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idle-muses · 4 months ago

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Hoard of information for Reiwa for a single layout.

With longer explanation of his Narrative + Soft Canon AU below the cut cause it's alot, but charts and things above are an easy glance!

NAME: (Master) Reiwa 励和 [encourage / inspire + harmony] AGE/APPARENT AGE: 67 / Looks about 27 as that's his current halfbreed maturity HEIGHT: 6’6 SPECIES/RACE: Half Human (Japanese/Mediterranean) + Half Demon 天使 (Tenshi) Classification PRONOUNS: He/Him ORIENTATION: Bisexual / Demiromantic BIRTHDAY: Jul 1st, 1939 HAIR/EYE/SKIN COLOR: Pink/Sakura/Carnation hair, curled/wavy like his mother's - (With Glasses On - eyes are Chestnut)/(Without Glasses you’ll notice they’re a sharp Red) - Naturally Tanned/ light-brownish closer to his father's complexion Favorite things: Cooking / Gardening / Tai Chi / Being around people / Sparring or Physical exercise / Animals / Laying in the sun and napping / Giraffes Least Favorite things: Drinking / Fighting (Having Actual Violent Intent) / Anything that takes his sense of control from him (Without his consent) / Having his ears touched without warning (They’re sensitive due to the charms) / Doesn’t like overly violent movies Original Lore Information: Reiwa is from a version of Yu Yu Hakusho known as The Bittersweet AU. Explained below the cut in full; Those bulletpoints are very tame and lax compared to the scale of violence that was present in his series. [Short explanation OG Series is like 13+, Bittersweet is 18+ for more dangerous content/violence/consequence due to Healing Abilities.]

Personality and things used for icebreakers: Reiwa as a character is a bit of a strange one, as on the surface he is easily mistaken for a very ‘happy and bright’ personality and very polite in conversation with respectful honorifics or terms at all times. He’ll usually be trying to be chipper or funny, and make sure everyone around him is okay. Usually though, his internal thoughts can be pretty dour or self isolating;; he wasn’t always like this and he’s just putting on a face to be ‘normal’ as he was before. The Gauntlet events fucked up his emotional health to a drastic degree. His mother can pin those thoughts down without issue and will usually pry it outta him; without her it became more difficult to manage who to burden those thoughts with. When push comes to shove however, his personality can swap easily into a much more serious demeanour - something more focused and responsible than his usual joking would assume. He’s very very good in dangerous situations for this reason, and hardly ever panics when things are happening. ((If it relates to him however and his structure of control, there will be some internal panic))

For icebreakers, you can just generally say ‘Hello!’ to him and he’ll find something to talk about. He likes to get to know people, but it does take a good deal of trust to see his more serious side of conversation for how he really is. -- also the spoken version of Rei is a joke for the pun of 霊 (Rei; Spirit) but his name is spelled with 励 (Encourage/Inspire)

Any additional information!: Part of him is able to naturally ‘pacify’ emotions (Not take them away, but to feel comfortable around him) as his overbearing Ki (That is mostly locked behind 4 Ofuda Charm Earrings, two the shell of each ear, with normal accessory on the earlobe) naturally has some calming effect on most people. This is his influence of his desire to ‘help’ or ‘protect’ someone. If he were to lose these Earrings, his control on his abilities would start to go a bit haywire and his own mental state would probably have a hard time of it as well (depending how many are lost) as he quite literally cannot contain the amount of energy that he has and that is the problem. If he were to lose all 4 then he would be put into his full ‘demon’ state and it would take the most self-control he can muster to keep from being a danger to those around him. Reiwa has a human heart, and if that is taken from him [as it has been in The Gauntlet] He will lose all rational ability and become a True/Full Demon. (This in essence will turn his personality into cold, selfish, and revels in the joy of violence and power; just like his father had been corrupted by his own Demon Wish.)

Though he is not a fighter, but he is trained in combat by his mother. His skills lie in Reiki Healing, and Youki Healing. This is his primary role through the series, oftentimes working alongside Yukina - Or instead being in situations in place of her where she would not be safe otherwise (Non-Canon Content). Smaller tidbits of these abilities are used within his healing, mending, and defensive skills.

The two clasps on the shells of his ears are Limiters for all forms of his Energy. He never takes them off, and some of them are sealed with the help of his mother’s incantations. With all limiters removed, he is above S+ Class Demon. (Given the non-canon classification of Tenshi 天使 )

His ‘Demon From’ (Which has very little sense of moral control and is actively detrimental to himself and those around him) is more aptly described as ‘An Entity that warps perception’. Being as overpowering as his spirit energy is in the human world, he quite literally cannot be allowed to do that there. This version of him is what Genkai has tried to lock away.

Below is Yu Yu Hakusho Specific information; if you don't know the series then this won't make sense to you sorry \o/

-The AU is called Bittersweet; For all intent and purpose imagine the ‘’Film Rating’’ to be 16 or 18+ for Extreme cases of violence, gore, dark themes (Such as Death/Dismemberment / mental scarring / trauma and traumatic breaks / imprisonment / forced combat to name a few) - There is no Sexual Content. (Similar in function to the YYH Live Action)

-Canon events from start to finish remain unchanged and character arcs are untouched. (Or in some cases further developed/expanded on) →‘’Villains’’ are still defeated by their original victor. Example of above; Despite Reiwa’s inclusion in the Dark Tournament the events are unchanged of who fights who and why - Kuwabara still ‘plays dead’ and Yusuke still defeats Toguro. → Changes are small and simply expand on events and character interactions/development are added.

-Additional Arcs are included between others [Or in Addition too] to provide breathing room and levity to the change in ‘rating’ quality. Hence the name Bittersweet.

Reiwa as a character is not introduced into the narrative until just before Yusuke goes to see Genkai for the first time.

They come across each other during the testing, and He’s introduced as Genkai’s groundskeeper. He does not interfere with events. Botan 100% already knows what’s up but says nothing. They’re dorky friends who >:3c at everyone.

Reiwa at this time is just over 50 in human years, but due to demon genetics he would be closer placed towards 17. Similar notes toward Hiei if that helps (Who is similar in age being about 48-50 as well, but racially 15-16) -> It is also noted that the cast ages have been adjusted to start at 17 ending at early 20s, as opposed to being 14 as is canon.

Within the story Reiwa serves as a sort of ‘chill mentor’ towards both Ivy and Yusuke - and 100% the wingman for relationships offering advice from his many [Offscreen] relationships before the series starts. This won’t be expanded in the short summary.

Additional Arcs are created for Training for the cast; usually with Genkai passing the gang off on ‘easy training’ with Reiwa. It’s not. He’s almost as bad as she is. Even with limited power he, at that point, still outclasses most of them. (He is unable to structure this power into proper fighting use without testing his control over it. He does not often participate in combat.) His training is for patience, self healing, and spiritual control.

More soft arcs and characterization between the cast, good happy things, balances out the violence of minor Spirit Detective Arcs against rogue Demons.

Events remain relatively unchanged until the Dark Tournament. The structure of how and why they go there is unchanged. Reiwa accompanies as part of the Team Urameshi Medical Unit.

Up to this point Reiwa has not known directly who his father is, it is only on meeting Toguro in the halls that his father recognizes him as Genkai’s child (It’s hard to ignore.) They do not know they’re parent and son.

The Dark Tournament takes place over a longer span of time with more smaller matches and fights. These include sub fights for the cast, as well as sub brackets other Canon Characters who are not on the team. More relationships are given time to develop. (Example being Jin and Touya given more screen time and development on fights of their own vs other teams.)

Genkai and Toguro have a short conversation in the halls where he puts two and two together that Reiwa is his son. There’s a monster’s pride in his smile.

-> It is noted that Toguro as a character has been more drastically altered by his 'Wish' to become a powerful Demon. His active humanity has atrophied due to this, and it is only in very specific moments that it shows through again [Such as his death]. It is only once he is no longer tainted by his ‘wish’ that he changes or understands properly what he’s done.

Kurama was near this conversation and knows, and discusses it with Genkai, wondering why she hadn’t told him. “How would you react if you learned the fantasy of a father your mother created was nothing more than heartless lies?” She had hoped to see some of that humanity still within the man she had loved. At this point, it was no longer there.

Events continue as expected; It is on the death of Genkai by Toguro’s hand that both Yusuke and Reiwa learn of their familial connection. Despite Reiwa’s ability to heal her, his mother denies it - not for a desire to die, but for a parental need to protect her child. As just from the small sparks of his spirit energy, his father is made instantly aware of the unimaginable scale of power his son could reach.

Toguro does not hold back in fighting his pacifist son alongside Yusuke, trying to force Reiwa to fight, and only earning disappointment at how 'weak' his supposed Child is.

“I expected better from you. Genkai was a fool to seal away your powers. - Don’t look at me with her eyes. My son is a coward and a waste of potential.”

Genkai dies watching Toguro beat their son to death, with Yusuke trying - and failing - to stop him.

Reiwa lives wholly on the fact that Yusuke takes one of the seals off after Toguro is gone purely in desperation and hope; it’s a secondary wave of agony and unknown pain from the breaking of one of the Ofuda charms. But he heals. He’s alive. He also remembers everything that happened; the damage his father did is why his hair is cut the way it is, as the scarring (from Ki) made it grow patchy with scars on his skull, so he changed his hairstyle accordingly

Events continue as normal from there forward with a higher rating of violence.

Afterwards, one Toguro is defeated, everyone is (as Okay as they can be) but physically well enough to go home. Reiwa is very not okay by all events, but spent a great deal of time with no communication to anyone at all. By the end of recovery he’s trying to push it aside and pretend to be his happy self as they leave for the harbor - but instantly breaks down when he sees Genkai is alive again.

Short Summary for Minor Arcs (Comfy Filler and Therapy)

General daily things together and conversations about feelings after the events of DT - Reiwa is not good at this, but helps the others over himself. He’s mixed up about how to feel about Toguro, about his Mother, about himself and what he is. - Yukina is the one who gets him to open up again.

An entire summer arc about everyone pretending to be camp counsellors to find a demon artifact. Many hijinks ensue. Lots of fluff. Kuwabara and Reiwa bond and Reiwa is ‘Oh NO’ about it. (No heavy violence; Hiei is Ride or Die for the kids by the end of it,)

Very small interpersonal arcs for each of the characters and their families and family matters. (Including but not limited to Kurama spending the day with his mother and they have a very good time - Hiei and Yukina bond but just in ‘yup we’re just allies totally’ way - Yusuke checks in on his mother with Keiko and gets dragged out for normal mundane tasks) Sorry short summary right LOL. lots of family time w everyone. It overlaps into hijinks.

That leads into The Gauntlet Arc.

The Gauntlet Arc in premise is a midpoint between ‘Save my family and friends’ (Dark Tournament) and ‘Save the world’ (Sensui/Three Kings) Stakes for the series.

A case is handed to Koenma’s desk and on the understanding of it being a small venture, sends the cast to investigate. Premise being ‘Demons are being trafficked into the human world through small smuggling rings. > Oh turns out that is MUCH BIGGER than we thought.’

Beneath the earth and hidden away in soundless caverns, imagine a dome of a room - within it a large carved across the floor X that has sealed cages on each point, and one within the center. This is The Gauntlet.

Within additional hallways beyond the dome [within walled holding cells] are demons - of any shape and size. Children and mothers are included. They are not fed and are almost expected to devour each other if they do not get taken to The Gauntlet first.

In The Gauntlet’s Cages all manner of demons are being made to fight to the death, but this is not a bloodsport like the DT - this is not a normal demon show, there are no announcers, this is wholly a human audience who are capturing demons from all over in order to force them to fight against their will using the music that is playing through the echochamber. There are no scores, there is only one winner; and then that winner is ‘put down.’

When someone dies in The Gauntlet, their soul is unable to be taken to the afterlife due to an enchantment and object created and gifted by The Coven. (See my wife's character Ivy for more Information) and is ‘suppressed’ in a gruesome way.

By the time the reality of the situation is known each member of the team is systematically separated and sectioned off in their own fights. It is a large roster and it is instantly understood they will have to kill to try and make it out. Some don’t have a problem with this, others do. (Remember, demons of all kinds are present.)

Only those with Demon Blood/Soul are affected by the music; They are still in full mental awareness and knowledge of what they’re doing. Their choices are their own and it is haunting.

Kurama is one of them as well despite his body as his soul is ancient. Very much not a good time with bloodlust and panic. Hiei has the hardest time resisting it. The most easily violent. Reiwa is brought to the Gauntlet cages against his will, the handlers using a variation of 'cattle rods' to control the demons, which have enough power in them to leave deep electrical scars on Reiwa's back.

This arc is the point where Kraven (An Eikyo Demon-Parasite bonded to her human body) in Ivy’s narrative becomes reality. any demon that is put into the cage with her recognises what she is, and they kill themselves in fear. She watches each and every time, covered in gore by the final round.

That final round is with Reiwa (Who had to fight Yusuke prior and it was not a good time for either of them), who this whole time has been forced to fight on his own - reminded each time of the strength his father gave him, of how easy the bloodshed comes to him. (His Spirit is unstable due to the way Yusuke revived him, and the Ofuda charms are not in balance anymore with only 3.) His abilities are starting to be outside of his control, reacting on that bloodthirsty instinct he relates to his father. His own body is healing far beyond normal capability.

Kraven is fully aware of the danger Reiwa poses and finally takes control of Ivy's body - and the two fight in untold violence - both able to take seemingly endless wounds with their healing. Kraven gets desperate as Reiwa’s Demon traits take over - turning the fight in his favor just by Ivy's mortal limitations. Kraven removes Reiwa’s still human heart and crushes it before their eyes in order to actually kill him.

Kuwabara is the one who saves the day (As he is unaffected by the charm.) with the assistance of other human allies present. Botan is reviving everyone of the cast and it is at the last moment that they come beaten and bloodied to see the end result.

Kraven returns control to Ivy, leaving her holding the gore of her friend and teacher as the charm-of-violence wears off too late. There is no measure of agony for her screaming at what she’s done seeing him kneeling before her.

Without his human heart, a demon core slowly takes root, and Reiwa’s existence is beyond control while within the human realm. Air bends from the pressure, metal rots, sounds quiver.

No one knows what to do about the shadow of their friend. Yusuke tries to do the same thing he did before, but Botan stops him and properly explains why the seals were there. Yusuke understands that he was part of the cause of this by imbalancing him. - Kuwabara pushes everyone aside and does everything he can with his own without hesitation to jump into the fray of spiritual fire; - his human spirit energy and conviction proving a match for the building pressure. That same desperation not to lose someone. It’s with the attempt of them all - with what little they have left - that Reiwa's overbearing soul can be brought under control and a new human heart is made.

When Reiwa opens his eyes and sees his friends, he cries.

The humans who ran the ring are ousted by both the SPD and the human side that work with them. They cannot promise that it won’t happen again, as they would have never caught this on their own.

Past this point there is a LOT of Character interactions and Arc Time dedication to dealing with all the Trauma of everything that is happening. Canon Events continue as per usual from this point with not enough changes to mention here at this time.

Genkai Notes Bulletpoints (As this relationship is important!)

Genkai is the most treasured person to Reiwa no matter what, she's been the one stable thing in his entire life when he literally was unable to make human friends due to how he was growing up - when people began to question him as she grew older with 'isn't he too young to be your son?' she would always defend him and never hide how much she was proud of him.

She worked very hard to help him learn to be a good man and treat others with respect at all times, and how to not be an idiot - but he's still basically an idiot.

Genkai would only tell him the good things about his father growing up (Even in her unique way of 'he was the most stubborn and idiotic man I had ever known. Loyal too.' ) which is why meeting Toguro as he did was such a traumatic shock. Genkai never thought they would meet.

Reiwa, like most kids, will always think of his mom the way he knew her growing up; young and kind, strong and beautiful. There is no degree of age that he doesn't see the woman who raised him.

When Genkai dies of old age, she doesn't make a fuss about it, but spends the weeks before it making sure everyone is okay in her own special way. She makes sure that Reiwa will be okay without her and that he has the support he needs to live his life without her. He says goodnight to her like any other day, she tells him that she loves him and he's made her more proud than he could ever know. She dies in her sleep peacefully.

#Reiwa Information #Muse: Reiwa #long post #[LOOK AT ALL THIS INFO -- theres more scattered around but YEAH BASIC BASIC LAYOUT OF EVERRYYTHINNGG]#[im not apologizing for the hellish amount of info I love this dude and I love YYH]#[NO BAD NO CRINGE ONLY FUN!!!]

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astroboyanalysis · 11 months ago

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4. His Highness Deadcross

Note for people actually following this: The slight delay in post will probably be common. I work almost every weekday and come home really exhausted so I don't normally have the energy for something like this.

While I generally don't question the order the comics are placed in in this compilation, I will say that if someone were reading Astro Boy for the first time in this order, they would probably be pretty confused right now. "But Atom is in this panel!" "Who are any of these people?"

I'm curious where the comics introducing the creation of a family for Atom will end up in the compilation. This being a serialized manga without a singular coherent storyline, this type of thing happens a lot, where it makes more sense for a story to go early, but some detail in it won't be explained fully because it's a change made in the years between whatever comics you read.

While I'm fond of the more coherent storylines of modern animation and comics, I do sort of miss serialized stories and the return to normalcy at the end of each "episode." I understand it's more common in childrens' TV, especially childrens' TV we might not think of as Artful when compared with the childrens' TV that has those storylines (thinking of like. Uncle Grandpa. That type of show.)

I think the general culture around media has shifted to one of character and story development, which is interesting. Characters and stories can still be evolved over serialized media, but it's a different approach. I remember when Wander Over Yonder was airing thinking "wow, this is a great cartoon and it's episodic instead of arc-based!"

This is a ramble. I just think it's becoming much rarer, so this problem the omnibus has to deal with is not as much of an issue anymore, at least with officially published content.

EDIT: I realized the reason for this ramble is unclear. It's much more difficult to present a coherent storyline when the changes to the main cast are episodic rather than arc-based, because the pacing would be very strange. Many times these character introductions are apropos of nothing in a larger arc or storyline, which is fine, it's just a different approach and presents a challenge when trying to create a cohesive work later, because there are many possible ways to organize the "episodes"

Genuinely Uran is so funny for this. I know this is the first time we're seeing her in the omnibus but I'm just so fond of her. Her childish but sneaky approach parallels Atom's polite near-deference with figures of authority (unless they are "evil," but at this point we don't think anything of the Pants we are being presented) Part of me believes in my heart that this is because Atom has had high responsibility for his actions - He is held accountable to a standard human children are not, and the optics of what he says and does are scrutinized somewhat. Uran has not had this, but has the same type of "free will" and lack of given purpose that Atom does. Oh yeah cobalt is there too. Hi cobalt.

Really funny visual gag where did you get that bigass weight. Don't answer. I do love that he's ostensibly working out in his free time despite this giving no real strength benefit to a robot with a set strength built in, although I do suppose getting used to how weight handles and how heavy objects throw as opposed to light objects would be extremely useful for him. Anyway. You could probably guess this but as I grew up on the 2003 Astro Boy dub, I was also a Teen Titans (2003) fan. Cyborg has a great episode surrounding the idea that strength is built in called "Sum of His Parts". I have my artistic preferences with that episode and personally would not have done everything the way it does, but the evaluation of psychology when your physical limits are perceived as set in stone is very relevant here.

We are like two pages into this one btw. I'm normal.

Another robot specific law: Robots aren't allowed to go overseas by themselves/unaccompanied by humans without a permit. This makes a bit of sense relative to robots widely being property to be protected (read: you do not want them fleeing). This was actually shown in "The Birth of Astro Boy"

See the above panel from the first comic in the omnibus.

It's also funny that they didn't just also get Atom permission on the way and were instead like. Okay Atom we're just going to do a whole trenchcoat deal. I imagine that permission to move between borders is different to acquire in different countries, and likely far more difficult in countries with more restrictive laws around robotic existence. Japan is fairly forward in robotic tech from what we see, but it's likely the bureaucratic process would take a while. Easier to just break the law. (In some regard, this can be argued as a loophole rather than an outright crime - It depends how "A Robot" is defined. One could argue that a robot is based on their singular brain, so one pass per brain, but there are robots with parts that operate independent of one another, and this would mean they would need multiple passes. This is like, really specific legal wording type issues. What is shown here indicates that this is the case, but I can't say for certain why as we don't know the law in full.)

Also, while they say overseas, it's likely more like humans needing to acquire a visa, and certain countries or borders have agreements on the issue. Japan is surrounded by water, so any other country is "overseas."

Also, pretty sure we'll see Atom go to other countries without permission.

It's funny to me that they both act like younger siblings a lot of the time because Atom is just a lot more mature and has a lot more experience in the world. Anyway Ha ha ha ha lookee! lookee!

Ban really does get some of the best reaction expressions lol

I'm not asking how they made indent footprints in what seems to be concrete or stone. I'm not.

Seems to me that this indicates some amount of standardization in robots, or at the very least, robots meant to look human, by country. This also would make sense to identify what's going on, but uh. Can't they wear shoes...? Anyway, this kind of standardization would likely be required for those roaming permits to be functional in other countries. I.E. If Canada does not agree to standardization law x394.32, the USA will rescind their robotic passage permits and any permits currently in use will be void.

If I were making an Astro Boy comic, I'd keep some element of this standardization. Just maybe not on the feet.

God I love this series so much. WE CAN'T LET HIM KNOW WE ARE BOARDING FLIGHT 0036!

MORE ON ROBOTS BEING DISALLOWED FROM HURTING HUMANS: "We had no choice" is apparently a retort to this. So it's definitely a choice-based thing and not a built-in limitation of the AI. Anyway Atom looks really nervous about having hurt a human, probably for multiple reasons, one being that his teacher is out cold, another being what the consequences would be for this law being broken - And also the optics of Atom possibly being within blame.

I have no comment on this really it's just something that's likely disallowed in other countries. Sentiments would have to be extremely positive toward robots in a country for one to be allowed to run for president, and for them to win ).

This would be one of those countries with lax robotic laws I mentioned earlier.

Actually gruesome as hell

Another progressive robot law Gravia had that allowed this to happen, robots can vote. I sort of doubt this is the case in other places, but I'm not sure within the initial run of the manga.

Rag your minister just kicked a human in Japan like. For not even that much reason he could have just run faster instead.

Puts you in my torture chamber I devised full of polyester balls and pours water into it, half-crushing you (but not to worry, it's a comic strip, after all.)

Our first actual portrayal of a hate group, the Deadcross Society.

SPROING. I love the ZERO pause between "how can I meet him?" and Atom just using the window immediately.

I believe this is Atom Using An Unopened Window As A Door #1 of our read through. I suppose it indicates synthetic robot skin is more difficult to cut than human skin since he's so willing to jump through windows, but he's not really worried about his clothes either. So who knows.

Atom is highly capable in robotics. This is not new it's just the first we're seeing of it in the read through.

Also, Rag is really fruity about this. Strange two panels.

I know I add this kind of thing a lot but I love this detail. Looking forward to seeing it disregarded later <3 (Said with genuine love)

While simplified (because it's a kids manga), this is a pretty realistic and also like. realistically dark (? I don't know how else to describe it. It parallels how messed up they are in real life too with real tactics) portrayal of a hate group. The explicit "The fear this and the attacks put into you is with the intent of making you resign and return to subservience" is good for kids to see, I think.

Future technology. I do agree in the world of Astro Boy it's probably much more possible to have a realistic 3-dimensional display of something, which we haven't actually really acquired yet in the real world. That said, in this case, it can't be touched or interacted closely with (It's like a stage, you just can't step past the screen and into the scene), whereas something like Pluto shows holograms that can allow for closer investigation of detail. Looking forward to analyzing how other Astro Boy media approaches this type of technology.

Having to plan ahead and conserve energy for later things is notable since if two things happen one after the other he just runs out. He conserves energy even during combat if he thinks there will be More Combat After That.

Most days he probably hardly uses any though, assuming he doesn't fly to and from school.

Fucked. Jesus Christ. (no pun intended)

his beutiful eyes

Post to be continued in a reblog. Guess who hit 30 images. I'm so silly goofy like that.

#astro boy #mighty atom #tetsuwan atom

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dr-lizortecho · 2 years ago

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A collection of Echo centric fics (if your echo fic or favorite isn’t on here feel free to send me a link so I can add it to my bookmarks!)

General Audiences

Today’s Milkshake by @tasyfa (183 words)

Summary: With Max’s secret out -not being a big fan of mint- Liz sets out to determine what flavor of milkshake he actually enjoys.

Rec: This fic however concise really captures the playful and loving side of Liz. Focuses in on her love of science and the structure it comes with, in a light hearted and warm way that doesn’t usually get depicted in fic. It captures a short and sweet moment between the two of them that displays exactly how well their personalities complement each other.

Content Warnings: no archive warnings apply, Max as a science experiment (alright, ik I’m not funny, sorry guys)

A Milkshake and a Sweater Conundrum by @aflawedfashion (525 words, Isobel Evans & Max Evans with mentioned Liz Ortecho/Max Evans)

Summary: Isobel needs fashion advice, and her brother is the last person who could actually help. But in the wake of his recent resurrection he’s the one place she wants to go. To her surprise she finds him drinking a Little Green Man.

Rec: Even though Liz isn’t in this one it really does show how much Max is hung up on her. Using the milkshake as a vehicle for him to discuss those feelings with Isobel.

Content Warnings: no archive warnings apply

Coda by @wunderlass (618 words, canon divergent)

Summary: alternate ending to 4x13, Liz holds onto Max for a little while longer, before making a life altering decision.

Rec: This fic really takes the final moment of the series and allows it to breathe. And in doing so it breathes life back into both Liz and Max, allowing their characters to continue to make complex decisions. Specifically allowing Liz to have what she wants while opening up endless possibilities for her, something she has been striving for her entire life. The choice also allows her to keep one last promise to Max, one of the very foundational pieces of their relationship, back from when she refused to kiss him the very first time. As for Max it allows him not to make yet another sacrifice for the alleviation of guilt.

Content Warnings: 4x13, no archive warnings apply

Where I follow, you’ll go by @thesquidkid (1.605 words, AU, all human)

Summary: Liz is a researcher who happens to be in Roswell for a science convention. Max is a writer passing through Roswell on a road trip to inspire his next novel. The universe interferes, and they collide. Not once, but twice.

Rec: It really captures the heart of their dynamic in a less straightforward sense. Instead this story relies on the narration to paint a scene, one full of contradictions and facts. How some would claim fate, and others mere coincidence. Which draws from the very thing that brings Echo together not once but three times throughout the show. The very thing Max noted in his farewell letters in season three. In a way it captures their different perspectives on their relationship. Max’s more poetic, Liz’s more realistic. (Truly it holds the same theme the show runners depicted in the song choice of Superposition)

Content Warnings: no archive warnings apply

We were once upon a time in love by @thesquidkid (2.665 words)

Summary: Liz gifts Max with a challenge, one she knows he will both be delighted and distraught about. For his Christmas present she will buy anything from the local Barnes & Noble, under specific and difficult conditions of course.

Rec: This fic really captures their physicality, how they move in tandem and seem to occupy the same space naturally. Both Max and Liz being more than tactile throughout. It also has casual everyday uses of telekinesis which isn’t something a lot of Echo/Max fics incorporate. Most of all though, it shows Liz doting on and having fun with Max’s nerdier side. Depicting them at their softest while allowing the same light teasing their more domestic scenes in season three and season four had.

Content Warnings: no archive warnings apply

Becoming Ortecho by @ajna-eye-cogitations (4.891 words, WIP)

Summary: Max goes to ask for Arturo’s blessing, but when he suffers a heart attack Max has to kick into action. Once Arturo knows the alien secret he starts asking questions, one’s Max doesn’t have the answers to. And in an attempt to prove he is worthy of wielding Arturo’s name, deserving of his daughter, and not some freak of nature, Max sets out on a journey of self discovery.

Rec: The narration is beautiful, weaving a story inside of Max’s head gloriously. Tapping into his feelings of love and guilt and adding meaning to each action he takes. The story has Liz for just a short span of time in the latest chapter, but their connection was effortless, Max aware of her without his senses online. Liz stepping in to play negotiations between Max and Arturo, as well as biting her tongue as not to break her father’s heart shortly after his injury.

Content Warnings: fatal heart attack, discussions of religion, no archive warnings apply

Blueprints for a Great Escape by @myrmidryad (29.505)

Summary: Max spends time researching dungeons and dragons after he and Liz watch Stranger Things. Which leads to him going through a research spiral. So Liz gathers the podsquad and Team Human together for a campaign as his birthday gift.

Rec: It captures Max’s angsty nerd persona so well, while also allowing him to be the damsel in distress (to Rosa and Isobel’s teasing that is). Echo’s dynamic feels so lived in throughout, homely and warm like the decor of Max’s house.

Content Warnings: no archive warnings apply

Teen and Up Audiences

Change by The_Young_Wolf (250 words)

Summary: Max’s POV of seeing Liz for the first time in a decade.

Rec: It really drives home how much Max can get into his own head, especially in regards to his attempts to help people (by joining the force). But in showing how stuck he can be in, it really opens up how far gone he was for Liz from the start. Shedding a bright light on how affected he was by her presence, even after a decade apart.

Content Warnings: no archive warnings apply

no grief or folly ventures by @haloud (1.535 words, season three au)

Summary: After their victory over Jones, Liz gets a quiet moment to just be with Max. To contemplate him and their relationship, everything that led up to them being able to share this moment.

Rec: The physicality is easily reminiscent of their sex scene from 1x13, while maintaining the softness and gentle touches of 2x10. The narration reads like poetry, weaving story and emotions together flawlessly. Allowing Liz to reminisce on their shared history, the mistakes and victories that made them themselves, while depicting exactly how much of an eternal mark they’ve left on each other. And how much more they have left to do.

Content Warnings: no archive warnings apply

Love the Very Blood of You by soldierwitch (13.304 words, AU)

Summary: Set in an alternate universe where Max was adopted separate of Michael and Isobel, growing up apart from them and never having been reunited by fate. He goes through life without ever becoming fully connected to Earth or it’s inhabitants. All while Liz struggles through the highs and lows of supporting and propping up her sister, helping Rosa get clean time and time again. Their paths cross one fateful night in a hospital. Max a priest attending a bedside, Liz a sullen family member awaiting news.

Rec: This AU keeps both characters so well intact it’s beautiful. With Max taking up the priesthood for the very same reasons he joined law enforcement, to help people in hopes it will ease the guilt that weighs him down. All while Liz keeps her frayed edges and distrustful nature, though she didn’t lose Rosa, she faces the same wearying journey year in and year out in regards to Rosa’s addiction. They both meet in this space that’s been carefully constructed and orchestrated to depict both of their struggles and fears as characters. One made to depict and pull to light all the spinning questions and possibilities thrown so casually between them in season one, about religion and the universe. It also makes a point of maintaining that original draw between them, Max finding Liz magnetic and Liz finding him a mystery to be solved.

Content Warnings: no archive warning apply, drug addiction, blasphemy, religious content

Heart of Lightning: A Roswellian Tale by @suzteel (20.095 words, AU medieval)

Summary: Ser Elizabeth Ortecho is sent by her queen to retrieve King Maxwell’s heart from a dragon. The first step in her decade long journey to waking her sister from a curse.

Rec: This au does a lot to display how both Max and Liz are leaders in their own rights. Warriors and lovers to their very cores. It shows Max’s anger and how quickly it can light, while depicting how easily he trusts and relies on Liz, putting his faith and surety in her above all else. While showing Liz’s quick thinking, and determination. The whole story following Liz as she becomes willing to unlock the cage around her heart so she and Max can build something together.

Content Warnings: violence, non-consensual mind control

Mature

Cowboy Take Me Away by @wunderlass (960 words, smut)

Summary: Max returns home to Liz in a playful mood, she decides to prance about in his cowboy hat and loot his work belt.

Rec: This really nails home a sense of saftey and surety in their dynamic. Cause yes it’s smut, and yes it’s rough, but the start and end really do a great job of depicting those as pleasures. Something they can take part in after a long day, both having removed their armor so they can be fully seen.

Content Warnings: explicit sexual content, bondage

Blanco Navidad by @ajna-eye-cogitations (2.336 words, smut)

Summary: Liz reminisces about childhood as she prepares the same cookies she, Arturo, and Rosa used to make during the Christmas season. But after she sends Arturo to bed she’s all alone in the kitchen, till Max shows up with the promise of a memorable night.

Rec: This fic really captures Liz’s almost wistful side, the pieces of her drawn to memory and attachment to the past. While showing her in a place where those memories can be beautiful again instead of just full of pain and regret. The way the memories are interwoven with desert imagery is stunning, the narration building a world that comes to life with each new emotion she feels.

Content Warnings: explicit sexual content, no archive warnings apply

Crash Into Me by @wunderlass (2.948 words, canon divergent au, smut)

Summary: Set after Liz learns the truth about Rosa. Max has secluded himself outside of town to keep from causing another blackout. Isobel sends Liz after him, hoping she can curb is anxiety and maybe calm him down.

Rec: This story really allows Liz’s betrayal to breathe, while examining the complex feelings she has towards Max. Because those didn’t fade or twist when she learned he loved his sister as much as she loved hers. The conversation and physicality is weaved together with storm imagery that serves to keep in mind what’s at risk. While creating an ‘electric’ atmosphere.

Content Warnings: no archive warnings apply, explicit sexual content

Choler by soldierwitch (14.576 words, canon divergent, WIP)

Summary: Their relationship is fractured post resurrection. Liz having been scarred again, left behind with no warning or understanding. Leaving her spinning and creating a new form of armor over her heart. All while clinging to Max and pushing him away all at the same time. For fear of losing him, for memory of losing him.

Rec: Liz’s internal dialogue is flawless, it allows her character to feel the complex emotions and wants and anger that should follow such a traumatic event. Closely examining what she might have meant in their 2x13 breakup about ‘trying to find where you end and I begin’ and ‘I love you and right now I hate it’. But it does more than that, it shows all the small moments that lead up to that break, allows her the complexities the show only ever hinted towards. All tied together with symbolism and physicality. It really examines how much their relationship is forever imprinted by their mistakes but Max and Liz get to choose to love each other anyway.

Content Warnings: no archive warnings apply, depression, sexual content, so much angst and it’s not completed so take that as you will

State of Love and Trust by @wunderlass (18.188 words, canon divergent)

Summary: After Max’s resurrection his memory is wiped, leaving him a husk. But Isobel and the rest of the squad have prepared for this, for the inevitable supercharge he will be coming back with, the urge of destruction and chaos. Max’s fears of killing them not being taken lightly. And no matter how much Isobel and Alex protest and push back against, Liz won’t let herself be far off when Max comes to. She’s his connection to life and humanity after all.

Rec: The entire cast is allowed to be exhausted and grieving for the entire start, showing their cracked and frayed edges. Liz in particular is allowed the space to worry and mourn, even as Max breathes on the other side of the glass. Her self reliance shines through beautifully in an ensemble piece, that’s built around her complex feelings and wants. There’s storm imagery and mystery, tapping into that same vein of magic season one seemed to hold over the viewer, each new piece of the puzzle bringing more questions. But it’s the physical aspects and the way they’re drawn by something almost primal to each other in the end. Max incapable of truly hurting Liz, not once he’s connected enough to feel her, remember her.

Content Warnings: no archive warnings apply, violence, light horror aspects, explicit sexual content, dubious consent

Explicit

Inside Me by @suzteel (313 words, smut)

Summary: Things take a turn during sex, and Liz is of course going to examine that while letting pleasure wash over her.

Rec: Alien strangeness is why the show has appeal, and this really nails home how little we know about their sex lives in reference to alien biology. It also keeps in mind Liz and Max’s penchant for getting it on despite… literally anything.

Content Warnings: explicit sexual content, no archive warnings apply

No Plan by treaddelicately (1.571 words, smut)

Summary: They’re horny morons in love, with pesky public sex kinks, which of course leads to Liz crowding Max against a wall during his break at the Pony.

Rec: Liz’s confidence is flawless, the way she knows how much power she wields over Max and uses it to her advantage is amazing. While Max does what he does best, buckles under the force of her wind.

Content Warnings: explicit sexual content, no archive warnings apply

beneath this bowl of stars by sabrinachill (2.897 words, canon divergent, smut)

Summary: Liz is restless post resurrection, she doesn’t know Max’s secrets yet, but when their psychic connection brings him- or rather an astral projection of him into her bed things take a sexy turn.

Rec: The narration really builds a picture of what Liz knows and doesn’t know, allowing her scientific mind to reel. But mostly it examines how their armor is fully removed, how the darkness seems to crack them open bare. Both Liz and Max allowing themselves to get close and want what they want. It works well because it doesn’t rely on Max’s logical decision making to have him pull away, both of them convincing themselves it isn’t real on some strange level.

Content Warnings: explicit sexual content, dubious consent, no archive warnings apply

Truly Madly Deeply by circular_infinity (6.092 words, canon divergent, smut)

Summary: Their first time having sex is planned -though they get a little bit out of hand, abandoning the plan in favor of just jumping each other’s bones.

Rec: The communication is flawless, them both asking the right questions in the sexiest ways. Because though they’re both consumed by lust and just allowing the moment (or rather moments) to envelop them, they’re forever conscious it’s something they’re doing together. Both Max and Liz are purposeful in their communication, allowing full consent to be given without ever breaking the action and lust. Both characters come to life flawlessly, echoing their canon selves in their desire and recklessness. Also, peak filth just seems to naturally exist between them, Max able to weave dirty talk like poetry and Liz able to make control and lack of control something that can exist in tandem.

Content Warnings: explicit sexual content, unprotected sex, no archive warnings apply

When I Say “Forever” it’s the Goddamn Truth by @maeglinthebold (7.829 words, fluff and smut)

Summary: Max and Liz go on vacation, exploring Europe together and separately.

Rec: Their playful banter is beautifully depicted throughout, both of them smiling and happy. Finally getting to experience the world together like they’d dreamed of as kids. The story weaves together that exploration with their differences, Max spending time in museums while Liz is at a science convention for example. But it also depicts how those differences bring them together and their genuine fondness for those aspects of each other. While characterizing them flawlessly, with Liz ready to make a sharp witty crack at any moment and take control. While Max is willing to ramble about anything he’s learned and try anything Liz wants to try.

Content Warnings: explicit sexual content, no archive warnings apply

#roswell new mexico #rnm #rnm echo #liz ortecho #max evans #fic rec #rnm echo fic rec #rnm fic

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autobot-ratchet · 6 months ago

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MTMTE 4-6 (plus Spotlight Trailcutter and Hoist)

MTMTE 4

oh hell yeah time for one of my favorite arcs in the whole story, it's Delphi time baybeeeeeeee

oh my god I forgot Red Alert and Swerve were roommates in early MTMTE lmfAO god poor Red Alert

aww man Pipes is sweet. Can't wait to get my heart broken all over again when he gets stomped lmAO

love Drift pretending to be brave like “would I even be here if the DJD scared me in the slightest” hard cut to Drift begging Ratchet to kill him before the DJD can get him

also love Drift slicing some poor dude into ribbons for the crime of shuffling unnervingly toward Pipes. But he's not nervous or anything, not on edge, perfectly calm

and Tailgate learns the truth of the war

damn, Cyclonus didn't have to do all that to Tailgate, I know he barely even felt that punch

Love Drift surrounding Ratchet with his swords, also love Ratchet holding Drift's arm down to keep him from attacking Pipes, god they're both so good, I fucking love Drift and I fucking love Ratchet

straight up if Drift wasn't such a show off with all his fancy moves and shit he wouldn't have gotten hit with the rust disease lmAO but he HAD to go vehicle mode to dodge Pipes's shuffling

eeeeeyyyyyy Fort Max is back

MTMTE 5

fuckin rip to those two rando decepticons

ooh get his ass First Aid

LOVE Ratchet changing into alt mode before Ambulon is even done begging him not to, guy's gotta do what he can to save his patients that's all there is to it

gdhfsghjl god it is so funny how often they trust what the autopedia says, Tailgate really just edited his own wiki page like “and he was super strong and smart and cool and the records show that his meat was huge and he was best friends with the president”

“predominantly organic universe,” interesting. I know we later see different kinds of mechanical beings but I didn't realize that there were significantly less kinds of mechanical races than organic, I figured they were closer to 50/50

slurps up all this foreshadowing

fuckin Pharma doing the “camera angle when an anime character is about to go insane” thing. God it is still so funny how fast he jumped headfirst into his joker arc. Also kinda sad if you think too hard about it, like he is so clearly not the villain type, he is so bad at it. But he must have felt so guilty that he truly believed there was no redemption that could save him, which is incredibly tragic, but also he is very difficult to take seriously when he says all this cartoon villain shit

“I'm miles from anyone I truly care about” fuckin liar lmAO

god. Still love that Drift is the one to stop Pharma from shooting Ratchet. How'd he even get up here. Who let him leave the medbay and shuffle his rusty ass all the way to the roof of this fucking building

Spotlight: Trailcutter

Teebs is also very sweet. Can't wait to get my heart broken all over again by him as well

“Brainstorm, Chromedome, and Highbrow- you're all heads, I just thought it was funny” a HEE HEE HOO

“I wish I was normal and I wish everyone would just shut up” fucking MOOD Teebs you are so valid

lol get owned, Lockdown

Rodimus really gave Hoist a gold-plated pin-up of himself. Not even his current self, that's his Hot Rod design

Spotlight: Hoist

I will never be able to see this panel with Hoist telling Swerve about the scanner scope without thinking of that edit someone did to make it say “See that, Swerve? That thing there?" “The internet?” “Do not trust the internet. The internet lies.”

gfdsjks Swerve just “um actually'd” Perceptor shut the hell up

I do like these little glimpses of characters that ultimately didn't get much screentime outside these spotlights, like it's so easy to forget that Sunstreaker was ever on the Lost Light bc he didn't get to do much before he was transferred back over to Barber's comic (it's been years since I've read those as well and I do not remember what the comic's name was at that point and I refuse to look it up)

damn I forgot how rude Swerve is in early MTMTE, he's just out here roasting people unprompted

oh it's bc he's deflecting the fact that he's dying lmfAO fuck forgot about that part

“I know it's neither the time nor the place but damn we look good” it is always the time and place Sunstreaker, you are so FUCKING valid

honestly? Love the idea of the phobia shield. Love that kind of mind-fuckery, would've loved to see it used on more characters lmAO

MTMTE 6

absolutely love the combo of Rung and Whirl being Fort Max's hostages, love how harsh Whirl is, gimme that CONFLICT

aw come on Max don't deadname Roddy like that

oooouuhhguhgh Whirl tells his backstory only when Rung's life is threatened *points at Whirl* haha you caaaaaaaare

god I love how fucked up the way they pacify Fort Max is. Honestly this whole issue is fucked up and I love it

Knowing that Drift is on Overlord duty, his talk about how Red Alert is snooping around too much hits different lmAO

#mtmte retrospective

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ofxlilac · 8 months ago

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(chris wood) [THE GOOFBALL]. Please welcome [WESLEY "WES" RIVERS (HE/HIM] to Huntsville, WV. They are an [32]-year-old [RESIDENT] who lives in [THE COMMUNE]. You may see them around working as a [CASHIER AT THE FAMILY VIDEO]. Poor unfortunate soul. We’ll see if they survive.

BASICS

NAME: Wesley Rivers AGE: 32 BIRTHDATE: September 22nd SIGN: Libra LABEL : The Goofball GENDER: Cismale ORIENTATION: demi sexual, it is based on who he develops a connection for. LOCATION: Huntsville

PHYSICAL

HAIR: light brown hair EYES: brown/amber if in the right light HEIGHT: 6'0″ MARKINGS: none

FAMILY

RELATIONSHIP STATUS: single SIBLINGS: none PARENTS: ------

SKILLS - probably a gatherer and not hunter

PHYSICAL PROWESS: not athletic at all, would probably die or faint if he had to run for a long time. he is more on the lean side, though he played sports in high school, he's got some build in his upper arms. ABILITIES: He has a charm about him where he feels the vibes, he tries to make a bad situation a good one. he can be witty, and funny. he doesn't care if he looks stupid doing so. SPOKEN LANGUAGES: English, Italian. HOBBIES: cashier at the family video, can recommend some good movies, discounts, and coordinate an awesome movie date.

TRAITS

POSITIVE: trustworthy, loyal, brave, attentive, daring, focused NEGATIVE: dependent, insecure, stubborn, cautious, not confident

PREFERENCES

COLORS: dark blue, black, sunrise – lilac, blue, orange sky that mixes. SMELLS: fresh baked bread, ocean breeze, smell of wood burning, peppermint and cinnamon. DRINKS: open to all drinks FOOD: pizza, tacos, steak, ice cream, – not a picky eater at all.

OTHER

FUN FACTS: loves thunder storms, left handed, he can actually play guitar and play it well, not a fan of the heat, prefers the cold.

CHARACTERS:

HUMAN : steve harrington - stranger things, peter parker - spiderman, best friend in any movie VAMPIRE: Lestat - interview with a vampire FEARS: to lose people he cares for. Losing himself. TRIGGERS : can get a little anxious if he somewhere where it can't get out, or if its a small space.

Song - Paralyzed by NF

“ I’m paralyzed Where are my feelings? I no longer feel things I know I should I’m paralyzed Where is the real me? I’m lost and it kills me inside I’m paralyzed ”

BIO - tw mentions of alcohol.

Wesley grew up in Huntsville, Virginia. His father was not one for high spirits. as most of his childhood days consisted of cleaning up after his father's drunken messes. He didn't have material things or fancy clothing. During his childhood, he would hear whispers and chatter from other kids about his clothes, and his looks. That didn't bring his self-confidence up throughout his teenage years.

however, that didn't get to him, he wouldn't allow it too, he had too big of a heart and wanted to always see the good. even if it meant going through difficult times and pain. so where did that lead him? well, it lead him to using humor as an outlet. if people focused on what was funny, then they wouldn't question his background or ask about his family. anything to get the attention off of him in regards to that.

during his high school years, he played baseball, and he found he was good at that. he was a high school pitcher. wesley was one to blend into the crowds, still, he made people laugh, and that was enough for him. whether people liked him for that---he didn't want to really know what their intentions were. however, his father ended up moving out of Huntsville and wesley ended up leaving once high school was over. he didn't really continue his education, just found himself going from one state to another.

eventually settling in West Virginia, after the storm had passed, he realized there wasn't much of an escape from the town. the monster thing also didn't help either.

PERSONALITY

Wesley is a bit of a goofball, he jokes around, and likes to make people smile. even if he is unwelcomed or can't make others open up, he is pretty chill, and in high spirits. he decided to make the most of the town. he can be trusted, and if you end up breaking that trust, it impacts him, because he believes that people can be good, they just tend to hide all their insecurities and pain.

CONNECTIONS

Friends Enemies fellow cashier buddies at the family video a crush people he helps best friend

#huntsvilleintro #intro #intro: Wesley

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aprillikesthings · 10 months ago

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OKAY I meant to start earlier in the day but I know once I start it will be difficult to stop lol

but I have some tasty pasta to eat let's go

(how much do you want to bet EVERY EPISODE after this is a two-parter due to the sheer amount of plot bumping into tumblr's images-per-post limit)

s4 ep11 beast island

They're talking about their plan to go to Beast Island and get Entrapta--and side note, the ship goes about as fast as an airplane, judging by the clouds/ocean's movement

will she tho

(I actually don't know! This is one of those plot points I forgot in part because I marathoned the last season and change of the show almost four years ago lol; like seriously from this point on I can remember random specific scenes but not which order or why they happened; it definitely doesn't help that a couple months ago I watched a bunch of She-Ra humor videos that are all, like, just clips from s5 in no particular order)

(seriously if you're a She-Ra fan they're great, they're especially funny if you're high as balls, which Daci and I were when I was like "hey you have to watch these with me they're hilarious")

the globe map is throwing some kind of angry alarm and Swift Wind's senses are tingling

They hit....something!

points to whomever designed that, it looks really cool, and yes, vaguely menacing

okay but you were ALSO told that Princesses were all evil soooo

They find Entrapta's mask and a Horde-made skiff and Swift Wind can hear some kinda weird noise

the ship did call it a Hazardous Materials Disposal Site...

anyway a bug-robot-thing starts to attack them--and Adora can't transform to She-Ra here!

OH HEY so the droning sound Swift Wind keeps hearing that's super fucking creepy is a Shepard Tone! (more info via wikipedia of course)

("April how do you know so much random shit?" I have ADHD and an internet connection. Also in this case specifically, Alex Hirsch once did an AMA in character as Bill Cipher, and he linked to a Shepard Tone and said it was his favorite song.)

Anyway they're attempting to fight the bug and losing

:D I KNOW WHO THIS IS :D

He scares the bug off with magic!! (Shadow Weaver did say he was a powerful sorcerer...)

dun dun DUNNNN

okay so I was confused as to how Glimmer was gonna get in there and duh SHE CAN FUCKING TELEPORT ffs

anyway Light Hope is a computer program and you're not the correct input??? you can't just order it to work pfft

YOU'RE NOT SHE-RA lol

Anyway King Micah hasn't been around other people in a loooong time and is bad with things like "personal space" lol

they're asking about Entrapta and I love that everyone in this show just Knows that Entrapta is like. Into robots. Sexually.

(I'm not looking right now but SOMEone has to have written a fic of Entrapta just making, like, really wild sex toys or fuckable robots, right? Right???)

LOL THAT'S HER ALL RIGHT

Entrapta apparently went to the center of the island but Micah is discouraging them from going. The sound Swift Wind keeps hearing is a signal of some kind from the center--

Apparently the signal is enough to draw people in and drive them mad.

poor dude

Also he thinks Glimmer is still a child and asks about Angella, and Bow and Adora just do a 😬

But they promise to take Micah with them once they find Entrapta and leave

I dunno I think it's kinda cute

Anyway as they keep walking both of them start having moments of borderline-crippling self doubt

Glimmer's killed the spiders that the Crystal Castle sets on intruders and is still trying to harass Light Hope into talking to her:

Apparently yelling that she wants to use the Heart of Etheria was the right thing to say

Back on Beast Island, the signal is getting stronger, Micah is trying to get more information about Glimmer from Bow and Adora, and also they're being hunted by critters:

There's some kind of distorted speech in the signal (which still mostly sounds like a Shepard Tone), and Swift Wind is frozen in place by it and this is happening--

CREEPY AS FUCK

Adora, trying to convince Micah not to give in, blurts out that Glimmer is Queen, oops

oh god there's a flash of light and Adora relives Angella kissing her forehead and telling her "take care of each other," then a bunch of moments of her and Glimmer, then:

"I won't give up, not on my friends, not on Etheria,"

--and she transforms into She-Ra :D

NICE!

The blast frees everyone of the vines and they're back to being themselves

"It wasn't the signal stopping me from being She-Ra, it was me. I was afraid Glimmer was right,"

"But I promise I'd take care of her--take care of everyone, and I will"

(actually you promised you'd all take care of each other, but whatever; like, this is part of her whole character arc)

Side note, She-Ra is taller than Micah by like, half a head minimum

The scary critters all run off because some huge monster shows up, the monster opens its metal jaws, and

and I've run out of images with three minutes to go pfft okay hold on

#april rewatches spop #beast island

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sanchofff · 1 year ago

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The Industrial Revolution(ler!Prussia, lee!Germany)

A/N:Hi everyone!!!this is my first fic, hope you'll like it!I love the Prussia/Germany dynamic, they are simply the best of the best fr

‼️This fanfiction contains tickles‼️

Word count: 2248

Eh, the end of the 19th century... The Industrial Revolution, progress in all spheres of society, well, isn't it a beauty? The embodiment of the newly emerged German Empire, young Ludwig Beilschmidt, is no longer so young and is growing and developing by leaps and bounds. For the last few years of its existence, it has to work especially actively because of competition between states and the need to increase its authority on the international market of goods. Every day, from morning to night, he works on designing new equipment and manufacturing high-quality commodity units.

To be honest, he would have long since died with all this work fuss, if not for his older brother, Gilbert Beilschmidt, who has been raising him since birth. He taught Ludwig everything he knew himself, and helps him in everything he can help in order to make a powerful and worthy state out of him; in general, he is an excellent brother, only at first glance at these two, because of the differences in characters, you can't immediately tell that he is his brother. However, it has never bothered anyone.

On this day Ludwig and Gilbert had a lot of work: in the first half of the day it was production, then testing of new goods, and after that a meeting with England, Arthur Kirkland, dedicated to the export and import of goods. In general, they lost their minds, but Ludwig, still unaccustomed, of course, was more tired. Therefore, having crossed the threshold of the house and taken off his shoes, Germany immediately went into the living room and, now relaxed with thoughts of rest, took off his jacket and lay down on the sofa in a shirt, trousers and socks. The sound of the front door closing was heard, and a couple of seconds later Gilbert came into the living room, also without a jacket. Prussia took a couple of steps to the sofa, sat on the edge, half-turned to the West, and gave the younger the usual confident smile, to which Germany just sighed and lay on his side.

"Brother... This is some kind of horror," Ludwig said with an emotionless expression on his face, looking somewhere in front of him. The intonation with which this phrase was said seemed very funny to the Prussian, so he laughed loudly.

"Excuse me, West, I couldn't restrain myself," said Prussia, quickly calming down."I understand it's hard for you now, but believe me, you'll get used to it soon, and it won't be so difficult anymore."

"According to your stories, it's only difficult in the war, but here, it turns out, it's like this... Political and economic issues will soon drive me mad," Germany continued. He never allowed himself to open up to anyone, but his brother is an exception to this rule, especially when they are alone at home. Prussia was with him throughout his life and never condemned him for anything, but only supported him in everything. And besides, even if Ludwig feels bad, but does not tell Gilbert, the elder will still notice that something is wrong and will get his way." Uh, em... sometimes it starts to seem that I'm doing everything wrong, and people are unhappy, and I do not know how to please them."

"Come on, I don't need it here!" The elder shouted with mock anger and poked the younger in the shoulder. "Don't be sour, West! Forget about it, you'll be fine, everything will be fine!"

The brothers were silent for half a minute. Ludwig felt a little calmer after this conversation, but his heart was still anxious and somehow not at all fun. Gilbert was great at sensing the atmosphere; he could see how much Junior was going through. How could he cheer him up?

Prussia looked from Junior to his hands. Suddenly an idea popped into his head, bad lights danced in his eyes.

"West, you're not happy," Gilbert stated the fact, running his right index finger along the fabric of the sofa.

"Yes, is it true, or what?" Ludwig gasped with feigned surprise. He noticed a strange sly note in the elder's voice, and it bothered him a lot.

"I know how to fix it!"

****

"Come on, West! Laugh!" of the sounds surrounding Prussia are only his own proud giggling, the rustling of fabric and the confused breathing of the younger."Come on!"

Now in their living room you could see this picture: Gilbert, straddling Ludwig's hips, proudly sitting on his younger brother and poking, then fingering his sides.

A few restrained sighs come out of Germany's mouth. Ludwig himself tries to resist tickling sensations, bites the inside of his cheek and his lips to restrain laughter. He grabs the older man's wrists, trying to push Gilbert's hands away and wriggle out from under him.

"Hey!" Prussia, seeing that the West was trying to escape, quickly pressed his hands with his knees, continuing his actions. This deprived the younger of the last escape route, leaving only the opportunity to squirm under the elder. "What do you think you are doing?"

Another couple of sharp pokes on the sides. Ludwig suddenly choked on air and coughed, which surprised Gilbert very much.

"West, are you kidding me?" the elder stopped for a few seconds so that the younger could even out his breathing. "I'm trying to help you here, actually, I want you to relax and not be so constrained, and you're ruining all my plans!" To be

honest, for Germany it was little like relaxation. No, he certainly didn't hate it, but the tickling is so embarrassing! Making someone laugh in this way is very sadistic, don't you think (and what, just in the spirit of Prussia)? In any case, the sensations were tolerable so far; if Gilbert continues at the same pace, then he will simply get bored with it due to the lack of reaction, and he will stop. In this case, Germany will definitely be able to withstand it. He'll handle it.

At least, that's what he thought. Until Prussia really got bored with it, but instead of stopping, as Ludwig expected, he decided to move his merciless attack from his brother's sides to his ribs, his more sensitive place.

Germany felt like an electric shock. He arched his back and made a sound vaguely resembling either a snort or a cry. Prussia, seeing that his brother would break down pretty soon, grinned and continued working harder with his fingers somewhere in the area of the younger's upper ribs. No matter what anyone said, and, in addition to the role of a loving older brother, Gilbert was also a real sadist: he pressed, easily ran his fingers, poked and, in principle, affected his brother's nerves in such a way as to cause as interesting reactions as possible. From such actions, Germany wanted to wriggle out, cover himself with his hands, squeeze into the sofa and, of course, laugh. Ludwig was no longer so confident in his abilities, so he just squinted and did not let a silly smile appear on his face until the last moment, waiting for it all to end.

And why didn't Gilbert immediately remember that West is ticklish? When Ludwig was a little boy, Prussia very often had to (oh, who is he kidding, it's already clear from him that he is more than satisfied with it) tickle him to cheer up or to conduct a so-called "endurance training". And if we take into account the fact that there were also such persons as Austria, France and Spain in his life... In general, we can say that he was a real expert in his field, and even with an excellent memory, because now he was furiously trying to remember which places on the body of his most beautiful brother were more sensitive.

Suddenly he had an idea. He stopped tormenting Ludwig's upper ribs, lightly running his fingers from them to the lower ribs, then along the sides and stopped where the pelvis connects to the hip, placing his palms on this place. He looked at Ludwig, whose eyes, from this shameless act of the elder, were like two silver coins in size.

"B-brother, I beg you, don't," said Ludwig, who was extremely nervous, trembling slightly. "Let's try to negotiate..."

"West, I'm not doing anything, and you're already all worn out! Are you still ticklish after all these years?"

Gilbert deliberately teased the younger one, bending his fingers very slightly. He remembered that even a small influence in this area, combined with a light teasing, would work perfectly on Ludwig and definitely make him laugh; the same tactics works perfectly on Antonio, by the way. "And in general, what is it that you and I have to agree on? I think everything is as clear as day," at this point, Prussia decided not to tease Ludwig anymore, either having mercy on the younger, or simply speeding up out of boredom, so he sharply squeezed his brother's hips, and mentally made a note:West is growing a real diplomat, ready to compromise.

The reaction to the compression followed immediately. Ludwig jerked so hard that he almost dropped himself and Gilbert from the sofa, and a ringing but tired laugh, which sounded like surrender, finally came from his lips. Prussia, hearing that the West had finally stopped fighting, laughed his trademark laugh not at his brother but with him—he was so pleased with himself and glad that he could finally make his brother laugh.

Under the elder's hands, Ludwig desperately writhed, stretched his neck, arched his back and let out more and more giggles. He lost. He was completely unarmed against his brother, all attempts to escape ended in a grand failure. Although, you know, Germany was not particularly against it. Even though he and Gilbert spent all their time together, traveling around the country and sitting at blueprints, he really lacked tactile contact or simple, like a father's, care, as before, in childhood. Ludwig would never admit his desire to anyone on pain of death. But, even so, this is not the kind of pastime he expected! The only drawback in his life, as he believed, was his sensitivity to tickling, and also Gilbert's dexterous fingers, which constantly tormented him as a child, with and without a reason, and made him scream and beg for mercy. No matter what anyone says out of ignorance, Prussia really was a master in this sphere, Ludwig is firmly convinced of this to this day.

And Prussia was having fun with absolutely undisguised delight, like a small child who was presented with a long-awaited toy. He, determined to extract as much benefit as possible from his fortunate position, skillfully scratched with short nails and squeezed the hips of West through the fabric of his trousers. After he began massaging with the thumbs of both his hands the places where the hips and pelvis meet, and with the rest of his fingers he drove where the sides connect with the back, Ludwig squealed very unmanly, and his laughter rose a couple of octaves.

"West, aren't you ashamed of yourself? I'm trying to relax you here, and you're laughing at me! Do you know what usually happens for this?" Gilbert asked threateningly, insidiously moving the fingers of one hand in the air, and continuing the execution with the other.

Ludwig tried to hold back his laughter for a couple of seconds and quickly nodded his head. Of course, he knows what usually happens for this. He went through this as a child. By the way, he didn't last long, and literally a second later, laughter was pouring out of him again in torrents.

"Well, that's great!" and continued what he was doing.

"Enough, please! Brother, that's enough, that's it!" now Ludwig really felt like in his childhood. It was the same words that he always used trying to stop his brother before, being in similar situations, but this, unfortunately, never helped him. Gilbert never listened to his pleadings about stopping tickling, but, at the same time, he has never overdone it. Prussia was very observant and always knew when to stop.

Just about a minute later, Gilbert decided that it would be enough for Ludwig, and he had already "relaxed" enough and laughed. Prussia began to slow down gradually, and after ten seconds stopped altogether, replacing the teasing movements with strokes and rubbing to erase the residual tickling sensations.

If someone had said that Gilbert was at least a milligram dissatisfied with the work he had done and the result obtained, then this person could have been accused of treason. Ludwig was lying on the sofa, trying to even out his breathing as soon as possible, with his head slightly thrown back and his arms and legs spread out. The shirt and trousers, of course, were crumpled, the bangs were disheveled, a thick blush colored the cheeks.

" Better?" Gilbert asked, getting up from junior's hips and sitting down next to his brother on the couch.

"I'll never tell you anything again," of course it's not true. Germany firstly leaned on his elbows, then took a sitting position, hanging his legs from the sofa.

"I love you too, West," the elder Beilschmidt said, half with mockery, half with a caring intonation, first patting Ludwig on the back in a fatherly way, then putting his left arm around his shoulders.

A faint, sincere, laid-back smile appeared on Germany's lips. After all, Gilbert-style relaxation helped him.

#tickle fic #hws germany #aph germany #hws prussia #aph prussia #lee!germany #ler!prussia #aph #hws #hetalia

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steelcityreviews · 1 year ago

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REVIEW: HTI's Fun Home - An Ambitious and Heartfelt Premier for Hamilton's Theatre Community

Adapted from Alison Bechdel’s groundbreaking graphic novel, Fun Home is a refreshing original musical about the power of memory and how it helps us shape, reexamine or even destroy our identity. Moving between past and present, Alison relives her unique childhood playing at the family’s Bechdel Funeral Home, her growing understanding of her own sexuality, and the unanswerable questions about her father’s hidden desires. It was the unexpected winner of Best Musical at the 2015 Tony Awards, championed the underrepresented (specifically women writers and directors) and has become a sorely needed addition to the musical theatre zeitgeist.

Hamilton Theatre Inc. has taken an ambitious risk with producing Fun Home as part of their 65th season. It is Hamilton Ontario's premier of the show and there has been a great deal of anticipation regarding its opening. After several health based challenges leading up to opening night, the show finally opened its doors to Maple Avenue and the Bechdel "fun home." While the production has its flaws, it ultimately grants audiences a brave, humourous and heart-felt look at the lives of the Bechdel family and how tragedy can lead to healing and hope.

Director Tyler Collins has staged Fun Home to incorporate all the memories present-day Alison recalls. The main set is the house, which begins as a dusty relic and is unveiled as Alison's father's passion project and, as we discover, a way to express his closeted queerness. The set design has some effective reveal elements to it which I won't spoil here but shows the ingenuity in how to make larger scenes work on a small stage.

HTI often faces the challenges of spacing and this time, the orchestra is affected. Some members were in the loft and some were on the ground floor which often made the sound levels uneven and several songs were very difficult to hear over the instruments. Lesson 101 at HTI is always the power of projection as the cast is not mic'd and the hanging mics only provide so much assistance. Due to many cast members recovering from illness, this may have affected their ability to project so bravo to those who pushed through. That being said, audience members who are not familiar with the songs and story may find difficulty in hearing several cast members throughout. The production features some moody lighting that adds to the overall atmosphere of the show but is also underlit for several scenes. The actors faces were often so dark that the emotional impact was frequently lost. Perhaps, for the remaining shows, some extra spotlight usage or warm washes would help resolve this.

Where this show shines is in its casting. It is no easy feat to cast three individuals to play the same character at various points in their life. Collins and the creative team made brilliant choices in casting Kristi Boulton (Present-day Alison), Sabrina Gabrielle (Medium Alison) and Ariana Abudaqa (Small Alison). Each of these actors bring charm, humour and nuance to their performances and they even match one another in stature and vocal prowess.

Boulton interacts with the other versions of Alison in an endearing way while making hilarious quips about situations as she tries to make sense of her past. Boulton impresses with her deep understanding of the source material and channels the emotional impact of the story with deep respect and soaring vocals, particularly in Maps and the gut-wrenching Telephone Wire. Gabrielle embodies the nervous energy of Medium Alison perfectly while they accept their sexuality and their awkwardly joyful Changing My Major is equal parts funny and relatable. I hope to see more of Gabrielle on stage in the future. Small Alison is energetic and sassy, almost to a fault. There is undeniably a great deal of talent in Abudaqa but her performance of Ring of Keys comes off a bit too manic and less reflective in the realization of Alison's sexuality. It is a pivotal moment in the show and it doesn't have the impact it should. All this to say that at the finale, these three will have you tearing up with their powerful performance and gorgeous harmonization. Bravo.

While Alison is our protagonist, the show ultimately focuses on the strained relationship with her father Bruce, his closeted sexuality and the deeply concerning (and ultimately tragic) decisions he makes. Ian McKechnie is another strong casting choice in this role. He understands the levels needed to make this role work so that the audience never hates him but like, Alison, never truly understands him. The moments of rage and intensity delivered by McKechnie shows off his skilled acting ability and the tension and despair never feels phoned in. Very impressive work.

There is a great deal more to praise about HTI's Fun Home. Amber Mill's breaks our hearts with her tragically resentful Days and Days. This song is a key example of why musical theatre exists: to show emotion and reveal one's self when words simply aren't enough. Mills demonstrates the heartbreak in this song and it is delivered beautifully. The Bechdel brothers (Gretchen Tellez and Olive Millie) deliver some refreshing moments of levity in Come to the Fun Home and Raincoat of Love and Jackie Mahoney and newcomer to the stage, Ivan Bond provide balanced support as Joan (Alison's girlfriend) and various characters throughout. The costumes are period accurate for the 1970's and the colour matching for the characters, particularly the Alison trio, is creative and clever.

HTI's Fun Home is a welcomed piece of musical theatre in our community and almost a decade since its original debut, still has a story that needs to be told. Audiences will come to understand more about the rollercoaster of emotions while discovering one's sexuality, the hardships associated with it and how the past can be our greatest resource to accepting ourselves and those who impact our lives. Tickets are selling quickly for this Hamilton premier. Go to the Fun Home.

For tickets and more information, please visit: https://hamiltontheatre.com/tickets/

Photos by: Kreations Photography

#musicaltheatre #tonyawards #funhome #alison bechdel #hamonttheatre #hamiltonontariotheatre #HamiltonOntpremier

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lunatic-fandom-space · 2 years ago

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Alrightyyyyy, I just watched the 2018 JCS Concert version and its probably my least favorite version of this musical so far and, unless theres another 'official' proshot of it that Im not aware of yet, I have little doubt that this will be my least favorite professional version. Its not bad, theres certainly things to enjoy but theyre mostly smaller details and I dont really think the whole managed to be greater than those smaller parts, yknow?

Something that I enjoyed overall as someone whos watched and analysed three other versions of this musical before watching this one, is that there were a lot of points where I could tell that the people behind this were inspired by previous versions but still trying to put their own spin on it and not directly copy certain ideas, that was fun

The camera work was fine, there were a few shots that felt kinda awkward like one where Pilate or some other character I dont really remember, just stares dead into the camera with such a weird expression, it made me cringe a little, but otherwise I dont have much to say about it. I unfortunately dont have a whole lot to say about the staging or lighting or costumes either when I usually talk a lot about those so Im expecting this post to be on the shorter side just for that lmao. Like with the musical overall, those elements arent bad theyre more just lacking or dont quite come together as a whole. I did really like the set though, that sort of under construction cathedral looks really cool and it fits this more abstract telling of the story. It kinda reminded me of the 2000s version, which was also a lot more abstract than either the 73 or 2012 versions but was bogged down by these weird occasional half-hearted attempts at more modern political commentary, which this 2018 version doesnt have so I think its an improvement in that way. And just to be clear, I dont have an issue with newer versions of JCS trying for more relevant political commentary at all, I think its actually very appropriate, they just didnt do a very good job at it in the 2000s one and it honestly seemed like they were going to have the same issues in this version at the very start but they didnt, so that was good. The direction in the 2000s movie is wayyyyyy better though and I found it more enjoyable overall despite that and despite really disliking the lead actors

Speaking of which, I actually didnt really like most of the performers in this one. Judas started out great, he reminded me a lot of 73!Judas which is high praise from me since thats my favorite version and when I rewatched it I was metaphorically laying on my stomach with my head propped up on my hands kicking my legs back and forth like a middleschooler with a crush whenever he was on screen. Unfortunately I do think he got a bit worse over the course of the show to the point where he was 'just' good, which, hey, thats still not bad at all and pretty enjoyable to watch and listen to but still a bit of a disappointment because I honestly thought he did an amazing job with Heaven On Their Minds and even in Strange Thing, Mystifying (although that song had a bit of a weak start imo) and his part in Everything's Alright so the decline was still pretty noticeable. I did like his body language and the way he characterized Judas though

This Jesus was kind of a funny one because based on his appearance and vibes alone he probably has the most Just Some Guy energy out of all the Jesuses Ive seen which is saying a lot and yknow, I enjoy that. And then he opens his mouth to sing for the first time and its absolutely amazing and Im like WOAHH because his voice instantly makes me Get why people would wanna listen to this guy and follow him and stuff. Like, I think Jesus is a very difficult role because you have to balance coming across as detached from the people around him because hes experiencing stuff they genuinely cant understand with coming across as charismatic enough to make it believable that this cult of personality would form around while not making him come across as too much of a holier-than-thou asshole, and I think casting a pretty unassuming guy with a kind of stiff but fairly unremarkable way of holding himself but whose voice is very powerful wouldve been an excellent way to portray him. Im saying 'would have' because while hes great for his first few lines and has some moments where I think he really shines sprinkled throughout the musical, but overall he just kinda gets worse from song to song imo. Its not even like hes good for the entire first act and then gets weirdly bad in the second one, like the reverse of 2012!Jesus who was pretty weak in the first act but then randomly got really good in the second one, he just gets progressively worse its a real shame. But I still wanna mention those moments where he really shines, spoiler alert theyre mostly when he gets angry; when hes yelling at Judas in Strange Thing, Mystifying, hes pretty good in The Temple, both when hes yelling n shit and when he has that short quiet verse between the two parts and during his parts in Trial Before Pilate. Funnily enough those parts are also all parts I really liked in the 1973 german version and his delivery is very similar to that Jesus but thats just a coincidence lol

I also have a lot of things to say about like, the non-singing parts of his performance but in the interest of not talking about Jesus for too much bc I still have a lot of other stuff to talk about, Im just gonna talk about something I noticed during Simon Zelotes in this. In the other versions Ive watched it was pretty clear that Jesus was uncomfortable during that part and I noticed that he really wasnt in this 2018 one, which I initially found interesting (in a positive way) because I hadnt seen that interpretation before but then I thought about it some more afterwards and I was like, ohhhhhh yeah, theres a reason I havent seen that interpretation before huh. I think him being perfectly comfortable during this scene makes him feel a lot more, idk if this is the right word exactly, thoughtless ? he feels very No Thoughts, Head Empty, is what Im trying to say. And it makes him come across as less complex and kind of undermines a big running theme in this musical which is that no one really understands Jesus because hes mentally ill on a mission from god. Also, Simon Zelotes very much feels like its trying to comment on the hollow nature of praying to a guy whose actual teachings you dont really follow and that really loses its impact when Jesus just like. agrees, basically. On top of that it makes Poor Jerusalem kinda come out of nowhere so that makes for a weird experience

So, since Ive talked about Jesus and Judas individually I also wanted to spare some time to talk about what theyre like together since their relationship is a pretty big focus. I dont have a lot to say about the kiss that I havent already said in my first post about this version, its awkward I hate how the hug thats supposed to happen afterwards comes in weirdly too late, I did not like it. at all. And after I made that initial post I realized that part of the reason it felt so weird and awkward is probably because they have basically no physical contact with each other before (or after) this and like. Theres a lot of physical contact between Mary and Jesus and Mary and Peter and I think there was atleast an attempt from her to reach out to Judas and touch his arm at some point and when you pay attention to the extras theres a lot of touching going on too, especially during the The Last Supper which is yknow, the scene that almost directly procedes the kiss so its like, extra noticeable. And its extra weird because theres a lot more physical contact between Jesus and Judas in other versions and in this one its like they wont even stand too close to each other for some reason.

Anyway, moving on to a character that I usually dont have a lot to say about: Mary. I like her but shes not that complex and while her songs definitely definitely arent bad (bc none of the songs in this show are bad imo) theyre not necessarily songs I would listen to on their own, but again, I like her and I think she usually manages to seem interesting even when the play doesnt really focus on her. So it surprised me that they could make her so bland in this one. Ive thought about this for quite a while now and I still cant quite get a handle on why exactly she comes across like that, but I think its because shes lacking that bit of edge that Mary had in the previous versions Ive watched. Like, in the 1973 movie shes kinda grimy because everyone is kinda grimy (I think 70s movies are just kinda like that) and I remember her voice having a bit of roughness to it and she did come across as a bit cold on my first watch, like, I was obviously expecting her to be a pseudo-love interest for Jesus but thats just because Im aware of certain conventions that dictate that any piece of media needs some kind of romantic subplot, not because she actually came across as romantically interested in him. Then in the 2000s version she was pretty passive agressive towards Judas and they did some stuff to make them more obvious foils of each other and Ive talked about this before, this ended up making Judas come across as really weird and bad there but I do think Mary came out of it as more interesting so that was neat. In the 2012 version I'll admit its mostly just her outfit that makes her come across as interesting to me but idk, I also really like this actress and it was neat to see her do stuff with the rest of the ensemble in the background sometimes and she definitely never came across as generic in the same way that 2018!Mary did.

The most interesting things she did were, in this order: go up to Judas after Jesus yelled at him in Strange Thing, Mystifying and he walked away, her touching everyone and calming them down at the start of Everything's Alright and her sitting down between Jesus and Judas and holding both their hands for a moment before leaving to put a candle on the table at the start of The Last Supper. And one of those things wasnt even really interesting! And honestly, shes essentially the Token Girl Character of this very male-centric play and those almost always play this kind of mediator role, so this doesnt really help in making her feel less generic to me. Also, like, idk if this really makes sense as a complaint but I feel like encapsulates my issues with this Mary and its that, when she was doing I Don't Know How To Love Him and she got to the line "I'm the one who's always been/So calm, so cool, no lovers fool" I was just like "sorry girlie, I dont believe you, youve got massive Lover's Fool vibes" yknow. Moving on

I dont have much to say about Caiaphas, Annas and their goons, they were all pretty good. My main issue with them was that they were oddly quiet during This Jesus Must Die but honestly thats an issue with the entire production. Like, idk if something went wrong or if it was meant to be like this bit I was watching this on my computer with the volume wayyyy louder than I usually have it and it was still really quiet for some reason. The fact that the audience would applaud whenever a song ended or whenever a character entered or reentered the stage didnt help bc its like, most of these songs come one right after the other with nary a break inbetween bc they obviously didnt accomodate for that and it doesnt make for a very pleasant viewing experience. But back to the priests, I wanted to give a special shoutout to that guy that sings the line "A rabbel rousing mission that I think we must ABORT" I think hes great, hes absolutely insane, hes a white boy off the shits and I love him for it

Speaking of off the shits white boys, I also really liked Simon. I dont actually remember what his singing was like or if I thought it was good or not, I just remember him going wild on stage while looking like the older version of a Die Wilden Kerle movie villain (if youre not german or didnt watch those, please google "Die Wilden Kerle Gonzo", "Die Wilden Kerle Fabi" and "Die Wilden Kerle Darkside" to understand this joke) and sometimes thats really all you need. Also, during The Last Supper everyone is being very effectionate with each other and I love that Simon is included in that. Like, hes this horrible little man whos done nothing except advocate for violence and look, hes got a friend who hugs him, hes got a woman who hugs him and hes got a guy friend who comforts him when their spiritual leader/maybe friend? has a mental breakdown and starts yelling at all of them all of a sudden. Love that for him

I didnt like Pilate though. He did a good job I guess, but idk the vibes just werent right with him. Funnily enough I had the exact opposite of that issue with Herod, whose vibes were absolutely impeccable but whose singing was just kinda strange and underwhelming. I did like him going up to the audience during that dance break to be like "Whos your king?" or whatever, thats was neat

Thats it as far as my thoughts on the cast go, it wasnt great but I did really like the ensemble. I dont have too much to say about the individual musical numbers which is why I didnt split this post up the way I did my 2012 JCS post. I dont think they did anything particularly noteworthy or striking with the chereography or the lighting that wasnt done better in other version, the most interesting part was really the fact that there were two 'audience-walls'. What I mean by that is that, usually when you have a stageplay you have your set which has three actual walls and then one non-literal wall that the audience can see the story through, but this one has two, its like a rectangle with two sides missing essentially. But they still dont do too much with that, the staging of certain numbers is a bit more dynamic than it would be on a traditional stage (like Damned For All Time/Blood Money for example) and it seems like the performers have a bit more freedom to move and turn around and whatnot but thats about it.

One thing that I did really enjoy was the use of these white scarves. They show up during Hosanna for the first time and the ensemble members and Jesus all wave them around, they look cool and I like how actually wear them and put them around their heads during Jesus' second verse. Soon after that we get The Temple, which I think couldve been better, especially the first part, but during the beggars part the ensemble is also wearing scarves (I think theyre more of a light gray but its kinda hard to tell with the lighting) and I know its a stretch to say that this is supposed to be some sortof parallel or whatever between the two scenes because theres only so many ways you can wear a scarf but idk, I really like the idea of contrasting these two scenes where Jesus is surrounded by his followers. Im pretty sure the next time they appear its during The Last Supper scene where they all have them around their shoulders and then when they all use them as blankets when they go to sleep at the end, I thought that was really cute. Also, Mary puts a scarf around Judas' shoulders and Im pretty sure its light gray instead of white which could be a nod to The Temple scene earlier but I actually think its meant to kindof tie in to Jesus' outfit. I just realized I havent talked about the costuming at all but Jesus is wearing all white with a light gray jacket over it, so yeah. The next time the white scarves make an appearance is during Pilate And Christ, all the ensemble members wrap them around their chests like some sort of faux toga and then they take them back off for that mini Hosanna reprise and wave them around like they did during the song proper. The last appearance of these scarves is during Judas' Death, they're scattered all over the floor and he picks them up and hangs himself with them. I think I wouldve preferred it if he just kept that scarf Mary gave him and hanged himself with that but at the same time this is really good and interesting too, yknow, hes hanging himself using whats essentially a symbol Jesus-worship while telling god its his fault that hes doing it. good stuff

I was getting close to ending it here but remembering that I forgot to say anything about the costuming earlier caused me to remember all the thoughts I had about it but Ive already spent too much time writing this and Im starting to forget stuff, so here are my basic thoughts about the costuming in a quick bullet point list:

the outfits do an overall better job at actually looking cool and/or punk than they did in either the 2000s or the 2012 version, although i might just feel that way because theyre the most up-to-date fashion-wise

Pilates outfit was really weird and I still dont know what to think about it, I wouldve probably liked it more if they cast a different actor with better vibes

Herods outfit was great, no notes

I didnt like those background dancer outfits, they looked like bird-themed strippers and they wouldve felt more appropriate for the first half of The Tempel (that part was also in desperate need of some dancing, basically all they did there was rub their faces against a table full of glitter for about two minutes)

Judas outfit feels like an upgrade of the one from the 2000s version, he actually looked cool, h wore red and he showed some cleavage!! Not as much as the 73 version but still

JUDAS GOT TO WEAR WHITE AGAINNN well, he got to wear an outfit covered in white rhinestones which really looked more silvef but I dont think Im getting anything better than this at this point so I'll take it

I like that Mary wore orange like in the 1973 version and her dress was very beautiful but the lighting was kept very cool/neutral throughout most of the show so it made her stick out when she wasnt supposed to and it was really distracting

I like that all the ensemble members wear white and gray outfits for the crucifixion again, to tie in to Jesus' outfit

So yeah, Conclusion Time

I'd give this one a solid 6.5/10, for reference I thought both the 1973 movie and the 2000 recording were 7/10s and the 2012 version was an 8/10. Maybe thats a pretty high score for a proshot that I didnt have a lot of kind things to say about but idk, at the end of the day I still had fun listening to and watching a musical I really enjoyed

#jesus christ superstar

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rpfofficial · 2 years ago

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9, 11, 19, 21 :))

HI RYAN sorry thisbgot long but. :3

9. what’s a series or franchise you secretly or not so secretly think you’d be, like, a REALLY good writers for if they’d stop being cowards and hire you already?

okay the obvious answer is supernatural. i haven't had intense spn thoughts in months which is a good thing and a sign of healing but I know in my heart that I could fix that show I would treat it so well id be so good to it. Uhmm anyway. i also believe i would be an asset to the stranger things writing team because i loved it back in season 1 but now I have a very VERY mixed relationship with it (mostly including hatred and regret) but I could fix it i could fix them. Anyway.

11. if you currently write fanfiction or have ever written fanfiction, please tell us about the plot of the first fic you ever wrote

this is a difficult question because i genuinely don't know what the first fic i ever wrote was.... it was either marvel or harry potter sorry everyone. they were both when I was around 8 years old i just dont know which STARTED first. the harry potter one was basically just me making a bunch of ocs and putting them into the world with a new original villain. it was pretty good, considering, like 8 Yr old me did some in depth character development and I still have the notebook I used to outline chapters and write down songs that made me think of certain characters or stuff like that. and tge marvel thing was something I wrote with my cousin where we made a bunch of our own superheroes and villains that teamed up with the avengers and it was basically (comics universe) infinity war but to the left. notable heroes included Vortex who wore a suit that looks like the guys from Daft Punk and can create mini black holes out of thin air, and Jaguar who was basically my mini wolverine but she was also an acrobat. so yeah. My cousin had a guy called Dr Emoji who drove the emojibile and created little minions modeled after emoji faces and they basically fought for him. Me and my cousin are both autistic btw

19. what’s something neat you’ve learned while doing research for something you were writing? also, how much do you worry about doing research in general?

UHHMMMM i don't know i can't remember nothing comes to mind. i know things. I learn things. but I can't tell u something i learned specifically while researching for a writing project. I'm most likely to remember at a random moment when it isn't important or relevant sorry ry :') um and I've never written anything that required a ton of research, but i do it for everything I write, even for small things, and not always on a huge scale. does this make sense. research is important but i don't regard it as SUPER important . Depending on what ur writing.

21. BIG ask: what do you think is the most important component of a good story?

gay sex . no im kidding. its hard to pick just 1 thing but if i must say there are 2 components that are important to ME personally:

1) complex characters that are memorable, whether they are loved or hated, characters that make you feel things and even if you aren't rooting for them you still care to see what happens to them

2) funny stuff like genuinely intelligent comedy even if it's a super duper serious and dark story if there aren't tiny moments of light and humour then. Well then I don't like it that much lol. im not saying cringey worthless one liners or even full on jokes because those are often out of place and weird, but something that's enough to make you smile or exhale through your nose, that helps you connect to the story more

#📬#ryan ⚔️

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hauntedsideofthemoon · 2 years ago

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BROKEN HEART OF GOLD - chapter 6; can't see my way out

AO3 link

pairing: chishiya x gn!reader

format: gender-neutral original character/self-insert, they/them pronouns are used when necessary, no use of y/n or "___", feel free to picture the character however you wish!

tags: canon-typical violence, slow burn, ocs as side characters, mentions/depictions of mental health issues

word count: 3290

song recommendation: "One By One" by ONE OK ROCK

________________________________________________________

[GAME]

SCAVENGER HUNT

DIFFICULTY

SIX OF CLUBS

[RULES]

Players must find a key to unlock their collar to be able to leave the building.

Clues as to where the keys can be found will be sent to your phones.

Every 5 minutes, the players' collar LED will switch between ON and OFF.

If you get caught by the night guards patrolling the museum, it's GAME OVER.

If you try to leave the building while wearing a collar, it's GAME OVER.

[CLEAR CONDITION]

Unlock your collar and escape the building. The time limit is 1 hour.

‘A six of clubs game? Alright, this doesn’t sound too bad. At least they helped us with these floor maps.’

‘What do they mean by our collars LED switching between ON and OFF?’ The girl that was in the car with us spoke up, her voice quiet and shaky. But before anyone could answer her, all of the lights in the building went out.

‘What– What is the meaning of this? Is the game broken?’ A man yelled, his voice echoing inside the hall.

‘Hm. Interesting.’ Chishiya said to himself, turning on the flashlight on his phone. ‘So we will have to search for our keys in the dark.’

‘But if the whole building is dark and we have to use flashlights to move around, we are going to be easily spotted by those ‘night guards’, won’t we?’ I asked, looking at Chishiya.

‘Exactly. And I believe the collar's LED will make it worse for us.’

‘And here I thought this game wouldn’t be so bad.’

A voice resounded through the building:

[GAME START]

The clues will now be sent to your phones.

I didn’t know what kind of clues I would have expected from this game, but the reality was kinda disappointing. We had to solve a riddle to get to the key. I expected it to be difficult, but it was simply ridiculous.

‘They can’t be serious about this. Riddles for a scavenger hunt? Are we playing like kids now?’ Niragi grunted beside me before reading his riddle out loud, ‘I'm small and white, and I'm often found in groups with my brethren. Apply water and heat, and you will soften our hard facade. This sounds so stupid.’

‘Do you think you can solve that on your own?’ Chishiya teased him.

‘Haha, very funny. The answer is obviously rice.’

‘Rice…’ I quickly opened my booklet, ‘Wait, I remember seeing something about rice here!’

Rushing through the pages of the floor map, Niragi walked in uncomfortably closer and shone his flashlight over me. ‘Here, three instances where rice is mentioned, all of them in the north area of the 2nd floor. Should we go up there now?’

Niragi snickered before looking at me, ‘I guess you’re not as useless as I thought you would be.’ He walked past me, making his way to the elevator, and I followed. Chishiya was also tagging along with us.

‘Aren’t you going to look for the answer to your riddle?’ I looked back and asked him.

‘Mine is on the third floor.’

‘...Did you memorize the map in that short time you were looking over my shoulder?’

‘No. I’ve been to this museum before.’

‘Oh. I see.’ I felt a little embarrassed at how stupid my question was.

Reaching the 2nd floor, I spotted a small sign titled ‘Japanese People and Nature’.

‘People too? Maybe I’ll find the answer to my riddle here as well.’

Inside that room, right at the entrance, there were some pieces of rice illuminated by small lights inside the glass display. All the pieces were secured behind the glass, and it didn’t appear to have any keys nearby.

‘What now? Do I have to break the glass to search for the key inside?’ Niragi said and immediately lifted his foot, preparing to kick it. I yelled ‘NO!’, causing him to look at me with an irritated expression.

‘You think you can tell me what to do? You know I’m your boss here, don’t you?’

‘No, sorry, I didn’t mean to– I mean, there must be another option, because breaking the glass would make a lot of noise and would probably attract the night guards to us, don’t you think?’ I tripped over my words trying to ease the situation, and he seemed to consider what I said.

‘So? If you’re so smart , what do you suggest, then?’ He leaned over the wall, staring down at me.

The problem was, I couldn’t think of any alternatives. I began touching the wood around the displays, hoping to find some sort of secret opening, while Niragi kept his gaze on me. ‘Tch, I guess you are useless after all. I’ll just break this damn glass.’

He walked closer to the displays again when a strong violet light suddenly flashed around us. I shielded my eyes with my arms for a moment until I realized the lights were coming from our collars.

Niragi didn’t seem bothered by the lights. He broke the glass next to us, rummaging inside and destroying the pieces of rice looking for a key.

While he looked for his key, I thought about looking around for the exhibition I needed, until I noticed a spot of violet light outside moving closer to us. Chishiya stopped at the entrance, darting his eyes from Niragi to the glass shards all over the floor.

‘Not even 10 minutes have passed yet, and you’ve already made this much of a mess?’

Niragi quickly got up at the sound of Chishiya’s voice, ‘You again? Why don’t you go after your own clue?’

‘Already did it.’ Chishiya picked up his phone and read the riddle he had received, ‘Large as a mountain, small as a pea, endlessly swimming in a waterless sea. It’s about an asteroid. I just came back from the meteorites collection on the 3rd floor.’

‘And was that the right answer to your riddle? You still have your collar on.’ I looked at his neck, the deep violet light glowing under his face.

‘The riddle wasn’t pointing to the key.’ Chishiya came over to the rice exhibitions, carefully avoiding the glass shards on the floor. He stopped in front of a small monitor in front of the broken display and tapped on the screen, where a QR Code appeared. ‘You can scan it with the camera app on your phone, in case you didn’t know,’ he looked at Niragi with a mocking expression.

‘You really get on my nerves, you know that? Fuck off.’ Niragi moved closer to the monitor and scanned the QR Code. A notification sound came from his phone, and an image appeared below the riddle.

‘What the hell is this?’ Niragi was flipping his phone in all directions trying to make out anything from that image.

‘It’s your next clue. I believe that’s where the key is. I still have to figure out mine, too.’ Chishiya raised his phone, showing us a picture of a silver sphere. He, then, turned his face to me, ‘Have you solved your riddle yet?’

‘No, I was about to do it!’ I moved to the center of the room where a huge display showcased the historical evolution of Japanese people, from pre-history up to modern times. Now that I knew what to look for, thanks to Chishiya, I stopped in front of the monitor and scanned the QR Code with my phone.

Except… it didn’t work.

The voice on my phone said this was the wrong answer.

Both Chishiya and Niragi came over to me, with the latter asking what the fuck was taking me so long.

‘Well, now I’m confused. This is the only exhibition showing ‘people’ that I could find.’ I opened up my booklet to double-check, and Chishiya tried to read the riddle on my phone.

‘Are you sure the answer you’re looking for is ‘people’? What does yours say?’

I sighed before lifting my phone and reading my silly riddle out loud.

‘What walks on four legs in the morning, two legs in the afternoon, and three legs in the evening?’

Niragi cackled out loud after hearing it. ‘That’s even worse than mine!’

‘Yeah, I know, I know. But it’s also very easy and well-known, that’s why I’m confused as to why the scan didn’t work. I guess I’ll have to keep looking.’

‘Try looking for ‘human’ instead.’ Chishiya pointed it out, and it did make sense; I remembered seeing an area on the map called ‘human evolution’, so it was worth a shot.

As we were making our way out, I noticed a faint spot of light moving outside, but this one wasn’t violet. It could be coming from a player’s phone, but I had an awful gut feeling about it.

Niragi passed by me, still laughing out loud. Out of panic, I placed my hands over his mouth to shut him up, but he quickly grabbed my arms and pushed them.

‘What the fuck do you think you’re do-’

Raising a finger in front of my lips trying to shush him, I whispered ‘I think the night guard is outside.’

Chishiya lifted his hoodie to cover the light from his collar and peeked outside; ‘You're right. And the guard seems to have a gun strapped to their belt.’ He whispered and turned to face us, ‘There’s an elevator around the corner.’ He left the room, running toward the elevator and pressing the button to open it.

Niragi and I moved next, but before I could get close enough, he pushed me and I fell on my back.

‘Ah, sorry, can’t risk the guard coming inside while the doors are still closing, right?’ His tone was full of sarcasm. He had a disgusting smirk on his face as he waved at me before pressing a button inside the elevator; Chishiya was staring down at me with a neutral expression, though his brows were slightly furrowed.

Loud footsteps moved closer and closer to me; I glanced behind me and watched a night guard walking in my direction, reaching for the gun on their belt.

I tried to get up as fast as possible when I heard a scream followed by a whack – another guy slammed a fire extinguisher on the guard’s back, but they barely reacted and slowly turned their head at him, making that guy tremble in fear after his plan didn’t work.

The guard pointed their gun at that man and pressed the trigger, but no bullet shots were heard; the man began shaking violently before his whole body tensed up and he fell to the floor, now completely motionless.

It was a taser gun. And it was powerful enough to kill a person.

I stared at the scene in front of me, hearing the wires being pulled back inside the gun after the guard let go of the trigger. Suddenly, the collar of my shirt was pulled back with such strength and I was dragged inside the elevator.

The guard followed me with their eyes, aiming in my direction, but the elevator doors quickly closed before they could shoot. Our collars finally turned off, leaving us in total darkness.

Chishiya shone his phone flashlight at me and began talking, ‘You should’ve run the moment the night guard turned their back to you.’

‘You say that like it’s easy! I had just seen someone die in front of me, I was frozen in fear.’

‘It should be easy. You need to get used to that and move away fast, or else you’ll become an easy target. I won’t be there to save you next time.’

Chishiya’s words were blunt, and I recalled the moment he told me something similar during the Tag game. ‘Can’t stand the view of people dying? You’re not going to survive for too long like that.’

Still, I knew he was right, I would’ve died if it wasn’t for him. But I also knew I wouldn’t get used to the view of people dying near me so easily, and I didn’t get how he could be so apathetic toward death like that.

‘I will definitely be there next time to watch you die, though.’ Niragi was leaning over the wall, he had a small grin on his face that quickly faded away before his next words, ‘This idiot had been holding the elevator doors for you for too long, and you just sat there like a little prey waiting for its impending death. I was expecting to see you get shocked, but he dragged you here and ruined the moment.’

The doors opened, and both of them left without looking at me again. I finally got up to my feet and turned on the flashlight on my phone to look at the wall next to the elevator; we were now on the B1 floor.

I rushed to catch up to them. I didn’t know if I should keep following Niragi; he tried to get me killed, but he was still supposed to monitor me, wasn’t he? Following Chishiya could be a safer choice, since at least he came to save me, though he said he wouldn’t be so kind again and he seemed to be annoyed at me.

‘In the end, I need to survive on my own. And I need to be able to move fast.’

‘Oi, I need to check that map again.’ Niragi looked back at me. I reached inside my pockets, but they were empty. Anxiety filled my body and I gulped before slowly raising my head to look at Niragi – he had the most irritated expression I had ever seen on his face.

‘Don’t tell me you lost the damn map,’ he walked in my direction, and I moved back a few steps trying to keep the distance, ‘that was the only thing you were mildly useful for. Now you’ll just be a hindrance to me in this game.’ The look on his face was threatening, and he looked like he would kill me on the spot if he still had his gun.

‘We can still get another booklet! I’m sure there are some left at the central hall, which is just one floor above us-’

‘You go get it.’ Niragi cut me off. ‘This is your fault, so you go get it.’

‘Alright… I’ll do it.’ This guy was pissing me off so badly. But I still needed a booklet for myself since I had never been to this museum before. The idea of going up completely on my own made me anxious, but it would be a brief moment of peace away from these two.

I glanced at Chishiya for a moment, who was simply ignoring me and Niragi here. He was quietly watching something that looked like a pendulum, swinging back and forth in a corner.

Making my way upstairs, I walked over to the center and picked up another booklet, opening it on top of the table and shining my flashlight on it to get a better look. I wanted to find any other exhibitions that were related to people and get my clue as soon as possible.

As Chishiya suggested before, I looked for exhibitions that were titled ‘human’ instead of ‘people’ or ‘person’, and I found way too many instances of it. There was a huge area about human evolution, with specific exhibitions for each continent. ‘It will take some time to go through all of them, so I better go back fast.’

When I raised my flashlight, I noticed someone coming from upstairs – it was that climber woman. She also recognized me and walked over to me.

‘Hi! You’re that person from the Tag game, right?’

‘Yes, I am! Good to see you’re alive and well.’

She gave me a kind smile and we introduced ourselves to each other, before she mentioned being in a bit of a rush to get her key, explaining she needed to go downstairs. I told her I was also heading there, so I invited her to come along with me.

Back on the B1 floor, Niragi and Chishiya were arguing about something up ahead.

‘Oh, I forgot I’m stuck with those two for this game. I said we could go together, but that won’t be possible anymore, sorry.’

‘That’s fine, don’t worry about it. I’m going ahead then!’

Usagi quickened her pace moving toward the entrance to the Global Gallery when a night guard walked out from it and took notice of her. They immediately pointed the taser gun at her, but she was fast enough to run away from their aim.

I moved back to hide behind a wall, turning off my flashlight and noticing Chishiya and Niragi hiding in other corners of the room. I thought we all would be safe for a moment until our collars decided to turn on. Worst timing ever.

Footsteps came in our direction as the night guard made their way to us, and I got up to my feet heading for the stairs. I heard an electric shock sound, turning my head back to see that the guard had barely missed Chishiya. Glancing over at him, something else caught my attention – something was drawn on the silver sphere he was observing, though it disappeared when he moved far away from it.

It was like a cartoon lightbulb lit up above my head as I finally realized why our collars had violet lights, instead of normal white ones: They most likely had a blacklight LED, and our next clues were drawn with invisible ink.

I searched around for Chishiya, hoping that I could share my theory with him, and he was already watching me with a smirk on his face; it reminded me of the way he looked at me during the Tag game when he saw me staring at the safe zone door.

Shit, I really wanted to go over there to check the drawing, but the night guard was still nearby. I squatted and quietly tried to move closer to the sphere, but the guard spotted me and pointed their gun in my direction.

Before they could properly aim, though, someone – no, Usagi came running and jumped over their back, the guard struggled to dislodge her. They spun their whole body to fling her away and she hit the ground with a loud noise. My eyes darted between her and the guard as they looked over to her, readying their gun once again.

Something snapped inside of me, and I dashed in their direction. My heart raced with adrenaline when I tackled the guard and we both fell to the ground, making the guard drop both their taser gun and flashlight.

I sat back and looked up; the guard was already getting up while staring at me, and I felt my blood running cold. They walked in closer and I quickly scooched back, when my hand touched something on the floor – the taser gun.

Stunned and frightened, I could hardly think straight; my body moved too fast for me to realize, and suddenly I was holding the taser gun with both my hands, pointing at the guard in front of me as they had stopped moving. My arms were trembling and I couldn’t aim properly, but this wasn’t a normal gun – unlike a bullet wound, this could strike anywhere on their body and the shock would still kill them.

Was I really thinking of killing this person?

‘Would I even be able to do it?’

I had no time to reconsider anymore. The night guard sprinted toward me, and I pulled the trigger. A blood-curdling scream left their mouth when they received the shock, and soon they fell forwards to the ground, silent and unmoving, right next to me.

#hauntedsideofthemoon #chishiya x reader #chishiya x gender neutral reader #chishiya x gn reader #chishiya x oc #aib x reader #alice in borderland chishiya #chishiya fanfic #aib fanfic

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chronicvagabonds · 3 months ago

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this was just such a nice read!! 🥰 i'm so happy to have found this when i did because i really needed something light, fresh and sweet but still something that can keep my interest going and i enjoyed the character's interaction a lot. it was pretty funny as well lmao. 💀 and for some reason, taylor swift's 'enchanted' kept playing in the back of my mind during yeo x reader moments. though the story how they grew on each other wasn't as dramatic as that song (positively so). 💖

it was also really difficult to not quote the entire fic if i'm openly honest lmao. moments were just so nicely described and every sentence helped make everything sound and feel cohesive. and just make sense. how am i meant not to love the entire paragraph? 😮‍💨

[spoilers ahead]

quickly wanting to appreciate the fanfic banner, i love love when authors put in the extra time to stylize and customize a little something for their creations 🫶

it's very college-y (?) and silly and that yeosang look is 🫦 one of my faves on him.

i love how they're just in his car, sipping soju and having their own little get-together away from the noise and intrusions. oddly intimate for someone you had just gotten to know but it makes more sense knowing they slowly made their way out the party before just jumping into a stranger's car lmao 💀

“I read shit.”“Who doesn't?”“Jared, 19,” he replied, dead serious. caught me off-guard LMAO 🧍🧍🧍

“It means that prettiness is attracted to prettiness, and I'm attracted to you.” You whined, burying your face in your hands. Yeosang giggled to himself, incredibly proud at making you flustered, his knees curling upward to kick his feet in the cramped space. “I don't like you.” yeosang got me giggling and shit 🤭🤭 like bro, we're NOT comparable but thank you very much 💀🎀

“Yeosang, how do you like your eggs?” He snorted and burst into laughter, coaxing a similar expression out of you. A moment later, you were trying your best to pout at him, “Hey! Don't laugh! I hear it's all the rage on the pick-up line scene.”, “You're trying to pick me up?” He giggled. All memories of the previous topic flew out the car window. “Well, is it working?” He licked his lips around a smile, leaning over the center console to rest his cheek against his fist. “Ask me again.” LKSJSLKDM 🫨 from reader trying to rizz him up to him amping up his own charisma and then just ksjlkjd i love their back and forth so much

He leaned forward and—oh. Oh. Those were—his lips were on yours. He had leaned over the console and kissed you. He was kissing you. And when you didn't kiss him back, he drew backwards, an embarrassed expression painted over the adorable flush on his cheeks. “That—I shouldn't have done that, should I? I'm sorry; I dunno what I was—” i'm just going to 🫠🫠🫠🫠 the shock, the freeze. and the quick thinking from yeosang's side that maybe he misread the mood, stepped over a boundary they hadn't clarified. when this was such a heat in the moment action like he couldn't stop thinking about kissing reader the entire time 🤏😳 AND WHEN THEY KISSED HIM BACK I'M LSMLKMGKDJDL

Yeosang was propped up against the headboard, squeezed between a very unfairly serene-looking Seonghwa and a mildly hungover Hongjoong. the image of yeosang squeezed between THE PARENTS in an emergency meeting when everyone's hungover is so funny 💀💀 only for yeosangie <33

He could remember the way you made him feel—it was the jittery warmth that came with falling, and his heart had never grown wings before like it had around you. took my breath away for a second there. this is so so beautiful!!

You were perfect, for lack of a better word. And he knew a lot of words. having a lit. student at a loss for words 😭😭 oh he's whipped, no nae nae

“Aye hae yuu,” you grumbled around your toothbrush. “What's that?” She cackled, bringing a hand up to the shell of her ear. “I love you? I love you, too, Yn. But you know who else loves you?—”, “Dompt shae it.”, “Yeosaaaang!” You loathed the fact that her saying such things made butterflies flap their wings and dance around in your belly. what is girlhood if not poking fun at each other and teasing 🥰

“Look. Exchanging numbers was just the last thing on our minds—” Oh, Yn. Have you ever said something smart? Reina snorted. “Oh, I know.”, “We didn't just make out,” you grumbled, your cheeks warming beneath your hands.. “We talked.” and this is so much more important to reader 🥹 the knowing someone and being known. the non-physical intimacy playing just as much of an important part in their chemistry as their physical intimacy. he's not just some one-night-wonder and neither did he treat them like one either. <333

yura 🫵🤨 you are suspicious as hell!

..Yeosang’s efforts seemed to be for naught. The only thing that emerged from this were more people harping after him, claiming to be 'the one he was looking for.’ None of them were you. none. of. them. were. you!!! 😣😣😣😣😣

@/yskang99: how do u like ur eggs? THIS WAS SUCH A GENIUS AND CUTE IDEA!!! 🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️ let's leave the actual egg cooking to reader though *visceral flashbacks to yeosang trying to cook an egg for 5 minutes*

He began typing out slowly: I missed you… Then he swiftly amended it to: I missed talking to you. ugh 😭😭 the tiptoe-ing around each other is going to kjll me

not gonna lie. it took me a while for things to click and understand that the 'spiked' drinks meant they had alcohol. and not actual drugs meant to make them pass out blank and everyone was just casual with it 💀💀💀

Your eyes shuddered in surprise. Yeosang's girl. “Sorry?” You stammered. There was an insane amount of possessive pronouns being used tonight, buy you definitely weren't complaining about it, and could he perhaps say that again— hheehueueehkekekelkkeekehehehuhehee 🤪

I KNEW IT!! THIS B!TCH YURA 👿 MNGNGHH

yo, reina is a REAL one, a real friend frfr 😤😤😤 not only did she support reader since day one and encouraged her to pursue things with yeosang but also stood by them when they came across yeosang and yura. talked things through with them asap and even offered to leave the party together if their search goes fruitless. no second wasted thinking of having the time of her life and letting reader, her friend, deal with things by themselves. THAT'S MY GIRLY!!! 💪😼

With the coming of deep autumn, a slight breeze wafted by that drifted over your skin and raised goosebumps on your arms. You heard gravel crunching from behind you, coming down the ATZ driveway, and before you could turn your head to look, a warm jacket was placed over your shoulders. aww 🥹 so thoughtful and caring even when he can tell there's tension between them. something left unsaid. and he listens, ready for reader amidst everything that went down even prior to the party.

“I'm sorry you had to see that,” he murmured, eyebrows furrowed together. “It—it didn't mean anything. She did try to kiss me, but I pushed her away before she could.” it didn't mean anything compared to what we did? 👉👈 hehe. but also i do love that he's not apologizing for what happened but for the fact that reader had to see this. when this is not how he wanted things to go, for something valuable to him to possibly be tarnished by someone else.

You released a breath you didn't realize you were holding in. “Are you—are you okay? I'm so sorry she did that to you.” The corners of his lips tugged upward in a reassuring smile. “I'm alright, thank you. And it's not your fault.”, “I know, but still,” you insisted. “Your boundaries were violated, and it makes me feel so icky that I've called her a friend of mine, and—what?” Your words came to a screeching halt when you realized that Yeosang was just smiling at you. Or rather, gazing at you, admiring you. It was whatever he did whenever his eyes possessed a set of twin jewels in his irises that needed no light to glitter like gold; and when his grin softened at the corners by a tenderness that knocked the wind out of you, all words and systems failed you. this entire moment just: 💔❤️‍🩹❤️‍🔥

the vulnerability, the worry and the simmering topic of consent, maybe even a bit of a boundary between them as they're 'just friends' and though they do care for each other, there is a certain difference in what a friend versus a partner is 'allowed' to do/say in this situation. that doesn't stop reader from taking his side. from believing in HIM.

His smile reached his eyes and turned them into upturned crescent moons. "I'm not scared," he said, "that I like you more than I have ever liked her." By a landslide. SKMDLKD HE SAID IT OMG AAAAaAAAaHHH 🤸🤸🤸

“Cute,” he murmured. He lifted your chin up so you would look at him, his eyes darting down toward your mouth, and yours mirroring his movements. “I was wondering…”, “You can kiss me,” you blurted out, ignoring the utter leap in your pulse and the heat crawling up the back of your neck. for real, just do it already 😫😫😫 gawd puhlease!!!

“I don't like you,” was all you could come up with. “I'm sure you don't.” aaand, we came fullcircle :')))

𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬

nonidol!kang yeosang x f!reader

yeosang doesn't remember your name, but he remembers what kissing you tastes like and how you like your eggs in the morning. just your regular prince charming trying to find his cinderella, or in this case, his passenger princess..?

9.5k (lord.....), nc-17, s2l, frateez au, college au, mentions of alcohol, swearing, kissing, humor, fluff, minimal angst, another cinderella story au/trope(?), drama (i bring i bring all the drama-ma-ma-ma), a girl who is not a girl's girl :l, the barest of proofreading

a/n: this is for the @atzhouse you can't outrage us event! guys if the flirting is lackluster, it's cuz im running out of rizz

“I don't believe you.”—

The last place you expected to end up was in the front seat of some guy's white Lexus while the party raged on inside the ATZ fraternity house just down the street. According to him, he had to run out just before the crowd rolled in, and when he got back, somebody had snatched his parking spot.

—“Okay, but why don't you believe me?”—

The car smelled not like fresh leather, but an enchanting mixture of something like pine and smoked wood. Bitter, yet somehow, refreshing. You bet, even as the alcohol was hitting you, that it was what he smelled like.

His name was Yeosang—the guy sitting next to you in the driver's seat, the owner of this car, and the ATZ fraternity brother you bumped into at his house's own party. That had been just about twenty minutes ago when you'd ended up isolated from your pack of friends, and Yeosang had needed a desperate breather. It seemed he'd been running from someone (question mark), so you asked if he knew where the kitchen was. Eager to get away from whoever it was, he guided you straight to the kitchen and where the secret stash of flavored sojus were.

An offhand comment about wishing you didn't have to miss this one drama episode dropping tonight led to a longer conversation about the dramas you both enjoyed, which somehow landed you in his passenger seat.

The rest was history. Or—you supposed the rest was now.

“Because,” Yeosang said in a tone that sounded a lot like he was saying 'duh’, “you don't look like a biology major.”

He was gorgeous, even if the lighting in the party and out here was jack shit. The way the shadows cut across his face made him look like a faerie torn straight out of one of your old sketchbooks. You were half certain he had pointed ears beneath the cat-eared beanie he wore, but maybe that was just the alcohol doing its thing.

You sputtered out a laugh as he knocked back another gulp of his melon soju. He was more drunk than you were, maybe not by too much because that wouldn't have been fair, but it did take him seven tries to unlock his car seven minutes ago. “What's a bio major s'posed to look like?”

“Mmm…” he hummed, lips pressed together in a line that dug into his cheeks. “Not you.”

It only made you laugh harder. It wasn't even that funny. “That doesn't even make sense!”

“Does it have to make sense?” He squawked. His face shuddered for a moment as if he just experienced a glitch. “I forgot what I was gonna say, but it's the vibe.”

“The vibe,” you parroted in mild amusement. After you swallowed down your next gulp of soju, you gestured to him with the bottle, “Okay, now what about you? Your major, go.”

“I read shit.”

“Who doesn't?”

“Jared, 19,” he replied, dead serious.

Equally serious, you asked with wide eyes, “Really?”

He gave you an emphatic nod back. Really. Now, if you were a little less tipsy, you wouldn't have taken what he said at face value, but tonight was already miles away from your regularly scheduled program.

You pondered on that—the “I read shit,” not the misfortunes of one nineteen year old named Jared. “So if you read a lot of shit, does that make you a literature major? No, wait! I got it; you look like Comparative Lit.”

“Bingo,” he cheered, raising his bottle up into the air. “Wait. What do you mean I look like a comparative lit major? What does a comp lit major even look like?”

“I dunno, but it’s you.”

He pursed his lips into a deadpan at your callback to what he'd said before, and you merely stuck your tongue out at him like the mature adult you were. “Touché, my friend. Touché…”

Silence passed between you two for the first time since you met each other. In the distance, you could hear the muffled sounds of the party raging on. It wasn't that you didn't go to parties often; it was more so that you usually went to house parties hosted by friends or friends-of-a-friend. Making it all the way to Greek Row was not something you did every weekend, but a mutual friend—Chungha—knew the ATZ president and got you and your friends in.

Nearly finished with his third bottle (or was it his fourth?...), Yeosang knocked the remainder down his throat with a grimace. With the empty bottle, he set it at his feet on the car floor to join another—the cup holders were already occupied with yours and his second rounds. The first was abandoned on the frat house lawn somewhere.

“I think—” he slurred, blinking slowly at you like a cat, “—that you look like an artist.”

“An artist?” You parroted dumbly and felt warmth rise to your cheeks. “And why would you say that? Vibes?”

“Well, yes!”

You sputtered out a laugh at the way he said that. “Then yes, I am an artist,” you said, emphasizing the latter half of the word so it sounded like “teest” and not “tist.”

Yeosang gave a hoot. “I'm so good at this. Does that—does that mean you can paint me like one of your French girls?” He pulled his lips into an adorable, little smile, the back of his hand poised beneath his chin as he fluttered his lashes.

“I don't think I could do you justice,” you admitted. There was a rather annoying buzz at the back of your brain that was distracting you. With a shake of your head, you refocused your gaze on him. “You're too pretty.”

He preened at the compliment, unconsciously reaching up to adjust his beanie. “Like calls to like then.”

“What does that mean?” Your buzzed-out brain couldn't compute—

“It means that prettiness is attracted to prettiness, and I'm attracted to you.”

You whined, burying your face in your hands. Yeosang giggled to himself, incredibly proud at making you flustered, his knees curling upward to kick his feet in the cramped space. “I don't like you.”

“You don't?”

“No,” you raised your head up with a displeased frown, only to see that his eyes seemed to be twinkling with unrestrained happiness and something else. You weren't in the right state to hyper-analyze the way he looked at you, but it made your heart skip more than just a beat. “It's not fair that you're a literature major.”

“But I'm drunk,” he said innocently.

“That's even worse!”

He grinned boyishly at you, bashfully stretching his limbs and then cupping the back of his neck with a hand. “What if I told you I'm minoring in math?”

You deadpanned. “I don't think that makes me feel any better. You rule both the realms of words and numbers.”

“It doesn't mean I'm good at math,” he guffawed, leaning back in his seat. “It's only there 'cause my mom's a math teacher, and having a math minor makes my parents feel better.”

That sounded familiar… awfully familiar. The thought made you sober a bit, and it seemed your counterpart wasn't so wasted that he didn't notice the shift either.

“Uh oh,” he chuckled nervously, “what'd I say?”

You waved your hand around dismissively. “Oh, it's nothing. I'm kind of the opposite—my bio major is sort of to appease my parents and the fine art minor is for my sanity.”

He pressed his lips into a line, nodding in understanding. “Ah, I see,” he drawled. “So you don't… you're not happy? With what you're doing, I mean.”

Maybe it was the way he asked it, but it made the cogs in your head turn. You bit your lip. “I'm happy-ish. It's kind of a lot, but I'll survive.”

“'m sorry I upset you,” he pouted. “But,” he stammered, swallowing, “but I get it. My parents never wanna talk about my major anymore. Pretty sure they're just bitter and disappointed. I always feel like I’m walking on eggshells around them.”

You could tell that it affected him more than he wanted to admit. You wordlessly passed him your half-drunk bottle, and he gladly took a generous sip. When it was back in your hands, you guzzled down the remainder.

The buzz was getting better.

“Well, if they're not proud of you, I am,” you declared, setting the empty bottle at your feet. Your eyes blinked slowly for a moment as you got your bearings again. Maybe… maybe you should stop drinking! Yes, that would be the smart thing to do.

Yeosang hummed. “Thanks,” he said with a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He gazed over at you from his side of the car. “I'm proud of you, too. You'll be happy one day; it'll always turn out okay, Yn-ie.”

Something warm and fuzzy settled in your chest, like a cat had just curled up there, purring and content.

A thought suddenly popped into your head. “Yeosang, how do you like your eggs?”

He snorted and burst into laughter, coaxing a similar expression out of you. A moment later, you were trying your best to pout at him, “Hey! Don't laugh! I hear it's all the rage on the pick-up line scene.”

“You're trying to pick me up?” He giggled. All memories of the previous topic flew out the car window.

“Well, is it working?”

He licked his lips around a smile, leaning over the center console to rest his cheek against his fist. “Ask me again.”

You took another sip of your soju before returning it to its cupholder. “Okay. Yeosang, how do you like your eggs in the morning?”

“However you'd like them.”

You deadpanned, and that only made him laugh louder. His head tilted back so you caught a glimpse of his canines, before he brought himself back down to Earth. His cheeks looked as flushed as you felt—even in the dim streetlight you could make out the blooms of peony pink across his cheekbones. “Yeo.”

He reached over to pat your head a couple times, though the sloppiness of his movements made it feel closer to two affectionate smacks. “Okay okay. Sorry. How about we say it at the same time?”

“Okay.” That wasn't a bad compromise.

“Okay, one, two, three—”

“Sunny-side up,” you both said at once.

Your eyes and his eyes widened at once, gasps of delight sounding into the quiet car. Could this guy be any more perfect?

“You're not bluffing?” You asked with narrowed eyes.

Yeosang shook his head vigorously. “Mm-mm. I wouldn't lie to you, Yn-ie. Scout's honor,” he slurred, holding his hand up as if he was a boy scout.

You giggled at the gesture, and he broke form to melt into an ooey gooey puddle of liquefied butterflies. For a moment, he just stared at you with a strange look on his face, one that you couldn't quite place when you were in this inebriated state.

You chuckled, shifting your position when one leg started falling asleep. “What’s wr—?”

He leaned forward and—oh. Oh. Those were—his lips were on yours. He had leaned over the console and kissed you. He was kissing you.

And when you didn't kiss him back, he drew backwards, an embarrassed expression painted over the adorable flush on his cheeks. “That—I shouldn't have done that, should I? I'm sorry; I dunno what I was—”

You crushed your mouth against his this time, effectively stealing the apology right off his tongue. He tasted like melon soju, and his touch was gentle as he brought his hand up to cup the side of your face, cradle your jaw. He was tracing the outline of your features in the dark like he could sketch them in the lines in his mind.

He tasted like the color of amber, warm and bright, but not blindingly so. He was mellow and sweet, with the undertones of the burnt wood in his cologne.

You melded your lips against his mouth like you could engrave him into you, and you were practically half over the middle console already. Yeosang's free hand fumbled backward to find the button on the side of his chair—there. The chair began moving backward with a monotonous brrr sound, and as it moved you couldn't quite keep your lips physically attached to his.

You disconnected from him for what felt like an eternity in order to climb over—shoes knocking against empty soju bottles, ass nearly bumping the horn—and with some clumsy, awkward maneuvering, you were on him again, this time quite literally. You tumbled into his lap, his hands landing on either side of your waist and your hands bracing against the back of his chair.

He loosened a soft groan with the return of your lips to his, and he hauled you down closer to him, until your chests were pressed flush against one another and you couldn't tell which heartbeat was who's. His beanie fell off at some point, but your fingers buried themselves within the dark, silken mass of his hair, a hat in their own right.

When you both pulled away for breath, your chests heaved in tandem to catch it. You settled your cheek against his shoulder while you inhaled the smell of his cologne, much stronger now that you sat against his chest with your nose by his throat. His hand warmed the small of your back with the other cupping the back of your head in an affectionate cradle.

“I don't think I've ever kissed someone like that,” you admitted into the quiet. You suddenly couldn't hear the muffled music blasting from the party in the background anymore.

“Me neither,” he replied, voice hoarse from the kiss. “I've never met someone like you before.”

“Never in your life?”

“Never in my life.”

“So let me get this straight,” drawled Wooyoung with both hands poised at his temples, eyes screwed shut against the bright morning light coming in through the window. There were currently eight people crowded onto President Hongjoong's bed at a time that was far too early to be alive for a group of people who partied until four in the morning. “You're saying that you know this girl's family life, how she likes her eggs in the morning, and how she kisses—but you don't even know her name?”

Yeosang was propped up against the headboard, squeezed between a very unfairly serene-looking Seonghwa and a mildly hungover Hongjoong. Yeosang's bangs were flat against his forehead and he squinted his tired eyes through the strands. “No, that's not what I said. I said that I know her name… it's just not coming to me right now.”

He knew your name. Right? You told him your name, right? He addressed you by your name at least once last night, right?

(If he was being honest, as soon as Yeosang woke up this morning, he started whimsically recalling the events of last night in his head. But once he realized he neither had your number nor remembered your name, he jostled his friends up to invade the president's room for an emergency round table discussion. Who would have guessed their alarm clock would be a very panicked Maltese screaming, “I DON'T REMEMBER HER NAME!”)

“Which pretty much means you don't know her name,” Jongho piped up where he was laying against Yunho's back on the corner of the bed, his eyes closed while he attempted to squeeze in five more milliseconds of sleep.

“Well, do you know who she came with?” San asked. “She probably has at least one mutual friend or else she wouldn't have gotten in.”

Mingi furrowed his brows together. “Not necessarily. The pledges might not have been thorough when checking.”

Hongjoong's eyes narrowed. “You were supposed to be there with them at the door, Mingi.”

“Oh, was I?”

Yunho cut in before Hongjoong could tackle Mingi off the bed. He grinned to himself, “Okay, but San has a point. Usually people are only able to sneak in if they're with a group.”

“Awh,” Wooyoung cooed, reaching over to pinch at Yeosang's cheek, “Yeosangie fell in love with a stowaway—ow! Hey! He just bit me!”

“Deserved,” Seonghwa said plainly. He turned his head so as to not have to face Wooyoung's wounded puppy eyes. It was too early for this. “Do you know if she came with anyone, Yeosang-ah?”

Yeosang scrunched his nose up, disgruntled. “No. I'm pretty sure she was looking for her friends when we met… something like that. I remember some things, but not everything.” He pinched the place between his brows in an attempt to piece together his memory of last night. He could remember the way you made him feel—it was the jittery warmth that came with falling, and his heart had never grown wings before like it had around you.

After the kiss, the two of you had sunk into a comfortable, quiet conversation about anything and everything beneath the sun. For the first time in a long time, he felt comfortable and heard by someone other than his fraternity brothers. You were perfect, for lack of a better word. And he knew a lot of words.

But how could he fucking forget your name?

He was never drinking that much melon soju ever again.

“She's a biology major,” he offered with a defeated sigh, letting his hand fall into his lap.

“What does she look like?” Hongjoong asked.

Yeosang's gaze went up to the ceiling as he recalled what you looked like to his friends. It was pretty dark the entire time he was with you, but there were a few moments when the streetlights hit your face and his conscience was constantly trying to keep his drunk ass from kissing you within the first ten minutes of meeting you. He'd managed to hold it together for a little bit longer before throwing all caution to the wind.

When he was done, San said in light amusement, “I'm just surprised you kissed her first. She must be something then, huh?”

Yeosang couldn't conceal the smile that slowly crept onto his face. “Yeah, she's…” He cleared his throat. “I just don't want last night to be the first and last time I see her.” It couldn't be—just when he thought he clicked with someone, the universe couldn't possibly be so cruel as to rip you away from him, could it?

“Don't you worry!” Mingi chirped, “We'll help you find your passenger princess.”

Seonghwa snorted. “Passenger princess? What is this, Cinderella?”

“It might as well be,” San chuckled, lifting his shoulder in a half-hearted shrug. “Operation: Passenger Princess is a go!”

Yeosang wasn't sure if recruiting his friends’ help was a good or awful decision. But because his past, drunk self hadn't done many favors for his future, sober self, he would take all the help he could get.

You knew the moment you stumbled out of your bedroom and saw your roommate that you were in trouble. It wasn't trouble in the conventional sense; considering her eyes were laughing as she watched your pitiful walk of shame from your room to the shared bathroom, you knew you were not going to hear the end of everything that happened last night ever.

“Not a word,” you said to her as you winced at the blinding bathroom lights.

Her toothbrush hung out of her mouth as she slipped in behind you to spit her toothpaste into the sink. When her mouth was rinsed and clear, she made eye contact with you in the mirror, eyebrows wagging up and down. “So you and Yeosang, huh?”

You glared at her from around your own toothbrush. You would have taken the damn thing out to defend yourself, but you were already late.

Reina took full advantage of your occupied vocal chords. “I never knew pretty frat boys were your type, Yn,” she teased, practically floating out of the bathroom to go check on the state of her espresso in the kitchen.

“Aye hae yuu,” you grumbled around your toothbrush.

“What's that?” She cackled, bringing a hand up to the shell of her ear. “I love you? I love you, too, Yn. But you know who else loves you?—”

“Dompt shae it.”

“Yeosaaaang!”

You loathed the fact that her saying such things made butterflies flap their wings and dance around in your belly. It was simply delusional to think of love when all you and Yeosang did last night was make out in his car and accompany each other in deep, provoking conversation… conversation that definitely didn't make you feel incredibly seen or anything… definitely not.

Finally, you were able to spit your toothpaste out to make your argument. “Okay, first of all, I don't even have his number. And—how could he love me?” As if possession of a phone number could even correlate to love either.

Reina paused, her expression arranging into loud incredulity. “You what? After all I went through to separate the two of you to go home, you didn't exchange numbers?”

Okay, so maybe you shouldn't have disclosed that information—now you just looked stupid.

You lathered up facial cleanser in your hands and on your face. “Look. Exchanging numbers was just the last thing on our minds—” Oh, Yn. Have you ever said something smart?

Reina snorted. “Oh, I know.”

“We didn't just make out,” you grumbled, your cheeks warming beneath your hands. You furiously splashed cool water over your skin before patting your face dry. There likely wasn't much time left before you and Reina had to run to meet your other friends at your weekly volunteering session. “We talked.”

“Uh-huh, and you know that denial is a river in Egypt, right?”

Suffice to say that Reina most definitely did not let your shenanigans from last night go. The two of you managed to reach the food bank sometime before fifteen minutes past your original start time. Everyone else was already stationed and on time, and because you and Reina were the last to arrive, you were sent straight to dishwashing.

As you and Reina pulled on your twin pairs of pink rubber gloves, your friend Mark Lee (and brother with the NCT fraternity) barrelled into the backroom with a dirty ladle in his hands. His head perked up at the sight of you both, a smile blooming on his face. “Well, good morning, Party Animals. How was the ATZ party last night?”

He deposited the ladle into the sink for you to wash while he went to go find a clean one.

“It was cool, but I think Yn would love to tell you all about her experience,” Reina teased, bumping her elbow against your side.

Mark sidled up beside the two of you and leaned in close in proper tea-spilling fashion. “Oh my gosh, did something happen?”

You scowled at Reina, then said to Mark, “Nothing catastrophic—”

“She hooked up with Yeosang!”

You cut her a hard glance. “Reina, I don't think Neptune heard you.”

Mark's eyes went comically wide, jaw slackening. “Yn and Yeosang? That's so wild. Like—like Kang Yeosang?”

“I think? We didn't exactly exchange last names, but why would it be wild? We just kissed and talked.”

“Who kissed who now?” The new voice had you all glancing back over to the kitchen door where another member of the group, Yura, walked in. Yura was Reina's cousin, and the two grew up quite close, so it was natural that they ended up in similar social circles. You and all your other friends got along pleasantly with her. She flashed you all a small smile. “From the sounds of it, I'm guessing you guys had a fun time at the party last night?”

“We did!” Reina chirped.

“Shame you couldn't come with us this time,” you said offhandedly. It wasn't like Yura to miss a party.

Reina cocked her head to the side. “I could've sworn I saw you there though—”

“Ah,” Yura waved her hand to dismiss her cousin's thought. She chuckled, “You're probably mistaking someone else as me; I had that paper I needed to work on last night, remember? But Yn, you and Yeosang?”

You groaned. “I thought we were over this.”

“Dude, we can't not get over this,” Mark quipped back. “Yeosang just doesn't do stuff like that—hook up with people, I mean.”

“Yeah,” Yura chimed in, “I've seen him at a couple other Greek parties with some of my sorority friends and he looks pretty standoffish most of the time. He's usually always with one of his brothers. He's kind of cold, really.”

Mark furrowed his brows. “I wouldn't call him cold; he's just a little shy, is all.”

“My friends told me that a lot of sorority girls chase after him,” Yura said with wide eyes. “They get, like, aggressive about him or something.”

You and Reina exchanged a look. Was that who he was running from last night? “That must be kinda stressful,” you said softly with a small frown.

“Apparently, that's why his social medias don't take DMs unless approved,” she shrugged.

Well, there went your backup plan of finding him on social media. Then again, if he recognized you or your name, would that help if you requested him? That was if you deigned to change your profile picture to yourself and not one of your silly doodles.

You couldn't help the weight that your heart seemed to gain as it sank to the pit of your stomach.

“Well, that's mildly disappointing,” Reina muttered, turning to quickly wash the ladle Mark had just dropped off.

“I just wouldn't want you to get targeted by any of those crazy sorority girls, y'know?” Yura gave a laugh that sounded almost nervous. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear before snapping on a fresh pair of gloves.

You nodded, gnawing on your bottom lip. “Yeah, no, I—I get it. Thanks, Yura.”

She gave you a sympathetic look. “Of course,” she said. With a wave, she made her way back toward the kitchen door. “Mark, we better get back to work. See you guys at lunch break!”

When she was gone, Mark clapped a reassuring hand on your shoulder. “Hey, listen. I don't really know the guy personally, but me and Wooyoung are pretty tight. I can get in touch with them if you want—”

Baekhyun, the section leader for your session, charged into the kitchen with his arm piled high with dirty dishes. If you didn’t fear for the safety of the porcelain bowl at the top of the stack, you might have chuckled at the scene before you. “Mark! We don't pay you to stand around.”

“Hyung,” Mark huffed exasperatedly as he rushed over to help Baekhyun before the section leader could get knocked over the head by a rogue dish assisted by gravity. “You don't pay us. We're here out of the goodness of our hearts.”

“Well, I don't get paid enough for this,” Baekhyun said once all the dishes were transferred to the sink, and you and Reina were put to work. “Now come on; lots to do!”

Just as Mark was about to follow after Baekhyun, he caught your eyes. “I'm serious about the offer, Yn.”

You smiled. “Thanks, man, but let me think about it and I'll get back to you.”

“Yeah, just lemme know!” And he was gone.

Word broke out that someone in the ATZ household was searching for a girl. Word of mouth was a method of dissemination that could spread like wildfire, leaping from one tongue to one ear to another, leaving only ash and debris behind. And around Greek Row, it became a massive game of Telephone.

But while nearly everyone in the university's fraternities and sororities knew about his strife, Yeosang’s efforts seemed to be for naught. The only thing that emerged from this were more people harping after him, claiming to be 'the one he was looking for.’ None of them were you.

Your name had manifested itself in his head about halfway into the week. He'd been toiling over the theory readings his professor assigned for Thursday's lecture when he'd underlined a word, and it came crashing down upon him with ice cold clarity.

His eyes went wide as he shot up out of his chair, nearly sending Jongho careening off his bed on the other side of the room. “What the—”

“Yn,” Yeosang said. Then he declared a little louder, a giddy smile on his face, triumphant and bright, “Her name is Yn.”

Jongho resettled himself on top of his bed. “Well that narrows things down for us,” he drawled, taking his phone out and typing something out. “I don't suppose you have her last name.”

Yeosang fwumped onto the edge of his bed with his lips pressed into a line. “Dude. I literally just thought of her first name. Do you really think I can come up with—”

“Okay, okay,” Jongho laughed, flicking his wrist at him for a moment before resuming his typing.

“Who're you texting?” Yeosang asked as curiosity drew him across the room to Jongho's side.

His friend sat up so he could peer over his shoulder at the phone screen. “I'm doing the heavy lifting,” he teased. Based on the social media handle at the top of the direct messages channel, Jongho was texting Chungha, a friend of the frat's but a closer friend of President Hongjoong's, and the recently graduated head of the Phi Omega Phi sorority. “Hongjoong hyung mentioned offhandedly that Chungha wanted to get some friends into the party on Friday, so I'm seeing if she recognizes this Yn person you're looking for.”

Yeosang’s eyebrows flicked upward as he settled into a more comfortable position on Jongho’s bed while they awaited Chungha’s response. In the meantime, he pulled out his own phone in an attempt to search for your name amongst his mutuals. He frowned at the lack of a successful search—did you use a different name or did you not have a social media account? Was that why you hadn’t attempted to contact him in the past few days?

For a moment, a shard of self-consciousness pierced through his chest at the prospect that you didn’t want to contact him. Did sobriety make you embarrassed at what happened that night? Had he made you uncomfortable with the amount of vulnerability that was in the car—no, the vulnerability was mutual… but maybe—

“Gotcha.”

Yeosang’s head whipped back over to Jongho’s screen. Having your name and major seemed to ring a bell for Chungha, and she forwarded a social media handle, along with a “tell Yeosang good luck ;)”.

“Thank you, Jongho. And bless up, Chungha,” Yeosang muttered as he swiftly input the social media handle into his search bar. There it was—a private art account with your first name in the biography line. There were only one or two people who you both shared mutuals with, which made sense.

His thumb hovered over the request button, and he bit his lip. With little else left to do and his heart banging around in his ribs from the anticipation alone, he clicked the button.

It didn’t take you incredibly long to accept his follow request and to follow him back. (Though, half an hour felt like an eternity when he was so anxious.) He made it painfully obvious that you acted in response, because Yeosang fumbled his phone between his palms like it was a hot potato, before he dropped it and stubbed his toe with it.

Jongho sent him a strange look as he handed the device back to a red-faced Yeosang, who furrowed his brows together to think of an opening direct message to you.

“It doesn't have to be perfect,” Jongho said as he peered over Yeosang's shoulder this time. He had even paused the game he was playing on his phone to stay tuned into the live entertainment.

Yeosang made a face. “Yes, it does.” It had to be the perfect mix of witty and funny and subtle and—

He figured it out.

@/yskang99: how do u like ur eggs?

Jongho released a sound of utter flabbergast, and Yeosang shushed him, both pairs of eyes pinned to the three dots that appeared on the bottom left-hand side of the screen.

@/studioyn: sunny side up

Yeosang broke into a smile, and Jongho's face contorted into pure incredulity. “What kind of security question is that?”

“Inside joke,” Yeosang replied giddily, rising from Jongho's bed to cross over to his side of the room. He collapsed into his desk chair and propped his feet up along the end of his bed.

Jongho scoffed, shifting his lounging position. He threw his friend another incredulous glance before giving up and returning to his game. He'd done his job.

@/yskang99: congrats u passed the test!

@/studioyn: ahh so that was a test? i imagined us doing a virtual handshake tbh

@/yskang99: i like that better actually

@/studioyn: also how did u find me lmao

Yeosang bit his lip through a grin. I have my ways, he typed out cryptically, cheekily.

@/studioyn: wtvr u say ig… 🤨🤨🤨

For a brief moment, Yeosang wondered if he should bring up the concern lingering in his mind—why you hadn't reached out to him. He didn't want to simply assume that he was “popular” enough that just anybody knew who he was, but he was also aware that most people were able to track him down on social media. But would that kill the vibe? He liked the energy.

@/studioyn: i can't get a read on whether or not ur any different than how u were drunk

@/yskang99: would that matter?

@/studioyn: not particularly, no, but i've met people who r

@/yskang99: no i get that, i've met my fair share too :/

He began typing out slowly: I missed you… Then he swiftly amended it to: I missed talking to you.

@/studioyn: awhh wait ik we've only technically spoken the one time, but i missed talking to u too yeo :’)

A smile split his face from ear to ear. Would you wanna hang out again? Only if you're comfortable, of course.

He watched the three dots appear, then disappear. You were thinking and his heart was sinking.

Finally, your response came in. I'd love to, but I don't wanna disappoint you with my god awful schedule this next week.

@/yskang99: what abt the weekend? something low stakes maybe?

@/yskang99: my brothers and i r going to the nct house on sat

@/studioyn: oh!! im actually close friends w mark lee :] i'll see if i can drag my friends along, and we can link up there?

The thought of seeing you again, even if it was at another dumb Greek party, made electricity zip through his veins. His stomach filled to the brim with butterflies, and he had to shift his position because of how much it tickled.

@/yskang99: yeah sounds great :D i'll look forward to seeing u

@/studioyn: same here yeo :’))

@/studioyn: how's ur week been so far?

Yeosang leaned back in his chair again, propping his elbows on the armrests to sink into a comfortable position. He had a feeling he might be here awhile, but he would sit here all night if it meant talking to you.

“Yn! We're gonna be late!”

You nearly jolted at the sound of Reina's voice carrying through the other side of your bedroom door. You dropped your phone onto your bed, racing to finish up the rest of your makeup. “You can never be late to a Greek party!” You countered, swiping your thumb over the pigment you just put on your lips.

Your bedroom door opened just as you were slipping a chain necklace around your collar. Reina poked her head in, her eyes looking you up and down. “Ooh-la-la,” she gushed with a teasing smile. “Someone's gotten all dolled up. I wonder who for…”

You rolled your eyes and ignored the obvious warmth rising to your face. “I just felt like it,” you defended weakly while spritzing a light mist of perfume over your neck and wrists. You stood up from your desk to collect your wallet, keys, and lip gloss to dump into a purse, then went over to retrieve your phone.

The screen displayed another message from Yeosang, no doubt continuing the conversation you had to abruptly pause because you would be late for the NCT party. This was going to be the second Greek party in two weeks—a record for your books. But you had a feeling it was going to be a good time like last week, you were sure of it.

As you skimmed the message Yeosang sent, you slipped out of the room to join Reina in the main living space. She casted you a pointed look with arms crossed over her chest and lips pressed together.

“What?” You blinked over at her innocently.

“You're never gonna see your boy at this rate,” she said as the two of you picked out your shoes for the night.

You sent a text answering Yeosang and letting him know you would be at the party soon. “He's not 'my boy,’” you said.

“Right. He's your man.”

You hated how hard it was to keep the giggle in your throat down. It was embarrassing how you smiled just then, too, turning your head away from a smug Reina.

God, he was just a guy; how did you get so head-over-heels after just one night? It had to be the fact that you'd been texting him nonstop over the past few days. Though you were busy and exhausted, you continued to check your phone all throughout the days and stayed up long into the nights just to talk to him. He had you hook, line, and sinker.

At some point, you'd forgotten what Yura warned you about on Saturday.

Your friends picked you and Reina up in one of their family minivans. A round of greetings went up as you clambered in behind Reina, and your friend asked where her cousin was tonight if she wasn't carpooling with the rest of you.

“She said she was at her sorority friend's house,” Sieun said offhandedly from the driver's seat. The minivan door closed on its own with a mechanical whirring sound. “She's probably at the party already.”

Some nights, parties called for a pregame session, while others (not unlike this one) was attacked raw. Sieun parked the minivan about a block outside of Greek row where there were spaces between cars along the curbs and where there was less of a chance of her accidentally running over a drunk partygoer stumbling into the street. The party was already in full swing with neon green strobe lights blazing aggressively through the front windows, and Gasolina blasting at nothing less than one hundred percent speaker volume.

You felt your phone vibrate in your hand as Reina grabbed your hand to avoid instantly losing you in the crowd.

@/yskang99: im on the second floor where there's less people 😋😋 they've got a nice balcony we can hide on!!

“Mark said they've got spiked Capri Sun somewhere in here!” Reina shouted into your ear.

You nodded your head vigorously. “Let's find it then!”

@/studioyn: gonna grab hard caprisun and then head up!! do u want some??

@/yskang99: surprise me w a flavor, pretty pls x

You grinned to yourself and slid your phone into your purse to focus on the task at hand.

The NCT fraternity house wasn't a completely unknown landscape to you and Reina. Being friends with one of its brothers and friends-by-association with all the rest, you'd popped by more than a few times. You could likely navigate this house with your eyes closed; that was what it was like weaving through the dark rooms and throngs of people squeezed together like sardines in a can, anyway.

Along yours and Reina's trek to the kitchen, you gained a couple people in your conga line of linked hands, NCT's own Xiaojun and Jungwoo. NCT frat brothers always pregamed, so the two brothers were already tipsy and giggled about your kindergarten field trip line (with Reina being dubbed the poor kindergarten teacher tasked with keeping you together).

When you arrived at your destination, it didn't take long for you to lose both Xiaojun and Jungwoo to the game of Texas Hold 'Em being played at the breakfast table. The singular lightbulb overheard made it feel like a smoke-filled backdoor gambling den.

“Aha!” You cheered after playing a game of mystery cooler roulette, and opened the cooler lid that held the spiked Capri Sun juice pouches on ice.

“Mine!” Reina snatched up the last cherry flavored one, the shiny aluminum slippery and ice-cold as she impaled the opening with the thin, yellow straw.

You grabbed a Pacific Cooler flavored pouch for yourself, and a second for Yeosang.

“Ah, is that for the man of your dreams?” Reina said between sips, her pouch already half empty.

You sent her a look. “He has good taste, which means he'll probably appreciate Pacific Cooler as much as I do.”

“As long as it's not lemonade,” came a voice to your left. There stood a rather tall and lean man, his warm smile enunciated by the dim kitchen lighting as the green strobe lights from the living room painted across his face. “I can't deal with sour shit,” he explained, making a face.

You laughed. “That's valid. Fruit Punch is a classic though.”

“Can't argue with that,” he replied, leaning down to pick his poison for the night. He stabbed a straw into his pouch of strawberry kiwi juice, then arched an eyebrow at you. “I feel like I know you. Do I know you?”

“Hey,” Reina chimed in as she leaned over your shoulder, “you're with the ATZ frat, aren't you? I recognize you from Twister last week.”

He smiled sheepishly from around his straw. “Ah… haha, not my best moment, but yes. I'm Yunho.”

“Reina,” your friend replied.

“Yn,” you added on.

Yunho's expression jerked as if he'd just been delivered an electric shock. He waved his pointer finger at you. “Oh my god, you're Yeosang's girl!”

“Yeah, he won't shut up about you.” Yunho slurped up the rest of his juice pouch, draining and flattening the life out of it in record time. “He loves Pacific Cooler, by the way.”

He took his leave then, saying nothing else to you and Reina except for shooting you a pair of finger guns like saying 'go get em, tiger!’

Reina wheezed, draping herself over you for a moment. “Oh—my god! Good thing Yeosang's just as down in the trenches as you are.”

“Don't do this to me, Reina,” you whined and dragged her along out of the kitchen toward the second floor staircase. “I don't need encouragement; the crush is enough!”

“It's never enough,” she declared with her pointer finger up in the sky. “You are gone, my friend! Gone, I say.”

You patted her head as you both began your ascent up the stairs. “Alrighty; then gone, I am. Do you remember where the balcony is on this floor?”

She hummed. “Ooh! Somewhere by Johnjae's room, abouts. I just remember because Mark told us how—”

“Right—the sophomore year Romeo and Juliet reenactment,” you snorted. You couldn't wrap your head around the batshit crazy things that occurred around these parts. “Who convinced Doyoung to play Paris anyway?”

She made a noncommittal noise. “Must've been bribed—oh, there it is, but I think there's a couple out there already…”

There was most definitely a couple on the balcony. Their outlines were silhouettes against the residual strobe lights shining up from downstairs, so it was a little too dark to make out who they were. They seemed close—the girl was all over the boy, the latter trying to hold her up by her waist. Maybe she'd had too much to drink, and for a moment, you were glad someone was taking care of her.

But when she leaned in for a kiss, green light glanced across their faces to reveal their features to you. It was only a split second, but it was all you needed.

“Reina,” you exhaled in shock, turning away from the balcony with enough speed to nearly give you whiplash.

She didn't question you, as you both careened back down the hall from where you came from, heading for one of the open bedrooms on this floor to collect yourselves. When the two of you were out of earshot of the balcony, she hissed under her breath in utter disbelief, “Yura?”

You'd seen it nearly clear as day, too. That was Yura kissing Yeosang.

Your head spun as you shouldered your way into Mark's and Haechan's room, their names plastered on the door in foam letter stickers from the craft store. As Reina closed the door and turned on the lights, you sat down in Mark's desk chair attempting to make sense of what you and Reina just witnessed.

Yeosang and Yura? But wasn't Yura the one who warned you that chasing after Yeosang was a risk because of how many others were, as well? Why would…

Oh.

Well, now you just felt stupid.

Reina dragged over Haechan's desk chair to settle in front of you, her expression less enraged than before, and more concerned over what she was reading off of your face. “Hey, don't do that. Don't think like that.”

“You don't know what I'm thinking,” you murmured, setting the untouched juice pouches on the desk.

“You're thinking that you're stupid.”

“Okay, maybe you do know what I'm thinking.” You inhaled, then exhaled slowly, leaning forward onto your knees. “I don't really know what to think or assume.”

Reina nodded, chewing on her bottom lip. “That's okay. I don't think I really understand what I saw either.”

“But that was Yura, right?”

She bobbed her head again. “That was my cousin, yeah.”

“Would it be fair to even think that she told me all that shit last week to discourage me from seeing him?” You didn't enjoy thinking that another person would have such malicious intentions without understanding their point of view, especially someone you considered yourself friends with.

“Well,” Reina drawled, “I think we both saw what we saw, and Yura was acting strangely about it on Saturday. It would be fair if you were hurt by it; I think your feelings have been clear.”

You gave a small nod. “Do you think he…?”

“I'm not sure, hon.”

You resolved to talk to him about it. If anything, you had these juice pouches left to console yourself, but you wanted to make sure you knew where his feelings laid. You would be lying if you said your heart didn't harbor even a glimmer of hope that this was all a misunderstanding, and that the kiss was an accident and didn't matter.

You and Reina left the relative safety of Mark and Haechan's bedroom to go find Yeosang. There weren't any new messages between either of you since the Capri Sun exchange, and you thought about texting him on his whereabouts.

The balcony by Johnny and Jaehyun's room was empty now, barren of any evidence somebody was there in the first place.

You and Reina wandered back down to the main floor. The party was nowhere near over; the night was still young. Hope was sinking fast in your stomach as the two of you traveled from room to room in search of him, but with no luck. Even asking around was useless.

“Text him,” Reina encouraged, as the two of you sipped on the juice pouches that were supposed to be for you and him.

She held your spiked juice while you texted him.

As time passed, and a response had yet to come through, you tossed yours and Reina's flattened Capri Sun pouches into the nearest garbage can.

If he wasn't going to answer, then maybe you would just go home for the night. You had a lot to think about.

Defeated, you let Reina sweep you under her arm and guide you to the front door. “Let's go home, hm?” She said, rubbing your shoulder.

On your way to the front door, you paused. You thought you heard someone calling your name—

You turned around to find Mark barreling toward you through the crowd with another guy at his side. “Mark?” You shouted over the music.

“Hey, we've been looking all over for you,” he said. Nodding to his friend, he told you, “This is Wooyoung, by the way, the ATZ brother I'm friends with.”

“Yeosang's been looking for you,” Wooyoung said in earnest, eyes as wide as Mark's. Had they been looking for you as much as you were looking for Yeosang?

Something like hope sparked in your chest again—you were at odds. The fight had nearly dissipated from your blood and you were ready to go home. But if he was trying to find you… it must be worth it then, right?

“Where is he?” You asked.

It was nearing midnight by the time you settled yourself on the concrete curb outside the ATZ frat house just down the block from the target being thrown at the NCT house. With everyone over there, no wonder it was quiet enough to finally hear yourself think. With the coming of deep autumn, a slight breeze wafted by that drifted over your skin and raised goosebumps on your arms.

You heard gravel crunching from behind you, coming down the ATZ driveway, and before you could turn your head to look, a warm jacket was placed over your shoulders. You held your breath, fingers finding the lapel to keep it from slipping as you glanced over at your counterpart.

Yeosang lowered himself onto the curb next to you, mimicking your position with his knees bent and arms resting upon them. “I—my phone died,” he said lowly.

“Oh.” That took care of at least two of your questions.

“Is there—” He stopped himself, amending his statement, “There's something on your mind.”

Understatement of the century. You pulled his jacket around you, the intertwining scents of alcohol and his cologne lingering on the collar. “I was going to meet you at the balcony, and I was there, but… but I saw you and Yura, and…”

It was his turn to say “oh.” He angled his body toward you now until his knees bumped against yours and he was muttering out an apology he didn't need to say. He laid his upper body over his arms that were folded onto his knees and peered up at you through lengthy lashes.

He was waiting for you to finish.

You swallowed, following his lead and turning your body toward him. “I saw her kiss you,” you said, the sound barely audible to anybody but you and him. “Reina and I went somewhere to kind of just soak in what we saw, and then we went back out to find you so I could talk to you about it, but we couldn't find you.”

“I'm sorry you had to see that,” he murmured, eyebrows furrowed together. “It—it didn't mean anything. She did try to kiss me, but I pushed her away before she could.”

You believed him. You loosened a small chuckle from your lips. “Y'know, it sounds silly to me now, but last week she told me that there were a number of girls who were pursing you and were very aggressive about it.”

He snorted. “If there were any, I only know of one.”

“She…?”

“Yeah,” he nodded, lips pursing. “I know she's liked me for a while, but I've made it clear I don't see her the same way. At last Friday's party, I was actually trying to lose her in the crowd when I found you.”

Your eyes widened. “So she was there?” Then Reina had actually seen her cousin at the party; Yura had lied about where she was.

“She told me tonight that she was scared about me liking you more than her,” Yeosang said as he lifted his body back up to rest his cheek against his fist. “She was really drunk—which was why you probably saw me trying to hold her up—and then she… tried to kiss me. I pushed her away, and one of her friends found us, so I handed her over and went to get some air.”

And that was why you couldn't find him. You released a breath you didn't realize you were holding in. “Are you—are you okay? I'm so sorry she did that to you.”

The corners of his lips tugged upward in a reassuring smile. “I'm alright, thank you. And it's not your fault.”

“I know, but still,” you insisted. “Your boundaries were violated, and it makes me feel so icky that I've called her a friend of mine, and—what?”

Your words came to a screeching halt when you realized that Yeosang was just smiling at you. Or rather, gazing at you, admiring you. It was whatever he did whenever his eyes possessed a set of twin jewels in his irises that needed no light to glitter like gold; and when his grin softened at the corners by a tenderness that knocked the wind out of you, all words and systems failed you.

You recognized this look, except this time, you weren't drunk.

“I'm really happy I met you,” he said in your silence. “And I'm happy I got to see you again.”

You nearly melted. You smiled back at him, replying quietly, “Couldn’t have said it any better. Thank you for being honest with me.”

“And thank you for believing me.” He reached for your hand, his movements slow as if giving you an opening to pull back if you wanted to. But you didn't, and you closed the remaining space to link your fingers and press your palms together.

You and Yeosang shared mutual smiles in the dim lighting outside his fraternity house. Your heart beat had quickened a considerable amount now that he was so close to you again.

You cleared your throat. "Just to be clear though—when you said she was scared about you liking me more than her—?"

His smile reached his eyes and turned them into upturned crescent moons. "I'm not scared," he said, "that I like you more than I have ever liked her." By a landslide.

Your heart gave a lurch in your chest. "Good," you smiled. "That's good, because I like you a whole lot, too."

“Do you wanna get out of here?” Yeosang inclined his chin toward where his car was parked a couple vehicles down. “Properly this time, now that we're not completely wasted?”

You laughed. “I would love nothing more.”

Pleased, he helped you to your feet. You must have stood up far too quickly though, because the blood rushed up to your head in a riptide current. You swore as the vertigo hit you, and your footing stumbled.

“Woah, careful there, pretty,” he murmured, his low voice by your ear as he steadied you with one hand pressed between your shoulder blades and the other around your waist.

Oh, there went your heart… it flew up to halo around Yeosang's head, and it wasn't yours anymore—

“You okay?” He mused.

You cleared your throat, straightening. “Yeah, I'm great,” you said sheepishly, ducking your head toward your chest.

A warm, fond chuckle left his mouth. “Cute,” he murmured. He lifted your chin up so you would look at him, his eyes darting down toward your mouth, and yours mirroring his movements. “I was wondering…”

“You can kiss me,” you blurted out, ignoring the utter leap in your pulse and the heat crawling up the back of your neck.

You tasted his smile as he leaned over to seal his mouth over your own, a long awaited return to the place that felt just right. You breathed him in, inhaled him, devoured him whole—you wrapped your arms around his shoulders to pull him closer just as his hands pressed you flush against him.

In the distance against the heavy house music in the background, a cheer went up into the night sky.

You and Yeosang parted only to crane your heads in the direction of the noise, only to find what looked like a gathering of your friends and his friends hooting and applauding like it was New Years.

“OPERATION: PASSENGER PRINCESS WINS!” The guy from earlier, Wooyoung, practically howled up at the sky.

You pressed your face against Yeosang's shoulder as he groaned. “I am so sorry about them,” he chuckled through a grimace, lips grazing over your crown.

You laughed along with him. “My friends are also among the guilty party, Yeo.”

He kept his arm around your waist and you kept your head against his shoulder as the two of you walked away from your friends and toward his car. Contentment curled itself up over your chest again, and it nestled in deep, as if it planned to stay awhile.

“By the way,” you piped up as he unlocked his car.

“Mhm?”

You opened the passenger side door and leaned over the top of it to ask, “What the hell is Operation: Passenger Princess?”

Yeosang sputtered out a laugh and his cheekbones burned red. “How about we save that for our third date?”

You blinked, lips parting.

Yeosang grinned impishly. “Close that mouth, pretty, or I'll close it for you.”

Your jaw snapped closed, and his laugh echoed against the houses along this street. You climbed into the car after him, flustered beyond words. “I don't like you,” was all you could come up with.

“I'm sure you don't.”

a/n: pls remember to reblog + comment if you enjoyed! also, the plan is to try and write another wooyo frat au as well, so pray for me...

atz m.list

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#★ ┆ chroncom #ateez fanfic #yeosang fanfic #author:#sungbeam #-☁️🌻#afternote:#modern day fairytale #visceral egg flashbacks

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