#and if the client wants me on the team then yay

[ilikedetectives]

First interview passed (that means the company wants me), second technical interview with their client is scheduled for Monday 🤞

[matchalovertrait]

We can't act totally reckless here! This is a risky mission for a pair of amateurs. They needed to consult highly-trained and experienced professionals. Luckily, THE iconic duo from the S.I.M.S. Agency took time out of their schedule to share their wisdom. Yay!!!!! Thank you so much @ruthplaysthesims for letting me borrow Carlos and Tyson! 💞💞💞 Look at them!!!

One phone call later...

DULCE: I’m confused. You know actual real-life secret agents???

ANTONIO: Yes, but you have to promise to not tell anybody. Not one soul. Except for Cosi.

DULCE: I do promise!!! But how do you know them? Aren’t they supposed to be... well, secret?

ANTONIO: A while back, I assisted them with some legal matters. They said they “owe me one,” so I am redeeming that help now.

CARLOS: Hey, what’s up?

TYSON: It’s been a minute, man!

CARLOS: This is the client sworn to secrecy, right?

DULCE: YES!!!! Obviously I’ve never heard of you two before, but I’m still very much a huge fan!!! I won’t say anything.

ANTONIO: I would’ve preferred you did this mission for us since it’s a dire situation, but I know you are very busy.

TYSON: We could tell it was urgent from the phone call earlier. That Leslie Caruso guy sounds repulsive. You sure you don’t want us to swoop in and take care of him?

CARLOS: He’s joking...

TYSON: Am I?

ANTONIO: We’re sure. All I’m asking for is advice. We need to go to the party in disguise and retrieve the notebook.

TYSON: That’s a good start with the disguises.

CARLOS: When you arrive at the scene, you’re not “Antonio” or “Dulce” anymore. You must fully embrace your new identities.

TYSON: Confidence will take you far. If you act with assurance, people will believe it.

ANTONIO: You got that? Daniela told me about your last attempt at disguising yourself at the coffee shop.

DULCE: Shhhh! I’m learning here.

CARLOS: Furthermore, keep your story simple if you run into anybody. Don’t overexplain.

TYSON: That can make you look suspicious immediately. Also, try to “speak their language.” Mirror them if you can.

ANTONIO: Keep that in mind too, Ms. Alegría.

DULCE: What if we get stuck and don’t know what to say?

CARLOS: Earpieces. Maybe get another person involved in this mission. Again, don’t tell them about us, please.

DULCE: Understood! Any last tips?

TYSON: Hmm...

TYSON: If things go wrong, don’t hesitate to abandon the mission. Leave the notebook and stay safe. If you do retrieve the notebook, don’t stick around. Head straight to the exit and don’t look back.

CARLOS: And work together as a team. You have to rely on and trust each other wholeheartedly. An unsteady team can easily jeopardize the mission.

DULCE: Thank you! These are the things they don’t cover in the spy movies!

TYSON: We’re happy to help.

CARLOS: Good luck.

TYSON: Let us know if you need anything else.

ANTONIO: We appreciate it immensely.

DULCE: Bye!!!

DULCE: [Whispers] I love you guys.

[unknownarchiviste]

coming home with you

⟡ some nights ⟡ hong joshua // 761 words ⟡ no sensitive contents ⟡ hello! i'm back with another installment of my short fic series—some nights. this has been in my drafts since holiday season but i haven't had the time to polish it up. also, after writing here for 2 years (time flew by so quickly!), i finally launched by ko-fi account (yay!). there's nothing there yet but i'll probably tell you guys if i ever post something there :) anyways, i hope you enjoy this fic. ⟡ other stories

that night when you and joshua miss home

The sound of the train doors opening woke you up.

Sleepily, you looked around and saw that you were near your station. You immediately sat up straight and checked your phone for the time. It was already nearing midnight.

After having a really busy day and hopping in a train immediately after work to travel for five hours from Busan to Seoul, it was no wonder you fell asleep. It didn't help that every passenger on the subway was so quiet you could only hear the therapeutic sound of the wagons moving over the rails. It wasn't surprising though, especially since it was the last train of the day. Everyone was probably as tired as you.

You unlocked your phone and messaged your boyfriend Joshua.

'Are you already asleep? :)'

Your job as an event planner assistant usually requires you to go in and out of the office to meet with clients. Traveling from place to place is nothing new to you. However, you were assigned to a big event in Busan, which is approximately 3-5 hours away from Seoul. Given that the client and the suppliers were mostly in Busan, the event team were to temporarily stay there. 

It is your first big event since you started working. At the same time, it is also the first time you'll be in a sort of long distance relationship with Joshua. You're not sure if you were to be happy or sad about it.

At first, you were handling it quite well. The late night video calls after your busy days were enough to keep you from missing him. However, a month into that set-up, there were some nights you missed him so badly you cry after your late night calls.

And tonight was one of those nights.

As soon as you handed in your deliverable for the day, you immediately took a train back to Seoul. He would probably scold you for traveling after a tiring day but you really wanted to see him.

You wanted to be home.

The train finally reached your stop but Joshua hasn’t replied yet. He was probably asleep. Should you go home to your apartment tonight and just go to him early tomorrow? But the image of his confused sleepy face if you come knocking at his door this time of the night was pretty tempting.

You were walking out of the exit, contemplating whether to surprise him tonight or not when a figure stepped in front of you. You were about to move aside to give the stranger some room to walk to when the familiar whiff of perfume hit your nose. Immediately, you looked up and gasped.

“Hi?” Joshua grinned, probably enjoying your surprised expression.

Your tired mind was having a hard time catching up on what’s happening. You were supposed to surprise him in his apartment. He was supposed to be asleep. You were supposed to knock on his door and jump into his embrace as soon as he opened the door. 

He wasn’t supposed to be standing in front of you, still in his office clothes at midnight, smiling down at you.

“Shua?” was the only word you said, still frozen in surprise.

“I was about to surprise you too,” he explained, still chuckling at your reaction. “But when I asked your workmates about where you’re staying and what time you’ll be out, they told me you’re headed here. So I just waited for you...”

You stared at him, still couldn’t believe that he’s in front of you. But when your gaze traveled from his face down to his hand which was holding a small bouquet of flowers, reality finally dawned on you. Your tears welled up. Your hands flew to cover your face that’s starting to get flooded by tears. 

“You even have flowers,” you cried.

Joshua laughed as he pulled you into a tight embrace. He kissed the top of your head and gently rubbed your back. “I missed you so much,” he whispered.

You cried more as he enveloped you with warmth—both your tired body and your weary heart. Being in his arms felt like finally lying down on a soft bed after a long day. His gentle pats on your back felt like the encouragement you badly needed to go on. His little kisses on the top of your head felt like your favorite dream that you would always remember.

And when he pulled away, cradling your tear-stricken face in his hands, you couldn’t help but say, “I’m home...”

Joshua smiled, wiping your tears away. “I am, too.”

[goshdangronpa]

When I'm not writing Danganronpa fan fiction, I moonlight as a professional content/copywriter. All the fresh discourse about plagiarism is reminding me of some formative experiences in my work life, and certain people I've met ...

My first job was with a fast-paced marketing company. The in-house writing team maintained weekly blogs for a bunch of clients, and each writer had to write two 1000-word blog posts a day. That's tough, especially for someone who was still pretty fresh in the field. We were salaried rather than hourly (!), so there was no incentive to staying late ... but that also meant the company didn't have to fret about overtime pay, so we could stay late if we needed it. I'd regularly be the last one in the office, still pumping out words in the struggle to meet deadlines.

Much of my time was spent on research. I knew little about the subjects at hand, which were sometimes highly technical, so I couldn't just BS my way through assignments. I even requested and received permission to take one client's worker education course, just so I could know what the heck I was writing about. It didn't seem at all remarkable to me. It was a job. My job. Although I could've been better, or at least faster, I simply did what needed to be done.

I learned that others took a ... different approach.

One supervisor was on sabbatical for the first couple of months I worked there. I respected them as my superior. Then I was assigned to peer-edit one of their articles, something we did with everything we wrote. One uncited claim led me to Google ... where I found a nearly identical article already published. Supervisor did the ol' switcheroo of amending sentence structures and swapping words for poorly chosen synonyms. I brought it up with them, saying I wouldn't report the incident but urged them to not do that. I can't recall what happened next, other than not trusting Supervisor anymore.

After three months passed, I was up for employee review. The bosses liked what they've read - yay! And then they said, "Here's why we're not giving you a raise." My stomach dropped. Apparently, they checked how many articles everyone wrote. I was behind on a quota I knew nothing about. If I wanted more money, I should take a page from the writer in the lead. Champ had somehow written 60 articles in the past month. Amazing! My employer set a goal much humbler than what my work friend had surpassed. If Champ could do that much, surely I could do this little.

Reader, I did my best. I stayed at the office later and later, especially as the date of my next employee review drew near. Due to my salaried status, I wasn't even paid for that overtime, but I put in the time anyway. It was all for nothing. Just a week before the next meeting, where they would've decided whether I deserved a raise or not, they laid off virtually the entire writing department. Apparently, underpaying freelancers who don't get benefits was easier.

Only one person from the crew stayed. If it was gonna be anybody, it was golden goose Champ, who maintained their insane pace. I wished them well.

Anyone wanna guess the secret behind Champ's prodigious output? It's the same reason they got fired just a few weeks later.

The reveal was a betrayal. We were friends, Champ and I, getting each other through the grind of the content mill with sarcastic humor and deep conversations. They encouraged and motivated me to keep up, all the while hiding some dirty tricks that eventually helped them stay in the race while I spun out. I was shocked to discover that I had zero empathy for them. But they deserved none, the filthy plagiarist. Haven't spoken to them since finding out.

This may not be as sordid as everything H. Bomberguy discusses in his brilliant new video. My coworkers and I were literally anonymous, with no clout to speak of, let alone abuse. Our clients were small businesses with little platform, which is why they contracted a marketing agency in the first place. Still, it hurt the hell out of me, and I wasn't even the one being copied! Plagiarism is a curse word in my household, lowest of the low (without getting into, like, actual atrocity).

And you know what? Years later, what I wrote for that company still holds up in my eyes. Those old blog posts aren't exactly the Great American Novel, or even on par with what I'd write as I gained more experience, but I put the effort into writing high-quality and original stuff. I worked hard. I still work hard. As self-deprecating and even self-loathing as I can be, I'll always pride myself on this. May you writers out there be able to pride yourselves on this, too.

[dkehoe]

Who knew April was going to have so many great romance releases? I surely did not! It was kind of tough to pick out only five but here goes. My Top 5 book I am most anticipating reading when they come out next month. #5 BOOK RELEASE This is the first book in a series that’s spinning off from the Rock Chick series which is one of my faves by this author. I’m waiting on pins and needles and have already purchased this book. Yay! Synopsis: Rachel Armstrong has a burning need to right the world’s wrongs. Thus, she becomes the Avenging Angel.And maybe she’s a bit too cocky about it. While riding a hunch about the identity of a kidnapper, she runs into Julien “Cap” Jackson, who was trained by the team at Nightingale Investigations in Denver. Now he’s a full-fledged member at their newly opened Phoenix branch. It takes Cap a beat to realize Raye’s the woman for him. It takes Raye a little longer (but just a little) to figure out how she feels about Cap. As Raye introduces Cap to her crazy posse of found family and his new home in the Valley of the Sun, Cap struggles with his protective streak. Because Raye has no intention to stop doing what she can to save the world. But there’s a mysterious entity out there who has discovered what Raye is up to, and they’ve become very interested. Not to mention, women are going missing in Phoenix, and it seems like the police aren’t taking it seriously. Raye believes someone should. So she recruits her best friend Luna, and between making coffees, mixing cocktails, planning parties and enduring family interventions (along with reunions), the Avenging Angels unite to ride to the rescue. Click this link to purchase this book!* Avenging Angel #4 BOOK RELEASE I really enjoyed this author’s previous novel Mrs. Nash’s Ashes. It was quirky and humorous and I’m hoping for a similar feel with this very different sounding novel. You read this synopsis and tell me that it doesn’t make you curious? Synopsis: Fake spirit medium Gretchen Acorn is happy to help when her best (read: wealthiest) client hires her to investigate the unexplained phenomena preventing the sale of her bridge partner’s struggling goat farm. Gretchen may be a fraud, but she’d like to think she’s a beneficentone. So if “cleansing” the property will help a nice old man finally retire and put some much-needed cash in her pockets at the same time, who’s she to say no?Of course, it turns out said bridge partner isn’t the kindly AARP member Gretchen imagined—Charlie Waybill is young, hot as hell, and extremely unconvinced that Gretchen can communicate with the dead. (Which, fair.) Except, to her surprise, Gretchen finds herself face-to-face with Everett: the very real, very chatty ghost that’s been wreaking havoc during every open house. And he wants her to help ensure Charlie avoids the same family curse that’s had Everett haunting Gilded Creek since the 1920s.Now, Gretchen has one month to convince Charlie he can’t sell the property. Unfortunately, hard work and honesty seem to be the way to win over the stubborn farmer—not exactly Gretchen’s strengths. But trust isn’t the only thing growing between them, and the risk of losing Charlie to the spirit realm looms over Gretchen almost as annoyingly as Everett himself. To save the goat farm, its friendly phantom, and the man she’s beginning to love, Gretchen will need to pull off the greatest con of her life: being fully, genuinely herself. Click this link to purchase this book!* Happy Medium #3 BOOK RELEASE The Cheat Sheet and Practice Makes Perfect were both great, so who wouldn’t want to try out Sarah Adams newest book release? I will be first in line! Synopsis: Nora Mackenzie’s entire career lies in the hands of famous NFL tight end Derek Pender, who also happens to be her extremely hot college ex-boyfriend. Nora didn’t end things as gracefully as she could have back then, and now it has come back to haunt her. Derek is her first client as an official full-time sports agent and he’s holding a grudge...

[uriduriragwaenchana]

BTS are going to the GRAMMYS so tune in folks 8/9 central or sumn on CBS;

`

°

~

-a moodboard by yours truly

[heliosthegriffin]

BPE

*Knocking at the door at Team JNPR’s dorm.*

Jaune opens the door to see Coco

Jaune: Oh, is it time already? Alright, I’ll get changed.

Coco *Nods*: Yep, time for you to make me some money.

Pyrrha: Money?

Jaune *nods*: Yep, I’ve got a side gig *Turns to Coco* You have my stuff for tonight?

Coco *hands Jaune a bag*: Yeah, It’s leader from Haven, so you know what she wants tonight.

Ren raises an eyebrow, whilst Nora attempts to look in the bag.

Jaune: Ah, just one second.

Jaune *takes his top off and puts on a set of expensive golden dog ears and tail*: Now, I’m dressed. Lets go.

Coco *Rubs here hands together*: Good, you really got that BPE going tonight.

Ren *Looks at Jaune skeptically*: Isn’t that a little racially insensitive to wear?

Jaune *Shrugs*: Velvet doesn’t care.

Pyrrha is struggling not to stare at Jaune, restraining one hand with great strength to not pet him. Nora has no such limits and tries to pet Jaune only to get her hand slapped away by Coco.

Coco: Hands off the merchandise! I will not have you mess with his BPE levels!

Ren: BPE?

Nora: Ah man, I want to pet him.

Pyrrha *Biting her lip hard enough to bleed*: Me too..

Coco *Grabs Jaune by the shoulder*: BPE. Big. Puppy. Energy! This boy here is so full of the stuff that he could fill a keg and sell it, and still have enough to reach level 9 BDE.

Ren *Starts to stare at Jaune*: Oh, I see it now.

Pyrrha *Burning a hole into Jaune’s abs*: I’ve always seen it.

Nora: Why did you start working a side gig, Jauney?

Jaune *putting on a collar that says good boy*: Coco talked me into it, saying I’m a natural 12 on BPE readings, and said I would have a good time. I did! Now, I get belly-rubs, headpats, and treats while getting paid! It’s awesome!

Coco *Rubs Jaune’s head*: Yes, you are a good boy, now lets go make mama some money!

Coco then leads Jaune out of the room.

The room goes silent,

A blushing team RWBY walks in.

Yang: What the hell was that?

Pyrrha: Apparently, Team JNPR is going to have to rent their own leader back.

Weiss *Fidgeting and blushing*: Uh, what are the rates?

Pyrrha: Listen here, you little shit-

---------------

Cinder: Alright, I need you all out of here tonight, I’m having company.

Mercury, Emerald, and Neo all look at Cinder with various degrees of disbelief, betrayal, and amusement.

Mercury: Woah boss, didn’t think you hadn’t in you!

Emerald: Why?

Neo:....

Cinder: What? This business is stressful and I need an outlet. *Throws some lien on the table* Now go, have fun or something. *One eye glows* Now.

A frantic Mercury pulls a sulking Emerald out, while Neo smirks does a curtsy and then vanishes.

A couple minutes later knocking is at Cinders door.

Cinder *Peers through a crack in between the door*: Did you bring the goods?

Coco *rips the door open*: Yep, now pay up!

Jaune *walks in*: Hi, Cin!

Cinder *Slaps a stack of Lien into Cocos hand*: Now, we’re even. Leave.

Coco *Slaps Jaune’s butt*: You got him for six hours, then I’ll be back.

Jaune: Bye Coco!

Coco walks out.

Cinder looks from side to side before closing and locking the door.

Cinder in a sweet voice, giving Jaune headpats: How’s my favorite boy doing tonight! 

Jaune: Good!

Cinder: Aw, aren’t you cute! Tonight we’re going to watch a bunch of Schdisney, and have all the treats you can eat!

Jaune: Yay!

Neo from under her semblance watches with a mixture of disgust, confusion, amusement, and slight envy at the pair as Jaune lays in Cinder lap as they spend the night watch animated movies.

Several Hours later.

Cinder: NOOO! You can’t just take him away!

Coco: Sorry lady, but I’ve got other clients who’ve booked him. You’ll just have to book him when he’s open again.

Jaune being fireman carried by Coco waves at Cinder: Bye Cin, see you later!

Cinder teary eyed: I’ll miss you, *Turns to Coco* When is his next opening?

Coco pulls out a book: Here, 

Cinder: I’ll pay double for the entire day.

Coco: Deal, see you next Saturday.

Coco walks down the hallway with Jaune only for Jaune to start levitating as Ms. Goodwitch pull him towards her.

Glynda: You were going to be late, so  I’ve come to claim him early.

Coco *Sweating*: Yeah teach, take you time.

Glynda pushing Jaune’s head into her breasts with a manic look in her eyes: That I will.

Jaune accepts his fate and is carried off.

Coco: Man is she hot, but man is she crazy.

[psicostyles]

Loving me takes patience.

Hello, here it's the third part nobody asked for, but it's here anyway!

if you like, please let me know, it means a lot to me, besties <3 Read the previous parts: one, two

This is a dad!harry x oc character, it's all about Latinas girls, babes!

PART THREE At least one month since they closed the contract with Ms. Sabino's company, the website project was progressing. In the meeting where they'd discuss the project, Harry was the co-leader. The interface that Ms. Sabino requested must need three prior things: 1) An assistant who is always online - not a robot though - 2) A simple and clean layout where the topics could be easily found 3) the website must contain at least three idioms in case the customer needs it. A lot of things, don't you think? 

When Harry was invited to join the project he was a bit confused about how things work, so let's refresh a little bit. Harry works for Jonah in a small IT company, Ms. Sabino heard about them due to their potential work even though they are a small company, and Sabino made an agreement with Jonah on behalf of his client. So, mathematically speaking it goes like this, an IT company contacted Sabino, then Sabino contacted Jonah, then Jonah reached Rebecca, and finally, the company who contacted Sabino first made a deal with Harry's team. Easier, right? 

How Harry wishes it was that simple, the company that contacted Sabino first, is named after the owner's mother, so it is called Proyecto Julieta. It belongs to Max. The project Max wanted was the following thing, a platform of Real State Plans, so every single person who was searching for a place to live, with accessible prices could find it on their website. Nice huh? Well, not for them. 

Harry and Jason, his leader, spent hours of meetings, calculating, designing, and getting tired to death. Harry wasn't even graduated for sake! How did he suppose to know of all this shit? They both agreed it was better to go home, it was a very long day. 

Getting home, Lisa was still there, he told her she could go home now since he is here. As usual daddy duties were calling; after a long session of hugs and kissing and maybe some tickles was bath time, right after that they had dinner, then Harry after reading her some fairy tale book Cassie fell asleep. Harry took the chance and very quietly get off of her bed and moved to his room. It was his time for a relaxing bath, now. The shower wasn't too hot nor too cold. After that, he lays in his bed and tried to study a little more about programming and how to create a website with so many features. From his nightstand, he felt his phone vibrates, it was a message. A message from Rebecca.

Rebecca Rojas: hey you, a little bird told me you are officially on Sabino's and Max's project. YAY. I'm happy for you! 

He didn't expect that, but it came at the right time. He studied a bit more then put it all away and went to sleep, with a smile on his face may I add. 

The next day in the office, Jonah dismissed Jason and Harry from their duties to focus on Julieta's Project. Jason was the lead so he arrange another meeting with Harry and other members who were allowed to participate, all friends with Jason from his college. When Harry entered the room he felt happy, and finally felt seen and appreciated, his hard work was doing perfectly fine.

The meeting was great, to say the least, he was heard, and he said all of his thoughts and ideas. When the meeting ended he sigh with relief, they are almost halfway there. Harry was leaving the conference room while texting his mother to keep her updated when suddenly he bumped into someone. Their cellphone fell straight to the ground, and both kneel to grab them, when he looked up, Rebecca is standing up with him. Duh, of course. It would be her, of all people in that room, right? It was mathematically possible, for sure, you see, if both of them were working on the same project so and in the same building for sure, they would stumble into themselves at some point. 

Harry and his silly face kept staring at her until he said, ''I'm sorry, I did not mean to" He didn't but man, he was glad!

"There is no problem, Harry" she smiled, composing herself ready to leave when Harry had a deep breath and let out "Hey" Rebeca turned her attention to him again "Wanna grab something to eat? I mean, it's almost time for lunch, right?" she smiles nodding "Okay, let's go"

There were they, sitting at a table outside the little restaurant nearby. He ordered salmon and salad, Rebecca went a little further, she request a ceviche and sparkling water with a slice of lemon.

"So, tell me a little bit about yourself, yeah? he said while taking a bite of salmon.

"What do you want to know?" she asked.

He shrugged "I'd say everything, but feel free to tell whatever you're comfortable with" she sighed.

"Well, I'm Rebecca, 27 years old, I'm actually Brazilian just like my mom, my father is from Guatemala, so I was raised with both languages. I earned a scholarship program to study Italian and English in college, so I went to Italy to study abroad, wasn't the easiest thing to do, but I don' regret it, you know?" she said

So you see, Harry was only 5 years older than her, that was nice. So along with the lunch, he was getting to know her better. So far, he knows she speaks 6 languages, he remembered she something about romance languages he had no idea what that means, so he asked.

"Oh, romance languages are the ones that come from Latin. The major languages include French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, and Romanian. But I don't speak Romanian" she laughs.

"You mentioned you speak German, right?"

"Oh God, no. I'm trying to but it's kinda hard" Hard? he thought, you speak six languages and German it was hard? No way.

"Why languages? Where did you learn all that?" Harry asked wiping his mouth and leaving his food aside.

"Well..." she started to say, but her phone started to ring, she picked up "Oh, hey. Okay, I get it. Yeah I will be there in a second, I'm not so far from the office. Okay, bye" she looked at him leaving her money to pay her part "Dutty calls, let's go?"

They rushed their way and when they got there, they notice both were going to separate ways. Harry was calling the lift when Rebecca turned around, called his name, and said.

"Hey, we should do this again. I like talking to you" the lift rang warning he was there and opened the doors, Rebecca waved goodbye. Harry did not have the chance of saying anything, but that boy was smiling like a fool.

part four

[surely-galena]

Notes on Main Story 6.2

I had so much more to say here than in 6.1; 6.2 was so good!!

Will also be mildly theorizing about episode 7 in my overall thoughts section (after going through 6.2), so just a heads up for that :D

[Notes on 6.1 here]

Okay, first up? No courtroom level at the end of 6.2. A cycle's definitely being broken here...

6-16

Yeah I'm just gonna put down the "you're here early" comments as a Vyn sleep schedule thing on Zak's bingo card

"I've already hacked it" LUKE! PEARCE!

Ohh Luke's symptoms acting up and Vyn being suspicious (and Marius too!! Maybe we are edging closer to an NXX reveal)

"If I fall asleep in the board meeting later, I'm afraid I'll end up on the news again" -- hmm seems like there's a story there, Marius

Ooh group chat function in the main story is cool (love how they also coded in the pictures you chose as their profiles)

Ah yup Artem telling off the group chat as usual. Classic Artem

6-18

Ah yes, Darius "sometimes I really hate you lawyers" Morgan. When will he ever get the chance to sleep

Hmm maybe the leverage place is where the climax will be? We'll see

6-20

Ava has some really good lines, like the "ooh how pretty you all are" rather than immediately going on the defensive says a lot about her character

Ooh implications that Ava could have murdered her husband? The plot thickens

6-22

We knew Heirson was shifty, but there's a lot more to it than at first glance. Lovely

Marius referring to himself as a "good boy" -> likely references how young he really feels in his position in everything -- NXX member, CEO, etc. Which is true, he's incredibly young, and this small scene (aside from the "she ghosted me :(" part) is an interesting inclusion

Vyn? with coffee?? For once??

And also okay, I see what we're doing here. Cutaways for everyone so Artem doesn't get all of the attention, hehe

Vyn thinking he's being "too passive"? Vyn, consider the logistics. If you're passive, what does that make Artem and Luke?

Also interesting that Vyn talks about "[losing] to the others" (which... is potentially a character issue that needs to be tackled? Like... being in a relationship (platonic, romantic, etc.) shouldn't need to be a game to be won)

Agatha Christie book on Luke's bed, spotted!

Small Aaron cameo, yay :)

"Give her the stage, and watch her finish the show." We're getting some really good lines today

6-23

Why is Syter harrassing clients at the Themis Law Firm reception?

Honestly, that's hilarious (not for the clients though, my sympathies to them), like: dude, that's not your law firm? don't you have something better to do with your time?

6-24

My suspicions of leverage/drug place being the climax location are heightened

6-26

"had once gone to a haunted house during a team building exercise" -- SSR Loving Memories reference? (If so, then that brings up the question of the correlation between the main story timeline vs. the card story timeline. I do not want to think about that just yet)

Ah yes, the creepy music. Well done ToT soundtrack

"Don't worry. I'll protect you" dude you're one person, where's your backup (I get what the writers were going for, but I still can't help but think that maybe the two of you shouldn't have gone alone?? Bring Luke and Vyn and Marius along? Get support from Darius? Oh the joys of hindsight from the 6.2 trailer)

Also the moment is sweet and all but now should not be the time for holding hands!! (where is my bingo card gotta get out my bingo card)

Artem's ears are pierced?? Did he get that done on his own? With Neil? Kimberly? Or was it because Bryan thought it was something the 'hip kids' would totally be into and brought him to an earrings place in an attempt to bond with his son? However it happened, I am Surprised (and also that totally opens more possibilities for character exploration! it's not a bad thing at all!)

Comments aside, the walking rig is nicely done! The way ToT animates is so fascinating to me

Whoa getting a lot of illustrations this scene! That's cool

First we get Vyn drinking coffee and now we're getting Artem with tea? I shouldn't be so surprised, but I want to do something with this information... I'm just not entirely sure what yet

Oop, back to walking rig.

Oh yeah... communication barrier between Artem and his parents due to lack of time with them

Kimberly, jokingly: You shouldn't wear glasses, how are you going to get girls otherwise?

Small Artem, perfectly serious: Yes Mother. I see what you mean.

Kimberly: Uh, kiddo? I was joking...

Temperature, humidity, and oxygen panel I see you

Oh good, choosing to waiting for Darius.

Huh, playing bridge. I know that's not really an age-limited thing, but I'm still imagining young Artem walking into the club and playing a couple of games with miscellaneous parents and aunts and uncles and grandmas/grandpas

Ohh, a cage with controllable oxygen level? Oh no

Wait... were the 'released' thralls actually killed? Maybe because they knew too much?

I can't believe we're getting the walking rig four times XD (well I guess it's deserved, the team probably worked hard on it)

Also, hey, uh. Walking rig? I see that fire extinguisher in the background... is anyone planning on setting something on fire?

Yooo Sam, the Artem learning how to tie a tie topic is back again

Lil Artem reading math magazines in middle school... I've said it once and I'll say it again: what a nerd (affectionate)

6-27

"Only one of you can live" between Jerry and Naomi? Ooh the conflict

"I'm just curious if all men are the same"? Uh, Ava? That sounds like your backstory coming back to haunt you

(But as a plot thing, with the thralls and the traps and the layers of it all, that's gripping)

Oh, good on Darius for warning them!

Also they have an NXX emergency number -- fantastic info to have on hand

6-28

Here we goooo

HA THE CAGE! Chekhov's gun goes out the window, it's Chekhov's cage now

Oh no not the villain slow clap; Ava's having too much fun

Whoa whoa whoa Jerry's the torturer? Ouch...

Ava, m'am, with all due respect, you need some help

First of,, my condolences to Artem, secondly, Ava's actually really clever here. By forcing MC to watch Artem get beat up, Ava's essentially torturing the two of them -- meaning that either one will have to give in at some point, or so she thinks (ah, yup, and Ava does vocalize that as well. huzzah)

The ease in which Ava says "Then let's all die together"? Truly fascinating for her character. She's honestly the most interesting villain so far, at least for me

And then Ava going on to VILLAIN MONOLOGUE to MC? She's such a fun villain

Ohh the cage thing making it as seem as if it's Artem vs MC? And the whole 'only one can live' in parallel to Naomi vs. Jerry and Ava vs. her classmate? That's so good THAT'S SO GOOD I am loving this conflict

Man, Ava has a good villain laugh

Ohh... murder suicide? ...Then there really isn't any need for a dramatic court case after all

Also: after going through both routes (save Artem vs. save MC, I think I like the save MC one better (she has to run out and find the hammer, it's so cool), although both routes are still pretty in character)

6-29

YES Marius and Luke and Vyn are back!!

And we have Artem bringing ToT back to the whole justice and hope idea again

Thank you MC, for taking away Artem's tablet

Marius sending the fine for the helicopter to Themis Law Firm 😆 (and also it was because he hadn't applied for a flight permit that day, that's hilarious)

Love how the safety first thing is coming back to bite Artem "oh MC will be much safer with me" Wing and that the rest of the NXX are just. rubbing it in. Now that he's okay, it's free real estate for the rest of them (and I am going to personally interpret the teasing as loving and as a found family thing, but if you don't interpret it that way, that's cool too!)

And Luke offering resistance training is very sweet

Overall thoughts

I love the investigating Jovi thing leading into a cliffhanger, we're truly kicking off the main story now that all the introductory cases are over (and I'm also guessing this is going to lead into a Marius episode, we're not stopping now!!)

And I think episode 7, if it doesn't cover Jovi, could maybe give us more info on the Tyson Turner / Simon Bloodworth cases, there's still plot to uncover in that area and that'll be fun

Overall the second half of episode 6 was so good! I honestly really enjoyed it, Ava is such a fun villain and the tension and plot complications were so well done (esp the last couple of chapters; those were so, so fun!)

Here's my final Zak bingo card (unfortunately only 1/3 of the Baldr trio showed up, so no bingo this time... crossed off a lot of boxes though):

[fncreature]

Squid Game MC Event thoughts (I was watching Cubs POV and I wrote these on my notes app while watching, at the end I switched to PhoenixSC then Wallibear for a raid sorry for cuss words)

Squid game thoughts

Before games

-Why isn’t Grian streaming -Why aren’t most people streaming -How did PhoenixSC make something actually not that cursed -Grian saying calamari games lol

Red light green light (game 1)

-Grains freaking me out -MOVE -MOVE FRICKING MOVE -oh god be careful cub -JUST SAW ANTVENOM AT THE FINISH LINE THANK GOD -who’s the brown Wallibear -IS THAT TIMEDEO

In between

-Wait im_a_squid_kid is streaming this holy crap

Game 2    (Game 1 redo)

-So frickin scared -Be careful grian -MY FRIXKING HEART BE CAREFUL -the gunshot sounds -Cubs safe -Be careful g I swear to fuckin god -Beef made it -G MADE IT -Ely made it I rhink -Wallibear made it

Inbetween

-107?? Out of 200??

Game 3 (tug of war)

-Please stay on the same team cub and g -Joe and cub are together -WHO HAS A POPBOB SKIN -Deo survived to here -MY EARS -OH NO MY EARS THEYRE BROKEN -PLEASE WIN!!! -*brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr* -I see joe -Winning let’s go blue -They won pog

Inbetween

-Omg they lost only 11 ppl lol -Is that ijevin -Captainsparklez is alive i think -WHO DIED THO -are they just gonna move on -Can’t believe the servers holding up -Poor ppl tho

Game 4 (hide and seek)

-Good luck g -Please win g sorry cub -Even if I’m watching cub I want g to win -Wait what if they watched the stream Only 1 left -G won yay!!!

Game five (glass parkour)

-Fuck be careful -Go g go -Wait why did Phoenix say no not yet -THE GLASS BREAKS??? -Duck be careful -Stop punch -Cub were trusting you -Oh god my heart -Thank god -Go g go I swear -My heart -MY FUCKING HEART -That sound lol -Like ohhoh -Oh ten mins thank god take your time -Kay go Grian go -Go already -Be careful you have time -Be brave I swear -BE CAREFUL NO SWEATY HANDS G -time??? -Grian you got this -Five mins now -JOES ALIVE??? -That one dude bouncing lol -Three mins -GET AWAY FROM THE EDGE -MOVE -joes good at this -Two mins -No sweaty hands g I swear be careful -It’s not just a game -No don’t listen -WHOOO HE WON

Feast

-Wait they only know G??? Oh god -WAIT TIMEDEO SURVIVED -If Timedeo wins I’ll be shook -Wait Wallibear is alive holy cow -Gong is pog -So scared rn -WAIT STRAGHT UP PVP -oh god no be careful

Game 6

-Oh god no -*eliza voice* stay aliveeeee -WHO HAS A SWORD -KILL THEM ALL G -Someone has a bow??? -Oh be careful -Legends always hide -*billie Elish voice* I’m scaaaAaared -RUN -FUCKING RUN -DONT TEAM ON MY BOY -WALLIBEAR WHY -who’s left one and a half??? -Protec him -Don’t kill him I swear to god protec grian -Frocking hide please survive -GRIAN DOESNT KNOW WHAT LUNAR IS -GRIAN ITS A PVP CLIENT -Be careful ok g -Five ppl left -Fight but save my boy -Don’t risk it man -Stay safe man -Dude behind the tree is smart -Who’s ur friend g -I think his name is chilbee -Phoenix help him I swear -They’re gonna shrink the map!!!! -I’m so scared g -Give him a weapon -Give him food!! Notch apple to Grian -GOOD JOB AT MURDER MY MAN -MAN IS COMIN BE CAREFUL -YESSSS GO -chill there -Be careful I swear -Dreamslayer let’s go man -Someone’s checking -NOOOOOOOO -RIP THO -GG tho -Rip 😭 -Top five? -xNestorios alive pog -Wallibear is alive pog -Go Wallibear -Wait no -GG NESTORIO -BRO CANNOT BELIEVE THAt -Nestorio gg -Nice job everyone

Aftermath

-Wait what now -But gg Nestorio -Wait was it practice -Gj everyone -Congrats Nestorio -Fun to watch, hope they make another, 10/10 -Bye -Fun -Love that thanks Phoenix -WAIT XNESTORIO WON MCC RISING TOO?????? -MANS POG DUDE HOLY HECK HES GOOD -Oh man -Wait how did loverfella do -Ok so what now -BADBOYHALOS IN PHOENIXSCS CHAT HOLY FRICK -IS THAT QUIFF -ANTVENOM -Man -Wait pigical -Wait I see this bedwars youtuber I used to watch but I forgot -GG NESTER -WALLIBEAR RAID TIME -I can’t download much sad -Don’t care lol -Oh bedwars -WALLIBEAR GOT SECOND???????? -WALLIBEAR POG -Man I should post this- Wallis camera went out -Aaaand it’s back -I’m done bro -Ive never actually watched the Netflix series

[labomi]

play by the rules [1]

Nanami Kento is a well-known bodyguard who always adheres to his own set of principles when completing a job. But when his next assignment is protecting you, he suddenly finds himself second-guessing his morals and questions whether or not some rules are just meant to be broken.

pairing: nanami kento x f!reader

words: 2.7k

warnings: none for this chapter, please look at the series masterlist for general content warnings

notes: i’ve been meaning to write a multichap fic for nanami for so long and i finally got around to outlining most of the story and writing the first chapter yay! i’m a little unsure if the plot will actually be good or not lol but i’m hoping it’ll turn out okay! thanks for reading!

series masterlist

There’s a distinctive knock on your door that pulls you out of your thoughts as you lay on your bed with an unopened book in your lap. You had been meaning to read the story for the past three months after seeing rave reviews about it online, but for some reason, you couldn’t quite find the energy to start reading. Every morning, you pulled the book from your shelf with the full intention of getting past the first page. But every night, it was returned to the same spot on your shelf, remaining untouched.

With a quiet sigh, you force yourself to crawl out of bed, leaving behind the comfortable warmth of your blankets. You drag your feet as you walk over to the door, dreading the imminent conversation you’re about to have.

To be honest, you’d rather he just leave you alone to wallow in self-pity in the comfort of your own room. You knew he had good intentions, but you dreaded his frequent check-ins with you. If he had no good news to deliver, you didn’t want to see him. And there had been no good news for the past three months.

You have no expectations that today will be any different.

With a hesitant hand on the doorknob, you take a deep breath and try to suppress the bitterness you feel towards the person on the other side of the door. Once prepared, you open the door with a wide grin and a bright twinkle in your eyes.

“Hi Dad!” You greet him with a high-pitched, chipper voice.

Your father looks pleased to see your lively expression. “Good morning, princess. Do you mind if I come in?”

You manage to hide your surprise. Most of his visits consist of a quick hello just to confirm you’re alive in your room, but he heads off to go back to work. If he intends to enter your room, there must be something serious he wishes to discuss. You try to ignore the small glimmer of hope that flutters in your chest. 

“Of course!” You waltz over to your bed and sit down, patting the space next to you. Your father sits on the plush bed beside you, twiddling his thumbs idly in his lap.

“I’m aware these past three months have been hard on you, princess,” he begins.

You dig your nails into the palm of your hands and bite your tongue to prevent yourself from spitting out a harsh retort.

Yeah, no kidding.

“They’ve been tough for me too.” He pats your leg comfortingly, giving you a sincere, apologetic look. “I hate seeing you stuck in your room all day, but you know I only do this because I love you and because I want to keep you safe.”

Your father’s words are genuinely heartfelt. There’s no doubt he cares for your well-being and bemoans the unfortunate situation, but you’re not in the mood to be swayed by his guilt.

After all, it’s because of him that you’ve been trapped inside for three long months.

“It’s okay, Dad. I don’t blame you.” You try your best to act like a caring daughter who wants to console her father and assuage his fears that you despise him for his actions. “I know it’s for my own good.”

Three months ago, your father fired your personal bodyguard. 

This also meant that three months ago, your father shredded your only ticket to the outside world.

You can only venture outside the family’s property lines if a trained professional, tasked with keeping you safe from potential harm, accompanies you to pre-approved destinations.

Your father worries about your safety in public, because he often does business with local mafia groups in the area. He is not an influential or well-known member of the underground economy, but in this line of work, it isn’t unusual to piss off the wrong person in a deal gone bad. Family members are the most common targets, so you are a natural choice for disgruntled clients to take their frustrations out on. 

On one hand, you believe it is unfair that you are forced to live a restricted life under the constant protection of a bodyguard because of your father. You have nothing to do with his business, yet you must suffer from the consequences of it.

On the other hand, there is no doubt that you reap the benefits from the success of your father’s career. You had never worked a day in your life and always received any material goods you asked for, so perhaps you do deserve to face at least a share of the consequences.

Your father is insistent that you must have your own personal bodyguard after an incident involving your mother that occurred when you were just a baby. There was an altercation when she had encountered one of your father’s enemies while doing some errands alone in the city.

It hadn’t ended well, to say the least.

So for three long months, you were stuck inside. To his credit, your father had immediately begun the search for a new bodyguard, but his vetting process was so rigorous that it was not a timely process. There had been some mishaps in the past with previous guardians, and your father had vowed to never let those mistakes happen again.

You know you should be grateful that your father cared about your safety enough to have a dedicated group of his team spend endless hours thoroughly investigating each and every potential candidate. You also know you shouldn’t complain about being trapped in a luxurious mansion, but you hate being at home.

You hate seeing your father’s workers around the premises.

You hate thinking about what sort of shady business deals are happening just a floor below you.

You want nothing to do with it. You don’t even want to think about it, which is why you prefer to spend as much time as possible away from home. 

“I’m so glad you understand,” your father says with a relieved sigh. “But I have some good news this time.”

Your breath hitches in the back of your throat. The moment feels almost surreal. You had been waiting to hear those words for so long, you almost thought it would never happen.

“I approved your new bodyguard.”

This time, you didn’t have to fake your excitement.

“Really?” you gasp, looking at your father with wide eyes.

He nods at you.

Unable to contain your burst of elation, you throw your arms around your father with a squeal, giving him a fierce hug. “Thank you! Thank you!”

Your father lets out a hearty laugh, patting your back as he revels in seeing your utter joy. “He starts tomorrow, so you may leave the property again in the morning.”

In less than 24 hours, you are free to once again explore the city, visit popular shops, and stop by your favorite restaurants. You can barely contain your enthusiasm as your heartbeat drums in your chest from the rush of adrenaline after hearing such wonderful news. Pulling away from your father, you continue to beam at him, feeling an unusual wave of gratitude towards the man.

A loud beep disrupts the heartfelt moment.

Your father looks at his smartwatch with a tight frown. “I’m so sorry, princess, but I have to go to a meeting now.” He gets off the bed and gives you a small smile. “I’m glad I could finally give you some good news. I’ll hopefully see you for dinner tonight.”

Before your father can leave, you reel in your scattered thoughts after being almost too excited to think straight. “Dad, before you go, can I at least ask for this name?”

You cannot believe you almost forgot to ask such a crucial question.

“Nanami. Nanami Kento.”

You nod at him. “Thank you! Good luck at your meeting!”

Alone once again, you throw yourself a little celebration which consists of childishly dancing around the room blasting your favorite “good vibes” playlist. Afterward, you grab your laptop and plop onto your bed with a satisfied grin. You crack your knuckles. 

It’s time to get to work. 

In order to maximize your free time tomorrow, you need to have a rough idea about what you want to do and where you want to go. But before you start the task, you need to make one important phone call.

“Hey, Itadori.”

Itadori Yuuji is one of your father’s henchmen, but he’s a sweet boy who had nowhere else to go when his grandfather died. Luckily, he isn’t directly involved in the main operations of your father’s business. Known for his fast feet and powerful arms, he is mostly used as a source of manual labor to move heavy boxes that are brought in or shipped out of the various underground warehouses scattered throughout the property.

The two of you had become friends when you saw him trying to sneak food out of the main kitchen during the late hours of the night. Only your family and your father’s trusted confidants had permission to be in this part of the mansion.

Itadori immediately got on his knees and begged you not to tell anyone that he was stealing food, but you just laughed and showed him where the good snacks were located. Together, the two of you had a mini feast using the leftovers from the culinary staff. It was the first of many secret dinners to be held.

“Hey. What’s up?” he answers.

“Can you do me a favor?”

“Yeah. Sure.”

“Can you sneak into my father’s office and copy a file for me? It’s someone named Nanami Kento.”

There’s a groan. “Seriously? But you know how hard it is to sneak into his office,” he whines over the phone.

“I’m sorry, Itadori,” you apologize. You know you aren’t making his life any easier, but you need him to do this for you. “But I know you can do it. You’ve done it plenty of times before without a problem.”

Itadori sighs. He knows he can’t refuse you, not because he’s afraid that you’ll turn him in for punishment (or worse). No, Itadori genuinely likes you, and he’s grateful for your presence in his life for many reasons. Therefore, he does whatever he can to help you out whenever you ask.

“Alright. You got it.”

“Thanks, Itadori.”

Several hours later, a manila folder is slipped underneath your door. With a victorious grin, you grab the folder and set it on your desk. You shoot Itadori a quick text confirming that you got the delivery and thanking him once again for his help.

Quivering in anticipation, you open the folder and see a grainy, black and white copy of a man’s photo on top of the stack of papers. Even with the image’s poor quality, you can see the man’s sharp cheekbones and styled, light-colored hair. You think he looks rather handsome, but you’re not quite sure with the fuzziness of the copy.

Setting the photo aside, you read his file with an interested hum. Because of your father’s rigorous vetting process, the folder is stuffed full of numerous background reports. You vaguely wonder how Itadori slid such a large stack of papers under your door.

Nanami Kento, huh.

You flip over a page and continue reading.

What an interesting man.

“Did you finally accept a new job?” Gojo asks curiously, craning his neck to get a better look at the papers spread about on Nanami’s desk. He spots a photo of a woman among the various files that catches his attention. “Who’s that?”

Nanami rubs his face with an exasperated groan, wishing his coworker would mind his own business for once. He tries to hide the photo under other papers, but Gojo is too quick. The white-haired man easily snatches the photo off the desk before Nanami can touch it and waves it in front of him in a teasing manner.

“Nice try,” he grins, pulling back to observe the photo up close. “Oh, she’s pretty cute. I’m guessing she’s your new client?”

“No,” Nanami answers begrudgingly. He knows Gojo won’t return the photo or leave him alone unless he partakes in the conversation. “Technically her father is, but she’ll be the one under my protection.”

“Oh, so you did accept a new job then.” Gojo returns the photo with a satisfied grin now that his original question had been answered. “Surprised it took you this long to choose one. How long has it been since you finished your last assignment?”

“About three months. I wasn’t in a rush to start a new job.”

Nanami can afford to be picky about his assignments now. Over the years, he has built a strong reputation as a proficient bodyguard who always follows orders and always gets the job done. Now that he is well-known in the industry with a long list of satisfied clients, Nanami no longer has to scramble to accept any odd job. Plus, as part of Gojo’s renowned bodyguard service agency, he can rely on the secretaries to filter out any scams or seemingly impossible requests before they reach his desk.

Nanami is now constantly flooded with inquiries from influential celebrities, notorious mafia members, and other wealthy figures. These people are always willing to pay big bucks for an extra sense of security as they go about their lives, but Nanami is no longer interested in solely the money now that his multiple bank accounts are flush with cash. Instead, he wants to take it easy with a simple, straightforward assignment that won’t involve a lot of gunfire, blood, or death. 

Being a bodyguard is a lucrative career, but it is also both physically and mentally taxing.

Simply put, Nanami is tired.

This is why he waited three long months to find his next job. With each additional request, he ignored how many zeros were listed as compensation and instead took his time to scrutinize the client, their family, and their motivations in seeking a bodyguard. He had a mental image of what he was looking for in his “perfect” job and much to his surprise, he stumbled upon a request that checked almost every box.

While Nanami was lost in his thoughts, Gojo had secretly snatched your file from the desk and had been skimming through it. He couldn’t resist learning more about this new client.

When Nanami returbs to his senses, he sees the missing file on his desk and glares at his white-haired coworker. Gojo just laughs in response. 

“Sorry, sorry. I’m just curious to see what kind of person would pique your interest after all this time, Mr. Picky.” He purses his lips. “Hmm, she’s not much younger than us. Surprised she’s still single too. Aren’t most women in these sorts of families forced to marry early to strengthen business ties? Oh, maybe her personality is so bad her father can’t marry her off to anyone!”

Nanami rips the file out of Gojo’s hands with a scowl. “None of that concerns me.”

“Aww, come on, Nanami,” the white-haired man pouts. “You’re going to be spending a lot of time with her. What is she’s a demon in disguise? Women are pretty scary, you know.”

Nanami figures Gojo skipped the part in the file where your father had described you as a “bright, bubbly young woman who loves to shop and eat”.

“I think I can handle it,” Nanami responds flatly. “After all, I can reasonably get along with everyone except you.”

Gojo clutches his chest dramatically, acting like he had just been shot. “Nanami, you’re so cruel to me!” He then drops his hands and places them on his hips with a devious grin. “Alright, I’ll leave you alone now. Good luck! And don’t fall in love!” He lowers his sunglasses and winks. Gojo can’t help but get in one last jab to irk his coworker.

“You don’t have to worry about that.”

Nanami is a serious professional, one who always plays by the rules. He adheres to a certain set of principles in order to remain successful in this line of work. Without them, situations can get messy, and he has all too often witnessed other bodyguards make the mistake of deviating from protocol and facing the consequences.

There are three fundamental rules that Nanami always follows without fail:

Never go above and beyond what a job asks you to do.

Once a job is finished, leave immediately.

Never get personally involved with a client.

And under no circumstances would he ever disregard any of these rules.

[jackrrabbit]

Unprofessional [pt. 1] /// Yandere Tendou x f!Reader

Summary: The new hire you’re supposed to be training at your office job is a little too attached for his own good…or yours. [Part 2]

A/N: Someone requested yandere Tendou and I was like !!! However when I wrote it, it turned out kinda long so I split it into 2 parts; I’ll answer the req when I post part 2. Anyway I’m obsessed with the concept of salaryman Tendou, please enjoy!

Tags/warnings: yandere, timeskip (Tendou is 22-23 in this), workplace/office setting, liberal use of “senpai”, alcohol, Tendou’s crackhead energy is toned down a little bit because of the setting [In part 2: smut, 18+]

You don’t really like Tendou when you first meet him.

Your first impression when your boss introduces the new employee is that he’s all talk and no substance. He’s been hired fresh out of university, and he’s got the stink of a former frat boy all over him—that baseless enthusiasm, chaotic goodwill and arrogance mixed together. That might have been your type when you were still sucking down cheap keg beer from red solo cups, but you’re two years into your career as a real grown-up adult now, and the cockiness that radiates off Tendou in waves is just…annoying.

Unfortunately, when your boss tells you to take the newbie under your wing, train him, and be his mentor, it’s not a request. It’s a demand. So you decide to suck it up. If you’re going to have to spend every second at the office with Tendou trailing after you like a baby duck, you may as well get used to him.

After a few weeks, you have to admit he’s not that bad. Sure, he’s not the best at respecting personal space, but how can you blame him? When he looms over you to reach for a file above your head for the nth time and traps you between his body and the cabinet, you finally lose your patience and snap at him to give you some space, but he looks so surprised and apologizes so sincerely that you can’t help forgiving him. You feel a little bad, even, when he explains that he’s never worked in an office before so he’s not used to all the rules that he’s expected to follow in a professional environment.

You can’t really fault him for that, especially when you’re the one who’s supposed to be teaching him these things. “It’s okay, I know you didn’t mean anything,” you tell him, and he perks up so quickly that you feel even worse for chewing him out in the first place.

The thing is, Tendou doesn’t really stop getting close to you once you chastise him. It just bothers you less. The dozenth time his hand lingers over yours while you’re passing him a document or he picks an invisible thread off your blouse or sits a little too close when you’re riding in the back of a taxi to a client meeting, you start convincing yourself that you’re overreacting. He’s probably not being that much more pushy than your other coworkers—you’re just more aware of him because you don’t know him as well.

And it doesn’t help that he’s tall, towering over you and pretty much everyone else in the office. The cheap suits he cycles through can’t quite conceal the hard lines of muscle underneath—oh, whoops. Now you’re the one crossing boundaries. Tendou is so big that you’re just…more conscious of his presence, right?

This is drilled into you one night after a marathon overtime session when you’re carrying a tall stack of boxes back to the archives. Maybe it’s because you’ve been at work for 11 hours, but the files feel like they’re filled with rocks, not paper. Your muscles are this close to giving out when Tendou appears out of nowhere to pluck the files out of your arms. “Here. Gimme, gimme, I’ll take ‘em.”

The way he carries the heavy boxes so effortlessly makes you kind of embarrassed at how much you’d struggled with them. “You’re pretty strong, hm,” you say absently. Oops, was that inappropriate? You don’t want him thinking you’re hitting on him or something.

“Oh—yeah I guess?” Tendou’s laugh (the one that used to grate on your nerves) sounds like he’s pleased with himself. “I go to the gym a lot.”

“Wish I could find the time. Or the discipline,” you reply as he replaces the file box in the archive room.

“Wow, senpai is calling me disciplined. My heart is pounding.”

His tone is sarcastic enough that you don’t think twice about the second part of his statement. “Don’t get too full of yourself. If you have the energy to go to the gym, you should spend that time double checking your expense reports before you submit them.”

“Ouch.” Tendou holds his hand over his heart in mock betrayal. “Targeting my weak points, how ruthless. But seriously, working out is second nature to me. Been doin it since I was a kid so it doesn’t take any kinda discipline.”

“Oh? Did you play sports or something?”

“Yeah…” Tendou’s voice trails off and when you pause from your task of organizing the files to look up at him, he’s staring directly at you. “…Used to play volleyball. Grade school through college.”

The way he’s looking at you, searching your face for something you can’t identify, makes you think this is more important than it seems. You tip your head to the side, waiting for him to continue.

“Our team in high school was pretty good,” he says slowly.

“That’s cool,” you say, turning back to the paperwork. “Did you ever play Shiratorizawa? They’re my old high school—I think their volleyball team went to nationals back in the day. I was never into sports though.”

A moment passes, and you frown. Did you say something wrong? But just before you’re about to change the subject, Tendou starts laughing. “Shiratorizawa? No, I don’t think I ever played them.”

Your laugh joins his a second late, although you don’t know why he thinks it’s funny in the first place. In the echo of your voices, you can hear how quiet it is in the archives. There’s something here you’re missing, but you’re not sure what.

Luckily enough, the somewhat awkward atmosphere doesn’t carry over to the next day. When you get into the office, Tendou is his usual clingy self, distracting you from your own work to ask you to teach him something and pulling you away when you’re talking to your coworkers so you can double check his emails before he sends them. If anything, he’s more attached than usual—when you go to a contract renewal negotiation with a client he insists on tagging along, so you let him after making him promise not to get in the way.

Of course he doesn’t keep his promise, but you end up appreciating his intrusion more than you could have predicted. The client is stubborn and rude until Tendou chimes in (much to your dismay, at first) with an offer to add on some oddly specific perks to the contract. You’re already practicing your apology speech to the boss in anticipation of losing the client, but to your amazement he agrees to Tendou’s terms and the deal is sealed, along with a healthy bonus for you.

You’re on cloud nine, practically skipping out of the building with Tendou at your side as you fantasize about what you’re going to do with the bonus after you split it with him. A weekend vacation out of the city? An online shopping spree? Some fancy dinners at five-star restaurants? Knowing you, the money will end up going straight to your savings, but you still can’t contain your giddiness. “How did you know he wanted that add-on? Seriously, I had no idea!”

“A guess! I’m good at reading people.” Tendou’s just as elated as you, pumping his fist and whooping like a kid as soon as you’re away from the client’s earshot. “Woohoo! Yay! Our first sale together!”

“A guess? You risked that huge contract on a guess?” You roll your eyes but you’re too excited to be mad at him. “Anyway, you don’t have to say ‘our’ first sale, I know it was all you. I’ll tell the boss you’re doing a good job.”

“No way, it’s ours! Both of us. Me and senpai.” Tendou’s hand reaches down and his fingers lace with yours, squeezing so tight his knuckles go pale.

The thrill of your success flickers as nervousness sets in. Is he holding your hand? “Tendou—“

“Senpaiiiii~” he says in sing-song, swinging your hand as you walk to meet the taxi and ignoring your meek attempts to pull away. “Didn’t I do a good job?”

“Y-Yeah. Good job, Tendou.”

Work friends. The two of you are work friends. Your boss passes all comments to Tendou through you (mostly things about how he’s good with clients and charismatic but needs to stop making minor errors on paperwork). When one of you is sick, your coworkers ask the other to pass on their good wishes. Tendou fits into his role at the office seamlessly, and you can’t say you don’t appreciate the fact that all of his good work is reflecting well on you.

So when his birthday rolls around two months after he’s hired, it’s up to you to plan the office drinking party (only after he complains to you about how he doesn’t have any friends since moving to Tokyo). You have the date you got from Facebook—May 20th—circled in red pen on your private calendar along with a little doodle of a birthday cake.

“What’s that?” asks one of your coworkers, pointing to the circle, as you flip through your agenda a week before the event.

“Tendou’s turning 23,” you tell him. “It’s a Friday, so some of us are going to go to a restaurant and drink a little. You’re coming, right?”

“Oh…yeah.” Your coworker scratches his head and clears his throat. “You guys are pretty close, huh. Um, I actually wanted to ask—you’re not together, are you?”

A chill runs up your spine. “Together? Who said that?” If this rumor gets around to your boss it’ll kill your career. These things always look worse for the woman than for the man. God, it was probably something Tendou said without thinking, he’s always talking about you and someone could easily misinterpret all that praise…

“Well, if you’re dating—“

“We’re not dating,” you say quickly. “We do a lot of work together because I’m training him, but it’s not like that.”

“Really?” Your coworker straightens and smiles. “Cause I was actually thinking of asking if you wanted to go out this weekend—“

“Senpai? Can you help me with this draft?”

Damnit, it’s Tendou getting in the way at the absolute worst time—especially considering he just had to come up behind you and put his hand on your shoulder. Seriously, how many times do you have to tell him to stop doing that when you’re talking to someone else? You’re not sure whether to be irritated at him for cutting your coworker off, concerned that the other man won’t believe what you said about you and Tendou having a strictly professional relationship, or relieved that you don’t have to give an answer to what sounds like an offer for a date.

You cast an apologetic glance at your coworker and make your way over to Tendou’s desk, hoping against hope that the interruption doesn’t look too suspicious. You’d die if word got around to your boss that you were dating your mentee.

///

You’ve got this office drinking party thing down to an art. Step one is to load up on greasy appetizers that’ll increase your alcohol tolerance, step two is to drink plenty of water, and step three is to pour yourself a single drink early and take small sips.

There’s a step four, too: make sure no one else’s glass get’s below the 1/4 mark. Your boss and coworkers are a lot less receptive to how little you’re drinking when they’re all nice and tipsy. It’s a system you’ve perfected over the years, one that allows you to have fun with people from the office without risking making an ass out of yourself or getting a hangover (which, at 25, is a lot more unpleasant than it used to be).

You can’t count the number of times you’ve witnessed the awkward drunken escapades of your fellows, which range from the endearing (your boss crying over how much he loves his wife) to the awkward (coworker makeout sessions) to the potentially criminal (bar fights. So many bar fights). You’re happy to remain a neutral observer, and tonight is no exception.

The only problem is that Tendou hasn’t yet mastered the art of drinking lightly when you’re around people you work with, so now, at the end of his party, he’s (for lack of a better word) trashed. His cheek is mashed flat to the restaurant table like it’s glued there and his head is surrounded by progressive rings of bottles and cans. It’s some kind of miracle that he hasn’t yet gone to the bathroom to get sick.

“Sorry Tendou,” you sigh. “I should have been keeping a better eye on you.” You had no idea he’d get so drunk so quickly. Aren’t tall guys supposed to have high tolerance or something?

“Sssshenpaii,” Tendou slurs, hoisting his head off the table with that looks like Herculean effort. “I liiiike when…when ya look at me…”

“Ha, ha,” you say sarcastically.

Tendou’s head whips around. “Where’d everyone go?”

“They all left—now it’s time for us to go home too. Come on, I’ll help you get to the taxi.” You pay the bill (oof, there goes your petty cash for the week) and pull on Tendou’s shirt sleeve to get him to stand up. Luckily he’s just sober enough to realize what you want him to do and he follows you out to the street with an arm draped over your shoulders to steady his meandering footsteps.

The real trouble comes when the two of you are seated comfortably in the cab and the driver asks for Tendou’s address, which, apparently, he can’t remember. You do the sensible thing and look through his phone, but his own contact card provides no hint to where he lives in Tokyo, only a phone number, email, and address in Sendai which has to be his parents’ house—

Wait.

Tendou’s from Sendai?

You’re from Sendai. You didn’t know he was too. What a coincidence that both of you moved to Tokyo from Sendai. You’ve mentioned your hometown to him a couple times—how come he never told you he’s from the same place? You’re only two years older than him; maybe you’ve run across him in Sendai before the two of you started working together.

Now that you think about it, his face has always been kind of familiar…you thought it was just ‘one of those faces’, but…?

This isn’t the time to wonder, though. You poke Tendou gently in the side, careful not to jar him enough to risk any stomach upset. “Tendou? Do you remember what street you live on?”

After a long pause Tendou names a street, but it’s your company’s address which isn’t located anywhere near a residential district. When you tell him to think harder, he grimaces, lips pulling back to bare his teeth. “Don’ wanna go home…lemme sleep over at senpai’s house.”

“What? You can’t stay at my place.”

“Why noooot? ‘m tired,” he drawls, eyes closing as his head droops onto your shoulder in the back of the cab.

“It’s—it’s inappropriate—wait, no-no-no-no don’t fall asleep,” you tell him desperately but it’s already too late. A light snore filters out of him and you curse. “Tendou—“

“Address?” the cab driver barks insistently, giving you the stink eye in the rearview mirror.

Shit. Well, it is his birthday, you have a pull-out couch, and it’s not like anyone from the office is around to see you going home together. Tomorrow morning you’ll just have to give him a lecture about professional boundaries and make him promise not to breathe a word of this to your boss.

You give your own address to the cab driver. Tendou sleeps peacefully on your shoulder throughout the entire drive, rousing only when you whisper his name in his ear outside your building (which is a miracle, because you know without a doubt that you’re not capable of carrying him). When you get up to your apartment, you deposit him on the sofa bed and tell him not to look through your stuff while you brush your teeth.

Obviously, he doesn’t listen to you. When you emerge from the bathroom, Tendou is standing in the middle of your living room and turning the pages of an old photo album of yours.

“Hey, give me that.” You try to pull it away from him, but he doesn’t let go and his grip is stronger than yours, so the album remains firmly in his hands. “If you’re sober enough to mess with my things, you should go home.”

“This is senpai, right?” Tendou says, pointing to one of the photos.

Despite your exasperation, you lean in to take a look. It’s a picture from high school with you and some friends, all of you wearing your Shiratorizawa uniforms and grinning cheekily at whoever took the picture. Your fingers are cocked up in a peace sign. “Yeah? That’s me.”

“So cute…senpai is really cute…” Tendou’s long finger trails over the edge of your face though the filmy plastic covering the photo.

“Um…you need to get to sleep,” you say nervously, pulling a little harder on the album.

He doesn’t budge, instead just flipping back in the album to older pictures from when you were little until he stops at a photo of you and your younger brother in grade school. Against your better judgement, you frown and look closer to try and pick up whatever caught his interest in this particular image.

“How old…?” he asks.

“I don’t know, 10 or 11 maybe?”

Tendou nods. “When I met senpai…you were this old, yeah.”

“Jeez, you’re really drunk. We met two months ago, remember? I was on the interview board.”

“Yeah.” Tendou’s gaze is glued to the photo. “I was so sad, ‘cause senpai doesn’t remember me. But also really happy to see you after such a long time…I thought it was a dream…”

“Hm? I don’t get it.”

Tendou finally looks up from the picture and meets your wary gaze with those wide red eyes. God, you used to think his face was so creepy—lately you find his zealousness endearing, almost childlike, but right now? It’s making your feet itch how much you want to step away from him. “I was really hoping you would remember on your own, but I guess I’ll have to tell you.”

“Tell me what?”

“How me an’ senpai met…”

Are you imagining it, or does his voice sound a lot less slurred than it did just 20 minutes ago? “You’re not making any sense.”

“Shh, just listen…your little brother played volleyball when you were kids, didn’t he?”

How did he know that? You nod hesitantly.

“Yeah…he was in my grade. He was a bad kid, y’know that? Always saying mean things to me.”

It’s true. Your brother’s always had a mean streak in him.

“He used to call me a monster. ‘Cause, y’know—“ Tendou taps a finger against his face. “Guess I look weird. And my name, too. So he said he didn’t wanna play with me. Demons can’t play on human teams. Every day, saying cruel things. I really hated him.”

Monster. Volleyball. Your little brother. Tendou Satori like the mind-reading spirits from folklore. Something’s coming to mind, a memory you haven’t thought about in years—no, decades.

Your little brother making fun of another kid. A tall kid with red hair in a bowl cut.

“I-I remember,” you stammer. “I came to his practice one time and you were there, right? That bowl cut kid was you. I got mad at him for calling you names and I yelled at him. That’s when we met?”

“Correct!” Tendou’s beaming like you just told him he won the lottery instead of recalling a random fifteen-year-old memory. “You made him let me play! I got to get on the court, and block him, and see his beaten face looking up at me. All because of senpai.”

You can play this off, you think to yourself. Tell him you’re sorry for how your brother treated him. Ask him why he never told you that the two of you have met before. Say something. Anything. But your mouth is too dry to let you speak.

“And, you know…” Tendou’s voice softens and a light blush dusts his cheeks. “I thought you were so cool. I couldn’t believe you were related to that jerk. Can I…tell you a secret?”

No. Deep down you know what he’s going to say, and you don’t want to hear it.

Tendou’s hand comes up to comb through your hair, gently pulling through the delicate strands next to your face and tucking them back so he can lean in and whisper into your ear (even though there’s no one else around). “I like you, senpai.”

Stop it. Stop it. Your blood feels cold in your veins.

“I’ve liked you ever since then. I used to wish we were in the same grade so I could be your friend and talk to you every day. Whenever we were in different schools I missed seeing you in the halls and hearing your voice when you spoke to other people.”

“Stop...stop talking,” you whisper, but Tendou continues like he didn’t hear you.

“Why’d you have to go all the way to Tokyo for college? In my third year at Shiratorizawa I studied for your school’s entrance exam forever, but I didn’t get in. Was too busy with volleyball, I guess.” He pauses. “Oh, by the way, I went to Shiratorizawa. I lied about that, sorry. But—seriously, d’you have any idea how hard it was for me when you were away at university? Not seeing the person I love for six years?”

Love, he said. You feel nauseous. “Tendou, you don’t—“

“Let me finish, okay senpai? You don’t know how much I’ve been through. Always having to respect your ‘personal space’—“ he frames the phrase in mocking air quotes— “when I need to touch you so bad I feel like I’m gonna explode.”

And then he’s hugging you into his chest, crushing your torso into his. You struggle and try to get him to let you go, but Tendou is so much stronger than you.

“You’re not that different from your brother after all, are you?” he hums into your hair. “You’ve been torturing me. You know how you lean over my desk when you show me something on my computer? I can…see down your shirt when you do that. And I smell your perfume. I spent two hours at the mall trying all the different perfumes so I could find the right one…thought my nose was gonna stop working! But don’t laugh—“

You’re not laughing.

“—the salesgirl looked at me funny but I got it eventually. Chance Eau Fraiche, right? I can’t believe how expensive that stuff is, what is it made of gold? It was worth it though! I saw this news article about how smelling things in your sleep can trigger memories, so I tried spraying your perfume on my pillow before I go to bed and now I get to see you at work and when I’m dreaming—”

“STOP IT!” Your slap echoes across the room with a resounding crack. You’ve never hit anyone before in your life, but your aim is good enough to leave Tendou staring with a shocked expression off to the side and a bright red mark on his face. His arms fall down from you and you back away from him, clutching your hand to your chest. “You need to get out. You’re drunk and you’re not thinking clearly. We...we can talk about this tomorrow, but right now you have to go.”

Your heart is beating like hummingbird wings, sending a flush up to your face that you know is visible. Tendou ghosts his hand over his cheek and is quiet for a long moment. “I wanted to do this the right way,” he says finally.

“What?”

“I tried. But you’re so obsessed with professionalism. You refused to see me like that,” he sighs. “You’re too responsible. Although it’s one of the things I like about you.”

“Please listen to me...” The psychological anxiety of this revelation is stirring up a primal fight or flight instinct, and you start backing up.

“I really wanted to treat you gently. You deserve to be treated well…”

“Tendou, wait.” How far are you from your bedroom? You don’t want to resort to hiding from him, but you’d feel a lot better with a locked door between you and him.

“…but senpai, I’ve waited so long. And it’s my birthday.”

Your hands scrabble for the doorknob, only—oh. He’s not just stronger than you, he’s faster too.

➠ [Part 2]

[quirklessidiot]

Title: coward :: brat Pairing: Y/N x Miya Atsumu  Genre: angst, romance, and very slow burn [ex to lovers au] Warnings: Cursing, alchohol, mentions of unprotected sex, unplanned pregnancy, and mentions of abortion

Synopsis: you finally see Miya Atsumu after six years, meanwhile, he feels pain when he realizes that you settled down with someone else that wasn’t him. notes: i um want to thank yall for supporting this story im- crying T-T I’m happy to inform everyone that i’ll be updating this twice a week every monday and saturday! yay!!! i was able to finish editing and im writing the last two chapters now. stay safe and big love to each and everyone of you <3

previous   next   masterlist   

“...Uh, Youta-Kun, Yuuto-kun, I thought you guys weren’t allowed to go.” Sugawara laughed nervously, knowing all too well where this would lead. He’s familiar with over-enthusiastic boys, in fact, one of those over-enthusiastic balls of sunshine was here right now entertaining them.

“K-Kaasan says it’s alright.” Yuuto lies but Sugawara quirked his brow, it was so obvious that he was lying.

“Yep, she did!” Youta grins, trying to help his twin but like him, he’s failing drastically.

“Then you won’t mind if I call your okaasa-”

“No!” Youta and Yuuto yell in unison. This made other people turn their way, Miya Atsumu watched the pair in amusement from afar. He noticed that they were late and that Sugawara had caught on to their scheme of joining in even without the parental consent, “We won’t join!” Youta proclaims, “Right, yu? W-We’ll pick up balls!”

Hinata feels his eyes glimmer at those words and decides to help them convince Sugawara but in the end, the twins were forced to be benched while the grey-haired teacher had to go back to the faculty to call you.

“It’s alright,” Hinata ruffles both their hairs, “We’ll try to come back next time and I’ll be sure to help convince your ‘kaasan.”

“Hey don’t plant false ideas in their head, Shoyou.” Atsumu grins, lazily jogging to their side. He directs his gaze to the twins that seem to oddly remind him of him and ‘samu when they were younger. The boy's gaze lingered a bit too long on him,unlike other kids who stared at him in awe, these ones were seething, “What are ya lookin’ at, kid?”

“Wow,you’re as mean as your brother.” Yuuto notes, eyeing him up and down. 

“Yeah.” Youta echoes.

Atsumu quirks a brow, this was quite the new reaction. Never in his life had a kid told him that he was mean as ‘Samu also how did they even know his twin brother?

“Now, now, don’t you think you should cut me some slack?” Atsumu tried to jokebut the twins remained unamused by the blonde’s antics, somehow Atsumu felt a sense of familiarity from their monotonous reactions.

“No thanks.” Yuuto crossed his arms, “The fake Atsumu made ‘kaasan cry and since you look like him, you might make ‘kaasan cry too.”

“What he said!” Youta agreed loudly, copying his older brother’s action.

Atsumu was just plain confused now, he admitted that Osamu had an attitude sometimes when he was annoyed but letting a mom cry in front of her kids? That’s definitely new and not-so ‘samu like (after all, he was apparently the nicer one between them)

“What’s the name of your okaasan-”

“Youta-Kun, Yuuto-kun, Your mom will be picking you up at the gate! Please go there now.” Sugawara cuts him off, Youta and Yuuto stand up and eye him for a bit.

“We’ll defeat you and your brother! Just wait and see, we’ll be as big as you and that other jiji!” Yuuto exclaims and before Atsumu could retaliate, they’re running off to the opposite direction. Hinata was laughing beside him, clutching his sides because apparently he was too petty while Sugawara looked at him with an apologetic expression.

“I wonder why L/N-san didn’t allow them to go, she’s usually very supportive of their hobbies, especially volleyball.” Sugawara frowns, suddenly voicing out his thoughts. Atsumu felt his shoulders stiffen at the sound of that familiar name. 

Osamu revealed he saw you last week then these kids suddenly confessed that his twin made their okaasan cry, he’s never seen you cry throughout your relationship (save for that night when you first me but you guys weren't together yet so that didn’t count). Maybe he was mistaken? it might be your relative or a common name.

After all, you were clear about not wanting a family.

“You know their mom well?” Hinata inquired,  Atsumu seems to be listening closely now, wanting to confirm if the person that Sugawara was talking about is you.

“Oh yeah, we're around the same age so I’m much closer to her than the other moms.” Sugawara blinks, “Those boys have to listen to their okaasan more. She’s raising them on her own since their dad died before he even got to know that L/N-san was pregnant. She seemed to be longing for him whenever he’s mentioned.”

A crease appeared on the blonde's forehead as he was suddenly in deep thought. It couldn’t be, right?

“Uh, Sugawara-san, may I know the name of the mom? Her last name sounds kind of familiar.” he questions, pretending to be nonchalant but inside, he feels like he had his heart on his throat.

If it was you, he’d feel those things that he desperately tried to hide behind his confident jokes and laughs. 

The pain.

The pain that you chose someone else and was open enough to the idea of starting a family. If that guy probably hadn’t died, you’d be together, happily raising those boys he had just met a while ago. Happily married, something that Atsumu tried to mention one fleeting moment while you were together back in college but you immediately shut the idea down and left him a month later.

The pain that you fell in love in a span of moments unlike Atsumu who relentlessly tried to gain your favour and follow you around like a lost puppy.

“Oh, her name’s Y/N L/N.”

Thankfully nothing unexpected happened after what the twins did, they ended up having to pick if they wanted their video game rights removed for a week or cancel their plans with their favorite ojisan who was coming by a few weeks from now, they chose the first one on that.

They had even mentioned that they met the real Miya Atsumu and although you felt like your heart lurched out of your chest and your shoulders stiffen at the mention of that man --- their father---  they simply had called him a rude jiji like his brother much to your relief.

“L/N-san, we seem to have a problem.” Aiko frowned, handing the papers to you, “The director of the advertisement department wants a bigger budget, do you mind running it through him again? You have to go to the studio though, I heard they’re doing some photo shoot now.”

You nodded in reply, taking the papers from your co-worker. The studio was a bit far so you ended up having to commute to get there, “What a nuisance.” You muttered, you needed to buy a second-hand car soon when you had enough money. It would definitely be easier for both you and the boys, “Uh excuse me? Is Nakamura-san here?” you asked the secretary on the front desk.

“And who are you?” the secretary snapped back, still typing away on her computer.

“Y/N L/N from the finance department, I have to run through the new budget liquidation with him.”

The secretary one-eyes you and the ID on your neck for a split second, “You better be quick, the boss wants only five minutes per guest since he’s personally handling the shoot today.” was all she replied, handing you the pass. You muttered a quick thank you and made your way up to the studio, whoever the model was today, they must’ve been big for Nakamura to handle them personally.

“Oh-ho, is that who I think it is?” a very, very familiar voice calls out.

“Inunaki-san.” You greeted, trying to maintain yourself, were these the big clients that Nakamura was handling? The black jackals? good fucking gracious, god must hate you.

“Wow,” he shakes his head, feigning amusement, “You’re still so calm and cool.”

You narrowed your eyes at the insult but you waved it off, “And you’re playing for a national team, congratulations.” you replied in a blank tone, your senior probably knew what happened between you and his fellow member. You wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if he reacted the same way as Osamu did.

“We’re actually doing a shoot now, would you like me to call Atsu-”

“No.” your usual calm tone switched to a colder one, “I’m working now and so is Miya-san, please don’t bother yourself.”

“Gee,” he raised his hands, signalling defeat, “Just say you don’t want to see him. You don’t need to be so cold to me, my dear little kohai.”

“I have to go back to my job, I’m on the clock here.” You ignored his previous statement, “It was nice seeing you again Inunaki-san.”

Before you could give him a chance to reply, you headed towards the studio. You took a deep breath and mentally calculated to three.

one. 

It’s been six years, Miya Atsumu would ignore you. He wouldn’t care about the girl who left him out to dry in college. He’s got a girlfriend now, a model who has legs for days and looks ten times better than you and acts more like a girlfriend than you ever did.

two.

Yes, that’s right, he wouldn’t care.

three.

You entered the studio, you could feel the air tighten around you as soon as you heard that laughter. The one you used to hear everyday and never get tired of. For all the laughs you couldn’t do, he’d do it for you and boy, was he patient around you since you didn’t smile a lot back then (who were you kidding? until now you still had the same problem except when the kids were around)

You want to stop and stare, you want to admire him and his glory that you were very much proud of.

Yet your legs continue to carry you to your boss, the laughter seems to have ceased and you could hear someone asking him what was wrong.

“Oh, L/N-san?” Nakamura greeted you, “You’re here for the renewal of the budget?”

You nodded feverishly, your legs seem to be turning into jelly because you want to collapse from the nervousness and thank god that you wore some make-up before arriving here, otherwise, they would’ve noticed how pale you looked, “Everything seems to be in order,” He nods, scanning the sheets and handing them back to you, “Are you busy right now?”

You glanced at the wall clock, checking the time to see if you could extend your stay and Nakamura is quick to pick up on it, “Ah right, you’ve got kids to pick up. It’ll be quick, just help set up the blocks there and you’re free to leave.” he orders.

You nodded obediently and slowly turned to the side only to catch the very familiar chocolate brown eyes of the blonde. You feel your heart hammering in your chest and your feet turn cold, it had been six years since you last saw Miya Atsumu and he was still as winsome and exhilarating as he was back then.

You may have seen him a lot on television but seeing him, right here, a few feet away from you was different. Taking in a big gulp of air, you started working on the set-up as quickly as you could yet you could still feel his burning gaze remaining on you, “Tsum-tsum, lay off her will you.” came Inunaki Shion’s loud voice snaps him out of his daze.

Great, that little twat had to make an appearance.

“Y/N-san you should really say hi,” Inunaki teased as soon as you finish your set-up.

“Oh? You’re Y/N L/N?” the orange one gushed, quickly up on his feet, you recall him as Hinata Shoyou, Youta’s favorite orange-haired ninja, “Sugawara-san’s friend?” 

You hesitantly nodded, “Oh, you know her Sho-kun?” Shion asked, seemingly amused by it all.

“What are you all crowding here for, Hinata?” Another asked, peering in them closely. This one must’ve been Bokuto, another favorite of Yuuto.

“Sugawara-san’s friend! she’s the mother of those two boys in the training camp who had to go home early!” he suddenly turns to you and then grins, “Ne, ne, the boys really seem to want to attend one of those. Why don’t you allow them to join us-”

“Forget it, Hinata.” Atsumu suddenly speaks out, that warm voice that you were accustomed to seemed cold and menacing now, “She won’t allow it.”

Shion notices the tension between you two and when he’s about to usher the energetic duo away back to the dressing room along with the other members, you let out a quiet sigh and spoke out, “I was on my way to leave, please don’t bother yourselves.” You simply replied, you didn’t waver and stared at him dead in the eye, this could be the moment to end it all and cut ties with him officially, “I apologize for what I did back then, Miya-san. I should’ve told it to you in person. I offer my sincere congratulations to you for making it this far.”

The blonde clenched his jaw, it seemed like he wanted to say something to you yet when he realizes the usual calm and collected demeanor you're putting up, he decides against it and leaves you alone by storming away first.

Hinata and the guy named Bokuto looked at you --- completely puzzled and lost like a deer in the headlights --- before following the blonde, “You truly are in a whole ‘nuther level, Y/N.” Shion whistles, “Heard you’ve got two boys now though. Congrats, where's the poor bastard?”

You continue to watch the back of Atsumu Miya. Finally, it seemed like he’d left you alone and probably for good this time, “Gone, off to a better place.” was all you replied.

Inunaki notices the longing in your voice, a completely unfamiliar emotion he had never seen back then even when you and Atsumu were together. It seemed like you and Atsumu were both the poor bastards in the end.

Miya Atsumu sleeps alone that night.

He doesn’t call his girlfriend back despite the several missed calls, he doesn’t reply to the unanswered text of his brother and his teammates. All he feels is pain tonight, pain because of your very dry apology, pain because of your bland expression. Pain because you didn’t seem to care like that time six years ago.

He shuts his eyes tight and he feels as if he’s back in college, back to that winter night where he received that dreaded phone call from you after you disappeared from him. He remembered those days clearly, your apartment had been cleaned out and paid for, you weren’t answering him on social media, your phone line was also unresponsive and he couldn’t even call your family since you never mentioned anything about them at all.

You both may have been intimate for the past two years but when you disappeared, he had the frightening realization that he didn’t know you at all.

He didn’t want to push you out of your comfort zone, he wanted you to lead the relationship but right at that moment, he wished he pried just a bit since he was worried about you.

Then in the midst of his anxiety, it came, that phone call.

“Atsumu.” your usual calm voice filled his ears and he suddenly feels the weight of the world is removed from his shoulders, thank god you were okay.

“Y/N? Baby? Where are you?”

“Out.”

“Where outside exactly?” Miya Atsumu dryly asks, “It’s cold, you shouldn’t be out now and wandering about. Would you like me to pick you up-”

“I can’t do this anymore.” you suddenly cut him off and the line goes quiet. The blonde feels the world around him quiet down too when he hears those words that he wished he heard wrong.

“What’s, what’s wrong? Y/N, are you alright?” 

“I don’t know,” You mutter, “I’m just tired.”

“Tired of what exactly?”

“Of you, of us…”

“Y/N, are you saying what I think you’re saying?” 

“Yes.” Your voice remained dead calm as if you just hadn’t broken his heart in a million pieces that moment, “Let’s stop this here now, Atsumu. Let’s break-up.”

“That’s…” He tries to keep the mood light, praying that this is one of your dark jokes, “That’s not funny, Y/N.”

“It’s not supposed to be since it’s not a joke.”

Your response was curt as usual and he doesn’t know whats worse, the fact that you’re breaking up over the phone or the fact that your tone remains stable and the same.

“Y/N, don’t do this...Baby don’t do this over the phone.” His tone seemed desperate at this point, “I’m not stopping this until you tell me what's wrong between us, you have to give me something to work with Y/N. Is it something I did?”

“I don’t know.”

“What do you mean ya don’t know?” Atsumu started to raise his tone when he notices how unaffected you seem at the other line.Frustration slowly started to bubble in him, the accent turning thicker as he got angrier, “Y/N ya can’t just disappear out of the blue and call me one day and tell me you want to break up! Do you think I’m some sort of fling? Some one-night stand or fuck buddies? We’ve been together for two years, Y/N. Two whole fucking years, What’s wrong? Do you not love me anymore?”

“Yes.”

The line went dead silent again and he hates it, he doesn’t know what to say as his face contorts in sadness and confusion. 

“I don’t…” He starts to feel a lump grow on his throat when he hears how easy it was for you to say, he knew he was in love with you more than you were with him. Many had pointed out how dangerous and how painful it would be on his side in the end, he couldn’t believe it would hurt him this much, “ I don’t fucking believe you, say it right at my face. Where the hell are ya? Let’s talk this one out in person.”

“Don’t bother, I just don’t want to see you again.”

“Y/N you can’t just-”

“I can and I will.” You cut him off, your voice was growing more and more detached and he feels like he’s back to that moment two years ago where you didn’t spare him a glance and treated him like a scrub, he hears a hefty sigh on your side and the next few words is another bullet to his heart, “I’m sorry it had to end this way, Atsumu.”

“You…” he shakily replied, trying to mask his grief with a painful chuckle. He wants to be mad at you, he wants to yell at you but for some odd reason, he couldn’t bring himself to,  “Jesus christ, you really are something, Y/N. You just broke my heart over the the fucking phone and all you could do is say sorry?”

“Sorry.” you say, like a broken-record on repeat and he hates it. He hates how he feels like this was nothing for you.

“Don’t you dare say that again when you don’t mean it-” He spat and before he could finish what he had to say, the phone line went dead. He tried to call again but it seemed like you had used a payphone. Out of complete vexation, he hurls his phone right across the room towards the blue photo frame with the both of you in it.

The sound of broken glass shards and ragged breathing is the only thing heard in the quiet apartment.

It’s not even the peak of winter that night yet he feels so numb and cold.

taglist [closed]

@fortheloveofiwaizumi​ ;  @svtbitch ; @ryaaaax ; @kiyoomile ; @lovedanii @juno-multifandom ; @gyubit17 ; @saeranoppa ; @nixxona ; @kyomihann @shorttstackk ; @itsmattsunshinehere ; @missingmystogan​ ; @Etherynaw ; @volleybloop​ ; @imcravingyou​ ;

[charlotte-lavender]

Spring Blossoms, as does Love (pt. 5)

📷

Summary: Y/N and Kuroo share their first night together in what is now both of their home. In the morning, Y/N faces some anxiety about meeting Kuroo's volleyball team, whom he considers his friends.

A/N: Hey y'all! I hope you missed me, but I'm back!!! I was going to publish chapters five and six tonight, but decided against that, because it's almost three a.m. as I am writing this. (Sleep? We don't know her.) Also, let me know who you would like included on the team! I will write anyone in as a supporting character, just make sure that they have enough screentime to base some characterisation off of. Should I do MSBY? or Karasuno? Aoba Johsai? Let me know! Also, I know that this author's note is already long, but I just wanted to mention again briefly that I am writing for new fandoms! I will be adding a list to my pinned post, so go check it out, and if you have a request, please submit! Finally, remember I use British English, start in Y/N's POV, and stay safe! Love y'all!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

pro·ver·bi·al /prəˈvərbēəl/ 📷Learn to pronounce

adjective (of a word or phrase) referred to in idiom or expression. "I'm going to stick out like the proverbial sore thumb"

Coming home to Kuroo was a new experience. When I get home, I'm covered in dirt and sweat, and I usually jump right into the shower before putting on sweatpants and making dinner. Today, however, was different for obvious reasons. "I'm home!" I announce to the house as I enter. Dropping all of my stuff on the floor, I turn and see Kuroo looking at me from the counter, his laptop open and papers strewn about beside him. "Hi, Kuroo. How was your day?"

"Just fine. I got all of my stuff in, the important things at least. How about you?"

"That client of mine is really nice, but they have lots of property. It always takes me forever to get to everything."

"Aww, I'm sorry. I got takeout if you would like it. It's in the fridge."

"Thanks babe, I appreciate it."

Kuroo gives me a quick hug before releasing me to go eat.

**POV SWITCH**

After Y/N was done eating, he moved to the couch, and I went and curled him up next to me. "Tell me about your day." I ask him before realising that he was moving to get up.

"Sorry, babe, I really need to shower. It's almost seven, and you have work tomorrow, right?" He says, getting up and stretching his arms over his head, exposing his lower stomach for a quick second.

"Yeah, I do. But I want to make sure you're comfortable. It'll be a long day with the team tomorrow."

"Well, how about you take a shower with me? No funny business, though. I'm too tired."

"Okay, I'll be up in five. Just gonna save my document and get my paperwork put away."

He walks away up the stairs, and I hear the tap turn on. I feel my face begin to flush scarlet. He wants to shower with me? Since when is he that suave? Usually, he's a dork, but...

Realising that I've taken too long, I close my laptop and head upstairs. Opening the door to the bathroom, I see his clothes on the floor and his silhouette behind the shower curtain. I slowly strip and pull away the curtain, and he turns to look at me. Stepping into the shower, he wordlessly motions for me to turn around and get my head wet. He then reaches for the bottle of shampoo, squirts some on his hands, and begins to massage it into my hair.

**POV SWITCH**

After the shower, curled up on our bed, I finally feel calm. Wow. Our bed. That feels really weird to say. "Kuroo, babe," I whisper out to the dim room.

"Yeah?"

"I-," I take a deep breath. "I love you..." Realising the gravity of what I had just said, I snap my hands up to cover my mouth. Kuroo, having seen the whole scene, wordlessly reaches down and takes ahold of my wrist. Tugging on it gently, he eventually forces it to part company with my lips, instantly replacing it with his. Grabbing my waist and pulling me closer to his side, I melt deeper into his kiss. After what felt like a blissful eternity, Kuroo pulls away and whispers, "I love you too, cutie. Now get some rest. I want you to come meet some people tomorrow."

The following day comes a lot sooner than expected. My eyes flutter open to Kuroo's shining smile. "What time is it?" I ask him.

"Six o'clock. Now, get up, I have coffee."

"Yay!" I mumble, somehow managing to sound both annoyed and excited.

"So, Y/N, today I thought that I'd introduce you to the team." I sputter into my coffee, but Kuroo keeps talking. "Me and the guys that I coach, we aren't that different in age, so we get along quite well. It'll be more like meeting a bunch of my friends than some random group of college kids."

Hearing that, I sigh in relief but then begin to hyper-focus on something. Friends. They're Kuroo's friends. Oh no. Insecurities and past experiences begin to overwhelm me as Kuroo pulls me up and nudges me in the direction of the bathroom, promises of breakfast vaguely heard over the roar of thoughts in my head. I can't help but feel as though I'm stuck in a current and just along for the ride.

**POV SWITCH**

Packing lunch into small containers for our busy day is what I'm doing when Y/N stumbles into the kitchen. His hair, while dried, is a rat's nest, and he only has on one sock. Knowing where this is going, I pause and walk over to him. He freezes but lets me hug him. As I bury my head in his hair and smell his shampoo, I ask, "What's all this about?"

"Wh-what are you talking about, babe? I'm excellent." Y/N says unconvincingly.

"Come on, Y/N. You only ever get this frantic when you're anxious about something. You know you can talk to me, right? Is it about meeting the team?" I see him freeze, and I know that I've hit the proverbial* nail right on the head. "What about today is making you anxious?"

"I'm worried that if I don't make a good impression, they'll all convince you to dump me because they don't think I'm worthy of you, or something like that."

"Y/N, babe, I've told you once, and I'll say to you as many times as you need to hear it, I don't care what anyone says about our relationship. I will never, ever leave you. Besides, knowing them, they'll worship you like a god and wonder how you ended up with a guy like me."

"Thank you, Kuroo. I love you so, so much, okay? I can't wait to get a better view of your life."

Hearing that, I gave Y/N a quick peck on the cheek and ducked back behind the counter, placing our lunch in a bag while he finished getting ready.

**POV SWITCH**

Kuroo is a surprisingly good cook. That's what I'm thinking about, the remnants of breakfast churning happily in my stomach while he rolls down the road towards the city. I don't like the city. I don't go to the city. Somehow, though, this all feels okay.

[pynkhues]

Hi Sophie! I’m an aspiring writer and I had a question for you!! How did you go on about finding an agent? Also how does one find job postings related to writing? (Tv, etc.) I’m very inspired by you and how talented you are!!!

Hi, anon! Thank you for your kind words, and it’s so exciting that you’re an aspiring writer! I think knowing that you want to write really is the first step on a pretty incredible journey, and it’s one that it helps have to have tools on. Knowing how to ask questions, like you did, is a great way to start building that toolkit too.

Especially because your writing toolkit will be something you build, because there’s not really one answer to either of your questions. I really mean it when I say writing and publishing is a journey, and as a part of that, the pathways people choose to take (and the pathways available to them) often vary a lot, and are impacted by so many things, from where you live to the genre and medium you write in to the networks you have access to.

I’m going to try to answer that for you as well as I can here which I hope will be a useful starting point for you, but I will be contextualizing it a bit with the fact that a) I’m in Australia, which has a bit of a different industry to many parts of the world (in no small part because we have a very small population), and b) that I worked in the industry before I started having my work published, which did give me a jump start and a pretty good network of professional and personal support.

Okay!

So let’s jump in.

Behind a cut because this got a bit long.

How did I get an agent?

Well! I was rejected by four agents before I got one, haha, so that in itself was a bit of an adventure. It meant that I was effectively my own agent for quite a while (something that’s quite normal in Australia for reasons I’ll talk about later), which meant doing everything from pitching works to teaching myself enough legal vocabulary to negotiate contracts (not my strong suit honestly, haha).

The first two agents I ever spoke to were both agents that weren’t open for unsolicited submissions. This is an important term in the industry, because what that means is that they’re not reading any new writers who:

they didn’t invite to submit (usually this would be after you’d won a prize, or they’d read your short story or essay in a journal or magazine, loved it and got in touch)

didn’t come recommended by colleagues; or

didn’t come through their existing networks.

Does that mean you can’t get your work in front of them? It doesn’t actually. Usually when agents aren’t open for unsolicited submissions, they’ll still be interested in work. It just usually means they don’t have the time for a massive slush pile. What they frequently do in these instances instead is that they’ll attend conferences, festivals, workshops or events and do pitching sessions a couple of times a year. That usually looks like you booking a five, ten or fifteen minute window, generally for free (be cautious if they’re charging extra on top of your event ticket) and doing a verbal pitch of your project.

I’ve done a lot of these at various events in various contexts (it’s always hell, haha), but only twice to agents. Once was at the CYA Conference in Brisbane (which is a charged pitch but the money’s a donation towards the Children’s Book Council), where I pitched a YA manuscript I’ve since put in my bottom-drawer, and Emerging Writers Festival in Melbourne, where I pitched The Rabbits, which is my novel which came out in July with Penguin Australia.

Those pitching sessions went just okay. Both liked my pitches, but the agent at CYA had a full stable of YA authors and was more looking for middle-grade fiction, which meant my story skewed too old. She gave me her card if I ever wrote for a younger audience, but otherwise declined to invite me to submit. Again, this is frequently actually why an agent might be closed to submissions or they might reject your work even if they like it – they're just at capacity with what you're pitching.

The one at EWF went better and I was invited to submit my complete manuscript, but she told me that while she thought I was a good writer, she didn’t personally like my writing style and therefore didn’t think she could sell it. She did actually invite me to submit something else if I had something more commercial, but I really figured that if she didn’t like my writing style, she probably wasn’t going to like whatever else I sent her, so I ended up declining because I thought it would be a waste of both our time.

The other two agents I submit to were both open for unsolicited submissions so I didn’t have to go through events. In both cases, I did cold submissions, which just means we’d never spoken before, so when you do that you need to put together a query packet because - - well. They don’t know who you are, haha. All publishers and agents have different requirements for their query packet and these should be listed on their website (if they’re not, feel really empowered to email and ask – in all of my industry experience, they have always infinitely preferred you doing that to guessing. It shows you know the etiquette and want to get it right).

Generally speaking though, what you're looking at pulling together for a packet is usually:

A cover letter explaining who you are, why you’re interested in them being your agent (being familiar with who else they represent is a good thing to highlight), and what story you’re selling them on.

A one-page synopsis of your manuscript.

A writing CV if you have one, or another relevant CV (i.e. if you're pitching a non-fiction book on being a nurse in the pandemic, attaching your nursing CV so they can see you're legitimate is important).

And usually either the first 50 pages or the first three chapters of your novel.

You generally email that to them, it goes into a slush pile, and they’ll read through it when they get the chance. I got a personalized rejection from one, which is pretty lovely (getting a personal rejection instead of one that’s clearly an email template from agents, editors and publishers might sound silly, but they’re actually pretty significant. These are people who get thousands of manuscripts a year, and taking the time to write a reply usually means your work resonated enough that they want to give you that encouragement even if the answer’s still no), and the other, I never heard back from, and my follow up email was ignored. Less lovely, haha, but unfortunately not uncommon.

So yeah, I took a bit of a break from seeking out an agent then, which I could do in Australia. One of the benefits of having a small industry here is that there’s a very limited number of agents (we’re talking literally about 25), which means submissions outside of agents and agencies are pretty normal. My understanding in the US and the UK is that you’re not really going to get a look-in without an agent, but in Australia you can submit direct, having an agent just makes it a lot easier.

So I didn’t have an agent when I actually got offered my book deal. I’d submit The Rabbits to a few different publishers, it had been rejected already by a couple and was still in the slush pile at one when I submit it to the Penguin Literary Prize. It won (yay!), Penguin offered me a book deal, and when the news broke in industry news, I was approached by six different agents, including, hilariously, the agent who said she didn’t like my writing style, haha.

I ended up talking to a few of them, but I went with a fairly new agent who I’d known through industry work, and I went with her because she had a really strong legal background which is what I was personally interested in.

Because that’s an important thing to consider too.

Why do you want an agent?

I actually knew that I didn’t really need an agent to sell my work. I’d been doing that for ten years already, I have over twenty short stories and a novella published, I’d sold my book, and I’d sold the rights to a screenplay already on my own, so the ability for an agent to sell work wasn’t so important to me. What was important to me was having someone who had a background in publishing law (my agent actually worked in the rights team in-house at a top five publisher before she became an agent), and understood rights management particularly in digital rights and international rights, because it makes my head spin, haha.

So that’s why I went with her!

But how do you find agents?

You didn’t ask this question exactly, but I think this is a very relevant question. There are databases of agents and publishers out there – Duotrope is probably the best known and I know people rave about it. One of the things that’s useful about it is that it’ll do a bit of a breakdown listing what genres the agent reads, if they’re currently open to unsolicited submissions, and their requirements. Take a look at Ginger Clark’s page for example (she’s not my agent – she’s American for starters, haha – but I have worked with her before and she’s a gem. Her most famous client is probably Ursula K. Le Guin, but she reps tons of other people too).

So yeah! Duotrope’s really useful. It has free info but also a paywall for certain things, and I personally find it kinda difficult to navigate?

I'd actually instead just recommend you take a look at writers you like and admire, especially ones who write similar genres to you, and just Google who their agent is. They all have websites, so they’re a lot easier to find these days than they were. 😊

How do you find job postings related to writing?

This is a tricky one, anon, as it depends on what sort of jobs you’re looking at. If you’re looking for copywriting opportunities, outlets for articles, short stories, poetry or essays, publishers who are posting open calls for manuscripts, or even cultural production jobs, those are all pretty different things. SO! I’m going to answer this one a little more broadly.

Writers Centres are your friends. Full disclaimer, I worked at one for five and a half years, and have been a member of Writers Victoria since I moved to Melbourne. They’re incredible resources for not only opportunities, but workshops, pitching, professional and creative development, community, networking and advice. They literally exist to help you achieve your goals.

- Writers Victoria maintains a free calendar of Opportunities and Competitions, but publishes more in their quarterly magazine which is a member perk. They’ll also often share job opportunities through their social media channels. I also still get the free e-news for Queensland Writers Centre and Writing NSW too because sometimes they share different stuff.

- I’ve heard Gotham Writers in New York is good too if you’re in America, but really I’d just suggest googling where you live and writers centre and seeing what comes up!

- Similarly festivals. I’ve worked at Brisbane Writers Festival and National Young Writers Festival here in Australia (the latter’s on online right now if you want to check out their free program!) Sign up to your local festival’s e-news, follow them on social media, they’ll usually share stuff.

- Speaking of! Social media! Haha. Twitter is often good for sharing jobs, competitions and opportunities, but I find it can be a bit of a cesspool too where people bombard the hashtags with self-promotion, so approach with caution. I find Facebook groups are way better for it personally, especially as there are a lot of specialized groups that are focused in certain or on certain writers. I know there’s lots for BIPOC writers for instance, I’m personally in a few and recommend:

Binders Full of WRITING JOBS

Binger Full of Copywriters

Style Binders – Writers in Fashion, Lifestyle and Beauty

Binder Full of Editors Seeking their Freelance Writers and Vice Versa

If you’re in Australia though, I’d especially recommend:

Women in Arts Management Collective (particularly if you’re interested in cultural production work)

Film and TV Networking Australia

Melbourne Women in Film

Writers Victoria Members

Australian Binder Full of Women Writers

Australian Arts Amidst COVID-19

Young Australian Writers

I think most of these are searchable, so just have a look, but also google your city or state + writer and see what pops up.

Otherwise, as much as it sucks to say it, a lot of the industry is who you know, so try and find ways to connect and meet with people and forge your own little community. Go to events – festivals, book launches, book clubs, join Facebook groups and in particular, if there are journals or magazines that are made in your local area, go to their launches and the events they run, no matter how big or small, and just chat to people there. As you get more established, you can be more discerning about what you go to, but when you're starting out, these are powderkegs of community and connection, and they breed suppport and, if you find the right people, you'll grow and develop together too.

Being a writer can often be pretty lonely, but being a part of supportive industry really makes all the difference, and as an old mentor of mine said – creative karma is real. You support the people coming up around you, and you’ll not only be creating a better, more inclusive and welcoming industry, but an industry that supports you right back. 😊

[magnumdays]

Magnum PI 3x12 - Dark Harvest review

So this week the whole episode was all around wholesome and Magnum-y. We got a veteran solider lady with a missing dog, Magnum/Higgins on the case, tiny bit of Higgy backstory reveal with the lads, TC/Jin/Rick team up that had to thaw even the coldest of hearts and of course Miggy saves the day and the doggie is alright.

I for some reason feel the need point out how much I dislike the title of this episode. Mostly because I think they've been pretty good this season and I don't like this one. I do get it; organ harvesting = Dark Harvest (also the reap what you sow connection to harvest with the helping Magnum coming back to haunt TC but then it's the guy fake suing that loses out because he was lying.) IDK, it makes sense and sound cool but I'm not loving it and to me it's not quite right for this episode.

Honestly I don't have that much to say other than I plain old enjoyed this one. Nothing overly Miggy about it but we did get them being awesome partners and friends and I love that to so I'm not complaining.

The bit with them gloating about saving the day to Gordon was amazing!

And the end where Magnum toasts the lads...

Seriously? Is there not a rule against being too adorable?

I love it though and I mean we got two seconds of them smiling and looking at each other and I'm back on my "yup there it is, this is why I need them to smooch" train and grinning like a fool.

(I mean for reals, I think this scene is so freaking telling and like come on, they have to be writing this like Magnum has feels for Higgins because why else would you toast a girl's dogs? Dogs you don't even like! That is a little odd Magnum, even if the case was very doggie focused...)

Upon occasion Jin can be a bit hit or miss, even when I really enjoy him, sometimes his plot and relevance to an episode have felt questionable, but in this one he just fit seamlessly. So that was nice.

Over all I just felt thoroughly entertained watching this one. There was nothing super exciting or spectacular about it but it was enough of everything I want in an episode (plus no Ethan! yay!) to keep me really happy.

My only complaints are - Magnum kind of taking responsibility (or at least kind of seeing him asking favors for TC could be a problem), is brought up again. Only he don't have to actually do anything for the problem to go away. So I'm not sure what the moral of the story here is but either have something real bad happen because Magnum is always asking for favors and have him start to think twice about asking for favors in the future or maybe have Rick/TC be less complain-y about it? IDK, just a thought.

And another thing I didn't like as much; Getting Juliet backstory for the lads.

Not because of the story itself, I think Juliet making friends with a random old guy is like something she'd do. (But why is everyone from Juliet's past dead!?! No wonder the girl has some issues). But both her talking about the lads and Nina (the client girl) talking about Addy (Addie?) felt a little... awkward. Like not how you actually talk about a dog, make small talk or would talk in the situations they were in. Or so I felt.

But maybe I'm knit picking? Something about it just felt a little off, if it was dialogue or the situation or whatever I don't know. The "I need my dog to be okay" highlights such an important issue and how great animals - dogs in particular - are to help you get through stuff, I just wish it would have felt a little bit more natural.

I did love the fact that Magnum is all "this difficult time you went through, that was before we met, right?" (right, right? you haven't been sad while I was here and I missed it? should I get a free Hugs for Higgy shirt so you know I'm here for you when you need me?) and that she actually talks about it both to him and Kumu! Opening up little bit there Jules! Good for you!

Final random note: for some reason I'd really would have liked Giles and Nina to have met. Like imagine them hitting it off! They'd have like one of the best "how we met" stories ever to tell their kids! (I know, I'm weird, that's where my brain went.)

NEXT WEEK IS THE BABY EPISODE! I REPEAT NEXT WEEK IS THE BABY EPISODE!! JAY HOLDING A BABY! MY OVARIES MIGHT EXPLODE BUT I CAN'T WAIT!