#all that said. i still enjoy the show and i LOVED amaya

[polyglottishthings]

I liked a lot of things about the Dragon Prince and i loved that they included a deaf character at all but imo they did it so wrong because

1. She NEVER mouths her words as she signs, and her signing feels flat and unexpressive. Sign language relies heavily on facial expressiveness alongside the way you sign, so it just looks like she's speaking very flatly all the time

2. She never once has trouble understanding people when reading their lips. It's true that a lot of people are amazing at reading lips and can get by pretty well by doing so, but no one is 100% all the time, and when you consider that she encounters both humans and elves with different spoken accents, it's LIKELY she would misread their lips at some point. There's a lot of comedic potential missed here, on top of the fact that it's just inaccurate.

3. She is finger spelling out everyone's names!! It's one thing when she's just met them and doesn't know much about them or hasn't given them a sign name/learned their sign name, but at the beginning of the show she spells out "Callum" instead of using his sign name. Since she seems pretty close to them, wouldn't she have given both of her nephews a sign name at some point?? I want to believe it's because the creators knew not everyone has/gives sign names....but given the context of this post....i just can't see that...

4. There are a few scenes where she hears something behind her, or when people are speaking behind her and she apparently hears them. I think this one bothers me the most, because the writers have basically made her deafness disappear for the sake of...what? Convenience? Not having to reimagine the scene? It's sad because scenes where this happens would be so much more authentic if you could see how scary it was for her not to understand wtf these people were talking about, or how she has found ways to stay aware of her surroundings despite not being able to hear them.

5. Along with the previous thing, her interpreter stands behind her WAY too much. Like, how is he reading her signs when she's in front of him or vice versa? Making the interpreter not able to view her/her not able to view him is basically excluding them from each other's conversations. You know how, when you're in a group conversation, if you miss what one person says, you aren't REALLY included in what rest of the people are saying? Yeah, that stills holds true with deafness.

A lot of this is just REALLY basic stuff because I don't even sign much and am not fully deaf and I picked up on it, so it leads me to think that the creators of the show just. Didn't ask a Deaf person for their insight? I mean they could've at least just Googled "Deaf people have sign language conversation" lmao

[thehumansnail]

King Magnifico X Reader

Pt2: The contract: You’ve woken up in bed with The King, now it’s time to discuss business.

Warning: Implied relationship😂 👀 open relationship? idk read on~

You stared in awe of the sleeping king. The way his head rested against the pillow, made a blush grow on your cheeks. He held you close, not tight but snug enough you couldn’t escape his cuddle. You thought he was beautiful before but something about his resting face made you want to kiss him. Suddenly all the memories of the previous night rushed to your head. You had done alot more then just kiss him-

You smiled leaning forward about to kiss him when his eyes opened. The smirk that was instantly on his face gave you shivers as he spoke.

“Good morning,Sweetness.” The king said, placing a kiss to your nose. You stared still a bit star struck. You felt him pull you close into his chest and could hear his soft breath above you. You nuzzled into his chest blushing slightly at the close contact of your naked bodies.

“Good morning my king..” you mumbled to him. He laughed a bit before kissing your forehead. You looked at him, seeing the smile on his face. The way those shiny blue eyes looked at you made you feel like there was no one else in the world.

“you know, I’m surprised your still h-here..” you stuttered out your last word afraid if you said it the king would leave. He chuckled and shook his head.

“If I left you how would I know our contact would hold up?” He said as he now moved to sit on the bed away from the love bubble you had created.

“The contract?”

“Yes! We made a deal after all that you’d be my apprentice. You can’t just leave after having your wish granted after all, you were announced as my apprentice after all.”

The king's words felt heavy as you now sat up. Of course, there was some kind of condition for your wish. “So…what is the contract exactly?”

“Well, you’d study under me and be my actual apprentice. You’ll also have my attention when you wish, whatever type of attention it may be.”

You smiled a bit at the thought of having a king at your beck and call. You couldn’t help but blush at the thought of being with him but it suddenly raised questions. “What about your wife? I’m sure Queen Amaya wouldn’t enjoy you sleeping with your apprentice.”

“Well,that’s another part of our contract. Sweetness, you’ll be talking with Amaya today and she’ll tell you all about her side of the arrangement.” Magnifico smiled as he scoffed towards the end of the bed. Suddenly you couldn’t help taking in the room around you.

The room had a Domed ceiling showing off a lovely painting of the stars and constellations. A The dome was held up by pillars decorated to look like shooting stars falling from the sky above. The details looked to be hand painted and golden foiled.

“This room is so pretty, my house in the village looks nothing like this.” You said gazing around the room and then down to the king sized bed that you laid in. A sigh left your lips as your hands touched the silky fabrics.

“Mi Amour, You’ll have to get used to it. After all this is your bedroom.” The king smiled “as the king’s apprentice you get a room in the palace, a personal chef and your own funds.”

Your eyes widened “so what your saying is I get to learn magic, have amazing sex and live in luxury??”

Magnifico bursted into laughter before he nodded his head. “I guess you can say that yes. Now come on y/n, up and at up! You need to get dressed and ready to meet with the queen.” he said as he placed a kiss on your cheek. He had already gotten himself fully dressed and was now picking up your clothing.

Once you were dressed, it seemed the king disappeared. You exited the room that had now been yours to find queen Amaya talking with her husband. You gulped a bit before approaching the two of them.

She gave you a warm smile “ah! Y/n, you're here! I was wondering when the contract would start.” You looked a bit confused before she grabbed your arm, locking you both side by side. You blushed a bit embarrassed before the king smiled and walked away.

You walked quietly arm and arm with the queen. She noticed your nerves and decided to speak.

“So, I know you slept with my husband.” She said calmly and you felt your breath hitch in your throat.

“Ah- y-yes I did do that didn’t I?” You replied as your voice seemed to shake. The queen laughed a bit at your words before she smiled warmly.

“Don’t worry, it’s perfectly okay. Magnifico and myself have a small deal. Which brings us to your contract.” She smiled and handed a paper over to you.

You took the paper and began reading…

“ Y/N Fletcher, Kings Apprentice.

Y/n , will receive a full suite, royalty card and personal chef in the palace. Along with these terms they will report daily to king Magnifico's study and at least once to Queen Amaya’s maid quarters.”

Report to the maid quarters? You looked up at the queen and she smiled. “Well, if your going to be assisting with Magnifico regularly, I’d appreciate it if you covered my handmaid's place while she is..” she cleared her throat and smiled “well, while she will be busy assisting me; if you understand.” Your eyes went a bit wide but of course you understood.

“So I don’t know if it’s my place to ask but, are you in an open relationship with the king?”

“Yes, we’ve done this for a few years now.” The queen said with a smile. “As long as our lovers are alright with the fact we’re taken.” The queen’s words made you feel a bit guilty. You had gotten so swept away with The King you hadn’t thought about her or her feelings.

“Yes my queen, I will stand by the contract.” You said with a smile and quickly started to scribble your signature.

[simslegacy5083]

Today's (11/22/2024) Episode: Orientation Blues

Despite having his close friends with him, Skye’s first visit to the high school was definitely not drama free.

“Why did I drink all that soda with lunch!?” Skye moaned, exited the  auditorium with his parents and classmates. “Now everyone is going to remember me as the kid who burped so loud in orientation it interrupted the principal's welcome speech. They’ll come up with some awful nickname for me, like Burpface, and I’ll be the butt of all the jokes. My life is OVER!”

“I don’t think it was that bad” Greyson said. “Yeah, and we’ll hang out with you no matter what” Peter agreed. “Thanks guys” Skye smiled sadly, unconvinced but appreciative that his friends were trying to help.

“You know…” Luigi told him once they’d said their goodbyes “we haven’t taken you school shopping yet.”

“If you change up your look, get some new clothes and a new pair of glasses, I bet no one will even recognize you. It’s not like you met many new sims in person today anyway since we sat with Don, Denton, Amaya and the kids. What do you think son – interested in a little retail reinvention?”

Skye nodded energetically “That sounds great! No one will laugh or call me burpface if they don’t realize I was the one who did  it! Thanks dad.”

“My pleasure” his father smiled broadly “I have work tonight but I’m off tomorrow. We’ll start bright and early, so we don’t have to rush.”

Noemi snuggled in close to her spouse as Skye rushed ahead towards the teleporter that would take them back to the island “Well that certainly seemed to lighten up our boy's bad mood – good job you!”

Skye’s mood skyrocketed that evening when he got a text from Elyse “So BORED 💀!” it said “Come hang? New TV in my room, Simflix and Chill?”

“Sure!” he texted back, his pulse suddenly racing “I’ll be right over”

Stashing his phone in his inventory Skye ran to the bathroom to brush his teeth “ugh, if only we’d done our shopping trip TODAY!” he said to his reflection “then I could show Elyse my cool new look. I guess this will have to do.”

Finding Noemi out back practicing the barrels with Roach he called out “I’m going to Elyse’s, we’re going to watch a movie, bye!!” barely giving her time to shout out “have fun” before he was speed walking towards the boardwalk.

“Watch Out!” Skye screamed, covering his eyes just before the chainsaw welding main character of Moonlight Massacre 3 claimed their last victim.

As the credits rolled Elyse turned towards him, laughing “you are such a scaredy cat!”

“Well excuse me for not enjoying 2 hours worth of jump scares and death.” Skye shot back, his heart still pounding and not in a good way.

Seeing she’d hit a nerve Elyse backed down and changed the subject “Sorry. No more horror movies, I promise. Now tell me, how was orientation?”

“Terrible” he replied morosely “I embarrassed myself by burping right in the middle of the principal’s speech. I really don’t want that to be my main recognizable moment around school, so mom and dad are going to take me to pick out a whole new look tomorrow.

“Hey” Elyse replied “WE should go shopping together instead! I’m sure your parents won’t mind. Then I can help you pick out some really cool new outfits. You’re always telling me how much you like my style after all.” She blushed, suddenly unsure of herself… unless you’re just humoring me.

Skye did love Elyse’s sleek dark goth ensembles, but he also had one important question “I can wear SOME stuff that isn’t black, right?”

“I think we can find you something cool with blue highlights” she grinned “Come on, it’ll be fun!”

“OK… I’m in!” Skye smiled back at her, suddenly excited “I’ll talk to my folks and then text you to figure out a time. This is going to be great!”

“Glad I could make my lil’ blue teddy a little less blue” she giggled evilly, dredging up the nickname she’d used for him when they were toddlers.

“Oh Grim Elyse, you can’t spread that nickname around! It’s almost as bad as Burpface!” he groaned. Her teasing devolved into a tickle fight between the two friends, and while a good teenage ticklefight has no real losers, she eventually agreed to keep his childhood nickname their little secret.

When she finally caught her breath, Elyse had another proposal. Mom promised she’d make her famous taco casserole tonight and I’m starving. You want to stay for dinner?” “Sure” Skye smiled “You know I love your mom's casserole.” Skye’s sadness from earlier in the day was forgotten as he trailed her out of the bedroom. His best friend sure knew how to turn his bad day around.

View The Full Story of My Not So Berry Challenge Here

[7grandmel]

Todays rip: 23/03/2024

Balcony Cruise

Season 4 Episode 2 Featured on: SiIvaGunner's Highest Quality Rips: Volume D

Ripped by Helpful Salad

Requested by an anonymous reader! (Request Form)

Hey, remember yesterday's post on Viva La LOWAS: the rip of a track quite prominently paying tribute to Cave Story? Well, the Cave Story love isn't ending quite yet, and if ripper Helpful Salad has anything to say about it, the game is going to continue showing up on the channel no matter what. Though today the focus is indeed specifically on Balcony Cruise, the guy's made a bevvy of Cave Story rips just as good as this one - 39 out of his 63 contributions, to be precise! - that I think are all well worth checking out.

Funny enough, there's unintentionally been a sort of running theme with the posts as of late starting with Poké Village. That theme being that, these are all rips I love despite them paying tribute to sources that I'm far too unfamiliar with, be that Monster Hunter, Homestuck, or in this case - FTL: Faster Than Light. And I'm able to love these rips because, as I've said many a time before, SiIvaGunner is as much about appreciating the things you already love as it is about being introduced to media that someone else loves far more. I know myself already that Cave Story's music is incredible, yet despite my endless playthroughs of the game I'm never going to grow tired of hearing all the many ways SiIvaGunner's rippers share their own affection for the soundtrack, not just in the Balcony Fusion Collab, but in the continued amount of rips the game receives to this day. There's emotion packed into efforts like Balcony Cruise, emotion that shows how Helpful Salad truly understands the Cave Story sound, that makes me thoroughly enjoy his rips with or without the needed context for whatever joke he's attaching to it.

And well, after hearing Balcony Cruise, I did feel the need to go listen to FTL's music as well - and indeed, it's just as incredible as I'd suspected! The solemn yet beautiful atmosphere of Balcony can be felt in much of FTL's whole soundtrack, befitting a game about surviving a cruise through space, and so Balcony Cruise being a melodyswap to the game's main theme feels like a natural fit. Yet...I can't shake the feeling that there's also more theming relevant to the rip beyond the shared atmosphere of the two games. Though FTL isn't exactly an "old" indie game in the same vein that Cave Story is, 2012 was still only two years removed from the release of Super Meat Boy, it was still quite early on in the indie game resurgence of Xbox Live. Cave Story is a landmark game for the indie world as a fully self-made release all the way back in 2004, made by one Daisuke Amaya in his free time out of a desire to express his love for games like Metroid and Castlevania into something playable. Eight years later, the spirit of indie gaming in the Independent Games Festival, the legacy shaped in large part by Amaya, was what directly inspired Matthew Davis and Justin Ma to pursue independent development full-on to create FTL.

What I'm saying is - mixing the two games together as Balcony Cruise does, two games that are on the surface completely disconnected, yet feel ever so connected at the same time...feels all too right. And if we REALLY want to go the extra mile: a rip as solemn and atmospheric as this, feels truly befitting of Quote's journey in the King for Another Day tournament from the year prior. Losing before truly getting to do anything, outdone by the big dogs, yet providing an unforgettable experience and giving us incredible arrangements like Lifelike Waterway. Months after the tournament finally ended, after so many SiIvaGunner viewers had grown yet more attached to Quote, and many were reminded of just how impactful Cave Story in general was...Balcony Cruise feels like the perfect tribute to the game. And more Cave Story is never something I'm going to turn down.

[theredhairedmonkey]

Posting my reply to @kuno-chan’s post separately here as I’m not going to reblog slander disparaging me or others.

Also, since these are just all the same talking points lifted from elsewhere in the fandom, there’s no need to go line by line. Nevertheless, I’ve given this plenty of time and thought, and will break my take down into four parts:

Callum and Rayla

No, Callum is not obsessed with Rayla. Sorry, but one brief evening of him mourning the anniversary of Rayla leaving isn’t a constant obsession lol. This scene shows he still has feelings for her, but it does not constitute a constant preoccupation. For the vast majority of time in s4 before she returned, he hardly acknowledged her. Even when she returned and left again in 4x03, he did not have a any reaction at all, and went along with his day.

Callum is a deeply caring person who would do anything for those he loves, including Ezran, Soren, and Amaya (Yes, even Soren, as Callum was about to fight Elmer to defend him despite being injured himself). This fierce loyalty is part of his nature, not evidence of obsession over one person. His willingness to fight for others can be both a strength and a flaw at times.

At the same time, as Finnegrin points out to Callum in 5x08, his friends are also willing to do anything for him too. It’s a two-way street.

Meanwhile, Rayla seems more singularly focused on Callum, calling him the "best thing I ever had" and clearly pining for him constantly. Her moral compass now revolves around Callum and protecting Callum specifically. So between the two, she displays more obsessive tendencies regarding their relationship. To the point that I have mentioned before it’s a little disconcerting that most of her character arc in s4 seems to just be about getting back together with him.

Speaking of which, even after they reconcile, the lead writer dropped the bombshell that they’re actually not currently dating:

Which really begs the question, if Rayla is so eager to resume their relationship, why haven’t they? If Callum is so obsessed with her, why hasn’t he taken her back yet?

This doesn’t mean Callum doesn’t care deeply about her. He absolutely does. But if Callum were truly obsessed, he likely would have immediately resumed the relationship. The fact that he has not suggests he has set healthy boundaries and is not driven by obsession.

But that’s just the relationship angle. There’s also the issue with assigning Rayla’s traits (flaws specifically) to Callum. Callum is indeed loyal, and to his detriment sometimes, but loyalty and devotion aren’t the main driver for his actions. They’re Rayla’s. You don’t even have to take my word for it, it’s spelled out in Tales of Xadia:

Callum’s most important value is Freedom/Liberty, once again spelled out in Tales of Xadia:

And this distinction is crucial, as it’s the crux of his storyline in s5: is he really free to choose not to do dark magic (or free to make any choice for that matter), and what does it mean to have unlimited potential, and whether that unlimited potential can lead to a very dark place. Once again, flat out stated by the lead writer of the show:

Notice how Devon explained Callum’s motivation without ever mentioning “Rayla”?

Chalking up his motivation to just an obsession for Rayla that he’ll always have, that he’s just That Way and nothing else, deprives him of this arc and reduces him to a two dimensional sidepiece for Rayla. It strips him of the complexity of his season 5 arc, where he struggles with the meaning of unlimited potential and the darkness that could engender. His inner conflicts go far beyond his feelings for Rayla. Suggesting otherwise diminishes his character development, and it's beyond me why anyone would want that.

Callum and Morality

As I’ve said before, I enjoy Callum’s dark side immensely. I really do. But the point of the Ocean Arcanum, as I've mentioned before, is that everyone has a dark side:

Thus, Callum isn’t any more particularly morally dubious than anyone else. Sorry, but a single use of dark magic, with already-dead ingredients, in an extremely controlled setting for the very narrow purpose of setting himself free, doesn’t make Callum morally dubious. And I’m sure the average person could see the VAST chasm of difference between using One Bad Spell and dooming the world for Rayla’s sake that the story has no chance of bridging in just two seasons.

He refrained from using the snake chain spell offensively against people, as we've seen it used before (in 2x03). It was narrowly employed just to free himself, after which he immediately returned to primal magic. And in that sense, I haven’t seen a single person argue this one act was unjustifiable.

And, as he gives Finnegrin the wrong list of ingredients, that’s basically the only real act of moral ambiguity Callum has displayed. Because for everything else, you have to hold Callum to a unique (and impossible) standard that applies to no one else. For instance, it's not considered morally dubious when Amaya punched Karim, yet Callum punching Finnegrin supposedly is? Callum is dubious for forgiving Rayla of her crimes (in a show that’s centered on forgiveness and trust as sources of true strength), yet Rayla isn’t dubious for actually committing those crimes? Like, Rayla actually lies, steals, and abandons her friends, yet Callum is viewed as more dubious simply for forgiving her?

Seriously, why am I supposed to think Callum is dubious for saving his friend at the cost of a snake’s tail, yet Rayla is merely “complex” for what she's done?

To be clear, while Rayla has certainly done morally questionable things, that does not make her a bad person or even a morally dubious person overall. But the same must also apply to Callum - his singular use of dark magic for escape does not negate his generally good and principled nature. Very few people would consider his actions in that scene truly unjustifiable.

Callum and Viren

As I’ve said before here, Callum and Viren are indeed foils, and perhaps the most important foil relationship in the series. But the point of foil characters is showing each other’s opposing traits:

And yea, it should be pretty obvious that Callum and Viren are dramatically different from one another. Callum protects those close to him and tries to do the right thing, while Viren seeks to amass as much power for himself as he can.

This is even clear from their parallel shots that Viren and Callum are extremely different, for good and bad reasons. When opening the door to greet the guard, Viren appears self-important while Callum seems nice and humble. When he confronts Soren on the battlements, Callum is aggressive and angry where Viren was calm and calculated. These are not the same person.

That doesn’t mean Viren and Callum are opposites in every way; some minor similarities are there to humanize Viren, not equate him with Callum. For instance, the moment he parallels Callum and the group’s “I’d do anything for you” was to show that Viren isn’t just a power hungry tyrant but also a devoted and desperate father. However the fact that this is a sympathetic moment undercuts the supposed dubiousness of Callum.

Viren's devotion to his children parallels Callum's loyalty to his friends, making Viren sympathetic rather than wholly evil. But this does not make Callum dubious by association - if anything, it suggests Viren has glimmers of goodness akin to Callum's steadfast decency. If Viren is portrayed as good to the extent that he’s similar to Callum, what does that say about Callum himself?

So while they have a couple superficial similarities, their core character traits and motivations remain opposites. It is unreasonable to equate them based on scant common ground when their differences are so pronounced. If parallels to Callum humanize Viren, that reflects well on Callum, not poorly.

It’s also pretty telling that the same people downplay Callum's explicit and canonical similarities to the moral exemplar Amaya, while overstating negligible common ground with the villainous Viren...

Fandom Toxicity:

While I can be blunt or harsh about takes I disagree with or think are poorly thought out, I never attack the people holdings those views or suggest that they’re terrible people. I would never, for instance, suggest that people who don’t subscribe to my view of Callum to be incels, or who don’t subscribe to my view of Rayla to be mysoginists, or who don’t subscribe to my view of Ezran to be racists.

It’s not just toxic and offensive behavior, but it’s also inconsistent. When you ask “why is it so bad that some people believe Callum is dubious,” it kinda falls flat when you turn around and call people "incels" for having a different take on Callum.

I’m not going to comment much more on this as I think it speaks for itself, but I also deal with enough bullying and harassment as it is, so this will probably be it for me. I see no reason to continue when you are arguing with such bad faith.

Postscript

The argument here is basically “since Callum was willing to squish a snake’s tail and risk his life for Rayla, then it’s reasonable he’d be willing to risk the entire world for her.” I’m sorry, but I’m of the opinion that this doesn’t follow and is kinda far fetched. That isn’t a personal attack, just my personal take.

It’s fine to want Callum to be morally dubious. You’d be pushing an open door with me if you think it would be cool headcanon. Completely unsubstantiated by canon, but still cool.

But for whatever reason, the favor is not returned. It should be fine to think Callum has a moral code, that he has a life outside of Rayla, and that he’ll probably rise above his weaknesses and flaws by the end of the saga. Yet the namecalling and mudslinging that this is responded with is just WILD.

I don’t deal well with insults, or namecalling, or the insinuation that I am in denial subconsciously, or I don’t really mean it when I discuss Callum’s dark side. Nor will I entertain it. This type of bad faith dealing barely deserved a response, much less several paragraphs worth, but now that this is all on a page, I’m going to do both of us a favor and say that we’re done.

[raayllum]

how long would you say you've actively shipped any of your favorite ships? - im curious specifically about sorvus, sorpeli, and claudiez

I wouldn't say Sorvus is one of my faves even if I do 1) love Soren and Corvus individually, 2) Corvus is one of my favourite side characters in the whole show (like top 5) and 3) I do really like them! That being said:

Canon

For the bulk of TDP ships, canon-wise, I shipped them as their relationships were revealed (aka Harrow/Sarai with the info we got in S1, Claudia/Terry with the info we get in S4, Runaan/Ethari back when he was known as 'Tinker' thanks to the S1 credit sketch, etc).

For Janaya, I shipped them from the first time they met in S2, since "rival intellectually and physically matched generals on the battlefield" along with both being very pretty is a decently long-ish homoerotic trend in literature (aka a production I saw of "Coriolanus" really leaned in on it, although I think I saw that pre-S2's release. Applies though)

For Rayllum, I shipped them pre-show even if I was also down to brotp them. They'd be travelling together, thus having plenty of time to develop an interesting dynamic / were around the same age, and the screencap released before the premiere of them sitting under the tree (Callum, distracted but eager, and Rayla, exasperated and fond) really drew me in since that's a ship type - dynamic and gender wise (I don't tend to love ships where the guy is the more grumpy/guarded one, I think, since women are so often forced to do More of the emotional labour in relationships Anyway) - I'm already Very susceptible to. I tried to hold off a little bit in early S1 cause I didn't want to ship them too hard, but then 1x05 came along with the boat scene and it was Over for me. They've had my heart ever since (5 years going on forever)

Requested Rarepairs

Sorvus

So I didn't really ship Sorvus (although I was never opposed to them) for the majority of the time post-S3. I didn't really ship Soren with anyone and preferred Gren/Corvus at that time (due to their personalities / closer dynamic to Amaya and therefore each other) as well as enjoying Corvus/Opeli. However I was also really hoping that Corvus would stay on the council/with Ezran, and figured that if Soren was going to end up with anyone, Corvus was probably the most realistic choice (shared goals, decent development, timeskip to help things, similar ages).

That said I still didn't actively ship them (like I didn't mind them but was completely impassive/neutral y'know?) until I wrote an interaction between them in "if heaven and hell decide" (a canon divergent S2 where Claudia and Soren decide to delay their betrayal of the trio, and therefore travel with them for much longer) and the fact that Corvus would see Soren at his worst in canon (S2) but also see and appreciate who Soren was becoming... I started to turn a corner and grew to ship them a lot more. I'm really excited for them to eventually be canon, it seems, even if they're not My Endgame for either character In My Head for years-post war, at least for now.

Claudiez

For aged up Claudia/Ezran, I think this post (dated July 2021) was when I started to ship these two. There was something about the interplay of Claudia telling Callum about Harrow's death, but he only seeks out comfort from Rayla, and Ezran rejecting Rayla's offered comfort about Harrow and instead accepting it from Claudia, that felt very apt to me? And then a couple weeks later I wrote my formal "I actually do ship Claudiez and here's why" meta so it's been a few years now!

Both the younger sibling uniquely given their father's mantle to carry in ways their older brother just doesn't have to; Ezran being connected to all nature while Claudia continually perverts it, thus Ezran having the relationship to nature that she needs to learn/acquire for her own healing additionally; they both see the throne as a tool to help and breaking their fathers' cycles with each other; the childhood friends to enemies to friends to lovers of an according slow burn because of said age gap; ending up as Queen of Katolis but not the way her father imagined and ending up with one of the brothers, just not the one everyone previously expected; Ezran getting to grow up and into his own and assert his independence and choices (no matter what his brother thinks about it), etc. I also think personality wise they suit each other - Terry's parallels to Ezran in personality are some of the reasons I think Clauderry works at least as a short term pairing.

It's also kinda perfect bc, since they'd only get together like 10-15 years post the end of the show Anyway, so like. they're Endgame to me no matter what and there's nothing canon can really do about it, #improvise adapt overcome.

Sorpeli

This probably started out as the truest crack ship because it started as a joke of like, Soren flirting with her at 20 and easy to dismiss and then again when he's 30 and Opeli is like "I deserve a little fun," so they start having a physical fling, and then catch feelings (Soren falls first, she falls harder). The earliest post I have for them is from May 6th 2023 but I know realistically I'd probably shipped them for a lot longer (what can I say, younger men not being put off my older women aging bc society is bullshit, and contrasting personalities + devoted man & woman who feels undeserving will always get me) before I ever had mind to say anything. Then I dragged @jelzorz into it and the rest, they say, is history. So like 1.5 years at least now?

I'd probably be even more into Sorpeli than I already am but I'm not unconvinced that Opeli won't die (I really hope she doesn't, but I do understand how it could benefit Ezran's narrative in particular) but like if all seasons pass by and she's alive? Canon crack quartet with Endgame Rayllum, Claudiez, Sorpeli, and CorTerry is a go <3

TLDR;

Rayllum before the show started, Janaya in S2, everything else when the ships got introduced, then next we have Claudiez (July 2021), Sorvus (casually since Oct 2021), and Sorpeli (late 2022/early 2023).

[hitchell-mope]

My honest opinion/review on Wish 2023

It was nine tenths baked. Ie. It could’ve done with being about 10-20 minutes longer than it actually was. Especially because on Disneyplus there’s always an extra 2-5 minutes at the end of the shows and films for the international dubbing credits. And while that’s a good thing. It does make the actual credits seem a little deceptively long and take up film time they could’ve used to flesh things out a little more. Now for some finer points.

Magnifico was the villain. There’s no getting around that. He was a malignant hoarder who cared more about HAVING the wishes as a hold over the subjects to keep them placid and complacent than what was INSIDE the wishes whereas Asha actually cared about the contents of the wishes themselves as At All Costs proved.

I agree with the opinion that Amaya should’ve been evil and Starboy should’ve been Asha’s love interest. But I think Magnifico should’ve been the unwitting spouse. Bring back the evil queens who get their comeuppances I say. It was so nice to finally get an unrepentant legitimately evil villain in Disney again. But like with Black Widow I think they took the easy way out by making the villain a man.

Knowing What I Know Now felt very much like it was a deleted song from the descendants franchise. And that’s why it’s my favourite song in the movie.

I feel like the Teens could’ve been utilised better. Or at least given last names so I can tag them all. Except for Simon who I just learned has the last name O’Donohue

That’s about it really. Like I said. I felt like it was nine tenths baked. Still a really good film. But with like an air pocket for improvement. Apart from that. I enjoyed it immensely.

[make-me-your-animal]

Chapter 12: Room numbers

Authors note: I'm not a hundred percent sure how I feel about this chapter, but it's also driving me crazy that I haven't finished this story yet. It's literally making it, so I can't write anything else. I have spent hours just staring at a blank page, trying to come up with something. This will be the second to last sirens and leppard chapter. But I have already started a sequel, so we will see. I hope you all enjoy it.

Room 306:

"Steve, wake up." Amaya giggled. she had already gotten ready for her day. washed her face, brushed her teeth, and brushed out her hair. when she returned to the main room, Steve was still curled into the blankets. All she could see confirming a person was even under the heap of white comforter was his wild hair. She wasn't surprised in the slightest, Steve was a lot of things, but a morning person wasn't one of them.

She frowned. Something seemed off today. Usually, he would just beg her to join him under the covers, but today, he just pulled the blanket up until there was nothing for her to see.

"Stevieeee," she purred, pulling on the edge of the blanket. He clutched it tight, not letting go.

"No," he grumbled. His voice was barely audible, but she could hear the sadness in it.

"Why not?" She asked, crawling back into bed with him. He engulfed her in his caccoon. The blanket was just thin enough that she could see him clear as day as they laid facing each other under the white comforter.

"Last night of the tour," he said slowly like that would answer her question. Amaya tilted her head to the side. What did that have to do with anything?

"And?" She questioned when the blonde didn't elaborate.

"Don't want this to end is all," he shrugged. His blue eyes were clouded with sadness. "I just... I don't think I've ever been this happy before. You make me feel happy... i love you more than I've ever loved someone."

"Oh, steve," she reached out a hand to craddle his face. "It won't end, baby. You make me happy, too. I'm not gonna throw away over a year of a loving relationship just because we aren't getting paid for it anymore. I love you too much for that"

"Promise?" He still looked nervous. It broke her heart.

"Promise," Amaya leaned in, kissing Steve softly.

"Promise you won't tell phil. I told you I love you more than him," he chuckled, trying to lighten the mood.

"Fear not Stevie. Your secret's safe with me, "she giggled, kissing his nose."Now get your ass out of bed. I want breakfast, " she stated, throwing the blanket off both of them.

Steve grumbled again, but this time sat up. He glanced at the clock on the bedside table before flopping back down. It was progress Amaya felt.

Room 304

"Last day of the tour," phil whispered, running his fingers through gemma's blonde hair he slowly worked out the knots that had formed as Her head lay on his chest. He wasn't even sure she was wake. The sun had just peaked over the horizon, and they had been dozing in and out of consciousness together.

"Shhhh," she hissed, pressing her finger against his lips. "I don't want to think about it"

"This will change nothing between us, you know that, right? Im not letting you go anywhere. i worked too hard for this." phil stated rolled over, so he was hoving over her on all fours. Gemma scooted up the bed until she was eye level with him again.

He had worked very hard to regain her trust. He was still putting in the work to ensure that their relationship would last. He started leaving her little notes and still had flowers sent to her dressingroom every couple of shows. Gemma was forever grateful she decided to let him try. Decided to let herself try.

"I love you, gem,"

"I love you too," Gemma smiled, reaching up to craddle phils face in her hands. "So much more than I originally planned"

Phil smiled as he swooped down and pressed a soft kiss against her lips. "So much ,my love, I love you so much." he lowered himself even more to bury his face against her neck. Her hands intantly made their way to his hair. He kissed the soft skin just to hear Gemma sigh.

Room 307:

Joe laid on his side so he could watch the women sleeping soundly beside him. The sun had risen and was shining in through the sheer white curtains. It's light casting everything in shades of gold.

She would be pissed if he let her sleep in much longer, but he couldn't bring himself to disturb her peace, not quite yet.

It was the last day of the tour. Tomorrow, he would be flying into Dublin. He would be going home. She would be flying home to London. They had talked it through, and he really believed they had a good shot. Still worry and doubt chewed away at him.

"It's rude to stare," Harper murmered, peering at Joe with half lidded eyes.

"Just admiring the finest of art," he grinned, leaning in to kiss her forehead.

She hummed slightly, her eyes falling shut for a spilled second before snapping back open.

"Go back to sleep, angel," he purred, kissing her forehead. She smiled at him before nodding. He knew they would be all right. They all would.

Her eyes fell shut again, and her breath evened out. They would have to get up and start there a day soon, but not yet. They could remain in their shared peace just a little longer.

Room 310

Bex sat across from Rick, sipping her tea and watching the man carefully. He was wearing the hotel provided robe. His bangs fell into his eyes. He looked so content that she almost felt bad for what she was going to say. "This isn't going to last"

"I know," Rick returned, looking up from his cup of tea. His eyes were filled with understanding. "Is this where you tell me you had fun, but this is the end?"

"You're a great guy. I just don't do relationships"

Rick nodded, sipping at his tea. He finished his tea and stood up, finding his shoes and sitting on the edge of the bed to put them on. "See you tonight?"

Bex nodded, smiling slightly. The second he closed the door, her smile faded. It was the first time she ever really felt pain over a man in a long time.

Room 309

Rebel leaned back against the savs solid chest as the warm water flowed over them. "You know this is kind of a waste of water. We are just gonna shower again later, " Rebel smiled.

"Yeah, but it feels nice," sav returned.

Rebel hummed in agreement. She spun around, wrapping her arms around his neck.

His wet hair clung to her skin. "Gonna miss this"

"Yeah, but we'll figure something out." Sav smiled, leaning down and capturing her lips.

Rebel happily kissed back for a moment before epulling back and resting their foreheads together. "Think the others are this.... pensive?"

"Probably. The end of the tour is always a time of mixed emotions. This tour is especially hard. So much love has formed. If I didn't know any better, I'd say Mel and chris planned this"

Rebel giggled at that. The water was starting to turn cold, but she couldn't find it in her to care.

Mal sat across from chris in the hotel lobby, grinning at the other man. "We couldn't have had this go any better," He asked. "I mean, when you called me and said you knew of a band that would work well with my boys, I didn't think you meant this well. Steve's barely drinking anymore. They all aren't fighting nearly as much. They have someone else to look at other than each other."

Chris nodded his agreement. "Bex is starting to trust. Gemma finally found someone to match her energy. Amaya found someone to take care of other than Gemma. And let's be honest, they all are staying out of trouble because they are too busy with each other"

It's been a great tour, " Mel stated, standing up and shaking Chris's hand.

"It sure has," the other man agreed.

[stormrisings]

You know I love love your Toni. She's taken over the world and yet it's still not enough for her is it? I think it stems from her childhood and how she never felt good enough so now she needs to excel above everyone. I see her as such a multi dimensional character. Which Toni will we get today, or tomorrow? Who knows but I love seeing her on the dash to find out. I love that she can be kind but cruel, hard but gentle, unapologetic but apologetic (it's all in which Toni shows up) She really needs therapy for all these personalities. I'm not sure who I love to watch her with more, Mercedes, Bianca, Jamie, Amaya, Saraya, Jay or Bea. I do want more Toni and Rhea due to how long they've known each other, and both have gone through similar things, I think that's another reason I love her and Saraya too. Few know what it feels like to be ripped open and exposed, taken advantage of like they have and yet, they keep fighting and holding their heads high. Great job on Storm.

I think it does too and listening to some podcasts she's done opened my eyes to a lot of her mindset. Wrestling is her life and all she's ever wanted to do. She didn't have friends or enjoy school (she was bullied). She didn't fit in anywhere but wrestling. She has no idea what she'll do after wrestling, maybe have kids that wrestle or train people to wrestle. She said she's a lifer and it's all she loves. Doctor Jekyll and Mr Hyde, she is. She's in therapy and says that helps but honestly she stays conflicted. So many sides to her and all want and love different things, different people. I'm open to any and all connections for her. I can't say she'll be nice to all of them but drama and angst is fun. She closed her self off after that leak and was in a really dark place but thanks to her friends they helped pull her out of it and now she sees it as a learning experience. Young Toni did a lot of stupid things that grown Toni won't relive. Thank you!

[hermitmoss]

So, I have some thoughts on Viren, Terry, and Claudia.  (Naturally, spoilers for Book 4 ahead, as well as discussions of domestic abuse.  I’ll also note here in case somebody wants to do some Discourse™ - I hope it’s not necessary, but still, in case - that I am a survivor of abuse, and have been a caregiver for my abuser, a parent.)  With that said, let’s dive in (dive off?)!

Terry and Claudia treat Viren in completely opposite ways.  Three guesses who treats him the “right way” - that’s right, the one who didn’t have to grow up being taught and emotionally abused by him.  In a work explicitly about breaking the cycles of harm, this is very significant.  This is a meta about this.

In many ways it’s completely natural (in a terrible way) for an abused child to, when finding herself suddenly more powerful by far than her abuser, to treat the abuser the way that she herself has been treated and seen modeled.  Terry obviously hasn’t been raised (badly, dangerously, harmfully) by Viren.

Obviously, Claudia’s dark magic raising gives her a sense of entitlement towards the bodies of others -- they’re used for spell components, after all!  Why should she listen if Viren says that he’d prefer palliative care than the slim chance of survival (and certainly a less enjoyable time than “enjoying the time he does have” would be)?  He has no say over his own body; she’s a dark mage, she’s in charge here, so what happens to bodies is her domain, not the domain of the people in them.

Terry, again, does not have this.  In fact, he models a very different conceptualization of love - a healthy one - when he says (I’ve slightly paraphrased rather than dig through the episode again for the exact dialogue) “I don’t control them.  Plants and I have a healthy relationship.  I know that they’ll be there for me when I need it.”

Claudia hits Viren.  She embraces him, and he weeps.  Terry suggests hugging Viren, then, when Viren doesn’t consent to it, Terry verbally states “I respect your boundaries”.

“That went well,” says Terry, when Viren first dismisses him.  He seems to mean it.  When Viren tells him, essentially, to suck it up about having killed somebody, he puts in a lot of thought, then has a genuine discussion with Viren about why he isn’t going to do that, and what he’s going to do instead.  (It reminds me of Amaya’s “two cakes” assertion.)  Terry is showing Claudia and Viren both a better way to love than what they have been practicing... and, right now, Viren seems more receptive than Claudia.

Neither Terry nor Claudia seem to notice initially that Viren is struggling with the ascent up the Storm Spire; however, it’s important to note that Terry is following Claudia’s lead.  When Viren has a panic attack and loses consciousness, Terry, without being patronizing or critical, grounds and reassures him, telling him what’s going on and affirming that it’s okay.  Terry is sitting with him.  Claudia... is not.  She’s standing ahead, impatient.  When they keep going, she continues to lead the way; Terry follows not her, directly, now, but Viren; stays on the other side of him so he’s no longer bringing up the rear, can no longer fall behind unnoticed.

Viren tries to hand the staff that he once used over to Claudia.  She uses it for one spell, then.... then who is carrying it?  Terry.

Terry offers Viren a hand up.  Viren hesitates.  (Claudia never gives him an option to say ‘no’ about receiving physical contact.)  The last time somebody offered Viren a hand up, and he took it, I think was Sarai, just before her death (her death, one could argue, because she stopped to save him).  He takes Terry’s offered hand.  I don’t think he wants Terry dead.

It’s also interesting that as much as Terry struggles (as he should, of course!) with taking a life while Viren scoffs that he has never hesitated to do the worst things imaginable to protect his family... Terry says to Claudia that she’s done terrible things, but until now (until it’s about a moonshadow elf rather than Viren’s life) he’s believed they were justified.

Viren also seems genuinely considering of what Terry has to say about feelings, and protecting people, and at the least awkward and at most genuinely sorry for snapping at him the way he did.

Then, of course, there’s The Scene.  The coming out scene, where Terry says that he chose the name Terrestrius.  Viren says “it’s a strong name.”   Strong.  It’s his idea of an affirmation.

“I ask you and your brother to reject history as a narrative of strength, and instead have faith that it can be a narrative of love.”

I think Terry’s offering up love as an alternative to strength. Unlike Claudia, he doesn’t expect Viren to be strong.  He reaches out his hand to Viren.  To assist him when he is, this season, shown to be physically weak.  (“There will be stories of armies, battles, and decisive victories. But this isn’t true strength — it’s merely power. I now believe true strength is found in vulnerability. In forgiveness. In love.”)

Viren takes it.

[fandomsandflyingstingrays]

Season 4 Thoughts: Ray Edition

First of all, a disclaimer: all of these might change after I watch the season a second time, it usually takes me going episode-by-episode with full context to form a full opinion. That being said, right now, my feelings on the season are mixed. I definitely think it’s my least favorite of what we’ve gotten so far (not that it’s bad! Just less good). I’ll get into that, but I want to start off by talking about what I liked:

The animation was breathtaking. Everything was so smooth, I loved pretty much all of the character redesigns, and the scenery was gorgeous

I loved that conflict between the humans and elves didn’t end with returning to Zym to his mother, and I loved how that was explored. The show continued on with doing what it does extremely well: making sure that the conflict is never black-and-white. I always thought that both sides had valid points

(Also: Ezran’s speech deserves a point of its own because that was fantastic. You could hear his anger and pain so well as he was talking about it and his conclusion that you have to hold all your emotions to move forward was so wise. Plus it being juxtaposed by the fight with Ibis... incredible)

Janai and Amaya. Their dynamic was so wonderful and sweet and you can really see how they bring out the best in each other. They had better get married and be the best queens the sunfire elves have ever known

Terry, as a character, is fantastic. He’s so sweet and devoted, the way he sees the world is fascinating, and his reaction to killing Ibis and journey with how he dealt with it was very compelling

The whole villain (?) trio was great actually, they still all have very believable flaws and are still likable despite their actions (although Claudia less so than she has been)

TERRY CONVINCING CLAUDIA TO RETURN THE COINS. First of all, because it means neither of them are beyond hope, but mostly because we’re FINALLY GETTING SOME CLOSURE ON THAT PLOT POINT RUTHARI REUNION WHEN

Bait was a little champion. His bond with Ezran in previous seasons was cute, but I adored seeing how connected he was with Callum. And the fact that he was the final push to open Rex Igneous’s door. 10/10

Ezran subverting the whole “we will sacrifice our treasured possessions to you” trope by realizing their gifts to Rex should mean something to him. I love that it was a baked good that got him to talk. Honestly, same

But with that being said, the whole season kind of felt... off, especially in the beginning. It really took a while for the tone to find its footing. The humor felt really jarring at first, and it really switched from super dark to super light very quickly (for example, two minutes of bathroom jokes and a guy coughing up blood as he dies in the same episode). I also wasn’t really a big fan of Rayla’s plotline. First of all, her disappearance was never really explained- it pretty much alienated anyone who hasn’t read TTM, and I’m sure a lot of viewers haven’t. And the way it threw off the group dynamic wasn’t fun for me. I loved the show primarily because even though there was conflict between the characters, they still bantered and fought for each other and there were tons of moments where you saw how much they cared about each other, and that was missing here. I liked that Callum didn’t forgive Rayla right away, but I really do wish he’d at least gotten a chance to explain why her leaving hurt him and have them air that out a bit, because she really didn’t seem to get it. The fact that she never apologized or acknowledged that leaving him with absolutely no word for two years would hurt... I’m so sure she’s smarter than that. I’m hopeful that season 5 will go into Rayla’s disappearance in more detail and kind of negate this critique, but we’ll have to wait and see.

Overall, I enjoyed the season, and I think I will even more once I watch it again! It just took a while to find its footing, and I do think I liked arc 1 better so far

[aimless-imagines-for-fun]

If We’re Quick

Pairing :: Ray Palmer x short/petite fem!Reader

Warnings :: 18+ Content, Smut/NSFW, Size Kink, Thigh Riding

Word Count :: 1,773

Summary :: Ray convinces you that if you’re quick, the team won’t catch you

A/N :: I’m a whore for this man- HE’S SO SWEET

Ray Palmer was the sweetest goofball you had ever met. He almost always had a smile on his face, finding the bright side to even the darkest of situations. His charm and small ramblings about his passions made you fall head over heels for the man, even if you tried to ignore those feelings of attraction at first.

Even before you joined the Legends, you refused to be romantically involved with any work colleague. All your previous co-workers had told you it was frowned upon to date within the workplace, gossiping whenever two people started seeing each other. 

So, when Ray asked you out on a date, it pained you to decline. Yet, somehow, you still ended up having dinner with him at Lana’s & Larry’s, a diner from the 50s.

-

You stared at him in shock, your heart racing as you stared up at him, a large nervous smile on his face. You gulped, looking down with sadness. At first, you felt overjoyed at his offer, but then remembered your own professional guidelines.

“Ray…” You mumbled. “Ray, I can’t go on a date with you, we work together. What would the team think?” 

Seeming to already think of this outcome, a small chuckle left Ray. “It’s not a date, it’s just dinner, so it’s not breaking you ‘no dating colleagues’ rule.” He gave you a small shrug and added, “Plus, I’m sure no one will notice we’re missing.”

You tilted your head back up, the corners of your lips turning upwards as you brushed some hair out of your face. “Well, when you put it like that, sure. I’ll have dinner with you, but, just as friends.”

You could visibly see him ease up, his shoulders relaxing and a small breath he was holding released. “Just as friends,” He repeated.

-

Each time Ray asked you out, it was always “just as friends”. Even on your fifth outing together, the kiss you two shared was only as “friends”.

A small Ma & Pa owned sweets shop in Bedford, England, from the 70s had a couple’s special each Sunday. If a couple kissed and showed the old married couple that they were in love, they could get a free bag of sweets each. 

The second you heard that, without hesitation, your hands reached for the sides of Ray’s face and pulled him down for a kiss. Your father taught you to save money and take any opportunity that benefited you.

At first, Ray was completely stunned, but it didn’t take long for him to lean down closer to you so you would no longer have to stand on your tippy-toes to reach him. You pulled away seconds after he placed his hands on the small of your back. 

He had a large grin plastered on his face and you couldn’t help but heat up, flustered by your actions.

The old married couple laughed a bit at first, calling the two of you “a cute young couple” before handing you each your sweets.

After that small event though, you each knew you couldn’t pretend to be just friends anymore. You two started to date, keeping it a secret from the rest of the team.

It was difficult, but, you managed, especially since you two had already been hiding when you went out on dates before.

Almost two months had passed, and the only person to find out was Nate. He found out a week after you and Ray started officially dating. It was a miracle only Nate had found out seeing as Ray couldn’t lie to save his life, let alone keep a big secret from his best friend. However, when Nate found out, he was of great help keeping your guys’ secret, especially for Ray. Not only did he help come up with excuses or lies to tell the team why you or Ray were missing, but, he also alarmed you whenever someone was approaching.

Having Nate’s help eased you, but also made Ray feel a bit too comfortable at times.

-

You stood in the med-bay, patching up a slightly scratched up and shirtless Ray, who sat right in front of you.

The team had a mission in Springfield, Missouri 1865. While in a saloon, a group of men began catcalling and hollering at you. Annoyed, you ignored them, and told Ray to do the same. He listened to you, even if he desperately wanted to tell the men to quit it.

You were hoping if you ignored them they would give up and leave you alone. Instead, they persisted and one grabbed your arm as you passed by. Ray wasn’t a “fight first talk later” kind of guy by any means, so you were surprised when he punched the man and thus started a bar fight. Luckily, Mick, Nate, and Amaya were at the bar and helped quickly end the fight.

No one had gotten any serious injuries besides Ray, who had a nasty stab wound on his shoulder. One of the men had a large knife and managed to only stab Ray in the shoulder an inch deep before he was knocked away.

“You’re lucky you didn’t get shot,” You told him right when you finished stitching up and bandaging his wound. 

You pushed away the metal cart that held your now used surgical needle, bloodied cotton balls, antibiotics that were used to clean the wound, and bandages.

When you walked back over, there was a small pout on your face. “You know, you could’ve gotten seriously hurt.”

Ray gave you a small smile, placing his large hands on your waist and pulling you closer to him. “I know, but you’ll always be there to patch me up if anything does happen (Y/N).”

He pulled you in for a small kiss, one you only indulged momentarily before pulling away, giving him a warning glare.

 “I won’t patch you up if you get hurt doing something stupid.”

His smile only grew before you leaned in for another kiss, this one lasting much longer than the previous one. He lightly nipped at your bottom lip and you parted your mouth, allowing his tongue to enter and explore your mouth.

Ray held you so close now you sat on one of his thighs, with one hand still on your waist and the other holding the nape of your neck. Your hands laid flat on his chest, body leaning into his hold.

You loved it when he held you, especially since there was an obvious height difference between the two of you. You felt small, but secure, when in his grasp. He loved the difference in build between you two just as much, being able to easily lift you up and hold you close to him. You were the perfect size for him.

You felt a small warmth building between your legs straddling his thigh, but it really only grew when you tried to scoot closer to him creating a small friction. He still wore the linen pants Gideon had made him, but you now wore thin black leggings(you changed your clothes right before going to help Ray). 

Without thinking, your body moved your hips again to create that same friction, this time causing you to moan softly into the kiss. Being the observant man he was, and loving the sounds of your sweet voice, Ray moved his hand down from your waist to your hips, beginning to help move you against his thigh. His hand pushed you down further and his leg pressed up against your core more now. You could feel a wetness begin to form and your mind slowly started growing hazy.

You pulled away from the kiss, panting lightly with a worried expression on your face. “Ray, we can’t. What if someone-”

“They’re all still working on the mission. No one’s here,” He reassured you. “But, if you’re that worried we’ll do this here real quick then go back to my room. Okay?”

He moved his other hand down to your hips and moved you again.

“Ray,” You moaned out.

Your head fell to rest at the crook of his neck, nipping and sucking small bits of flesh as he continued to guide you against his thigh. Slowly, the pace started to speed up a bit, your breaths growing heavier. 

Ray watched you with darkened eyes, how you held onto him, face flushed and moaning. He was getting more and more turned on by the second watching you. Once you were taken care of, he’d be sprinting to his room with you in his arms.

You were enjoying yourself so much, you didn’t even notice one of his hands slipped away from holding you until his hand went down your leggings and he pressed two fingers against your wet panties. He let out a low groan, feeling how wet you already were knowing you were close.

His fingers moved to begin rubbing your clit roughly, causing you to take a sharp breath. You could feel a knot tighten in the pit of your belly, your moans growing in volume, and your grip on Ray’s shoulders tightening. It wasn’t long after your body tensed up followed by a loud moan as you released.

Your body relaxed, falling and holding onto him weakly. Ray pulled his hand out, placing it back on your nape to give you a long kiss.

“We should really knock-”

The doors opened, revealing a stunned Sara, Jax, and Amaya along with an anxious Nate.

“-before entering,” Nate finished, letting out a loud sigh of defeat.

Your eyes widened, fear hitting you before a wave of embarrassment. Both yours and Ray’s faces began to heat up. Ray gave your teammates a sheepish smile, while you covered your face and turned away.

Jax quickly walked away, most likely to find and tell Martin what he had just witnessed. Amaya was quiet, but it was clear she was surprised by her expression. Sara gave you two a small scowl before turning on her heels to walk away.

“I have some money to give Mick,” She muttered, clearly upset she lost a bet.

Nate gave Ray an apologetic shrug. “I tried to stop ‘em,” He said before closing the doors.

When the doors were closed and you finally calmed down, you pulled your hands away. You stared at Ray with furrowed brows. “I told you-”

“I know,” He quickly cut you off. “But, now we can hold hands all time and annoy the team with how cute we are together.”

You tried to glare at his optimistic smile but soon found yourself smiling as you gave him a light hit on his shoulder.

[blutopaz15]

Flufftober Oct. 2

Sneaking Out Together

Yay, day two! This has been REALLY good for my writer's block so far! Hope you enjoy more sweet, dorky rayllum fluff! <3

NOTES: rated t for mildly suggestive content, 1.1k

ao3 link

It was weird going to bed without Rayla.

Callum snapped his sketchbook shut. Even drawing felt strange to do alone.

He missed having Rayla beside him, peering down at the page. Her hair, so shiny and white, always fell across his shoulder when she tucked her forehead into the crook of his neck and her lips were always so sweet and soft when she interrupted to kiss him first...

He sighed.

They’d seldom spent a night alone since coming back to Katolis, and Callum could tell from the way Rayla had crossed her arms as they went their separate ways—without so much as a kiss in front of all the dinner guests—that she was definitely just as unhappy about being apart as he was.

The clear view of the nearly full moon through the windows that led to the balcony attached to the room didn’t help.

Swinging his legs out of bed, Callum tried to come up with a reasonable excuse to traipse across the Neolandian palace they were visiting, but came up short. He settled for stepping out onto the balcony instead.

It was complicated here.

Not like it was in Katolis, where it was just a fact that their room was theirs. The worst thing they needed to worry about back home was the morning housekeeping crew catching them in a compromising position if they slept too late, and that only resulted in—at worst—another embarrassing conversation with Opeli or Aunt Amaya. The threats to separate them had grown less and less convincing the older they got, especially as it became more and more obvious that Rayla was there to stay.

Here, though…

At first, Callum had thought it was some convoluted show of prejudice when their things had very clearly been taken in separate directions as they arrived. After all, he was certainly in tune enough with the sideways looks from palace staff—even without her hand tightened around his—to realize that Rayla being an elf was definitely still noteworthy here, like it’d been those first couple weeks in Katolis after the Spire.

But...he’d gotten the feeling that it was the sharing-a-room part that would have really stirred the pot, regardless of Rayla being an elf. Opeli had reminded both of them with a shake of her head: a few nights apart wouldn’t be worth the risk of an even rockier relationship with Neolandia.

Callum huffed grumpily, resting his elbows on the banister.

Did Rayla really have to be all the way on the other side of the palace, though?

Apparently—he brightened, seeing her slip out onto the balcony directly across from his—exactly on the other side of the courtyard.

It was too far across to call out, but...not too far to be able to tell that she was grinning at him. He waved, and her lips didn’t need to move for him to hear her voice calling him a dork. Rayla waved back, though...and then the look in her eyes shifted to a familiar, calculating brightness. She glanced all around his balcony then peered down hers, eyes narrowed and judging distances. Rayla ended up frowning, though. She hesitated for a moment and then clumsily signed a few words that she’d learned early on in talking with Aunt Amaya.

No blades. She pointed behind her then, back to the room where she seemed to have left them along with her day-clothes, and Callum understood that it was a little far of a jump to make without her hooks to catch herself with.

You, she started, then paused to think before settling on a gesture that got across that he was supposed to fly over, whether it was actual Katolis Sign Language or not.

Callum watched her roll her eyes when he licked a finger and pointed it up in the air like he was testing the breeze, as if it was even a question that he was heading over there to kiss his beautiful, adorable pajama-clad sweetheart goodnight.

“Manus—” Callum paused, realizing that midnight flight practice might not be an adequate explanation for a shredded pajama top, especially if Opeli caught wind of it. He tossed the shirt back towards the door to his room.

The goal was not to get caught anyway…

He held his arms out, and struggled to get the words out around the grin that Rayla’s smirking at him from across the way had brought on.

“Manus, pluma, volantis.”

He’d barely touched down before Rayla’s arms were looped around his neck.

“Nice flying, mage,” she teased, fingers in his hair sending a tingle down his spine. Brushing her lips against his temple, she let his wings folding around her draw her in even closer, and whispered: “I missed you.”

“Just a few more nights, okay?” Callum reassured her, nosing a piece of hair away from her cheek so he could pass the kiss back to her. “We’ll ride home together and everything.”

Rayla’s hands slipped to his chest, ghosting over his ribs. “Won’t be too weird for you?” she giggled when he gasped.

“Not...not weirder than this,” he stammered, acutely aware of how her hands had slid further down to pull his hips against hers and how they were now trailing up his back. “That...tickles.” He tried to ignore how her hands actually felt on his skin.

“Oh, please. She stilled her hands but kissed his neck. “You love it. You’re the one who decided to strip down, half naked, to come kiss me goodnight.”

“Had to,” he shrugged, getting his bearings without her fingers wandering. “Sleeves, you know.”

The moonlight sparkled in her eyes before they went half lidded as her palm pressed flat against his ass.

“Hmm, well, tomorrow night—”

“Good night, Rayla,” he scolded gently, only slightly tempted to risk political ruin and slip back into her room with her. He sought out his goodnight kiss instead, looking at her lips meaningfully, unable to catch her jaw in his hands the way he wanted to without all the trouble of dispelling the wings.

“I’m just saying! The moon! It’ll be full!” Rayla squirmed around in his wings, gesturing dramatically to the brightness looming overhead. “I can’t believe you’d willingly waste a full moon!”

Callum wrapped the wings as tight as he could around her and angled closer. “I love you.”

Saucy grin softening, Rayla finally let him close the distance between them, her lips pushing back against his with searing heat and her hands pulling him in with fervor enough for the both of them. She let their foreheads meet and lingered, eyes huge and bright and lilac and refusing to leave his.

“Night, Callum,” she said at last, her reluctance matching his own as she slipped away, leaving him longing and lonely…

...and looking forward to tomorrow night.

[simslegacy5083]

NSB (Straud Legacy) Gen 9

Today's (7/31/2024) Episode: The Birthday Girl

The household was grieving Peachy’s departure for the afterlife, but time refused to stand still  for those left behind.

The very next day was Noemi’s birthday. Fielding condolence calls and messages from friends and family wasn’t how they wanted to start her special day, but with Peachy having been opposed to “some fancy memorial shindig”, it was the best closure they could offer his loved ones.

Luigi’s baby made him miss his dada even more. Peachy had been so excited to help Skye try new activities and foods, but never got the chance. When Luigi found Noemi and Valentina in the nursery, celebrating his son sitting up for the first time, he had to work to suppress a strong wave of resentment.

Just a day earlier Peachy would have been able to enjoy the milestone with the rest of them… that boy of his couldn’t pick the right time for anything!

The unfortunate ending to Luigi’s birthday party had prevented Noemi from giving him the special gift she’d arranged.

Her old robotics club friend Kenzie had become a Computer Engineer, with access to computer glasses that only those in her field could craft. Gaming and computer enthusiast Luigi had been trying to find some for awhile and was overjoyed upon opening his fiancées cheerfully wrapped present.

“Happy belated birthday love,” she said as he excitedly slipped them on. Luigi gave his girl a warm thank you kiss, exclaiming:

 “I’ve always loved how you just “get” me. Hopefully the big day and BIG gift I have planned for you will make you just as happy!”

The couples first stop on Noemi’s “party train” was a meetup with their island friends. The group had intended to take all the kids to enjoy “Family Funday” but as they were leaving Luigi got a text from Rhys telling him they’d discovered the event was geared towards older sims.

Deciding to skip the festival this time around the household met their friends at a nearby beach cabana instead, where the always unfiltered Beau saw Luigi and blurted out “You look ridiculous!” before a mortified Breanne could stop him. She quickly elbowed his mirth into a halfhearted apology.

Luigi knew the tech glasses looked odd but refused to show how the tactless comment had stung his pride and instantly tainted his joy. “Envy doesn’t look good on you friend.” he smirked instead before turning his emerald gaze pointedly to Isra and Rhys in greeting.

After shyly accepting everyone's happy birthday wishes Noemi settled in a quiet corner with a sleepy Skye while Luigi kept the conversation going.

Isra was happy to report that her 3rd trimester was progressing smoothly. When she asked if anyone else was planning to join her in having a second child, both Luigi and Noemi shook their heads. “Skye is quite enough for us. Besides, with your brood he won’t lack for playmates!”

Overall, Luigi was glad his and Isra’s relationship had worked out like it did. He was quite happy with one child and, clearly, she wouldn’t have been.

Beau spoke up then “well his highness might be one and done, but if all goes well Bruce will be getting a little brother or sister soon”, explaining that he had an appointment scheduled for another insemination attempt. As everyone wished them luck Luigi glanced at his friend's elder wife with concern. He hated to imagine any kids going through what he had losing his papa, but he couldn’t think of anything to say that wouldn’t offend Beau.

When they finished up at the beach the pair made a quick stop at the house to drop Skye off with his grandma before grabbing a teleport to Chestnut Ridge. It was finally time to get his birthday girl that extra “BIG” gift, the horse he’d promised her the evening they got engaged.

Amaya met them at the park just outside the exhibition center, wrapping Noemi in a big hug and exclaiming “Happy, Happy Birthday pretty momma! Are your ready to go pick out your new best friend!?” At her enthusiastic “let’s do this!” the girls headed inside the center while Luigi hung back to play with his new toy while he waited, telling them “I know nothing about horses, so I’ll leave this to you two experts.”

A surprisingly long time later the ladies finally emerged, although the horse trailing behind them wasn’t quite as large as he’d imagined.

Noemi introduced the tiny foal: “This little guy is Roach – I thought you’d appreciate the name”. Luigi chuckled “You thought right.”

“Are you going to grow up to be as faithful and sturdy as your namesake?” he asked the soft nosed creature as he gently stroked it, mimicking the animation from one of his favorite videogames. “Look” he grinned, turning to Noemi “gaming skills DO translate to the real world sometimes!”

Amaya took Roach back to her ranch to wait on his new parents while Luigi and the birthday girl enjoyed a nice romantic walk. The teleporter wasn’t far, but taking a less direct route gave them more time to enjoy each other’s company and the lovely summer evening.

Finally arriving at Amaya’s ranch, they were met by Valentina and Skye. While oohing and aahing over each others tiny offspring Luigi convinced Miguel that his little Greyson simply must have a kitty companion, and he just happened to have the perfect kitten for the job….!

Finally, Valentina pulled out the uneaten cake crafted by Peachy with love the day before and lit fresh candles. Noemi wished to stay healthy, FINALLY start her new career, and get back in shape as she blew them out and spun her way into the next life stage in front of her friends and family.

It had been a wonderful day and she looked forward to many more with her two favorite boys by her side.

For anyone not familiar with the reference, Roach is named after the faithful steed of the main character in The Witcher videogame series.

View The Full Story of My Not So Berry Challenge Here

[aarcanechaoss]

Just for Tonight

Amaya is a tease, she enjoys getting a response even if they aren’t always what she expects it’s certainly not denied

Amaya & Jack: smut MDNI

Look I was gonna write some eventually like I said it’s going to be like Tatsu’s shit so… yeah. Also it’s my birthday and I wanted to write a smut of Jack and well Ama was right there for me sooooo

Quick reference of what Amaya is wearing as a magic knight

“So then Langris walks in and I’m still half dressed, goes bright red and runs off faster than Sekke when you glare at him.” Amaya giggles her drink sloshing in her hand.

“Okay kekeke back up why are you half dressed again?” The Green Mantis Captain asked.

“I’d just gotten out of bed. Little shit barged in.”

“What! Got a good show, freaked out and dipped. Kekeke.”

“Good show alright.” Amaya scoffed before laughing once more. “At least he was to embarrassed to say anything.”

“Could have been worse.” Jack shrugged before taking a large gulp of lager.

“Like what? Walking in on me fucking someone. I don’t know if that would be embarrassing or hilarious as all fuck.”

“Depends on your preferences.” The taller man joked. Their laughter died down as Amaya called for another round of Lager, his golden eyes drinking in her form. Neither had their robes on as they were draped across their respective chairs so the bugman had a wonderful view of the woman in front of him. Her corset lifted her chest up and it didn’t help that when she drank she got hot and would loosen her shirt. Jack coughed as Amaya turned her attention back to him.

“What about you? Any new shitty squad stories?” Her silver eyes shined in the light of the pub. Jack swallowed at the look she gave him- what’s in this drink?

“Too many to count. Sekke has been racking up the squads money to pay for disturbing women and general public, the mushroom guy accidentally destroyed half a house…” the fake distressing tone making the drunk woman snort.

“Oh boy. Sounds like an awful time.” She laughed leaning forward over the table. Jack’s eyes darted back to his now empty cup. He could see her scarlet hair drop to the side as she stared at him.

“Uh ma’am, sir you’re new drinks.” A waiter interrupted. “Can I take your empty glasses?”

“Yes please that would be lovely.” Amaya answers.

“Yeah thanks keke.”

Amaya wasn’t stupid she’d noticed how as they both became drunker that his eyes began to wonder. She used her overheating as an excuse to shift her top and have her subtle movements caught his eye. She had to admit she was trying to rile him up, the alcohol was certainly removing some of her inhibitions and usual boundaries with the captains.

“So who’s turn is it to pay for the drinks tonight?” Jack asked after taking a moment to drink the new liquor.

“You bigbug.” Amaya said. Jack raised a brow. “It’s what you get for calling me little bug every other day.”

“So instead of telling me to stop I get my own nickname.” He grinned. “What other ones you got?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know.” She whispered before taking a sip.

“You know. Keke. I think I would.” All cards on the table now Amaya had to think carefully about her next step. She lent forward eyes hooded just a little making Jack pause for a moment. Gears shifting in his mind- he caught onto her little game. “How about we get out of here you tell me.” He said huskily.

Reaching the Golden Dawn base Amaya nearly turned to thank him for walking her home before stopping. Maybe she needed this. Just a moment, a single night to feel something maybe she won’t freeze up because it’s Jack she knows Jack the Ripper past his scary visage and the stories of his battles, he’s a kind man who just wants a hug.

“Would you like to come in?” She asks finally allowing the buzz of her drinks to settle. The Captain blinked.

“Just for tonight?”

“Just for tonight.”

They were in her room faster than either thought possible, hopefully quiet enough they wouldn’t have be caught with their lips locked and Jack’s hands pressing her body against his tightly. Her door shut with a click as they made their way to her bed. Amaya wasn’t short by any means standing at five-eight against his six-five, still smaller than him by a reasonable margin as he picked her up to bring them both onto the soft mattress.

Jack pulled away kissing and licking down her neck earning him soft moans and pants. With a tug she pulled off her corset that was held at the front by clips allowing her shirt to flow around her. Her hands moved up his torso nails scratching at the toned flesh as he leant back on his calves to pull off his shirt and to watch as her shirt fell open. Without the corset holding it closed nothing held it together. She lifted herself up pulling the top off leaving her in a bra and her skirt. Their shoes had long been removed. Jack’s hand rest on her cheek as he pressed a kiss to her lips his other hang moving down slowly to grasp as her clothed breast. She gasp lightly into the touch pressing further into his hand as he kneaded the soft flesh her hands on his thighs, nails digging into the thin pants.

Within a flash Jack was on his back with Amaya above him skirt flung to the side with their other clothes. The Green Mantis Captain grinned.

“Cant make this sentimental Jacky.” She purred. “Would you rather I call you captain?”

“I’m not your captain.” Jack grinned.

“Right now you are.” She whispered. “I’m all for you to see and command.”

“Says the commander.” He tutted hands grasping firmly on her upper thighs. “Show me what you got Ama.”

With the quickness of a Fox the rest of their clothes were gone and Ama was perched delicately over his thighs a hand wrapped around his hard length. Jack seethed. Having enough with the teasing he flipped them again this time Amaya on her stomach with him behind her. Hands dragging slowly down the expanse of her back before lightly slapping at her firm thighs urging them to open. Jack moaned at the sight his thumb grazing her centre and dipping to rub her clit. She gasped and moaned when his tongue came in contact with her wet core while his hands held her hips up. With a groan he pulled away.

“Are you okay with this?” He asked.

“Please just fuck me… Captain.” She breathed out.

Almost like lightning the grin on his face widened as he entered her slowly. With one hand on her hip he moved slowly keeping an eye on her reactions not wanting her to be uncomfortable.

“I thought I said to fuck me.” She moaned pulling herself onto her elbows so she could easily meet his thrusts. Jack smirked and grasped her hair pulling her up against his chest. Turning her head their lips met, one hand tangled in his hair while her other reached for his hip. The hand he kept on her hip tightened as he quickened his pace the sound of skin connecting echoing in the room.

One harsh thrust had her lurching forward onto her hands, Jack kept on hand in her hair as he fucked into her grunting and moaning while she whined out his title.

“Captain fuck Captain!”

“Say my name Ama.”

“Jack!” She moaned out as her arms gave way allowing her to drop down further so her chest was pressed into the mattress.

“Amaya, fuck.” Jack said shakily through a moan. A few thrusts later and she was tightening around him a strangled gasp leaving her throat as she came, thighs straining to keep her hips up. With a hiss Jack pulled out allowing himself to spill across her back in pretty white steaks.

Amaya collapsed, face smooshed into the bed as she panted. Jack managed to get up albeit his own legs shook to pull on his pants and grab what he thought was a towel to wipe down her back. Grabbing her white shirt from before he helped her sit up to put it on. He licked his lips and gave a strained grin.

“I think I needed that.” Amaya laughed rubbing her thighs softly as she leant against the Green Mantis Captain.

“Me too… what now?”

“Hmm?”

“Want me to stay the night or sneak out keke?”

“Fuck it just sleep here and if anyone asks we got to drunk and I almost fell asleep outside.” She shrugged pulling him into the warmth of her bed again- but this time purely to sleep. “Want to cuddle?”

“Keke. Do I want to cuddle? C’mere commander Amaya.” She groaned before resting against his chest both of them falling asleep quite fast.

The next morning came almost too soon with light seeping into the room and the shuffling of feet outside the room.

A knock sounded making Amaya sit up quickly and stumble from her bed. Quickly pulling on some underwear she stumbled for the door and opened it not worried about the state she was in- probably should have considering it was her Captain, Vice Captain and Klaus’ team. But within her half asleep stupor she hadn’t quite noticed her state of undress.

“Good morning.” She yawned arm reaching up to scratch at her hair. Her shirt opened slightly showing off the expanse of smooth stomach and chest Jack and not long pressed his mouth too.

“Good morning commander Harlow.” Klaus said with a blush. Langris couldn’t even look her in the eye and William. Well William was as red as a tomato and had kept his focus on her face and her face alone. A groan came from inside her room making the group freeze. Mimosa squealed slightly while Yuno looked a bit confused.

“What’s the racket keke?”

“Nothing Ja- oh…. Well fuck.” Amaya said now realising what had been occurring. “Um just don’t move yet.”

Too late Jack had already moved across the room to stand behind her a yawn leaving him before his eyes locked with the Golden Dawn Captain.

William’s jaw dropped.

“Captain Jack?” Klaus spluttered.

“That’s the name don’t wear it out.” The tall man said before turning on his heel to collect his shirt, grimoire and cloak. Amaya looked at the floor with her lips pursed together- no excuse was going to get her out of this one.

“So I can understand Langris or the golden trio coming to my room but Captain?”

“We will be talking about this later Amaya…” William’s violet eyes were stern. “I was walking by is all really and decided to join them in waking you for today’s activities.”

“Hmm yes uh… is there a way we can not talk about how I got railed by the Green Mantis Captain?”

Jack let out a snort from behind her.

“Just go get dressed and Jack it would be best you went back to your squad.” The emphasis on your was very, very evident from Captain William.

“Yeah alright I’m leaving. See you round Amaya, had fun.” The bugman said before dashing out the door (somehow no one saw him?).

“See you Jack.” She waved before turning back to her squad.

“Get dressed please.” Langris said flustered. “This is unbecoming of a noble or a magic knight.”

“Firstly fuck nobles, secondly fuck you.”

“I’d rather you not.”

“Yeah thats a disgusting thought.” She agreed before ducking back into her room to change.

“Better?” She asked stepping out but minutes later. Underwear on, shirt and skirt tucked and corset sitting comfortably, her boots pulled high above her knee with her hip cocked to the side as if waiting for approval. The golden trio had left only leaving the Captain and Vice.

“Thank-you commander Harlow.”

“Don’t do that bullshit with me you’ve seen me in worse states Captain.” She teased, Langris gagged slightly- that wasn’t an image he wanted.

“You being sick in my chambers while trying to undress is certainly sectioned into the worse category.” William admits. “But you were drunk-“

“And so was Jack and I last night.” She hummed as they walked down the hall whilst attempting to pile her curls of hair into a bun. William’s face was burning (let alone Langris who simply didn’t want to hear these things).

“And you still managed to reach your chambers?”

“The aim was to get laid so yes I made it to my room.” She scoffed. Honestly what was so hard to understand about this. “Apologise Captain but sometimes needs get to you.”

“I don’t have a problem with you sleeping with people-“

“It sure doesn’t seem that way… is it because it was Jack? Or because it wasn’t you?”

“Amaya!” William snapped, heel turning towards his most trusted commander (and friend). “Don’t go throwing an accusation like that out. Perhaps I am irritated that it was another Captain instead of someone in our squad or a random person you picked up like many times before but don’t state something so outlandish in public. You need to watch your image as a knight and even as a noble. You may not care but others do and they talk whether you like it or not. Whatever house you came from it’ll come back to you if you aren’t careful.”

Amaya raised a brow, her jaw clenched shut as her teasing expression fell away.

“Are you done?” She asked, tone low and void of emotion. Her words felt like a hot iron to cold water, sharp and instant.

“I apologise I don’t know what came over me I just got so-“ William started.

“Don’t.” Amaya’s silver eyes seemed to make him freeze. Noticing his unmovable Captain Langris jolted from his stupor and stepped between the two.

“Commander Harlow you’ll be taking a squad out for patrol today and then be reporting to Marx.” Langris recited. Amaya nodded before walking down the hallway. After a moment Langris turned to his Captain.

“I shouldn’t have said that.”

“Perhaps not. Whatever the Harlow’s did… perhaps we should look into them.” The Vice Captain suggested. William shook his head.

“She barely says anything about them besides her brother best not to push. I will be in my office- please let her know I’d like her squad to report to me in there later too.”

Langris nodded and watched his Captain walk off.

What a fucking weird day.

[kuroopaisen]

tiny love || iii

➵ as tooru’s younger sister, falling in love with iwaizumi hajime is easy. your feelings aren’t ignored, either. but is it worth the complications it could cause? iwaizumi made a decision for you. but, life goes on. 

warnings: f!reader, Emotions 

wc: 4.6k (i’m so sorry we had a lot of ground to cover)

m.list | ch. 2 ↞ ch. 3 ↠ ch. 4 

last time...

“Look, I…” He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I think it’s best if we pretend this never happened.”

The world shuttered to a stop. The mild afternoon sun was now searing your skin.

✧ ✧ ✧

“He disgusts me,” Amaya shivered, angrily shoving a spoonful of strawberry kakigori into her mouth. “Piece of—”

“It was ages ago,” you sighed, picking at the mountain of flavoured ice in front of you. “It’s not that important…”

“Yes, it is,” Amaya leant forward across the table. “It’s his fault, right? He kissed you.”

You bit your lip, giving your friend a pitiful look.

To say it was ages ago wasn’t quite a lie. It was finally the summer holidays, and it’d be a few months since that fateful afternoon.

You hadn’t wanted to spend your summer break thinking about this sort of thing. It felt like a waste of emotional energy.

But you just couldn’t get it out of your head.

You kept replaying the same few moments over and over in your mind – the kiss, the morning after it, the conversation…

“In my humble opinion,” Amaya sighed, preparing herself another scoop of kakigori, “I think he should answer for what he’s done.”

“Please don’t say anything,” you whined, reaching across the table and grabbing her wrist. “Don’t do anything, either. I don’t want to cause a mess.”

“He’s the one who caused a mess,” Amaya huffed, dropping her spoon into the kakigori bowl. “You have a right to be pissed.”

“I am pissed,” you sighed. “It’s just… I kind of get where he was coming from, you know?”

“No.”

“Well, like—” You squeezed your eyes shut for a moment, trying to clear your mind. “If we’d broken up, that’d make things really awkward.”

“Isn’t it already awkward?”

“I… yeah…”

“I just think he could’ve gone about it better,” she shrugged. “That’s all.”

You bit the inside of your cheek, twirling your spoon between your fingers. “You’re right about that, at least…”

Amaya watched you for a moment, pursing her lips together. You knew what she was thinking. That was reason enough to fear any potential advice.

“Date someone else,” she suggested. “Maybe that’ll help you get over him.”

You grimaced, cursing her for being able to read your mind. “No thanks.”

“Why not?” Amaya asked, raising an eyebrow at you. “Yahaba seems to be into you.”

You shook your head vehemently. “Ew, no! He’s on my brother’s team.”

“And?”

You shot your friend a dithering look. “That’s the problem, Maya,” you scoffed. “If Iwaizumi’s not ‘good enough’, then I doubt anyone else on the team is.”

“Did your brother say that?” Amaya gaped.

You shrugged. “I don’t know. But that’s what Iwaizumi implied.”

Amaya scoffed, screwing up her nose. “Men aren’t worth it.”

You laugh, shaking your head. “That’s true…”

“And men,” she said, pointing a finger directly at you, “don’t deserve you.”

“You know what?” You grinned, tilting your head at her. “You’re right.”

“I always am,” she replied, waving a hand at you.

You sighed, stretching your arms above your head. “Besides, if I end up going to America, I don’t want to deal with a long-distance relationship,” you grimaced. “Sounds tough.”

“What, you wouldn’t fight for love?” Amaya teased, fishing her phone out of her pocket.

You stuck your tongue out at her, screwing up your nose. “Shut up.”

Amaya giggled, looking down at her phone screen.

You took the opportunity to treat yourself to some of the kakogiri. The two of you had barely made a dent in it.

Amaya dropped her phone back into her pocket, tilting her head at you. “Hey, aren’t those qualifiers coming up soon or something?”

“Hm?”

“For your brother’s volleyball,” she shrugged. “You said something about going to nationals?”

“Oh, right!” You perked up, nodding. “If they win these preliminaries, they’ll finally get to go to nationals.”

“This is your brother’s last chance, right?”

Your stomach sank a little. “Yeah. He’s… he’s been working really hard.”

“Really hard?” She raised an eyebrow. “Or too hard?”

“What do you think?”

She sighed, placing her hands in her lap. “Right.”

You pressed your lips together, frowning.

“Hey, hey,” Amaya hummed, leaning over to flick your forehead. “Try not to think too much, okay? We’re supposed to be having fun.”

You smiled at her weakly.

“No more talk of boys,” she decreed, waving her spoon at you. “They’re a waste of time anyway.”

✧ ✧ ✧

There might be a thousand other places you’d rather be than outside Seijoh’s gym. But, you’d come to the conclusion that God hated you, and therefore would take any opportunity to submit you to some kind of punishment.

Tonight, it was this – standing outside a gym where a mass of sweaty teenage boys congregated, one of which was your brother, and another the Iwaizumi Hajime.

Tooru had always finished practice late, but this was just ridiculous.

Initially, you’d been content with walking yourself home after class, asserting that you were grown up enough to trawl the streets of Miyagi without a chaperone.

But recently, you’d signed up for the student council. You were surprised they let you in so late in the year,

Your parents had been chuffed with that, proclaiming that you were “finally showing some initiative” and that it was “a great way to teach you some responsibility.”

You hadn’t told them that the real reason you’d joined was because you were worried about Tooru.

You peeked inside the gym, eyes scanning the brightly lit hardwood for any sign of your brother.

You didn’t bother to check your watch. It was far too late in the evening for that anyway.

The boys were scrambling around on the court, jumping and spiking and all that volleyball stuff. You managed to catch sight of your brother, who, by your observation, was very much in the zone.

Perhaps maybe it would be okay for you to sit in on—

A flash of spikey hair was enough to make you recede, drawing yourself back into the dark.

You sighed, turning around and slumping yourself against the wall. Somehow, you felt even more exhausted than before.

Fuck this.

Fuck school and all it’s damn responsibilities.

Fuck your brother’s determination to overwork himself until he’s falling apart at the seams.

And fuck Iwaizumi Hajime.

Maybe you should just head home. Tooru would come home eventually, and…

No. That defeated the point.

You’d just have to wait it out, Iwaizumi Hajime be damned.

A few more minutes passed. You heard who you believed to be the coach call out an end to practice, followed by a resounding “Yes!”

You sighed, checking your watch. Seven o’clock. Even that would be considered a late practice.

Usually Tooru would usually wave the rest of the team out, spending the next hour on his own.

But not tonight.

You scampered through the gym doors, making a beeline for your disaster of a brother.

“Hey, Oika-chan!” A voice called out, making you stumble in your approach.

Ah, Matsukawa.

“Hey,” you waved absentmindedly, unsure of how exactly to process that nickname. It didn’t exactly roll off the tongue

“Stop calling her that!” Tooru yelled from the other side of the gym. “It doesn’t even sound cute!”

“You’re just jealous,” you shot back instinctively. “You just wish you were me.”

Tooru scoffed, ready to launch into a new tirade.

But you weren’t listening to him. Against your best efforts, your eyes sought out Iwaizumi. He wasn’t even looking at you.

Ouch.

Sure, you’d be avoiding him as best you could; finding excuses to be in your room or out with your friends whenever he was round at your house, always positioning Tooru between the two of you whenever you were forced to spend time with him... But, that didn’t stop it hurting. 

You shook off the disappointment and continued your route to Tooru.

“Oi,” you barked, jabbing a finger at him. “Hurry up. I’m making dinner tonight and you’re going to enjoy it.”

Tooru screwed his nose up at you, grimacing. “But I still need to practice.”

You came to a stop in front of him, grabbing his elbow. “Too bad.”

“Aw, don’t complain,” Matsukawa grinned, suddenly appearing and looping his arm around Tooru’s shoulders. “We don’t all have a cute girl vying to cook us dinner.”

“Ew!” Tooru shrieked, shrugging off Matsukawa’s arm. “Don’t be gross that’s my sister!”

“I slave over the countertop for you and you don’t even have the decency to respect my efforts,” you scoffed, deciding to ignore Matsukawa’s half-compliment. You weren’t going to make the same mistake twice.

“Just stick it in the fridge,” Tooru sighed. “I’ll heat it up when I get home.”

Agitation brewed in your stomach, your mouth turning dry.

If he stayed here, he’d just overwork himself like he always did. And he’d come home sore and exhausted, bandages on his fingers and bags under his eyes.

But the prefecturals were so soon. If he wore himself out now, he wouldn’t be able to play to the best of his ability.

“Tooru, that’s not fair and you know it,” you whined. “Please.”

He tutted at you, shaking his head. “Now, now, as the older sibling, it’s natural law that I know be—”

“Hurry up, Shittykawa,” Iwaizumi grumbled, coming up behind Tooru and kneeing him in the back.

Tooru yelped, stumbling forward and out of your grasp. “Iwa!”

“We’ll clean up just fine without you,” Iwaizumi muttered, stepping away from your brother.

He caught your eye.

Your breath caught in your throat. Was he going to speak to you? Acknowledge you? Make you feel like things weren’t as weird as they were?

He just gave you an almost imperceptible nod.

You gave him a small smile in response despite the sinking feeling in your stomach.

Of course, Iwaizumi understood. He probably understood better than you did.

“Come on,” you whined, grabbing Tooru’s elbow and yanking him towards you. “Or I’ll kick your ass.”

“I’d like to see you try.”

You stuck your tongue out at him, dragging him towards the door. After a small scuffle he grabbed his bag, whining about how he was still in his sweaty gym clothes.

You waved off his concerns, telling him it was his own fault. Mustering all your strength you managed to push him outside, reprimanding him for wasting so much of your time.

You glanced over your shoulder one last time as you left. You weren’t quite sure why.

But Iwaizumi met your gaze for just a moment, his jaw tense.

That look stuck in your mind for the rest of the evening.

✧ ✧ ✧

The last thwack of a ball on the court.

Your brother, body half-twisted and arms outstretched, fighting to the very final second.

Everything the team had worked so hard for, gone. Crushed.

All those hours, all those late nights spent practicing, all the sweat and grief and band-aids.

All meaningless.

It was written on their faces. Regret, disappointment, shock.

And Iwaizumi. Poor steadfast, honourable Iwaizumi.

You’d never seen him cry. Never. But there he stood on the court, doing everything he could to hold back the tears.

You couldn’t even guess at what was going through his mind: probably some guilt about letting everyone down, for not being the best version of himself for the team.

You hoped, for his sake, that nobody else was paying attention to him.

Tooru patted him on the back. A firm, solid slap.

Even you could tell how much meaning was in that one gesture.

You gripped the barrier tightly, your knuckles beginning to ache. You watched with bitterness on your tongue, ready to cry the tears that Tooru refused to.

By the time you meet the team outside, you knew he didn’t want a hug. Even if you wanted desperately to give him one, he wouldn’t accept it.

He’s too angry for that.

You don’t know what to say; he’s worked so hard for this.

They all have.

And now they have to walk away from it all, no real victory to their name. Oikawa Tooru – destined for greatness, but yet unknown outside of Miyagi. He never did make it to nationals.

You bit your lip, regret and frustration and sympathy twisting in your stomach. There’s nothing you could’ve done, but by God you wished you’d done more.

Something. Anything.

But you’re just his little sister, a girl with nothing to offer. You hadn’t even stepped into the manager role when he’d asked you to in your first year. You’d been so distant from this world of his, a distance you’d only widened since that little hiccup with Iwaizumi.

You turned to the team, racking your brain for the appropriate thing to say.

You bowed. “Thank you for all your hard work.”

It felt empty, but you meant it. You knew that most of all, Tooru was proud of the team. Proud of what they’d built together.

It’d been three years of pain, but they’d done it together. And you knew, deep in your heart, that they’d given their all for him. That, at least, you were grateful.

You didn’t say goodbye.

Your fists are clenched at your sides as you exit the building, rushing home on aching thighs. You hadn’t even realised you’d been tensing so hard during the game.

Thoughts stumbled through your mind on the walk, trying to sort themselves out.

Should you have said something to Iwaizumi? Offered him some comfort?

He was obviously shaken by what’d happened. But perhaps that would’ve been stepping over a line. Maybe it would’ve made him uncomfortable.

And yet, you regretted not addressing him. He, more than anyone else, had given everything for Tooru.

His time, his sweat, his heart.

He couldn’t give anything to you because…

You swallowed, shaking your head. Now wasn’t the time to feel bitter.

Once you walked through the front door, you raced to the kitchen and rifled through your cupboards.

Bread flour, yeast, sugar…

A peek in the fridge.

Milk, butter, eggs.

You set everything on the counter, clattering around in your cupboards until you find a bowl, a whisk, a wooden spoon and a baking pan.

Your next few hours are a flurry of measuring ingredients, kneading dough with aching thumbs, checking oven temperatures and waiting.

You did all sorts of things to distract yourself during the waiting period: cleaning, reading, homework, laundry. But you could only do them in spurts, little five-to-ten-minute blocks until your anxiety returned.

You’d have to sleep this off.

By the time the oven finally pinged, letting you know you were finally free of your baking duties, you were exhausted.

But you rushed back over to the oven and took out your loaf, inspecting it once over. It looked okay – not as good at Kaori’s, but passable. Hopefully it tasted alright. You didn’t have the guts to check.

You let it cool as you grabbed a scrap of paper and scribbled out a little note.

“Good job today, you asswipe. You inspire me to work harder and go farther.

I’m so proud of you.”

You bit your lip, looking it over once. Is it sensitive enough? Is it too sensitive? Would it bring him comfort? Would it piss him off?

Hard to say.

You sighed, folding it over so it could prop up like a tent.

You cut off a third of the loaf, still hot, and plopped it on a plate. You wrapped the rest of the loaf up and placed it in the bread holder. Perhaps you’d have some tomorrow.

Tooru’s room, usually a place that was very out of bounds, was the next stop on your anxious little trip around the house. You placed the plate on his bedside table, propping the note up next to it. Hopefully this would make him smile, even if just by a little.

But you didn’t want to wait up to see.

The comfort of your own bed was calling you, coaxing you into an early night’s sleep.

You laid down with a sigh, unsure of whether or not you could be bothered to have a bath.

A little suggestion crawled through your mind, dragging itself along by it’s fingernails.

You tried to shoo it away. It was a terrible idea, really. One that was bound to end with you feeling quite shitty.  

But tonight wasn’t about you. It wasn’t about your feelings.

You sighed, picking up your phone from the bedside table.

Hey, you typed.

[YOU] 7:31 PM: I hope you don’t mind me texting you like this, but thanks for looking after Tooru so well.

You bit the inside of your cheek as you stared at the name “Iwaizumi Hajime” at the top of your screen. Taking a deep breath, you tapped the blue arrow.

The message slipped into the grey space above, into the train of messages that hadn’t moved in months.

You stared at it a moment longer, fingers flitting anxiously around your screen.

Oh, fuck it.

[YOU] 7:33 PM: And thanks for being the best Ace he could’ve asked for.

It’s not what you wanted to say. It’s not what you feel like you should’ve said. There’s so much more, so much left unsaid.

But tonight isn’t about me, you reminded yourself. It’s about him. About them. About all they’ve been through together.

You waited a few minutes, heart hammering in your chest.

A response.

[Iwaizumi] 7:37 PM: Thank you.

[Iwaizumi] 7:37 PM: I’m sorry it wasn’t enough.

✧ ✧ ✧

“Argentina?” You hissed. “But that’s—”

“On the other side of the world,” Tooru shrugged. “What are you so mad for? You’re the one who wants to go to America.”

You had nothing to say to that. The two of you were sat at the breakfast table, your pieces of toast left untouched.

When Tooru had told you he wanted to talk to you this morning, you hadn’t expected this.

“When do you leave?” You asked, a lump forming in your throat.

“Soon,” he sighed. “I’m just trying to work out boarding and whatnot.”

“So… you’ll leave as soon as that’s sorted out?”

“That’s the plan.”

“It’s like you’re rushing out of here,” you mumbled, picking at your nails.

“Don’t be so dramatic,” he grinned. “I’ve just got to make sure I can get ahead. The sooner I start, the better.”

You looked up at him, frowning.

He wasn’t the little boy curled up in the bathtub anymore. He’s a young man with the tenacity to form his own destiny, circumstances be damned.

This day was bound to come.

But that didn’t make it any easier to swallow.

✧ ✧ ✧

A week passed. And then a month.

The year ended before you knew it. The festivities rolled on, but not without a hint of melancholy.

Each New Years celebration was tainted with the realisation that, after he left, chances were you wouldn’t see Tooru again until the same time next year.

You returned to school for the third semester and everything seemed like it was moving in fast forward.

It’s well and truly changing.

Student council swallowed you up, your family made a point of spending as much time with Tooru as they could, and life plodded on.

And before you knew it, you were standing at the airport at five in the morning, your parents to one side and Iwaizumi to the other. Your older sister, Kaori, was also there, hand-in-hand with your nephew.

For a farewell, it was quite the turn-out.

“Well,” Tooru took a deep breath, looking between the small crowd of faces in front of him. “You all better miss me.”

“Don’t push your luck, Tooru,” Kaori teased.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Tooru tutted. “Almost sounds like you’re glad to be rid of me.”

“I am,” your nephew piped up.

“Takeru!” Your mother chided. “Don’t say things like that.”

“It’s fine,” Tooru grinned. “He obviously just doesn’t know what else to say.”

Takeru simply stuck his tongue out at your brother, who just laughed as he stepped forward to ruffle his hair.

Tooru turned to you, grinning. “It’s now your job to take him to volleyball practice.”

You rolled your eyes at him. “Really, that’s all you’ve got to say to me?”

“Of course not!” He laughed, hopping towards you and wrapping his arms around your shoulders. “You be good, okay?”

“Always am,” you mumbled into his chest, wrapping your arms around his waist.

“Study hard,” he hummed. “And don’t talk to boys.”

“Tooru!”

“I’m serious!”

“Don’t worry about me,” you huffed. “Worry about yourself.”

“I’ll be fine,” he chuckled, pulling back. “Stop being such a worry-wort.”

You pouted at him. “Stay hydrated or I’ll kill you.”

“You know I will,” he tsked. “Which one of us is the athlete?”

“And don’t overwork yourself,” you continued, “or I’ll crawl out of the TV like Sadako and drag you back to Japan.”

“You know what?” Tooru grinned, letting you go. “I fully believe you’re capable of that.”

“Be afraid.”

He ruffled your hair; a sure signal that your conversation was over. You bit your lip as he moved over to talk to Iwaizumi. You tottered around to where your sister was, wrapping your arms around her waist – partly to give Tooru and Iwaizumi some privacy, partly to seek out some comfort.

She chuckled, standing on her tiptoes and propping her chin on the top of your head. “It’ll be okay.”

“Hm?” You blinked. “Oh, I’m not sad. Not at all.”

“You sure about that?” Kaori chuckled.

“Mhm,” you nodded. “Glad to be rid of him, actually. It’s my turn to get the biggest bedroom.”

“Sure,” she grinned. “If you need anything, don’t be afraid to text me, okay?”

“Thanks,” you smiled.

“And visit me more often!” Kaori chided. “I feel like I don’t see you enough.”

“I’m sorry,” you whined.

Kaori was right about that, at least. You’d spent the past few months focusing on Tooru, and before that, you’d been moping about Iwaizumi.

Some sister you were.

You peeked out the corner of your eye at the two boys you’d just fled from.

They were fist-bumping. Why they couldn’t just get over it and hug one another, you’d never know.

Especially seeing as this would likely be the last time they saw each other in a very long while.

Even if this was what Tooru wanted, even if this was a decision made on his own merit, something about it still felt off.

You want to be happy for him. You want to celebrate this new chance, this opportunity to make a name for himself outside of this tiny prefecture. But the melancholy wouldn’t budge; it’s like it’s rooted itself deep amongst the marrow of your ribcage.

You take a deep breath, trying to ground yourself.

You needed to be happy for him. And if you couldn’t, you needed to fake it.

“Alright,” Tooru sighed, addressing all of you as he stepped back and grabbed the handle of his suitcase. “I’m off!”

“Call us when you get there!” Your mother called after him, her eyes glassier than they were moments earlier.

“Will do,” Tooru called back, waving a hand over his head but not turning back.

“Make sure you eat well,” Kaori yelled. “Like I taught you!”

“I will, don’t worry!” Tooru called, ever more distant.

You wondered if there was anything you could shout out, anything you could implore him to do. But nothing came to mind that you hadn’t already said. But even that didn’t feel like enough.

Tooru passed through the gate, turning around to give you all one last wave.

He was so bright, so brilliant.

He always had been. But it was as if passing through that airport gate had freed him of the roots twisted around his ankles, finally allowing him to fly.

You frowned. What a stupid thought.

Once he was out of sight, your parents sighed.

“Alright, everyone,” your father yawned. “Time to go.”

You shuffled out of the airport in silence, your eyes cast to the ground. You lagged a few steps behind your family as you let your thoughts consume you.

How was this all going to work out?

It wasn’t like Tooru was just leaving for university. If it was just for education, there’d be a time frame. But he hadn’t given your family any of that.

He was just… going to Argentina. For how long, he couldn’t say. Would he be gone one year? Five? Ten?

Was that really for the best?

But he seemed optimistic. Maybe this would be the opportunity he needs. Maybe this would change everything.

“He’ll be fine.”

A voice over your shoulder made you jump. You turned to see Iwaizumi, a look of genuine concern on his face. You hadn’t even noticed him come up behind you.

“He always finds a way to land on his feet,” he said, digging his hands in his pockets.

“I know, I just…” You sighed, running a hand through your hair. “I’m worried about him.”

Worried about his safety, worried about his health, worried about his tendency to overwork, worried about the possibility he could be lonely, worried about his sense of self, worried—

“But, if he’d just stayed here, he’d never be satisfied.”

You paused, looking up at him. Iwaizumi was staring ahead at the early morning sky, something relaxed in his features.

“He’s got to keep pushing forward, no matter what,” he continued, looking at you. You caught your breath, but you didn’t look away. “If he didn’t, he wouldn’t be able to forgive himself for his losses.”

You stared at him for a long moment.

He was right. Iwaizumi was always right when it came to Tooru.

And you were grateful. Of course you were.

But a nugget of regret was buried deep in your heart.

Iwaizumi wasn’t worried about Tooru at all. He believed in him, trust him to go forward.

And yet you don’t feel the same. You can’t.

You can’t have the same faith in your brother because you don’t know him well enough.

Maybe you never would.

✧ ✧ ✧

More time passed.

Your holidays ebbed by in a haze, a flurry of friends, family, serious conversations about your future, and a little bit of snow.

You were trudging home in the waning afternoon after a day out with friends when you saw him. He was coming back from the opposite direction, bundled up in a jacket, with a scarf slung haphazardly around his neck and beanie pulled low over his hair.

You wondered if he’d bothered spiking it up this morning.

“Hey.” Iwaizumi raised a hand at you in some paltry greeting.

“Hi,” you nodded, slowing to a stop in front of your house.

He looked at you for a moment, something unreadable in his eyes. Admittedly, that was usually how he looked at you.  

“How are you?” It was a simple question, but you were more curious about it than you’d like to admit. The two of you hadn’t spoken since Tooru left, your interactions limited to brief nods and hellos if you ever happened to bump into each other in public. Nothing deeper than that.

“Good,” he said, finally breaking eye contact as his gaze flitted to the ground. “I, uh… I leave for uni tomorrow.”

Your heart stopped in your chest.

Iwaizumi was leaving too, huh?

Not that there was much of a friendship for you to miss. But something about him leaving really solidified it all.

Tooru had left to pursue opportunities much bigger than those offered to him in Japan, and now Iwaizumi was off on his own journey.

Your stomach swelled, a quiet nausea rattling through your body.

“Oh,” was all you managed to say. “Well, good luck.” There was a long, painful pause.

He was looking at you again, something else in his eyes. Did he want you to say something else? Ask more questions?

“You’ll do great,” is all you managed to say, a tight smile stretched across your lips.

“Thanks,” he breathed, something between a sigh and a chuckle.

You hurried through your front door, a strange anxiety prickling over your skin.

Whenever you spoke to Iwaizumi, it never felt like enough. Like there was more to say, more to admit.

But regardless of what had happened, regardless of your regrets, you had to move on.

You should’ve done so months ago.

✧ ✧ ✧

a/n: this is SLOPPY but please forgive me! a lot of ground to cover,,, a lot of feelings to unpack,,,