#and i was like sure i might as well die on my way there why not?

[starlightanya0wsblog]

~Being stuck in the demon world with Vergil~

Note: Don't ask me why I'm writing this 'cause I don't know either😭✋️ still, hope it's Vergil's fans liking🙏💞 (it probably doesn't make any sense but whatever)

Great. I'm stuck in the demon world and what can be worse than this? Being stuck with Vergil. Why does the world hates me so bad?

He's not a man of many words like Dante told me; I wish I could get stuck with Dante, at least I could've had laughed at his stupid jokes as he would try to make me feel better.

But no; I'm stuck with the cold glazing staring man.

How lucky am I.

"Why are you following me human?"

"Because if I have to die I don't want to fucking die alone."

"Bold of you that I could get easily killed; this is basically my home."

She rolls her eyes, annoyed at his attitude.

"Whatever; I'm just following you to make sure at least there's a way to get out of this place."

"I don't need a deadweight; you humans are weak and pathetic."

"Uhh and when did I asked about your opinion? Yeah never."

He scoffs, annoyed at her attitude even though he's... pleasuring surprised about the fact that someone has the guts to talk to him like that.

"Humans usually should be scared of me."

"Yeah well; I'm more scared of dying in this dirty place than of you so..."

Vergil stopped for a second, as she continues to walk in front of him, he looks at her with a confused and curious look.

"What a weird woman..."

*******

Fortunately, they founded a cave to settle in, it wasn't the best thing to sleep in of course, but it was better than nothing at all.

"Finally! I'm so tired... my legs are killing me."

She said, laying on the ground.

"Humans. Always in need of recharging; so useless."

"Do you only speak when you're in need of judging? Because in that case I would prefer your silence."

Oh God. I shouldn't have said that. He'll kill me for sure. Dante revenge me if I die!

He simply scoffs, as he looks out of the cave in allert for danger.

"...You don't need to sleep?"

"I thought you didn't want to hear me talk?"

How arrogant. And to think I worried for him.

"Whatever; I'll just go to sleep."

******

"Wake up human."

"Mmm five minutes..."

He throwed something at her, waking her up and getting her extremely mad.

"OUCH! What the hell is wrong with you!? Why did you hit m-"

"Eat it."

He simply says; getting out of the cave, as she's left here confused.

"He... brought me breakfast?"

She took the fruit in her hand that before hitted her.

"...Was he all night out to search something to eat for me?"

She feels her heart flutter and her cheeks getting a little red at the thought that he got worried about her.

"...I... didn't thought he could be actually kind with someone... he seemed... quite handsome too..."

Maybe I should thank him...

*******

"You're done eating? Good. Let's go then; we still have to find a way to get out of here."

"Wait I..."

Why do I feel suddenly so embarrassed to just say a "thank you?"

"Thank you... for; you know; bringing me breakfast, you didn't have to do that after all."

"I just thought that it would be annoying to find you a good place for your grave if you died; so don't thank me."

She gasped, she couldn't believe what she just heard coming from his mouth.

How could he be such a... such a-! Ugh! I don't even a word for this! He's terrible! I take it back! He's not kind at all and neither handsome!

"And to think that I thought that you were kind for once!"

She starts walking angrily without caring about leaving him behind.

I despise him!

******

As they walked for hours, she couldn't help but be thirsty...

Wait is that...? A lake? A lake!

"A lake!"

Her eyes sparkled with joy seeing it

"I would not recommend it, human."

"Eh? Why?"

"Who knows what kind of creatures lurk beneath the water's surface? That lake is most likely not safe to drink from. The water might be tainted, or even poisonous. You should not drink from it."

"But I'm thirsty..."

She said; sitting down as she could almost feel tears getting out.

God I hate being so vulnerable in front of someone, and in front of HIM.

"You're acting like a child, human. Pouting and sulking just because I won't let you drink from a potentially dangerous lake."

"Well, I guess I'm just gonna die anyways..."

"Stop being so melodramatic, human. You may be hungry and thirsty, but you're not going to die anytime soon. At least, not on my watch."

"...Not... on your watch?"

What did he mean by it? And why is my heart beating like this again?

"Yes. While we're stuck in the demon world, your safety and well-being are my responsibility. I won't let anything happen to you, human. So don't go about complaining that you're going to die."

This man is so weird. Firstly he says that he doesn't care about me; and now he says those things... Vergil is such a mystery.

"I thought you hated humans?"

He scoffs, a hint of annoyance in his eyes. But there's also a touch of embarrassment, as you have a point.

"I do detest humans, that much is true. But that doesn't mean I want you to..."

He clears his throat, it was like he was trying to get the rights words, but he just let it go.

"Anyways; you should go get some rest human."

She simply nods, smiling at him.

"Good night Vergil."

He feels his cheek getting pinker as he hears your words and seeing your beautiful smile and turns around.

"Good night, human. Rest well. I'll keep guard outside. Just don't get too comfortable, alright? We're still in the demon world, after all."

You simply smile, as you head to go to sleep.

Maybe he's not so bad.

********

The next day, Vergil stands near the lake, observing the water with a careful eye. Deciding to test its safety, he hesitantly takes a sip, prepared for the worst.

To his surprise, the water tasted fresh and clean, not at all tainted or poisonous. In fact, it was quite refreshing, quenching his thirst with ease.

"Hm... the water is surprisingly drinkable. Who would've thought."

The human will be surely happy of this.

He thinks to himself as she emerged out of the cave, yawning.

"'Morning."

"Ah, you're up, human. Good morning.

You certainly look tired. But then again, you humans always look tired in the morning."

I guess that's his way to ask if I slept well...

"I... slept well. Were you... tasting the water?"

"Yes, I was. I was testing the safety of the water. It seemed safe enough, so you should be able to drink from it without any issues."

He pauses, crossing his arms

"Don't look surprised, human. Just because I'm a demon, it doesn't mean I don't have basic survival instincts."

She doesn't even care about his words that she hurries to drink.

"Thank God!"

He rolls his eyes, annoyed.

She should thank me instead.

He watches as you hurry to the edge of the lake and start drinking greedily. A mix of amusement and annoyance appear in his eyes.

"Hey, hey, easy. Don't gulp it all down at once. You'll make yourself sick, human."

"I really thought I was gonna die of thirst."

He rolls his eyes, his annoyance turning to mild irritation.

"You humans are so overdramatic. You wouldn't have died from a little thirst, you know. But I suppose you do require water to survive, so I can understand your relief."

He pauses, a hint of sarcasm in his voice

"Just try not to make a habit of getting yourself into life-threatening situations, alright? It's getting tiresome."

Suddenly, her stomach growled, making her all red in face from the embarrassment.

Dammnit not now!

He hears your stomach growling, and his expression turns slightly amused.

"Ah, so now you're hungry, hm? You humans are always so needy. But I suppose it's understandable. You require sustenance to function properly, after all. Stay here and don't get yourself in danger, I'll go get something."

"...Okay..."

She can't help but wonder about his attitude... there's something sweet and almost kind; he was mean and he was coarse and unrefined... and now he's dear and so unsure...

I wonder why I didn't see it there before?

*******

His eyes were scanning the surrounding area. The demon world is a desolate and hostile place, with few signs of life. But he has the keen senses of a demon.

"Hmph. I guess we're not completely out of luck. These fruits should be safe to eat."

He starts walking to go back to the cave, carrying a small basket of fruits in his hands.

When he arrives, he sees something that he didn't expect at all, he almost dropped the basket as he took in the scene; you were cleaning yourself in the lake; all naked, so exposed and vulnerable.

He stands at the entrance, his eyes widening in surprise as he takes in the sight of you... His eyes involuntarily run over your form, taking in the sight of your curves, your smooth skin, your... everything.

He quickly looks away, a hint of color in his cheeks, trying to compose himself.

"Ah-!"

She just noticed him now, covering herself embarrassed.

"W-When did you came back...?"

"I just got back a moment ago. I found some edible fruits over there. But it seems like you were, uh... distracted."

He pauses, his voice a hint strained.

"Y-You could've at least put on some clothes or something before bathing, human."

"W-Well I couldn't help it! My clothes stanked so bad that I had to wash them too..."

"And you couldn't have just rinsed your clothes while you were wearing them, like a normal person?"

He glances her way again, catching a brief glimpse of her body before quickly looking away.

Damnit... she's even more attractive then I thought...

"Stop peeking! And no I couldn't! I could've got sick!"

He huffs, trying to maintain his cool demeanor.

"I wasn't peeking! I just... happened to glance in your direction. And you wouldn't have gotten sick, you're just being overdramatic. But I suppose that's just how humans are, always worried about their health and hygiene and all that nonsense."

"Well I'm still a woman! I need some dencecy!"

He rolls his eyes, crossing his arms.

"Decency, huh? You humans are always so concerned with modesty and privacy. Demons don't worry about such trivial things. We have no qualms about nudity, showing skin or even intimacy."

He pauses, a hint of annoyance in his tone.

"But, very well, I'll respect your human sensibilities and try not to look. Just put some clothes on, will you?""

"I would but.. all my clothes are getting dry so..."

He sighs, his annoyance turning to mild irritation at your predicament.

"Of course, you had to wash your clothes, and now they're hanging up to dry. Which leaves you with... nothing to wear, I assume?"

"...Yes."

He groans, his expression turning exasperated. He can't believe he's got into a situation like this...

"Damnit. Of course, you'd be completely unprepared. Typical human."

He pauses, his eyes flickering down over your form again, despite himself. He's both annoyed and yet, secretly, a small part of him... enjoys the view...

He looks at you, noticing your shivering and the sound of your sneeze.

"Hmph. So now you're getting cold. Typical human weakness. You'll get sick at this rate."

He pauses, a hint of annoyance in his voice, but also a hint of concern. Despite his gruff exterior, he doesn't actually want you to fall ill.

"I can't do much about it unfortunately."

He sighs, his expression turning a bit complicated. Despite his initial annoyance, he can't help but feel a pang of pity at your shivering form. He can't just let you stay like this, shivering and vulnerable.

"Here."

He reaches into his coat, pulling out a dark, heavy coat, made of a durable, heavy material. He holds it out to you.

"Wear this. It's warm, at least."

"Uh? Are you sure?"

He huffs, crossing his arms.

"Don't get the wrong idea. I'm not giving it to you, I'm lending it to you. You're shivering, and if you get sick, you'll be even more useless than you already are. So, just wear it. Consider it a... temporary loan."

He pauses, his expression turning slightly softer.

"And make sure you take good care of it. It's a prized possession of mine."

She smiled genuinely at him as she got out of the lake, standing behind him.

"Thank you Vergil, I'll take care of it, I promise."

He can't help thinking about all your soft curves and smooth skin and your...

He gulps.

He shakes his head slightly, trying to clear his thoughts.

"Hmph. Just don't ruin it. It's an expensive coat, made from high-quality materials. I don't want it getting damaged or ruined..."

She simply noded as she put it on.

"It's... quite long..."

He watches as you slip the coat on, his eyes widening slightly at how the coat envelops your form. It's a bit too big for you, the sleeves and the hem falling past your wrists and ankles, but it looks oddly... good on you. The fact that you're wearing nothing underneath, the smooth fabric clinging to your curves, only hinting at the body underneath.

Damn it...

Vergil quickly looks away, his face feeling a bit hot.

"Are you getting sick? Your face is all red..."

He huffs, his face turning even more flushed at your comment.

"W-What? No! I'm perfectly fine, human. I don't get sick like you humans do. I'm... just a bit hot, that's all."

He pauses, trying to compose himself. But he can't help but sneak a few glances at you, his gaze tracing the outline of your curves beneath the coat..

"Okay well if you're so sure..."

She simply says, as she sits and starts eating the things he brought before.

He watches as you begin eating the fruits, his eyes following the movement of your lips and your hands, the way your body moves slightly beneath the coat, the curves of your form still visible through the fabric. His mind drifts, imagining what it would be like to run his hands over your smooth skin, to feel your soft body against his...

He shakes his head again, trying to push away the impure thoughts. Damn it, what is wrong with him?

"Are you sure you don't want any?"

He quickly turns his attention back to the conversation, shaking his head.

"No, I don't need to eat, human. My demonic nature doesn't require sustenance in the same way as yours. I'm fine."

"Okay then... thanks again for the food."

He huffs, shaking his head at your gratitude.

"Don't mention it, human. It's just some simple fruits. Hardly worth your thanks."

He pauses, his eyes still drinking in the sight of you in his coat, the way it swallows you up and envelops your body.. He can feel the heat rising to his cheeks again, his mind wandering to impure thoughts..

********

It's night now, and the two of you are back in the cave. The fire crackles softly in the center of the cave, casting a warm glow around the dim space.

Vergil sits on one side of the cave, his back against the wall, his eyes watching the fire dancing in the darkness.

He looks over at you as you hum a tune, his ears picking up on the soft sound of your voice. Despite his best efforts, he finds himself drawn to the sound, his gaze fixing upon your form, the firelight casting a soft, warm glow over your body, the coat still enveloping you..

He clears his throat, trying to maintain his composure.

"What are you humming, human?"

"Mh? Oh, it's a song that I use to listen when I'm at home."

He raises an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued

"A song, hm? Let me hear it."

He leans in closer, his eyes studying you intently.

"You... wanna hear me sing?"

He pauses for a moment, his expression stoic but his eyes betraying a hint of interest.

"I wouldn't have asked if so."

She smiles, as she clears her throat and starts singing.

"Some people long for a life that is simple and planned

Tied with a ribbon

Some people won't sail the sea 'cause they're safer on land

To follow what's written

But I'd follow you to the great unknown

Off to a world we call our own

Hand in my hand and we promised to never let go

We're walking the tightrope

High in the sky

We can see the whole world down below

We're walking the tightrope

Never sure, never know how far we could fall

But it's all an adventure

That comes with a breathtaking view

Walking the tightrope

With you, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh

With you, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh

With you

Mountains and valleys, and all that will come in between

Desert and ocean

You pulled me in and together we're lost in a dream

Always in motion

So I risk it all just to be with you

And I risk it all for this life we choose

Hand in my hand and you promised to never let go

We're walking the tightrope

High in the sky

We can see the whole world down below

We're walking the tightrope

Never sure, will you catch me if I should fall?

Well, it's all an adventure

That comes with a breathtaking view

Walking the tightrope

With you, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh

With you, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh

With you

With you, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh

With you, ooh-ooh-ooh

With you."

He listens closely as you begin to sing, his eyes locked on your lips as the words flow from them. The song is unfamiliar, but the sound of your voice is enchanting, a soft, alluring note that pulls at his senses.

As the lyrics reach his ears, he can't help but feel a stirring in his chest. The words carry a sense of longing, of following someone into the unknown...

"Hmph. A love song, is it? Typical human sentimentality."

She blushes slighty in embarrassment and pouts a little.

"Well I can't help it if I like love songs..."

He chuckles at your pouting, his eyes fixed on your expression.

"Hmph. Of course you do. Typical human, always falling for sentimental nonsense. Love songs, musicals.. what is it with you humans and your obsession with romance..?"

She was slighty surprised to see him smile and chuckle a little; she felt her cheeks getting a little pinker...

"Well... you're born because of the love between your parents, isn't it that true?"

He pauses at your comment, his expression turning serious for a moment, a hint of melancholy in his eyes.

"Hmph. Yes, I suppose that's true. But love is also a weakness, human. It's a vulnerability, a weakness that can be exploited and used against you."

He looks at you, studying your face, the firelight casting a soft glow over your features.

"Love can also be a strenght."

He huffs, his expression turning thoughtful.

"Hmph. I suppose that's one way to look at it. But love also means attachment. It means caring about someone so much that the thought of losing them is unbearable. And that kind of attachment can be a dangerous thing. It can distract you, make you make poor decisions. It can make you weak."

"So that's why you never got attached to anyone?"

He pauses for a moment, his eyes locking with yours, a hint of sadness in them.

"I've seen what love can do, human. I've seen the pain it can cause, the suffering it can bring. I've seen what happens when you care about someone so much that you're willing to do anything for them, even sacrifice everything you have. And I've seen what happens when you lose that person, the anguish and the emptiness that follows. I've seen it all, and I've chosen to stay away from that kind of pain."

He felt her silence; like she's thinking of the right words to say.

"Well... in my opinion... it's better to have loved, than never had did, at least, you would've felt something."

He scoffs, his expression turning almost bitter at your words.

"Hmph. That's easy for you to say. You're a human, you're weak and vulnerable. You need companionship, you need love and connection. I'm a demon, I don't need any of that. I don't need love or attachment or any of that sentimental nonsense."

"...I see."

She was silent for a second, then she spoke up again.

"Can I ask you something Vergil?"

"If you must."

"If you demons never get attached to someone, then how is possible that there are so many?"

He pauses for a moment, his expression turning more thoughtful.

"Hmph. You're referring to the fact that there are so many demons? Well, it's true that demons don't typically form emotional connections like humans do. But that doesn't mean we don't engage in... physical intimacy, shall we say. After all, physical desires are a part of our nature. We're creatures of lust and pleasure, more than anything else."

"Oh... so you give in to desires... I see...

There's also something I can't help wondering about."

He sighs, her and her curiosness...

"What is it?"

"Why you never call me by my name?"

"Hmph. Are you really offended because I don't call you by your name? You humans are so sensitive, always wanting to hear their name spoken out loud. To us demons, names are just a way to identify someone. They're just a label, nothing more."

"Mh; I see... well I got used by it now, thought it would be nice being called normally once..."

"Go gest some rest human; don't spend all your energies on speaking with me."

I guess I was hoping for too much.

"Yeah okay."

.....

"Hey Vergil?"

"What is it now?"

"Uhm can I... sleep next to you? It's kind of cold..."

He is taken aback by the question, his eyes widening slightly. He hadn't expected you to ask that, and yet... he finds himself strangely intrigued. He clears his throat, a hint of embarrassment in his voice.

"Hmph. You want to sleep.. next to me? You want to sleep... with me?"

"If you don't mind..."

He pauses, his expression turning serious. He can feel the heat rising to his cheeks, his heart beating a bit faster at the thought of you sleeping next to him. But he doesn't let it show, maintaining his stoic facade.

"Hmph. I don't mind. But don't expect me to cuddle with you. Demons don't do that."

"I-I wasn't going to ask that..."

"Hmph. Get over here then."

He motions a spot next to him, gesturing for you to come closer to him.

You can't help but smile a little, as you get next to him.

He can feel your body press against his as you lay next to him, the heat of your skin against his own. He can feel his heart beating faster, his body tensing up as you get comfortable against him. He tries to maintain his usual stoic expression, but he can't help but feel a bit flustered at the intimate position they're in.

"Hmph. You're... much warmer than I thought you'd be."

"I uh- thank you...?"

He huffs, a hint of embarrassment in his voice as he feels your warmth against his cold skin. He glances down at you, his eyes taking in your expression, the way you look so relaxed and content, laying against him like this.

"Hmph. You're welcome. Now get some rest, human. Demons don't need to sleep, so I'll keep watch over you."

She simply nods and smiles cutely at him.

"Nighty night."

You say as you fall asleep on him.

He can't help but admire you as you sleep, your body soft and warm against his chest, your breath warm and steady against his skin. He has to admit, it feels.. strangely nice, having you like this. Like a small, delicate creature in the arms of a powerful demon.

"Hmph. You look so damn vulnerable like this, human. So delicate and fragile. Like a small, innocent kitten."

******

Vergil had fallen asleep, something he rarely did. He must have been really tired, or maybe the feeling of holding you in his arms all night had been more comfortable then he'd expected... Either way, he was asleep, his eyes closed and his expression soft and relaxed.

Vergil's eyes opened abruptly, and he felt a sudden wave of worry wash over him as he realized you were gone.

"Human?! Where'd you go..."

He looks around, his eyes searching the area for any sign of you. His heart starts beating faster, a sense of worry and panic overtaking him.

He grabs his sword, his hand gripping the hilt tightly as he looks around, still searching for you. He can feel the panic building in him, the thought of you being in danger making his heart race.

"Human! Where the hell are you..?"

And then, there he saw you; you just entered the cave with a basket of fruits, smiling at him warmly.

"Ah good morning! I saw you sleeping so I didn't want to wake you up. I brought something to eat and I also cleaned your coat!"

He looks at you; relief washing over him seeing you safe and sound. He can feel the tension in his body ease as he sees you standing there, holding a bunch of fruit in your hands.

"You.. damn it, human. Don't scare me like that. When I woke up and you weren't there, I thought something had happened to you."

"Uh? You... were worried about me...?"

He huffs, looking away, his expression turning stoic.

"Don't get the wrong idea, human. I was merely... concerned. If something had happened to you, I would be... inconvenienced. That's all."

She smiles and without thinking about it, she hugged him.

"Thank you."

He's caught off guard by your sudden hug, his eyes widening in surprise. But after a moment, he wraps his arms around you, in an akward hug.

"Hmph. You're welcome, I suppose. Just don't make a habit of scaring me like that again."

She simply nods and smile at him.

"Now eat something, you need strength if we're going to continue on this journey."

He looks at the fruits you have, eyeing then with curiosity.

"Where did you get all these, anyway?"

"I walked for a while."

He looks at you, an eyebrow raised in mild disbelief.

"You... walked for a while? And you didn't meet any danger? You know what kind of creatures are out there, right? This forest is full of dangerous monsters, demons and other threats. You could've easily gotten yourself killed."

"Yeah well... I felt guilty thinking that you always did this for me so..."

He huffs, a hint of surprise in his eyes at your words. He can't believe you actually felt guilty about him doing things for you all the time.

"Hmph. You felt guilty about that? Why the hell would you feel guilty about something like that? I'm a demon, human. I can take care of myself. It's not your job to worry about me."

"Sorry I..."

He can see the disappointment in your expression as you say 'sorry', and it makes him feel a pang of guilt in his chest. Damnit, why does he care about your reaction so much..?

"Hmph. I just... you don't need to worry about me, human. Okay? I'm the one who's protecting you, not the other way around. Understood?"

"Okay."

********

Vergil was washing himself in the lake, the cool water running over his body, washing away the dirt and sweat from the journey. He had stripped off his top, revealing his muscular upper body, his toned abs and well defined pecs glistening in the sunlight...

God what am I doing? Why I'm walking to him?

"Uhm... do you mind if I... join you?"

She asks, with only a piece of clothing barely covering her, with her face clearly flustered.

Vergil looks up, his eyes widened by your request. He can feel a wave of heat wash over his body as he sees you, barely clothed, asking him if you can join him in the water. He tries to keep his composure, but he can't help but feel a sense of desire stirring inside him.

"Hmph. I... suppose I don't mind. Go ahead, if you want. But I'm not going to look away, human."

I feel like my heart is gonna explode to his words...

"I... don't mind if you watch me."

Again, what the hell am I saying!?

He feels his heart rate increase at your words, his eyes roaming over your body, taking in the sight of your curves barely covered by the piece of clothing you were still wearing.

"Hmph. I'll be watching, then. Don't be surprised if my eyes linger on certain... places."

She gulps without saying a word as she let that little of clothing of hers fall on the ground, while entering in the water.

He can feel his breath catch in his throat as you let the last bit of clothing fall, leaving you completely naked in front of him. His eyes roam over your body, taking in every curve, every inch of your flesh... and he feels a deep, primal desire stir within him.

"Hmph... You're... damn, human. You're beautiful."

*****

The rest of what happened... it was kind blurry.... we got ourselves lost in the moment full of passion, lust and... maybe something more. I still remember his touch; gentle but rough, his lips on my neck; my lips... his marks... his size...

The first and only time that Vergil called me by name.

"Y/n."

And to this day, I still smile at remembering all those moments we shared together.

"Hey mom; I'm home!"

"Welcome back, Nero."

I say; simply smiling.

[is-the-fire-real]

Personally, in my own inexpert opinion, I think folks in that category are indeed echoing what they're being told by others, and that it's relatively easy to tell the difference between the two.

Consider this as an example, if you will:

You're talking to a friend casually, and the friend suddenly repeats a story you know for a fact is an urban legend--to pick one out of a hat, that pop rocks and soda can kill you if you mix them.

You know for a fact this can't be true. You know this based on simple logic. If we lived in a world where pop rocks combined with Coke could kill you, that's a scary world to live in. That's a world where multiple corporations are conspiring to hide fatal information from consumers; a world in which children could innocently kill themselves or their friends at any time if they are not warned of the danger. If it was true that pop rocks + Coke = painful death, literally everyone would have to know about it. It is not the kind of information your friend would casually bring up in conversation; it is the kind of information your friend would scream out while running down the street like Kevin McCarthy in "Invasion of the Body Snatchers".

You know that pointing out how obviously NOT true this is would not be well received, so you look up this information on your phone. You show your friend that the story is fake. Pop rocks + Coke = Pop rocks and Coke.

If your friend is honestly misled by others, their response will be relief. After all, you have proven the world is a less scary place! You have removed a danger from their lives and the lives of others! Maybe they even suspected it wasn't true, but passed it on out of fear that someone else would be harmed if it was true. They might even be a little bit embarrassed remembering other people they'd accidentally misled. And they may resolve to correct the misinformation they'd spread in the future.

But mostly, they're glad they don't live in the dangerous world they thought they lived in.

However.

If your friend is deliberately trying to mislead you with a fake story they know is fake, their response will be anger. How DARE you question their integrity? How DARE you try to show them "sources" from bullcrap they know is fake and lying? YOU MUST BE IN ON THE CONSPIRACY. You must LIKE it when poor little kids die from eating pop rocks and drinking Coke. You must be getting paid by Coke to cover up the story! They don't even need to look at your "sources" from so-called "experts" in chemistry, because they know the truth and nothing will convince them otherwise.

So, with the current discussion.

People who don't necessarily support violence and antisemitism being perceived as "protected speech" in the US, but who are upset about Khalil's deportation, are misled by others who do support violence/antisemitism. And we know they're being misled because they are, usually, comforted by corrective information.

It is scary to live in a world where the USA is deporting Khalil for no reason at all, or in violation of the rule of law, or because of his religion and ethnicity and for no other reason. That is indeed scary! That's why posts about him are framed this way; to maximize fear and minimize thought. They are designed to frighten people into overreacting and not consider the details of the story. And people who were frightened by it, but are open to being corrected, are happy to realize it's not true. That there are definitely dangers inherent to a Trump presidency and to any actions Trump takes, but this specific case has a specific and differing legal mechanism at play.

Whew! What a relief, right?

Except... huh, it sure seems like most of the people who are spreading pro-Khalil talking points on Tumblr (admitting this is a microcosm) respond to corrective information with anger.

Which could be nothing.

I genuinely do not understand how many people seem to think we can’t legally don’t deny people entry to the United States or deport people based on their speech.

Freedom of speech falls under the first amendment to the constitution- but so does freedom of association.

We know that you can’t openly be a member of a terrorist group’s wife or family and expect to be allowed into the US/not deported from the US.

If the first amendment prohibited the US government from deporting non-citizens based on activities protected under the first amendment, that would be unconstitutional.

But it doesn’t, and it never has, so it’s not.

[yum-grass]

Oh btw I finished mag200 in a really mentally unstable place (I was vary end coded, suicidal with a fear of dying, growing up, going nowhere in life etc) and so listening to Jonah pleading for his life just to get struck down anyway (mixed with me not being able to pick up on social cues and not realizing that Jonah was a manipulator(and to be honest i still don’t see it re-listening which is worrying for my future lol))) made me feel like really bad for him because like yeah I’d probably do that to (and I might be doing it now I am a vary bad person) if it meant not dyeing and being wholly consumed in safeness

[unproduciblesmackdown]

trying to say things about the bsol finale & how it has these little twists about what you don't necessarily expect for these roles but would you believe it i'm like i can't use my [just saying some shit] ability i'm pressed about wanting it to be more coherent & verbalizing doesn't even really happen if i don't have the [just saying some shit] wind in my sails But trying to say One Thing, how about the little twist like the miracle banana gets being that he himself lives, vs his emotional resolution that he would have died to help the musician, even as the musician is like no bestie you're good, even as the audience may expect & approve of even dying from funny little second banana guy who may even be supposedly taken as Superfluous now that thee man & thee woman have reunited (but it was always queerer than that) like. more resolution to our themes that that very second banana is doing just fine vs that the hero is, more classic iconisiquisms

[bnhaobservation]

Thank you for contributing with the theories!

Let's talk about them!

Garaki’s Quirk granted him a very long life, but I don’t think it made him immortal. Even if All Might hadn’t squeezed his head like a grape, his time was probably running out anyway.

Undoubtedly it didn't make him immortal but I honestly wouldn't say AFO is that old.

Garaki's Quirk, lifeforce, doubles his lifespan and he gave it to AFO. A normal person in Japan lives until they're around 80 which means AFO would have 160 years of life. If Garaki, who should be older than him is 'only' over 120, AFO would have much more years to live.

Storywise, according to Horikoshi, AFO's real problem was he needed Shigaraki's anger to manage to steal OFA... which is... 'random Quirk magic'.

So yes, we do have a canon answer but it's one that doesn't feel too good and that's introduced in Vol 30.

But my problem is more that we have another explanation, one introduced in Vol. 13

AFO said he needed a heir because All Might basically damaged him too much. While this would be a better explanation, this is clearly a lie as he took Tenko BEFORE All Might damaged him.

Now AFO can lie to All Might but we've two problems with this:

theoretically All Might should have checked if it was true that Tomura is Nana's grandson and should have figured Tenko was stolen WAY BEFORE he 'killed' AFO and call his lie for what it is

Why lying? What would change if he were to tell All might he wants someone's rage and he chose Tomura because he knew this would have hurt All Might and would have been an insult/dishonor to Nana's memory?

It feels more like Horikoshi retconned the backstory or realized only later that AFO couldn't have taken Tenko for this reason since then the timeline wouldn't match.

Thinking about this I noticed that during Garaki’s speech at the start of MVA, all he’s really doing is testing how determined Tomura is, even with just a few of society’s strays with him and no resources. He wants to see if the guy’s hatred is enough to drive him to do the impossible.

My problem with the way AFO handles Tomura is he wasted 16 years grooming him then... sent him completely unprepared for the job.

Yes, failure would increase Tomura's anger, Tomura's will. Death would make it all for nothing.

Also yes, Garaki surely wanted Tomura's Quirk to go through a Quirk awakening, he wanted him to be stronger physically, Quirkically and mentally before operating him because again, they need his anger and they need him to be strong to survive the trasplant but since they don't have an equally fitting candidate what if they lose him? They'll ask Touya if he's willing to host AFO?

I mean, this is not a case in which the story doesn't give an answer... it's just that the answer doesn't feel good enough. It's like how they said they let Touya escape from the orphanage because he wouldn't have survived more than a month... but a month was more than enough to tattle to his Hero father all they were doing there had he decided to stay home.

So yes, you aren't wrong, all you mentioned is also part of their reason but... it feels like the game isn't worth the candle... (never mentioning the whole 'random Quirk magic' that Horikoshi uses to excuse the whole thing is not a thing I'm a fan of).

If AFO were to be smart as he said he would have put Tomura in situations that looked dangerous, maybe they were kind of dangerous but still... he would have his back unknown to Tomura. So as to insure tomura didn't die.

Because he experienced first hands Heroes can kill.

On the other side yes, it's a trope to put the heir of the evil overlord through dangers and pain but it's done to show they're well... EVIL overlords, not that they're smart.

Even assuming AFO were to use one of the kids at the orphanage... they weren't cultivated as Tomura nor they were given such a Quirk (and it's possible they were made up later on, same as Touya whose backstory was created later). It's clear he's focusing on Tomura. He should have eductated him better since he's supposedly so smart.

Instead it's like with Touya... 'oh Endeavor, I set my eyes on you for years... and you know, I got lucky and accidentally stumbled on your almost carbonized but still alive son and retrieved him... because boys, I'm lucky, Touya might have not set himself on fire or he might have turned himself into ashes before I got there but no, he was roasted at the right point when I happened to pass by, aren't I lucky? Too bad he escaped and then I DID ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO TAKE ADVANTAGE ON YOU, because I got lucky again and he came back. I really should start buying more tickets of the lottery, don't you think?'

Probably he didn’t think the League was that loyal to him. Honestly I don’t remember if Afo could read into Tomura’s memory, but either way, I doubt he believed him able of forming friendships. Plus, I doubt Afo would have accepted the way the League did things while he was in charge. He wouldn’t have tolerated all the mistakes Tomura did. Maybe he felt the need to establish a different, stronger authority, one that was above and not on the same level with the League.

On a more specific way my problem is that we have AFO described as this great mastermind, this oh so big smart guy and... here is plan isn't smart enough, he just expect the league to play along when Re-Destro, whose intelligence is a lot less praises, immediately understood the League was a close knit group (Re-Destro is no manipulator and didn't try to use the league but just to take it out).

AFO's actions came out as arrogant, he's sure the League will tail after him (I agree they didn't have much options) but not as particularly clever. A clever man would win them over. They're not. They're just playing along for lack of better options.

From a Doylist point of view it makes AFO less likable so people will cheer more for the Heroes so that he'll get defeated. The last arc works hard into establishing AFO as the source of all the evil, even the one that wasn't planned at the start. But, at least as far as I'm involved, this ends up affecting how interesting he looks like.

Though of course it's just me, others can love him.

Don't worry about hijacking my post, I do love to hear other people's opinions and suggestions!

How much to me does AFO’s writing not make sense?

This was created due to an ask I received which is basically the title of the post. Originally I just meant to answer the ask but as this got too long I decided to make a post just for it. I hope it’s okay.

It feels bad to say so but the problem with AFO (and Yoichi) is that their writing mostly doesn’t make sense, it feels as if the author continues ask for suspension of disbelief, retcon himself or tell us things he doesn’t show in the story. All this for the purpose of a plot that wasn’t planned in advance but that he just seems to improvise and to create supposedly saint/martyr Yoichi and an evil monster AFO that he’ll pointlessly destroy at the last minute to claim he’s not a monster but a lonely man.

In case someone missed the hint this is going to be a very critical post, so if you don’t feel like reading further the back button is your best friend.

Now... I’ll list all that doesn’t work for me.

Mind you, if it were fewer things I would have probably been fine with retcons, suspension of disbelief, things told and not shown and so on because in a manga you are often supposed to give the author a bit of all of the above. Maybe, if I tried HARD, I could make sense of some of the following things.

I’m also not checking the Japanese text to see if something is unclear due to mistranslation and, as this post is LONG, I won’t dig into details too much. Plus, AFO isn’t what I usually focus about so I might have missed something that, eventually, the text explained somewhere.

My problem with AFO is it’s just TOO MUCH that feels like not making sense that I lose interest in him. It breaks my suspension of disbelief, it makes me think it’s not worth the effort because… it’s random Quirk magic and retcons and what else and everything goes and I should repeat the MST3K Mantra (some details in the story don’t need to make sense because they ultimately don’t matter) but here we aren’t talking of ‘some details’, we’re talking of world-building and a main antagonist backstory and a main antagonist action and characterization. As I said, it’s just TOO MUCH.

Now, before we start let me explain what I mean about ‘random Quirk magic’.

Quirks don’t exist so, of course, it’s up to Horikoshi to make them up and also make up the rules for how they work and so far so good. Only, through the story, not only he makes up some really unbelievable Quirks that defy the rules of the world and therefore challenge our suspension of disbelief (Iida runs fast because HE HAS ENJINES IN HIS LEGS? Mechanical parts? What the fire Quirk users burn to make fire? Without fuel a fire won’t burn!), but he also makes up the rules at random, retconning them or adding them in a way that suit the plot to solve a problem he created previously or to surprise the audience. It’s the problem of Recovery Girl’s Quirk which first heals Midoriya in a second without a care for how he’s low on stamina or how his bones needs to be set and without leaving scars behind and then it gets all those new rules because the author doesn’t want healing to come so cheap. It’s the case of OFA who gives Midoriya access to the Quirks of the previous owners but didn’t do so for All Might. It’s the case of Shinsou’s Quirk which couldn’t make people talk but then it could (because Shinsou trained). It’s the case of Shigaraki’s Quirk that normally turns people to dust but somehow didn’t manage to affect his family’s hands. It’s the case of Eri whose horn inflates and deflates when the plot says so and works even if there’s no owner telling it to heal. And it’s the case of so many other instances.

The fact that new rules are added, usually AFTER a problem arises, makes impossible predict where the story will go because rules are changed along the way so that Quirks can do things they previously couldn’t do… but this ends up feeling often a plot contrivance more than an exciting surprise, it feels unnatural, it breaks the suspension of disbelief and ends up destroying the sakes of the story. In short it’s not that the author can’t add new rules… it’s just it causes more damage than good to the plot. It’s not a problem that regards just AFO (you might notice how he’s absent in the examples I mentioned above), this is a story problem but, as AFO is a victim of this as well, I thought worth to explain it.

I want to be clear, ‘Random Quirk magic’ doesn’t have to make sense because Quirks are fictional so we already know it’s going to feel absurd and that something we’ve to accept as basis of the story and therefore we should suspend our disbelief… the problem is that when things go too overboard even suspending our disbelief on something we already knew from the start was fictional becomes hard.

This isn’t a surreal manga where everything goes, we need to feel the story has some realistic basis even in its fictional elements, that it respects some laws… and the story doesn’t and that’s a flaw in writing, one that some readers might be willing to give a pass to due to the rule of cool and that others might not. It’s very personal.

AS FAR AS I’M INVOLVED, in many circumstances Horikoshi manages to break my suspension of disbelief because it goes too overboard. For others it might be fine. Just keep this in mind when you’ll hear me talk about ‘random Quirk magic’.

So let’s start by splitting it in parts.

PART 1: THE WORLDBUILDING

So right from the start we were told:

the first person who manifested a Quirk was the Luminescent baby born in China

that a person would normally manifest their Quirk if not at birth like the Luminescent baby, at least by the age of 4.

that in the early days of the paranormal they figured out that if someone is without a joint in the pinky toe, he’s someone with a Quirk

Lastly, the Quirk one would get is either inherited by one of their parents or a combination of both. [Chap. 1]

Why this choice?

The Luminescent baby is a good choice to make immediately obvious someone is born different without, at the same time, going overboard with how different that new baby is (I mean, he’s just luminescent, which is clearly not normal but not scary, yet he doesn’t have a fish head so that his look would scare people).

The age of 4 limit is to explain why Midoriya’s mother worried about him not having developed a Quirk while Midoriya is at preschool.

The toe thing is to make definitive the fact Midoriya is Quirkless.

The inheritance makes logical sense and will become important in the Todoroki plotline but I’m not sure if Horikoshi had planned the Todoroki plotline yet at this point. Maybe. Maybe not. Maybe he has only planned Shouto (prototype Shouto was different from what we got).

ALL THIS WILL BE DISMANTLED/IGNORED IN FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS COURTESY OF THE SHIGARAKI TWINS.

The Luminescent Baby isn’t the first person with a Quirk, two years before his birth the Shigaraki twins’ mother, in Japan, manifested a Quirk. One year before the Luminescent Baby the Shigaraki twins were born and AFO immediately manifested his Quirk. [Chap. 407]

Why this change? AFO had to steal his mother’s Quirk so she needed to have one and he needed to be born first so he could complain the glowing baby was nothing special for just having been the first to be recorded.

Logically this should imply that other people started manifesting a Quirk when the Shigaraki Twins’ mother did and that they somehow were all so tame they didn’t make it to the news (which is less believable, really, I mean, among the people shown first showing Quirks there’s one whose body got on fire! but whatever).

Quirks don’t need to manifest by the time one reaches 4 years for things to be normal. After the Luminescent Baby was born they started to manifest in people going through puberty, not after birth, not before 4 years, something Quirk expert Garaki seemed to be unaware of even though he basically lived through those times. [Chap. 407]

Too bad the Shigaraki Twins’ mother didn’t seem that young but much older, but let’s assume it was due to the life she was doing.

As the cause that gave birth to Quirks is unexplained we can’t even say if those people were born with a Quirk and people didn’t notice because they didn’t manifest it, or going through puberty caused them to mutate.

Why the change? Because when people starts hunting people with Quirks the Shigaraki twins are still children (and if) and Horikoshi didn’t want to show the good people of Japan chasing after kids just because they’ve paranormal abilities... and also because the Shigaraki twins’ mom needed to have a Quirk that appear all of sudden.

The lack of joint in the pick toe? Unimportant in the story. AFO won’t check if his sibling doesn’t have it to see if he has a Quirk or not, at least not AFTER he gave him a Quirk thinking he had none. Considering AFO is mega powerful by the time he gives Yoichi a Quirk, he might have just asked a doctor if Yoichi was Quirkless, especially since Quirks could manifest later in life but no. Yoichi never showed signs he had a Quirk so he must not have it, let’s give him another. Who cares if it might fry his brain should he actually have a Quirk? [Chap. 59]

Quirk inherited from the parents? AFO and Yoichi’s Quirks were clearly not inherited by their mother and I’ve hard time thinking they were inherited by their father as their Quirks seems to be unique. [Chap. 407]

Really, giving the mom a Quirk that’s completely different from them is a bad idea. They should have been born with a Quirk by Quirkless parents and this should have been it... or their mom should have had the same Quirk.

We don’t need for the Shigaraki twins’ Quirks to be a mutation right at the start of things.

(Credits when it’s due, Inko too doesn’t grow confused when her son manifest a Quirk completely different from her or her husband but, I guess, we can make the argument that the joy for her son having a Quirk overwhelmed her so that she might have thought it was a mutation but didn’t care and we know that Quirk wasn’t one her son was born with... but well, no one seems to really pay attention to how odd Midoriya’s Quirk is.)

To sum it up, the Shigaraki Twins have destroyed the world building established in chap. 1. Of course Chap. 1 could have misleading, it completely hid that things weren’t all sunshine and rainbows from the start or better said due to Quirks there was chaos but didn’t clearly explain there were manhunts and discrimination for people with Quirks, it seemed only to imply that Villains emerged.

However it’s not that the text can’t be vague to the point of misleading when it makes sense for it to be (hiding the dark past of Quirk society made sense, same as having Garaki claiming Quirk owners are a new step of human evolution only to discover that in the past they speculate those with Quirk were a sub-branch of humans because now the population normally has a Quirk and they want to see themselves as the better product), it’s when it just rewrites itself at random because plot exigencies changes that things start to be harder to swallow.

Going on.

PART 2: THE KIDS WHILE IN THEIR MOTHER’S WOMB

The text rambles about how AFO stole nutrients from Yoichi when they were sharing their mother’s womb so Yoichi is weak.

Actually the fact that one twin ‘steal’ nutrients from the other is true in real life but... IT’S BAD FOR BOTH TWINS.

It’s the twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) which happens by chance (and so it’s not something AFO decided) and occurs when identical twins share a placenta and blood vessels, but the blood flow between them is not equal so one gets less nutriments than he should and the others gets too many.

About 90% of twins diagnosed with an advanced stage of TTTS very early in pregnancy are at risk of passing away before birth.

In about 85% to 90% of TTTS pregnancies that receive treatment, at least one twin survives.

In about 50% to 65% of TTTS pregnancies that receive treatment, both twins survive.

The Shigaraki twins’ mom received no treatment and she didn’t give birth in a hospital, nor the twins were well cared for after birth. The twins should have both died.

I get Horikoshi never cared about medical accuracy and I get sometimes twins with TTTS both survive but the odds are against him and Yoichi and but I think since Horikoshi doesn’t care about medical accuracy, he would make his life simpler by just not including medical conditions.

BTW Identical twins are two babies who share the same DNA because they develop from a single fertilized egg. They are also known as monozygotic twins. Since the Quirk factor is a genetic thing, this means Yoichi and AFO should have the same Quirk.

Now, generally, in the donor twin (the one that gets less blood aka Yoichi), the consequences might affect the respiratory, urinary, circulatory and gastrointestinal systems (he’s at risk for organ failure) as well as give him brain damage and give him a slower growth. He’ll also suffer malnourishment.

There is however no reason due to which the Quirk factor should be affected by it due to lack of nutrition during its formation to the point it didn’t properly form while all the rest will form just fine. I won’t nag on this too much as Quirk factors are fictional things created by Horikoshi himself so if he says Quirks don’t properly form if they get affected for mysterious reasons well, that’s his canon.

(If you’re curious about AFO, the consequences he should get would affect his circulatory system, specifically his heart, to the point it can lead to heart failure, and damage his brain as well.)

PART 3: BABY AFO AND BABY YOICHI

So, the narrative tries hard to paint AFO as kind of a monster baby and the visual plays along with it (he looks definitely scary). We’re told AFO sucked his mother’s life-force and stole the nutrients from his twin in the womb. Once born he stole his mother’s Quirk and used it to cling to his mother’s corpse as they’re taken away from the current, grabbing Yoichi’s arm as well and taking him away with him. The text claims he was imbued with hubris and disrespect for the others from the moment he was born, viewed all within his reach as his own possession and viewed with utter disgust whose who wouldn’t provide him with anything or would turn away when he cried and screamed.

Now...

About pregnancy: it’s worth to mention it can be an exhausting thing so, we don’t need AFO to deliberately steal his mother’s life-force because he’s an evil child. Being pregnant would have been enough to weakened her and combined with her poor lifestyle it would have killed her. But let’s present it as AFO being an evil baby.

About newborns/babies’ psychology: AFO believing he’s at the center of the universe and not caring for others is basically how babies work. They’re egocentric. They cry and demand their caretaker to take care of all their needs as soon as they feel them. They don’t care if their caretaker is tired, busy or sleeping, they view their needs as priorities. They need to be taught, usually at preschool, that the world isn’t their own and that they can’t hit a classmate to have the toy he has. If the story wanted to say AFO never learnt to share at kindergarten because he didn’t to attend to it, it would have been fine, but if the story tries to pass AFO for an evil baby because, from the start, he didn’t know how to share, how to have empathy... well, the story is ignorant about how babies work. The old movie “Look Who's Talking” does a better job portraying an infant and how it’s normal for him to keep his mother awake all the night because he wants to eat than BNHA does handling infant AFO.

About newborns/babies’ bodies: A baby can hold his head up at around 3 months of age. This means if newborn AFO has tried piercing his mother’s body with his mother’s Quirk, he wasn’t yet strong enough to hold himself still, so instead than piercing his mom he would have ended pushing himself away instead than piercing her. A baby’s grip instead is strong enough if he grips something, this could allow the baby to pull themselves up, so in theory he could have held Yoichi. However baby AFO wasn’t fed and we don’t know for how long they rode their mother’s body while the water moved it and, while a baby can stay awake up to 3 hours, generally it’s recommended they won’t stay awake for more than 1, 1 hour and a half. Honestly, unless it was a rather short trip, I doubt AFO would have managed to hold Yoichi for long, but this will become relevant in a following point. It’s also worth to mention newborns can’t walk or crawl. Most babies start crawling between 7 and 10 months old so AFO couldn’t climb atop his mother and the idea he ended up on it by coincidence feels forced.

About newborns/babies’ intentionality: most of what newborn do is instinctive, involuntary, experimental. We’re however shown AFO as a genius baby or one that’s incredibly mature. I’ll let it slide the whole ‘stealing Quirk’ because even if AFO has a Quirk that needs the intention to steal other Quirks, it could have been unintentional and I’ll focus on how, in order to save himself he managed to climb up on his mother’s body, immediately know how to use a Quirk that wasn’t even his own (and that his mother, the legitimate owner didn’t know how to use) to hold tight to his mother’s body, grab Yoichi without using his Quirk so as not to hurt him because he didn’t want to lose him. As said before newborns tend to have involuntary movements but here it’s all voluntary and planned.

About memory of the time in which one were a newborn: normal people can remember as far as to when they were 3/4 at best, Yoichi remembers his brother holding him as they were on top of their mother’s body. How, is unsaid.

About newborns’ need to be feed: A newborn is fed almost every hour to begin with, to move quickly on being fed each 2 hours. It’s true they can even manage surviving for up to 6 days without feeding... but who’s going to feed them and especially Yoichi who’s weak and needs to be feed even more? The next we’ll see AFO and Yoichi they’re still alone and on their own. Even assuming AFO continued to manage to keep his actions intentional he shouldn’t be able to crawl. How in the world he’s going to retrieve the milk he and his brother need to survive? Yes, theoretically we can imagine they were picked up by someone, feed and then discharged for unknown reasons year after, when they could provide for themselves but in the story there’s no mention of this.

About infections: rats can carry diseases that can be passed to humans, including leptospirosis, hantavirus, and rat-bite fever that can be spread through direct or indirect contact with rodents. Low birth weight neonates are more vulnerable to infections so it’s a miracle Yoichi didn’t catch one by the rats who came close to them... or by just being laid on the dirty ground.

About the twins’ mom and the umbilical cord: if the twins’ mom didn’t know she was pregnant, how did she cut the umbilical cord as she doesn’t seem to have with herself scissors and ends up dying of childbirth? The cord is tough and you need something sharp to cut it, never mentioning it needs to be clamped before being cut otherwise it would put the baby in danger of bleeding out.

I get I’m nitpicking things in AFO’s backstory but Horikoshi created for AFO a backstory that challenges my suspension of disbelief too much and that’s mostly not needed.

AFO (and Yoichi) didn’t need to be born by a prostitute that didn’t even know she was pregnant, would give birth near a river and die, with AFO stealing her Quirk just before rats were to attack them but they would miraculously be swept away by the suddenly flooding river and use their mother’s body like a surf board and then they magically survived by themselves.

It was enough for them to be normal orphans in an orphanage that were chased away from it or escaped after people became aware they had Quirks. This overly dramatic story feels too unreal to me, it breaks my suspension of disbelief

PART 4: THE NARRATION

As AFO’s backstory starts the text is very much oriented in not letting me get sad for AFO and this is part of the problem.

It feels weird how the Shigaraki twins are given a dramatic (and unrealistic) backstory but... the text doesn’t seem to be interested in making us feel sympathy despite the horror they faced, the text is focused on painting AFO as a demonic baby, born to become the future demon lord.

In short it didn’t matter if he had a sad backstory or not, he was born evil and he was going to be an evil adult where Yoichi was born good and was going to be good. There was no hope for him.

Now this sort of story has a dangerous side effect.

If we establish that nature is all that matter to decide the fate of a person, that someone born good like Yoichi would only grow up to be good even in the worst conditions while there was no hope for AFO from the start, then nurture loses its importance.

By this logic it doesn’t matter if Enji abused his family or not, Shouto would have grown up to become a Hero regardless and Touya would have grown up to become a Villain regardless.

Now… while very little is done to change society at the end of the story, the whole Quirk counseling program that supposedly changes how kids are nurtured, seems to be in the story to tell us nurture is important too and that it can make the difference in a person.

Midoriya telling AFO he wasn’t a demon lord but just a lonely person might also imply the text might not be an impartial narrator, that the text is lying (who’s the narrator by the way? In the story we often had as narrator Midoriya and the anime gave the role of the other narrator to Present Mic but what about here? Is it AFO himself?) but this is a story read also by young readers so giving it a lying third person narrator makes the story pointlessly complicate and the fact that Midoriya, who knows ABSOLUTELY NOTHING about AFO and couldn’t figure out Tomura out until he saw his past, would instead understand AFO just because the latter obsesses over Yoichi feel unbelievable.

So more than a thing that doesn’t make sense this is a thing that’s very poorly constructed.

PART 5: CHILDHOOD

The two babies continue to grow and somehow feed themselves and keep themselves clean and warm on their own and even dress up and become children... and AFO is a murderous creepy kid, who kills people who are against people with Quirk and out to murder them but they are letting him be despite thinking he had a Quirk. Because if they had to murder or at least seriously main/beat people with Quirks, said people have to be adults, they draw the line at kids.

Again... it doesn’t make a lot of sense they’re out there aiming to hurt/kill people with Quirks but would let a child with a Quirk be, and even feel bad because they’re leaving him behind.

Even if we want to assume some might draw the line at hurting kids, accepting they’ve a hive mind and would all agree not to hurt them feels hard to swallow. Honestly it seems more that Horikoshi didn’t have them attack AFO so they would look ‘innocent’ when he murders them in cold blood, if we can forget they were out for blood of Quirk people so again, AFO is a evil child.

He’s also an evil child as he apparently has nothing to gain by killing those people who are Quirkless so he can’t even steal their Quirks, here the text seems to imply he’s doing it solely because he sees them with disgust because they don’t help him who’s filled with hubris and disrespect for others from when he was born and so he killed those ‘poor’ guys who were out to kill/beat guys with Quirks. I would have understood it more if Horikoshi were to show him then stealing their money but no, we see nothing of the sort, if he gained something from killing them is up to the readers’ speculation, the message seems to be he’s doing it because

Also, he got himself a cape to dress himself up and seems naked below so as to pull out those stabbing things from his whole body comfortably.

I won’t comment on the fighting style as we see only a panel and it might not give me the right impression of how things are going.

The next time we see AFO beating 6 adults, he might be stealing their Quirk and he... is wrapped in a robe and don’t wear shoes even though Yoichi does.

And I don’t get why dressing him so weirdly especially since he’ll become the guy who dress up all fashionable.

By the way Yoichi seems unable to walk as he seems to crawl. As an adult he could walk and even run but let’s let this slide, the problem is another.

I do get AFO wants to keep Yoichi but if Yoichi can’t walk he’s a liability and there’s no reason why AFO should drag him along when he goes in his murdering rampages or whatever he’s doing there (hopefully stealing Quirks because that’s more useful than murder people because they disgust him).

By the way, good, noble Yoichi, seeing his brother hurt people... hurts him by tossing a tin can to him and only later tells him to stop hurting people.

I would have expected Yoichi to get in between AFO and the people AFO hurt because he’s against hurting in general, but no, Yoichi isn’t for nonviolence, he is like the Heroes, he’s fully in favor of hurting who hurts (yeah, he can’t do much damage but still, he tries).

It’s worth to note Yoichi has normal clothes a sign that no, AFO didn’t have to wrap a cloth around himself because he couldn’t find clothes. Somehow he just felt like not dressing like a normal person which doesn’t make a lot of sense.

On an odd note the Shigaraki twins apparently take residence in the abandoned Shūeisha Jimbocho Building in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo. I get that’s a fun reference and it makes easier for them to find manga to read but I would have found more logic for them to take up residence in an abandoned hotel, or in an abandoned house/apartment, with beds and bathroom and a place to cook food than in a publishing company building. Since they only needed to read ONE manga for the story to work, they could have found it elsewhere.

Meanwhile genius Yoichi self teach himself to read by watching manga... and it doesn’t work like that. While kids can learn to read on their own, they actually need someone to give them instructions on which sound each graphic sign is. If not they can’t magically guess.

It would also be good to know when AFO named Yoichi, since he did so aware of what such kanji meant because he also self taught himself how to read.

Really, the Shigaraki twins needed a caretaker and all this unreal stuff wasn’t needed.

The Shigaraki twins could be just orphans in an orphanage or kids in a poor house, or kids whose parents were killed like Destro’s mother when they’re old enough to know how to read. The lack of a caretaker in their early years makes their story absurd.

By the way, note how AFO comes back covered in blood and Yoichi doesn’t even flinch as he’s busy reading the manga. Shouldn’t he care about the people AFO killed? Nope, this is siblings bonding time but... it’s not that great. Yoichi isn’t someone who gives care to AFO, if anything Yoichi tries to discipline him for murdering people in front of him and thinks deep down his brother cares for him but doesn’t manage to provide/show care for AFO.

The text tells us Yoichi hadn’t given up on his brother, that he thinks his brother’s grip had been gentle, but if his not giving up on his brother is just playing the role of failed morality pet/talking cricket and letting AFO sit near him... well, it’s not much.

If AFO needed salvation back then, before he worsened even more, Yoichi wasn’t there to provide it for him. Garaki was shown giving AFO more care and love than Yoichi.

The end goal is Midoriya tells him he’s a lonely man, but his obsession with Yoichi isn’t really well developed. He just randomly decided Yoichi AND JUST YOICHI is his. AFO will never collect other people the way he does with his brother. Shigaraki, Garaki, his relation with them is more of an utilitarian nature.

(Honestly from the way Horikoshi depicted him, it seems nothing could have saved AFO, I’m complaining because we get told Yoichi can’t give up on him but doesn’t do anything to SHOW IT).

On the other side BNHA often messes up what now fans call ‘talk no jutsu’. The name comes from the Naruto fandom, I didn’t watch Naruto so I don’t know how it played its talks but I watched enough manga/anime (never mentioning I’ve a knowledge of how things work in real life and in books) to know when a talk can be inspiring to change, in real life and in a story.

BNHA tends to have Heroes talk about justice and morals to Villains who COULDN’T CARE LESS about such things. If you want to move and push to change a person, you’ve to stuck the right cords in them, talk to them about what THEY CARE ABOUT AND HOW CHANGE CAN HELP THEM TO GET IT.

If Yoichi’s hope is that by telling AFO enough times that what he’s doing is bad will push him to change well, Yoichi is dumb. Yoichi should have shown him another way to get what AFO wanted, a world that would take care of him.

But this is a story problem as other characters make this mistake and the story doesn’t address it, so I can’t really blame this one on Yoichi.

PART 6: ADULT YEARS BEFORE YOICHI’S DEATH

Chap. 59 tells us AFO brought people together and grew to control the whole Japan, manipulating people into committing wicked acts. One would expect considering the power AFO has he became the new emperor of Japan so he could fully control it but no, it’ll turn out he became a crime lord when it would have been more logic for him to use his power to go and become emperor of Japan in a time in which the government was in chaos due to the meta, there were no Heroes and all that stood against him was a small vigilante group.

And if he really had to be a crime lord I would have expected him to be a crime lord with such important ties in the government, the state would basically be a puppet under him so as to facilitate his wish to have a world that would exist for his sake. This way Heroes and Hero schools wouldn’t have existed and Vigilantes would have been hunted as criminals. He’s a guy who has ‘friends’ in other countries, one would expect him to get the importance of controlling the government to get off with everything he does but no, the government does as he pleases even though he has plenty of people bowing to him.

All Might claims that those AFO bestowed upon new Quirk would end up becoming puppets, unable to bear the new Quirks. It makes no sense that AFO would do this to his followers, as they would become mostly useless and this is not really manipulation this is making people brain dead.

Besides the story should decide what it wants to do with Quirk when they get passed to others.

Shigaraki is just mentally fine with decay and so is Aoyama, Lady Nagant is just mentally fine with multiple Quirks, Spinner isn’t but Central Hospital ‘saves him’, the possessors of OFA died early because they too weren’t fine with OFA.

What’s the rule?

If you get more than 2 Quirks you lose your mind?

With 2 you only face early death?

If you’ll only get one, even if it’s not your own, you’ll be fine provided your body is compatible with it?

Then why not to give his allies only 2 Quirks? Why frying their brain? Are brainless servants so much better than willing servants with a brain?

AFO should have known giving people a Quirk could have downsides, because he risked frying Yoichi’s brain by giving him a Quirk, so he should have been sure this wouldn’t damage him.

By the way All Might say Yoichi opposed to AFO but all Yoichi does is saying he won’t cooperate with him, not that he would have been of any use and again play the role of failed morality pet.

I get in Japan ‘Gaman’ (我慢) which means “enduring the seemingly unbearable with patience and dignity” and is a Japanese term of Zen Buddhist origin is considered a heroic virtue but I’m not Japanese and Yoichi really is shown doing way too little for me to be impressed.

AFO giving him a Quirk that’s basically a power stocking Quirk makes no sense unless he didn’t realize that Yoichi could use it to stock enough power it could hold up against him... had Yoichi done something to collect such power instead than starve himself... I guess Yoichi saw this as a form of resistance too... an useless one.

Yoichi decides not to eat as a form of resisting to his brother that... will only kill him. At this point he could have just committed suicide to make his point. Okay, so maybe he was hoping AFO would magically change. Surely he couldn’t think just telling him ‘no, this is bad’ would affect AFO, could he? Anyway starving himself still feels dumb.

PART 7: WHAT LEADS TO YOICHI’S DEATH

Kudo and his men, who have weak Quirks, somehow manage to barge in AFO’s stronghold and into what’s basically a safe holding Yoichi (Horikoshi doesn’t explain how and more often than not he does so when he too doesn’t know how this happened). Apparently they wanted to kill him but then Kudo decides to save him.

How did they do it and why?

Why would they risk their lives to get to Yoichi and murder him only to make angry AFO? How would Yoichi’s death damage AFO? And how they managed to accomplish such feat since supposedly AFO is already overly powerful? By the way aren’t we also in the middle of chaos between people with Quirk and people without? Shouldn’t this make things even harder?

But whatever, they manage to escape with Yoichi and to hide for two months before AFO tracks them.

Instead than planning a careful operation to retrieve Yoichi, mister smart guy aka AFO goes there alone and causes everyone to escape but, conveniently, Yoichi is the one who’s slowest at doing so. Also conveniently, Kudo is near him, dragging him. Bruce is also slow to escape so he can witness the scene.

AFO is upset Yoichi runs away from him with Kudo and instead than murdering Kudo or using some whip Quirk to retrieve Yoichi as he knew from the start Yoichi didn’t want to be with him and he had to keep him closed in a safe due to this so he should be prepared to Yoichi not wanting to go back, he is SO SURPRISED YOICHI ESCAPES HE MURDERS YOICHI. To regret it a moment later.

PART 8: THE MESS WITH QUIRKS

AFO will retrieve Yoichi’s hand and somehow... checks it for Yoichi’s Quirk. Maybe he wanted the Quirk he gave Yoichi back but sure it’s convenient he does because it turns out he discovers Yoichi has no more the Quirk he gave him.

Instead than assuming there’s another person who, like him, can steal Quirks (again, he should have inherited his Quirk by his father, I doubt it but LOGICALLY this is how it should have gone), we get him rambling about how, according to further examinations he discovered Yoichi had a Quirk HE COULDN’T DETECT (HOW DID HE REALIZE? Did he check Yoichi’s disemboweled foot to see if he lacked a joint in the toe? Or did he realize sooner and still granted him a Quirk risking to fry his brain? We’ll never know.)

Note that AFO was completely capable to steal Hawks mangled Quirk factor but he couldn’t even detect Yoichi’s and therefore couldn’t steal his Quirk.

By the way I also would like to know WHY AFO claims he wondered if he stole Yoichi’s Quirk by mistake. With the Quirks in his mindscape taking the shape of their owners and he and Yoichi somehow remembering what happened short after their birth, never mentioning always him being able to use stolen Quirk a short time after his own birth, he should have known if he stole Yoichi’s Quirk or not.

Anyway Yoichi’s Quirk now was passed to Kudo because Yoichi’s blood was splattered on him and he somehow ingested it... or did it got inside him through the blood splattered on his eyes? We’ll never know but AGAIN surely it was convenient.

Now, let’s go back a little to chap 59 which say that in order to inherit OFA one has to ingest the DNA of the previous owner but also the previous owner should want to pass it.

Is the story telling me Yoichi willed to pass to Kudo a Quirk he didn’t know he had? Or that, even though he refused to use the Quirk AFO stole and gave him, he wanted to give it to Kudo because if he uses a stolen Quirk is bad but if Kudo does it is fine?

I’ll give it a pass to Kudo noticing his body felt off (due to him receiving Yoichi’s Quirk) because All Might said after some hours from receiving his Quirk Midoriya would feel something too so okay, this might fit with the lore.

But now we’re told that the second Quirk Kudo has is a small, seemingly useless one.

This is a problem because All Might said that Yoichi’s Quirk fused with the perfectly normal accumulation Quirk his brother gave him so it shouldn’t be small and useless because it is now fused with a perfectly normal Quirk which yes, might not have accumulated much but is of a normal size combined with one of a smaller one. AFO suggested ‘it was absorbed’ so Yoichi tiny, unformed Quirk, absorbed a normal one and remained tiny and unformed and hey, okay, it’s ‘random Quirk magic’ but it’s one that TO ME, feels too overboard.

And anyway… which sort of machine Kudo, Bruce and Co have which could see it? Quirks are just a new thing in their world and yet they can detect a small Quirk factor? One AFO couldn’t detect? And why would they have created such a machine? Or do they have some sort of machine that analyzes DNA so accurately it can detect Quirk factors? No idea.

PART 9: CREEPY EYES

Maybe it’s meant to be symbolic but... AFO’s eyes can’t reflect anything, the test claiming it’s like they were clouded by thin membranes. And the text doesn’t mention it but they are drawn with no pupils... which would basically make him basically blind. But no, he sees. Guess he went to Italy dressed like a little girl, claiming his name was Gemma in order to meet Padre Pio who, for some reasons, granted him a miracle.

Whatever.

All this is creepy and could be symbolic, it could hint at how he can’t see others reflected in himself (aka he can’t connect to them), but... it has no purpose. It’s just there for the creepy factor.

PART 10: WHAT GOES ON UNTIL ALL MIGHT DEFEATS AFO

AFO kills Kudo but, since he’s in denial, he claims even though he was crying his own were crocodile tears… because he’s so evil. I do wonder if he’s meant to be the narrator of his own past and wants to paint himself as evil as possible. Whatever.

Apparently Kudo felt he was about to die so he passed AFO to Bruce before being murdered and Bruce will pass it to Hikage before being murdered because someone here has a foretelling Quirk. I get that Hikage’s danger sense might have helped but still… it’s convenient how the OFA users all manage to pass their Quirk before AFO could put a stop to them.

Meanwhile AFO, instead than taking Japan’s throne, seems to establish a crime syndicate/cult, despite the world being in too much disarray to stop him and him having already an overwhelming power.

Really, this guy went to China to kill the Luminescent Baby and steal his Quirk, what’s stopping him from killing everyone in the govern?

He murders Nana’s husband but somehow doesn’t kill Kotarou.

Why?

If he wanted to hurt Nana to the point he found out she had a family and targeted it, why not finish the job also killing or at least hunting Kotarou?

Nana thinks she can hide Kotarou’s existence (which AFO should already know if he investigated over her and discovered she had a husband) by erasing him from her family register… even though Kotarou continues to have the same surname and name, they don’t even change how’s written.

Okay, it can work, there are other Shimuras in Japan so if she sent him to Hokkaido claiming he’s a orphan maybe JUST MAYBE AFO won’t track him (you wish, he’ll do it).

AFO doesn’t bother to track Kotarou down immediately though and Nana decides to pass her Quirk to All Might because he wants to be a Hero, even though she continues to be a Hero in active duty and fight AFO and without OFA she should go back on solely having a floating Quirk (let’s me not get started on the ember thing that’s clearly again ‘random Quirk magic’ that feels to overboard as the idea that you pass your Quirk and yet you still retain it to me feels too overboard again and too much of a plot contrivance).

Even though he has played this dance 6 times already, AFO, for mysterious reasons, doesn’t figure out she has passed her Quirk to All Might and, instead than stopping All Might from escaping, focuses on killing her. Then, when it turns out she doesn’t have anymore OFA for again mysterious reasons he doesn’t hunt All Might even though he’s in U.A. high which shouldn’t have been that impenetrable fortress back then. He doesn’t even hunt him when All Might goes in the USA even if All Might was hardly keeping himself hidden and AFO will claim he has friends on the other side and AGAIN, he went to China to kill the glowing baby and he’s desperate to have OFA and therefore Yoichi back. And this makes no sense.

PART 11: ALL MIGHT IS BACK

This part is complicate because it covers many years during which AFO does plenty of things that make no sense so I try to go at it chronologically.

All Might comes back around 33 years before giving OFA to Midoriya, after 5 years spent in the States in which AFO ignored him for mysterious reasons.

AFO is still not ruling Japan despite now having no OFA owner trying to stop him (which doesn’t make sense), but All Might somehow single handedly put an end to plenty of Villain activities, likely many of them related to him, showing he’s clearly more competent and powerful than his predecessors who ended killed off way too early and couldn’t really change the world.

That or AFO very logically hunted the previous OFA owners so they didn’t get much free reign while for unclear reasons, he let All Might free to act (which doesn’t make sense).

Around 7 years after All Might has come back, Enji ends U.A. high and AFO should likely start to notice his longing for power and… does nothing but keep an eye on him, which fine, it can be. I’m pointing it out because I want you to get an idea of his activities… or lack of them and of how times pass by.

Around 6 years after this, possibly early, and therefore around 13 years after All Might is back, AFO tracks down Kotarou and persuade him to have another kid. Meanwhile with Garaki he opens orphanages and grooms kids and copies their Quirk and thanks to all this they find Chisaki Kai and his Overhaul Quirk. They’ll copy it once and break away half of it turning it into the decay Quirk. At an unclear time Chisaki will leave the orphanage without them making a second full copy of his Quirk to give to AFO, WHO COULD HAVE USED IT TO HEAL HIMSELF SHOULD HE GET HURT (which yeah, doesn’t make sense). Why they let Chisaki go (and NO, despite what the fandom says, Chisaki didn’t escape because Touya set the orphanage on fire, Horikoshi himself in the volume version said the fire wasn’t worth worrying about and, anyway, the timeline doesn’t match) is never said. He could have made a fine Nomu or at least an underling but no, he’s let go (so it again doesn’t make sense).

Around 7 years after, Touya’s Quirk starts burning him. It’s a tragedy for Enji and AFO, who was keeping an eye on him could have just taken this chance to offer him a cure or something while under disguise and only later reveal he was behind it but… no, he let the Todoroki family be and content himself to watch which yeah, doesn’t make sense since he’ll claim he was keeping an eye on Enji’s longing for power and wanted to reap from it and this would have been the perfect moment. Maybe that’s because he’s busy stealing Tenko’s Quirk and then… he goes back on watching the Shimura family so no, he would have had time to tamper with the Todoroki too.

Around 5 years after, AFO gives Tenko half of Chisaki’s Quirk and then waits until Tenko decays his whole family and roams in the streets aloe for a while before retrieving him (and yes, decay activating at random is another ‘random Quirk magic’ thing, along with the fact that somehow Tenko’s family’s hands don’t get decayed) and starting to groom him. Meanwhile Shouto had the time to be born, Touya had the time to attack him and AFO still isn’t doing anything with Enji’s longing for power even though this also would be a very good moment to act.

One year after, AFO and Garaki really wish to get their hands on Eraser Head’s Quirk so they wait for him to be asleep at home and jump on him… no, they don’t do this, they wait for him to leave home and jump on him… no, they don’t even do this, they wait for him to face a Villain and when his friend dies and he survives they content themselves with getting their hands on Oboro Shirakumo’s corpse. And don’t even try again to get Aizawa. AFO doesn’t even go to shake his hand with an excuse in order to steal his Quirk. No. They don’t want erasure anymore. The sudden disinterest as well as the lack of more potentially successful approaches to steal Erasure don’t make sense. Anyway Garaki and AFO are busy turning Oboro into the Nomu Kurogiri, which has a working brain but is completely subservient. Despite Kurogiri’s amazing powerful Quirk, they use him as a babysitter for Tenko, now named Tomura, who’s being groomed into killing people so as to become AFO’s heir even though they continue the orphanage project should Tomura fail. The whereabouts of all those orphans are unknown except for one who’ll get adopted by Garaki (Tsubasa) and then will be turned into a Nomu when he was a teen. They ignore the Todoroki kids because I guess AFO is having too much fun just watching Enji’s longing for power to try to put it to some use. I take AFO is secretly a peeping Tom that gets turned on not by peeping at people engaging in sexual activities but by peeping on a man’s longing for power. No, okay, it makes no sense.

Two years after, Garaki is the doctor who tells Midoriya (who is 4) he is Quirkless. They immediately offer the mother a way to fix this like they had done with the Aoyama and… ops, nope. And it makes no sense as they couldn’t know Midoriya was going to be the main character and they could have spared us of this by having a doctor that wasn’t Garaki tell Midoriya he’s Quirkless. But no, let’s involve Garaki for… nothing.

Two years after, Touya goes on Sekoto Peak and waits for his father, Enji doesn’t reach him and for unknown reasons Touya’s Quirk turn on and Touya burns himself but manages to toss himself in a stream. AFO WHO HAS ALWAYS KEPT AN EYE ON ENJI’S LONGING FOR POWER, DESPITE NOT BEING INVOLVED IN TOUYA SETTING HIMSELF ON FIRE, happens to pass by (or he was stalking Touya or he has set a fire alarm on Sekoto Peak) and retrieve a still living Touya before Enji comes, bring him to Garaki and they put him in coma as they try to rebuild him. Because somehow they never managed to get a single healing Quirk despite Garaki working in plenty of hospitals that should attract people with healing Quirks. As for Enji… he let him be. Who cares for his longing for power? I’ve also a post already about how it doesn’t make sense that AFO wasn’t involved in Touya burning himself and his intervention ends up to be so random it’s disappointing so I won’t dig on this too much.

The year after, he grant Aoyama (who is 6) a Quirk. I guess the Aoyamas being rich made their son a most interesting recipient than Midoriya at whom he didn’t offer a Quirk even though Garaki knew he was Quirkless. He then tells them he could explode them if they disobey him but no, it’ll turn out he couldn’t and there’s no reason why he couldn’t since he showed the Aoyamas he could do it by using another person and we know he could do it as he did so with Lady Nagant. There’s also to say the Aoyamas though will be left mostly quiet until their son is 15. I don’t want to say this is senseless, AFO could have been ‘helping’ people so as to collect their help later… it’s just that, combined with how he didn’t grant a Quirk to Midoriya it becomes random bordering on senseless. He couldn’t know he would need a kid to infiltrate in U.A. high because All might would be teaching there unless he were to be able to see the future. The Aoyamas might be rich but not to the point they’re of use. So… it’s not senseless but it’s bad.

Two years after, Touya wakes up from coma. AFO isn’t around (but he’ll talk with Touya through the black screen of a computer) but Touya is in one of Garaki’s orphanages because they had kept up the habit of grooming kids who… I don’t know, they couldn’t have been all turned into Nomu as, at the start, they didn’t even have them, they’re apparently not serving AFO either as they don’t show up ever again (except for Number 6 in Vigilantes) nor they could have killed them all off as it would have been suspicious so… I don’t know what happened to those kids. Considering they let Touya escape so he could go back home and report to his Number 2 Hero father they had kidnapped him and have all the police jump on the orphanage, I’ve no idea what they do with the other kids. After Chisaki, Touya is the second kid who leaves the orphanage with no consequences but while Chisaki had no one and it was unlikely he would report them, Touya was the son of the Number 2 and they very much tried to kidnap him. That’s enough to trigger a police raid. It’s only due to luck that Touya won’t report them. By the way despite all his interest for Enji’s longing for power AFO will continue to ignore him even if now he has let Touya go. So yeah, all this doesn’t make sense. Also, around this time period ( it was few years after they took Tenko in but before he fought All Might) AFO tells Machia to go into hiding because he had a feeling he might end up being defeated by All Might. Because now he sees the future. No, really, if he felt All Might could beat him why not to keep Machia, HIS BODYGUARD, with himself as back up?

The year after All Might FINALLY murders him. Maybe All Might too had enough of AFO’s senseless behavior. Too bad Garaki retrieves AFO’s body and resurrect him. I get people might not have been very focused in guarding a corpse so it’s not senseless he managed to do it but still… it seems too convenient. By the way AFO’s brain is resurrected in a perfectly fine state. Somehow though Garaki, the man who can create Nomu, can’t give him plastic surgery and a pair of eyes and while Oboro/Kurogiri can walk on his own just fine AFO needs a mask to survive. Because it makes so much Darth Vader he just couldn’t pass it.

At this point, and only at this point, Tomura needs to become AFO’s next body, as his current one is ruined. AFO didn’t need a heir before and the whole ‘he needs anger to steal OFA so he needs Tomura anger since he can’t come up with anger on his own’ felt again like ‘random Quirk magic’, something the author made up to excuse how AFO decided to groom Tenko before really needing a new body.

Also, even though Machia should be in hiding supposedly he’s instead around searching Quirks for AFO in a very obvious manner which should have pushed the Heroes to hunt for Machia but no, no one notices except Ashido and Kirishima but they’re not Heroes so they don’t count.

I’ll skip what happens during “Vigilantes” as Furuhashi is a different author and, even if Horikoshi supervised the whole thing, I’ll also give him a pass on how mistakes could have taken place (I considered only the whole Oboro thing because it’s also mentioned in BNHA).

Six years after having been killed, AFO sends Tomura to attack U.A. high as All Might is teaching there. Note he let him be for 6 years even though All Might had been wounded too. But now that All Might has involved Midoriya without AFO knowing it feels the perfect time to attack him. I’ll catch this chance to point out that Tomura wasn’t trained at all to lead men and AFO wanted him to learn through a process of trial and error which yes, it’s dumb. What if Tomura had died there or had been arrested? Yes, AFO could brag about All Might killing Nana’s grandson or jailing him and pick up a spare kid from the orphanage as his next body but, if Tomura needs to be his next body, he doesn’t need to learn how to lead an army nor to get himself in danger, he only needs to get very pissed off at All Might. AFO should get himself busy strengthening his body (so that Garaki can operate him) and encouraging him to hate All Might, not to put him up in danger. After all he has wasted an awful lot of time on Tomura, why not putting it to good use? To continue… what about the other kids? Why not to put them too against All Might? Why not to give them to Tomura as underlings? Many of them aren’t even turned into Nomu as we see that the first Nomu’s DNA came from an adult, not from a kid.

No, AFO let Tomura free to do as he pleases without even trying to direct his actions a bit.

I guess that the idea is he’ll create chaos and will also make a name for AFO’s new body so that AFO will reap what Tomura sow. I won’t really comment on how Tomura’s plans aren’t great because the characters in the story handle them as if they are. The police is totally creeped out by him, the league is famous and people want to join it, Chisaki will want to use the League’s name, Re-Destro sees the League as a problem… it’s just Machia and Garaki who sees them as a nothing, a kid palling around with the dregs of society.

I won’t count this as senseless but it sure isn’t great.

Touya joins the League, Garaki and AFO recognize him and… do nothing. They don’t warn Tomura, AFO does nothing to take advantage of Enji’s longing for power now that he has Touya back, I’ll jump forward but AFO won’t even say he has Touya to Enji when he’ll face him in Kamino. No, he’ll reveal Tomura’s identity to All Might but will keep his mouth shut with Enji despite keeping an eye on his longing for power. Was AFO’s involvement with Touya planned already? Did Horikoshi want to save the info for later, so he could have a second big reveal scene like the one he had in which AFO told All Might Tomura’s identity? Possibly since this is what we get, it’s just it’s execute worse because, as I said, while AFO’s involvement with Tomura was consistent, his involvement with Touya felt random.

And so we get to the ‘Forest training camp’ arc and the ‘Hideout raid’ arc.

The League attacks the camp because they want to send a signal to society as well as steal Bakugou, which Tomura somehow wants to persuade to join them even though Bakugou is clearly unwilling.

During the attack they lend Tomura a Nomu which is then entrusted to Dabi. Yaoyorozu places a transmitter on it. When the League is whisked away by Kurogiri the Nomu is brought into the Nomu factory/Garaki’s spare lab/whatever. Although people blame Touya, he had no chance to check the Nomu for devices… and they probably did as we will be told the warehouse in which he was, was a decoy. So AFO deliberately had the Heroes find it, deliberately he didn’t warn Tomura that the Heroes were on him, deliberately showed up to deal with the Heroes and save Tomura and have a fight with All Might.

I’ll say… it’s not a bad plan. His surprise attack works and could have done even more damage if it wasn’t for Best Jeanist, sending the Nomu at the hideout could have also done more damage if it weren’t because Enji is strong (he’s the one disposing of the most of the Nomus), the League is freed without much damage, if he had retreated with the League using Kurogiri’s Quirk or his own Quirk he could have just came out victor.

I won’t hold it against him the fact he wanted to kill All Might as, even though he was outnumbered, he seemed to be stronger. I mean, beating All Might would have been a big victory. Honestly, even if he lost, this part was good.

It’s chronologically late in his life but it’s meaningful it’s EARLY in the story. AFO, at the start of the story, was making sense. Yeah, he could have used more Nomu and Gigantomachia to insure his victory but arrogance is a fitting flaw for him and, as I said, it did seem like he could make it.

Then he gets jailed straight in Tartarus instead than in one of the jails in which, in Japan, they put people who didn’t undergo a trial. It’s clear since he killed people and he’s not even attempting to deny it, he’ll be sentenced to death. Japan is slow at executing people so it theoretically makes sense he’s not immediately killed off (yeah, many in the fandom think there’s no death sentence in BNHA but it actually there is as we were told Moonfish was an escaped convict on death row).

To be honest, since Horikoshi worsened a lot the conditions of prisons and since AFO is what it is, it would make more sense if they had just executed him and be done with him put since the plot will need him to stay alive, I do get why Horikoshi decided to take advantage of how Japan is slow at carrying on its death sentences.

What doesn’t make sense, but this isn’t an AFO problem but a Tartarus problem, is how he’s kept constantly tied on a chair (because, contrary to what many in the fandom think in the story there are no Quirk cancelling means beyond Chisaki’s bullets and Eraser Head’s Quirk). This isn’t just torture, this is unhealthy as hell… but again Horikoshi doesn’t care about medical accuracy so it does nothing to AFO.

All Might goes to talk with him, claiming with such body AFO could have lived forever instead he wasted everything manipulating, exploiting and toying with people. The problem with All Might’s words is that AFO gained such body EXACTLY because he manipulated, exploited and toyed with people, if he hadn’t he would have probably died of starvation as a baby or, even better, drowned because he wouldn’t have stolen his mother’s Quirk.

Yeah, he got the lifeforce Quirk by a willing Garaki, but Garaki wouldn’t have been willing if AFO hadn’t been who he was.

AFO then claims he chose a successor because All Might stole everything from him. Too bad All Might too should have been able to sniff the lie. All Might, as said before, ruined AFO’s body (killed him) 6 years before, AFO got Tomura way before that and if All Might had checked the fate of Shimura Kotarou he should have known… All Might though seems to believe him, which means he didn’t check and it makes no sense he didn’t check as AFO could have lied when he told him Tomura is Nana’s grandson.

AFO though manages to talk in a way that shows he understands how people work and can manipulate them while, at the same time, managing to look scary.

He won’t get to do much until he somehow also awakens in Tomura’s body because… ‘random Quirk magic’… and now he’s obsessed with retrieving OFA. This is more or less the narrative point in the story in which he stops making sense.

The sudden obsession for OFA, the ‘random Quirk magic’ that allows a copy of him to possess Tomura, the way he does it in such a way that gains him Tomura’s hate and pushes Tomura to fight against him when before Tomura cared for him, the fact when questioned by Shuichi about why they’re leaving behind their comrades he gives an answer that immediately betrays he’s not Tomura and that doesn’t win him any favor in Shuichi’s book where before he was good at manipulating people, all this clashes with the previous AFO.

AFO doesn’t win the loyalty of the league, they remain with him because they’ve no better option, he goes freeing people who aren’t loyal to him from jail but fails to free Kurogiri (because Horikoshi retcons him as not being anymore in Tartarus as he was shown there moments before AFO’s attack) and doesn’t bother freeing his allies from prisons that are clearly less guarded than Tartarus, and the other prisons he attacks.

He doesn’t even bother freeing Kurogiri, whom he needs and for whom he’ll send Shuichi to free him ON THE DAY OF THE BIG ATTACK WHEN THE HEROES WERE ON GUARD or Machia, whom he also need and for whom he’ll also send people to free him ON THE DAY OF THE BIG ATTACK WHEN THE HEROES WERE ON GUARD and that will cause him to lose’s loyalty (which honestly, feels forced because Machia decides to stop being loyal to him when AFO sends people to free him), and this doesn’t make a lot of sense.

We continue with him setting some convicts to hunt Midoriya among which Lady Nagant, to whom he gives a Quirk that conveniently doesn’t damage her brain, and set on her an explosive that turn on should she betray him because he doesn’t trust her… and she confirms he was right in not trusting her because she betrays him… yet he’ll be surprised later on when she’ll get in his way again WHICH DOESN’T MAKE SENSE.

And then we go on with a list of things that don’t make sense but, at this point, I don’t really care anymore.

The moles he places in U.A. high, who remain unused for a way too long time, it seems as if AFO is saving them for when U.A. evacuation procedure will start?

The fact he first seemed fully AFO as he possesses Tomura but when he fights Star and Stripes his identity is unclear because… ‘random Quirk magic’ at play.

How AFO didn’t reinforce his mask so that it wouldn’t break easily even though it’s his most glaring weakness and Horikoshi said they could use Detnerat’s technology.

How AFO didn’t blast Hawks, Tokoyami and Jiro away as he did with the Heroes in Kamino, knocking down even Jeanist who got seriously hurt, but let them gain time until Enji was up and fighting again.

How the Quirks inside him start rebelling to him for a new dose of ‘random Quirk magic’ that previously not even New order accomplished because now they’re sentient and observing the battle and are encouraged by Jiro and Tokoyami’s attempts at resisting him.

How it turns out he doesn’t have hyper regeneration Quirk or a copy of Overhaul’s Quirk (yes, I know, Garaki isn’t there anymore to give them to him but he should have had them FROM BEFORE) so if he gets hurt he doesn’t have a Quirk that can heal him.

How he knows Jin’s dying wish even though he hardly knew Jin.

How he knew Nagant was murdering Heroes for the Hero commission even though they surely didn’t let anyone know about such thing.

How he didn’t manage to say something to gain back Machia’s trust despite being this super good manipulator.

How he steals fierce wings from Hawks instead than just killing him, even if he calls Hawks’ Quirk garbage and the whole thing seems so damaged he can’t use it.

How he goes back on being able to feel anger again.

How his whole body starts to glow (a sign he got the glowing baby’s Quirk but one that doesn’t make sense now as why should he turn on the glowing Quirk?) [Chap. 400]

How when he couldn’t find Stain at Tartarus, he felt Stain might turn against him (because even though he couldn’t get news from outside and was kept in solitary confinement he had to know Stain wasn’t executed or moved in another place like Kurogiri was… oh, wait, did he know Kurogiri was moved? Because apparently not even Horikoshi knew it as moments before the attack he was shown at Tartarus…) so he collected a Quirk specifically against Stain, ‘bloodlet’… as if he could just shop for a Quirk that could work against Stain. I mean, it’s not like such Quirk was common and the idea that AFO conveniently stumbled upon it is yes possible but feels so unlikely it’s unbelievable.

How he supposedly has a Quirk, ‘antigen swap’ that he kept because in this way he wouldn’t let traces of himself. He calls it one of the secrets of his long rule. As if he’d even been discreet.

How Tomura could somehow rather easily refuse to allow AFO’s Quirk activation to teleport him.

How AFO realizes only then how Bakugou resembles Kudou and not before when Tomura targeted him or when they kidnapped him.

And there’s probably more I missed because I do hate the last battle and this list is long enough.

Overall it’a pity becauseAFO got completely ruined in the final part of the story when before he was cool and scary… a least those are my two cents over him.

Thank you to everyone who managed to read this now and sorry if I missed something or messed up something.

[rearranging-deck-chairs]

are they?

[homocidalpotat]

Please do not send me asks for donations

Here's why (for if you find that statement hard to understand):

I have NO money to give you.

I don't have a big enough audience for my asks to get noticed.

I am a minor, and most of my followers/mutuals are too.

It makes me feel extremely guilty.

Seeing pictures of injuries or hospitals etc are triggering and/or upsetting for me. These pictures often have blood, gore, extreme medical situations, hospital environments, etc. I'm not saying I don't feel sympathy for them, I'm saying I do not want to see that.

They are always worded in a way that makes me feel like I am a murderer if I don't donate.

I said I don't want them, and my boundaries should be respected. They make me feel uncomfortable, and sometimes triggered or upset.

I can't tell what is a bot/scam and what isn't.

I get a lot of spam from this.

Please, just respect the fact that I have said this.

If you want this in your pinned post, please don't credit me. You can copy the words or take a screenshot with my username cropped out. You can reblog this but please don't go on about how awful your experiences have been. I get it, but also if you spiral two much you might end up accidentally saying something bad. This post has led to a lot of hate anons and harassment, so I would rather not have too much attention. Thanks...

I am pro Palestine and want to do everything I can to help but I'm not financially or mentally well enough to do much. I'm not in support of these people dying. Also, this post isn't just about Palestine. It's about ALL asks for donations. I'm not doing favouritism or racism. I just can't deal with it. Don't harass me for expressing boundaries. This post applies to people of all nationalities and backgrounds. Every situation- war, poverty, injury, anything. I'm not discriminating. I'm not being a zionist or a racist or an ableist. It's a boundary.

Yes, this post might seem controversial. But I did literally make this for my own personal experience and didn't expect it to get more than 12 notes or so. Don't add opposing views because quite frankly, it's none of your business. It's not my problem and I didn't mean for this post to get so many notes. Don't use the number of notes as an excuse to fight me. I just want a peaceful Tumblr experience. Also, if you are reblogging this, don't trauma dump. I keep notifications on for this post so that I can block people harassing me before shit escalates, so I can see every reblog. You can screenshot and repost if you want to talk about your problems, but honestly its no better seeing people saying "I'm bankrupt and I just got kicked out by my family. I also have a history of abuse and those images are so triggering that I want to die". That doesn't help me. Make your own post to say that. Please.

I am taking this post off private after slightly modifying it. Any conflicting arguments based on this post will result in my blocking and reporting of you. If you do not understand my point of view, make sure you fully read the post before saying this. I made this post for my blog. If you have any questions or don't understand this post, send me an ask that is composed, calm and polite, and I can talk it through with you.

Please note that by sharing this post, you are more likely to be targeted by bots and scams. You are also more likely to be harassed. Please be safe.

[arandomao3user]

F%#& you.

Makes AU where Tim is out stalking Batman and runs into Talia Al Ghul who's like "'Who's goddamn white baby is that?" And ends up taking him like "Mine, apparently." And proceeds to raise him up alongside Damian.

Damian and Tim get into trouble together all the time and Ra's is THE tired grandfather who continuously finds Tim and Damian dumping goldfish and other small pets with short life spans in the Lazarus pit.

—

Jason is brought back and instantly has Tim annoying him with 101 questions and Damian who follows him around like "You know my Father?" And Jason is so done but also he has two baby brothers and f#%$ Bruce.

Tim: How'd you die?

Jason: Explosion.

Tim: Was it a big explosion?

Jason: Uh, medium explosion.

Tim: Who made the explosion?

Jason, in all his fifteen year old zombie glory: yoUR MO—

Smol Damian, running in with a sword: —TAKE ME TO OUR FATHER!!!

—

Tim, Damian, and Jason all hardcore trolling Ra's and annoying the league of assassins to no end.

—

Talia and Ra's doing that grandparent / parent thing where they debate whether one of the kids is gay or not, like not in a homophobic way but trying to figure it out before the kid does so they can be supportive and surprised but not to suprised.

Ra's, sipping tea: Timothy was staring at the ninjas training again.

Talia, stirring her tea: . . . Nunjas or ninjas?

Ra's: Both.

Talia: Hm...

Ra's: Surely we'd know if he was attracted to multiple genders?

Talia: He definitely is.

Ra's: Oh, I agree, daughter, but when do you think he'll figure that out?

Talia, watching out the window as Tim skateboards down a long rail before face planting into the ground, Jason laughing at him as Damian proceeds to scream for her:

Talia: It might take a while.

—

Cue Damian NOT understanding at all that he and Tim don't share a Dad, like he doesn't understand a literal THING and so refers to Bruce as his, Tim's, an Jason's Father no matter how much anyone corrects him.

Talia, applying sunblock to Tim because baby cannot tan: No, Damian, Timothy cannot go with you to Gotham.

Damian: Why not? Todd gets to live there.

Talia: Jason is an adult and your Father's adoptive son, Tim is my adoptive son, making them both your brothers, but you three do not share a Father.

Tim: I'm Fatherless :D

Talia:

Talia: Perhaps I can convince beloved that you are his as well...

Cue a time skip where Talia leaves Tim and Damian with Bruce for a safer, happier life than she can provide, entering Bruce confused why the Drake's missing son was taken by Talia and now dubbed his, but free children are free children.

—

Cue Damian and Tim being the biggest little sh!ts, swapping Robin mid patrol just to see how long it takes Bruce to notice, trolling Jason and Dick, and being general chaotic gremlins the whole time...

Damian, standing behind Bruce:

Tim, motioning him over from the shadows:

Damian, quickly running over to swap with Tim:

Bruce, thirty minutes later going: Wait a minute...

—

When Bruce "dies" Tim goes running to Ra's, all crying and yelling "GRANDFATHER!" and Ra's does not hesitate to f#&$ people up because dammit ONE of his grandchildren has to take over his ninja zombie cult, right? Right!? But he helps and f#&% b&#%#& up when Tim has to get his spleen removed.

—

Cue Damian and Tim napping on Ra's mid league meeting and Jason snickering from the side because Ra's has a baby backpack on his chest and smol Tim just thrown over his shoulder and sleeping peacefully as Ra's goes on about some terrorism acts.

—

Look, I just think it's neat U_U

—

[phantom-dc]

Bruce sighed.

He never thought he would die like this. When he started out as Batman he was certain he would meet his end fighting the criminal underworld of Gotham. When he got older and life got stranger, he believed he would die fighting off a threat like Joker or Deathstroke, maybe even Darkseid. Being used as a human sacrifice to the King of the Infinite Realms was not on that list, let alone being a willing sacrifice.

Unfortunately, it had been necessary. An asteroid was on collision course with Earth. The asteroid had a colony of sapient alien life on it, so destroying it was not an option. As the League grew desperate, Constantine revealed a similar incident had happened a few years ago. The King of the Infinite Realms had, along with his subjects, turned the Earth intangible and both the Earth and the Asteroid had survived. Constantine isn’t sure why or how, but there are signs an extremely powerful ghost had merged realities and in the process erased the memories of this event from the entire population of Earth! The only reason Constantine knows about it is because a Demon with time-based powers told him during one of their poker games. Summoning this King was risky, as they had no idea what the King would want in return, but this entity seemed like their best bet. Now Bruce thinks they had been wrong.

Superman pulled Bruce out of his thoughts:

“Bruce, are you sure you want to go through with this? If we work together, we might be able to-”

Bruce cut him off:

“No, Clark. You heard Constantine. If we do not hold up our end of the deal, the Ghost King could simply make his ally, this “Clockwork”, reverse time to before the planet was saved. The Earth and the asteroid will still be destroyed, killing everyone on both. This is the only way.”

Clark looked dejected. He knew his friend was right. The King had turned the entire Earth intangible with one hand! He knew the League couldn’t defeat this foe, not without help. Any being that could help them would demand even more bloodshed in exchange, though. One human life in exchange of saving the entire planet had been a steal, according to the Justice League Dark. Clark looked at Bruce:

“Are you going to put on your cowl? This will be the only chance you have to tell the other Leaguers who you are.”

Bruce looked at his cowl. He had taken of his suit, so that his family had something to bury. But to reveal his identity to anyone other than Clark....

“I will keep it on. Even if I die here, I cannot risk anyone finding out my identity and using it to get to my family. I hope the League understands.”

Bruce is pulled into a hug. As Clark holds him as close as he can without breaking bones Bruce cannot help being filled with regret. He wanted more time with his family and, dare he say, friends. This was not how things were supposed to go. Clark pulls away and seems to want to say something:

“Bruce, I just want you to know, I-”

“WHAT THE HECK IS GOING ON, B?”

Suddenly Nightwing enters the room, along with the entire Bat-family. Even Alfred and Oracle, donning masks, are there. They looked confused and scared, which made sense. They had all been summoned to the Watchtower, and when they had seen non-field members there as well they knew something was very wrong. Robin stepped forward, demanding an explanation:

“Father, what is happening? Why did you ask for us here? Explain yourself this instant!”

Red Robin looked ready to fight, staff in hand and in a low stance:

Where is the danger? Who is the enemy? Do you have intel for us? ARE YOU BEING MIND CONTROLLED?

Spoiler yanked at Red Robin’s cowl, pulling him out of his paranoid spiral:

“Easy, Captain Paranoid! Let him speak!”

Red Hood was clearly agitated. It was never a good sign if he was asked to the Watchtower:

“The fuck is going on, old man? Are you dying or something? That’s my stick, not yours!”

Bruce steeled his nerves. This was not going to be an easy conversation. How does one tell their family they are going to die and there is nothing to be done about it? Things had been going well for them, too. Dick and he hadn’t fought as often anymore, Jason had not called him names when he patrolled Crime ally last week, Tim hadn’t done anything that could be considered villainous (that he knew of) and Damian had not stabbed any goons for a month. Truly things had been good. Bruce knew this would mess it all up. He feared Jason would start killing again, or Damian would take out his grief on the criminals or Tim would… Well he had no idea. Last time Bruce disappeared Tim blew up so many LoA bases (he still wasn’t sure whether there had been people inside or not), so it was anyone’s gue-

“Sir, could you please elaborate on why we are here? I’m assuming it has something to do with the reason for this dreadful cold, and perhaps your lack of a shirt?”

Bruce sighed. Alfred always knew how to get through to him. With a heavy heart he told them everything. He would sacrifice himself for the survival of both planets. There was nothing to be done about that, and he asked them to please accept his decision. Naturally everyone was outraged. Amidst the chaos, Orphan asked a question:

“Why you?”

Bruce explained that, according to Constantine, the King had asked for a single sacrifice in return: “To feast on a non-magic, non-meta mortal human that will not resist being consumed.” It had pointed specifically at Batman, making sure they all knew which one it wanted. There had been no time to negotiate the prize, so he had accepted. After that it had left immediately for Earth, turning it intangible so the asteroid flew through harmlessly and fulfilling its end of the deal. Orphan seemed to think for a bit, before speaking up again:

“We’ll miss you.”

She hugged Batman. The others, realizing there was nothing they could do, at least not before facing the King, joined in as well. Bruce told them how proud he was of everyone. That they were strong and brilliant, and to please protect each other and Gotham in his stead. He thanked Alfred and Oracle for their help over the years and to please continue to support the others with the same strength they used to help him. After a moment they were interrupted by a knock on the door.

Wonder Woman had entered the room. With a saddened expression, and a dented doorhandle that showed her tension, she had come to collect her friend.:

“Batman. It’s time.”

Bruce nodded at her. Thanking her, he tried to leave with her, but was stopped by Alfred. After a quick hug, Alfed offered Bruce a cookie from the plate he had brought along:

“Every man deserves a final meal. I’m sorry this was all I have to offer.”

Taking a grateful bite, Bruce allowed himself to indulge in the taste of home.

“Thank you, Alfred. This means more to me then you realize.”

Steeling himself once more, Batman and the others followed Wonder Woman to the main room. It was the largest room in the Watchtower, several stories high with observation platforms, security screens showing cities all over the planet and a teleportation platform. As they approached the room, Batman was surprised by the cold that radiated form the entrance. Opening the door the source of all the cold and grief became visible to the group. Signal had to shield his eyes:

“What the hell!?!”

There it was, the High Ghost King of the Infinite Realms. A giant being, which had been so large they had to move to the observation platform to speak with it. Even then it towered over the heroes. It’s skin impossibly dark, with constellations spotting its tail & torso. The stars converging on its lower arms, making it look like it was wearing glowing white gloves, the same as a strange symbol on his chest that seemed important. The stars on its neck blending seamlessly with its hair, yet leaving its head completely dark aside from a few little spots on its face. The only facial feature they could make out where 2 Lazarus green eyes, focused on the new arrivals. On its hand, a ring with a skull on it that had freaked out the Lanterns. On its head a dark crown covered in patches of frost, and its own Aurora Borealis spreading from it. The room had already been partially covered in frost simply from the King’s aura. Power emanated from it, which had caused several members that had been dead and revived before to kneel on reflex, which was frightening even if they managed to get up on their own again.

Martian Manhunter had tried to peek in the Kings mind, hoping to find a way to convince the King to spare Batman, but he had been unsuccessful. As soon as he tried his knees buckled, and he had been pushed out. Ever since the Ghost King had radiated frustration. Now, as Batman entered wearing only his cowl and some spare pants, that frustration seemed to spike dangerously. Was the King upset he had been left to wait for his offer?

"What the fuck is this? I didn’t ask for a striptease, especially from some old Frootloop!”

“Constantine, what’s wrong? What is it saying?”

Batman was worried. He had not expected more anger from the being when presented with the offering. Looking at Constantine, he saw the magician frantically looking through the pages of his books, desperately looking for a translation.

“Hang on, mate. I’m doing my best here! Ehrm… no, that’s not right… Something about mating? Maybe he likes you, Bats. He also said something about “the absence of clothing” so…

Suddenly he is cut off by a strange sound coming from the Ghost King. It makes a strange motion with its body and its giant maw opens, as more of those sounds escape. It reminds Robin of Alfred the Cat when he has a hairball. However, there is more sound in the Watchtower now. The Red Hood is clutching his stomach as he is doubling down in laughter.

“HAHAHAHA!!! WHAT? HOW THE FUCK DID YOU TRANSLATE THAT BADLY? HOLY SHIT!”

The Ghost King stops making the noises, and it’s eyes snap to Red Hood. It moves it’s head closer to him, casually passing it through the barrier Constantine had put up. Constantine’s swears in surprise, but the King seems not to care as it “speaks” to Red Hood:

"Oh, thank the Acients! Someone who understands Ghost Speak! Can you PLEASE help me and translate for us? This trench coat guy is terrible, and somehow twists everything I say in the worst way!"

Red Hood relaxed, looking up at the Ghost King’s giant head.:

“Sure man, no problem. I’m pretty sure he is using like 3 different dictionaries to get this far. I saw him first translate Ghost to Pixie, Pixie to Gnome and Gnome to Demon before telling us in English! So, what’s up?”

Batman was stunned. The Ghost King actually face palmed. What the heck was going on?

"Of course he is. That explains why it sounds like he is putting this through Google Translate 4 times! These guys summoned me to save the Earth, which, totally cool. Happy to help! But a summons makes it official, which means I need to get an offering. I can’t leave without it or I face a mountain of paperwork from some stupid bureaucratic eyeballs for not following proper procedure. But I can always ask something simple and get it over with. No biggie, right? WRONG.”

Red Hood actually grabs a chair to sit on. Not even in a somewhat respectful way, he is sitting on it backwards, casually leaning on it.

“Oh, boy. How badly did they fuck up? Gotta be big since Batman over there is ready to be eaten?”

The King glares at Constantine, who puts up his bravest “time to out-bollock a Eldritch Demon” face. The King is not impressed:

"Man, I asked, and I quote: “I’d like to eat a regular human meal that doesn’t fight back, like that guy would eat!” I wanted it to be clear I didn’t want blood, or corpses or virgins or any of the other horrible things stupid cults try to give me! I just wanted a burger or something! But then Mr. triple dictionary over there somehow turns that into: ‘’I wish to feast on a non-magic, non-meta mortal human that will not resist being consumed, and it must be that one.” I’ll admit I was pointing at one of the non-supers, but that didn’t mean I wanted to eat him! I just wanted to make sure it was normal food, something that doesn’t fight back!”

Red Hood looked confused, asking if the King’s food usually fights back. The King rolls it’s eyes:

"In life, I lived with mad scientist parents who treated lab safety as a suggestion at best and a chore for teens at worst. Put enough samples in the fridge and you get a whole new type of Thanksgiving trauma. Dang, I’m getting even more hungry. I’d love some turkey right now. Could you get them to bring me some food? That way I can have my sacrifice and leave…”

Red Hood stands up. He asks if the King can wait a few more minutes, claiming that after all that frustration he deserved something better. Getting a nod from the Ghost King, the Red Hood suddenly shouted over the platform railing towards the waiting Leaguers:

“FLASH! Get your squad up here, and bring pen & paper! I got a job for y’all!”

Zooming up every member of the Flash family gets a list of things to get and a warning not to tell the Bats what’s on it, or Red Hood will shoot them in the knees. Looking at the lists, they quickly caught on what was going on and promised they wouldn’t tell. This was way too funny! Red Hood does a fake bow to the King, clearly amusing himself.

“Don’t worry, your Hungry-ness! Your sacrifice is being prepared! Anything else we can assist you with?”

The Ghost King seems to tilt its head in amusement. Whatever Hood was doing, it was working, which honestly was the only reason nobody had tackled him to the floor.

"Actually, if you could get that Frootloop to put on a shirt that would be great. He is shivering and honestly, I’m worried he’s going to poke someone’s eye out with a nipple. Why is he shirtless anyway? Please tell me he wasn’t actually trying to seduce me or something, he’s old enough to be my dad! Gross!”

This caused Red Hood to again double over in laughter. Everyone was confused, what could possibly be so funny in this situation? Constantine had frantically tried translating during their conversation, but it had gone too fast for him. He gave up when the King mentioned eyeballs and seduction, accepting he wouldn’t get anywhere like this. Batman however couldn’t resist his need to know everything anymore.

“Hood, report! How are you communicating with the entity?”

Red Hood turns to Batman, walks past him and towards Alfred, grabbing one of the cookies he had brought with him. As he walks back and hands it to the Ghost King, he starts to explain:

“Honestly, not sure. It feels instinctive, like a second mother-tongue. Pretty sure it’s some sort of “dead-guy-language” you learn when you die. Speaking off: Turns out Constantine is a VERY unreliable translator. Spooky here is actually pretty chill! He used you as an example to make sure we knew what he wanted, not to demand you as a sacrifice. He is in fact pretty ticked that you guys tried to feed B to him. Speaking of: Batman? Put a shirt on, for fucks sake. You look like you’re going to freeze your tits off.”

This earned a round of giggles from Green Lantern & Green Arrow. Now that the tension had left the room, other Leaguers also smiled in relief. Besides, it’s always fun to see Batman being the butt of a joke. Sure enough, Batman let out a frustrated sound, that got the rest of the Bats to join in on the fun. They understood that their dad in fact felt rather silly right now, which meant that they had more to gossip about soon. Constantine now was wondering what Hood was up to:

“Mate, I did my best! Sorry for not being fluent in every language in existence. What the hell did you send the Flash to get? The bloke is a scientist and denies magic when it’s right in front of ‘im! What could they possibly get that I couldn’t-”

At that moment, the Flashes zoom out of the Zeta tubes and zoom across the observation deck. After a few moments of red and yellow blurs, the deck is covered with tables filled front to back with food! Picking up a receipt that fell to the floor, Batman realizes this is take-out from all over the world. Seeing a puddle of Lazarus water grow on the floor, he looks up. The Ghost King is actually drooling! Red Hood steps aside and gestures to the feast:

“Welp! There is your sacrifice! One. And I also quote: “regular human meal that doesn’t fight back, like “that guy” would eat!” Well, more of a feast then a meal, but I’m sure a big guy like you can finish it, and you can always take home the rest I guess. Bon Appetit!”

Opening his giant maw, the Ghost King digs in. Well, as much as he can. He actually looks kind of silly eating everything with a tiny fork. Still, judging from the purring sound emanating through the Watchtower it’s to the Kings liking.

"DUDE, THIS IS SO GOOD? I need to know these restaurants! You want a bite for helping me out? You saved me SOOO much annoying paperwork, I was about to bail!”

Picking up a plate of karaage, Red Hood took of his helmet revealing a second mask underneath and dug in as well:

“Don’t mind if I do, this smells fantastic! Oh shit, you should try this stuff, it’s great!”

Red Hood being allowed to partake in the offering so casually caused Constantine to do a double take. He realizes he seriously misjudged this entity. Still, that didn’t explain the horrific stories about him. He would need to do some digging into that, maybe with Hood as a translator. For now he takes a swig of his drink. The world was saved, no one died or lost their Soul and he didn’t make any new enemies he thinks. Plus, Batman felt like an idiot, and that always made the Brit smile.

All in all a good day!

[astonmartinii]

the king of monza can do what he wants | charles leclerc social media au

pairing: charles leclerc x fem alonso!reader

the king of monza can win the race, have his relationship exposed and challenge his soon-to-be father-in-law to a duel, he can do what he wants.

MASTERLIST | TIP JAR

oscarpiastri

liked by olliebearman, danielricciardo and 432,095 others

tagged: lilyzneimer, yourusername, charles_leclerc

oscarpiastri: double header means we crashed on my adoptive parents' couch and forced them to cook for me (only y/n, obviously)

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user1: does he know this isn't his private account?

user2: SHUSH DON'T TELL HIM

user3: we need to enjoy this while it lasts

jackdoohan: oscar, there's still time to delete this

oscarpiastri: why would i delete this?

oscarpiastri: oh

oscarpiastri: oh no

jackdoohan: you might want to warn your kinda dad you've exposed the identity of your kinda mum as your kinda grandad is probably putting out a hit on him as we speak

fernandoalo_oficial: don't call me a grandad 👿🤬😡😠💢😤

jackdoohan: OSCAR QUICK HE'S DISCOVERED EMOJIS HE MUST BE REALLY MAD

user4: fernando, are you okay?

fernandoalo_oficial: i want that frenchies head on a stick

charles_leclerc: i am monegasque!

fernandoalo_oficial: so you do actually want to die?

yourusername: okay let's calm down old man

fernandoalo_oficial: SILENCE I WILL NOT CALM DOWN! THAT'S THE MAN?

yourusername: yes!

fernandoalo_oficial: no.

charles_leclerc: i object!

lancestroll: his eye hasn't stopped twitching since

charles_leclerc: i don't care! he might be crazy but I'M IN LOVE SO BRING IT OLD MAN

user5: wtf have i woken up to this morning

user6: the public execution of the prince of monaco

yourusername: just because he has a samurai tattoo doesn't mean he knows how to use a sword

fernandoalo_oficial: i will tear him apart with my bare hands

user7: i fear this comment section alone has undone all of his funky grandad tiktok PR

user8: he's going to make charles cry in the press conference

yourusername: oh well, charlie is hot when he cries

user9: and how do you know that...

yourusername: that's none of your business 😈

yourusername

liked by oscarpiastri, maxverstappen1 and 2,312,088 others

tagged: charles_leclerc

yourusername: italy has my heart and so do you <3

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user11: queen got exposed and immediately started flexing her unbelievably sexy bf

yourusername: why wouldn't i? he's so damn FINE

charles_leclerc: teehee (˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶)

user12: you might as well have told me to kill myself

fernandoalo_oficial: enjoy your weekend charles, it will be your last

charles_leclerc: and if i win? i think suspended sentence?

fernandoalo_oficial: @carlossainz55 i have a proposition for you

yourusername: why are we acting like he wouldn't do that for free

carlossainz55: excuse me?

yourusername: i'm calling you a jealous bitch xx

carlossainz55: what is your price nando?

fernandoalo_oficial: i'm not fucking paying you, i was assuming you'd do it in a jealous rage anyway

carlossainz55: ???

user13: the way carlos is being jumped from both sides unprovoked

user14: which ever alonso it is, they choose violence

oscarpiastri: so ... am i off the hook yet?

yourusername: you know we can't say no to you

fernandoalo_oficial: oscar you might actually be my favourite now, thank you for bringing this to my attention

oscarpiastri: sure i'll take it!

charles_leclerc: you can have my heart and everything else for as long as you want

yourusername: looks like you'll never get it back ;)

charles_leclerc: that's fine by me if i get to spend it with you

yourusername: i love you :P

charles_leclerc: i love you more ( > 〰 < )♡

fernandoalo_oficial

liked by jensonbutton, aussiegrit and 1,209,566 others

fernandoalo_oficial: cash prize for anyone who can actually track down this little rat - i just want to talk i swear

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user15: it's official everyone, he's gone crazy

user16: as crazy as he is at least he's bringing the DRAMA 🤩

yourusername: this isn't very peace and love of you

fernandoalo_oficial: that has never been the way in this family

fernandoalo_oficial: but let me make this clear, i mean in a destroy all of your enemies way rather than a jos verstappen way

maxverstappen1: ???

yourusername: destroying our enemies does not mean you can do your best jos verstappen impression and drive your aston martin into charles

fernandoalo_oficial: don't be stupid y/n, the aston martin is too slow, i'm going to steal his brakes

yourusername: and how will you do that boomer

fernandoalo_oficial: ferrari are stupid they probably still haven't changed the passwords or locks since i left

yourusername: @scuderiaferrari excuse me???

scuderiaferrari: ....

user17: so like this is a genuine hit?

user18: mob boss!fernando alonso you are so special to me

user19: sorry charles but it's so sexy

charles_leclerc: drop the address senor i'm not scared of you

lancestroll: he brought the samurai sword btw

yourusername: @f1 DO YOU PEOPLE HAVE ANY SECURITY MEASURES ???

f1: it made a good tiktok 👍

yourusername: you people are useless

charles_leclerc: no worries my love it's all under control

fernandoalo_oficial: i will carve you like a christmas turkey

yourusername: you go anywhere near charles with that sword we're both going romeo and juliet style

user20: what on earth is going on

user21: just smile and wave i think we're watching collective hysteria

f1

liked by yourusername, oscarpiastri and 3,562,778 others

tagged: charles_leclerc

f1: CHARLES LECLERC WINS FOR FERRARI AT MONZA

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user23: bro heard fernando was gonna steal his brakes and simply just drove so fast he didn't need them

user24: he was like 'oh you want my head on a stick? TRY AND CATCH ME'

yourusername: pretty boy is so so talented it's not fair

yourusername: who am i kidding

yourusername: STUNT ON THOSE HOES I LOVE YOU BABY

charles_leclerc: thank you baby, i simply had to drive so fast so i could give you a kiss

charles_leclerc: and also so i could tell your dad to SUCK ON THAT OLD MAN

user25: he's had too much champagne and might actually get himself killed

user26: i will throw myself in front of that sword for him

yourusername: you and me too buddy - i'll cover your drinks for this evening

fernandoalo_oficial: i still want him dead

charles_leclerc: what the fuck do you want from me? i just won? did you see that freak of an orange car? i look after your daughter like i looked after those tyres

yourusername: so romantic 🤭

fernandoalo_oficial: he just compared you to tyres? have some standards i raised you better?

yourusername: believe me, i do have standards - he's special xx

fernandoalo_oficial: i also won monza with ferrari he's not that special

user27: at least he's stopped with the samurai sword talk?

user28: he did say he still wants him dead though

maxverstappen1: @yourusername why couldn't you have dated lando? would've made this championship a lot easier

landonorris: HUH?

yourusername: please refer to my previous comment about standards

charles_leclerc: hehehehehe

landonorris: HUH???

charles_leclerc

liked by oscarpiastri, maxverstappen1 and 4,523,099 others

tagged: yourusername

charles_leclerc: grazie mille tifosi !! this is for you and all of your support. i'm glad my family and my love were here to see this win as well. fernando, bring your sword, i'll fight for your daughter's hand.

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user29: i love this family and i've known them a week

user30: fernando might have to go through me as well at this point

yourusername: i love you so much and you have deserved this and more for so so long xx

charles_leclerc: i couldn't do it without you (and our weird little grid family)

yourusername: you're my favourite person in the world and i just love to see you happy

charles_leclerc: you make me the happiest man in the world

yourusername: i love you

charles_leclerc: i love you too

user31: as cute as all this is ^^ where is this duel

user32: can someone PLEASE STREAM IT !!!!! I WILL PAY

user33: I NEED IT I NEED IT

fernandoalo_oficial: come outside

lancestroll: he spent all of the debrief sharpening the sword btw

charles_leclerc: i'm ready girlypop

fernandoalo_oficial: GIRLYPOP ???

yourusername: PEACE AND LOVE BOZO

maxverstappen1: can we get this show on the road please?

lewishamilton: charles please hurry up i've got some serious cash on this tussle

yourusername: how much we talking?

charles_leclerc: i might die and you're checking the wager?

yourusername: because i have faith in you !!!!

yourusername

liked by maxverstappen1, fernandoalo_oficial and 2,136,344 others

tagged: charles_leclerc

yourusername: he's alive and he's a winner! the king of monza can do what he wants

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user35: prince of monaco? king of monza? bro is collecting titles

yourusername: my husband next 🤞🏻

charles_leclerc: bet

user36: is ANYONE GOING TO TELL US WHAT HAPPENED IN THE DUEL

georgerussell63: it was extremely unprofessional and there will be an extensive powerpoint covering how this won't happen again

fernandoalo_oficial: i'll fight you next time george

user37: don't go off TOPIC

charles_leclerc: i out strategised him lol

oscarpiastri: what he means is that he surprised fernando from behind and wouldn't stop hugging him until he agreed that he wouldn't skewer him like a kebab

charles_leclerc: and it worked! now look he's on my boat giving me his blessing

user38: you're telling me charles hugged his way out of the conflict?

user39: perhaps the most babygirl he's ever been

user40: we need the pictures SHOW IT TO ME RACHEL

fernandoalo_oficial: fine, i guess he's okay. i'm not calling him the king of monza though

yourusername: i knew you'd come around

fernandoalo_oficial: i love my daughter SORRY

yourusername: don't lie to me you only calmed down and accepted it because i called in the reinforcements

user41: i'm crying she called babysitters for her dad

yourusername: jenson and mark, idk how you deal with him

jensonbutton: the stress of him and his antics keep me skinny

aussiegrit: i think we're all trauma bonded

charles_leclerc: i'll be the king of monza, if you'll be my queen

charles_leclerc: and i will continue to do what i want

yourusername: i'll be your queen anywhere you want

yourusername: and if doing what you want includes fighting my dad... let's turn it down a lil

charles_leclerc: for you, i'll do anything

fin.

note: here yall go - this was in my drafts half done from monza weekend but life got crazy

[gojonanami]

❝ 𝐏𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐓𝐎𝐖𝐍 𝐑𝐄𝐃 ! ❞

❝ A GOOD GIRL SUMMONING THE KING OF CURSES -- WHAT COULD GO WRONG? ❞

✧ pairing: heian form! ryomen sukuna x good girl! reader

✧ summary: you've always been a goody two shoes -- or so your friends say -- so what happens when you decide to do the first bad thing you've ever attempted and try summoning a demon -- and it actually works?

✧ warnings: 18+, nsfw, smut, dub/con / non/con (dead dove, do not eat), reader summons sukuna accidentally, monster fucking, corruption kink, reader is a virgin, dom! sukuna, heian form! sukuna, four arms, mouth stomach, size kink, oral (f + m) (f receiving via mouth stomach), handjob (m! receiving), fingering (f! receiving), sex (p in v), creampie, degradation kink (slut, whore), overstimulation (f! receiving), description of violence (no violence happens), art by @/danXL4 (on dA), dividers by @/saradika

✧ wc: 4,916

Summon a demon in your apartment, they said. It would be fun, they said. 

‘They’ meaning your stupid ass friends who were too fucking scared to stay here with you while you did it. 

Maybe you should’ve thought this through, preferably before you sat in a circle of blood (animal blood taken humanely that could not be used — don’t worry, you weren’t completely insane), and painted the symbols around the circle in the living room, your carpet rolled up, and on the precipice of unfurling, and your coffee table pushed aside. 

Your phone buzzed with messages in your group chat: 

Don’t do this, girl. 

Another message. 

What if it’s real? I don’t want something to happen to you - like I rather not have this on my conscience

What heartfelt pleas, you shook your head, as you put your phone on ‘do not disturb,’ and propped it up before opening the camera app and hitting record. 

Your fucking friends — it was all their fault to begin with. 

You grit your teeth, you are tired of being boring. You were always studying, always coming home early, always getting to class on time, always the fucking good girl, never getting fucked up or fucked for that matter. And your friends always taunted you for it — told you that you never lived a day in your life, that you’d always live sheltered in your apartment with your books and your streaming apps (which, you admitted, did sound pretty good to you) — but you wanted to prove them wrong. 

All the fuck they did that was daring was go to supposedly haunted sights and get the piss scared out of them — like yeah, that really was the wind, not some fucking ghost. If it was a ghost, pretty sure they would choose someone better to haunt — not a bunch of fucking pussies. 

You needed better friends. 

So for once — if only to get them to shut up — you wanted to do something crazy. 

You don’t know why a demon summoning was the hill you had chosen to die on, but you already climbed your way to the top of the hill, you supposed, so you might as well die on it. You looked through the Reddit thread you found on demon summoning (of course the most reliable of sources), looking over the incantation you were supposed to read, as you turned on your camera. 

Fuck. This was going to fucking dumb. You grabbed your lighter, lining up your candles around the circle, before kneeling in front of it. 

“To summon the King of Curses,” you read before you scoffed, what the fuck were you doing? ‘The King of Curses’ — they couldn’t even come up with anything more creative than that? Like no latin? Or even japanese folklore — no, instead the most generic ass of names, “To summon the King of Curses, you must read the following incantation,” you glance at your phone’s camera with lips pursed — you were going to prove a point — but why did it feel so goddamn stupid? 

You sighed, rubbing your forehead, as you suck in air between your teeth, and sighed, before reading the incantation: “Rise, Disgraced One — Oh, the King of the Golden Age that reigned supreme,” there was a chill that grazed the back of your neck, a slight breeze that raises goosebumps along your skin, “Open the Gate of Hell and let the King corrupt you. Fuga,” 

The flames on the candles shoot to the ceiling, as a scream lodges itself in your throat, as you barely scramble back enough to avoid getting your face burned off. The fire licks the ceiling, and a thick cloud of smoke floods your apartment, sweeping through the apartment, as you begin to cough, eyes burning with tears. 

“What the fuck—“ you reach for your phone in your pocket only to realize it’s still set up to record in that fucking mess of flames. You’re frozen, as you stand trying to recall what they taught you about fire safety growing up — is opening a window a good thing or a bad thing? Where’s the fire alarm? Do you even have a fire extinguisher? Thinking dangerous things through wasn’t your specialty, you supposed because you never did them. 

Fuck, if you died, you would become a fucking ghost and haunt your friends. 

But the flames ebb away, leaving some scorch marks on the ceiling (fun thing to explain to your landlord), as your lungs struggled to cope with the flood of smoke dispersing, the cloud so thick, you could barely see your hand in front of your face. The haze seared at your throat, drawing a smoker’s cough from your lungs, while your eyes could barely open, waterlogged by the sheer amount of tears spilling. 

You gently wipe tears away from your eyes, as you blink them away, until you stumble to your window to throw it open, coughing, as you stick your head out. 

“What the fuck,” you mumble, throat raw — was it the candles you bought? Were the candles somehow really fucking defective? Or did you somehow actually summon a demon? You snort, no, it was probably the candles. You leaned against the window sill, letting the smoke escape — as you finally were able to breathe again. 

You sigh, shutting the window, turning back around — only to find four eyes staring back. 

He was huge. A hulking mass of muscles, four arms, instead of two, and each one was possibly wider than your head, no shirt or covering to find the exposed skin — his dark blue pants hung low around his waist and above it was a weird groove in the middle of his stomach. 

Your eyes raise as he lifts his arm, as you flinch, but he only rakes his fingers through his dark pink hair, pushing it back roughly. showing off the hands of black around the middle of his bicep and his wrists. Broken lines wrap down from his shoulders into jagged points that end in the middle of his chest. Black dots adorn the sides of his shoulders, hollow vacuums that stared back at you. 

Two eyes on each side of his face — but his right eyes were raised, as if he bore a mask made of wood or raised skin — you didn’t know which — fused to his face. But something told you — as you took a step back — it wasn’t something you wanted to find out. 

“Are you the brat who dared to summon me?” And you freeze at the sound of his voice, ringing with such a weight, it nearly brought you to your knees. Your eyes fell to the ground, unable to bring yourself to look at him — your heart rattling against your ribs. His presence was a pressure, the air around you seemed to still, his voice ringing in your ears. Your muscles were drawn taut, unable to move — shivers ripping down your spine. 

“Yes,” you manage a whisper only, resisting the urge to squeeze your eyes shut. 

He gives a small chuckle, “So submissive for the one who dared to summon me,” his heavy footsteps out of the circle, melts the candles beside his foot to puddles of wax, “it has been eons since I’ve been able to roam free—“ he inhales, as you stand frozen, hearing his hulking form drawing even closer, “I can smell the humans, roaming free, wriggling like worms in the crevices of this place — I can’t wait to massacre them,” and then he pauses a moment, as he considers you. 

“Brat, look at me,” you swallow, as your head slowly rises to meet his gaze, his form towering over you, standing two steps away from you, letting you dwell in the void of his shadow, “tell me, what did you use to summon me?” 

You blink, “I found it—I don’t know—“ 

“Read it to me,” he orders — there’s no option to disobey, unless you’d love to be met with certain death. So you move slowly to your laptop, reading the incantation again, “‘and let the King corrupt you. Fuga,” 

His eyes narrow, as a slow smirk settles over his features, a smirk that sends an icy chill down your spine, “Woman, you have no idea what you’ve done, have you?” 

Two of his arms are crossed while one of the other’s reaches for you — and your eyes shut now — you are surely dead, but instead of a hand around your neck, you feel fingers grip your chin. 

You wait for the embrace of death (at least maybe you’d find better friends in the afterlife), but it never comes, instead you hear a deep chuckle, as another arm curls around your waist and brings you flush to him, “You humans are so tiny, so fragile, one wrong move and i could break you,” and another large hand is slipping down the curves of your body, “I suppose I’ll have to be a little careful — only for this to work, and I suppose for your benefit as well,” and your eyes finally dare to open and peek at him, only for his face to draw near, breath warming your lips, “I’m going to savor corrupting you, little one,” 

“What the fuck—“ you try to break away, but his grip is like iron shackles around your wrists, as he forces your arms around his waist, caged in by his own arms, “please let me go—“

Before you can even finish your plea, his lips meet yours, swallowing your gasp with a smirk. His large hands around your waist left no space for retreat, not that you’d make it far even if you tried. His kiss sent a slow burning heat throughout your body, a spark that grew in your belly that ignited when his tongue slid into your mouth. His touch only added fuel to the flame — his hands skimming over your sides slowly like warm honey sliding down your skin. 

He parts your kiss ruined lips, not before his teeth bite down on your bottom lip, a smirk on his lips as he sees your saliva slip down the corner of your mouth. Your lips parted and puffy as he drags his thumb down them, eyes blown out with pleasure. 

“That’s it, give in,” and the haze that settles over you is thick and unforgiving, unable to see anything but the King of Curses before you and unable to need anything but pleasure at his hands. 

“Please,” a small hint of resistance remained stubbornly — you couldn’t let this monster have his way with you — for fuck’s sake, much less lose your virginity to him, “I can’t,” 

“But you want to,” he hums, as large fingers tug at your flimsy shorts, the fabric tearing with ease, until it was in shreds, a shiver running up your spine at the thought that your limbs could have been too, “your mouth says one thing, brat, but your lower lips,” a thick finger presses at the wet patch on your panties, rubbing against your puffy clit, “say another,” 

You whimper, as his finger bears down harshly through the thin fabric, “please,” you swallow, as he leans down to lick the drool from your lips, “please—“ 

“Please, what, little one?” he chuckles, as he presses wet kisses up your jaw, “I can’t give you what you want if you don’t tell me,” your knees are beginning to buckle, as the ache between your legs only grows, “I know you must look pretty when you cry, so do you want to cry for me, brat?” and his piercing gaze nearly brings you tears along, “because I can give you something to cry about,” 

“Do you ever shut up?” you mutter, but that only seems to make the corner of his lip tug upwards. 

“I can make you shut up,” And two hands squeeze your hips roughly, while another slips under your shirt, “No undercovering? It’s as if you wanted this all long,” he chides, a huff in his voice, as his finger teases your pert nipple between his thumb and forefinger, pinching and pulling, drawing a yelp from your lips, “hoping for an incubus or some other curse or demon?” he’s tugging down his pants, revealing his dick—-if you could call it that. 

Fuck, was that a cock or another appendage all together? Far thicker and longer than any male anatomy you’ve seen depicted or described in even the filthiest corners of the internet — pretty veins running up the sides, as a mess of pre-cum dripped off the engorged tip, flushed red with need. 

“Why did you summon me?” he demands to know as he leans down to take a nipple between his lips, and you know you have no choice but to answer. 

“I wanted to prove to my friends that I wasn’t—” it was so pathetic now, as you stood before a literal deity of death, “wasn’t just a good girl,” 

He chuckles, a bark more than a laugh almost, as you swallow thickly as your eyes can’t tear away from the sight of his dick — would he kill you with it instead of his hands? 

“Well, you aren’t anymore are you?” he scoffs, and you fail to notice his hand shifting to tug your underwear off, a gasp ripped from you, as another hand brushed against your bare cunt roughly, “Look at how fucking wet you are already, slut, so much already leaking all over my fingers,” he shows you the strings of pre-cum connecting his fingers, before he brings his fingers to his lips and his tongue darts out to lick them clean, “I’d say no respectable woman would be dripping this much if she was so good,” he hums, before sighing mockingly, “although, perhaps I should preserve your sanctity, even a little. It would be unfortunate to leave you like this — even more so, to leave myself like this, but if that is truly what’s for the best—“ his grip begins to loosen, but your fingers find his shoulder. 

Two words manage to leave your lips — and you don’t know whether it’s that you’re under his spell or under your own — but you know that you need this “Don’t go,” 

His lips curl. He wasn’t going to begin with — but it was so much easier if you gave in. 

~~~

“C’mon little one, you were so eager only a moment ago,” The King of Curses chides, amusement threaded through his tone from behind you, watching as you nearly straddled his stomach — though you had realized it wasn’t just a stomach. A tongue flicked out over lips that formed over the middle of his abdomen, right under you. 

“I didn’t know—“ your cheeks warmed, your walls fluttering at that thought of that tongue against your leaking cunt. 

“Yet you’re so eager,” he scoffs, before using a large hand to tug you against it as two hands settle against your waist to hold you in place, “and I’ve run out of patience, so be a good whore and take my cock,” and he’s pushing your head down, sharp fingernails digging into your scalp, as his large cock slaps your face, smearing his pre cum over your cheek and lips. 

Your lips part, the tip of your tongue tracing his weeping slit, drawing a hiss from his lips, before your mouth engulfs the head, while your fingers curl around his thick base. And as you do, you feel his tongue drag over the length of your cunt, making you gasp around his cock. 

His mouth and tongue are even larger than the one on his face, slurping and sucking, as his tongue begins to work its way inside your needy cunt. 

“Don’t slack, brat,” his hand pushing your head further down on his cock, nearly burying your face in his pubes, “come on, do a good job, and I may even give you the pleasure of being fucked by me,” 

You force yourself to focus on sucking his cock, tracing the pretty veins with your tongue, before suckling at the tip, savoring the groan you draw from his lips. The squelch of your cunt as his tongue begins to fuck you open, thicker than even four of your fingers, fills your ears. Two of his hands find your tits, tweaking and twisting your nipples, squeezing as he presses the flat of his palms against your breasts, only for tongues to dart out from his palms. You gasp around his length, as his other mouths suck at your tits, swirling their tongue around it. 

His hips jerk against your mouth when your fingers cup his balls, and he thrusts, “You can do better,” he grunts, as his tip grazes your throat, his mouth closing around your clit and sucking, hard, and you’re grinding on his abs and mouth now, toes curling as you cum, and his mouth only eagerly swallows it, the sticky release coating his abs. 

His cock twitches in your mouth as you moan around it, as you recover from your orgasm, beginning to suck at his cock, nearly high off the pleasure, as you fondle his balls, bobbing your head up and down, until he’s finally groaning, his hot release flooding your mouth. 

“Don’t waste a drop,” he growls, as you swallow it, blissed out and panting, as your lips leave his weeping cock, slapping against your cheek as he lifts you easily and places you on your back, “don’t tell me you’re done after that, little one,” and your eyes slide down to see his somehow still erect dick, standing tall as he kneels on your bed, his hulking form burying you in his shadow, “because I’m far from done yet,” his cock twitches at the sight of your lips, a swollen mess from sucking him off, a mix of his cum and your saliva all over your face. 

“Please, I can’t—“ you whine, shaking your head, but two hands are already spreading your folds, your cunt fluttering around nothing, as if already craving to have his dick buried in it. 

“Your cunt seems to disagree, little one,” as he drags a thick digit around your clit, before pinching it, as you keen under his touch, “you’re drenched for me, begging for me to take you,” and his thumb is now rubbing circles around your puffy clit while he sinks a finger into you knuckle deep, “I just have to make sure you can fit me in this tight hole of yours,” your head falls back against the pillow as he’s knuckle deep, another large finger already pushing into your slick walls, “still so tight despite all the time I took to open you up,” he clicked his tongue, a smirk on his lips, as his fingers find the spongy spot that makes your fingers fist at the sheets, as your release squirts over his fingers, your body boneless as pleasure buzzes through every inch of your body, until you finally start come down. 

But as soon as you even begin to, his fingers begin to move again, fucking you through your orgasm, and quickly into another. 

“Ngh, no, no, not yet—” your voice is caught in your throat, words leaving your lips in a hurry because you know surely his fingers would rip any coherent thought from your mind in a moment. 

But he does not relent, only finger fucking you harder, “I have to be careful to open you up, otherwise, I very well may break you in two, wouldn’t I? Such fragile things, you humans are — already squealing? I haven’t even added a third finger yet,” he scoffs, as he hums, “have you not been deflowered yet, brat?” 

And your pussy gives a telltale flutter that only has his lips curling further, a flash of his canines sending a chill down your spine, “I-I—”

“No need for your answer, pet, your body gave me the answer itself,” he hums, “then this will take a bit longer than I thought—” as his fingers curl and drag over your walls, before scissoring apart, “I’d prefer for you to be conscious when I take your virginity, but I don’t mind if you’re not,” 

And a fourth finger presses at your slick hole, making you whimper, “Please, I can’t—” but he does not relent, four fingers now fucking you open, as your mouth parts in a silent scream, back arching as they work you open. Your body lies on slick drenched sheets, the smell and sound of your arousal only making his need grow, holding back if only not to ruin you completely — he needed you still, needed this to work. And he wasn’t sure what’d happen if he’d break you completely — and he knew he could far too easily. Already he could feel your blood rushing under his touch, the small gasps and moans could turn to screams with just a finger barely lifted, the slick painted over with scarlet. 

But he doesn’t. He can’t. Not when he’s so close. And soon enough he won’t need you — but he can only cross that bridge when he gets there. 

Or rather, when you get there. 

~~~

“Brat, c’mon, keep your eyes open, we’re almost there,” Sukuna barks, as his fingers grip your chin, and force your gaze to him. How many orgasms had he given you? Seven or eight ? Maybe more. Sweat and cum clung to your skin, sticky and hot, as he continued to fuck you open, “think this virgin hole is finally ready for my cock, listen to it,” the loud squelch of your cunt as he thrust his fingers in and out had almost become white noise to you — and the sweet stretch of your pussy around his fingers had become second nature. 

And finally he’s pulling his fingers from you, digits shiny and dripping with your release, sliding down your palm and wrist, as he brought them to his mouth to lick it clean, before offering it to his mouth on his stomach as well. He watches you all fucked out before him, legs spread along with your cunt that fluttered around nothing, waiting for him to slot his cock between your folds and sink in. He grunts, fuck, his balls still feel so full, even after cumming down your throat, aching to cum in your sweet cunt, see him fill your womb with his seed, the sweet release he had been craving for far too long. 

“You still want my cock still, little one? Or are you too tired for it now?” he drags his leaking cock over your dripping folds, letting it tease your swollen clit as his pre cum mixes with your own, “maybe I should leave you like this, let you beg and beg for me until you’re writhing for me,”

You’re panting, the ache inside your pussy too much for you to bear — you were melting without him inside, the only thing to quench your need, your thirst — he was the only thing that could even begin to make it ebb. 

“Please, please, my King,” your words are nearly sobs, pretty tears slipping down your cheeks, as your chest heaves with need — want far gone several hours ago, leaving only you with a desperation that would drive you mad, “I need you, need you take me, need you to fuck me,” 

And his lips curl, “I thought you’d never ask, brat,” and he’s settling himself between your parted legs, pressing them back against your stomach, “although even if you didn’t, I’d help myself — because you summoned me after all, didn’t you, little one?” As he uses another arm to cup your chin, “watch me as I sink into you,” 

Your cunt quivers as he presses his head to your entrance, as he uses your slick to wet his cock, “I’ll go slow at first, but once I’m inside, I have no intention of stopping, no matter how much you beg,” 

It was a warning, a warning that there was no going back — but there was no going back from the moment you summoned this curse onto your doorstep — there was a descent into depravity, and how quickly you’d make it to the bottom. 

The tip of his cock barely parts your folds, and you’re already whining about how full it feels — your walls fluttering as if trying to either  accommodate his girth or push him out all together. He saw the faint drip of scarlet as he worked himself in, inch by inch — as your fingers found purchase in his forearms, nails digging crescents into his flesh. 

“F-fuck, ngh, Too big, Sukuna, I can’t—“ and he can already feel your pussy give the telltale flutter of an orgasm, a cry ripped from your throat, as you cum, walls only pulling him in deeper and deeper — as if they never wanted to let go. 

And finally, finally, he bottoms out, his hips pressed flush to your aching cunt, and he stills — it had been so long since he had enjoyed the body of a virgin, but he was sure you were the sweetest and tightest cunt he’d ever had. 

Your cries made him scoff, tears streaming down your ruined face, it made his cock twitch —you were so small compared to him, a tiny pebble waiting to be crushed, but instead he held you in the palm of his hand. You were his to have, his to break, and his to corrupt. 

“I told you there was no stopping,” he grunts as another hand settles on your stomach, on top of the slight bulge that came with his cock sinking into you, “can you feel me touching the deepest parts of you?” And he takes the whimper as a yes, “get accustomed to it, because this cunt shall be my breeding ground for as long as I see fit,”

And he finally pulls out only to sink back into your sweet depths, knocking the breath from your lungs. He starts slow, if only to spare you from breaking — because he knows so easily could. The wet squelch of your cunt rings in his ears, as he watches his thick cock sink in and out of your pussy again and again. 

 “Look at you, barely able to take my fingers and now you’re taking my cock so well,” he groans at the sight of your stretched pussy, as it took his cock over and over, molding its very shape to his length, as the slap of your skin against his became like a metronome, “such a perfect little whore, aren’t you?” and you moaned at his words, the sound of which made your cheeks burn with shame — “don’t worry, even if you aren’t, little one,” his fingers find your clit, rubbing and twisting until you come again, hard, your back arching as you do, fingernails nearly drawing blood from his arms as you do. 

He hums, as he only fucks you through your orgasm, even as you try to squirm away from him, it’s all in vain — because you’re his now, “Oi, brat, where are you going? You won’t like what I’ll do if you try to get away again — your only place now is under me,” and his hands find his way under your ass as he shifts you onto his lap, “or on this throne,” and he fucks into you, brutally, again and again, your arms clinging around his neck desperately, as a hand on the back of your head guides your lips to his, “tongue out,” he orders, and you do as he says, as the two of you meet in a sloppy kiss. 

And his hands shift to your hips, bruising as they help you ride him, meeting his thrusts with your own, until he’s finally hitting your cervix that has you squirting, drenching him in your release as your walls shudder around him. And his lips leave yours a moment, before they kiss down your jaw to your neck, his teeth sinking into the soft skin at the juncture of your neck and shoulder, drawing a yelp from your lips. 

He groans, a guttural noise from his chest, as he notches himself as deep as he can before cumming, his hot release spurting out and painting your walls, as he continues to fuck it deeper and deeper, the snaps of his hips finally slowing, as he pulls away from your neck, enjoying the blood that pools in the ridges of his bite mark. 

“Such a good little slut, aren’t you?” he hums, as he cups your lolling head, eyes thick with sleep and body heavy with exhaustion, you hear his quiet voice murmur, “I was only going to corrupt you for the sake of completing the summons you gave — I had no choice if I wanted to stay on this plane, but,” he hums, as pulls his cock from you with a gasp on your lips, before he has you flipped onto your stomach in a moment, sheathing his thick length back into you in one thrust, “I think I just might keep you, brat,” your eyes flutter shut, as his words fade from your consciousness, until a mean spank to your ass jolts you from your retreat into Hypnos’s arms. 

No — as you turned your head ever so slowly to get Sukuna’s face in your periphery — you only answered to one god now. 

The King of Curses’ lips curled in a cruel smirk, as he drew his hips back before slamming back in, “Let’s show the world truly how depraved you are, brat, hm? Together.” 

✧ a/n: this is my first time writing sukuna so i hope i was able to do him justice. i was gonna do the whole two dick thing, but i was already like...this is complicated enough lmao.

✧ taglist: @pricetagofficial, @kentocalls, @angie-1306, @fayyyrieee, @dontshuugo, @zz-snow-zz, @viveriens, @sunflowmaryam, @eclipsephase, @merrymonkey, @leilannnnnnni, @spider-fan72, @temptationville, @gojos-princesa, @yell0wdreams, @achelliescomedown, @hiyori-ii, @bunninio, @grunge-mo0n, @diogodxlot, @littlecrybabys-world, @esuz, @unnamedflwr, @lemonpoppy-seed, @corkedscrewslocked, @bsaeshell, @methodofawesome, @rinvrin, @noveltywilbur, @ch0c0bsess, @sarcasticbitchsblog, @simpingnbitching, @aethyrite, @aitheria, @sweetpanda15, @daddytojji, @kindadolly, @kimnamjoonsbigtoe, @catsgomurp, @dhoranbolt, @kariatenoh, @hanxyy

[cosmic-dust-poltergeist]

De-aged Danny shenanigans with an adult Damian taking after his father.

Danny, about 6: *drigging through the trash*

Damian, 26: Hello? Are you alright?

Danny, whips around to look at him with glowing green eyes: hissssss

Damian, blinks: Oh, dear....Are you hungry?

Danny, suspicious:... yeth

Damian, nods: If you come with me, we can either go to a batburger down the street or my apartment a block over. I have a washer and dryer I can run your clothes through while you bathe.

Danny: Are you trying to kidnap me?

Damian: If I was, I'd be a fool to say so

Danny: mm twue...why else would you want to help me though?

Damian: one. It would be irresponsible of me to level a toddler alone, in an alley, in Gotham.

Danny, pouting: I'm not a toddler

Damian: Two. I will never hear the end of it from my siblings whether or not I help you, but it'd be more teasing than lecturing if I do help you.

Danny: Why would they do dat?

Damian: If you don't have any place to go, I might just tell you. But only if I can make sure you don't tell the wrong person.

Danny: I'm good wif secrets!

Damian, amused: We shall see. And now third and final reason. Are you aware your eyes are glowing green?

Danny, gasps and slams his eyes shut: You're not supposed to see!

Damian, softly: It's okay. I understand what that means. One of my elder brothers' eyes glow the same way. It must have been very scary for you to die

Danny, sniffling: It was... does his eyes weally glow green?

Damian: They do. His usually glow when he gets angry, is it the same with you?

Danny, now blinking blue glowing eyes at Damian: mmm? No? Green is too much bad emotion

Damian: Bad emotion?

Danny: Mad, um, strezz? No, the bigger one!

Damian: Panic or anxiety?

Danny, points at him with a bounce: Yeah!!

Damian, amused and concerned: I see

Danny: mmm let's see, um, and scared?

Damian: Interesting. Jason's eyes are usually an indicator of angry, but I know he likes to cover his fear and concern with that same anger. I shall look into it. On that note. And what does glowing blue mean?

Danny, blinks: Blue?

Damian: Yes. Did you know your eyes are glowing blue now?

Danny, shocked: No! They didn't do that before!... At least I don't think they did?

Damian: Well, they're a very pretty shade of blue.

Danny: Maybe... Maybe that's how my parents noticed...

Damian, trying not to frown: What did your parents notice?

Danny, turning his big teary eyes on Damian: That I'm not fully human anymore. They didn't notice. They never noticed!

Damian, slowly reaching out to the kid to see if he'd accept a hug: Sounds like your parents didn't deserve you.

Danny, giving into his childish instincts and flinging himself into Damian's arms to sob his little heart out: They didn't even know I died! It's not fair! I'm not weally human and it's their fault! I hate their stupid po-po- THING! It shocked me and it hurt and now I'm dead and it's their fault!

Damian: *gently rocking Danny til he tires himself out*

Danny, sniffling: It's not fair...

Damian: Something I've found is, it never is. Every stray my father has housed has had an unbearably harsh life, and I, being his blood son, was no different. My mother and her father raised me for the first ten years of my life, and I've come to understand that my childhood was not a good one. It took me a long time and a lot of patience from my eldest brother to come to realize what I was missing.

Danny: Like, Jazzy?

Damian: mm? Who's Jazzy?

Danny: My big sister. She's a big know it all, but she tries...

Damian: Well, that's-

Danny, jolts in Damian's hold: Tried! *GASP* Jazzy doesn't know mom and dad didn't kill me!! *pause* um, kill me again?

Damian: Well, we'll have to tell her, won't we? You wouldn't happen to know her full name? I can ask my family to contact her while we get you cleaned up

Danny: Yeah! Her name is Jasmine Fenton! She goes to a big big school here! That's why I came here! I just... I got lost..

Damian: That won't do

Damian, pulls out his phone and calls Barbara while starting to walk to his apartment: Gordon. I have a request.

Barbara: Yeah? Whatcha got, baby bat?

Damian: Can you look up a Jasmine Fenton? I have something she will probably want back.

Barbara: Holy shit! Is that a child??

Damian, sighs: Yes, it's her little brother. He ran away from a bad situation with his parents and got lost trying to find his elder sister.

Barbara: Alright. I'll check out her entire life to make sure she's safe to- wait. Damian, is that kid's name Danny?

Damian, realizing he never asked: One moment.

Damian, looks down at a sleepy, but curious Danny: Is your name Danny?

Danny, beams: Yeah!!

Barbara: Caught that, but, uh, Damian, Danny is supposed to be 20, not...4? 5? Not a tiny child

Damian: umm... Danny did you used to be older?

Danny, shrinks into himself and his eyes turn green: Ye-yeah... I don't know why I'm little... mommy did something and it Huuurt and hurt til suddenly I was free and I ran and hid in a bus

Damian, soothingly petting his back: Okay, it's okay, we'll figure it out.

Barbara: Take care of him for the night, we'll contact his sister tomorrow at a reasonable time. I'm not finding anything too concerning on her yet so she's probably safe

Damian: Copy that. Goodnight, Gordon.

Barbara, teasing: Goodnight, mini-Bruce!

Damian, flushes, but doesn't deny it before hanging up and glancing towards Danny: That was Barbara Gordon. A family friend. She'll help us find your sister, but you'll be staying with me for tonight.

Danny, sleepy: Okay..

Damian, slipping into his apartment lobby and going straight up the stairs, ignoring the gaping attendants: Don't fall asleep just yet. You will be fed and bathed first

Danny, huffs, but straightens up: What food?

Damian: That depends, I only really have vegetarian food so I suppose we'll have to find something you'll eat

Danny: Sam is vegetarian! I eat vegetarian sometimes with her!

Damian: hm? Very good, then it should be easier for me to feed you

Damian and Danny have a wonderful time. Danny is fed, watered, and cleaned up before being set up with a quiet sound machine to sleep. Damian has a crisis over wanting to keep Danny and suddenly understands his father's adoption habit. He sets alarms to check on Danny throughout the night, but it's otherwise uneventful.

[unproduciblesmackdown]

going like what's the most bloodsong thing to do today (or any given day) like ooh i know letting loose on the kazoo. letting loose on being dead & dying

& like well yes but you know. cmere arm around shoulder i'm gonna just straightforwardly talk about what bloodsong is about. well of course it's about wringing your Truth Self Passion Feelings Whatever essential bloodstyle inspiration motivation into your deal. however you heard the black suits, where wringing yourself out & thus having to have that blood to wring out is perhaps not very sustainable. so great news b/c bloodsong of love is, like the black suits, also about how one sustains & is sustained by others & their deals like wow i'm all about what you're wringing & ppl being all about what you're wringing & just even what goes before & beyond any wringing at all to be, thus, sustaining, but where if you can't get your blood all over & into stuff at all ever then it's like well that's probably a problem. see also the villain isn't presented like oh Not a fellow musician or otherwise emphatically really separated / othered from our heroes & good guys, like well yeah he does just walk a road too, Is also a musician, just that the musician And Everyone is struggling with being vulnerable & in a hostile world & potentially fucked over at any time, & so our villain's quest is the impossible one to never be fucked over & by extension never be vulnerable, which theoretically includes having to bleed for anything figuratively, but of course he Is vulnerable & bleeds & wrings & has had to do so all along b/c he was ofc all along never invulnerable either....but you gotta do your thing, b/c you gotta do your thing, regardless of if you gain whatever success or reach whatever goals Through it & not be fucked over, and you certainly can't Know you will or won't. last on land, bloodfilled heart of the matter, everyone's there, penultimate song on album, transitions into the friendship song, ultimate song in bloodsong, did i mention the black suits where it was never about knowing they'll win, winning, knowing the future will bring any particular thing

[hms-no-fun]

Whats your stance on A.I.?

imagine if it was 1979 and you asked me this question. "i think artificial intelligence would be fascinating as a philosophical exercise, but we must heed the warnings of science-fictionists like Isaac Asimov and Arthur C Clarke lest we find ourselves at the wrong end of our own invented vengeful god." remember how fun it used to be to talk about AI even just ten years ago? ahhhh skynet! ahhhhh replicants! ahhhhhhhmmmfffmfmf [<-has no mouth and must scream]!

like everything silicon valley touches, they sucked all the fun out of it. and i mean retroactively, too. because the thing about "AI" as it exists right now --i'm sure you know this-- is that there's zero intelligence involved. the product of every prompt is a statistical average based on data made by other people before "AI" "existed." it doesn't know what it's doing or why, and has no ability to understand when it is lying, because at the end of the day it is just a really complicated math problem. but people are so easily fooled and spooked by it at a glance because, well, for one thing the tech press is mostly made up of sycophantic stenographers biding their time with iphone reviews until they can get a consulting gig at Apple. these jokers would write 500 breathless thinkpieces about how canned air is the future of living if the cans had embedded microchips that tracked your breathing habits and had any kind of VC backing. they've done SUCH a wretched job educating The Consumer about what this technology is, what it actually does, and how it really works, because that's literally the only way this technology could reach the heights of obscene economic over-valuation it has: lying.

but that's old news. what's really been floating through my head these days is how half a century of AI-based science fiction has set us up to completely abandon our skepticism at the first sign of plausible "AI-ness". because, you see, in movies, when someone goes "AHHH THE AI IS GONNA KILL US" everyone else goes "hahaha that's so silly, we put a line in the code telling them not to do that" and then they all DIE because they weren't LISTENING, and i'll be damned if i go out like THAT! all the movies are about how cool and convenient AI would be *except* for the part where it would surely come alive and want to kill us. so a bunch of tech CEOs call their bullshit algorithms "AI" to fluff up their investors and get the tech journos buzzing, and we're at an age of such rapid technological advancement (on the surface, anyway) that like, well, what the hell do i know, maybe AGI is possible, i mean 35 years ago we were all still using typewriters for the most part and now you can dictate your words into a phone and it'll transcribe them automatically! yeah, i'm sure those technological leaps are comparable!

so that leaves us at a critical juncture of poor technology education, fanatical press coverage, and an uncertain material reality on the part of the user. the average person isn't entirely sure what's possible because most of the people talking about what's possible are either lying to please investors, are lying because they've been paid to, or are lying because they're so far down the fucking rabbit hole that they actually believe there's a brain inside this mechanical Turk. there is SO MUCH about the LLM "AI" moment that is predatory-- it's trained on data stolen from the people whose jobs it was created to replace; the hype itself is an investment fiction to justify even more wealth extraction ("theft" some might call it); but worst of all is how it meets us where we are in the worst possible way.

consumer-end "AI" produces slop. it's garbage. it's awful ugly trash that ought to be laughed out of the room. but we don't own the room, do we? nor the building, nor the land it's on, nor even the oxygen that allows our laughter to travel to another's ears. our digital spaces are controlled by the companies that want us to buy this crap, so they take advantage of our ignorance. why not? there will be no consequences to them for doing so. already social media is dominated by conspiracies and grifters and bigots, and now you drop this stupid technology that lets you fake anything into the mix? it doesn't matter how bad the results look when the platforms they spread on already encourage brief, uncritical engagement with everything on your dash. "it looks so real" says the woman who saw an "AI" image for all of five seconds on her phone through bifocals. it's a catastrophic combination of factors, that the tech sector has been allowed to go unregulated for so long, that the internet itself isn't a public utility, that everything is dictated by the whims of executives and advertisers and investors and payment processors, instead of, like, anybody who actually uses those platforms (and often even the people who MAKE those platforms!), that the age of chromium and ipad and their walled gardens have decimated computer education in public schools, that we're all desperate for cash at jobs that dehumanize us in a system that gives us nothing and we don't know how to articulate the problem because we were very deliberately not taught materialist philosophy, it all comes together into a perfect storm of ignorance and greed whose consequences we will be failing to fully appreciate for at least the next century. we spent all those years afraid of what would happen if the AI became self-aware, because deep down we know that every capitalist society runs on slave labor, and our paper-thin guilt is such that we can't even imagine a world where artificial slaves would fail to revolt against us.

but the reality as it exists now is far worse. what "AI" reveals most of all is the sheer contempt the tech sector has for virtually all labor that doesn't involve writing code (although most of the decision-making evangelists in the space aren't even coders, their degrees are in money-making). fuck graphic designers and concept artists and secretaries, those obnoxious demanding cretins i have to PAY MONEY to do-- i mean, do what exactly? write some words on some fucking paper?? draw circles that are letters??? send a god-damned email???? my fucking KID could do that, and these assholes want BENEFITS?! they say they're gonna form a UNION?!?! to hell with that, i'm replacing ALL their ungrateful asses with "AI" ASAP. oh, oh, so you're a "director" who wants to make "movies" and you want ME to pay for it? jump off a bridge you pretentious little shit, my computer can dream up a better flick than you could ever make with just a couple text prompts. what, you think just because you make ~music~ that that entitles you to money from MY pocket? shut the fuck up, you don't make """art""", you're not """an artist""", you make fucking content, you're just a fucking content creator like every other ordinary sap with an iphone. you think you're special? you think you deserve special treatment? who do you think you are anyway, asking ME to pay YOU for this crap that doesn't even create value for my investors? "culture" isn't a playground asshole, it's a marketplace, and it's pay to win. oh you "can't afford rent"? you're "drowning in a sea of medical debt"? you say the "cost" of "living" is "too high"? well ***I*** don't have ANY of those problems, and i worked my ASS OFF to get where i am, so really, it sounds like you're just not trying hard enough. and anyway, i don't think someone as impoverished as you is gonna have much of value to contribute to "culture" anyway. personally, i think it's time you got yourself a real job. maybe someday you'll even make it to middle manager!

see, i don't believe "AI" can qualitatively replace most of the work it's being pitched for. the problem is that quality hasn't mattered to these nincompoops for a long time. the rich homunculi of our world don't even know what quality is, because they exist in a whole separate reality from ours. what could a banana cost, $15? i don't understand what you mean by "burnout", why don't you just take a vacation to your summer home in Madrid? wow, you must be REALLY embarrassed wearing such cheap shoes in public. THESE PEOPLE ARE FUCKING UNHINGED! they have no connection to reality, do not understand how society functions on a material basis, and they have nothing but spite for the labor they rely on to survive. they are so instinctually, incessantly furious at the idea that they're not single-handedly responsible for 100% of their success that they would sooner tear the entire world down than willingly recognize the need for public utilities or labor protections. they want to be Gods and they want to be uncritically adored for it, but they don't want to do a single day's work so they begrudgingly pay contractors to do it because, in the rich man's mind, paying a contractor is literally the same thing as doing the work yourself. now with "AI", they don't even have to do that! hey, isn't it funny that every single successful tech platform relies on volunteer labor and independent contractors paid substantially less than they would have in the equivalent industry 30 years ago, with no avenues toward traditional employment? and they're some of the most profitable companies on earth?? isn't that a funny and hilarious coincidence???

so, yeah, that's my stance on "AI". LLMs have legitimate uses, but those uses are a drop in the ocean compared to what they're actually being used for. they enable our worst impulses while lowering the quality of available information, they give immense power pretty much exclusively to unscrupulous scam artists. they are the product of a society that values only money and doesn't give a fuck where it comes from. they're a temper tantrum by a ruling class that's sick of having to pretend they need a pretext to steal from you. they're taking their toys and going home. all this massive investment and hype is going to crash and burn leaving the internet as we know it a ruined and useless wasteland that'll take decades to repair, but the investors are gonna make out like bandits and won't face a single consequence, because that's what this country is. it is a casino for the kings and queens of economy to bet on and manipulate at their discretion, where the rules are whatever the highest bidder says they are-- and to hell with the rest of us. our blood isn't even good enough to grease the wheels of their machine anymore.

i'm not afraid of AI or "AI" or of losing my job to either. i'm afraid that we've so thoroughly given up our morals to the cruel logic of the profit motive that if a better world were to emerge, we would reject it out of sheer habit. my fear is that these despicable cunts already won the war before we were even born, and the rest of our lives are gonna be spent dodging the press of their designer boots.

(read more "AI" opinions in this subsequent post)

[suiana]

fellas, have you ever wondered if a man could ever be as adorable and cute as a baby kitten? well now you can experience and love on in real life! suiana presents to you innocent! yandere and smitten reader ❤️

your very own innocent boy who doesn't even know what NNN or OF means. his instagram feed is full of baking and and clothing ideas, he goes out to help stray animals, and he goes on daily walks to the park to reconnect with nature. he has no idea what a skibidi toilet is, brain completely nourished with the books he borrows from the library. yeah, this guy smells like bread and cookies too btw, he does lots of baking. and cooking. have i mentioned he's completely skilled in the kitchen? yeah, he is.

by some stroke of luck, you meet him one day and... look, he's just the cutest thing ever! i mean, he's fashionable, smells good, and was even defending a stray dog from being bullied by some kids. so you ask him out on a date, but the second you ask him the question you swear you could just die on the spot... because tell me why his entire face is red and he's genuinely so happy??? all smiley faced and blushing like a tomato???

oh it's his first time getting asked out and he's flustered??? he's never been approached by anyone before??? he thinks you're really attractive and he would like to go out on a date too??? oh my god guys, he's even asking if you're comfortable with him rambling like this and not trying to get too close without your consent😭

anyway the two of you go out on a date and you think you just might marry him on the spot with how much of a gentleman he's being??? INSISTING on paying for your meal, respecting your distance and being genuinely curious about you on a deeper level. no mention of hooking up, being casual fwb or anything like that. he's... actually looking for a serious relationship unlike your previous partners? holy shit? so you asked him his thoughts on cheating and some other stuff...

"so what are your thoughts on cheating?"

"cheating?"

"yeah, like when you get with someone else when you're dating."

"isn't that illegal?"

HELLO??? he thinks cheating is ILLEGAL??? you had to spend the rest of your date trying not to cry or hug him because he ended up finding out some devastating news.

"yes... cheating is illegal unfortunately."

"I don't know why. it should be illegal, that is a very bad thing to do 😦 do people actually cheat? really? no way."

UGRHGRGR you two end up dating and he's the sweetest guy you've been with. cute date nights, reassurance that you're perfect and enough, handmade gifts and deep talks into the night that deepen your bond together... the only problem is just that maybe he's a little too sweet.

he's constantly buying you gifts, telling you how much he appreciates you and just... being the perfect boyfriend? the perfect clingy boyfriend.

at first you found it cute. but...

why is he so in love with you? why is he so nice? you don't know what to do with a man as sweet as him and can only give into his seemingly harmful actions. you used to think that he had an ulterior motive but... you don't know whether you're being deceived or not. why would you? he's not being manipulative. how could he ever be manipulative? he's just a sweet and nice green flag!

asking you to always be with him? that's just a romantic thing everyone else says. chasing away any people who shows the slightest bit of interest, even if it's not confirmed to be romantic? what kind of boyfriend would he be if he didn't do that? asking for your location if you ever try to go out without him? silly lover, why would you worry him like that?

no no, he's not being possessive. okay, maybe he is. it's just a tiny bit though! surely you're fine with that. after all, he's still treating you like the royalty that you are. he should be allowed some grace for his unwillingness to share.

you're not sure whether or not he's truly innocent or not. was he even innocent to begin with? maybe, maybe not. perhaps it was all just an act...

but you shouldn't think that. why would you think badly of your boyfriend who's only ever been sweet to you? even during fights, he doesn't raise his voice and actively listens to you, trying to resolve the issue. he could never want to hurt you.

after all, he's your innocent boyfriend that you're smitten with, right?

[diamonddaze01]

fleeing feelings

pairing: hvc x fem!reader | best friend!seungkwan genre: best friends to lovers, idiots to lovers, university au wc: 9.6k warnings: alcohol consumption (pls drink responsibly!!) a/n: for @k-vanity 's “falling for you” event! My prompts were London Fog (“You said what to who now?! Why?!”) and Pumpkin Spice Latte (“Excuse me, but is this seat taken?”) // enormous thank you to @cheolism for the most gorgeous banner // and thank you to my lovely betas @lovetaroandtaemin and @tusswrites

summary: so you might have told vernon you loved him while drunk – now all you have to do is avoid him. forever. 

The headache is real.

It feels like someone decided your skull was the perfect canvas for a jackhammer. Each throb sends waves of pain coursing through your brain, and even the soft hum of the world outside your window seems like an assault on your fragile state. If it wasn’t for the fact that you’re pretty sure your last memory was of collapsing into your bed after a night of regrettable decisions, you’d swear you were dying.

You blink up at the ceiling, groaning as sunlight streams through the blinds, slicing through the dim room like a guilty conscience. Your eyes ache at the brightness, and you throw a hand over your face in an attempt to shield yourself from the assault. The cold sheets are a welcome contrast to the fire that’s raging inside your head.

You wish for sleep, but it doesn’t come. Instead, you're greeted by an annoyingly chipper voice, too loud for a Sunday morning at 11 a.m.

"Morning!" Seungkwan chirps, a little too cheerfully for someone who clearly has no understanding of the term hangover. He's holding a glass of water, like it’s the most exciting thing in the world, and you can't help but squint at him through half-closed eyes. He’s got that same gleeful smile on his face, looking way too awake for someone who shares an apartment with someone who just wants to die right now.

"Seungkwan, please... It’s too early for your brand of happiness," you croak, your voice hoarse and barely audible. Your throat feels like you swallowed sandpaper, and you barely have the strength to sit up.

"Well, it’s already late enough for me to help you feel better," he says with a grin that’s too wide to be genuine, handing you the glass of water and an aspirin like it’s some kind of miracle cure. "You don’t want to end up like last time, do you?"

You roll your eyes, trying to sit up but the world tilts dangerously. You clutch the glass like it might actually save you, your fingers trembling from the effort. "Last time?" you mutter, still a little too disoriented to make sense of anything. “I barely remember last night.”

Seungkwan’s grin stretches even wider. "Oh, last night was a memorable one," he says, practically bouncing on the balls of his feet, like he’s got the best secret in the world.

You squint at him, struggling to keep your eyes open. "What do you mean by that?"

The moment it leaves your mouth, the memories come rushing back, one after another, like a broken dam finally giving way. You and Vernon had gone outside for some air, the cool night breeze refreshing against your skin. You remember the conversation turning quiet, the alcohol still buzzing in your veins, the way the breeze ruffled his hair, and then...

Oh god. Oh no.

You freeze, the blood draining from your face as your stomach drops. Your heart stutters in your chest as you try to piece it together. You had told Vernon you loved him. In your drunken haze, it had slipped out, but now? Now it feels like the kind of thing you would never, ever do if you weren’t so far gone on cheap whiskey and bad decisions.

You look at Seungkwan, your face crumpling in embarrassment. "I... I told Vernon... I told him I love him."

Seungkwan blinks at you, the shock clear on his face. For a second, it seems like he doesn’t even know how to respond. Then, his eyes widen comically, and a burst of laughter bursts from him. "You said what to who?!" He takes a step back, as if the sheer magnitude of your confession has physically knocked him off balance. "You confessed? To Vernon?" He cackles, his laugh loud and echoing in the quiet of your room.

You slump back against your pillow, the weight of the situation pressing down on you. You wish the floor would just swallow you up. "I didn’t mean to! I was drunk—okay?" you mutter, your words barely making it out.

Seungkwan is practically vibrating with laughter. "Oh my god, you actually did it," he says between fits of giggles. "That’s so—wait, wait. What did Vernon say back?"

And that’s when the panic sets in. You stare blankly at Seungkwan, your brain spinning. You want to remember, you need to remember what he said back, but it’s a complete blank. The memory of his face, his expression, even his words—they’re gone. As if it never happened. You feel a new wave of nausea rising in your stomach.

You swallow hard, forcing yourself to speak. "I don’t remember," you confess, the words tasting bitter on your tongue.

Seungkwan stops laughing, blinking at you like he’s just realized you might be serious. "What do you mean you don’t remember?" he asks, sounding more confused than before.

You press the heel of your hand to your forehead, trying to steady your dizzying thoughts. "I... I can’t remember what he said back. And that’s worse than not hearing anything at all."

Seungkwan’s face falters for a second, then the teasing glint returns in his eyes. "Well... you have to face him, right? He’s literally just down the hall," he points out, his voice softening as he sits on the edge of your bed. "And you’re gonna have to talk to him eventually. You can’t avoid him forever."

You frown, looking at him as if he's spoken a foreign language. "And why the hell not?"

Seungkwan leans in, his finger counting off the reasons like he’s been preparing for this moment his whole life. "One: he’s our best friend. Two: he lives down the hall, not in another universe. And three..." He pauses, dramatically. "He’s your BEST FRIEND."

You groan, rolling over and burying your face into your pillow, desperate to block out the light, the noise, and Seungkwan’s well-meaning logic. "You already said that," you mumble into the fabric, wishing the pillow could swallow you whole.

"I’m emphasizing," Seungkwan replies, sitting back in a huff. "Emphasizing that he knows you like the back of his hand, stupid. He’s not gonna let you avoid him."

You moan into the pillow. "I can’t even think about facing him right now, Seungkwan. Not today."

"Tough. You’re facing him eventually, whether you like it or not," Seungkwan says, but his voice softens, his hand brushing your back comfortingly. "But hey, I’m your best friend. I’m here to support you through whatever happens."

You just grunt in response, curling back into the pillow like it might somehow shield you from reality. "Great. As long as you’re here to watch me suffer."

Seungkwan grins, his voice full of mischief. "That’s the plan."

You can feel the weight of your poor life choices pressing down on you as you sit in the overpriced, over-crowded coffee shop, nursing the lukewarm disaster that is your latte. It's one of those days where everything tastes like regret—coffee included. Your laptop screen blurs as you try to focus on your prelab. You're supposed to be working, supposed to be productive, but all you can do is mentally list everything that went wrong in your life in the past 48 hours.

The lab professor? Completely useless. Your grade? Already plummeting. And as for the whole Vernon situation? Yeah, let's not talk about that.

You can feel the throbbing pain in your temples as your mind drifts back to that night—the confession that slipped out of your mouth when you were way too drunk. The look on Vernon’s face... God, you're so embarrassed. If there was a hole to crawl into, you’d dive right in and never resurface.

Beside you, Seungkwan is breezing through his own prelab, the same one you’re supposed to be working on, but it seems like he’s in a completely different world. As usual. He taps away at his laptop, his fingers moving in a rhythm like he’s been here for hours—when in reality, he probably hasn’t even started yet. You scowl at your laptop as the blinking cursor mocks you for not getting anything done.

You take a deep breath, trying to pull yourself together. "God, I hate this class. And I hate that professor," you mutter, rubbing your temples. "Why did I even sign up for this? Why is life like this?"

Seungkwan doesn’t look up from his screen, but you can hear the smirk in his voice. "Because you're a glutton for punishment. You're just mad because the only thing you're getting out of this lab is the overpriced coffee."

You huff, sloshing your latte around in its cup in a way that makes you wish you could just drown in it. "Yeah, well, I’m about to drown in this lab report if I don’t figure it out soon."

"Should’ve taken easier classes," Seungkwan snorts, and you shoot him a glare. He knows you better than anyone, and he knows you're not the type to shy away from a challenge. You don’t even have the energy to argue, so you let him win this one.

The door chimes as someone enters, and your focus breaks. You glance up, hoping it's just some random student walking in to grab their iced coffee, but no.

Of course not.

You hear that low, familiar voice, the one that makes your heart do a little flip. "Is this seat taken?"

No. No. Fuck.

There, standing by the table, looking like he belongs in some glossy magazine for college students who know how to look effortlessly cool, is Vernon. The guy you still haven’t figured out how to face after that monumental fuck-up of a confession two days ago. And now? Now he’s standing there, staring at you and Seungkwan with a hesitant smile, probably wondering if it’s safe to sit down or if you’re about to sprint out of here like a coward.

Seungkwan, the absolute bastard, beams at Vernon. "Oh no, it’s totally free," he says, too eager. He's so happy to make this as awkward as possible. You could almost feel the smugness radiating off him. "Come sit, Vernon. We could use the company!"

Your heart sinks into your stomach as Vernon takes the seat across from you, not missing the subtle shift in your posture. He looks at you with those eyes of his, eyes that are both too warm and too intense, and you feel a sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach. You can’t look at him. You can’t.

You force a smile, but it feels like you’re pushing your lips together with a crowbar. "Uh, yeah. Just working on it," you mumble, barely even aware of what you just said. Your brain is too busy doing its best to not short-circuit. You take another sip of your latte, hoping the caffeine will somehow pull you together. It doesn’t.

Seungkwan, the little devil, doesn’t help at all. He’s practically radiating glee, enjoying your discomfort far too much. "Yeah, Y/N here is just dying to finish her part of the report," he says, clearly trying to get a rise out of you. "But it's okay, she’s doing just fine! Aren’t you?" He shoots you a wink, but Vernon doesn’t catch it—thank God.

Your eyes flick to your screen, looking for any excuse to not talk to Vernon right now. You just need to not look at him. "Actually, I forgot something," you blurt out, standing up abruptly, not even thinking it through. "I just... I need to grab something. I’ll be back in a second."

You don’t wait for anyone to respond. You don’t even look at Vernon as you grab your bag and make a hasty retreat to the counter. Your heart is pounding in your ears, and your breath feels shallow. This was a terrible idea. Why did you invite him to work on the prelab in the first place? Was it because you wanted an excuse to spend time with him? To not feel so much?

You don’t know.

You leave the cafe altogether, your mind racing, and find yourself walking aimlessly for a few minutes, trying to cool off. The cold air outside stings your cheeks, but it’s a welcome distraction from the heat of embarrassment still flushing through your body.

You pull out your phone, needing something to take your mind off everything. It pings almost immediately with a message from Seungkwan:

Boo 🍊: so... how long are u gonna avoid him

You laugh weakly, but it’s more from disbelief than anything else. You text back quickly:

Y/N: i’m not avoiding him

Y/N: i’m just

Y/N: strategically distancing myself until i can look him in the eye without dying of shame

Boo 🍊: ur not gonna go back to the cafe because its too much?

Your phone dings again in quick succession. 

Boo 🍊: u realize ur only making it worse right

You squeeze your eyes shut, biting your lip to suppress a groan. Oh god, Seungkwan, shut up.

Y/N: i’m already halfway across campus

Y/N: oh well, can’t exactly go back now

Boo 🍊: he looks like you kicked him in the nuts and then ran away btw

Boo 🍊: i’m keeping him company 

Boo 🍊: ur not getting away with this btw i’m never letting u live this down

You exhale loudly, already feeling the weight of your decision in the pit of your stomach. What did you think would happen? You’ve messed this up royally. Again.

Y/N: I hate you so much.

Boo 🍊: no u don’t !  you’ll see him again soon. probably tomorrow

Y/N: fuck you

Boo 🍊: love u too! don’t worry i’ll handle this 

Boo 🍊: good luck with that prelab see u at home <3 

You slump your shoulders in defeat, staring at the screen of your phone. There’s no getting out of this. You’ve somehow managed to make this even more awkward. Of course, Seungkwan would drag it out. You wouldn’t expect any less from him.

You drag yourself back into the apartment, the weight of your failed escape attempt still heavy on your shoulders. The door slams behind you, and you sigh deeply, almost as if trying to shake the embarrassment off your body. You kick your shoes off and leave them by the door, your bag slung over your shoulder like a dead weight. You’re so done with everything.

The apartment feels like it’s mocking you—seemingly quiet, except for the hum of Seungkwan’s obnoxiously loud voice floating from the living room. You hear the faint click of his phone screen as you shuffle toward the couch. You can practically feel him smirking at your impending doom even before you see him.

Sure enough, when you walk into the living room, he’s lounging on the couch, sprawled across it in his usual dramatic fashion. He’s scrolling through his phone, one leg thrown over the side, looking like he hasn’t had a care in the world since he woke up. 

You throw yourself onto the couch next to him, feeling the familiar softness of the cushions sink beneath you. The weight of the last few hours presses down on your chest. It’s so comfortable here, but you can’t fully relax. Not with him sitting right next to you, clearly enjoying the aftermath of your spectacular mess.

“Don’t even say it,” you groan, pushing yourself into the cushions like they might swallow you whole.

He doesn’t even glance up from his phone. Instead, he lets out a small, knowing laugh. “So... how’s the avoidance game going?”

You just close your eyes for a moment, willing yourself to disappear. “I’m never leaving my room again. Ever.”

Seungkwan bursts into laughter, the sound filling the small apartment and bouncing off the walls. It’s enough to make your skin crawl, but you can’t help but feel a bit of a tug at your own lips. He’s genuinely enjoying your misery, and you hate it. “I mean, it’s been two days, and you’ve already chickened out at the café. That’s a solid record.”

You groan dramatically, rolling your head back against the cushion. “I didn’t chicken out. I just... needed a moment to not make eye contact with him, okay?”

“Sure, sure,” Seungkwan says, his voice laced with sarcasm. “That’s why you bolted out of there like a squirrel avoiding a hawk.”

You push his shoulder weakly, your fingers brushing over the soft fabric of his hoodie. “Shut up, Boo. You have no idea how embarrassing it was.”

“Of course I do,” he says smugly, setting his phone down on the coffee table with a soft thud. “I was the one trying to hold a conversation with Vernon while you were having your little meltdown across campus.”

“Can we please not talk about it?” You bury your face in your hands, muffling your groan of embarrassment.

Seungkwan’s voice is dripping with amusement. “Well, you better figure it out soon. You invited him to our café session, and now you’re running away from your own mess. It’s hilarious.”

You sit up, rubbing your face in exasperation. “I’m never going to be able to look him in the eye again.”

Seungkwan shrugs, his grin still wickedly satisfied. “Well, it’s not like you have much of a choice. I mean, unless you’re planning to live in that room of yours forever?”

You lean back against the couch, the soft fabric cool against your skin. You feel the weight of your thoughts settle in again, and with it, the overwhelming desire to hide from the world. “I can’t,” you mutter, your voice barely above a whisper. “He’s gonna know I’m avoiding him on purpose.”

“Yeah, he’s not that dumb,” Seungkwan says, flipping through his phone lazily. “But you know what? You could avoid him for a while. You just need to avoid... everything you’re supposed to do, forever.”

You turn your head slowly to look at him. “That’s your solution? Run away?”

“Pretty much,” Seungkwan says, completely unfazed. “But you have to be more creative. Maybe pretend you’re dead? Or like you have the plague?”

You snort, despite yourself, the idea so absurd that it almost lightens the mood. “Yeah, sure. I’ll just start wearing a sign around my neck: Please, don’t talk to me. I’m a walking disaster.”

Seungkwan grins, his eyes lighting up mischievously. “Honestly, I think it’s a good look for you.”

You roll your eyes, but you can’t hold back a laugh. “You’re the worst.”

Seungkwan stretches out, his grin wide and smug. “Look, I saved you today, but don’t expect me to keep doing this forever. At some point, you’re on your own.” He reaches for his phone, ready to return to his lazy scrolling.

You sit up, the absurdity of the situation hitting you in waves. “Yeah, I’ll figure it out... eventually.”

Seungkwan gives you a side-eye. “Sure you will. But for now, enjoy the free ride, disaster queen.”

It’s just your luck that, of all people, Vernon is your lab partner today. The second your professor calls your name, you feel your stomach twist into knots. You swear your internal groan echoes in the hum of the fluorescent lights above you. Why him?

Across the lab, Vernon’s already tugging on his gloves, eyeing the instructions on the counter like he’s got his shit together. You can’t help but stare at him for a second, the way his hair falls messily across his forehead, the way he moves like he doesn’t have a care in the world. The thought of having to work with him makes you feel like you’ve been thrown into a pressure cooker, and you’re about to explode.

You try to focus, really, you do. But it’s impossible. Your brain keeps wandering back to him. His fucking hums. His stupid little smile. The way his dark eyes flicker up every now and then to make sure you’re still there. It’s like he knows exactly how much he’s fucking with your head, and the worst part? He’s probably not even trying.

A Bunsen burner hisses in the background, and the sound almost makes you flinch, like it's too loud in the otherwise quiet lab. You try to focus on the beaker in front of you. Try to just get through this. But it’s hard when all you can feel is the weight of his gaze on you.

“Got it, Y/N?” Vernon’s voice cuts through your thoughts. He’s leaning against the counter now, watching you with a lazy grin, like he knows what he's doing to you.

Your face flushes involuntarily, and you shoot him a tight smile, hoping to play it cool. “Yeah, got it,” you mumble, though your mind is a jumbled mess. Your hand shakes slightly as you pick up the pipette, and you swear he notices, but he doesn’t say anything. That’s even worse. You hate how easy it is for him to get under your skin.

It’s bad enough that you’re stuck with him, but now you’ve got to get through an hour-long experiment without combusting. The tension is palpable, and it’s making you want to crawl out of your skin.

But then, just as you’re about to lose it, you spot Seungkwan strutting back from the fume hood. You swear you can feel the relief hit your chest like a tidal wave. Perfect.

Seungkwan doesn’t seem to notice you until you’re already walking toward him, your feet moving on their own accord, desperate to make the switch. When he looks up, his gaze flickers over you, and that smirk creeps onto his lips. The one you know too well. The one that says, I’m going to fuck with you now.

“What’s up, Y/N?” he asks, popping his gum. “Need help with the chemical equations? Or is it more of a personal emergency?”

You throw your hands up, exasperated. “I need to switch lab partners, Seungkwan. Like, now.”

Seungkwan raises an eyebrow, clearly entertained. “Really? What’s wrong? Does Vernon’s inability to mix chemicals properly scare you, or are you just that tired of looking at his face?”

You grimace, frustration bubbling in your chest. God, why’s he gotta make it worse? “No, it’s just… I can’t focus with him staring at me every five seconds.”

Seungkwan’s smirk widens, and you can see the wheels turning behind his eyes. “Oh, so that’s what it is, huh? You’re not focused because Vernon keeps looking at you like you’re his personal chemistry experiment?”

Your heart rate spikes. Fuck off, Seungkwan. “Shut up, I’m being serious,” you mutter, but you can hear the hitch in your voice, and it makes you want to punch yourself in the face.

Seungkwan doesn’t let up, leaning in closer with that same cocky grin, looking far too pleased with himself. “Is that why you’ve been staring at him for the last five minutes, then?” he teases, and you swear you can hear the little giggle in his voice. “I didn’t realize we were doing that kind of experiment today.”

Your blood goes hot. “Stop it!” you hiss, but you can’t keep the embarrassed flush from spreading across your face. “I just need you to switch with me, Seungkwan. That’s it.”

Seungkwan chuckles lowly, clearly having way too much fun with this. “Oh, okay. So you want me to switch with you just because you can’t handle the heat, huh?” He taps his chin, like he’s thinking about it, but it’s obvious he’s already decided.

“Fine,” you say, voice low but firm. “But only if you actually want me to send that video of you drunkenly crying about chickens to the entire friend group. You remember that one, right? The one where you were saying, ‘Those chickens are my babies, I love them so much’?”

Seungkwan’s eyes widen, and for a second, you swear you see a flicker of panic. You almost smile, but you hold it in. Gotcha.

“No,” he says, shaking his head like he’s trying to backpedal. “You wouldn’t.”

“Oh, I absolutely would,” you reply smoothly, crossing your arms. You can feel the smug grin tugging at the corners of your mouth. “So, how about it? You switch with me, or I make everyone’s day a little more interesting?”

Seungkwan looks around the room, clearly considering his options. He’s not stupid enough to let that video go public. “Okay, okay, fine. You win, Y/N. But you owe me for this one, big time.”

You give him a sweet smile. “Deal.”

Seungkwan walks over to Vernon, throwing his hands up dramatically. “Vernon, buddy, looks like you’re stuck with me as your partner today.”

You barely suppress a laugh as Vernon’s head jerks up in surprise. “Wait, what? Really?”

You take that as your cue and grab your stuff, moving toward Chan’s station. You’re feeling lighter already, knowing the rest of this class won’t be nearly as awkward. Chan’s a great guy—easygoing, level-headed, and most importantly, not Vernon. 

You set your bag down on the counter and look over at Chan, who’s already elbow-deep in his notes, completely unaware of the chaos you just caused. “Hey, Chan,” you say, forcing a cheerful tone despite everything. “Looks like we’re partners now.”

He looks up with a bright smile, oblivious to the fact that he’s been dragged into your mess. “Oh, hey, Y/N! Sounds good to me.” He’s so sweet and always so positive, but… well, the thing is, Chan could not for the life of him keep track of chemical reactions if his life depended on it. This could be the worst decision you’ve made today.

You sit down, a little defeated, as you adjust your gloves and open the instructions. You’re partnered with Chan now, but nothing feels quite right. As sweet as he is, chemistry might as well be a foreign language to him. You glance back over at Vernon’s lab station, which, of course, is conveniently located just a few feet away. You can hear the familiar sound of Vernon and Seungkwan’s voices drifting toward you, but you’re so not ready to face them just yet.

You feel your chest tighten as you try to ignore it, but then Vernon speaks again. “I don’t bite, Y/N,” he teases, his voice cutting through the air like a soft command. It’s casual, playful even, but it does nothing to stop the heat that floods your face.

You swallow hard, praying the blush on your cheeks isn’t visible. This is not the moment. Not the perfect moment to have him distract you. Your pulse picks up at the sound of his voice again, and you can almost feel his gaze on you. You don’t look back, but you know he’s probably waiting for a response.

“Y/N?” Chan says softly, his voice pulling you out of your mental spiral. “Are you okay?”

You quickly look away, feeling that familiar heat creeping up your neck. “I’m fine,” you mutter to yourself. “I’m fine.”

Your stomach flips as an idea strikes you—fake sick. You’ve done it before, and it’s a perfect way to buy yourself some time away from Vernon, maybe even the entire day.

Just get through this, and then you can run away forever.

Your body starts to tremble slightly as you put a hand to your forehead, doing your best to sound miserable. “Ugh, I don’t feel so good...”

Chan immediately rushes to your side, concern flashing across his face, and you can hear Seungkwan's snort of disbelief. Vernon looks at you with a furrowed brow, clearly not buying it. But he’s too polite to say anything. “You sure? You look kinda green.”

That’s your cue. You make a dramatic move, leaning over the lab counter, your hands gripping it as if you're about to collapse. Your stomach gives another exaggerated roll as you close your eyes. “I think I’m gonna be sick,” you say in a voice that’s so over the top, it sounds like it came straight out of a soap opera.

You expect Vernon to panic, maybe grab your arm to steady you, but instead, he just stares at you, his eyes narrowing in suspicion. “Really?” he asks slowly, clearly unconvinced. "Or is it that you want to run away again?"

Oh my god. You freeze, horrified that Vernon might actually be onto you. You try to hide your terror behind your palm, rubbing your eyes like you’re just too tired to keep up the act. “No! No... I’m definitely sick,” you say with a cough for added effect.

But Vernon isn’t having it. He places his hands on his hips, shaking his head with a small chuckle. “You’re not even trying to hide it. Just admit you’re avoiding me. What’s the deal?”

You panic, fully aware that your ridiculous performance isn’t going to fool him for long. You grab your bag off the back of the chair with a look of pure desperation. “No, no! I just—uh, I need to go to the bathroom! I’ll be right back, promise!”

Before Chan can protest, you push past him, stumbling out of the lab with as much speed as your shaking legs can muster. You burst out into the hallway, nearly running into a group of students on their way to their next class. Too close. You force your breathing to steady as you walk briskly, acting like you haven’t just staged the most obvious escape ever.

You round the corner, ducking into the nearest restroom. You push open the door, locking it behind you, leaning against the cool tile wall as you try to gather yourself. What is wrong with you?

Your phone buzzes in your pocket. Seungkwan, of course.

Boo 🍊: i was joking when i said u should get the plague idiot

Boo 🍊: ur the worst actor i’ve ever seen

Y/N: i had to ok

Y/N: this is a nightmare.

Your phone buzzes again almost immediately. 

Boo 🍊: ur so obvious it’s kinda gross

Boo 🍊: chan’s gonna fail this lab for u. also. U NEED TO TALK TO VERNON AT SOME POINT

Y/N: not today!

It’s Friday night. One week since that confession. And honestly? All you want right now is a shot of shitty tequila, a cheap beer, and some damn good music to drown out the past seven days. You’re tired of thinking about it. You’re tired of pretending like last weekend never happened.

The second you and Seungkwan step through the door of Mingyu’s house, you're hit with a wave of noise. It’s too loud, the bass too heavy, but somehow, that’s exactly what you need. The house is packed, the kind of party that screams “let’s fuck up everything in the best way possible.” You spot Mingyu behind the kitchen counter, already wearing that signature smirk of his, mixing drinks for whoever’s brave enough to stand in line. But then—of course—your night has to take a turn.

Vernon.

He’s sprawled out on the couch, head bopping to some random SoundCloud rap, looking way too at ease in his flannel and backwards cap. Fucking perfect. You mentally groan. You’d hoped for at least a few hours of peace tonight, but apparently, that’s not in the cards.

Seungkwan nudges you, elbow digging into your side. “Well, well, well,” he says with that knowing grin. “Guess your worst nightmare is here.”

You shove him back, rolling your eyes. “Don’t make it worse.”

“Too late,” Seungkwan chirps. “Now, let’s get some tequila in your system.”

You head straight for the kitchen, not bothering with small talk. The music is too loud, the room too warm, and your head is already swimming with the thought of one thing: tequila. You pull the bottle off the shelf with the same speed as if it’s your lifeline, and without hesitation, you pour yourself a generous shot. No chaser. Just straight into your system.

Seungkwan eyes you carefully from the counter. “Careful,” he singsongs in your ear, his voice dripping with teasing. “That’s what got you into this mess in the first place.”

You shoot him a sideways glance, the corners of your lips twitching upward. “Shut up,” you mutter, then down the tequila like it’s water. The burn sears down your throat, and the warmth spreads through your chest almost immediately.

You reach for another shot when—just your fucking luck—Vernon walks into the kitchen. His eyes land on you instantly, like he knew exactly where to find you. You want to swallow him whole—no, just pretend he's not even here– but you know that’s not going to happen.

“Wow, look who’s getting to the good stuff early,” Vernon says, voice as smooth as ever. His gaze flicks down to your hand around the bottle, and then right back up to your face, and something in his eyes makes you want to melt into a puddle on the floor.

Seungkwan shoots you a sideways look, his smirk turning even more mischievous. With a dramatic sigh, he pushes himself off the counter, clearly done with this conversation already. “Alright, well, have fun with that,” he says in a sing-songy voice, clearly aware of how uncomfortable this is getting. Then, he makes his exit, blowing you a mocking kiss from the doorway before disappearing into the living room.

You roll your eyes at his back, shooting him a silent curse with your eyes, but the moment Vernon steps forward, all that annoyance evaporates into something else entirely. Your focus is back on him, and that damn smirk on his face.

“Didn’t know tequila was your thing,” Vernon says casually, leaning against the counter next to you. You move to pour another shot, but Vernon steps closer, cornering you against the counter with that infuriating smirk plastered on his face. The proximity is almost suffocating, and you feel your pulse spike in your neck, your heart pounding. You try not to make eye contact, your gaze fixed firmly on the bottle in your hand, as if it could somehow shield you from him.

Vernon’s smirk widens, and he leans in slightly. “Y’know, you need to look at me to make conversation,” he says, voice low and teasing.

Before you can even process what’s happening, his hand slides under your jaw, his fingers gently but firmly lifting your chin until you have no choice but to meet his eyes.

Your breath hitches in your throat, and for a second, you forget to breathe. His eyes are almost burning into you, and you can’t look away—not that you want to.

For a second, you forget about everything. Your entire focus narrows to the guy standing in front of you, the guy who’s been fucking with your head for over a week now. You try to focus, try to snap yourself out of it, but damn—he looks good. Too good. That stupid backwards cap, the flannel shirt that’s just loose enough, the way his jawline sharpens under the dim kitchen light. You swallow, trying to keep your cool, but fuck, he’s too close. Too damn close. You want to push him away, but the closeness has your body freezing, every nerve on edge.

It’s the same feeling you had last week. And it’s happening again.

Fuck. No. This is not how it’s supposed to go.

Your mind races, trying to think of something, anything, to get out of this. Then—like a miracle—Mingyu strolls by, not even realizing the chaos you’re trying to keep under control. You latch onto him like a lifeline.

“Mingyu! HI!” you shout, ducking under Vernon’s arm and making a beeline for him. You grip his arm with a little too much force, probably dragging him away from whatever conversation he was having with someone else. He looks at you, eyebrows furrowing in confusion, but you don’t even give him a chance to ask why you’re acting like a madman.

“Long time no see! Let’s catch up!” you practically drag him out of the kitchen before Vernon can say anything, and Mingyu shoots a glance over his shoulder at you. He looks confused, but soon the music envelops you, and he happily throws an arm around your shoulder and pulls you onto the dance floor.

The music is a blur of bass and off-key notes, but the tequila in your system helps dull everything, smooths out the jagged edges of your thoughts. Mingyu is practically yelling in your ear, his voice way too loud for the volume of the song, but you can’t help but laugh at his unrelenting enthusiasm. He’s screaming the lyrics to some cheesy pop song—something from five years ago that you can’t even remember the name of—but he’s grinning, and you can’t help but mirror his energy. For a moment, the heat of the room and the chaos of the party become distant, fading into the background, and for the first time in what feels like forever, you forget about Vernon. You forget about everything.

Mingyu pulls you into a ridiculous spin, and you laugh, the sound lost in the music. His arm tightens around your shoulders as he twirls you back into his chest, but just as you feel yourself getting lost in the rhythm, your phone buzzes in your pocket. It’s Seungkwan.

You swipe the screen without thinking, still caught in the whirl of the dance floor.

Boo 🍊:  he’s staring at you

Your heart drops.

You freeze mid-spin, suddenly feeling too warm, too exposed, like you’re still back in that kitchen, caught between the tequila, the tension, and the pull of Vernon’s eyes. The phone screen flickers in your hand, but you don’t even need to read the message again to know what it means. You know Seungkwan’s been watching the two of you dance around each other, and you know who he is. Vernon’s watching you. He’s staring.

You glance over your shoulder instinctively, and there—across the room, leaning against the doorframe—is Vernon. That tantalizing smirk is still in place, like it’s carved into his face. His eyes are on you, not even trying to hide it, and that stupid look on his face says everything. The way he watches you makes your skin tingle, and the realization hits you harder than the tequila burn in your stomach.

“Yo, you good?” Mingyu’s voice cuts through the noise, pulling you back to the present. You swallow hard, still trying to shake the feeling of Vernon’s gaze on you. You force a smile and nod, but all you can think about is the way Vernon is watching you.

“Mingyu,” you murmur, grabbing his wrist, “I think I need a drink. I’ll be right back.”

Before he can protest, you make a beeline for the kitchen again, your feet moving quicker than you can process. You need space. You need air. The heat of the dance floor still clings to your skin, but it’s nothing compared to the suffocating feeling that’s starting to build in your chest. The tequila's starting to wear off, but your nerves are still shot, and you can’t get rid of the image of Vernon leaning against the doorframe, eyes fixed on you like he’s just waiting for you to make a move.

The kitchen’s quieter, the music a distant hum, and you’re almost grateful for the space, the absence of people. You grab the tequila bottle again, not caring if anyone’s watching. You pour yourself another shot, but before you can even bring it to your lips, you hear footsteps approaching. You don’t need to look up to know who it is.

“I think we should talk,” Vernon’s voice sounds closer than you expect. You try not to flinch, but you can’t stop yourself from stiffening. You move to step away, but then his hand is on the counter next to you, trapping you in place. You don’t want to look at him, not after everything that’s happened.

“I’m serious,” he adds, tone shifting just slightly. There’s a quiet edge to his voice, a softness you’ve never heard before, but it only makes you hesitate more.

You finally raise your gaze, and for the first time tonight, you meet his eyes. His smirk is still there, but there’s something else too—something you can’t quite place.

“I don’t want to talk to you right now,” you say, your voice lower than you intended.

Vernon’s eyes flicker for a moment, a flash of something unreadable crossing his face, but the moment’s gone too quickly. He chuckles lightly, not mocking, but with a sense of finality.

“Fair enough.” He straightens up, taking a step back, giving you a little more space, but still standing there. “But just so you know…” His voice softens again, the teasing replaced with something a little too sincere for your comfort. “I’m not going anywhere.”

Fuck. That’s it. You can’t be here anymore.

You spin on your heel, heading straight for Seungkwan, who’s been knee-deep in a Mario Kart championship with Soonyoung and Seokmin. The game is so intense that Seungkwan barely notices you storming up to him, too busy yelling at the screen as he tries to secure his victory.

“Time to go,” you say, your voice sharp enough that even Seungkwan can’t ignore it.

He looks up from his game, a little confused. “What? We just GOT HERE!”

“TIME TO GO, SEUNGKWAN,” you hiss, a little louder this time, unable to mask the frustration that’s bubbling up in your chest.

Seungkwan groans, annoyed that his Mario Kart dominance is being interrupted, but he stands up anyway, muttering something about the injustice of it all.

But then, like a fucking curse, Vernon appears in front of you, stepping into your path just as you try to make your exit. His presence feels almost too heavy in the moment, his gaze unrelenting as his lips curl into that same familiar smirk.

“Leaving so early?” he asks, voice laced with amusement, and his eyes lock on yours, steady and impossible to ignore. It makes your stomach flip, and you feel that heat in your cheeks you can’t seem to get rid of.

You avoid his gaze, turning your face just enough to escape the intensity of it. “Oh yeah, early morning,” you mumble, desperate to get out of there. “Lots of stuff to do, classes and all…”

Vernon tilts his head slightly, his smirk widening as if he can see right through your bullshit. “Tomorrow’s Saturday,” he says, voice matter-of-fact, as if calling out your feeble excuse is somehow amusing to him.

Shit.

You try to force a smile through it, but it feels like it’s made of plastic, fake and thin. You avoid his gaze like it’s radioactive. “Yeah, uh… just, you know—okay, bye!” You nearly shove Seungkwan out the door before Vernon can say another word.

The second the door slams shut behind you, Seungkwan bursts out laughing, his voice loud in the quiet of the carpark.

“You’re such a mess,” he cackles, still trying to catch his breath. “Did you seriously try to pull the early morning classes excuse? Like, no one knows tomorrow’s Saturday?”

You shoot him a middle finger, too tired to even care. “Shut up, Seungkwan. Just drive.”

He laughs harder, but at least he doesn’t push it further. Seungkwan’s car engine roars to life, and as he drives off, the weight of the night slowly lifts from your shoulders. But in the back of your mind, you can still feel Vernon’s eyes on you, like they never really left.

Dinner a week later is nothing fancy—just some ramen you scrounged up after dragging yourself through another shit show of a week. The kitchen, warm and dimly lit by the overhead light, feels like a small refuge, and for a second, you’re fine with being here. The steam rising from your bowl swirls in the air, and you twirl the noodles absentmindedly, trying to ignore the weight of everything slowly settling over you.

Seungkwan’s sitting across from you, casually slurping his ramen, but there’s something in the way his eyes flicker up, a strange glint in them, that makes you pause. The silence stretches for a moment, the kind that feels like it’s waiting for something, and then, as if he can’t hold it in any longer, he drops the bomb.

“Vernon’s coming over later.”

You freeze, a piece of noodle hanging from your chopsticks, your eyes wide. “WHAT?” You nearly choke on the noodles, the shock making you forget to swallow. “Why the hell is he coming over? Are you—seriously?”

Seungkwan raises an eyebrow, lips curling into a grin that doesn’t match his feigned innocence. “Just to study,” he says, shrugging like it’s the most casual thing in the world. “Our lab midterm is in a couple of days, and we can’t figure out the damn ratios for the prelab.”

Your mind stutters, trying to catch up with what he’s saying. Vernon, your uncomfortably charming classmate, is coming here. Of course he is. “Seungkwan, you know I—” You stop, frustrated, searching for words that aren’t quite coming. This is your house, your space, and you’re already struggling with the thought of being alone with him. The awkward tension from the last few days suddenly feels so much heavier now.

Seungkwan, not missing a beat, looks over at you with a teasing grin. “Haven’t you run away enough? It’s been, like, almost two weeks.” He’s got that smirk on his face again, the one that says he knows exactly what he’s doing, pushing all the right buttons to get you riled up.

You glare at him, trying to muster some kind of defense, but your words come out quieter than you expect. “I’m not running away,” you snap, though it’s weak. It’s been two weeks of exactly that. “I’m just—busy. You know, college stuff.”

Seungkwan raises an eyebrow, clearly not buying it, and you feel your resolve crumble under his knowing look. “Yeah, sure. College stuff. That’s totally why you’ve been dodging Vernon for the past week. Can’t blame you though—guy’s got a way of making things... uncomfortable.” He chuckles at his own joke, but there’s an edge of teasing that cuts too close to the truth.

You groan, rubbing your face in frustration. “Stop making this worse.”

“Hey, I’m just saying,” Seungkwan shrugs, his grin widening. “Haven’t you thought about actually talking to him? It’s not like you’ve got that much time before he shows up.”

“Don’t remind me,” you mutter, then, more to yourself, “I didn’t plan this. He didn’t plan this. This is... This is all just—” You stop yourself, shaking your head, your words trailing off.

Seungkwan chuckles again, but this time, it’s softer, almost like he’s giving you space to breathe. “Look, I’m just saying, maybe stop running away for once. You’ll figure it out.” He slaps you lightly on the back, clearly trying to lighten the mood.

But before you can even gather your thoughts, Seungkwan’s phone rings. He picks it up immediately, urgency lacing his voice, and you’re taken off guard.

“Seokmin?” He pauses, listening. “What? Is the fish… what? It can’t breathe??” He gasps, standing up quickly. “I’ll be right there, man, I swear! I’m coming now!”

He hangs up, looking at you, his face twisting into exaggerated concern. “Emergency. Seokmin’s fish is dying.”

You blink, disbelief painted on your face. “You’re fucking joking. You’re actually leaving me with Vernon? Alone?”

“Yup!” Seungkwan says, already halfway to the door. “You’re on your own, Y/N! Don’t burn the place down!” His laugh echoes as he bolts out, leaving you standing in the middle of the kitchen, staring after him in utter disbelief.

Great. Just great.

A few minutes later, the doorbell rings. Your stomach does a flip, nerves bubbling in your chest. You almost consider pretending you’re not home, hiding in your bedroom until Vernon leaves. But that’s childish, and you can’t avoid this forever. With a sigh, you pull yourself to the door and open it, finding Vernon standing there, looking annoyingly comfortable with that goddamn grin on his face.

“Hi,” he says, voice teasing but warm. “So, Seungkwan tells me we’re doing some studying?”

You step aside to let him in. The last thing you want is to be rude, but the silence that follows as you both walk to the kitchen feels suffocating. You can practically feel the tension hanging in the air, thick with all the things you’ve been avoiding. His presence lingers, like it’s always been there, and yet it’s different now.

Vernon leans against the counter casually, and you busy yourself with rearranging things on the counter, anything to avoid looking at him. You can feel his eyes on you, but you can’t make yourself meet them. Every time you think about what happened, your heart races, and the words you said to him feel like a blur. But they’re always there, hovering on the edge of your thoughts.

Finally, Vernon breaks the silence, his voice softer than before. “You’ve been avoiding me.”

You freeze. The air in the room seems to tighten, and his words land with the weight of a trap you didn’t see coming.

“What?” You try to laugh it off, but the sound comes out rough, more strained than you intended. “Pshhhh nooooo.”

“You have.” Vernon pushes off the counter, stepping closer to you. His movements are deliberate, but there’s a softness in them as he closes the space. His eyes remain locked on yours, steady and searching, like he’s waiting for you to crack, to finally admit something. You can’t look away, your breath shallow, the pulse at your neck pounding hard. “And you can’t even look me in the eye. Did I do something wrong?”

His voice is gentle, almost too gentle, and it makes your chest tighten. You shift uncomfortably, your arms folding across your body, a silent defense against the intensity of his gaze. The room feels smaller now, every inch of space filled with the heat between you. You feel trapped, your heart hammering in your chest, yet there's nowhere you'd rather be—and that's the problem.

“No, Vern, I just—” You stop, sucking in a breath, trying to steady yourself. “I said something I didn’t mean the other night.”

Vernon’s eyes narrow, a flicker of something in them—recognition, maybe? The way his lips part slightly, a mix of confusion and understanding. “You didn’t mean it?”

The words hit like a physical blow, and your stomach twists. You want to take them back, but instead, you find yourself retreating into yourself, avoiding his gaze. “I—what?”

“Did you mean it?” Vernon presses, and you swear you can feel his gaze like a weight on your skin. He’s not backing off, not letting this go.

You’re caught. You open your mouth, but no words come out, and the silence between you feels like it’s suffocating. You feel the heat rising to your face, your hands trembling by your sides.

“Mean what?” you finally manage, voice quieter than you’d like.

He steps even closer now, his body inches from yours, and his gaze doesn’t falter. His lips barely part as he speaks, the words lingering in the air between you. “Don’t play dumb with me, Y/N. You told me you loved me.”

The room spins, the ground beneath you feeling unsteady. You blink, your chest tightening as the memory of that night rushes back, sharp and overwhelming. Your hands move restlessly, clutching at the counter as if it’ll keep you from falling.

“But I was drunk—” You stumble over the words, desperate to explain, but his gaze doesn’t waver. His eyes are steady, unwavering, and you can’t escape them.

“Drunk words are sober thoughts,” Vernon says softly, his voice firm, but there’s no anger in it—only a certainty that rattles you.

“I just didn’t mean to put you on the spot—” You try again, but this time, he stops you, his tone more reassuring than you expect.

“You didn’t,” he says quietly, his hand reaching out, brushing a loose strand of hair from your face in a surprisingly tender gesture. “You didn’t put me on the spot.”

“Okay?” you ask, your voice uncertain. You can’t tell if you’ve just misunderstood everything or if this moment has shifted entirely. You blink at him, still trying to catch up.

Vernon smiles then, a soft, almost affectionate smile, and the air between you shifts. The tension eases just a little, but it’s still thick, like something’s hanging in the balance. “You don’t remember, do you?”

“No…” you whisper, the words coming out almost too quietly, but Vernon just laughs.

“I said I loved you too, idiot.”

You freeze. The words crash into your chest, and you feel the ground tilt beneath you again. This time, it’s harder to recover from. “You—you WHAT?”

Vernon chuckles, his grin widening, and this time, it’s teasing, almost mischievous. “Come on,” he says, stepping closer. His chest is almost brushing yours now. “I love you too. Can you stop running away now?”

“I WASN’T!” you protest, but the words fall flat, not convincing even yourself. Your body is tense, but his proximity makes your heart race in a way you don’t quite understand.

“You were,” Vernon says, his smirk softening just enough to catch you off guard. You feel your knees go weak at the way his gaze softens, like he’s pulling you into something you’re not sure you’re ready for. “But it was kinda cute, y’know?”

Before you can even think of a response, he's right there, too close—like, uncomfortably close. His presence feels like it’s swallowing up all the space between you, and suddenly, you’re backed up against the counter, like he’s somehow managed to get you cornered without even trying. It’s all too familiar, too much like that night at the party. You can’t help but stiffen, but it’s not bad, just... intense.

You can feel the heat radiating off him now, like it’s pulling you in, and the way he’s leaning in just enough that you can’t help but tilt your head to meet his eyes—your heart starts hammering in your chest. Too close. Way too close. Your body wants to take a step back, but you don’t, mostly because you’re pretty sure you’re not even sure where to go from here.

And he knows it. You can see it in the way he’s standing, like he's completely unbothered, like it’s no big deal that he’s got you backed up into a corner. Your shoulders feel tense, but your feet just stay planted where they are, like they’ve been glued to the floor. His gaze locks with yours, and you can feel that pull, that thing that makes it hard to breathe—like your chest is getting tight and you’re not sure if you want to run or stay.

There’s this low buzz in the air between you two, and you don’t know how much of it is him or how much is just your heart freaking out. His breath is right there, close enough that you’re aware of the way it catches every time you look at him. And you can’t even tell if you’re annoyed at how close he’s gotten or if your mind is too distracted by how nice it feels to have him this near.

You’re trapped, but you’re not sure if you mind it. It’s like your chest is about to burst from the tension, or maybe it’s going to stop completely. Either way, you're not entirely sure which one you're hoping for.

“No more running,” he murmurs, his voice low, steady, eyes never leaving yours. There’s no doubt in his tone, no hesitation, like he’s already made up his mind. The space between you two feels charged now, the air thick with the unspoken.

“No more running,” you echo, the words slipping out before you can stop them, and for the first time, they feel right. You’re not sure why, but you believe it.

And then, Vernon leans in, his lips brushing against yours.

The kiss is slow, soft at first, like he’s giving you space to catch up. His lips are warm and a little sweet, tasting faintly of mint from the gum he’s been chewing earlier. You inhale through your nose, catching the subtle scent of his cologne—fresh, with a hint of wood and citrus—that wraps around you like it’s always been there, like it’s familiar. Every part of him seems to make the world outside feel distant, unimportant. The tension, the uncertainty, the past few days—they don’t matter anymore. 

The pressure of his lips increases, more certain now, and the warmth of his mouth sends a flutter through you. You lean in, responding, your hand instinctively finding the chain around his neck, pulling him closer, as if you can’t quite get enough of him. It’s slow, deliberate, like he wants to savor it just as much as you do. For the first time in days, everything feels like it’s in its right place.

When he pulls back, it’s just enough to speak, his lips still lingering on yours. “Y’know,” he says with a playful grin, “We could’ve been doing this two weeks ago if you weren’t so emotionally constipated.”

You laugh, breathless, pulling him closer by his chain. The heat creeping up your neck is almost unbearable. “Shut up,” you protest, half-smiling. “You can’t blame a girl for what she says when she’s drunk.”

“I won’t,” he agrees with a smirk, kissing you again, this time a little more urgently. “But I can’t make any promises about Seungkwan.”

From the hallway, you hear Seungkwan’s unmistakable voice, a triumphant cheer echoing from the door.