#although it's more of an interview with management than with Muse

[sunburnacoustic]

Interview with Dominic Pride for Billboard, August 1999

Need more proof that the UK and the US are nations divided by two A&R; communities? Take a look at British three-piece rock band Muse, from the seaside English town of Teignmouth, Devon.

The act was hotly chased by several labels in the US, according to its management, and eventually pacted with Maverick for North America. Maverick will put out the debut album, 'Showbiz', on Sept. 28; elsewhere, Muse has deals with three other labels for key territories. The band's story underlines the divergence in approaches and tastes of the two different A&R; communities, which results in some UK-bred bands such as Bush, or more recently, Spacehog getting sales and attention in the US while keeping a low key following at home.

Despite garnering attention as a finalist in the best-unsigned-band competition at the UK's In The City convention last year, Muse was initially overlooked by British labels. Muse's management and production company, Taste Media, is a joint venture between Safta Jaffery at SJP Producer Management and Dennis Smith at Sawmills Studio in Cornwall, where part of the album was produced.

Jaffery, who also manages the album's producer, John Leckie, says, "This kind of act didn't get a good reception at the time here, as guitar music was not seen very favourably". An appearance at a US music industry convention in November aroused interest in the band, and Maverick was quickest off the mark, says singer/songwriter Matt Bellamy. 'They were able to do the deal there and then. All the others had to see people higher up.' Guy Oseary, head of A&R; and a partner at Maverick, says he was impressed by the quality of the demo, and when he discovered the band was in LA, he went to see them. "They were showcasing for another label, and after the second song I stopped them and said. 'You don't need to play any more,' he says. "It was extremely powerful and beautiful."

With a sound that brings to mind earlier Radiohead—with Bellamy's vocals evoking those of Jeff Buckley—Muse has already impressed live audiences in the US with a tour that included the Woodstock '99 festival in early August. Says Bellamy, "Our sound is very English, but our live show is American."

Outside the US, Taste Media retains the rights and has struck separate licensing deals for the album. So far, it has pacted with Naive in France; with Mushroom for the UK, Ireland and Australasia; and with Motor/Universal for Germany, Switzerland and Austria (GSA) and the Eastern Europe regions.

"We only sent one package to Germany, and that was to [Universal Music president] Tim Renner and [Motor Music managing director] Petra Husemann" says Jaffery. Husemann says, 'When I heard [the tracks] I thought, 'Wow that's even better than Radiohead—great, emotional, pathetic, teenage depression stuff... just great pop music like I want it to be, and the kind of thing that German youth can identify with.' But the label wanted to be sure that it had a 'real performing act'' adds Husemann. 'I was convinced after a showcase in Hamburg', and, says Husemann, 'We signed the deal that night, and we were just sad that we could only get the rights for the GSA and the Eastern Bloc region'.

Deals are under discussion for Scandinavia and Japan; outside of these markets, Taste Media is considering direct sales via the Internet. Maverick's Oseary says having the band signed to several different labels isn't a problem. 'We share the Prodigy around the world,' he says. 'We have Richard Russell [managing director of the Prodigy's signing label, XL] who keeps everything in check, and I think Safta will do the same.'

Mushroom Records UK managing director Korda Marshall says he had his eye on Bellamy from Muse and his previous bands for several years. Mushroom was among the labels that passed on the band the first time around, but, notes Marshall wryly '...A&R;'s a wonderful thing with 20/20 hindsight.' Marshall believes it is possible for Muse to 'avoid the Bush effect' and have a career running on the twin track of being successful in the US while also keeping other markets - especially the UK - interested. 'England is their home, and it's very important that they are successful here', Marshall says. 'It's important that they have the support among the grass-roots media and build a fan base here'.

The album comes out Sept 20 in Germany, Sept 6 in France and October 4 in the UK The first single in France, Germany and the US will be the towering 'Muscle Museum'; the UK will go with 'Cave' an edgy rhythmic track, on September 6.

Having separate deals rather than a single, worldwide deal benefits the band, says manager Jaffery. 'Each of these labels has worked on the act as if it was a domestic signing,' Jaffery says. Working with an American company rather than signing to the British arm of a major has also worked in the band's favour, Jaffery adds. 'If you look at the number of British bands who have done it that way around, very few have made it. [US labels] are not as impressed by the British acts anymore; there isn't the feeling of importance.' Adds bassist Dominic Howard [sic] 'We got a chance to tour the States and build up a following. For a lot of acts that do well here, it can be quite a knockback when they don't do well there.' Maverick's Oseary says he signed Muse with no baggage about their origins, and especially not about their being passed on by British labels.

'That's the least of my concerns,' he says. 'I didn't know that, and I don't care about it. They are just a really great band.' Having success in the US before getting noticed at home can often hamper an acts career, says Mushroom's Marshall. The small group [of media] need to feel they discovered it themselves.' He points, however, to acts such as Ash and Garbage that have managed to retain the credibility of their UK fan bases while selling albums in the US. Muse have British live commitments pending—including several gigs and an appearance at Reading Festival on Aug 27—which take the band to Sept 4. After that, Muse returns to the States for a 12-city tour.

[777bae]

── Sure thing

Scenarios with jude to the lyrics <3

PAIRING… Jude Bellingham x fem!reader | Genre… angst, slight fluff | WC… 2.6k

Love you like a brother

You were childhood best friends, growing up alongside each other, he treated you as his own sibling. How you managed to catch feelings from his treatment is questionable however, love was still love and so whether he treated you as a sibling or as a lover, you would continuously choose to love him.

Treat you like a friend

There’s always going to be the questionable stage in which you are confused on whether you are dating or not. You believed he was still treating you as a friend and so continued to live in denial of your feelings.

Respect you like a lover

He believed that he was expressing his undying love for you, treating you in the manner he was. The confusion continued on, both unsure on confessing your feelings for each other.

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

Singing in the kitchen together, hand in hand, as you sway to each other’s beats, feeling as if it were you against the world, never once breaking eye contact as your cheesy smiles spoke more than what could ever be said.

You could bet that, never gotta sweat that

Having rapping competitions to see who could rap the fastest, however they always ended up with you laughing at Jude’s choice of clothes, his cap always being backwards as his moves always became animated when he began.

If you be the cash

Everyone believed you were in it for the money, the constant belittling leading to a decline in your mental health and so Jude ensured that he would love you endlessly. You agreed, confirming that your love for him was worth more than a simple piece of paper.

I'll be the rubber band

Jude refused to leave your side. Much to your ‘displeasure’ (although you secretly enjoyed the attention). He always needed to be attached to you in some way, whether it be his arm around your waist, or his hand clasping yours, you could always be sure that he would be by your side, ready to take on anything.

You be the match

You were a very emotional person, by perhaps every emotion. Anger, love, passion, sadness, happiness. You knew how to express your feelings however whenever you did so, said emotion would consume you, causing what others would call as ‘outbursts’. Whenever these situations would occur Jude would immediately be by your side, his arms wrapped around you as you would release your feelings. His comforting words always calmed you down as you would continue to remain in place, enjoying the short moments in which you could feel this comfort.

I will be a fuse, boom

The two of you were both known as being quite mischievous and so whenever one of you was up to no good, it was almost a guarantee that the other was in on it as well. You were both into pranks, constantly devising the perfect plan, and so leading to them being perfectly executed as your laughter would merge after every execution, those moments forever being your favourites.

Painter baby, you could be the muse

Art was your strong suit and so whenever you finished a project, you would be bombarded with constant praise, even without asking for his input. This would help boost your ego as you grew more confident with every new piece of media.

I'm the reporter baby, you could be the news

Constantly mimicking his post game interviews from the moment he arrives home. He would always act like he hates it when he secretly loves it as it confirms that you spent your time watching him match.

'Cause you're the cigarette and I'm the smoker

Him never being able to speak for himself and always needing you to help express himself, a reassuring hug from you to him always lead him to gain confidence, to which he would use as he would begin to express his opinion in tough situations.

We raise a bet, cause you're the joker

Playing card games with each other, both of you refusing to admit that you lost due to your competitiveness and so leading to a mini argument. Eventually, one of you would crumble from guilt and so the day would end with you apologising to each other and ending up on the sofa cuddling.

Checked off, you are a chalk

You always have to remind him of chores and other activities he needed to do, almost as if you were his personal agent as every so often you would get annoyed at his forgetfulness.

And I can be the blackboard

Jude would notice how annoyed you would get at having to constantly remind him of things and so he began to try and get better. He would start writing down small activities you mentioned needed to be done and would do them for you, surprising you as you would thank him continuously, apologising for how annoyed you used to get.

You could be the talk

Between the two of you, you were the easiest to rile up. Easily growing angry and annoyed over such trivial matters. Many mentioned how you were the fiesty one and so it was easily balanced between the both of you.

And I could be the walk

Though Jude was the calmer one, that didn’t mean he couldn’t act up when he wanted to. Whenever you were hurt because of comments made about your relationship, he would always grow angry. The constant hate directed towards you always caused an angry post to appear on his social media, showing that he in fact could also get riled up.

Even when the sky comes falling

Whenever it would start to rain whilst you were both out, he would always hold up an umbrella above you, ensuring that you wouldn’t get wet and despite your constant persistence, he refused to put it over him. Eventually, this leads to you cuddling up to him to ensure that he would also be covered.

Even when the sun don't shine

On a cold winter's night you would snuggle up with each other on the sofa, a warm blanket placed on top of the two of you as you would watch a movie together, however you would always end up falling asleep in Jude’s comfort as he would quickly following, the both of you ending up sleeping there for the night.

I got faith in you and I

Everyone said that you were perfect for each other, even from the day you first met you were inseparable and so time could only tell before your young love would begin to blossom.

So put your pretty little hand in mine

Walking hand in hand wherever you go, even if you or him find it embarrassing in the moment you both still appreciate the small expressions of love.

Even when we're down to the wire baby

Whenever your relationship goes into a rough patch, you both still know you love each other, even after the terrible words exchanged in your arguments. You both just knew that you would need a few days away from one another and yet both your hearts still yearned for each other.

Even when it's do or die

Jude was your ride or die. You wouldn’t know what you’d be doing without him. Most likely because you’ve known him since when you can first remember but that doesn’t change the fact that he has been here with you all this time, and will continue to be up until your last moments.

We could do it baby, simple and plain

You both knew you didn’t need to overexert yourselves to make the other happy and so, instead of extravagant date nights every date, you would both decide to spend it in each other's arms, cooking together, or just playing games. You could keep it simple and plain and still be able to enjoy yourselves.

'Cause this love is a sure thing

Knowing that he is your past, present and future, and planning out your lives together, spending and cherishing every moment together.

You could bet that, never gotta sweat that

Playing monopoly together and arguing with each other on whether you stole from the bank (which you did). One of you practically sweating as the other began to enter the last moments of the game.

Be the lover, I'll be the fighter baby

Calming him down after another one of his angry posts about the hate you receive, telling him that it truly doesn’t matter as long as the two of you will continue to love each other.

If I'm the blunt, you could be the lighter babe

He is always there to back you up whenever you get into fights, allowing you to have the freedom of choosing your actions, whether they would have consequences or not, and just being there in case it escalates.

Fire it up

Secretly cheering you on when you finally stand up for yourself, seeing you constantly vulnerable had caused him to grow angry and seeing you finally stop the attack made him proud.

Writer baby, you could be the quote

Helping him write down small speeches and preparing him for important interviews, all while messing about and writing down random inspirational quotes, placing them all around your house for him to see.

If I'm the lyric baby, you could be the note, record that

Singing together once again, this time pretending it was your own concert as you held ‘mics’ up and began to practically scream the lyrics.

Saint I'm a sinner, prize I'm a winner and it's you

Him inviting you onto the pitch after his team won a trophy, immediately hugging you as you could feel the excitement bubbling off of you. After taking photos with the team he would arrive in front of you, placing the medal onto you as you pulled him into a tight hug.

What did I do to deserve that

Always returning back to one another and expressing the feelings you had been bottling up between you, allowing you to both grow and understand each other more.

Paper baby, I'll be the pen

You both do an artsy date at home where you try to teach him how to draw, by recreating one of your many works. He eventually gives up and decides to draw you in his own way, making you look like an animated character as that drawing was instantly hung on your wall once it was completed.

Say that I'm the one, cause you are a ten

Him always saying that you are the most beautiful girl he has ever seen and whenever placed in front of a woman who you would consider was prettier than you, his longing eyes would still search for you within a crowd.

Even when the sky comes falling

Dancing in the rain, lightning causing his features to be brought out beautifully as you ignored the fact that the two of you would most likely catch a cold.

Even when the sun don't shine

Staying inside on a foggy day, just staying in bed longer than needed and cuddling up to one another, enjoying the comfort you both brought to each other.

I got faith in you and I

Him promising that he would spend his future with him, in a small house with as many kids as you want, including the dog that you’d always dreamed of having.

So put your pretty little hand in mine

Bringing you small gifts on important days, knowing that you’d feel guilty if he brought expensive ones as you can not afford such gifts for him.

Even when we're down to the wire baby

Going through new experiences together and admitting that you would both like to in the future as well.

Even when it's do or die

Him happily standing up for you when an interviewer crosses the line, always ensuring that he will be on your side.

We could do it baby, simple and plain

Wondering whether you were right for him as you once again felt as if you weren’t good enough as you didn’t have the expensive items other footballers girlfriends had.

'Cause this love is a sure thing

Him ensuring that no matter how much money you had, he would love you endlessly.

This love between you and I is simple as pie baby

Knowing that you could always rely on him being there for you whenever needs be, just like how you were for him, and realising how simple life could be, not needing everything to be over the top.

It's such a sure thing (such a sure thing)

Knowing that he will eventually propose and that you don’t need to stress about when he would, accepting that he would do it when he feels ready.

Ooh it such a sure thing (such a sure thing)

Him reciting your words after getting a small lecture about a small issue, a huge smile on his face as he treasured moments like this.

Even when the sky comes falling

Trying to find the perfect place to spend date night as it was your turn to decide and him eventually admitting that he prefers spending them at home with you.

Even when the sun don't shine

You always go to his games whenever possible and no matter the weather, eventually ending up in him scolding you for coming out in that weather before pulling you into a tight hug, his way of ‘protecting’ you from the kpotential illnesses’.

I got faith in you and I

Him finally proposing to you in the comfort of your own home, the sheer amount of happiness you felt in that moment cannot even be expressed through words.

So put your pretty little hand in mine

The loving kiss he gave you after you accepted his ring, his hand on your cheek as you both smiled lightly, realising that you were now experiencing what you had planned.

Even when we're down to the wire baby

Planning out your wedding together whilst still joking around with each other, your laughter filling the room as it reminds you of the old times.

Even when it's do or die

Him sneaking in a few comments about your future together and the future children you would have, sneakily wrapping an arm around your waist whilst wiggling his eyebrows as you would just giggle at his mischievousness.

We could do it baby, simple and plain

Stressing about planning for the wedding, your easily emotional mood being caught on by Jude as he tells you that whether the wedding is simple or extravagant, nothing would ever stop his love for you.

'Cause this love is a sure thing

Going out dress shopping with your friends and then finding the perfect dress, them confirming that he would love it so much.

Love you like a brother

Memories of the childhood you spent with Jude causing your smile to grow as you remember how naïve you were as a child to not have confessed your love for him sooner.

Treat you like a friend

Sneaking out the night before your wedding to see each other one last time, and beginning to reminisce about the years you had spent with him, finally admitting that you had loved him way longer before he confessed.

Respect you like a lover

You walking down the aisle, your beautiful white dress matching the veil that cascaded across your features, making you unable to see the loving looks you would receive from Jude.

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

Singing together in your home after experiencing the most loving and vulnerable moments of your lives together, your wedding day.

[daybreakrising]

[ coral ]  give a shoutout to one of your favorite blogs. & [ fuchsia ]  bonus round: angst or fluff? one-liners or paras? plotting or winging it? memes or starter calls? single muse or multimuse?

colourful interview.

[ coral ]  give a shoutout to one of your favorite blogs.

i am targeting @apocryphis this time purely bc i have been thriving on the j.iaoqiu & m.oze discussion we've been having lately (amongst others) and i am holding ventium up like simba

i could talk for hours about all the dynamics we've built / are building and how i love them all for how unique and layered they all are, and the enthusiasm for all of them just feeds me - but instead i shall simply focus instead on how ven manages such a variety of muses so well, giving them each their own voice and really conveying their personalities through each reply, regardless of context. i 100% read everything ventium puts on my dash even if it's not for me bc i simply adore their writing. a very talented and lovely individual who you should all absolutely follow if you don't already

[ fuchsia ]  bonus round: angst or fluff? one-liners or paras? plotting or winging it? memes or starter calls? single muse or multimuse?

angst or fluff: both, but i do lean towards angst bc it is so delicious and there's just. endless potential there. fluff, whilst soft and fun to write, can get a bit... idk, stale? to me? if it's the only thing on the table - whereas i can write angst until the end of time SDBGLFDKHNFG what can i say, i just love to inflict suffering and pain upon my writing partners <3

one-liners or paras: PARAS. always paras. i absolutely cannot do one-liners. the occasional crack back-and-forth stuff is fine, but if it's intended as a more serious interaction, one-liners just do not give me enough to go on and i struggle to expand on it to match my usual standard of response.

plotting or winging it: plotting. plotting absolutely, although i don't mind adding in elements of 'winging it' into the mix, depending on the dynamic in question. but i need plotting if we're developing a dynamic of any kind (but especially for ships. 'winging it' for ships isn't an option).

memes or starter calls: both equally. for me, memes are easy to test out potential dynamics, a nice quick way to start things off, and sometimes just fun for little insights into the dynamic outside of any longer threads. starter calls are more personal, however, and because they require more thought and effort, it's a good way to really kick off the dynamic or expand upon something discussed in plotting. i tend to reblog more memes than i put out starter calls simply due to time and energy reasons, but i do like writing starters for people.

single muse or multi: multi. listen, i did the single muse blog thing, and it's fine if i only intend to write one muse, but.... i never intend to write only one. and i cannot function with multiple single muse blogs and i applaud anyone who does. i'd end up focusing on one muse alone bc the thought of logging in and out of multiple blogs is exhausting to me. i don't have the energy for that. instead i can sit upon my hoard of muses here like the dragon i am-

[joealwyndefenseattorney]

just thinking how I’ve never seen anyone give lorde’s exes (i don’t even know the names lol) or jack antonoff shit because of one of her albums.

melodrama was so critically aclaimed and a masterpiece, you can really feel what going through that breakup felt like just like you can feel what going through your own breakups was/is like. you can actually consume her art to go through your own life and feelings without interference of celebrity drama. I can’t do that with taylor. It’s like even her GOOD songs are so dependent on her being seen as popular and a good songwriter. like, if taylor wasn’t taylor, would she have the same aclaim? I really don’t think so. even her “genius” is a PR creation. and then the songs that deserve recognition you still have trouble listening to without having flashes of her overexposured face or life. she’s the product more than she produces it.

I was thinking how you could use the misogyny card to talk about how an ex of alex turner’s, for instance, or harry’s would get so much shit because of a breakup album and they don’t. don’t get me wrong, a lot of times they’re harassed just for dating them because the fans get jealous, and that’s misogynistic, but I can’t recall now a single song that villainizes one of them. maybe there even is one, but the most import thing is we can’t easily recall it.

there’re a lot of songs about being heartbroken, not being able to move on, about other peoples’ mistakes and flaws, but still whenever someones talks about alexa for example is all about how she’s the forever it girl and muse. although some people don’t like some of their exes it’s always based on something that happened online, interviews or misogynistic jelousy. It’s separate from their art, which it the main thing they control anyway.

With taylor, there’s the weaponizing of her art, but she ALSO uses her pr machine to hunt them down. like, she goes TWO steps ahead. It’s so intentional and she’s the first one to throw a fist to say she’s just being an innocent and vulnerable artist like eD sHeEran.

And the fact that she has one of the most agressive fanbases and paints herself as such a good and sensitive girl could make one think she’d be even more attentive to how she portrays someone (specially someone she loved and respected), but no. actually, no.

this is so frustrating as an ex fan to realise everyday. shit.

Taylor is the only one who still at their age plays these immature games. The rest of the artist have grown past the petty ways- and even then they didn’t do nearly what she has done to her ex’s. I’m thankful Joe managed to escape.

[cherrylng]

The Resistance Live Report [STYLE Series #004 - Muse (August 2010)]

The Resistance Live Report

Osaka expedition in pursuit of Muse! From the late fuss to the chorus at the 9 January 2010 Osaka-jo Hall concert, as experienced by the manager of Japan's biggest fan site.

Text: Luna (MUSE shrinking universe)

The exterior of Osaka-jo Hall looks like the stone walls of a castle, with a modern hall built into it. Anyway, it had been a long time since I had seen a show in such a large venue partitioned off by barricades, so that alone was exciting.

The front block was closer to the stage than I expected, and when Matthew played his solo in front of me, I could see his face as clearly as when I saw him at the venue, and it was a good distance to look over Dom's drumming. Compared to a packed house, the number of people per block was reasonable, and the crowd was just right, except for the front row. However, before the show started, the arena and the stands suddenly waved, bringing the arena and the stands together, and just when the tension was at its highest, an announcement was made that the show was running late due to an equipment problem. Unlike at Fuji, there was no sign of the tech wandering around the stage, and with such a perfect set up, how could there possibly be any trouble now? I thought, "The members are on their way from the hotel now. We are caught in a traffic jam, but we will be arriving shortly". Oh, they haven't even arrived yet! But how can traffic alone cause such a delay? I'm sure it was one of these reasons - Dom was late because he was having too much fun, Chris smoked too much and had to take oxygen, someone had a stomach ache and had to go to the toilet, someone talked too much for a magazine interview, etc. - and it was fun to think of a Muse-like reason for the late departure (laughs).

But in the midst of all this, the on-the-spot announcer who explained the situation every step of the way was so human and warm that there was little frustration at the one-hour delay. They apologised again and again for the delay, and even announced the end time, and when they said something that made me cry, "We promise you the best performance because of the delay" (laughs), I applauded and laughed, not to mention booed……

Finally, the stage opened with 'Uprising', and the rest of the show was just too much to describe: wonderful sounds, heart pounding and fun. Dom's Japanese hadn't improved at all since last time (laughs), but Matthew's "Arigatou gozaimasu" sounded so much like a native Japanese that for a moment I thought there was a Japanese presenter.

The highlight of the day was the "Bliss"! Recently I've been listening mainly to songs that sound like they're going to play live, so when they started playing I thought for a moment, "What's this intro?". But it was the real intro to 'Bliss'… I couldn't help but tear up. I was sad that I didn't get to hear this song during the 2007 tour. And also 'Feeling Good', a song I didn't expect them to play. It was so sexy, Matthew. Helsinki Jam was really cool too. I wanted them to play three times more!

I think Matthew's regret is that he didn't have the persistent pent-up energy during "Plug in Baby", perhaps because of the time pressure. The fact that he couldn't sing "Resistance" in his natural voice until the end of "Resistance" was also something Matthew should have regretted, as he had drunk too much the night before. Although I would have liked to order a few things, "Unnatural Selection" was a great, heavy and cool closing song to "Stockholm Syndrome". No complaints about this one!!!

Still, I was surprised that everyone in the audience sang quite seriously, and we sang 'Starlight' and 'Time is Running Out' in chorus. Matthew didn't sing the chorus to 'Plug In Baby', so we did!

The closing song, 'Knights of Cydonia', was even more dramatic, with Chris's harmonica harmonising 'Man With A Harmonica' and a guitar melody sing-along, which was not included in the introductory song. The song had evolved into something like the climax of a story, nostalgic and familiar, but still moving as if I had heard a new song.

The disappointment of the day was that they didn't play 'MK Ultra' and 'Stockholm Syndrome'. But Dom was cool even without any cosplay, and Matthew was still a mysterious light shining through, not just an ordinary old man. What makes me happy is that Muse have become a band with the style and ability to suit such a big venue, and a fan base to match. What I love is that I love Muse like that. I want to say to the members: ……That we are really, really happy.

SETLIST

Uprising

Map Of The Problematique

Supermassive Black Hole

New Born

Interlude

Hysteria

Guiding Light

Bliss

Nishe

United States Of Eurasia

Feeling Good

Helsinki Jam

Undisclosed Desires

Resistance

Starlight

Time Is Running Out

Unnatural Selection

[ encore ]

Exogenesis: Symphony Part 1 (Overture)

Plug In Baby

Man With A Harmonica Intro

Knights Of Cydonia

Translator's Note: You know, it's only now that I'm picking up the pattern here that delays due to "equipment troubles" has two meanings for Muse concerts. 1) It's actual equipment troubles, or 2) it's a euphemism for "the band had only just left their hotel now. Their ETA is at this estimated time."

It feels like a futile effort to ever ask for an artist/band to arrive and start their shows on time 😭

[defiedlife]

meta + dr. ratio cause im self-indulgent jenna

send  [ META ] + a word / phrase / person / etc for a headcanon.

To Aventurine, Ratio is someone he cares for deeply whether it's platonic or romantic. They're colleagues and partners despite working in entirely different departments (and factions, technically) and he wouldn't have it any other way. As risky as his methodology was, one of his proudest achievements to date is forming that partnership. (Quick side note: this is canon; it's in the ANAN interview.)

He's seen many people put Ratio on a pedestal for outstanding academic achievements, and he agrees that those are admirable, to be sure. He's even a little envious, as Ratio clearly had an abundance of opportunity and privilege while growing up where Aventurine himself had little to none. He doesn't blame the good doctor, though; it's no one's fault that they were raised in very different circumstances. That's just fate toying with them both.

However, the value he sees in Ratio and what draws him to the scholar to such an extent is the sheer humanity that he can see with one glance. Ratio's primary philosophy is that knowledge should be shared by and accessible to all, and as someone who grew up without so much as a single book to read, Aventurine admires that desire and generosity immensely. It means a lot to him to know someone whom would readily help tutor and mentor another person in a situation similar to what his younger self experienced.

Ratio's blunt and abrasive personality doesn't matter to him. Sure, it stings at times, but he's heard far worse in the past. Plus, he's experienced first-hand that if Ratio truly crosses a line and gets called on it, a sincere apology will follow—a first, compared to what Aventurine has dealt with before. What really matters is that he looks at Ratio and sees a doctor who seeks to cure ignorance, injury, and illness alike, along with a strong moral code that most in the IPC would sooner scoff at than praise. He sees a man that he admires and trusts—even with his life.

Conversely, this also means that he would gladly protect Ratio with his life without a second thought. In his opinion, the world needs more people like Veritas Ratio.

Their work together on Penacony only served to reinforce his trust. Although Ratio "betrayed" him, that was the plan from the very beginning, which means that Ratio never really betrayed him at all. He counted on Ratio to play a role, and the doctor did so flawlessly. It was impressive—the finest performance Aventurine has ever seen besides his own, and he couldn't be more grateful.

All of the above applies whether platonic or romantic; shipping or not, and whether my Aventurine and any given Ratio muse have interacted before or not.

Now, to address the more romantic side of things with your Ratio specifically—

Aventurine just...wants him to open up more. That's it. That's all he wants. He knows Veritas loves him. He's heard the words said before, and he knows them to be true. The problem is that even though he knows it's true, he still has to stand by and watch Veritas struggle to reconcile with those feelings. It breaks his heart, but he's not going anywhere. If he did, he'd lose the most important person in his life.

He can't risk that for anything in the world, even if the alternative hurts too.

Instead, he just hopes he can get through to Veritas one day. He wants to hear a sincere "I love you" without the assistance of him forcibly (though with consent) lowering Veritas' inhibitions. He will always, always love Veritas to the end of the universe and back, and will always be grateful for everything Veritas has done for him from the first moment they met in the IPC infirmary. But it still hurts.

He can search for the "I love you"s in the little smiles he sees sometimes, or the rare moments that he manages to steal a kiss or hug. He sees it in the way Ratio worries over him and lectures him on being more careful. Such moments are sweet, but needing to search and always pay attention to the finer details every single time is tiring. Whenever he hits a low point mentally, it's enough to make him second-guess whether or not Veritas' feelings are even real.

The minimal affection (or denial of it entirely) and non-committal attitude are soul-crushing when he's so desperate to be loved, and he doesn't know what more he can do to change that. He knows they can trust each other, and his life will always be safe in Veritas' hands. He just wants his heart to feel safe too, and he keeps wondering if that's too much to ask.

[astriiformes]

What are some things you really like about the Locked Tomb? Amy specific characters, scenes, thematic motifs, memes? And (if you feel like it) why?

The answer to this is Many Things, which is one reason the series has taken up residence in my brain for good!

My favorite characters are probably Palamedes and Harrow; Pal because I love a good nerd who is also very kind and his whole qpr-flavored relationship with Camilla is so important to me, and Harrow because. Well. There are sure some reasons I have been really vibing with characters who are mentally ill disasters recently, and I think she's a particularly interesting and sympathetically written one. But I love so many other characters in the books too. One thing I really adore about the series is that it's got a 10/10 ensemble cast. Stories with really large casts of interesting characters are my favorite, and TLT has so many good ones. It's delightful.

....Which also ties into one of the other things I love about the books. I have. A lot of thoughts about what TLT has to say about relationships, and specifically that it does so in a way that really works for me as an aro person. The fact that the whole Lyctoral process (and its variants) reads like an exercise in "Hey, what if Drift Compatibility were way more fucked up" works so much better for me as a thesis on love than what many works of fiction have to say about it, and the idea that it can be both a positive/negative force, and that none of that is in any way restricted to one kind of human connection is. So much better and so much more interesting than what you usually see when fiction tries to say something about love and what it is and how it impacts us.

(Also, going to keep things kind of vague here, but for my friends who haven't read Nona yet you might want to skip over this next paragraph, just to be safe)

That was something I was already musing heavily on before NtN, and that I really liked about the series, because as early as the first book you have a lot of different things happening in the neromancer/cavalier relationships. But the most recent book really hit me in the gut with that. I remember I read an interview with the author that mentioned the "Life is too short and love is too long," line and I knew it was going to mess me up badly (although I didn't know if it was just a theme the book was going to dig into or an actual quote) because things of that, like, "better to have loved and lost" ilk really get to me. But I did have some ideas about what relationships it would be most relevant to, and I was VERY wrong, and when I hit the point in the book where it was actually said, I bawled my eyes out -- as expected, but also for totally different reasons than I'd been prepared for because that whole conversation is just. Not the kind of thing you get to see between characters with that kind of relationship, usually. I am still verklempt about it, honestly.

Anyways, 10/10 books series, I am so excited to see how it wraps up because I really feel like Tamsyn Muir is going to manage to stick the landing with these. Her writing style alone is such a delight and has given me a lot to turn around in my head, as someone who also likes telling stories that are both dark and funny and try to do some unconventional things. Not saying I am on her level but man was her writing style designed to cater to me specifically.

[nyappyforeverbr]

【Interview】Miku (An Cafe) × ClubZy ONLINE │Part #1

In February of that year, 2023, Miku was interviewed by the ClubZy Online team. ClubZy is a Japanese magazine specializing in visual-kei artists managed by Visual-kei Oyaji/Seiichi Hoshiko. The editor in chief of the magazine is Hakuei (Penicillin).

To access the interview, it was necessary to pay a contribution/subscription fee on the ClubZy no Nico channel (Japanese live broadcast platform), Cafekko Sara signed and sent us the interview!

After starting their hiatus in January 2019, AN CAFE made a 'live comeback' at [OSAKA MUSE 35th Anniversary Event “OUR CANVAS”] held last June/2022. After such a surprise, they celebrated their 20th anniversary this year by performing at Zepp Haneda on January 5th and 6th, 2023. In addition, it was also announced that they will be performing live in Tokyo and Osaka in August this year, surely many readers are creating expectations for the full resumption of activities. We caught up with Miku (Vo.) to talk about An Cafe's past, present and future!

Interview: Takayuki Murakami Photo: Susumu Miyawaki

- On January 5th and 6th, you got together to celebrate the 20th anniversary of “Reiwa from First NYAPPY o(≧∀≦)o” at Zepp Haneda. Miku: The reason why we decided to do this live was because the members reunited before the 20th anniversary. When we went out to eat, everyone probably had the word “20th anniversary” flashing in their heads, but no matter what they did, they couldn't say “Let's do this together” to each other. We talked privately, but we didn't talk about An Cafe. I totally understand that feeling. I didn't leave because I wanted to, so remembering that makes me sad. I wonder if the others felt embarrassed. So, although not everyone mentioned it, last June there was an anniversary event for Osaka MUSE, An Cafe was invited. I got a message from the team about what it was going to look like, and right away I thought, "Oh! I can see some light." After talking with Teruki, he summoned the members. Everyone kindly agreed to do a live in June. And that. We started talking about doing a 20th birthday and we made it happen in January.

- Osaka MUSE's anniversary event was held at the ideal time. This time the title was "First NYAPPY o(≧∀≦)o in Reiwa". What was the concept?

Miku: The concept might have been different for everyone... No, it's the same. I wonder if it was. Anyway, to satisfy the fans, I did my best by delivering the best live with the feeling of thinking it's an important date. That's why we had fun, more than that, I had a strong desire to make the audience have fun.

-Was the set list also decided with that in mind?

Miku: For the set list, first of all, we have about 140 songs if you align them with Excel. So I surprised myself by saying, “Wow, there are so many songs!” Like (laughs). All songs are important to me, but from there I chose the most important ones. There were still about 50 songs left, that's right. I thought this was not applicable but this time it was 2 days wasn't it? 2 days of An Cafe. Generally, we only change a few songs in streams for days in a row. But this time, for the first time, I changed the songs almost completely. Thanks to that, I was able to include more.

-The fans were happy to be able to listen to several songs. In other words, Miku thought of the set list by himself, was that it?

Miku: Yes. If I “decided” and suggested it to everyone; they accepted my proposal.

-After all, everyone was looking at the same goal. So what did you feel when you performed live?

Miku: It's still a dream, and it really is like a dream. I can not explain. It was very funny. It was extraordinary, it's like a dream, still.

-There are many things I thought about after watching the show. I felt strongly that An Cafe's live performance was extraordinary.

Miku: The extraordinary space is the synergy between the band and the audience. Members are what make An Cafe great. Honestly, I don't think I'm good, but when I go on stage I can shine. Fans too, when everyone comes together, everyone can shine. A special space is created. Therefore, our role as an artist is to give our fans dreams, but they also make us dream. I feel like I'm being taken care of.

-Certainly, the audience's reaction was beautiful, and the live atmosphere, the feeling was excellent. And during An Cafe's concert there are many attractive parts, first of all, the music is good, the melody has a sparkle. It's amazing how exciting it is.

Miku: I'm glad you realize that. Maybe it's because I'm a shadow. I have a very sociable personality and I really like folk songs. Usually, the members compose the songs, but I'm the one who decides the melody line myself. That's why, while it's bright and poppy, it's also full of melancholy. I feel like we managed to convey that in the song.

-If the melody is lively, bright or heavy, I feel it is in good taste.

Miku: I think the reason why we like visual-kei is that it has some shadows and is dark. I think the members really prefer dark songs. But An Cafe has the image of a brilliant band, doesn't it? It's about trying to reconcile the band's image with our tastes, and even if we want to do something brilliant, there will be some minor tastes.

-It's hard to mix light and dark well, but An Cafe is good at it. In addition to being able to enjoy many high quality songs, I thought it was good to have a place to show the instrumental formation, which is typical of the band.

Miku: In An Cafe, there is a section that focuses on the musical ensemble called "Etcetera", and I think this is a very important scene in live performance. So I definitely wanted to do that this time around, so I included it in the set list.

-That is great. Do you leave the etcetera content to the instrument team?

Miku: Yes. I think Teruki is the main and leading actor. I usually don't participate. When I entered the studio, they said, "Miku-kun, it's okay if you're late."

-The default is to come into the studio later, see what you think and give the OK.

Miku: No, it's like watching for the first time during the live.

-What? Don't you check in the studio?

Miku: They don't (laughs). I try to snoop around during the final rehearsal which is held on stage, but after the studio rehearsals they only do the actual performance. So I don't know what they're going to do until the day of the show (laughs). But etcetera's content is always good, and I trust all the members.

-It's also nice to see Miku leaving the stage when Etcetera enters. Without appealing to the public by saying, "I'm going to be gone for a while", I could feel the importance of the members from the fact that they were gone so quickly.

Miku: That was good (laughs). I have no problem leaving the stage. I've been doing this since we started doing etcetera. ~ x ~

to be continued...

[littlequeenies]

Hallmark’s ‘The Wedding Veil Journey’ Stars Muse Who Inspired Several Beatles Songs

January 21, 2023

Hallmark Channel, News

Hallmark’s The Wedding Veil Journey stars Alison Sweeney, Victor Webster, Lacey Chabert, Autumn Reeser, and Jane Asher, the woman that inspired such Beatles’ classics as “I Want To Hold Your Hand,” “I’m Looking Through You,” “And I Love Her.”

Who is Actress Jane Asher From Hallmark’s The Wedding Veil Journey?

London-born actress Jane Asher started acting at the age of six. However, according to the Telegraph, Jane Asher’s life changed in 1963 when she interviewed Paul McCartney of the Beatles. They went on to date for five years. Moreover, they even got engaged. Jane inspired many of McCartney’s iconic songs that include “We Can Work It Out,” and “Martha My Dear.”

However, despite being a muse to one of the most famous songwriters in the world, she was determined to continue her acting career. Most of all, she does not like to talk about McCartney or this time of her life.

In addition, Jane’s brother Peter Asher recorded McCartney-Lennon reject songs in the duo, Peter And Gordon. Peter eventually became a manager and producer who helped along James Taylor and Linda Ronstadt’s careers. He was very sought out in the 70s.

Jane Asher Is An Entrepreneur And Writer

The Hallmark star is more than an actress. Jane Asher has written over a dozen books. This includes three novels called, The Longing, The Question, and Losing It. However, most of her books are non-fiction. They focus on baking and lifestyle.

She is a British Martha Stewart. In her books, Jane shows people how to paint furniture and cake decorating. She even has a book on how to create costumes for children. Most of all, her years of working in showbiz gave her some good tips on creating good costumes.

In addition, the mother of three also is an entrepreneur, owning a cake shop when her children were young.

However, acting has been her primary career.

Jane Asher’s Successful Love Life

Although being a muse was not meant to be, Jane Asher’s love life is something out of a Hallmark movie. Three years after she publicly broke it off with McCartney, she met cartoonist Gerald Scarfe. He is best known for his work in The New Yorker, The Times, and Pink Floyd’s The Wall.

Moreover, they have now been married for over 40 years, and together for over 50.

What Is Hallmark’s The Wedding Veil Journey About?

The final Hallmark movie in the popular sequel trilogy is The Wedding Veil Journey. What is it about?

According to the Hallmark synopsis, “Tracy and Nick agree to set aside work to make time for a long overdue honeymoon to Greece. When they are stranded on a secluded island, they confront their life choices.”

We don’t know much about Jane Asher’s character, Lady Dalton. However, it looks like she could watch the magic of the veil work on someone close to her.

Best of all, they filmed this movie in Greece! They filmed this movie on the Greek island of Rhodes. Sir Ron Oliver directed this movie. Moreover, this is a historic movie for Hallmark. This is the first time that a movie has been filmed at the Acropolis of Lindos.

[parcequecestnotreprojeeeet]

Hi, it’s me, Fanfic Anon #2. After the comment from the Anon about Manette earlier, and thinking still about all their interviews at the beginning of January, I wrote this piece.

She smiled softly when she saw him standing off to the side of his office, staring out the window after the interview. She knew he wasn’t as okay as he seemed afterwards, knew her sensitive husband, contrary to popular belief, felt things very deeply, especially when it comes to the people he loves.

She knew the answer to what his biggest fear was before the man had even finished asking him the question, after all, she still remembers how inconsolable he was for weeks after his beloved grandmother passed. She was at a loss for what to do, she had never seen another human being in that much pain. She felt like her heart had been torn in two just watching him grieve.

So she wasn’t surprised when he teared up when they asked if he still missed her - of course he did, every single day. That kind of loss doesn’t just go away, a fact she knew first hand probably better than most, the loss of her sister and her family, her niece, her parents, her brother - they all left holes in her heart too. Just like Manette did.

She owed that woman a lot - not just for accepting her and loving her when it seemed like no one else in the world did, but for everything she did to raise her beloved husband. Unlike a lot of women who were threatened by the other important female figures in their partner’s lives, the female parental figures, especially when that partner would spend hours on the phone with them every night before joining them in bed, Brigitte only ever felt gratitude for Manette. And now, a grandmother herself, she understood deeply what that bond was, what it meant. Truth be told, a small part of her hoped that her grandchildren would think and speak as fondly of their Mamie one day as her husband still speaks about his Manette.

Walking into the room, she softly mused, "she would be so proud of you, mon cœur."

"How did you know I was thinking about her?" he asked, slightly stunned.

"You forget how well I know you. How long I’ve known you."

"Mhmm," he hummed non-committally in response.

"Wherever she is right now, I know she’s been watching you closely, cheering you on every step of the way," she smiled as she looped her arms around his waist, resting her head on his shoulder since he hadn’t turned around.

"Well how many people get to say their grandkid is the President?"

"That’s not why, and you know it," she rebuked lightly. "Although, of course she’s proud you’re here in this office, proud of what you’ve done for this country, what you have done for the world, what you will continue to do.

"But what I know she’s proudest of is the man that you’ve become. How you are so wise, and kind, and loving; how you are the best husband, father, grandfather to our family; how you are the best friend I could have ever hoped to have had; how you have never lost who you are despite everything around you that could cause just that.

"You know, she always told me, ‘Brigitte, he’s going to be something special one day.’ And I would laugh and then agree with her, before she would say ‘but you know that won’t change anything.’ And it hasn’t."

"You’ve never told me that."

"There’s a lot she told me I haven’t told you," she told him, before laughing at the speed he turned around to look at her. "Just like there were things she told you that you’ve never told me. She was so kind to me, she loved me as if I was one of her own - and I’ve never forgotten that."

"She did love you, Brigitte. She told me once I had finally introduced you two, ‘you’re right, Manu. She is special.’ She had never called anyone special before."

"I’m just glad she accepted me, I know she was your red line like my children were mine -"

"I never had any doubts about it," he smiled before saying more seriously, "she’d be really proud of you too. Everything you’ve done -"

"She’d mainly be happy I manage to keep you fed and on a somewhat normal sleep schedule," she demurred.

"Chérie, do I really need to have this conversation with you again? You’re extraordinary. What you have done as a teacher, as a Premiere Dame, as head of these charities - there’s no one else on this Earth like you."

"How did I get so lucky?" she asked, bring her hand up to slowly stroke his face.

"I don’t know. I ask myself that question every day." They stood there for a moment in the silence, taking in each other’s company as they both were in their own thoughts before he continued, "thank you. I think I needed to hear that today."

She kissed him softly, lovingly in reply.

Hellooo fanfic Anon #2! ❤️

I actually think about this quite often... how she never got to see her grandkid become president. How proud she would be of him. How happy he would be to have her by his side on such important day. But unfortunately, that’s just how life works. And she’s still there every day with him, on his heart. So yes, this one really touched me ❤️

Thank you so much, Fanfic Anon #2! ❤️❤️❤️

[sunburnacoustic]

INTERVIEW: MUSE on ‘BLACK HOLES AND REVELATIONS’

— Ian Winterton interviewing Matt Bellamy for The Leeds Guide magazine in 2006.

It’s midday on a Friday and I’ve accidentally got drunk. Now, the floaty, vaguely tripped-out feeling may be down to the four pints I’ve just glugged down, but I’m more inclined to blame the fact that I’ve been locked in a bar in London’s Soho Hotel with a dozen journalists for the playback of Muse’s new album. It’s a fantastically weird mix of prog-rock, electro, metal and sci-fi noodlings Hawkwind would have been proud of. And, at the stipulation of the band’s management, we had to listen to it twice, “in case we missed something”.

So, yeah, I’m feeling a little odd when, in a suite upstairs, I get to meet the man behind the madness, Matt Bellamy. In contrast to myself, he turns out to be both sober and sane, not to mention thoroughly pleasant and polite. With his designer casual clothes, prominent cheekbones and scrunchy hair, you’d sooner imagine him folding up jumpers in a swanky clothes shop than fronting one of the UK’s most successful rock bands. Then again, Muse have never been associated with rock ‘n’ roll excess. I put it to him that the band’s clean living is one reason they’re still going strong a decade after their debut album.

“We’ve had some very good times on tour in the past,” he says a tad defensively. “And we were young guys and at one point we were all single, but I don’t think we need to tell everyone about it. We’ve always wanted to get attention for being good musicians and for making good music.”

And good music they most certainly do make, although it’s not to everyone’s taste. For some, it’s silly, pretentious and overblown. To those who’ve drunk from the cup, however, it’s silly, pretentious and overblown. AND THAT’S THE POINT. With Black Holes And Revelations, Bellamy and his fellow bandmates – Chris Wolstenholme (bass) and Dominic Howard (drums) – have really pulled out the stops. In between beers during the playback, I jot down the names of other bands that come to mind, producing a list that includes New Order, The Scissor Sisters, The Pixies, Pet Shop Boys, Ennio Morricone and Spinal Tap.

In amongst the electro and the flamenco, it’s still the same old Muse: Bellamy’s falsetto vocals, pounding drums and loud ‘n’ fast rock guitar. For me, all the disparate elements of the album come together on the brilliantly titled closer Knights Of Cydonia. It begins with laser-guns and horses galloping.

“We really pushed that song to its limits,” says Bellamy. “We pushed the fantastical elements so far, maybe too far, so it sounds like a sci-fi film. Cydonia is the area of Mars where they think there’s that big-faced temple thing. Mars used to be the same distance from the Sun as we are now and so some people think that maybe there was a civilisation there. I find that idea quite appealing.”

“I think that’s a little far fetched,” he laughs, adding, “It’s a slippery slope. Once you start reading that stuff it takes you over a bit. I quite like alternative thinking. My girlfriend studies psychology and she’s working in a hospital in Milan where there are patients that actually believe the end of the world is nigh and that sort of thing. It’s interesting hearing about people who’ve been completely overtaken by these theories.”

How are they going to reproduce the sound of such a wilfully diverse and bonkers album live?

“With great difficulty!” Bellamy exclaims. “But we’ve actually got a fourth person in to do some of the electronic stuff for the first time. Morgan Nicholls, who’s actually in The Streets, took over on bass when Chris broke his wrist. It turns out he’s a really good keyboard player. We decided that next time we should give him a go.”

As thousands of fans can testify, Muse are awesome live – and, unlike most bands, they’re actually better playing huge gigs. Are they excited to be playing Leeds and Reading?

“Absolutely,” enthuses Bellamy. “Reading and Leeds are the biggest rock festivals you can play.  When I was younger I remember seeing bands playing there – I saw Jeff Buckley, one of my all-time heroes, there in ’94 and I remember thinking if I could get up there it would be amazing. Also, it feels nice to be a band that can do a gig like Glastonbury but also do Reading and Leeds, which is more of a rock audience. It’s nice to be able to move between the two.”

Just look out for those giant lizards.

[sigmadolos]

@burniingup​​​​ said: Blonde and cerulean!

COLOURFUL INTERVIEW

[ blonde ]  what is your favorite type of music?  favorite artist?  favorite song?  

answered HERE!

[ cerulean ]  what is your favorite ( type of ) character to write?

   Ohhhh I can’t say there’s one PARTICULAR type or favorite of mine. I currently write about 20 muses between Sigma & my multimuse (although most of them are small fandoms, only about 5 are regularly requested). I’ve got tropes I tend to stick to.

Main Tropes: Intellectual geniuses bad with emotions ;  Master Manipulator ; Powerhouses ; Existential/Identity Crisis   Sub-tropes: leader, right hand,  Betrayed/left behind, religious corruption, Poetic, Ancient

Which is probably not the muses people expect given I write Sigma, although the manipulator part perhaps does given his status as a beloved manager who no one suspects of doing any wrong when in reality he’s a member of the Decay of Angels, and he is very poetic. And the existential/identity crisis aspect, although Sigma probably has it more than any of the others.

But I really can’t say there’s a favorite TYPE, despite my consistent tropes. I just like characters I can really dig into and have multiple complex layers. There’s nothing wrong with simple and straight forward characters, good or evil! I love some of them! But when it comes to ones I write, they all tend to be very complex, especially in self-reflection. I have written other characters in BSD for years, but most know my these days just by my Sigma. All in all though, the complex characters are what draw me in.

[allyear-lff]

She said

Summary: two female journalists uncover the abuses of Harry Weinstein by interviewing his victims and discovering a network of deceit, cover ups and coercion around him.

Plot and musings: we all know about the "Me Too" movement and many perhaps have been waiting for a detailed, digestible presentation of its genesis, the fall of Hollywood mogul film producer Harry Weinstein.

This film attempts to fill that void but I was left with a sense that an opportunity has been missed, it is easy to say this now that the film hasn't done very well at the box office, but it was my genuine feeling when I watched it early on its general release, as a pro film critic commented "the reaction has been polite rather than enthusiastic", but why?

The main problem is the formulaic nature of the film, we know how a reporter gets her history: research, relentless pursuing of the truth often at great personal cost and recognising when a turning point about the reporting being pursued has been reached. All this is in the film, and we have seen it all before in several other high profile films about journalists exercising their craft, the format isn't new and this film doesn't add much new to the mini genre.

The second problem is perhaps the difficulty of using a medium and format that is more related to make-believe to reflect on real events, it isn't impossible but it is difficult, for example Gwyneth Paltrow, one of the more recognisable victims of Weinstein, lingers over the film but she is never seen, we hear her voice over the phone and we see a body double, this felt silly, there is no reason no to represent her in film as a fully fledged character.

The actors are likeable and committed, I felt Zoe Kazan had better luck at portraying Jody Kantor than Carey Mulligan at portraying Megan Twohey, the journalists behind the investigation and the article that damned Weinstein, Mulligan's Twohey feels aloof and somehow detached, I found her rather laboured and sometimes unconvincing although in some crucial parts she managed to drag us into how things where for the real journalist, the film is carried more by the women portrayed as victims of abuse, one could feel the pain, the shame, the confusion, they conveyed excellently the state of anguish in which the real women were living but their interventions where like oasis of drama into a complicated and somehow convoluted plot.

So the plot, the first scene in the film follows a young woman, a girl really, she is being recruited to work in a film set she encounters almost by chance, then we have a harsh switch to the girl running in the middle of the road of a small town confused and distressed, this sets the scene of all what will follow.

Attention turns now to New York, our two main characters, NY Times journalists Jody Kantor and Megan Twohey, are writing about different issues, Kantor about immigration and Twohey about one of the several (many?) allegations of sexual misconduct against Donald Trump pre his election as US president, Trump is not charged and the Fox scandal about sexual abuse (also dealt with by a film in "Bombshell") starts to unfold, the NYT's hacks talk about a wider issue at play and the idea of casting their net in Hollywood as an example of a larger malaise takes hold, and nobody most infamous than Harry Weinstein against whom there are lots of rumours and a serious allegation from actress Rose McGowan, which as far as they can tell have not been investigated with journalistic rigour.

With this basis they interview people starting with McGowan, Paltrow (on the phone...) and close associates to Weinstein that have freedom to talk, little by little they uncover what has been going on, first the victims intimate about the abuse they have suffered, but that isn't enough, when one of them decides to go public and gives them the settlement she reached with Weinstein in order not to pursue legal action they find the opening they needed, with this appalling document in hand (it feels like a form of life punishment because all the restrictions placed on the victim) they pursue people close to Winstein, thus it transpires that there are many more settlements and that they have been reached with the help of industry insiders of all kinds.

All the interviews portrayed with victims are very dramatic, the most poignant one perhaps that of the woman that appeared at the beginning of the film as a young distressed girl.

Now that the journalists have corroborated the evidence they embark in writing the article that we know brought Weinstein down, this is cinematographically undramatic, the tension is taken away by what we all know about the case and the Me Too movement, there are a few poignant moments like when Twohey meets Weinstein and his associates in the NYT's HQ, something that adds colour but not drama.

Perhaps we know too much about the real life situation in order to appreciate a dramatisation, I felt it didn't add much to the topic in spite of the efforts of all people involved, it is still a film worth watching but there were higher hopes for it, although to be fair the general public seems to like it in spite of its flaws.

Rating: 3.5/5

66 of 168

Date: 29 November 2022

Venue: Curzon Bloomsbury

The list of films in the LFF 2022

[mlmxreader]

Under The Radar | Bruce Wayne x gn!reader

Anonymous asked: hey there! can i request bruce wayne + "shut up, i just need a cuddle" from the new prompts list?? ty 🙏

summary: Bruce is especially fond of sneaking in to see you, but sometimes, the thing he wants most is little more than to take a nap on the sofa with a film on in the background.

tws: swearing, mentions of bruising

Bruce was happy to keep things under the radar, keeping you hidden from the newspapers and the magazines and their scavenging photographers, very rarely talking about you in interviews unless if you had said he could; dating Batman was one thing, and quite easy to deal with, as under the cover of darkness it was easy to find privacy and to protect it, but dating the billionaire was another thing. People wanted to know who you were, what you did, they wanted to know about your family, they wanted to know about if you were only with Bruce for his money. People wouldn't back off. Neither you or Bruce were particularly comfortable with putting your personal life in the spotlight; the most Bruce ever told them was that he was still very much in love with you, and he was very much content and happy with you.

Keeping things under the radar was probably the best decision you had ever made when it came to your relationship; he was more than happy to sneak into your flat when he had a couple of hours spare, taking the back way and knocking on the window until you let him in. Letting him crash on the sofa while you went about with your business; he would kick his feet up and would watch a film while you did laundry or cooked or cleaned or showered; you liked it like that, being able to just exist around one another and not having to do everything together. Sometimes, though, you would end up cuddled into his side as you looked through your phone, occasionally looking up at the television screen; a few times you could have sworn that the actor in the films looked just like him, but he always denied it.

Two lives were enough.

Today wasn't any different, although Bruce was a little slower than usual thanks to a nasty bruise on his side and another on his back, but he managed to get in, and he managed to collapse on your sofa and kick his feet up; he went through what films were available, and settled on one that he knew would catch your attention, as he knew that it was one that you liked. American Psycho. He was right, as within a couple of minutes, you were stood behind the sofa with your hands on the cushions either side of his head, a quiet laugh coming from you.

"Y'know, you look an awful like him," you told him. "Like, you could be twins."

Bruce grumbled, shaking his head. "Shut up, I just need a cuddle. Come here."

You made your way around, crashing into his good side and putting your head on his chest, laying one leg over his hips as you grumbled with content. "You really don't see the resemblance?"

"Shut up," he sighed, moving so that you were beneath him, he was quick to lay his head on your chest, a soft hum leaving him when you started to play with his hair. He couldn't help it as he smiled. "Thank you..."

You tilted your head to the side, gently raking through his soft brown strands as you looked at the screen, daring to laugh. "Oh, come on! He even wears the same fucking suits! Bruce, are you sure you're not living a third life as an actor?"

"Very," he chuckled. "Two is more than enough, especially when one means I get hounded by press as it is..."

"Yeah, if you say so," you teased, letting one leg dangle over the edge as you shifted around to get comfortable. "You wanna take a nap?"

"I would love to take a nap," Bruce admitted.

"Yeah, I thought so," you mused. "If you nap, though, you can cook tea."

"I can do that..."

He snuggled into you a little more, his eyes starting to drift shut as he clung onto you, his breathing getting softer and his eyes closing; he liked days like this, where you were perfectly content and happy to take unscheduled naps with him on the sofa without questioning it. He smiled, daring to push your shirt up a little so that he could feel your stomach against his fingertips, able to feel the gentle rising and falling and the warmth of your touch; he grumbled, letting out a quiet yawn as he started to drift off.

"G'night, Bruce," you whispered, your eyes getting heavy as you tried not to succumb to sleep yourself, a smile on your lips and your fingers ceasing to play with his hair, letting your hand simply lay there amongst the soft strands as you hummed.

"G'night, (y/n)."

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[gingerale2017]

“Now, Kiss!”

Based on this hc I made earlier :)

3474 words

Fandom: The Lunar Chronicles

Pairing: Kai x Cinder

Fluff

Description:

Kai knew that the annoyance was part of having a sibling, but he hated it all the same. Nainsi would tease him about everything and when she figured out his crush on Cinder Linh, it only got worse. When Cinder calls Kai on the day that Nainsi brings some friends, she suspects that something might be cooking in the pot. Is she right, or are they friends for another agonizing day?

(Also I decided to name her Nainsi bc I’m too tired to brainstorm anything else I like it)

“WAKE UP KAI!” was the first thing Kai heard after being unfortunately interrupted by a sweet dream involving a certain someone. He was awake now, with a 100-pound pillow being tossed onto his head. Groaning, he flipped to his other side, squeezing his eyes shut as if that would make the tiny monster go away.

“KAI WE’RE GONNA BE LATE!” Nainsi yelled. She threw another pillow at him and when he didn’t show any signs of stopping, she yanked the cover out. Thank the stars for sheets.

“Stars, what time is it?” Kai managed to ask. Knowing his family it was probably five in the morning.

“Seven-thirty, ” he groaned again. It was way too early to get out of bed. Plus, the school didn’t start until eight-thirty so they were very much not late. He tucked his head in the pillow and wished for his sister to magically vanish away into whatever drama she obsessed with now.

“KAI! GET OUT THE BED RIGHT NOW!” Kai turned his head to glare at her. She glared right back.

“You know Cinder gets up super early for whatever reason. That’s something you two can get along with, ” instead of rolling her eyes like she usually did when Kai talked about Cinder, Nainsi's lips formed into a coy smile.

He cursed.

She somehow smiled even further and cocked her head, “Got any plans with her tonight?”

He could feel his ears turn red, and he tried to kill her on the spot with his eyes. His little sister took the smart choice and sprinted out of his room with Kai on her heels.

She screamed as he followed her down the stairs into the kitchen, seeking refuge next to their father’s chair. Kai could tell he was annoyed by the posture he was in and the way he took another sip of his coffee.

Nainsi shot Kai a smug smile that he wished to wipe off her face, “are you gonna wear pajamas to school, Kaito?”

“I’m going to kill you.”

“Ah, yes, but then you’ll spend the rest of your life in jail and will never see your precious Cinder again.”

He glared at her once more and left to go change. When he came back, the aroma of fried eggs was so strong that it filled the whole house.

His father was humming a tune while seasoning the eggs with pepper, now in a less annoyed mood. There were two plates on the kitchen counter already equipped with breakfast. Nainsi rebelliously made cereal instead of eating eggs. Kai, on the other hand, was grateful for the free breakfast.

He sat grabbed a ate and sat at the barstool, preparing to dig into his meal. Dad wanted to make small talk instead, “Good morning, son, and you're welcome for the delicious breakfast that I so graciously made for my marvelous kids.”

“Good morning, father, and us marvelous kids are so grateful for this delicious meal that makes caught us by surprise. But unfortunately, one of your children prefers Lucky Charms to you’re amazing breakfast, ” Kai responded after swallowing his first bite of eggs.

Nainsi looked up from her cereal, “that’s because I don’t like eggs, they’re disgusting.”

“You don’t like anything, ” she stuck her tongue out. Kai picked up his plate and placed it in the sink. Unsurprisingly, he was still hungry, so he went to see what was in the fridge.

“Kai, why don’t you ever want up early?” his father asked.

“Um, because-”

“Because he’s up all night thinking about making out with Cinder in the back of her BMW, ” the little monster interrupted before he could continue. He grabbed a tomato and slammed the fridge shut.

He then threw the tomato at her, “two strikes, Nainsi.”

She dodged the tomato and looked back at Kai with big round eyes.

“Hey, it's too early to fight with your sister just yet, ” interjected his father, “also, if you couldn’t tell, your mother is working double shifts at the hospital today so she wouldn’t be coming back tonight and I have a business trip. I know you have some friends coming over today, Nainsi, so behave better than usual. Both of you.”

“What friends are coming over, Nainsi?” Kai mused, an idea forming in his head.

“Just Geovanna and Emily. Possibly Ben but he hasn’t confirmed yet,” she answered, “why?”

“Just wondering. Anyways, we gotta go now,” Kai pulled on his sweatshirt from the laundry and headed towards the front, “bye dad.”

He nodded at Kai, currently preoccupied with his second mug of coffee while Nainsi rushed to follow Kai.

It was freezing out, as it usually was during winter in Maryland, but today was unusually cold. He turned on the car while Nainsi hopped in the passenger seat.

“Are we gonna go or what?” she barked.

“In a minute. Let me close my eyes for a bit.”

“You always do that, you lazy bum.”

“Your insults are getting drier and drier Nainsi.”

“Just go, ” this time she hit his forearm with her binder from nowhere. Repeatedly.

“Okay, stop hitting me. Ow.”

They drove off towards the school. Although Nainsi lived to tease Kai, they got along pretty well. They talked about this new show and had similar opinions on it during the short car ride. Once they were at Nainsi’s school and she was gone, then he could start playing the radio.

He bid his goodbye’s and see you later’s and now was off to his school.

᯽᯽᯽᯽᯽᯽᯽᯽᯽᯽᯽᯽᯽᯽᯽᯽᯽᯽᯽

Kai was unsurprisingly drained during the last period of the day. He fiddled with the corner of his notes to keep himself awake for at least ten more minutes. When he felt himself starting to doze off, he began to replay the day so far.

When he got to school, Cinder was marked absent which made his day worse. He always looked forward to hearing her sarcastic remarks or her smiling at one of his witty jokes.

Anyways, she was gone and he was sad, but Cress wasn’t. She happily explained to Kai that she and Thorne were going on a date Sunday. He was happy for her, truly, but all he could think about was how he can unsuccessfully tell his feeling to Cinder.

Not telling her felt like he was forgetting something important every day, except he was not forgetting. He knew exactly what he was doing and it killed him, but he also didn’t want to ruin the good that they have now. Then Kai would think about how it would be better and his thought would circle around and around.

After meeting up with Cress, they endured through the first two periods they shared, Scarlet and Thorne joining during the second. Although he had plenty of friends to talk to and enjoy, he couldn't help missing Cinder.

She's gone for one day and you feel like this? he thought, get a break. The little voice inside Kai's head was right.

Then the last bell rang, startling him. He stood up and began to pack his things. Then he fast-walked out and left.

"Kai!" he heard someone call.

Iko and Cress gestured at Kai to come to their lockers. He obliged.

"Look, Winter's birthday is in a couple of weeks, during the break. We want to throw a party because it's her sweet sixteen! We already have all the decorations ready, I know it's early, but long story short, can we throw it at your place?" his blue-haired friend asked as innocently as possible. Although she had to change her posture, tone, and expression to look innocent, Cress had that personality as her default.

"Please, Kai?” Cress pleaded and she knew what she was doing. It was always impossible to say no to her without feeling guilty. Or maybe it was just Kai who hated saying no.

“Of course! My parents are going to their parents during that week, so I’ll just ask to stay behind.”

“Yay! Thank you so much!” Iko hugged him tightly, “also not a word to Winger. It’s going to be a surprise.”

“Sounds nice.”

“Yep. I got to go to my job interview, remember what I was telling you about. Ah, the chance to work a boutique, what a dream,” and with that, his friend walked away.

“Hey Cress, did you hear anything about Cinder, ” he pressed.

She nodded, “Adri was mad at her again so she’s stuck at the garage, ” the blonde began to nibble in her fingernails. Noticing the bad habit, she brought he hand down.

“Oh, ” he hated Cinder’s stepmother, he truly did. And it killed him he couldn’t do anything about it.

They walked silently down the hall. Girls batted their lashes and some greeted him but he ignored it as usual.

“Do you think Adri would let Cinder free tonight?” he asked, now in the parking lot of the school.

“If you’re the one taking her anywhere then, of course, Adri would.”

Cress, Cinder, and Winter all skipped one grade. Cinder and Winter skilled first, and Cress skipped seventh. Cress was the smartest of them all, granted, and they don’t have a driver's license. So Cress got a ride with her older brother Jacin, and so did Winter (Jacin’s girlfriend). Cinder usually rode with Thorne, but on the good days, she rides with Kai.

They reached Kai’s car which was near Jacin’s car and being the super over-protective brother he was, he glared Kai down. Kai found this confusing because his feelings for Cinder were quite obvious, but then he saw Thorne parked next to Kai.

Thorne was currently ‘interested’ in Cress which made her a flustered mess.

Cress walked quickly to Jacin’s car and hopped in the back. Kai called goodbye and started his car. Then there was a rap on his window.

“What?” he asked Thorne, “I got to pick up my sister.”

“What flowers does Cress like?” he lifted an eyebrow at his friend, “not like that,” what Thorne did not know was that Cress told Kai everything about their date. Perhaps Thorne wants to keep it secret until then.

“Uh-huh.”

“Just answer the question!”

He shifted in his seat, “I dunno. Ask Jacin.”

“Great advice,” Thorne deadpanned.

“Get her roses. Those are super romantic and she’s all about the romantic gestures.”

“Nah, too cheesy. Pretend it's Cinder, what would she like?”

“Cinder doesn’t like flowers. Wrenches, however, are much appreciated.”

“I think I’ll just get roses.”

“Yeah, now move, my sister is waiting for me, ” Kai rolled up the windows and drove out.

Time passed very quickly and the next thing he knew, Nainsi was climbing in the passenger seat with her three friends in the back seat.

“I thought it was only two people, ” he whispered harshly.

She shrugged, “Ben decided to come.”

“What are you gonna feed them.”

“Pizza.”

“Who’s money?”

“Yours,” he shoved Nainsi but she shoved back.

“Fine but you owe me.”

“We’ll see, ” she turned in the seat to talk with her friends.

᯽᯽᯽᯽᯽᯽᯽᯽᯽᯽᯽᯽᯽᯽᯽᯽᯽᯽᯽

Once everyone was settled inside and pizza was ordered he began to brainstorm ways Kai could punish Nainsi for this morning.

Then, like a light bulb, a perfect idea formed into his head. He walked into the laundry room where a basket filled with his clothes was waiting for him.

He pulled off his shirt, grabbed the basket, and headed into the living room. His sister was watching a realistic drama with her friends, although Kai wasn’t sure the drama wasn’t ‘realistic’ at all.

This plan happened before on accident with the same friends and they just stared at him while Nainsi shooed him out. Little did he know that her friends would just start talking about him and his looks. When Nainsi told him this, he groaned and whined about how he got enough of this from school. So when Nainsi had people over, Kai would camp in his room to avoid the awkwardness.

Now, he knows how her friends would react. And how she would react.

But before he could do anything, the phone in his pocket vibrated, making him turn a one-eighty back into the laundry.

It was actually Cinder calling and he answered quickly, “hello?”

“Uh, Kai?”

“Yes?”

“Can you do me a favor? Please?” it sounded like she was outside where it was currently raining.

“Yes, of course, what do you need?”

“I need a ride. I’m stuck here in the rain, by myself. Also, this is going to sound weird but, can I also stay with you for an hour and a half?” she defeated like she lost an argument.

“I can pick you up and you can stay with me. Nainsi has some friends over but it should be fine, ” Kai wondered if he sounded too cheery.

“Ok, thanks. I’m at the gas station outside your neighborhood, by the way.”

“Great, see you in a few minutes. Bye.”

“Bye, ” she hung up.

Kai hurried to put on a shirt and grab two rain jackets from the close, just in case Cinder needed one. Then he walked into the living room and out the front door, only to come back in. He forgot to tell Nainsi where he was going.

“Hey Nainsi, I got to pick up someone. I’ll be back soon though, ” she nodded, mouth full of pizza crust, “uh, don’t open the door to strangers. Bye.”

This time he didn’t go back inside after he left. He drove out of the neighborhood, slowly because it was pouring buckets and he could barely see three feet in front of him. After an eternity, Kai finally reached the gas station and parked under the large roof.

He didn’t even see Cinder come in, only heard her, sacring him witless. She smiled apologetically while tossing a white plastic bag onto her lap. It was full of snacks.

“Thanks for coming to get me, I owe you one now, ” she said, handing him one of the bags of chips.

“Of course, Cinder, I would do anything for you, ” the corner of her lip curved upwards as Kai’s cheeks heated, “that came out wrong. I meant that you’re my friend and such. Like the good moral movies where like the one friend reminds the other what friendship is truly about?”

Cinder snorted, “Like My Little Pony?”

“Isn’t that a TV show?”

“Same thing.”

“Is not.”

“Whatever, I know what you meant. Peony had made me watch enough TV shows and movies to last a lifetime.”

“Okay then, ” the rain seemed to finally thin during their conversation making it much more comfortable conditions for Kai to drive in.

Cinder had a habit of talking with her mouth full and the ‘good manners kid’ inside of him cringed. He hoped he hid it well.

Anyways Cinder explained why she was soaking wet at a gas station abandoned with snacks. She was bored and hungry and wanted something to do. So she walked to the gas station, alone, for snacks and a good walk.

Kai raised an eyebrow at that, “you live far away from me, how and why did you walk miles just for a bag of junk food?”

“People can do miraculous things when they are bored, Kai.”

“Yes, and penguins can fly if they really set their minds to it.”

“They are a bird so, hey, nothing’s impossible.”

“Who drove you?”

Cinder shoved a chip in her mouth, “Pearl,” she admitted reluctantly.

“What?”

“I skipped lunch and she knew I was hungry so she drove me here and left me while I was getting snacks. She also called me and said that it was a prank she couldn’t resist.”

“Oh, ” Kai said as they were pulling in his driveway. It was drizzling now so there was no need for the rain jackets.

“I’m also supposed to be at the garage until later so that's why I have to stay that long. If I come back early, Adri would get mad, and I don’t feel like getting yelled at today.”

“Ok,” he said as he walked out of the car.

He opened the door for Cinder and followed her inside. Nainsi and her friends did not move from before he left, but they switched shows. His little sister locked eyes with Cinder, immediately getting up.

“Hey Cinder. I did not know you two were hanging out today?” She said conspiratorially.

Cinder nodded, “yeah it was kind of sudden. Also, Peony is not with me, sorry.”

“That’s okay. I’m going back to my friends now. So you guys can ‘hang out’” Nainsi emphasized the last part then ran off to her friends.

“So, um, what do you want to do for an hour and a half?” he asked.

Cinder turned to him, “I don’t know, what do you want to do.”

“I don’t know.”

“Let’s just go to your room then.”

“Good idea, ” Cinder has been to his house enough to know the layout. He followed her to his room where she fell on the bed.

“Working under cars all day isn't good for the back you know, ” she explained, muffled by a pillow.

“I would expect so because your posture is not up to standards.”

She snorted, “I guess that’s true, ” Cinder sat up and leaned on the headboards, “sorry for taking up your space. And for calling you. Stars, this was a bad idea, you already have people here. I’m like an intruder-”

“Why are you apologizing so much? I don’t care if you light my room on fire, ” Kai accused. It was true, ever since he met her, she would apologize for every single tiny thing, as if every single wrong thing she did was unacceptable. He moved towards her to place a hand on hers, “it’s okay, Cinder. And calling me was a good idea because you saved me from the little demons.”

Cinder let out a genuine laugh that ended with a genuine smile. A smile that never ceased to make his heart twitch. He bashfully realized that he was still holding her hand.

Kai let go but she only grabbed his hand back. He watched her intertwine their fingers, trying to ignore the strong pounding of his heart. He dared to look up and realized that Cinder was staring at him.

He looked into her chocolate eyes that seemed to shine with stars. He wanted to dive into that sea of brown and lie there for eternity. As long she was there.

“Now kiss!” cried a shrill voice. Kai jumped away from Cinder, noticing that she copied his actions.

“Aw, come on just kiss already, the tension was so thick, ” said... Peony?

Cinder’s eyes widened, “Peony, what- how did- why are you here?”

“Well first, I was invited to the sleepover but I had volleyball practice so I had to come late. I just got here. And second, I saw Nainsi sneaking up here so I followed, and oh my stars, we ruined the money, didn’t we?” Peony looked at Nainsi.

“We did. Sorry guys, we’ll go now.”

“Yes, now you can kiss in peace, ” the girls left, leaving Kai very flustered. He glanced at Cinder and saw that her cheeks were also tinted pink.

“So, do you want something to eat, ” he asked finally. He could not bear the silence anymore.

“Yes, ” she nodded, although they already are in the car.

They got up to leave but before he could open the door, Cinder grabbed his wrist and pulls him down. The next thing he knew they were kissing. It was quick and soft and amazing. It felt like everything suddenly clicked and the world was righted. Like the stars finally aligned.

She pulled away and Kai could feel the heat in his ears. His heart was beating so loud that he was sure Cinder could hear it as well.

“Let’s go get some food, ” she breathed and opened the door. She was still holding his wrist, he realized. He intertwined their hands like before, but this time it felt more meaningful. It was like their hands now signified that they were more than friends. That they loved each other, even if they hadn't admitted it yet. But he could feel it and was sure that she could too.

They entered the kitchen and Cinder began to talk about food options but all he could think about was the kiss. He wanted to kiss her again. And to hold her.

Someone cleared their throat behind them, making them turn around. Nainsi, Peony, Emily, Geovanna, and Ben all stood with knowing faces. Nainsi smirked, “finally.”

Peony looked like she was about to explode with happiness, “I already told Iko. She’s ecstatic.”

Neither Kai nor Cinder said anything. Nainsi probably knew because of the looks on their red faces and told Peony. Then Peony told Iko and Iko probably told everyone in their friend group.

So now everyone knows.

“Just to be sure, you guys did kiss, right?” asked Emily.

Slowly, Cinder nodded. Kai opted to stare at his feet. Peony whooped, Nainsi squealed, Cinder blushed, and Kai groaned.

“Ok now we will leave you alone, for real, ” Nainsi promised, dragging her friends away.

“Why are there so many people here?” Kai murmured then turned to Cinder. She leaned on his shoulder. They were still holding each other's hand, “I really want to kiss you again, by the way.”

“Me too.”

“Okay then, ” he cupped her cheek with his free hand and kissed her. Cinder squeezed his hand affectionately. He once again felt like everything was where it was supposed to be, where he was supposed to be, and that was with Cinder.

Tagging: @just2bubbly @winterrhayle @jacihayle @shelbylmkaider @cerenoya @a-salting-the-world @ladyvesuvia @not-the-founder-of-rome @greenalmond @zephyr-thedragon @cinderswrench @cindersassasin @strawberry-seraph (these are just one-shot tags so please tell me if you want to be added or remove for these types of fics <3)

[not-me-simping-for-blasty]

I Melt With You - Bakugou Katsuki

All Parts

Part 5:

When you wake up the next morning, your blankets are folded. They’re folded and piled neatly next to rearranged pillows, not even a crease left in your couch cushions from where he’d slept. It’s like he was never even there in the first place, but then you walk into your kitchen. There’s a muffin sitting on your counter, a note attached on top of it’s plastic container. 

Your couch is fucking shitty, but thanks I guess. I only bought you this so you don’t complain. I don’t owe you shit, leech.

It’s a strange sort of fondness that eclispes you then, so faint that you almost don’t even catch it. You never thought you’d have a soft spot for anything Bakugou did- but you figure leech isn’t so bad. Way better than witch or any of the other names he’d called you anyway.

You remove the note, popping open the plastic lid. The muffin’s long gone cold, but you figured that was about right; Bakugou did seem the type to be fussy about rising early. Still, you tear away the paper, smiling while you take a bite, chewing and-

Bran.

Bakugou bought you a bran muffin.

Suddenly, and you’re sure it must be brain damage, but you feel a little warmer than before. You spit out the disgusting muffin with an exasperated laugh, wondering just where the hell he even managed to buy such an abomination.

—//—

A few weeks later, you’re locking the back door behind you, once again stepping into the street. You see him the second you turn around, clad in costume and leaning against the wall. You can’t really see his face well in the low light, but no shadows could hide those red eyes you’d come to know.

There’s that weird sensation again, a subtle warmth settling in your chest at the sight of him. You’d been feeling it for weeks now, this strange pride overcoming you every time you’d seen him succeed. Whether it was on the news or on magazines, or even in commericials, you felt a strange peace at seeing his face. You try to convince yourself that it’s just the same happiness you feel at seeing anybody you healed- but it’s more than that.

You’d come to realize you thought of Bakugou as more than just a patient. He was nearing more of a strange sort of friend. Albeit one that frequently made you want to tear your hair out.

He shifts, standing straighter while you look at him, and you’re not sure what you were expecting, but his costume looks intimidating. The only time you’d seen it before, that very first night you’d met him, he hadn’t had his gauntlets or his headpiece. Now he’s standing in front of you, arms entrapped by giants grenades and sharp spikes behind his ears. He looks larger than life- so loud and proud that you almost can’t match the tired and injured Bakugou you knew to the seemingly invincible Dynamite he was now.

“I got your gift.” You break the ice with a small smile, stepping away from the door.

“You did, huh? You like it?”

“Oh my god, wipe the smirk off your face. I can hear it, you asshole.” You roll your eyes at his tone. “I didn’t like it. It was disgusting! Where the hell did you even get it?”

“Bakery down the street. Not that it matters since you’re fuckin’ ungrateful. Apparently.”

“Bakugou- you invited yourself into my house, and then left me a war-crime for breakfast! You try being grateful when that happens- trust me, it’s hard.”

He just shrugs, falling into step with you as you continue down the alley.

“Oh, okay, so is this just, like, a thing you’re doing now? Stalking me home-“

“Walking.” He interrupts sternly, clearly not finding humor in your joke. “Stupid shit like this is my fuckin’ job, okay- so don’t go thinking you’re special.”

“Oh I don’t. Believe me, you’ve made it very clear that you don’t even like- oh my god, are you bleeding?”

When he finally steps into the light of the street lamps, you can see blood glisten something sickly as it drips from his nose. It hardly reaches his lip before Bakugou is grunting, smearing it away on the back of his hand. There’s a strange torpidity to his  movements, and it’s not until you meet his eyes that you realize it- he’s tired again, sleepless and ghostly just like every other time you’d ever seen him.

“What’s with the nose? I thought you said you didn’t get hurt often. What happened to that, huh?”

“You try fighting on less than 3 hours of sleep a night. Shit fuckin’ adds up. Makes you sloppy.” He defends, grumbling under his breath as he wipes away more blood. “I doubt you’d do any fuckin’ better.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t. I’m sure I wouldn’t.” You stop, staring him down until he spins to face you. “Can I see it? I think it’s broken.”

“No fuckin’ shit.”

“Bakugou, c’mon. I’m trying to help.” You roll your eyes at him. “Drop the attitude please.”

“Why the hell do you even care? Hah?”

“Because, contrary to your very disrespectful insults, I’m actually a pretty good nurse, alright? And that means I try my best to help injured people when I see them. Even when they’re rude to me.”

“Who the fuck said I’m rude?”

“Me. I’m saying it.” You insist, stepping closer to him. He smells like blood and smoke, still clad in his hero costume, but you approach anyway. “But, really, can I see? If it’s broken then it’s just going to keep bleeding unless you do something about it.”

Bakugou rolls his eyes, but seems to relent without much fight. He removes his mask, revealing the now familiar purpling under his eyes. You briefly wonder if he has a make-up artist- he never looked nearly that tired when he was doing interviews for the media. 

You shake off the musing, reaching for his face and gently running your thumbs along his nose. Bakugou sucks a breath, and when you meet his eyes they’re guarded. He looks nervous, almost unsure under your touch, but you try your best to reassure him with a confident smile. Over the bridge of his nose you can feel swelling and aged scarring, but there cartilage feels intact. You breathe a sigh of relief. 

“I think you might just be stuck with the swelling, but otherwise you’re good. Nothing’s broken.” You say easily, dropping your hands from his face as you take a step back. “Although, must’ve been some hit- you’ve already got a bit of bruising under your eyes.” 

“Wow, thanks for the report- of all the baseline shit I already fuckin’ knew.” 

“Don’t you ever get tired? You know, of being so mean all the time?” You level him with an unimpressed look, before digging in your purse for your pack of tissues. You fish a few out, pressing them into his hand. “Listen, you don’t deserve these, especially after that last remark, but take them anyways. And do me a favor and chill out, alright? I wasn’t trying to waste your time. I was just checking to see that the bleeding was from the impact and not anything else.”

“Yeah. Whatever, leech. I just don’t understand why you had to fuckin’ manhandle me to do it.”

“Please, I touched your nose, drama queen. And, even if I actually wanted to, I’m pretty sure you’d blow me up way before I even got that far.”

“Damn right.”

“Yep, and there he is.” You tease, turning down a side street. “Was hoping I’d get to experience another blatant display of your egotism sometime soon. Totally glad I don’t have to wait any longer.”

Bakugou scoffs, turning away, but you don’t miss it: his lip twitches. Just a bit, it hardly even counts, but you see it.

“You know, we really have to stop meeting like this.” You smile.

“Hell does that mean? Hah?”

“I mean, you need to stop running yourself ragged. You look terrible, and you’re getting yourself hurt. It’s not healthy.”

“I don’t need you to tell me what’s fuckin’ healthy.”

“Well if thought you knew, I wouldn’t have to tell you.”

“Don’t act like you’re so fuckin’ smart. You’re not.”

“Hey- no insults. You agreed, remember?”

“Because you fuckin’ made me, you bitch.” He grumbles, pressing another tissue into his nose. “And it’s not an insult if it’s a fact.”

“Hey, genuine question- have you ever tried just, like, I don’t know, being nice to people? Just asking out of curiosity.”

“You’re not funny.”

“Oh, that wasn’t a joke. I’m genuinely curious.” You say, your grin only growing wider at the sight of his grimace. “Like, if it was a life or death situation, and someone told you that you had to give a genuine compliment or be burned to death, you’d be an absolute crisp, right? Right?”

“Wrong. Fuckin’ idiot.”

“Oh. Okay. I mean I don’t believe you at all, but that’s okay.”

“Hell does that mean?”

“It means I don’t think you could do it.”

“I could.”

“You absolutely couldn’t.” 

“I fuckin’ could, you leech.”

“See now that just proves my point.” You smile easily. “Feel free to prove me wrong though.” 

Bakugou doesn’t say anything, but you see his pinched expression and that says enough. He knows he couldn’t do it just as much as you did.

From then on you walk in relative silence, and after a few more tissues from your purse, he finally stops bleeding all over the pavement. It’s a weird sort of stillness that ensuses but you find you don’t mind much.

“Aren’t you on patrol?” You ask.

“Obviously. What, the costume wasn’t enough to tell ya that? You seriously telling me your dumbass couldn’t figure that out?”

“You’re so difficult, I swear.” You roll your eyes. “What I meant, is don’t you have a job to get to? Instead of just walking me home.”

“What the hell do you think patrol is?”

“I don’t know, you tell me, hero.”

“It’s walking the streets. For fuckin’ hours and being bored as shit. That’s what it is.”

“Oh. Okay, so basically this, huh.” You sigh. “How do you always end up so hurt then?”

“I fuckin’ don’t. Or didn’t used to.” He grits, kicking at a rock in the road with his boot. “But there’s lots of fuckin’ idiots with surprise quirks. It’s absolute bullshit some of the powers people end up with.” 

“So you’re telling me even the great Dynamite loses sometimes?”

“No. Never.” 

“What about that first night then? When you landed on my balcony?” You ask quietly, pulling your keycard out as you begin to near your apartment complex. “You were unconscious.”

“It wasn’t- I didn’t lose, you fuckin’ idiot. That was different.”

There’s something in his voice- an unusual tension that’s only amplified by the way he clenches his jaw and shakes his head. Bakugou looks strange, his forehead split by a crease you’d never seen on him before. It hardly lasts a second though, and then he’s blinking it away, eyes hardening like it was never even there in the first place.

“Yeah?” You’re swiping your keycard, turning back to face him with your hand on the door handle. You try to keep your tone light. “Tell me how.”

“It’s none of your fuckin’ business.” 

“Is that your default answer for everything? C’mon, I’ve always been curious about it.”

“You shouldn’t be. It’s not your problem.”

“Yeah, maybe not, but I’m sure if I wound up half-dead on your doorstep you’d be curious too. So, c’mon, indulge me.” 

“No.” He grits.

“Seriously?” You huff, trying to keep the slight frustration out of your voice. You just didn’t understand him. “Why not?”

“Because.”

“Bakugou, seriously, it’s just a question and I don’t understand why-” 

“Stop fuckin’ pushing!” He suddenly roars, spitting as he seethes. His palms are crackling, gauntlets glinting dangerously under the street lamps. “Jesus fucking christ, you never shut the hell up! Don’t you get it? We’re not fucking friends! Stop asking me shit and digging in my fuckin’ business like you’re special!”

You shrink back, a little taken aback by his tone. You hadn’t realized just how used to his normal grumbling you’d become, but the outright venom in his voice shocked you. His eyes were blazing, red and fiery and harsh against the black of his mask. It wasn’t like before. He wasn’t joking and it wasn’t an empty threat, he wanted to scare you off this time. 

You quickly realized you’d become way too comfortable. Somehow you’d forgotten just how much he truly didn’t like you. And how short his fuse was.

“Yeah. I- uh, I’m sorry.” You fumble over your words, unable to hold his gaze. “It’s not my business. Sorry.” 

Bakugou doesn’t say anything, just sneering before turning his back and stomping off. You think there’s blood rushing in your ears, but his heavy boots are louder, striking against the pavement like thunder. He’s off in a cacophony of metallic clanking and heavy breathing, leaving a strange vacuum of silence behind him. You shake your head, trying to rid yourself of your uneasiness. He’d blown up and left so quickly you’d hardly even processed it. Left you standing in the street, blinking away the whiplash, and scrunching your nose at the smell of gunpowder and nitroglycerin.

With shaking hands, you pull open the door, head reeling as you step into the elevator. There’s guilt settling in your stomach by the time you reach your floor, practically suffocating you when you step into your apartment.

You shouldn’t have pried. You shouldn’t have, because he didn’t technically owe you anything, especially not if it was a bad memory for him- and you didn’t need your quirk to tell you that’s what it was for him. 

Bakugou was right. You weren’t friends. You hardly knew him; even if sometimes it felt like you saw vulnerable parts of him nobody else did.

Ridding yourself of the thought, you decide to settle in for a calm night. You’d originally planned to make a trip to the store for some food, but now you just weren’t feeling up to it. What you were feeling up to was some take-out, so you pulled out a menu and ordered your usual.

You showered, changing into pajamas and throwing your hair up before your food arrived, trying not to stew over your latest disastrous interaction with Bakugou. 

A part of you wondered what was up with him, especially because the longer you thought about it, the more his voice seemed to sound vulnerable. When he’d yelled it was like the sound was eating away at his throat, like it had been sitting there for a while and building. There was no emphasis to any of his words, all of them tumbling out with the same rage. Like the words were less important than the expression itself. You’d love to just throw the interaction away as nothing more than anger at your prying, but it didn’t read like that to you. You’d been reading secondhand emotions your entire life, you knew them like an entirely separate language, and something about Bakugou’s outburst felt layered to you- like his rage was something opportunistic that had just been searching for an outlet.

You wonder again about what happened all those months ago, wonder just what must happen in his day-to-day life to make him that angry. You’ve learned your lesson though- you won’t let yourself mistakenly feel comfortable enough to ask him again. 

Something about that thought makes you a little sad, as this wasn’t the first time you’d ran into this problem. You weren’t sure if it was a byproduct of your quirk or if it was just you, but you’d sort of always cared about people disproportionately. Somehow always came on too strong. Your heart was big enough to bleed for just about anybody. 

There’s a knock on your door, and you rise to get your food. It’s hot in your hands, the smell wafting deliciously, but you hardly even recognize it, caught off-guard by another knock. This one’s at your back door, and it’s softer. Tentative and light against the glass. You set your food down, spinning to face the noise. 

You can hardly hide your surprise, and he must see it too. He’s rolling his eyes then, knuckles rapping against the glass once more. He’s clad in sweats, devoid of his hero costume from earlier, and there’s a bag in his hands. He’s shuffling it impatiently as you near the door.

“Bakugou? I-” You start, sliding the door open for him to step in. 

“Save it. Apologies are wimp shit.” He growls, stepping past you with large strides. “We both know why I’m here so just shut the fuck up and get on with it already.” 

There’s a lot of things you want to ask him in that moment- why he’s showing up so late, how he even knew which balcony was yours, why there’s a bruise on his jaw that you’re sure wasn’t there before, but mostly, why he even came back at all. With how angry he was, you were sure you’d run him off for a while. 

“It’s- no. I have to apologize, I do.” You tell him, trying to catch his gaze. Bakugou doesn’t let you, but you continue trying anyway. “Really. Your business is your business and I shouldn’t have pried. I wasn’t trying to be rude, I really was just curious. Still though, if you don’t want to say you absolutely don’t have to, and I shouldn’t have pushed it.” 

“Why do you even care?”

“You asked me that earlier.” You note softly, taking a deep breath before talking again. “And I meant it, what I said, about being a nurse. But I’m also just me, and that means I care about everyone. Everyone and everything. All the time.” 

“That’s fuckin’ stupid.”

“I mean, for my mental health? Yeah. Absolutely.” You laugh sardonically, fiddling with a piece of your hair as you continue. “But I don’t regret it, and there’s pretty much nothing I can do to stop it. Caring about everyone is like, my biggest character trait-”

“Character flaw.”

“No. I think it’s a good thing. But I get how it could be uncomfortable to be on the receiving end of it. And that maybe, I sometimes come off as invasive when really I’m just concerned. Sorry if I got too comfortable with you. I’ll try not to let it happen again. “

“That’s not-” Bakugou curses under his breath, before whipping around to face you. He’s blushing slightly, fist clenching the paper bag he’s holding. “I was just mad. Not every goddamn thing is about you. So don’t be a fuckin’ idiot and go reading into it like that.” 

Truly, you’re not sure how to take his comment. You felt like you were definitely in the wrong, but Bakugou seemed serious. His eyes were full of a new sincerity you’d hardly seen in him before. 

“Yeah. Okay. I can do that.” You smile unsurely. Then you’re walking past him, returning back to your food in the kitchen. “So, you planning to sleep on my couch again?” 

“Fuckin’ obviously. Gonna eat first though.”

“Oh I’m sure. That’s what’s in the bag, right?” You ask, beginning to unpack your own food. At his nod, you begin speaking once more. “Makes sense. I’m sure you’ve gotta be hungry after lugging those gauntlets around. Those are massive, you know?” 

“Yep. I know.”

When you look up at him, he’s got that signature smirk pulled across his face. You let the sarcasm seep thickly into your words. “If I didn’t know any better, that’d sound a lot like pride.”

“It might be.”

“Oh, so you’re proud of dragging those huge weapons around? You know, why doesn’t that surprise me? Of course you are.” 

Bakugou just shrugs, making himself a home of your kitchen table, grunting slightly as he tears the plastic lid off his container of food. Almost immediately something spicy and nearly choking permeates the air. You scrunch your nose up with a shiver.

“What the hell is that?” You ask him incredulously, picking at your food while standing at the counter. You’d briefly thought about joining him at the table, but the option looks absolutely unappealing now. “That smells lethal, Bakugou! Who needs something that spicy? Are you trying to kill yourself?” 

“Oi, chill the hell out, it’s not even bad. You’re just a fuckin’ wimp.”

“Hey, no insults, remember?” 

“God, you’re gonna kill me with that shit.” He grumbles, but he’s stabbing at his noodles with a tiny, barely-there tilt to his lips. “You should abandon that.”

“Yeah, I’m not gonna do that.” 

“Why the hell not?”

“Because you’d have way too much fun with it.” You smile, taking another bite. “And because it’d be like when I stitched you up all over again. You were so mean.”

“I was not. Fuckin’ baby.”

“You were. Do you not remember telling me to shut the fuck up? To my face? Like, minutes after I started fixing you up!” 

“Because you were being fucking annoying!” He challenges, that same hint of amusement in his eyes. “How in the hell is that my fault?”

“It’s your fault because everything seems to annoy you.”

“Yeah, well everything is fucking bullshit. Again, how is that my fault.” 

“God, you’re impossible.” You groan, setting your fork down. You open your fridge, hand grasping at a water bottle before you turn back to him. “You want a drink? Pretty much all I have is water, but you’re welcome to that.”

Bakugou nods, but then he’s tilting his head slightly, a smirk tugging at the edge of his lips. “You’re a shitty host. Only offering me a drink when I’m already half-way through my meal. That shit’s embarrassing as hell.” 

“Bakugou. Open your mouth again and I swear I’ll chuck this at you.” 

“Do it, leech.” 

“Is that a challenge?”

“Are you fucking braindead? Of course it is.” 

Then Bakugou’s leaning forward in his seat, eyes tracking you intensely. There’s that same life in them from the last time you saw him- that same look that’s all softly-licking flames and absolutely no inferno. It makes you smile.

“Actually, no, you know what? I absolutely will not be stooping to your aggressive level.” You near him, making a point to press the water bottle gently into his waiting hand. “Not tonight, you absolute madman.” 

“Boring.”

“No. Not boring. It’s responsible.”

“Those are fuckin’ synonyms, leech.” 

“Wow, I didn’t think you even knew what synonyms were.” 

“You think I’m stupid? Fat fuckin’ chance.” He sneers, shoveling another forkful of noodles into his mouth. “Or did you just forget when I figured out how your shitty quirk worked before you did?” 

"No. I didn’t forget. And I’m still mad at you for that so let’s not bring it up, please.”

“Hell are you mad for, woman? Did you a fuckin’ favor.” 

“Hm, maybe because you figured it out within like, basically moments of meeting me?” You glare at him, but it’s half-hearted and the look on his face tells you Bakugou knows it is too. “Oh, and how, maybe I’ve always kind of had these weird symptoms my entire life, and you figured them out before I did?”

“Who cares who figured it out? Just fix your shit now and stop fuckin’ complaining.” 

“Fix my shit? Fix my shit? Bakugou!” You throw your fork down, sighing in frustration. “My shit is literally not being able to touch anybody without getting drained! My shit is basically not being able to function properly in every day life!”

“Yeah? So? Just quit being a bitch and figure out how to build up your stamina then.” He shrugs, sliding his empty container away as he sips at his water. “Easy fuckin’ solution.” 

“It’s not that easy. I can’t control it, it just happens.” 

“Really? You sure you’re not trying anything with it?”

“No?”

Bakugou just squints at you funny, something confused flitting across his features for a moment. “Really? Fuckin’ sure? Nothing at all?”

“No? Why’re you- what are you asking?” 

“When you brought me back, the first time, you were like, in my fuckin’ brain or something.” He grumbles, looking away. “It’s not gonna make sense, but I didn’t know it was you until you said shit. But then you opened your mouth and I could tell it was you pushing all the bad shit away.”

“Was it green?”

“Hah?”

“Green.” You worry at your hands, trying to gather your thoughts in a way that made sense. “My whole life, people have told me that it’s green when I help them. Not like, a color they can see, but that it’s just something they know. That somehow I’m green. In their head, I mean.”

“Yeah. Actually.” He mumbles, clearing his throat. “Freaked me the hell out.”

“Sorry. It’s- I normally try to warn people about that before I do it, you know? But obviously that wasn’t an option for you.”

“Yeah.” He agrees, then Bakugou is zoning out, leg bouncing under the table. He blinks, suddenly whipping his head around to you. “You ever try doing it till you pass out?”

“No? Well- I mean, no, not like, formally. Sometimes it just happens though. Why?”

“Because you need a fuckin’ threshold, idiot. A limit. How the hell else are you supposed to know if you’re getting stronger?” 

“I don’t- I don’t think my quirk is really a thing you can strengthen. Not like that at least.”

Bakugou rolls his eyes. “Not your quirk, dumbass. You. You need to get stronger. Learn to work around your quirk.”

“How the hell am I supposed to do that?” 

He turns away another moment, and the silence he leaves behind him baffles you. Bakugou’s got his eyebrows drawn inward, hand in his palm as he idly rubs at the bruise on his chin. You gather up his empty container from him, throwing it in the garbage with your own, but he doesn’t spare you a glance. Whatever he was thinking about, almost seemed to hold him captive. 

“Oi- Leech.” He says calmly, red eyes sliding over to yours lazily. “Touch a shit-load of people and fight though it. That’s how you do it.” 

“You’re kidding.”

“I’m not.” 

When you look at him, Bakugou’s mouth is set in a straight line, determined and steady as he crosses his arms over his chest. He really isn’t kidding.

“That’s not gonna work, I’ve been doing that practically my whole life and look where I am.”

“No, you’re not fucking listening, you moron.” He grumbles, rolling his eyes again. “I said just touch them. Not use your fuckin’ quirk. That’ll wipe you way too quick. You just have to touch a bunch of people all in a row, and suck it the hell up. Keep pushing. Eventually you’ll be able to touch way more people in the test setting than you’ll ever have to in a normal day. Problem fuckin’ solved.” 

“That’s-” You breathe out, beginning to wrap your head around it. “I’ve never done that. On purpose I mean. I wonder- I mean, I think that could work. Maybe.” 

“Of course it’ll fuckin’ work.” 

“Yeah, hypothetically, maybe. But where am I gonna get that many people? And for days in a row?” 

“Fuck should I know? That’s not my problem.”

“Seriously?” 

“Seriously.” He shrugs, standing up as he stretches his arms over his head. He yawns widely into his hand, regarding you with tired eyes. “You figure that one out. I already did all the other fuckin’ work.” 

“You thought of one solution.”

“One solution your dumbass didn’t fuckin’ think up.” 

“Yeah, yeah, I get it. Thank you very much.” You mutter in mock-offense, following behind him as he walks out into your living room. “You ready to sleep?”

“Yeah. Fuckin’ hate listening to you run your mouth.”

You feel something hot and irritated rise in your throat. Then you’re looking over at him, at his smile and the way it crinkles his eyes. There’s no malice to his insult, and if anything he only seems thrilled when you rise to the challenge.

“And I hate having to clean up your blood pretty much every time I see you. Guess we’re both miserable.” You joke, curling your lips into a sneer to match his own. “And I won’t forget, asshole, you owe me a new packet of tissues.” 

“Yeah, yeah, whatever. Just put me to sleep already.” 

Then he’s collapsing onto your couch, settling into the pillows and grabbing the blanket off the back in one fell-swoop. There’s a fluidness to his movements that has you rolling your eyes, hardly even able to believe it was only the second time he’d been there.

“Yeah. Yeah, sure, do whatever you want. Make yourself totally at home, Bakugou! My living room is obviously for you and you only.”

“Fuckin’ knew it.”

“I was being sarcastic.”

“And? I’ll decide to take it however the hell I want.”

“You’re really irritating, you know that?” You half-laugh, pulling one of your gloves from your fingers. “Now, c’mon gimme your hand- wait, actually, I’ve got something else to say first.” 

“Jesus christ, what?” 

“I want you to come around more often.” 

He just shrinks back into the cushions, mouth twisting up comically. “What the hell? That a joke or some shit?”

“No. I’m serious. If you being tired is why you’re always getting hurt, then you need to come around more often. I promise I won’t give you shit for it.” You reassure him. “I’d just- I’d much rather see you here than in the hospital, you know?” 

He seems to just balk even more at your words, tilting his head to the side. “Why the fuck would ya go and volunteer for that?”

“Because, I care about everybody and everything. All the time, remember?”

Something must click for him then, because then he’s nodding, extending a hand towards yours. He won’t meet your eyes, but there’s something a little different about his expression. It’s softer, the tension in his eyebrows almost seeming to melt away entirely.

You grasp his hand, veins once again filling with subtle fire. You wonder suddenly, if using your quirk would afford him sleep for longer, but when you look down at him, you decide against asking. Bakugou’s already got his eyes closed, hand slipping out of yours as he goes completely lax against the cushions. It takes hardly minutes, but then his breath is slowing, and his eyelids are fluttering, but suddenly he jolts. His eyes are half-lidded and his voice sleep-drunk when he speaks.

“Your shitty quirk’s good at fuckin’ puttin’ people to sleep.” He grumbles suddenly, pressing his face further into the pillow. “There. ‘s a compliment. ‘m not burnin’ today. Eat shit, leech.” 

You can hardly hold in your giggle, but it doesn’t matter. Bakugou is snoring almost the second he finishes his thought, limbs stilling almost entirely except for subtle twitches. 

When you turn the lights out, walking back to your room, you feel it again. 

A faint fondness. A slow-burning warmth just barely settling in your chest. 

-//-

pls bc i havent edited this at all i was just excited to post lmaooo

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