to "save his life"

there is so much ableist subtext i could draw out from this, but importantly, if you have any triggers with forced or unwanted medical procedures done on you, go in prepared and bracing yourself

it's not a prosthesis, or gauntlets, or magitech infusion, it is literally textually a dead arm transplant done while unconscious, and the game's gaze lingers on and highlights it and its difference from his body constantly

i don't know how this was considered acceptable in a family friendly franchise, other than the sheer ignorance of the developers about disabled peoples' medical experiences

speaking of which, since i know i'm opening myself up to shit by even mentioning this is an issue, if you have to wonder why this is a trigger especially for disabled people and why i'm treating it with such gravity:

horrifying medical procedures done on us without consent that we're only told about after waking up is unfortunately routine for people with disabilities of many kinds

and forceful transplantation of an unwanted (or even unviable) limb against patient consent is absolutely a real world thing doctors actually do in the name of making a person "whole" and "fixed" and because disability is abhorrent to them. it's not a fictional or fantastical scenario, and i know this because it was done to me, and it was living hell that i will never recover from.

so if you want to argue about it with me or tell me "well actually it's ghost magic", or tell me about your headcanons, or be in denial about the horrors forced on us that you don't want to believe are real.... fucking don't.

[goobleofthekiller]

Video games, even at their best reviewed and most visible, often feel on the side of power. The big ‘commentary’ game of the year was Mouthwashing, and that game is very intelligent, but still it is a game about the psychology of the oppressor, about how being a shitty guy feels. And how common is that, right? That’s Spec Ops: The Line, that’s Bioshock: Infinite, that’s Hotline Miami, that’s Firewatch, that’s Silent Hill 2, that’s OFF, that’s The Last of Us, that’s Disco Elysium. Introspection and politics from the standpoint of the guy with the gun.

In Noclip’s roundtable best-of-year show, Danny O’Dwyer, the channel’s founder, accuses Anthology of the Killer of having a victim mentality. He says “The reason I like video games is that I see the world as one.” He has the gun. Gaming respects that. Anthology of the Killer does not.

2024 was not the year of the gun. I did not feel, walking humbly into 2025, that I had control over my destiny. Global Warming is not under my control. I am not choosing to make transphobia happen. Anthology of the Killer is about many things, but chief among them is our political reality - that powerful, stupid people are changing our world, that their fears and myopic interests bleed out into our lived experience in ways we can’t realistically change.

It’s a scary situation. It’s a funny situation! Anthology of the Killer has a lot of fun with it. Vengeful ghosts build memorial waterparks. The night college downstairs teaches you how to be a slasher villain. The rich failson of a drinky-bird dynasty starts kidnapping random alt kids he thinks might be serial killers. That zinester you liked now is a consultant/CIA informant.

And yet, at the end of the series, you look back at the totality and just feel terrible. This vision of a future, where the in-group says fuck you and beats down as hard as it can, is succeeding. It is a part of our lives now, online and offline, wherever you are.

I admit these games do lack a vision for a brighter future, but I personally found that refreshing. I did not exit 2024 with hope, but with tenacity. BB does the same. Perhaps both of us have a ‘victim mentality’, but in a year like this one I can’t imagine feeling any other way.

(A short write-up of AOTK for a games of the year list.)

[babybells123]

‘Cersei and Joffrey and the general trauma Sansa suffers leads her down a path of hating herself in the same way Cersei does; hating her naivety, partly wanting to shame others who are still like that as a means to project it outwards and yet she never quite does. And not only is that a triumph of her empathy in the face of her situation but it is also a triumph of belief in herself; still seeing goodness within herself rather than just something to shame and attack the way everyone makes her internalise. If these other people deserve empathy, even when part of her does feel the opposite, if they still deserve empathy, so does she. I think all of this tells us she did have a lot of loving experiences from her parents growing up. That as much as she might feel self-hatred a lot of the time there is still a little voice in there saying ‘no you deserve more, you are more than they say.’ At many points it’s a very faint, faint voice in this story but what’s important is that it is there.’

Oh my god. He gets it. I really think the entire asoiaf fandom should watch this video. I mean, op is a child therapist - of course he has a better grasp of her complexity than half the freaking fandom.

[frownyalfred]

Arkham Prince - Masterlist of Posts

I've linked the major asks below with a preview (edited for length) below, grouped by subject/theme and rough chronological order of how I received them. Additional shorter asks/clarifying questions, as well as shorter bits of commentary are at the very bottom.

The very first post:

I have been thinking about the idea of Bruce going insane without being Batman, about Batman being his coping mechanism, and that reblog that was like "he would definitely have ended up in Arkham if he didnt make Batman." Now I'm thinking of an AU where that is exactly the case, and maybe Clark expands his interest towards Gotham a bit, as much as he doesnt like heroing there, because it is the neighbor city of Metropolis. It's like his backyard. And maybe he wants to understand the problem of Gotham at the root, so he goes as Clark Kent, reporter, to interview the patients at Arkham, and there meets Bruce Wayne. Maybe falls in love. Maybe its angsty as fuck because this Bruce is 10 times less adjusted than the Bruce we're used to, but of course, equally as brilliant. (Maybe he could escape any time he wanted but thinks he would murder people if so. Maybe he doesnt trust his anger.)

Expanding Asks:

the idea of arkham patient bruce wayne has burrowed into the depths of my mind. this is SUCH a fascinating thought and changes so many things…how does the justice league fare without batman? how does alfred? i’d assume alfred is given bruce’s guardianship when he’s institutionalized, and i could even see him taking in the robins – finding and helping these children who remind him so much of his own boy, trying not to fail them as he failed bruce. how bruce himself does in arkham is so interesting to consider…is he kept on the same level of security as the real supervillains? is he moved there after Events?

Clark, realizing the League has a problem, a trap from someone like Lex they don't know how to unknot, something which requires finesse and strategy which is a little beyond them... taking that stroll (flight) down to Gotham, feeling insane himself for seeking advise here of all places... but the Arkham Prince delivers. Clark explains the situation, answers questions that he had no idea related to the issue, and Bruce hands him the solution in the span of 10 minutes, while the League had been brainstorming and going in circles over this for days...

Clark Kent and the Arkham Prince Finding Common Ground:

clark’s first attempt to interview the prince of arkham go about as well as you might expect, given that he’s a reporter with sunshine all but seeping out of his pores. the first time bruce doesn’t even talk to him, too furious at the gall of this metropolitan newshound to interrogate him for the sake of some gruesome, sensationalist op-ed obviously about the tragedy of the family wayne and the irredeemable mire of gotham to do anything more than death-glare at him for the entire length of the meeting. but clark, unsatisfyingly, doesn’t give up after that. if bruce doesn’t talk to him, he sure talks to bruce, and with each subsequent interview the questions…change. no longer trying to establish facts about bruce’s life or his crimes, not asking about his experience in arkham, not even going for the low-hanging fruit of why’d you train for years to kill those people, but seemingly random and unrelated things. he wants bruce’s opinions on emissions policies (need to be stricter and more tightly enforced, especially in gotham, jesus, there’s a reason lung cancer and asthma rates are through the roof) and lex luthor’s keynote speeches (unprintable, wiped from clark’s tape recorder in case luthor somehow finds out) and whether or not clark should buy a new suit (why bother, it won’t be any less tragic than every other polyester abomination he cruelly forces bruce to look at every time he stops by). clark slowly and stubbornly makes himself as much a part of bruce’s routine as visits with alfred and lucius and the doctors, and all the while superman is playing a high-stakes game of mental chess with the sinking suspicion that bruce wayne has already won in more ways than one bruce figures out kent is superman about three hours after the first time big blue gets namedropped during an interview. he commences with a plan that is part honeypot, part campaign of psychological warfare, and part genuine bid to get this midwestern alien who holds the safety of his city in his hands to try and give a damn like a proper gothamite would, like no one but bruce ever seems to.

Clark, whose one of his grestest fears is being constrained, treated as a threat, dissected, studied, as the alien specimen he is. He has to pretend. He had to be so careful. Every day or he won't have a life to live.

Clark asking the Arkham Prince to Consult for the JL:

i would kill to have clark-as-supes get some kind of special dispensation to bring arkham prince bruce to the jl hideout (the watchtower doesn’t to be without batman’s engineering/logistics knowhow and WE funding, at least not until bruce is more formally considered a consultant) for help on one of lex’s more convoluted and immediate threats. it’s just not possible for bruce to solve the problem in isolation without the league’s resources, so instead of bringing league missions to bruce superman has to bring bruce to the league mission. i started imagining the team’s reaction to their unwitting reliance on criminally insane mass murderer bruce wayne and then i remembered oliver exists and now i feel only sadness thinking about that particular reunion

Just wondering how regular JL universe would react to meeting this au, meeting Batman and seeing Bruce Wayne's potential Would they realize that their Bruce is limited by what he can do inside Arkham, but that this Batman is also limited by his own rules and codes. Would Ollie be crushed at what his former friend could have been, thinking maybe if he had stepped up and been a "better friend" Bruce wouldn't be in Arkham, he could of been working beside him instead. Can imagine Batman saying "I don't kill" and Bruce just smiling in what should have been the brucie smile and replying "but I do"

The crossover is so funny in regards to Supes. Like here's Arkham Prince AU Clark, terribly in love with a version of Bruce who is so unavailable to him on so many levels, aching with it every time he dares think about it, staring at Regular Universe Clark in complete and utter disbelief. (expansion of "regular JL universe" ask above)

Your take on Prince of Arkham's level of influence on JL members, at the top being of course Clark. And also: first time he is taken into the JL base, does he hack into their systems?

OMG arkham bruce and clark have gotten closer and maybe clark makes bruce promise not to kill again after bruce gets out of arkham so he can join the jl but then someone is killed and theres evidence it was bruce but bruce swears it wasnt him ( bc it wasn’t him ) but theres so much evidence that even clark is starting to doubt bruces innocence and the jl has to kick him out and hes taken back to Arkham or for interrogation and then ANGST BRUCE BEING TORTURED FOR CONFESSION BUT HE STILL SWEARS HE DIDNT DO IT until its proven that he didnt do it

@bat-chik's Harvey Dent Visits Bruce in Arkham

"We can't even claim self defense," Harvey continued. "You-" "He has cancer." Harvey blinked at the non-sequitur, "What?" Finally, the orphaned Wayne turned and faced him, face blank, unconcerned about how much more this action would add to his sentencing. Unconcerned except for the steel eyes seething yet holding back so much hurt. Harvey remembered once again, with a small pang, why he had gotten a crush on Bruce in their college days. "Nygma. He has cancer. The only way to get medical care in Arkham is by ending up in the hospital wing." Bruce moved with all the weight of the world on his shoulders and sat in the bolted chair across from his lawyer, and life long friend.

Where are the Batkids in This?

pls consider. a dick greyson who gets tossed in arkham after tracking down and torturing then killing killing his parent's murderer. tiny and lost now that what was driving him is done. a bruce wayne who hasnt been in That long yet, not long enough for people to see him as a threat rather than just an oddity, who takes one look at that angry little kid and says "oh. oh that ones mine" and spends as much time with the kid as he can. and bruce Loves gotham, thats his whole drive. but to dick, gotham is nothing but the place his world crumbled. and i think this bruce never sat with his feelings of grief either. i think he always needed a cause. and i think he saw dick having lost his cause and tries to help him find another (id like to put forth escaping as a hobby, managing to get into Any part of arkham that he pleases especially with his athleticism and small size)

It would be funny if in the Arkham Prince AU, since all the kids are in there for being um - gremlins and down with murder - that Jason in this was the pacifist?

Re: Jason being the pacifist: "I will follow you forever because you killed him." Endlessly devoted Jason my beloved. If you give him one (1) positive attention he will light himself on fire to keep you warm. I love him so much. Self destructive king.

Tim committing a crime just to end up in Arkham and study the famed insane Bruce Wayne is actually startlingly in character for him...

Clarifying Asks:

when do you see him as getting committed? was he already batman? did he already have any of his kids? if not, what *happened* to those kids who never had bruce to fight for them?

Okay, but since Bruce is the Prince of Arkham, whats stopping his kids from being in there with him?

Oh I am sooooooooo curious about what Clark thinks about Arkham Bruce having a gaggle of prison murder children.…you ever think he’s asked Dick to give Clark flowers during one of his escapes????? Or is that too corny for them.

I've seen some Arkham Prince asks and responses referring to Bruce still being rich, but would he still be?

Additional Thoughts:

i am torn between the other Inmates Hating bruce (hes the picture of those who hurt them. a rich man who is just like them but gets Way less pain for it) and adoring him

Picture this, Alfred goes to see Haly's, sees another black haired blue eyed child losing his parents at just about the same age. Another feral child with murder in his eyes.

it’s extremely important to me to consider arkham prince bruce with longer, shaggy hair and a perpetual three-day beard

The smut in the Arkham Prince AU would be INSANE.

This Arkham Prince AU has folks in a choke hold but ya'll forget one thing. The Joker and Harley Quinn.

god i am just exploding thinking about bruce and sex in the arkham prince au. there is absolutely no way he’s not accustomed to exchanging sex for favors, information, anything he wants or needs. (additional thoughts on how Clark fits into this/Superbat)

Okay hi so my main source of Arkham knowledge is the Penguin show so I’m gonna ramble a bit about factions and divides and stuff. (Sofia Falcone expansion)

continuing my thoughts on Sofia Falcone coming off your great opinions to my last ask.

There is a parallel thread between Bruce and Sofia

[luxuriainash]

tbf the first time i saw the "anya is getting in the way of a homoerotic situationship" take it was from a twitter user who was actually a lesbian trying to comment on that exact trend via satire? but sadly people don't read the fucking rest of the thread or the profile when they see discourse parody tweets

that said though; there's definitely people who mean it seriously and may have even been parroting the thread for "support" of their opinion, and as much as i'm all for fandom culture doing as it wishes as it always has, i think these people need to like. at least analyze why they care more about the "situationship" than anya's experiences. especially when they're the type always advocating for "appropriate" depictions of SA victims and putting down actual irl victims who don't fit the "role" they created while uplifting characters who do.

I gotta be real the Mouthwashing fandom is emblematic of pretty much everything I dislike about fandom culture as a whole. Misunderstanding the themes and narrative of canon to fit their own idea of what it should be. Infantalization. Misogyny. Shipping for the sake of it and at the expense of narrative coherence. Racism. Ableism. Dumbing down the narrative. Treating meaningful and complex characters like basic archetypes. Flanderization in general. Crank it up to eleven though because tbh Mouthwashing is the type of game where honestly seeing fandomification bothers me a lot more based on its subject matter and how the game portrays itself

[mononijikayu]

blanket kick — fushiguro megumi.

You blinked, momentarily surprised by his sudden and straightforward confession. A smile slowly spread across your face as you took in his earnest expression. “Are you asking me out on a date, Megumi?” His cheeks flushed a deep red, and he nodded vigorously, feeling both exhilarated and embarrassed. “Yeah, that’s what I meant. I know it’s kind of sudden, but I really want to….” Before he could finish, you interrupted with a warm, affirming smile. “I’d love to go out with you, Megumi.”

GENRE: Alternate Universe - Canon Convergence;

WARNING/s: Fluff, Romance, First Love, First Date, Comfort, Humor, Light-Hearted, Slice of Life, Friendship, Friends to Lovers, Confessions, Mutual Affection, Love, Pining, Cheek Kiss, First Love Panic, Fushiguro Megumi is In Love, Sorcerer! Megumi, Sorcerer!Reader, Megumi and Reader Are A Bit Older, Gojo Satoru is A Father, Genmei Mention Again, I Love Us And Them, I Need To Write it;

WORDS: 8.7k words.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: i adored writing this because megumi come back!!! this makes this future possible where older! sorcerer megumi just has his first date and being able to experience his first love. i am genuinely ahhhhhhhhh, megumi comeback the best thing to me. also i usually write genmei in she/you pov but since reader is in the you perspective, i needed to differentiate. genmei my beloved ily i will write for you and satoru more. but anyway, i love you guys so much!!! i hope you enjoy this!!! 🫶

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IT WAS RARE FOR HIM TO FEEL LIKE THIS. As Megumi stood in front of the mirror, he found himself swallowing hard, his nerves frayed and his heart racing. The reflection staring back at him was both familiar and strange—a young man dressed carefully for his first date, a significant step into uncharted territory. Today was not just any day; it was the day of his very first date, and the anticipation was almost overwhelming.

He adjusted his collar for the umpteenth time, each small movement reflecting his anxiety and eagerness. His normally disheveled dark hair was neatly styled, and his outfit was carefully chosen—a simple yet elegant look that he hoped would strike the right balance between casual and thoughtful.

Despite the preparation, his mind raced with a thousand worries: whether he looked presentable enough, if his nerves would get the better of him, and most importantly, whether he would be able to make a good impression on you.

Megumi’s eyes scanned his reflection, taking in every detail with a critical gaze. He noted how his fingers twitched slightly as he adjusted his tie, how the slight tremor in his hands betrayed his inner turmoil. He had always been confident in his jujutsu abilities, but standing here now, dressed for a date, felt like stepping into a whole new world.

The gravity of the situation settled over him like a heavy blanket. It wasn’t just a date—it was a meaningful gesture, a chance to share a special moment with you, someone who had become incredibly important to him. He replayed the words he wanted to say, the plans he had meticulously made, and the hopes he carried for the evening. The weight of wanting everything to go perfectly was both exhilarating and daunting.

Megumi took a deep breath, trying to steady his racing heart. He remembered the way you had smiled when he asked you out, the genuine warmth and acceptance in your eyes. That memory was a comforting anchor amidst his swirling thoughts. He wanted to make this first date memorable, not just for himself but for you as well. The thought of disappointing you was the last thing he wanted, and that fear only heightened his nervousness.

As he continued to gaze at his reflection, he caught sight of his own eyes—nervous yet determined. He realized that despite all his anxieties, this was a chance he was ready to embrace. It was his opportunity to show you how much he valued and cared for you, to step out of his comfort zone and into a moment that could change everything.

A soft, self-assured smile began to form on his lips as he made a final adjustment to his outfit. He squared his shoulders, lifting his chin slightly, and took one last deep breath. The mirror no longer reflected just a nervous young man, but someone ready to take a step forward, someone who was willing to face his fears for the chance to be with you.

He could remember the day he asked you out. You really didn’t seem to be interested in guys like him, let alone romantic pursuits. But he wasn’t going to know if he didn’t try. Well, that’s what Yuji and Nobara said to him. He had to ask, he had to know what you felt about him. And just go with the flow. But the thing is, Fushiguro Megumi didn’t know what to do with the flow. And with you? He’s going to fail. He knows he will. Because, when it comes to you, he is always defeated. Because he’s too much into you. And the thing is — he doesn’t want to get out.

He thinks he blacked out when he asked you. But when you finally say yes to a date with Megumi Fushiguro, his emotions surge through him like a flood. He’s overwhelmed, not just with happiness, but with a strange mix of excitement and disbelief. 

Fushiguro Megumi feels as if he’s rooted to the ground, yet his heart flutters wildly, making him feel almost ridiculous, like he’s become something other than himself—like a tree, sturdy on the outside, but swaying with the breeze of his emotions. 

He had to take some time to get his shit together. He could only remember what happened, now that he’s already getting his senses in order. Or at least some semblance of it back. It’s hard to do that too, when it comes to you. 

The usual rhythm of punches, kicks, and curses filled the air. You and Megumi moved through the drills with practiced ease, the intensity of the training casting a sense of focus. You were the only ones here today, since Yuji and Nobara were given separate missions. You both still weren’t, since you both had just come home from one.

So, all the agenda today was training strengths instead. He tries to be into the game, he really did. Yet, beneath the surface of the grueling workout, Fushiguro Megumi's mind was far from the physical exertion. He had been wrestling with his feelings for a while now, and it's been hard on him. 

Because you were everything and he…he didn’t know how to cope. But after a long struggle, he knew he couldn’t let you slip away. You were a marvel in his world and he can’t let you slip away. Not right now. Not ever. And so, today, he had decided, was the day he would ask you out.

As the training session neared its end, Megumi found himself glancing at you more frequently, his thoughts racing. His heart pounded with a strange mixture of excitement and anxiety, the weight of his decision pressing down on him like an invisible force. Would you even consider dating him? His thoughts were bleak about it. But…But what if you say yes? Wouldn’t that be a good thing? There’s always that hope.

Finally, as the session concluded and you both took a moment to catch your breath, Megumi cleared his throat, trying to gather the courage to speak. The casual atmosphere of the gym felt oddly charged with tension, and he found himself fidgeting with his training gear, unable to maintain eye contact.

“Hey.” he started, his voice coming out a bit hoarse. You looked over, wiping sweat from your brow, curious about what he had to say.

“Yeah? What’s up?” you asked, giving him a reassuring smile that made his heart skip a beat.

Megumi took a deep breath, his resolve solidifying. “So, I was thinking… Maybe we could, um, go out sometime. Like, on a date. I mean….If you want to. I just, it can be anything—”

You kept looking at him as his words tumbled out in a rush, and as soon as he finished speaking, he felt an immediate wave of relief and nervousness. His heart raced as if it were trying to break free from his chest, and he could hardly believe he had finally said it. The air around him seemed to thicken, the usual sounds of the training area fading into the background.

You blinked, momentarily surprised by his sudden and straightforward confession. A smile slowly spread across your face as you took in his earnest expression. “Are you asking me out on a date, Megumi?”

His cheeks flushed a deep red, and he nodded vigorously, feeling both exhilarated and embarrassed. “Yeah, that’s what I meant. I know it’s kind of sudden, but I really want to….”

Before he could finish, you interrupted with a warm, affirming smile. “I’d love to go out with you, Megumi.”

His reaction was instantaneous. It was as if a floodgate had opened, and all the emotions he had been holding back surged through him. He felt rooted to the ground, his body rigid with a mix of disbelief and elation. Yet, inside, his heart fluttered wildly, making him feel almost ridiculous, like a tree swaying in the breeze of his emotions.

For a moment, Megumi simply stood there, processing your acceptance. The overwhelming joy and relief made him feel like he was floating, and he couldn’t help but let out a nervous laugh. He tried to play it cool, but his face betrayed his excitement, his eyes bright with a mixture of happiness and awe.

“Really?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper, as if he couldn’t quite believe his own luck.

You nodded, still smiling. “Really. I’m looking forward to it.”

Megumi’s grin widened, and he felt a warmth spread through him that had nothing to do with the post-training sweat. “Great. I’ll… I’ll figure out the details and let you know.”

As you both gathered your things and prepared to leave, Megumi couldn’t shake the feeling of joy that seemed to be bubbling up inside him. He had asked you out, and you had said yes. It felt like the start of something new and wonderful, and as he walked beside you, the world seemed to sparkle just a little bit more.

He’s puzzled by his own behavior. It would have been nicer if he was able to say it properly then. Why is he getting so weird in front of you? Why does he suddenly feel like a child, when he’s far from one? He catches himself making silly jokes, laughing too loud, and it embarrasses him. But when he looks into your eyes, he hopes you can see that none of it is meant to be taken seriously—except for the part where he likes you, and saying it out loud feels like moving a mountain.

He always thought he was too shy to be someone’s sun, so he became a cold, distant moon instead, quietly admiring you from afar. But now, lying in his bed, his emotions are anything but cold. They’re a raging ocean, and he’s caught up in waves of blankets, tossing and turning, jumping around like a madman. He imagines himself in a UFC ring, fighting off his embarrassment with high kicks, jabs, and hooks, trying to punch away the nervous energy that’s been building up.

But even as he lets it all out, pounding his mattress like a punching bag, he wishes for an iron to smooth out the tension in his hands and feet, to calm the storm inside him. You’ve already slipped into his thoughts, into the lyrics of his heart, repeating over and over in his mind. His poor blanket has taken a beating, but all he really wants is for you to be there with him, to share in this moment that feels like the beginning of something new and beautiful.

Megumi Fushiguro paced back and forth in his room, his normally calm demeanor unraveling with every step. His mind raced, tangled with a thousand what-ifs that refused to settle. His hands were buried in his hair, tugging slightly as if that might somehow pull the anxiety out of him. You had already said yes—you had actually said yes to going on a date with him. But now, the reality of it all was sinking in, and he felt like he was drowning.

What if he messes this up? What if he says something stupid? What if—

“Wow, you’re really losing it, huh? I’ve never seen you this worked up, Megumi. It’s almost cute.”

Megumi spun around to see Gojo Satoru sprawled out on his bed, a lazy smirk playing on his lips. His mentor’s carefree attitude only heightened Megumi’s frustration. He was sitting primly, drinking some overly sweet soda that he always likes. It was his day off today, now that he was taking some time to just enjoy his day to day from working. Megumi had been glad for him to just rest, but today was a bad day. He will never see the end of it when it comes to Gojo Satoru’s teasing tones.

“This isn’t funny, Gojo–sensei.” Megumi snapped, his voice tight with nerves. “I’ve never done this before. What if I ruin everything? I can’t ruin it with them—”

Gojo waved a hand dismissively, as if Megumi’s concerns were nothing more than trivial worries. “Relax, you’re not going to ruin anything. Just be yourself. You’re already overthinking it, already. Slow down. I doubt they’ll mind if you make a mistake, hm?”

Megumi groaned, the tension in his shoulders refusing to ease as he dropped down onto the bed beside Gojo. He stared at the ceiling, trying to find some semblance of calm, but all he could think about was how easily he could screw this up.

“That’s easy for you to say. Especially with Gen-san around.” Megumi muttered. “You’re always so confident. I feel like I’m going to freeze up the moment I see them.”

Gojo’s smirk widened as he nudged Megumi with his elbow. “Freezing up isn’t the worst thing that could happen. I mean, you could trip and spill something all over them. Or, I don’t know, accidentally insulting their favorite food or something.”

Megumi’s eyes widened in horror as the thought struck him with unexpected clarity. He was mid-adjustment of his jacket when it hit him—a startling realization that sent a cold wave of panic through him. The possibility of something going wrong, of embarrassing himself in front of you, suddenly felt all too real.

He could almost see the scenario unfolding in his mind: a clumsy misstep, an awkward silence, or worse, a complete lapse in composure that would make the date memorable for all the wrong reasons. The dread of potentially making a fool of himself was overwhelming, and his heart raced as he pictured each disastrous possibility in vivid detail.

At that exact moment, Gojo, who had been lounging casually nearby, caught sight of Megumi’s distress. The sudden change in Megumi’s demeanor, from calm to panicked, was impossible to ignore. Gojo’s eyes twinkled with amusement as he watched Megumi’s struggle with the growing anxiety.

“You’re not helping!” Megumi shot back, sitting up abruptly, his heart pounding even harder now.

Unable to contain himself, Gojo burst out laughing, the sound echoing around the room. “Oh man, look at you!” Gojo exclaimed, shaking his head with a grin. “You’re really losing it over this, aren’t you?”

Megumi’s face flushed crimson as he turned to look at Gojo, his initial shock quickly morphing into a mix of embarrassment and frustration. “Shut up, Gojo–sensei!” he snapped, though the edge in his voice was softened by the underlying anxiety. “I’m trying to get this right.”

“Okay, okay,” Gojo said, still chuckling but with a hint of sincerity in his voice. “Seriously, though, Megumi, they already said yes because they seem to like you. Just talk to them like you always do. You don’t need to impress them with anything fancy or overcomplicated. Besides, you’re already way cooler than you give yourself credit for.”

Megumi took a deep breath, trying to let Gojo’s words sink in. He could feel his nerves still bubbling beneath the surface, but maybe Gojo was right. Maybe he was overthinking this. “Is that what you did with Gen–san?”

“Eh? But my wifey already loved me from the beginning, Megumi. What can I say, I’m a charmer?”

“That sounds like an outright lie.”

“I never joke about my wifey!” Gojo Satoru grinned, raising his soda as though to toast.  Megumi rolled his eyes. “You’ll do great, don’t worry. Well, maybe not as well as me.”

“But what if I say something awkward?” Megumi asked, his voice quieter now, almost as if he was afraid to voice his fear.

Gojo shrugged with a grin. “Then laugh it off. You’re allowed to be a little awkward; it just makes you more human. And trust me, they’re probably nervous too. Just focus on having a good time together. It happens like that, hm?”

Megumi nodded at him. “.....Alright.”

Gojo’s laughter continued, his eyes sparkling with a playful glint. “It’s just a date, Megumi! You’re going to be fine. You’ve got this in the bag.” He put a hand on Megumi’s shoulder, his tone shifting to one of mock-seriousness. “There’ll always be more. Slip on the wet floor sign? They’ll giggle and get you another date. I’m sure they’ll give you another shot. You’re a good kid after all, you know?”

Megumi couldn’t help but feel a bit of his tension easing at Gojo’s infectious laughter and his playful reassurances. The sight of Gojo’s exaggerated gestures and the sheer absurdity of his over-the-top reactions reminded Megumi of how he had allowed his worries to spiral out of control.

“Yeah, well, easy for you to say.” Megumi grumbled, though a small, reluctant smile tugged at his lips. “You’re not the one going on their first date.”

Gojo’s laughter finally subsided, and he looked at Megumi with a more sincere expression. “Hm, I’m already past that phase. But well, tip from someone who had their first date, don’t be so bothered about perfection. You’re going to do just fine. Just be yourself, and everything will work out.”

Megumi nodded, taking a deep breath as he absorbed Gojo’s words. Despite his continued nervousness, the reminder that he didn’t have to be perfect—just genuine—helped to calm his racing thoughts. Gojo’s light-hearted teasing had, in a strange way, helped him to gain perspective and regain a bit of his confidence.

“Thanks, Gojo–sensei.” Megumi said, his voice softer but more determined. “I appreciate it.”

Gojo gave him a reassuring pat on the back. “Anytime. Now go out there and make that date unforgettable—in a good way!”

With Gojo’s playful encouragement still ringing in his ears, Megumi took one last look in the mirror, feeling a renewed sense of resolve. The horror of his initial thoughts had given way to a steadier determination, and as he prepared to head out, he felt more ready to face the evening with you, knowing that, despite his nerves, he had the support of his friend.

Megumi nodded, feeling a flicker of confidence take root inside him. “Yeah, I think I can do this.”

“That’s the spirit.” Gojo grinned, standing up and stretching. “Now, go knock their socks off. Just… not literally. Not yet, okay? You guys are still not hitting third base!”

Megumi rolled his eyes but couldn’t suppress a smile. “Thanks, Gojo.”

“Anytime, kiddo.” Gojo winked as he headed for the door, turning back with a teasing grin. “Just make sure to tell me all the juicy details afterward.”

Megumi grabbed a pillow and hurled it at Gojo, who dodged it with a laugh as he slipped out the door. Alone in his room, Megumi took a deep breath, feeling the remnants of his panic begin to dissipate. He still felt nervous—how could he not? But with Gojo’s words echoing in his mind, he also felt something else: a quiet determination to make this date something special, something memorable.

And maybe, just maybe, everything would turn out just fine.

“Tell Gen–san I’ll be home late.”

“Hm, okay~ Get home safe, okay? Score a kiss or a hug at least!”

“Shut up!” 

“How about no?~”

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EVERYTHING WAS GOING WELL SO FAR. The evening was warm, the kind of night where the air felt like a gentle caress, and the city was bathed in a golden glow as the sun began its descent. You and Megumi had chosen a cozy, quiet restaurant tucked away in a corner of the city, away from the bustling crowds. It was the perfect place for your first date—intimate, yet casual enough to ease the tension that had been building up since you both agreed to it.

As you sat across from him, you couldn’t help but notice how his eyes kept drifting to your face, lingering on your eyes, your nose, your lips. It wasn’t the first time you caught him staring, but tonight, it felt different—intense, almost as if he was trying to memorize every detail. You could tell he was struggling to maintain his composure, his usual stoic mask cracking ever so slightly.

Megumi cleared his throat and looked down at his menu, trying to distract himself, but the slight flush on his cheeks betrayed him. “So, uh, what do you feel like eating?” he asked, his voice a little too casual.

You smiled, feeling a mix of amusement and fondness. “I’m not sure. Maybe something light? What about you?”

He nodded, still avoiding your gaze. “Yeah, that sounds good.”

The waiter came by, and you both placed your orders. When the drinks arrived, Megumi raised his glass to you, his eyes finally meeting yours. “Cheers,” he said, his voice a little softer now, more sincere.

You clink your glass against his, noticing the way his hand trembled slightly. He took a big gulp, almost as if he was trying to steady himself, and for a moment, you wondered if he was nervous. But then, as the night wore on, you realized it wasn’t just nerves—it was something more, something deeper.

Megumi didn’t know how, but somehow, with you, everything felt easy. It felt easy to get lost in your eyes, to be drawn into the sound of your laughter that seemed to erase every worry from his mind. When he was with you, the weight he usually carried so heavily on his shoulders seemed to lift, replaced by the simple warmth of your presence. It was as if your very existence wrapped around him like a comforting blanket, making the world feel less daunting and more like a place where he could just be himself.

The conversation between you flowed effortlessly, each word building a bridge that drew you closer together. It was as if you were weaving a delicate thread between your hearts, a connection that grew stronger with every passing moment. Laughter punctuated the evening, light and genuine, and Megumi found himself smiling more than he had in a long time. The stories you shared felt like precious gifts, each one revealing a little more of who you were, peeling back the layers of the person he was growing to care for more deeply with each passing second.

And through it all, Megumi felt a sense of ease that was rare for him. It was easy to be with you, to let go of his guarded nature and simply enjoy the moment. He didn’t feel the need to put up walls or keep his distance. Instead, he allowed himself to be present, to savor the feeling of being close to you. Each glance, each shared smile, made him realize how much he had come to value these moments with you—moments that felt like they were meant to be, like they were part of something bigger, something that was just beginning to unfold.

“Remember that time Gojo-sensei tried to teach us how to cook?” you said, grinning as you recalled the chaotic kitchen scene.

Megumi chuckled, shaking his head. “How could I forget? He nearly burned down the entire place. I think that’s the last time we'll let him anywhere near a stove.”

“You looked so serious, trying to salvage the meal. It was adorable.” you teased, leaning in just a little closer. “I think I still have a picture from that night.”

He hesitated for a second, his usual calm demeanor faltering as a soft blush crept up his neck. “I was just trying to prevent a disaster.” he mumbled, but there was a shy smile on his lips. “And….can you share that picture with me?”

You grinned back at him. “Of course, Megumi. You can keep it in your wallet. And maybe you’ll think of me, hm?”

The moment you said that to him, it was almost automatic, the way he turned scarlet. You just have that way with him, a power that no one else can truly have. He lowered his face for a bit, as though trying to avoid you seeing how red he was. But he knew how obvious he was being. Hiding wasn’t going to work. But…he at least has to try. 

“......Okay.” He mumbled under his breath. 

You grinned even harder as his hands gripped the glass of wine and drank it swiftly. He was cute this way to you, you were sure. And by the way your eyes were following his every move, you were smitten with him as much as you think he is with you. Well, at least you hoped he was. 

As you continued talking, you noticed that maybe you were right with your theory—an unspoken tension that lingered in the air, almost tangible. It was in the way his beautiful blue–green eyes kept finding yours, lingering a bit too long, as if he was trying to memorize every detail of your face. And every time your gaze met, a flutter stirred in your chest, a warmth that spread through you like wildfire.

Megumi’s voice would occasionally falter when you leaned in closer, a slight quiver that betrayed the emotions simmering just beneath the surface. “You’re really good at this.” he said at one point, his tone softer than usual. “More than I thought before.”

“At what?” you asked, tilting your head in curiosity.

“Making me feel… comfortable.” he admitted, his eyes locking onto yours for a moment before he looked away, almost shyly.

A smile tugged at your lips. “I’m glad. I feel the same way with you.”

There was a pause, a brief moment where the weight of what was unspoken hung between you. Then, almost as if compelled by the invisible thread drawing you closer, Megumi leaned in slightly. His hand brushed against yours on the table, just a fleeting touch, but enough to send a spark through you. You lifted your gaze, looking at him as though he was the only one in the world.

“Is it just me, or does it feel like there’s something… different tonight?” you asked softly, testing the waters.

Megumi’s eyes flickered with something deeper, a mix of emotions that he had been trying to keep hidden. “It does.” he agreed, his voice barely above a whisper. “It feels… important.”

You nodded, understanding what he meant. The connection between you had always been there, but tonight, it was as if it had intensified, become something neither of you could ignore. It was a first date, to be sure. But you’ve known him for a long time, and you’ve liked him for a long time. And the more you think about his words, the more you think that he’s liked you longer than you thought. You purse your lips, letting your smile reign.

“You’re good at this,” you whispered to him, your voice soft and full of warmth.

Megumi raised a brow, his curiosity piqued. “What do you mean?”

“Making me feel good,” you replied, a smile tugging at your lips as a blush, as vivid as a scarlet sunrise, bloomed on your cheeks.

Megumi’s eyes widened at your response, the sincerity in your words taking him by surprise. His heart began to beat wildly in his chest, each thump echoing the growing emotions he struggled to contain. For a moment, he couldn’t find the words to respond, too caught up in the way you were looking at him, your expression filled with something that made him feel lighter than air.

“And that’s everything to me.” you added, your gaze unwavering as you spoke.

Those simple words struck him deeper than anything had in a long time. Megumi felt his heart swell with something indescribable—something that made him realize just how much you meant to him, and how much this moment meant to you both.

Megumi felt a rush of emotions flood through him, a mix of awe and disbelief at the way you looked at him—as if he was the only person in the world who could make you feel this way. His heart pounded in his chest, each beat reminding him that this was real, that you were here with him, and that somehow, he had become someone important to you.

He took a slow, deep breath, trying to steady himself as he searched for the right words. “I… didn’t know,” he finally said, his voice barely above a whisper. “I didn’t know I could do that for you.”

“You do.” you assured him, your smile softening as you reached out to gently touch his hand. “You don’t even have to try. Just being with you makes me feel… safe, understood, happy.”

Megumi’s breath caught in his throat at your touch, the warmth of your hand sending a shiver down his spine. He felt a lump form in his throat, the weight of his emotions almost too much to bear. “You make me feel that way too,” he admitted, his voice tinged with a vulnerability he rarely showed. “I’ve never felt this way before… not with anyone else.”

You squeezed his hand gently, your eyes never leaving his. “That’s how I know it’s special, Megumi. What we have—it’s real.”

He nodded, swallowing hard as he tried to keep his emotions in check. But the way you looked at him, with such trust and affection, made it impossible to hold back. “I want to be that person for you,” he said, his voice trembling slightly. “I want to make you feel good, to make you happy… because you mean everything to me too.”

There was a moment of silence, the weight of his words hanging in the air between you. Then, without thinking, Megumi leaned in closer, his heart racing as he let himself be guided by the pull he felt toward you. He hesitated for just a second, searching your eyes for any sign of hesitation, but all he found was warmth and acceptance.

And in that moment, all the uncertainty, all the nerves, melted away. Megumi closed the distance between you, his lips brushing against yours in a tender, hesitant kiss that held all the feelings he had been too afraid to express. The world seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of you in that moment, connected in a way that felt as natural as breathing.

When he finally pulled back, his heart was still pounding, but there was a new lightness in his chest, a sense of calm that he hadn’t felt in a long time. “Thank you,” he whispered, his forehead resting gently against yours. “For letting me be this close… for trusting me.”

You smiled, your hand coming up to cup his cheek. “I wouldn’t want it any other way, Megumi. You’re everything I’ve ever wanted.”

And with those words, he knew—without a doubt—that this was the beginning of something extraordinary.

“Sometimes, I wonder if I’ll ever be able to say what I really feel.” he confessed, his eyes downcast. “I’m not good with words like Gojo or even Yuuji. But with you… it’s different. I want to try. I want to always make you happy. So, I just….”

You reached across the table, your fingers brushing against his hand. “You don’t have to be like them, Megumi. Just be yourself. That’s all I want.”

He looked up at you then, his gaze softening, and for a moment, the world seemed to stand still. The warmth between you grew, wrapping around you like a comforting blanket, and you felt a sense of belonging, a feeling that you were exactly where you were meant to be.

“You know, I’m not even drunk, but I feel like pretending I am.” He gave you a small, almost shy smile, the kind that made your heart skip a beat. “This….this feels crazy. Am I dreaming?”

You couldn’t help but laugh softly. “And why would you want to pretend? And you aren’t dreaming. This is… this is real.”

“Maybe it’s easier to be a little more… honest that way.” he replied, his eyes glinting with a mix of mischief and something else, something darker, more intense. There was a brief moment where you thought you saw the hint of desire flicker in his gaze, but before you could say anything, he looked away, clearly embarrassed. 

“This is making my heart beat a lot. I’m sorry, if I get quiet,” Megumi said, his voice trembling slightly, his cheeks flushed a deep scarlet.

You blinked at his response, a soft laugh escaping your lips. The genuine, almost endearing awkwardness in his words made your heart swell. “I don’t mind,” you reassured him, your smile widening. “But… I just want to say, I’m really glad I can make you feel like this. It… it makes me happy.”

The sincerity in your voice seemed to wrap around Megumi like a warm embrace. He looked at you, his gaze softening as he took in your words. Your reassurance, your happiness at his nervousness, seemed to melt away his apprehensions. He felt a comforting warmth spread through him, a sense of relief and contentment that made him want to open up even more.

“I… You don’t have to worry about it,” Megumi continued, his voice growing steadier, though still tinged with emotion. “I… I only like you, okay? No one else.”

Your eyes widened slightly, a mix of surprise and delight crossing your face. Megumi’s confession, so simple and earnest, struck a chord deep within you. The fact that he was expressing his feelings so openly, despite his usual reserved nature, made your heart flutter.

For a moment, the world seemed to stand still. His declaration, so raw and genuine, held a weight that made you realize just how much this moment meant to both of you. You could see the vulnerability in his eyes, the way he was laying his emotions bare, and it made you feel incredibly special.

“Really?” you asked softly, your voice barely above a whisper, as if you were afraid to break the delicate bubble of intimacy that surrounded you.

Megumi nodded, his gaze unwavering. “Yeah. I’ve never felt like this before. It’s just you. Only you.”

Your heart soared at his words, a warmth spreading through you that felt almost like a physical presence. You took a deep breath, trying to steady the whirlwind of emotions that had taken over you. “That means so much to me, Megumi. I feel the same way. I… I only want to be with you.”

A smile slowly spread across Megumi’s face, a rare and genuine expression of happiness that lit up his features. The relief in his eyes was palpable, and for the first time, he allowed himself to fully embrace the joy of the moment.

He reached out, taking your hand in his with a tenderness that spoke volumes. “I’m glad we’re on the same page,” he said, his voice filled with a quiet resolve. “It makes everything feel… right.”

You squeezed his hand gently, feeling the connection between you deepen. “Me too, Megumi. I’m really glad.”

The night seemed to wrap around you both like a warm, comforting embrace. The conversation flowed easily once more, but now it was colored by a new understanding, a shared feeling that made everything feel even more special. With every glance, every touch, the bond between you grew stronger, weaving together the threads of your hearts into something beautiful and lasting.

When you stepped outside the restaurant, the cool night air was a welcome change from the warmth inside. Megumi walked beside you, his hand brushing against yours occasionally, as if he was considering holding it but wasn’t sure if he should. The conversation had slowed, and now there was just the quiet sound of your footsteps and the distant hum of the city.

Finally, you reached your house. You turned to face him, expecting the usual awkward goodbye, but instead, you saw something different in his eyes—a determination, a resolve that hadn’t been there before. He took a deep breath, his hands hovering near your shoulders as if he was about to pull you close. You could see the hesitation in his eyes, the internal struggle playing out in his mind.

“I—” Megumi began, his voice low, almost a whisper. “I’m really glad we did this. And I’ve been wanting to do this for the longest time. I’m glad we managed to do it.”

“Me too.” You grinned back at him, your face tender with warmth for him. “I’m glad you asked me out, Megumi. This was amazing.”

He smiled back just as warmly. “Me too, I really am glad that I—”

But before Megumi could finish his sentence, his phone rang, the sound slicing through the moment like a sudden, jarring interruption. He winced, pulling it out of his pocket with an almost defeated sigh. The light from the screen illuminated his face, which fell as he saw the caller ID.

“It’s… it’s Gojo-sensei.” he said, his voice laced with frustration as he glanced at you with an apologetic look. “He’s asking when I’m coming back home.”

You tilted your head, puzzled by the sudden shift. “Gojo-sensei?” you repeated, trying to suppress a giggle. It seemed that Gojo had an uncanny knack for showing up just when things were getting interesting.

Megumi nodded, his expression a mix of irritation and resignation. “Yeah. I guess he must’ve known I was having a moment. He always seems to show up at the worst times.”

You couldn’t help but smile at the thought of Gojo’s impeccable timing. Despite the disappointment of the interrupted moment, you could see how much the evening had meant to Megumi. The mood had been perfect, and the sudden intrusion felt like a cruel twist of fate.

“Don’t worry about it.” you said softly, trying to lighten the mood. “We’ll just have to save the best parts for next time.”

Megumi looked at you, a mixture of frustration and affection in his eyes. “I really wanted to…”

“I know.” you interrupted gently, reaching out to touch his hand. “But we’ve had a wonderful evening, and there’s still so much more time ahead of us.”

He squeezed your hand, a small smile forming on his lips despite his disappointment. “Yeah, you’re right. I guess it’s just typical of Gojo to show up right when things are getting good.”

You laughed softly, nodding in agreement. “He definitely has a knack for that. But don’t let it ruin our night. We’ll just have to make the next one even better.”

Megumi’s gaze softened, his frustration melting away as he looked at you with a renewed sense of hope. “I’d really like that.”

He answered the call, his voice calm but tinged with a hint of annoyance as he spoke to Gojo. You watched as he dealt with the interruption, admiring how he managed to balance his irritation with the warmth he continued to show you.

As the call ended, Megumi pocketed his phone and turned back to you, a sheepish smile on his face. “Well, it looks like I’m going to have to head back soon. But I want you to know… tonight has been incredible. I really appreciate your understanding.”

You smiled back at him, your heart feeling lighter despite the sudden end to the evening. “I wouldn’t have wanted to spend it with anyone else.”

He reached out and gently cupped your cheek, his touch tender and reassuring. “I feel the same way. And I promise, next time, I’ll make sure nothing gets in the way.”

You leaned into his touch, feeling the warmth of his words and the sincerity in his eyes. “I’m looking forward to it.”

You leaned in, pressing a soft, tender kiss to Megumi’s cheek—a simple gesture, but one that seemed to catch him completely off guard. His eyes widened slightly, and he stood there momentarily frozen, as if trying to fully comprehend the warmth of your lips against his skin. The blush on your cheeks mirrored the deep crimson that had spread across his face, and the way he remained still, caught in the aftermath of the kiss, spoke volumes about the impact of that brief, intimate touch.

As you pulled back, your eyes met his with a proud, affectionate smile. The way his posture remained rigid, his gaze lingering on you, highlighted just how deeply your kiss had affected him. It was clear that the warmth of your gesture had left a lasting impression, one that would linger long after you had gone.

“Goodnight, Megumi,” you whispered softly, your voice carrying a note of sweetness as you clutched your bag. The words felt like a promise and a gentle farewell, your smile reflecting the happiness you felt in the moment. “I’ll… I’ll see you around!”

Megumi’s reply came, his voice low and almost wistful, as if he were savoring the final moments of your time together. “Good night.” he said, his tone tinged with a mixture of reluctance and tenderness as you turned to leave.

You glanced back at him one last time before getting into your cab, the evening air cool against your skin as the door closed behind you. As the cab pulled away, you could see Megumi standing there, his gaze fixed on the retreating vehicle, a look of both longing and contentment in his eyes.

Inside the cab, you felt a flutter of excitement and warmth in your chest, a reflection of the connection you had shared. The memory of his surprised reaction, his blush, and the quiet intimacy of the evening would linger with you, a cherished reminder of the bond you were building together.

Megumi, still standing on the curb, felt the lingering touch of your kiss on his cheek, a gentle reminder of the special night you had shared. As the cab disappeared from view, he took a deep breath, feeling a mixture of wistfulness and anticipation. He knew that this evening was just the beginning of something meaningful, and as he turned to head back home, he carried with him the warmth of your smile and the promise of more moments to come.

When Megumi arrived home, the familiar comfort of his apartment greeted him. He closed the door behind him, his mind still drifting back to the evening’s events. The soft warmth of your kiss on his cheek lingered like a gentle, pleasant ache, making it hard for him to focus on anything else.

Gojo, lounging casually on the couch and flipping through a magazine, looked up as the door opened. His eyes sparkled with a mix of curiosity and amusement as he took in Megumi’s slightly distracted state. 

“Hey, Megumi!” Gojo called out, his tone light and teasing. “How was your—”

But Megumi barely registered the question. His thoughts were still wrapped around the soft press of your lips against his skin, the way your smile had felt like a promise. He was caught in a reverie, his hand absentmindedly touching the spot on his cheek where you had kissed him.

Gojo’s brows furrowed slightly as he observed Megumi’s distant expression. “Hey, Earth to Megumi!” he said, raising his voice a notch to grab his attention. “Are you even listening?”

Startled, Megumi blinked, slowly pulling himself out of his thoughts. He turned to look at Gojo, his expression a mix of confusion and bemusement. “Huh? Oh, yeah. Sorry. I was… just thinking.”

Gojo arched an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Thinking, huh? You look like you’re in a daze. Did something happen?”

For a moment, Megumi was too wrapped up in the lingering sensations of the evening to fully process Gojo’s question. He simply shrugged, a faint smile playing on his lips. “It was a good night. Really good.”

Gojo eyed him critically, clearly not buying the vague response. “A good night, huh? So, what’s with the goofy grin and the dazed look? Did something happen with your ‘good night’?”

Megumi’s blush deepened, though he tried to hide it by looking away. “Nothing. Just… had a nice time. It’s nothing.”

Gojo’s curiosity was piqued. He walked over, leaning casually against the wall with a knowing grin. “Nice time, huh? So nice that you’re practically glowing. Spill it, Megumi.”

Realizing he wasn’t going to get out of this easily, Megumi sighed, still feeling the warmth from your kiss. “It’s just… there was this moment,” he said, his voice soft. “It was… really special. I didn’t expect it.”

Gojo’s grin widened, clearly enjoying the reaction he was getting. “A moment, huh? Sounds like someone’s got it bad. I’m guessing it was someone special?”

Megumi didn’t meet his gaze, instead focusing on the floor. “Yeah, I guess you could say that.”

Gojo chuckled, clearly delighted by Megumi’s apparent infatuation. “Well, I’m glad to see you so happy. Even if you’re too distracted to notice my wonderful company.”

Megumi finally looked up, a sheepish smile on his face. “Sorry about that. It’s just… I can’t stop thinking about it.”

Gojo’s teasing expression softened slightly as he clapped Megumi on the back. “It’s fine. Enjoy the moment. And remember, when you’re ready to come back to reality, I’ll be here to remind you how to interact with the rest of the world.”

Megumi nodded, still lost in his own thoughts as he headed to his room. He appreciated Gojo’s understanding, even if he was more focused on the sweet memory of your kiss. As he settled into bed, the warmth of your touch and the promise of more moments like this kept a contented smile on his face, making it clear that tonight had been more than just a good night—it had been the beginning of something truly special.

When Megumi finally made it to his room, he collapsed onto his bed with a sigh, staring up at the ceiling as if seeking answers from the blank expanse above him. The soft rustle of the blankets beneath him was the only sound in the otherwise quiet room.

He groaned, kicking his feet against the blankets in a frustrated display of pent-up energy. “It was so good.” he muttered to himself, his voice muffled as he buried his face in his hands.

The memory of your kiss, the warmth of your presence, and the way you had looked at him—all of it replayed in his mind, mingling with the sting of the missed opportunity.

For a moment, he allowed himself to wallow in the frustration, the feeling of having the perfect evening cut short gnawing at him. But as he lay there, the initial disappointment began to fade, replaced by a quiet, simmering determination.

He turned onto his side, gazing at the dimly lit room with a newfound resolve. The evening had been everything he had hoped for and more, and though it hadn't gone exactly as planned, it had shown him something important. There would be another date, another chance to savor the moments he had missed tonight. And next time, he was determined to make it perfect, to not let anything—or anyone—interfere.

A soft smile touched his lips as he imagined what could be. He pictured another evening, where he wouldn’t have to worry about interruptions, where he could focus entirely on you and the connection you shared. The thought filled him with a sense of anticipation, a promise of something even better to come.

Megumi took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his frustrations lift as he embraced the positive outlook.

“I’ll make sure of it.” he said softly, to no one in particular, as he closed his eyes and let himself drift into a hopeful sleep.

The night had ended with an unfulfilled promise, but it had also planted the seeds for something even more meaningful. As he sank into the comforting embrace of his bed, the thought of you and the evening to come filled him with a quiet, hopeful excitement, making the future seem brighter and full of possibilities. Nothing was impossible with love, right?

________________ ׂׂૢ་༘࿐

┊ ⋆ ┊ . ┊ ┊

┊ ┊⋆ ┊ .

┊ ┊ ⋆˚         

✧. ┊         

⋆ ★

epilogue 

The sun was setting over Tokyo, casting a warm glow through the windows of the Jujutsu High lounge. Genmei and Satoru were lounging on the sofas, sipping on their drinks and chatting about the recent happenings in their lives. The atmosphere was casual, with Satoru’s usual exuberance tempered by a rare, relaxed demeanor.

“You know…..” Genmei began, looking thoughtful, “I’ve noticed that Megumi’s been a lot happier lately. It’s like there’s a spring in his step that wasn’t there before.”

Satoru’s eyes widened with curiosity. “Really? I haven’t seen him smile this much since… ever. What’s the secret?”

Genmei leaned in with a mischievous smile. “Well….something pretty significant event happened recently. I heard in the grapevine that our little Megumi’s gotten a kiss!”

Satoru nearly choked on his drink, cerulean eyes bulging as he set the glass down with a clatter. “He did what?!” he exclaimed, his excitement palpable. “And you’re telling me this now? What happened?”

Genmei chuckled, enjoying the reaction. “Apparently, things went quite well. And, then boom! A kiss!”

Satoru’s face lit up with wild enthusiasm. “A kiss?! Oh man, you’ve got to be kidding me. I can’t believe it.He didn’t tell me! That kid! So, what kind of kiss are we talking about here? A peck on the cheek, or—”

“Just a simple kiss on the cheek, Satoru.” Genmei said, holding up a hand to indicate the gentle nature of the gesture. “But it seems it made quite an impression.”

Satoru’s excitement was infectious. “No way! A cheek kiss making him this happy? Megumi, of all people, is floating on cloud nine over a cheek kiss! I’m going to have to get the details from him myself.”

“Satoru, you’re acting like you weren’t the same way when I kissed your cheek the first time.”

“Uh, that’s not the point—”

Just as Satoru’s animated commentary reached its peak, Megumi happened to walk by the lounge, catching the tail end of the conversation. The mention of a “cheek kiss” made his ears turn a shade of red as he froze in place, his eyes widening in embarrassment.

“What are you guys talking about?” he asked, trying to sound casual but failing miserably.

Satoru turned, his grin stretching wider as he saw Megumi standing there. “Oh, Megumi! We were just discussing how you’ve been a lot happier lately. Seems like the cheek kiss you got has had quite the impact!”

Megumi’s face flushed even deeper, and he stammered, “W-wait, you heard that? Who told you? Ah, this is…..”

Genmei stifled a laugh while Satoru’s eyes sparkled with mischievous delight. “Yep, we heard it all! And I have to say, it’s good to see you so happy. It’s like you’ve been reborn or something.”

Megumi’s embarrassment was palpable as he tried to hide his face. “Can we not talk about this? It’s… it’s not a big deal.”

Satoru’s laughter rang out, echoing through the room. “Oh, come on, Megumi! It’s adorable. It’s like watching you grow up right before our eyes.  And hey, if a cheek kiss is what makes you this happy, maybe I should start giving out kisses too!”

“Please don’t do that, Satoru.”

“But wifey!”

“Don’t wifey me. Satoshi would say the same thing.”

“Lies, Satoshi would love his papa’s cheek kisses.”

“Hm, we’ll see what he says when he comes from my mother’s house.”

Megumi groaned, sinking into a nearby chair, hiding his face in his hands. “I swear, if you don’t stop, I’m going to find a way to make sure you never hear about my personal life again.”

Genmei chuckled softly, patting Megumi on the back. “Don’t worry, Megumi. We’re just happy for you. It’s nice to see you smiling for a change.”

As the laughter subsided, Satoru threw an arm around Megumi’s shoulders in a rare display of affection. “Seriously, though, I’m proud of you. Even if it took a cheek kiss to get you to loosen up a bit.”

Megumi gave a reluctant smile, finally lifting his head to meet their eyes. “Thanks, I guess. And… just keep this between us, alright?”

Satoru’s grin softened to a more genuine smile. “Deal. But just so you know, I’m always here if you need to talk about anything.”

Megumi had just shrugged off Satoru’s latest comment with a hint of sarcasm. “No, I think Gen–san’s better with this sort of thing.” he said, nodding towards Genmei.

Genmei’s face lit up with a mischievous grin. “A–ha! In your face!” Genmei declared triumphantly, savoring the moment of victory.

Satoru, always the dramatist, threw his hands up in mock despair. “GAH!? Megumi, you tear your father’s heart!” he exclaimed, his tone laden with exaggerated sorrow.

Megumi rolled his eyes, a smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. “You’re not my dad, Gojo–sensei” he retorted, clearly amused despite himself.

Satoru gasped theatrically, clutching his chest as if wounded. “HUH!? Wifey, our son hates me!” he cried out in a tone so over-the-top that it had both Genmei and Megumi laughing.

Genmei sighed, a playful exasperated voice echoes, “What a life to live.”

The playful back-and-forth continued, each remark adding to the tapestry of their lighthearted dynamic. Fushiguro Megumi, despite his earlier embarrassment, found himself caught up in the laughter, the tension of the day melting away under the warmth of their happy home.

[fanmistery]

HEADCANONS ARCANE X GN READER!TINNITUS.

៚HEADCANONS of how you would meet and move into a relationship with Vi and Viktor. The reader is gender-neutral.

TINNITUS: A whistling or ringing sound in one or both ears that may be constant or come and go, often associated with hearing loss.

Characters included: Viktor and Vi/Violet. Part Two Jinx and Caitlyn here.

Part one!

Note: Hello everyone! I just wanted to write something about these characters, this idea was in my head all day. It should be clarified that I do not intend to offend anyone with this, I myself have Tinnitus so everything I put here is based on my experience. Just that, enjoy reading!

៚VIKTOR.

៚ Viktor in his youth, more specifically when he was studying and before he became Heimerdinger's assistant. He is completely absorbed in his investigations at Piltover. His world revolves around science and his efforts to overcome the physical limitations that have always accompanied him and, above all, to surpass others and be the best student. So it will take a long time for him to realize your existence.

៚He will only realize your existence when he hears you asking the colleague next to you that he could offer you his seat since you did not want to sit at the back, which led to a heated argument due to your insistence, even he got upset (more than nothing because he couldn't concentrate on reviewing the topics from the previous class), there were other benches available, I didn't understand why you were making a fuss for wanting to sit in front. You ended up sitting all the way back anyway, and you just became the talk of spoiled brats, and, normally he wouldn't care but he got to hear through the rumors that you were someone from Zaun. Which surprised him quite a bit, since as far as he knew, the only one from Zaun was him.

៚ And for a while he was not the center of criticism and ridicule, but you were. Most of the class complained because you were always asking obvious questions to them or to the teacher, even asking them to pass you the notes of what a teacher was dictating. It got to a point where you could no longer ask for guidance from them and you ended up asking him for help. Of course he helped you but not before he asked you directly “what the hell was wrong with you?”.

៚When he finds out about your situation, that you have tinnitus, his reaction is very Viktor: scientific but empathetic. "Is it a subjective perception of sound, without external stimulus? Fascinating." Although he may seem cold, he has no intention of minimizing your experience; rather, he is genuinely interested.

៚For Viktor, attraction begins in the mind. If you prove to be an insightful, curious person who is able to understand (or at least try to understand) his way of reasoning. One night, while you're both working on a particularly complicated project, Viktor might blurt out something unexpected without looking you straight in the eye. "I never thought I would find someone who would understand so well the... persistent nature of my mind so well. It's exhausting, but you don't seem to freak out."

You pause what you were doing and turn your back on him to go get a cup of coffee to take your mind off your sleep, while doing so you say nonchalantly : "And why should I? We all deal with something."

Although Viktor doesn't respond, his slight smile and the way his eyes soften say it all.

៚The relationship begins to deepen when Viktor talks openly about his own physical limitations (his cane, his deteriorating health) and how these have made him feel isolated at times. This creates common ground: they both feel that their relationship with the world is limited by their physical conditions. Viktor comments something like, “It's funny how our minds can be so clear, but our bodies constantly remind us how fragile we are.”

៚So Viktor begins to see you as someone who not only understands his struggle, but also that you face your own daily battle. This inspires you to be more considerate and open with your emotions, although your reserved nature moves you forward slowly.

៚At some point in their lives you end up working in their lab, in fact, you have an exclusive little space just for you.... So you are always together day and night, you doing your thing and he doing his.

៚Viktor's small gestures begin to show his concern in subtle ways, such as adjusting the volume of his experiments when you are nearby or avoiding shrill sounds. Little by little, this shows that he is not only a brilliant man, but also attentive to details that might affect you.

៚In his conversations, Viktor tends to speak in a higher, more leisurely tone. The idea of creating a device to help you hear is born after seeing you frustrated when you don't understand what he is saying when they are a few meters apart, so Viktor spends entire nights studying tinnitus, from its physiological origin to the experimental solutions available.

Jayce might walk into the lab and find Viktor surrounded by diagrams and medical texts.

Jayce, curious, asks, "Are you working on anything related to acoustics? It's not typical for you."

"It's a personal project. It's not for me." Viktor replies without even bothering to look at him

Although Jayce insists on knowing more, Viktor prefers not to reveal too much. “It's not relevant to our joint goals.”

He uses Hextech to explore how frequencies can interact with the auditory system, and although he encounters obstacles, he is more determined than ever.

When you're about to be introduced to the device, he doesn't hesitate to speak up: "I've been thinking...about your hearing."

“Uh, what about it? ”you ask, a little surprised that he has initiated so randomly about your condition.

Viktor averts his gaze, to avoid embarrassing himself, about his feelings to you. "It shouldn't be something that limits your experiences. I think I can do something about it."

Although you might at first feel unsure-perhaps even doubtful that anything can really help-Viktor assures you with a mixture of humility and confidence, "I don't promise miracles, but it would be interesting to see if I can...level the field for you."

៚Viktor spent weeks fine-tuning his prototype: a small device with Hextech technology that not only amplifies sound, but filters out the harmful frequencies associated with tinnitus. When it's finally ready, he hands it to you with his trademark serious but intent tone. "It's a prototype. It may need tweaking, but I'd like you to try it out."

You put it on, and after a few seconds of adjustment, you experience something you didn't expect: the sound of the world, clear and crisp. Perhaps the light brush of Viktor's fingers on the table, or the conversations of students in the hallways. You can't help but let a sense of relief and full of happiness flood through you, you allow yourself the luxury of crying, of breaking Viktor's personal space and hugging him a little tightly, feeling so lucky to have him by your side. "Viktor...I.. I...I can hear... I can hear things I haven't heard in years."

Viktor is surprised by the sudden physical contact but it doesn't bother him, he even loves your sudden outburst of trust, even though you've been friends for a long time you're not hugging, just occasional touches here and there. He smiles sideways, satisfied with the result and reciprocating your embrace without hesitation, he just hopes you don't notice his heart beating fast for you and your warm closeness. "It's just the first step. If something doesn't work, we'll make it better. But I'm glad it's working."

He says, and if the hug lasted a long time neither of them minded.

៚But it doesn't stop there, Viktor customizes the device after you've been using it for a while. He adds a feature that can amplify specific sounds, such as the pitch of his own voice, so you can hear him even in noisy environments.

When you notice this, you ask him, "Did you do this just so I could hear you better?"

Viktor looking at you warmly, at this point no longer caring about hiding his affections from you. "Maybe. I'd rather you didn't miss anything important...especially when I'm the one talking."

៚Instead of using flowery words, Viktor explains his feelings in a very logical way.

"You are like a perfectly calibrated system. You find a way to fit even in my messiest moments...and that's not something I can easily explain. But I think the reason I want you around is more personal than scientific. "

You, so touched by her sincerity, smile and respond, "You know? That's probably the most romantic statement anyone has ever made to me."

៚Viktor's formal statement. Although Viktor has already made his intentions clear, you want to make sure everything is perfectly understood. A few days after the conversation, while they are in the lab, he interrupts the silence with an unexpected proposal. "I've been thinking about our conversation... and I'd like to ask you something. Would you consider staying by my side, not just as a colleague, but as something more?"

You, already so used to his direct but genuine manner, agree with a gentle nod, and Viktor responds with a slight smile that lights up his normally stoic expression.

៚For Viktor, expressing love is not something he does lightly. Probably, the first “I love you” happens accidentally.

While working on an experiment, you make a small mistake, but Viktor intervenes before the damage is irreparable. You are frustrated, the fatigue seems to get to you. You know it, but you can't help but feel guilty. “I'm sorry, I didn't mean to ruin it...”

Viktor without thinking admits, "It doesn't matter. You wouldn't ruin anything... I love you too much to worry about that."

They both fall silent.

Viktor realizes what he just said, but instead of taking it back, he calmly adds, “I guess it's about time I said it.”

៚VI/VIOLET.

៚ Vi will meet you in her Emo days, This meeting takes place at a complicated time for Vi. It's been weeks since she broke up with Caitlyn. Although she is no longer hurt by the breakup, she carries enormous pent-up frustration. The situation with Jinx (Powder) is out of control, Zaun is still in chaos, and Vi feels like she's fighting a never-ending battle. This mix of anger, emotional exhaustion and discontent with the world makes her more impulsive and sarcastic than usual. It is very late in Zaun, the atmosphere is full of noise: shouting, laughter and the constant hum of industrial machinery. Vi is in her usual place, a subway bar called “The Rusty Forge”, known for its underground fights and noisy clientele. She is drinking something cheap, with her fists clenched and her gaze lost in her glass, trying not to think about everything that torments her.

Suddenly, a small commotion develops in a corner of the bar. Someone is trying to talk to you which you don't seem to respond to. Vi, from her seat, watches curiously as the other person begins to lose patience.

The stranger seems very, very impatient with you, "Hey, I'm talking to you, I told you it's ten coins, not five! Are you listening or what? " The stranger's arrogant tone and attitude makes Vi raise an eyebrow. While you look a little uncomfortable but try to stay calm and try to explain.

"I'm sorry, I didn't hear you right. Could you... repeat that?" The stranger snorts, visibly annoyed, and raises his voice in an exaggerated manner. "What's in your ears, you Zaun filth! Do you or don't you want this! I don't have all day."

That's enough for Vi to intervene. She rises from her seat in her typical defiant manner, dropping a few coins on the table and walking towards them with a smirk. "Hey, genius, why don't you try talking like a person instead of a jerk? Maybe then they'll understand you."

The stranger turns to Vi, clearly irritated. "What's it to you? This has nothing to do with you."

Vi crosses her arms, leaning slightly toward the stranger. "Oh, I care because I can't enjoy my drink if there's some idiot screaming like he's missing something in his head. So why don't you beat it before we have to settle this...my way?"

The stranger grunts something unintelligible, but decides to retreat under Vi's intense gaze. Once he leaves, Vi turns to you , her tone relaxing a bit. "Are you okay? That guy looked like a complete idiot."

Although you feel the embarrassment in you, you don't hesitate to thank her and say, "Yes, thank you. Everything is fine now. It's not easy to understand people with so much noise."

៚Vi tilts her head, interested. Noticing that you seem sincere but a bit tired. She decides to stay a moment longer, it wouldn't hurt to meet new people. It's worth noting that she notices something is different about you, but doesn't mention it right away. Instead of asking questions, she prefers to let time reveal it. To her, differences are not something strange in Zaun; everyone has their quirks.

៚ So, of course Vi decides to stay a while longer to make sure they don't bother you again. In the meantime, the two of you start talking. She says, noticing how your head leans closer to listen to her, "So, what are you doing down here? This doesn't seem like the kind of place for someone..... I don't know, like you."

You chuckle softly. "What kind of place is it, just for guys with tattoos and people who yell a lot? "

Vi gives you a small smile and continues, "Kind of. And you don't yell a lot, do you? "

you reply shaking your head but amused. "No, but it sounds like you do. It's not a bad thing though. Thanks to you, I heard you running at that guy."

Vi laughs, surprised by your response. This piques her interest even more, as she didn't expect to find someone so... quiet with a sense of humor amidst the chaos of Zaun. But before you take your leave, Vi notices that you seem a little unsure of yourself in the bustling environment of the bar. On impulse, she pulls out a pair of gloves she had hanging from her belt, worn but functional, and tosses them on the table in front of you.

"Take it as advice: if someone else bothers you, give them a good whack. If you need someone to show you how to do it .... well, you know where to find me."

You're surprised but take the gloves with a grateful smile. "Thanks, but I don't think I can hit as hard as you."

Vi laughs "No one can. But you don't need to be me to defend yourself. Although, if you want to learn, give me a couple of days. I'm bored of training alone."

៚After that night, Vi decides to look for more reasons to return to “The Rusty Forge.” Not for the fights, not for the cheap booze, but for the chance to cross paths again with someone who unknowingly gave her some peace in the midst of the chaos.

៚Vi, despite being extroverted, has an empathetic side that leads her to take an interest in others. At first, she communicates with you casually, although she quickly realizes that she has to adjust her tone or repeat things so that you can understand her better. Far from becoming impatient, this awakens her protective and patient side. "Didn't you hear me? Hey, it's okay, I'll say it again. 'You, what are you doing around here at this hour? Zaun is no place to walk alone, you know.' "

Seeing that you're somewhat embarrassed by your hearing difficulty, Vi adds with a teasing but friendly smile, "Don't worry. I didn't hear when Claggor was talking to me while I was eating either . Maybe you just have high standards of attention."

This breaks the ice and makes you feel comfortable next to her.

៚Vi's first gesture, is more of actions, not words. So, Vi is not the type to try to "fix" people or ask invasive questions. Instead, she shows her interest by helping without asking. For example, if she notices that you don't hear someone shout your name, she becomes your personal interpreter, shouting back or reaching out to relay the message.

Vi says, "Look, the next time someone tries to talk to you from across Zaun, tell me. My voice can cover this whole damn town.". This starts to become a recurring joke between the two of them.

៚Vi is someone who thinks fast and acts even faster, which can sometimes be a challenge for you what sometimes you need clarity in instructions. However, this leads to the two of you developing a sort of "language of your own". Vi might come up with simple gestures for things like "watch out", "follow me", or even "knock first, ask me later". Says Vi "See this? Two fingers in the air means we have to get the hell out of here fast. Three means 'hit 'em with everything.' Easy, right?" This makes them an effective team in Zaun's dangerous situations.

៚Vi is quick to note that, although you are hard of hearing, you also have skills that impress her. Perhaps it's the way you pay attention to small details, your ability to stay calm under pressure, your critical thinking even. "You know, not many people make it down here, let alone with everything stacked against them. But you... you're something special. Either that, or you're as stubborn as I am."

៚Vi has a protective nature, and when she sees someone treating you impatiently because of your hearing difficulty, she can't help but intervene. "What part of 'speak louder' didn't you understand? Do you want me to write it down for you? No, wait, you'd better get it tattooed on your forehead." Although you could try to calm her down, Vi isn't the type to let these things go easily.

៚Vi is fiercely loyal, and that translates into total devotion to you . No matter what happens, she's willing to stand up to anyone to protect you. "If anyone dares to mess with you, you let me know. Or better yet, don't even bother; I'll already be there before they can try."

៚Vi is not someone who plans things carefully. Everything in his life happens impulsively and passionately, and asking you to be his partner would be no exception. While she may try to disguise her nerves with humor or sarcasm, her intentions are clear: she wants to take the next step because she knows how much you mean to her.

The night is less chaotic than usual. You and Vi are in one of her favorite places in Zaun: perhaps a rooftop where you can watch the twinkling lights of the city, or a quiet corner near an abandoned factory where the noise isn't so overwhelming. It's one of those rare moments when Vi lets her guard down, and you can see her as she is, without masks or barriers. Vi has been thinking about this for days. Though she's never been good with words, she knows she can't stay quiet much longer. She runs a hand through her hair, clearly nervous, as she tries to find the right way to say what she feels.

Vi breaks the silence in a manner typical of her: with a seemingly casual comment, "You know, I've been thinking...and that's dangerous, I know. But listen, because this is important."

Curiosity overcomes you and you turn to her with a smile. Vi takes a deep breath and decides to cut to the chase. "You're the only person in this damn place that makes me want to be better. And I'm not saying I want to change who I am, because, well, I'm perfect just the way I am..." He pauses for a moment, clearly joking to ease the tension. "But with you... I don't know, everything's different. Less complicated. And I think I like that too much to ignore." Vi starts to lose a little control of her usual confidence. She knows what she wants to say, but the words don't come out the way she planned in her head. "What I mean is.... well, you know. I like you. No, that's an understatement. I like you a lot. Like, a lot-a lot. And I wanted to know if... uh..."

As for you, you wait patiently, clearly enjoying watching Vi get flustered for once. Vi, frustrated with herself, folds her arms and lets out a nervous laugh. "For the love of Zaun, are you going to make me say all this by myself or what? What I want is for you to be my partner, okay? There it is. I said it. Happy? "

៚and of course you reply positively, Vi lets out a sigh of relief, and her expression immediately softens. She regains some of her usual confidence, though you can still tell how much this moment means to her. "I knew you'd say yes. Who could resist this?" she smiles with that mixture of arrogance and warmth that characterizes her. Then she leans toward you, looking at you directively.

"You know? This means we're going to be the toughest team in Zaun now. I can't wait to brag about you. Sure, don't tell anyone, but you're probably the best decision I've made in years."

៚So after that, she won't hesitate to throw herself at you, thirsty for physical contact. She won't be shy, if she wants to kiss you or touch you. She will.

៚Vi is not the type to express her love with sweet words all the time, but she has very clear ways to show you how much she cares about you, like casual touches: she always finds an excuse to touch you in a casual way, whether it's putting a hand on your shoulder or placing her arm behind your waist, or she just places her hands on your waist.

"I don't know if you know this, but I like to keep you close. So don't move too far away."

៚Vi uses humor as a way to keep the relationship light and fun.

" You know what? If one day you want to ignore me, just pretend you didn't hear me. But I warn you: I'm stubborn. I won't shut up so easily."

៚If you forget something she said because you didn't hear it, Vi always turns it into a joke to diffuse the situation. "Don't worry. Most of the things I say don't make sense anyway. But this time, listen to me carefully: I love you."

[nattikay]

As a woman who does martial arts in a class of mostly men, OP is correct. While I am equal to the men in my class in terms of skill and technique, and even outclass most of them in flexibility, in terms of raw strength any of them could out-muscle me easily, including the teenagers, the elderly, and the beginners (I’m a black belt). Does this mean I’m totally screwed and have no hope of ever defending myself in a real-world situation? No, but it does put me at a disadvantage.

I don’t say this to disparage myself or other women, I say it simply because it’s true. Acknowledging truth is not sexist, but dismissing it can be dangerous.

Deeply concerned by the number of people (especially women) who genuinely believe that women and men have the same capacity for physical strength

and who think you’re being sexist if you point out that they don’t

ma’am the only one equating physical strength with innate value here is you

it’s concerning that you think strength has anything to do with value

and if the men in your life ever stop being decent you are setting yourself up to be in so much more danger

[loveydovey489]

I honestly think gaz is probably the best in the 141 at like., high stress situations. (Soap is a close second)

TW: violence. Typical to COD.

I think he dose well. (Maybe even best) when everything has gone to shit. We can see this is several occasions. When it dosent go to plan. And gaz handles it, amazingly well!!!

For example. In MW1. We see gaz. Under a lot of pressure while escaping a burning building that exploded under his feet. Trying to run away while there are people shooting at him price and hadir. And a fucking helicopter shooting too. And gaz is the one in front. Making a path for price. Who has to make sure hadir doesn’t bolt. Keep in mind, this was his one of his FIRST. Ops ever. And he kept going calmly!

Another. Classic example. Is of course. The helicopter incident. Where he hangs upside down. Is being shot at and cars driving. Just very manic. He manages to cut himself down. And hop from car to car. Take out a car that was throwing explosives. Take down a APC, take down and help save laswell! That whole experience was so stressful. And he did it all. Not slowing down once!!

And another. I think is SUPER cool, but it’s not incredibly talked about. He saved about half of the 141. (MW2) In the big offices at the end. A explosion goes off, price soap and gaz get caught in it. Where they are all hit and fall back, price being injured (ghost is on overwatch. Which was why he wasn’t there) and bullets start to rain. And gas. Dragged soap and then price into a different room to get them safe!! Under the stress of all that!!!

I could talk about every stressful situations that price puts gaz through and how he handled them all literally perfectly

beacuse boy is there ALOT. But we get it.Gaz can keep a clear head on the job. And we love that about him!!

(This is why he’s prices fav. He can handle all the shit he throws at him. With such grace!!)

[littlefankingdom]

Tumblr already showed me twice a post where OP implies that Bruce made the choice to not help Jaybin when he was attacked by an angry mob in Legends, so I had to check, and look at that, they were lying.

Context: the general population has been turned against superheroes.

An angry mob does attack Robin, and what is Batman's reaction? To come to the rescue! He even immediately calls him "son", switching to an endearing term to reassure him. However, Batman is hit in the eyes with a bottle of perfume and blinded, as his attention was on his boy. Gordon tries to get him to leave, but he refuses because he can't leave his boy behind, and when Gordon tells him that his men will take care of Robin, Batman is like "I don't trust your men with my son". Batman is forced out of here, he is so pissef, and he is called "arrogant" by the cops there.

This man trusts ONE cop, and it's Jim Gordon, that's it. And people dare to tell me Bruce isn't an acab believer. He grew up in Gotham and his parents were murdered when he was 8, of course he believes in acab. That's why he was so against his son becoming one.

Anyway, later on, Jason is in the hospital (Bruce was right, Gordon's men didn't do shit), and Bruce is pissed at the situation. However, Jason feels guilty and ashamed, and Bruce immediately goes to comfort him, reminding him he isn't at fault for getting beat up, that Bruce is proud of him and that he is a great Robin. And when Jason compares himself to Dick, Bruce stops that too, bringing up that Dick also had less glorious moments like this. And again, Bruce switches to "son" and "Jay", which convey affection in the goal of comforting his boy.

In the end, Bruce leaves his son safe at the hospital, resolved to not obey the president and get to the bottom of this. Later, Jason decides he cannot stay there and must help, even if it kills him. And people dare say that he wasn't reckless.

Anyway, the other thing about this, apart from Bruce didn't walk away WILLINGLY from Jason being attacked by an angry mob, is that as awful this is, the writers never intended this to be a traumatic experience for Jason. Of course, it would be normally, but it's just a plot point here to get Robin away from Batman while he works with the other heroes. Damn, there isn't even a follow-up to Jason leaving the hospital, he doesn't show up in the next issues to help.

Sometimes, especially with older stories, comics' events don't matter as much as you think they do. If you want to re-imagine them as impacting for the characters, that's your choice, but let's not act as if they were intended to be. Because I saw that moment being used as a comparison to Under The Red Hood, to be like "see Bruce keeps abandoning Jason", and like, calm down with the shortcuts. Because you are making that up, on your own, with what was given to you by different writers over the decades that didn't communicate with each others or agree on the characters.

[sparklingpax]

guys you know what wouldve been interesting to have....scenes of Optimus gradually getting used to his new body in s3.....

-instances like when he peered into that cave and realized he wouldn't fit so he had to transform, except it looks like even transforming to vehicle mode won't help so he just stands there looking kinda sad. feat. ratchet coming up to him to pat his arm sympathetically

-everyones so small now

-by the allspark wait the humans are small

-accidently hitting things....and people, when turning or gesturing towards stuff and like no one is upset by it at all really. he immediately apologizes and they're usually like "youre fine all good op :)" but he feels bad and tbh a bit embarrassed about it so he just. ; - ;

-realizing many times over he can't just. easily look down at stuff below him anymore because his giant boobs chestplates are in the way now....

-finding out the hard way (literally during fights) the levels of mobility he has retained and which he has not....trying to use a move he can no longer execute properly because hes so bulky now....on the flip side though, him realizing how much brute strength he can use in a fight with this new body

-having an even easier time picking up his small cranky medic bf to give him hugs. he is pleased with this development 🥰 ratchet is not

-secret and self-imposed jetpack/flight training sessions. with ratchet (and his medical kit) overseeing, because...he keeps flying at full speed into trees and cliffsides. (Imagining that what we see on screen is the result of those hours of learning to navigate flight and balance and stuff makes it more interesting to me idk)

-just occurred to me that of all of them, bulkhead has the closest physique to Optimus now, and could probably give him some useful tips and advice...stuff like how to best use that strength, balance in certain situations, navigating smaller enclosed spaces...picturing all those exchanges :))

-miko gives him a new drawing she made of him, and he stares at it every so often, as it sits next to the one she made of him all those months ago, before all this happened. smiles fondly. he's glad he's still alive to experience a moment like this :)))

[rebloggingrexan]

Baby boy was about to start singing his Disney "I Want" song and got his intestines ripped out instead. 😭