#and the part of him that is still 13 watching a City game with his Dad and his Dad let him get any snacks he wanted! any at all!

[lunar-years]

what are your headcanons about tartt sr’s abuse? did it start when jamie was a teenager? was he always physically violent with jamie and maybe georgie too?

the s3 the finale is so disrespectful to georgie now that i think about it

Hi! This ones not super easy to answer because i think the show leaves the specifics largely up for interruption. My own thoughts on it are all over the map (and often change). I can basically see a lot of different avenues to getting to what we see play out in Man City, and I've seen a lot of differing thoughts on this topic; to be honest I find myself nodding along to most all of them even though all of them could definitely not coexist in the same universe, lol. So this is far from set in stone in my mind but here are my (once again quite long oops) general thoughts on how it might have gone (obviously TW for discussion of abuse below the cut):

the abuse canonically did start when Jamie was a teenager, because we know the Amsterdam trip happened when he was 14; whether the abuse also took the form of physical violence at that age I'm less certain, but I lean towards the bulk of that coming later. At this stage James was still in his "Stand Up Father" routine

I think the early relationship when James Tartt Sr. first came back into Jamie's life would've been a lot of false promises and the "Fun Dad" shtick Jamie describes when talking about Amsterdam. We also know James tried to get Georgie back at least once, and the way I interpreted the tone in which that was said was that the trip was neither the first nor the last time that happened. I kind of headcanon that James was in and out of rehab during that time, swearing to do better, making the same mistakes, rinse and repeat

Jamie's thoughts on James were a jumble of juxtapositions. James could always sweet-talk getting them an extra scoop of ice cream for free at the shop, he took Jamie to City matches and showed up all the time with cool or expensive gifts his mum could never afford - official kits and the like. He taught Jamie "life skills" like picking locks and petty crime tricks that, to a 12 year old were fucking cool! On the other hand he was also taking Jamie to pubs and making him try beer when he was like, 12 or 13. He made Jamie hang out with him and his friends - who were crude and brash and kind of scary. He arranged for Jamie to lose his virginity in Amsterdam because it was "past time for him to grow up and be a man."

All of those latter things made Jamie at best uncomfortable, but they were always balanced by the fun stuff. The good stuff. The problem was he never knew which version of his dad he was going to get on any given day, so he could never prepare for it.

I think the physical violence started off "small" - shaking his shoulder aggressively, keeping an ironclad grip on the back of Jamie's neck, etc. When he hit Jamie the first time he showed up the next day with a grand apology. He always used "getting too drunk" as his excuse and said "it won't happen again" and Jamie always believed him until the next time, because it really didn't happen that often, and anyway the bruises were never anything he couldn't keep hidden from Mummy and the teachers at school.

there were maybe one or two "Bad Times" when James "lost control" (in his own later words) and got Very Violent with Jamie whilst he was still a teenager. These are the times when Jamie learned how to hide substantial injuries and bruises from his team, his coaches, etc. and stared at his Roy Kent hoping by some miracle for the man to come out of it and save him.

I also think this is an instance where a young Jamie might have ~fought back~ and/or purposely said things to provoke his father, only to then have the resulting beat-down framed as a "punishment" by James, which scared him shitless (because canon Jamie does not seem afraid of most anything, but he is definitely terrified of his dad and that came from somewhere) and effectively prevented him fighting back in future. These occasions very much stand out as formative in his memory because the violence was so not constant at that time; the biggest thing to me is that James was incredibly inconsistent and that was part of his manipulation. Jamie started wondering if he was somehow at fault for the abuse, if it was his failure to be good that caused his dad to hurt him.

"say goodnight son..." when he goes to kill Beard with a lead pipe sure says a lot. I think that level of beating on Jamie and physically abusing him really began when Jamie was an adult playing for Man City. Both before he comes to Richmond and after he is sent back to Manchester in s1. He "restrained" himself during the season, to keep Jamie fit enough to play. But the off season has been a historically bad time for Jamie.

this is the timeframe where I think Jamie has a very tense relationship with his mother and isn't really talking to her about anything, let alone James. The distance between them started when he was teenager keeping secrets, worsened when she began things with Simon, and are by this point at an all time low, and he's fallen back on his father, spending more time with him than ever. He's essentially isolated himself from any support system and this is when things are really very Bad.

As for Georgie -

yes, i do imagine she also suffered from James abuse, though I don't think the abuse would have looked exactly the same for her as for Jamie

I think the bulk of it was emotional/verbal abuse. I can very much see James yammering on about he'd "never hit a woman." meanwhile he's spewing constant vitriol about her, calling her a bad mother, calling her slurs, and of course beating on their kid. But (in his warped brain) slapping Jamie around isn't the same as slapping Georgie around, because Jamie should be "able to take it" and "be a man." Just all kinds of ickiness exuding from that man.

"your father is never, ever going to change" is definitely the consensus (to me) of a woman who has been deeply manipulated by James in past and let down herself by his false promises. i would not be surprised if she HAD gotten back together with James once when Jamie was a teenager and he was on a longer sobriety stint from rehab.

I do think Georgie knew on some level that Jamie was being abused but I also really believe she did not realize the full extent. Jamie kept secrets from her (Amsterdam included). Georgie sensed there were secrets, but didn't poke into them, in part because of her own james-related trauma and in part for paralyzing fear of what she'd find if she looked deeper. It was easier to believe Jamie was still telling her only truths. So she comforted him the best ways she knew how, and she did her best to limit the time Jamie spent with James, but Jamie adamantly always wanted to see his dad, and she had to work so often and couldn't always be around to monitor him, and what was she to do, in the end?

Jamie does tell Georgie all of it after they repair their relationship circa/post s2/s3, and the resulting bond is stronger than ever.

[clearlydiamondz]

The Game

 Erik!Stevens X Black!Reader

Part Nine

- - - - - - - - - -  

Erik, the most popular person at  Texas Southern University, has his heart set on a particular girl.

Warning: Smut, creep behavior,

- - - - - - - - - -    

"Can you believe her!?" (Y/N) exclaimed walking around the table where her father and her boyfriend sat letting her vent out. "It's one thing to want me to move back home, but it's another to pimp me out to a whole ass man." she snapped as her dad looked up at her.

"Aye I know you upset but watch your mouth." he warned her as she sighed.

"I'm sorry daddy, it's just those women don't make a lick of sense. What the heck do I look like getting up getting the chance to work for NASA for $10 an hour." she aggressively said. Erik thought it was cute how she respected her dad's command.

"I don't even want to go to the Christmas event they holding up at the church." she rolled her eyes as her daddy shook his head.

"Oh noo you going up there. Even if it's for an hour, because I gotta stick with your mother when you leave popping up at my house and blowing my phone up about you not coming.'' he said standing up and walking to the refrigerator.

"Oh I just know that pedophile gonna be there. I just know it too."

"Well good think you got me to be there. I promise you, ain't nothing getting by me, I got you." he said grabbing her hand and placing it on the table as she smiled at him. Her father looked at the two of them, knowing that his daughter was safe with him.

"And it ain't nothing walking up to the church with my shot gun. The bible might say peace be still but I gotta piece of steal that'll hurt somebody if they hurt you, understand me girl." he told her as he nodded.

"I don't want y'all stressing, this is a vacation. Matter of fact, gone head back to the stables and go show this city boy how to ride a horse." he said squeezing Erik's shoulder as (Y/N) smirked at him.

"You down?"

"Let's go."

_______

They walked to the stables where the three horses were. "Hold these for me." she said holding the bowl of carrots and celery that she cut up for them this morning.

"So, how long you been riding horses." he asked her as she shrugged her shoulders.

"Man to be honest, ever since I've been walking." she chuckled grabbing two saddles. "It's like riding a bike, takes some practice but you'll get the hang of it." she winked at him walking to the side of the stables where. All three horses heads hang out as they looked at (Y/N) and the intruder.

"Is that my Baby Blue?" she gushed walking to the all gray horse. The horse started to nay at the sight of his owner as she hugged his head.

"Baby blue done got so big. Yes he has." she said patting him. She grabbed some of the carrots putting them up to her mouth.

"Alright, this is Baby Blue. Or just Blue. He's my horse. Had him ever since I was like, 13?" she said in a question tone.

"This is Ms. Lady. This my daddy horse. She's the oldest, but she is most definitely the fastest." she said walking to the middle stall where the all black horse drooled at the sight of the vegetables. She grabbed some celery and carrots putting it to her mouth rubbing her head. "He goes horse back racing with her every weekend. I think we might go to one so you can see her in action." she said. "Gone head and touch her she ain't gonna bite." she said moving to the side. Hesitantly, he rubbed the top of her head as the horse accepted his advances.

"Now this, this is the horse you'll be riding." she walked to the other end of the stable where there was a mixed there was a black horse with grey spots on it.

"Now this is Dolly. My father and I rescued her about a few years ago. Now she's a little shy, that's why you gonna ride her cause she gonna sit still for you." she opened the stable for him as he slowly walked inside.

"Hi pretty girl, I hope you remember me." she said slowly walking up to her. "Here feed her some of the carrots and celery sticks." she said moving the opposite side, him hesitantly walking towards her.

"She ain't gonna bite me right?"

"It's a horse not a shark." she laughed scratching behind the horses ear. "Plus she shy. She probably more scared of you then you are of her." she added. Unlike the others that she fed, Dolly was a lot more hesitant with taking the food from him, even backing away.

"Dolly don't be like that.." (Y/N) pouted before the horse shook her head making Erik chuckle. "Let's try petting her first." Erik started to gently to brush the bag of her hair, as the horse started to warm up.

"Well damn that was quick. She ain't let me or my dad touch her for a couple of days." she chuckled. Erik tried with the carrots again and she slowly took it.

"Okay! I see you." she excitedly said pushing his shoulder as he gloated himself. She grabbed the lead rope hooking it to her weaver, then placing it on the horses head.

"Alright, let's go out to the field."

The two of them spent the rest of the afternoon horseback riding. Erik caught on to it pretty quickly, having a few mishaps here and there. The two of them hopped off their respected horses looking out into the empty field on the acres of land. "So how do you like it?" she asked tilting her her head to the side with a smile on her face.

"Exciting most definitely," he said petting Dolly, the horse leaning into his touch, more comfortable with him than she was with anyone.

"Dolly really likes you, she doesn't even act like this with me and my daddy." she chuckled standing in front of him. She looked him up and down seeing the outfit he wore biting her lip. Quite honestly, this outfit was probably her favorite outfit on him. The boots, the black jeans with the white T-shirt and the jean jacket. Maybe because Erik was the only city boy that could make her feel this way, but seeing him like this unlocked a new passion she didn't even know she had.

"Why do you keep looking at me like that?" he cut her out of her train of thought, as she blinked unknowingly at him. Both hands were tucked away in his back pockets one of his eyebrows was raised and a smirk was on his face.

"I can't look at you? Dang." she playfully said rolling her eyes as he chuckled. Just like he was reading her mind like he always does, he says,

"I'm not going to lie though, seeing you ride horses kinda make me wanna see you ride somethin' else." she gasped hitting him in the arm as he shrugged. "Since you're scared to say it, I will." she bit her lip before saying,

"I mean... you do look good," she said grabbing the hem of his shirt and licking her lips.

"Too bad I can't have you how I wanna have you."

________________________

The two of them entered the house to see her dad watching television and eating a bowl of Cheerios. "We are going to take a nap before we head out to the church," she told him as he nodded.

The two of them walked down the hall and into her room. She walked in first taking her braids down that were in a bun. He stood by in front of the door with his hands behind his back, locking the door unnoticed by her.

"We need to leave in a few-" Before she could finish her sentence, Erik grabbed her face and kissed her. Kissing him back, she wrapped her arms around his neck. He walked forward making her take steps back as they continued to kiss.

"Ooh.. Erik." she whispered once his lips left hers and connected to her neck.

"Did you think I was playing when I said you looked good huh?” He asked into her neck as he nipped at her skin. She bit her lip in an attempt not to moan out loud.

“Fuck baby..�� she whispered with her lips parted.

“Can you be a good girl and be quiet for me? Huh?” He whispered pulling from her neck. She nodded as he smirked while unbuttoning her jeans. “Daddy just wanna take a look, that’s all.” He whispered to himself as he lifted her off the floor and onto her bed.

He yanked her jeans and underwear down as she took her shirt off. Erik couldn’t help but chuckle at her eagerness, but was quickly bought back to reality when he noticed her pussy clenching over nothing.

“Like this daddy?” She whispered, getting into his favorite position. She held her ankles pulling her legs towards her head. He smirked at her as she smirked back at him.

He properly made her a trained slut just for him. Knowing his favorite position, and knowing not to deny him even a glimpse of her pussy was enough to make him want to give her anything in the world if she asked for it.

“Just like that pretty girl.” He commented before placing a kiss on her clit. She whimpered before whispering,

“I thought you said you just wanted a glimpse.” She pouted as his middle finger tapped on her clit, the slight sound of her wetness meeting her ear.

“I know, but I know what you want daddy to get a taste right? You want daddy to make you cum all over his tongue.” He whispered, his tongue slowly licking circles around her clit as she threw her head back. “Got my dick all hard.”

Just the mention of his dick had her opening her eyes and looking at him, only to see him unbuckling the belt and his jeans. “Can I see?” She pouted. Giving into her looks, he pulled his boxers and pants down to his thigh as he dick sprung out, hitting her on her heal ass cheek. She let go of her ankles as she sat with him standing between her legs. She grabbed his dick before spitting on it and jerking his dick.

“Nasty girl…” he whispered before grabbed her face and kissing her. This time, the kiss was a lot messier with their tongues sliding against each other. She whined her hips on her bed in attempt to use the friction to release the tension that she had in her pussy. Erik noticed, and without breaking the kiss he rubbed her clit as she moaned into the kiss.

She broke away, as she bit her lip. “Fuck me?” She asked him with a tilt of her head. He damn near came at the sound of her voice but was interrupted by his own train of thought.

“Wait baby- fuck.” He started but was cut off by (Y/N) rubbing his tip on her clit as she looked down at it in awe.

“That feels so good.” She whimpered.

“Hold on baby girl-“ he stopped her by grabbing her hand as she pouted. “You sure? Your dad is right outside the door.”

She answered his question by lying back down and placing her foot on her shoulder. She grabbed his dick placing the tip at his entrance without breaking eye contact. She pushed herself on as she gasped at the feeling of him invading her walls.

“Does that answer your question daddy?” She asked sitting up on her shoulders and playing with her nipples.

“You nasty fucking bitch.” He groaned before wrapping his hand around her neck and choking him. He thrusted into her slowly, letting her walls swallow his dick as her wetness coated him.

“Ooh fuck me just like that.” She whispered as she looked at him fucking her. His dick glistened every time he pulled back out with her pussy lips tugging.

“I should make yo nasty ass walk around with my nut in yo pussy all the time huh? Let everyone know who pussy this belong to.” He whispered bending down to her ear. He grabbed her other leg throwing it around his shoulder before she accidentally moaned out from the position.

“Oh my goodness daddy!” She whispered as he put his mouth to her hand.

“Shut the fuck up before I stop. You can take this dick without making noises.” He taunted her. He actually wanted to see if she could. If she could do this, he’d fulfill one of his kinks by fucking her in public. Maybe in a restaurant bathroom, or even a dressing room.

Her eyes locked with his as he continued to fuck her at an even slower pace. With the slow fucking, she felt herself cum all over his dick, hearing the new wetness sound.

“Look at you just creaming on my dick with that slutty pussy.” He praised her as she continued to nut. She mumbled profanities into his hands as her eyes crossed from the intense pleasure.

“Fuck…” he grunted out before throwing his head back. “This pussy finna make me put a baby in you girl.” He said as she groaned. Another orgasm made its way through her as he looked down at her.

“Freaky ass. You wanna walk around with my baby? I’m fucking you so good you wanna have my baby.” She nodded her head as she clenched around him just by the thought. She was taking the shot every three months but damn her imagination was running wild right now.

"Who pussy this belong to baby... huh?" he whispered to her as she looked at him biting her lips.

"It's yours daddy... fuck this pussy is yours..."

“Fuckkkk…” he trailed out as he came without warning into her pussy. Without leaving a drop she sat up as he still held his dick inside of her, slowly thrusting as she bit her lip.

“Daddy..” she whimpered as he slowly pulled out. He bent back down to be eye level to her pussy. He loved seeing the way her pussy looked after a good nice fuck. He placed a kiss on her clit like a few moments before.

____________________________________________

The two of them pulled into the parking lot of the church. Erik parked the car as (Y/N) continued to look out the window. “You good?” She turned to look at him as he looked at her with a concerned look on her face.

“Oh sorry, yeah. I’m good.” She forced a smile at him. He could tell that she was still nervous so he grabbed her hand and squeezed it.

“Look, the moment you get uncomfortable, you let me know and we leave. Got that?” He asked her. She nodded slowly before he exited the door. He walked to her side opening the door for her as she stepped out. He grabbed her hand walking her to the front door and opening it.

The church was filled with people, most likely more visitors because of the holidays. She recognized some of her old church members considering she grew up within the church. Some of them recognized her and ran to greet her.

"Sister (Y/N)! It's been a long time how have you been!" one of the ministers, Sister Barbra, exclaimed as she gave her a hug.

"Hi Sister Barbra, I've been good. And yourself?" (Y/N) smiled at her.

"Blessed and highly favored. And who's this young man?" she asked looking at Erik.

"This is my boyfriend, Erik. Erik, this is minister Barbra." she introduced the two. Erik gave her his hand to shake as she shook it.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Erik." she smiled at him. "Your mother is in the back preparing dinner for later on. Do you want me to let her know that you guys are here? She's been talking nonstop about you guys." she gushed, immediately (Y/N)'s interest was peaked.

"She has? What has she been saying?"

"Well that you decided to go to school, how you are the top in your class, and how you meet a potential husband. Though I see no ring on either of your fingers.." she stated looking at Erik and her hands in confusion.

Erik couldn't help but let out a chuckle, but (Y/N) had to remember not to roll her eyes in front of her.

Typical.

"You don't have to tell her we are here. Once service starts I'm sure she'll find us." she responded back. Sister Barbra left to go greet some more visitors, as the two of them found a seat on one of the back pews.

"Well at least she is proud of you?" Erik said as she scoffed.

"She is not proud of me. My mother has always done this. Ever since I could remember she would always talk crap about whatever I wanted to do unless it made her look good. Of course she's telling everyone what I'm doing." she rolled her eyes. "I'm willing to bet any amount of money as soon as we are alone, she's going to start that shit up again about me abandoning my career and coming back to the church." she replied with a shake of her head.

Erik was about to say something, but three women came up to them. Immediately, (Y/N) recognized them as the pastors daughters. Ashley, Olivia and Carolina. They were about three years older than her, and they were triplets.

There was no way to put it other then that (Y/N) hated them. Considering that this was a small town, all of the kids that went to the same church all went to the same school. And as far as she could remember, the three girls made her life a living hell. Of course when she told her mother about the bullying and teasing, she just dismissed it. A part of her knew that she didn't want to address it because these were the daughters of the pastor's of the church.

"Hello, welcome! How are you doing?" The three greeted Erik as he nodded his head in their direction, not really paying them the attention. Cut off guard, their similar faces showed the surprised expression.

"This is Ashley, Olivia and Carolina. Pastor Carl's daughters." (Y/N) replied as the three girls looked at her in shock.

'"Oh my gosh, (Y/N)! How are you?" Olivia exclaimed. Ashley and ' Carolina looked at her in shock as she waved at them.

"Jesus, you have changed a lot since the last time I seen ya." Carolina said with her arms crossed over her chest.

"I've been great, how about y'all?" (Y/N) replied as Ashley shrugged.

"All is well, and who is your friend?" Ashley said looking at Erik. "He's quiet ain't he?" she looked back at her sisters as they nodded.

"I'm Erik. And I'm not her friend. I'm her boyfriend." he corrected them. (Y/N) couldn't help but chuckle to herself.

"Well nothing ain't official until marriage. According to the bible of course." Carolina said with a smugness, making (Y/N) roll her eyes.

"If you seen how I had just had her a few hours ago you'd think different." he mumbled as she kicked his foot underneath the pew as he chuckled.

Not sure if they heard it or not, but I'm sure her mom will grill her later about it. "Well it was nice see and meet you, (Y/N) and Erik." Olivia replied looking back at her.

"It was, you have changed a lot. You should have seen her back in highschool Erik. Might make you second guess yourself." Carolina replied laughing as Ashley laughed along with her.

Highschool (Y/N) may have been embarrassed, or may even be insecure. She kind of wanted to kick herself in the ass. It was kind of pathetic how they still acted like they were in highschool with the bully mentality. She couldn't help but to say,

"I'm going to be honest, why does it matter what I used to look like? That's so weird to say." she couldn't but chuckle but Erik egged it on.

"No second guessing over here. She's the most beautiful woman I have laid my eyes on." he smiled at (Y/N) as she smiled back at him.

"Well I didn't mean it like that.." Carolina chuckled nervously. "It was more like a-" she looked at her sisters for help.

"It was more of a statement. She was just saying that she looks good now, because she looked different back then. Ya know?" Ashely defended her as Erik shook his head.

"No.. I don't get it." he said squinting his eyes. There was a quick few seconds of silence before an announcement was done over the microphone for everyone to take their seats and prepare for tonight's service.

"Well we are going to go ahead and take our seats. Again, it was nice seeing y'all!" Olivia exclaimed as she dragged her two sisters from them.

"That was..." Erik trailed off.

"A lot. Yeah. Why do you think I went to school in Texas." she joked with him making him chuckle.

"How do you know them?" he asked her tracing her hands with his thumb.

"Well like I said, their the pastor's kids. Also, we all went to the same schools. Let's just say they weren't so kind to little younger (Y/N)." she told him as he smacked his teeth.

"I wish I would have known that before they came over. I would've really embarrassed them." he admitted. She laughed before shaking her head.

"I'm over it honestly. Just seeing them act like that really just satisfied the little girl in me." she said slightly cringing.

Service had started and she still had yet to see her mother. She wasn't really worried about that though, she just took this time to appreciate the music and the word as it has been a minute since she been to church.

After service, everyone sat down in the dining hall. As the two of them ate and talked, her mom finally showed up.

"Didn't think you would be showing up." her mom walked over sitting on the other side of Erik.

"Well I said I was coming didn't I. I'm a woman of my word.. unlike some people." she mumbled the last part.

"Why do you have so much lip-gloss on your face, you look like a freaking proustite, who told you that looked cute? And did you have to wear that dress. You are showing way too much." her mom chastised her. "It's one thing to have not have any respect for your so called boyfriend, but in the house of the lord? Really?" Her mom complained.

'(Y/N) looked down at the baby pink dress she had on that stopped an inch above her knees. Her cleavage wasn't out, but it did show off her figure though it wasn't skin tight.

"Mom please, there is literally nothing wrong with my dress." (Y/N) said rolling her eyes.

"Brother Ron wants to see you by the way. He says that-"

"She's not talking to him." Erik cuts her off looking at her mother as her mother scoffed.

"Excuse me? Who are you to tell my daughter what she can and can't do?" she asked furrowing her eyebrows at him.

"He's my boyfriend and he's right. I'm not talking to his creepy behind." she said wiping her mouth with a napkin. Her mom looked between the two as (Y/N) stared at her mother waiting for her next response.

"Wow.. so you're just going to listen to him and not your own mother." she replied shaking her head. "See this is why I didn't want you going to that damn school, you come back being disrespectful and rude. That boy is a bad-"

"See that's not what we finna do. I have told you plentiful of times that I don't want to talk to that creep. You don't know how to take no for an answer and is pissed off that someone other than dad is standing up for me." she snapped back at her mother. The look on her face was shocked to see (Y/N) stand up for herself, but she deemed it as a token of disrespect.

Patricia was used to (Y/N) following whatever she said, just because she knew she could guilt trip her daughter when she was younger. Now that she didn't really have that power any more, she knew she had to come up with something quick to make her.

"Wow, you know what? If you are going to be disrespectful to the person that birthed you then you can just leave. I don't need to-" she was cut off by (Y/N) standing up and grabbing her things. Erik followed her actions before she looked at her mom and said,

"Until Erik and I can get an apology, I am no longer talking to you."

____________________________________________

The two of them drove back to the country side as she sat in the passenger seat. It was quiet with one of his R&B playlists playing lowly in the back ground. "I appreciate you standing up for me back there, baby." she looked over at him. He grabbed her hand bringing it up to his lips before kissing her hand.

"Well I'm not finna sit up here and let someone disrespect you any kind of way. Don't care if it's your mom no offense." he said looking at her and back to the road.

She licked her lips before saying, "I mean.. I still want to show my appreciation." she told him batting her eyelashes at him.

"I'm not going to lie... you do look cute with the church girl outfit. So cute and innocent." he said stopping at a stop sign. The pink dress in question was paired with a white purse and white heels, with a white bow for her hairstyle. Even before she left, when Erik saw her he wanted to go for another round.

She leaned over the seat, tracing her hands over his area. He shifted into his head, holding the steering wheel with one arm and using the other to grab her hand.

"You can't be touching me like that while I'm drive girl. I'll pull over and fuck the shit outta you right now." he warned her as she smiled at him.

She got back into her seat as he sped off before pulling her dress up her thighs and reaching for her black underwear. She placed it on his lap as he looked down at it then looked at her.

"You being a bad girl? What happened to my sweet and innocent (Y/N) ?" he asked her as she placed her feet on the dashboard.

"I don't know.." she whimpered widening her legs. "You wanna see how wet you got my pussy daddy.?" she asked. She slowly opened her legs as he saw glimpses of her pussy from the street lights. That's when he decided to pull over on the dirt road and unbotton his seat belt.

"Fuck.. the pretty pussy stay wet don't she." he asked leaning over the council and reaching down to her wetness. He spread her lips to see her pussy dripping. He could tell just by looking at her pussy that it was still recovering from the session they had earlier. He slowly started to rub small circles on her clit as she bit her lip.

"Mmm daddy, take that dick out." she said. He sat back in his seat, unzipping and unbuttoning the slacks that he had on, whipping his dick out as it hit his stomach.

"Fuck..." he moaned as he started to jerk his dick off slowly. She faced towards him getting onto her knees, bending over to place his dick into her mouth.

"Mmm.. yummy." she said to herself tasting the precum that blessed his tip. Bobbing and twisting her head, she made sure to slob over his dick.

"Yeah.. get that dick sloppy and wet." he moaned watching her. He looked behind her to see that the window had a reflection of her wet pussy underneath the dress. He pulled the dress up her back as he smacked her ass a few times.

"Shake that ass for daddy.." he instructed her. Wiggling her ass cheeks, her pussy winked at him through the reflection as he spanked her ass cheeks making her moan.

Without any warning, she sat back up and moved across to sit on his lap. She grabbed his dick and lined it up to her entrance before sitting completely down.

The two of them moaned, as he pushed the seat back and laid it down letting her have more room to work.

"There you go, ride daddy's dick like a good slut.. fuck." he cursed as she moved up and down slowly.

"Shit.." she gasped. It's been a minute since she rode him but damn, every time she does she forget how big he is.

"Come on.. I know you can take all this dick. You done it before." he said assisting her as she slide down even more as she gasped.

'"Damn your so deep." she whimpered, loving the pain.

"Keep on riding my dick like you doing before I fuck you (Y/N)." he warned her. Placing her arms over the seat so her titties were in Erik's face, he happily pulled the dress down letting her boobs free from the dress and bra, and took one into his mouth to suck and play with.

She bounced up and down, the sound of her ass hitting his thighs and her wetness filled the car, along with their moans and their dirty talk.

"Fuck girl, got the best pussy in the world fuck." he moaned out throwing his head back. That statement gave her some boost as she started to ride him even faster.

"Mmm I love this dick so much.." she moaned with her eyes rolled back into her head and her head thrown back. Erik's hand found their way up her chest and to her neck, squeezing it as she gasped at the sudden lack of air. All it did was make her ride him faster.

Her orgasm broke through her as she fell onto her knees, shaking on top of her

Erik took it upon himself to plant his feet on the ground and fuck up into her. "Yeah.. daddy beating this pussy up ain't he." he growled into her chest while smacking her ass.

"F-Fuck baby please." she moaned as he let out a moan himself.

"I'm finna cum, I'm finna cum all in this good pussy.. fuck!" he screamed out, scratching at her ass and smacking it.

"Shit.." she whispered falling back into the passenger seat. The windows were foggy as she looked back at Erik and laughed.

"What's so funny?" he asked looking over at her.

"I can't believe we just did that."

____________________________________________

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[astarions-wife]

Amanita Szarr, theory and history:

-We know that she was the niece of Cazador, summoned to him at 13 and forcibly turned into a vampire (vampire spawn? It’s never confirmed if she’s a true vampire or a spawn).

-It’s said her entire extended family was there, watching as he summoned and turned her. It’s mentioned somewhere that she lived out of the city in a country estate, raised by her servants. Her parentage is unknown, though clearly one of them was the sibling of Cazador, since Amanita is his niece by blood.

-She resisted at first, being locked away in the attic for a year before she eventually gave in to drinking human blood out of starvation, resulting in her killing and drinking a captive that was sent up there.

-This is when she rejected the Szarr name, and declared herself “Lady Incognita”, hiding her past likely out of guilt, and disgust for what they’d made her.

-She stayed in the attic by choice after this, and wrote her “little histories” as she called them.

-Amanita/Incognita was turned in 1477, the game takes place in 1492. It’s been 15 years since she was turned, though considering vampires don’t age—she’s still a 13 year old.

-She’s responsible for the books “Diseses of the Blood”, “The Tourmaline Depths”, and “Vampires before Vellioth”.

-These books are about diseases that vampires can get, ancient tunnels below the city, and a list of vampires that came before Vellioth (Cazador’s former Master).

-Bonus fun fact, there is in fact a random ring called “Tourmaline Ring” in BG3. The ring doesn’t have any function, and I was able to locate it for sale at a vendor in act 1, but it’s still an interesting coincidence.

-Her book “diseases of the blood” can be located in the House of Hope, though she’s very clearly not among the souls there, so it’s unknown how it arrived to such a place.

Potential Theories on what happened to her:

-In the ballroom of the palace, there are two doors. The door to the kitchen is open, and the ladder here leads to the attic where you can find the multiple hidden doors that contain the rooms Amanita stayed in (for at least most of her years), as well as the torture room she was turned(?) or at least kept in for awhile.

-The dining room is closed off. The only way to access this is to send a companion into the kitchen to hit a button. This button closes off the kitchen door, and opens the dining room.

-Considering there aren’t any bodies in the kitchen, and the only servants in the house are in other rooms nowhere near the ballroom, it’s clear that someone had to open/close the door.

-There are bodies in the dining room, all of which were guests summoned to the party that evening. One of them was “hired” to play music, but Cazador’s werewolves brutally murdered all the party guests.

-It was definitely not Cazador or the other spawn responsible for opening/closing doors. By the time you get to the palace, it’s ritual night—and all the other spawn are captive in the basement with Cazador, awaiting the final piece (Astarion) to complete it.

-It’s possible that Amanita is the one responsible for controlling the doors at the party, though unconfirmed if she killed anyone (it seems more likely the job of the werewolves).

-Could Amanita have been sent down to be the “host” of the party, since Cazador obviously wasn’t around to play fake-noble for the day? It’s unclear, but I do suspect she (might) have been connected.

-In the dining room you can move the fancy chest to find a hatch to another part of the basement. Noticeable here is that Astarion doesn’t have any voice lines about this as he does the other one, though it’s safe to assume he also doesn’t know this existed (and when were the Spawn ever allowed in the dining room anyway?)

-The basement here leads to a very famously broken puzzle, that no one has solved (supposedly support says it’s broken, hoping it’s fixed one day soon).

-The key to this hatch is found in the attic, so it’s safe to assume Amanita was connected to this too? However without confirmation, it’s hard to say for sure. And would you really go through a puzzle that hard just to find her corpse if she was dead? Doubtful, in my opinion.

-It doesn’t seem that she’s one of the spawn connected to the ritual. She never mentions any of it in her writings, and some of her earlier attic notes very clearly detest Cazador, so she’s not holding back her emotions/thoughts at all.

-She was also allowed, and given human blood. None of the seven original spawn were fed human blood, and none of the seven thousand spawn were fed at all. She was likely only given this treatment because she was his niece.

-I don’t believe she escaped the palace in general, even with her book in the House of Hope. I feel like Raphael would’ve said something about knowing a Szarr, or we would’ve found more than a book tossed in a pile.

-Talks of escape were usually noted in the palace, with Leon (one of the spawn) having been plotting in a journal to have his daughter escape, but she was inevitably killed before this could happen.

-Amanita never discusses leaving. She seems like she feels as though she can’t be normal ever again with what was done to her, and chooses to stay there so she doesn’t have to face the world.

-I believe (perhaps in delusion) that Amanita is still alive. Perhaps she’s hidden away in the basement. Perhaps she’s hiding in an unknown part of the castle, truly we don’t know—but I do believe she’s alive.

-Side Note: It was a theory that she could’ve been turned into a scroll, as there’s a scroll in the palace that mentions “for my sins, I’m ink on this page until you free me”, however it’s not signed. Amanita/Incognita was very clear on signing her work, and the scroll isn’t anything you can use/interact with, so this theory is largely since debunked.

-Feel free to add onto this if I’m missing anything! Amanita is one of my favorite unknown characters, and I really want to know more about her!!! :)

[lasandra]

Sketches of the Dragon Age men I've romanced + my reactions to their romance! For funsies!

Under the cut because it's quite long... There are spoilers for DA:O, DA:2, and DA:I (Probably not an issue because all these games have been out for 10+ years but I wanted to say, just in case).

These are just how 'I' feel about them. I'd love to hear everyone else's opinions on the characters as well! One thing I love about Dragon Age is that the characters are so complex that people can have very different opinions on them (and mostly not kill each other for it! :P).

Alistair:

Alistair was the reason I started playing the game back in 2010. My father had been given the game by his best friend and he would always let me watch him play games. He hadn't gotten further than defeating the Ogre in the Tower of Ishal before he quit playing, however, much to 12-year-old me's disappointment. I had immediately fallen in love with Alistair and wanted to see more of him! I asked if I could play and fortunately my father was not as careful about checking game ratings/content and said sure!

Words cannot describe how stunned I was when I found out you could romance companions in this game, this was an entirely new concept to me that blew my 12-year-old mind. To this day Alistair is my favorite fictional man and I would destroy all of Thedas to protect him.

Zevran:

I didn't have as positive an experience initially with Zevran as I barely took him anywhere with me initially (so my approval with him was always pretty low). Back then I figured he always would betray you when Taliesen shows up. One day I decided to run a playthrough where I romanced him. When I knew I was getting close to when Taliesen showed up I was sad, but thinking he was still going to betray me, I removed all his weapons and armor so that it would be easier to kill him. Boy was I surprised when he didn't betray me and was instead punching the other crows in his underwear... It was that playthrough that I realized how important it was to check approval lol.

Anders:

Anders and Nathaniel Howe had been my favorite Awakening characters. In my canon playthrough, I had protected the city but lost the keep, with Anders and Justice along with it. Or so I thought. When I loaded up DA:2 and saw him, I thought him being alive was a bug and was so excited that he wasn't dead! And when I saw that you could flirt with him, 13-year-old me was like, "Yeah, I'll be doing THAT!" It was all going great until the end of the game when he BLEW UP THE FREAKING CHANTRY! I was so upset, I wondered what I did wrong to make him do that. I loaded so many saves and started the game over 3 times trying to figure out how to avoid that. When I realized I couldn't stop him no matter what I did, I was completely and utterly devastated and PISSED. He is the reason I have trust issues in Dragon Age. I still choose to romance him sometimes because the guy is such a romantic but I do so expecting sadness and anger in the end lol. Knowing Hawke will never be as important as the cause and the fact that he LIES to Hawke, tricking her into helping him without full knowledge of what she's taking part in, will never cease to annoy me.

A lot, I know... He just makes me feel a lot of things xD It's a complicated love-hate relationship.

Fenris:

It took awhile for me to warm up to Fenris but he is by far and a way my favorite DA:2 romance now. Things are complicated with him and within the romance but it's very clear that he actually cares about Hawke. I can relate to him a bit in one way, the reason he leaves after he and Hawke get together in Act 2. Trauma like that can really ruin things that should make you happy, and it can be very frightening when memories of the traumatic event surface, and the last thing you want to do is make the person you care about feel bad or like it's their fault. It just makes me want to give him a hug. Poor spikey boy...

Sebastian:

I really wish Bioware had had the time to do more with Sebastian. I really do. His romance has some cute moments (and there are some interesting implications if you rivalmance him) but he was made as a DLC companion and it shows. I still quite like his character though, I know a lot of DA fans aren't fond but yeah lol. He can be a bit of a dramatic pain in the butt if you don't kill Anders though. That is very valid criticism.

Cullen:

Ah... Cullen... He was always controversial. A lot like Solas is now. There are people who hate Cullen's guts and people who adore him. I am quite obviously the latter. I wanted to romance him in DA:O, I wanted to romance him in DA:2, and then we finally got him in DA:I and it was better than I ever could have imagined.

Honestly, I kind of suspect that if I hadn't done Alistair's romance first, that Cullen's would be my favorite in the series. It's so sweet and he PROPOSES and married you IN-GAME. That's freaking awesome! And his ending slides after Trespasser just make me really really happy lol.

Alistair is still my favorite but Cullen is a very close second.

Blackwall:

Blackwall is a solid character and a sweet guy; his story and romance are very well written as well. Honestly though, he just looks too old for me. I was 16 when Inquisition came out and I'm 26 now. Dude looks like he could be my dad and so it's hard to convince myself that my characters would be interested in him. No shade to those who like him, just different preferences, and like I said, he's still a very compelling character and if he were younger or less bearded, I could probably enjoy the romance too.

While I make a big deal about Blackwall lying about being a Grey Warden, it's mostly just me picking on him. I actually do think it makes for an interesting narrative. It's so easy to sus him out when you've played Origins though lol! That being said, I DO make him become a legitimate Grey Warden because it just feels right to me and ensures that every Dragon Age game I play has at least one Grey Warden companion (so that everything is right in the universe).

Please don't hate me Blackwall fans lol!

Solas:

Am I a massive hypocrite for loving Solas so much while not being all that fond of Blackwall? Probably yes... But I can't help it! To be fair though, before I finished Inquisition for the first time (this was before the Trespasser DLC btw), I didn't even think I'd be interested. I'm a diehard Solavellan now, but I had initially just seen him as a pajama-wearing fade nerd (aren't I sweet?). As I've said I was 16 when I first played Inquisition and was too busy romancing Cullen to notice all the (in hindsight) obvious signs that there was more to Solas than met the eye.

When I saw that he was the dreadwolf... I kind of flipped my ever living shit. Fen'Harel had been the most interesting of the elven pantheon to me since I played my first dalish elf warden in Origins and now my Lavellan had the chance to romance him??? So naturally I did just that my next playthrough.

I didn't use the internet like I do now so I had no idea what was coming in Crestwood though. OOF! I was in shock. How dare this pajama-wearing fade nerd elven god just dump my poor Lavellan like that! Then Trespasser came out I had round 2 of getting my heart ripped out of my chest, dashed into a thousand pieces, and strewn about the fade in the most tragic way possible. *Is dramatic*

Cullen and Alistair may be my favorite romances for the romance itself, but Solas is my favorite romance for the overarching story. I mean, because the Inquisitor is seen by so much of Thedas as the Herald of Andraste, Lavellan is canonically a religious figure of the chantry whether she agrees with it or not. Solas is a religious figure of the elves. This means two religious figures from two separate religions get together and that is just SO interesting from a story perspective!

I can't wait to see what they do with the Solavellan romance in Veilguard. I hope it doesn't hurt too much xD

The Iron Bull:

16-year-old me was not prepared for this romance... At ALL. My poor mostly innocent eyes lol (Cullen's too!). It's a fun romance though, and my default inquisition romance for my Qunari and dwarf characters. He's cool. Plus I had a bit of a crush on Freddie Prinze Jr when I was a kid so like, that makes it kind of neat!

Final Thoughts:

Bioware has always written truly amazing characters and romances and I am so excited to see what Veilguard has to offer. I am probably going to have to do two playthroughs at once so I can romance Lucanis and Davrin so I can play both without knowing too much in advance.

Like I said at the top, I'd love to know what everyone's opinions of the characters are! Loveya!

[thefallennightmare]

Hey, I sent in the Tourette’s HC! I took some info off of google ‘cause im really bad at explaining in my own words 😭 so hopefully this helps! Hope you have a great day!! 🤍

“A nervous system disorder involving repetitive movements or unwanted sounds. Tourette syndrome starts in childhood. It involves uncontrollable repetitive movements or unwanted sounds (tics), such as repeatedly blinking the eyes, shrugging shoulders, or blurting out words. Treatment may include medication or psychological therapies.”

@thescarlettvvitch @missduffsblog @hayleylatour @sleepyomens @loeytuan98 @artificialbreezy @marvelousmal @bngurngheart @lma1986 @dsireland86 @wild-child-7747 @calleyx13 @illmakeyousaywow @jaded-and-hollow-souls @exitwoundsx @shayzillaaaa @badomensls @princesspeach-00 @burning-outx @shadowseve @collective-heartbreak @klutzy-kay24 @sorrowsofsilence @sweetlittlekitsune @shilohrosechicken @itsafullmoon @toospooktocute @niicoleleigh @thatchickwiththecamera @hoe-for-daddywise @whenthesummerdies @cookiesupplier @concreteemo @thisbicc @sammyjoeee @pathion @flowery-mess @tashka @Karenfranco @its-inourblood @amelia-acero @xxkittenkissesxx @cncohshit @xserena-13 @collidewiththesavannah

I apologize it took me a while to get this posted. I really hope I did it right!

Noah watched you intently while you sat on the tour bus with everyone, driving to the next city.

The rapid blinking. The quick left turns of your head. And the repetitive humming.

To others who didn't know, they would turn a blind eye.

But not Noah.

He knew what was going on.

"Angel," his voice carried over to you as you sat across from him on the couches in the main area of the bus. "Everything alright?"

You tried to give him a smile only for your head to snap to the left again, still a repetitive hum falling from your lips.

You felt embarrassed because of your Tourette's, almost an outcast among everyone in Bad Omens. You didn't want to feel sorrow from them because of your condition, you wanted to be part of the team and be perceived like that.

Your Tourette's was only bad like this in high-stress situations, usually managed with medication and meditation. But you were joining your boyfriend, Noah, for the first time on the road and you couldn't help but feel the nerves.

You'd been dating awhile and never once did he or anyone else make you feel like an outcast. He'd been there to help you when you needed to calm down until your tics ceased.

Like right now.

"Come on," he helped you up from the couch and led you towards the back hang-out area of the bus where it was quieter.

He sat next to you and booted up the N64, ready to play a game. You smiled through your tics.

Watching him play video games and not bringing attention to your tics always helped slow them down.

After some time, he noticed the humming stopped and your head stopped shifting to the side.

"Better?" He asked while pausing the game.

"A bit, yeah. Thank you."

He brushed his lips across your forehead. "Anything for you, angel."

[mysticwolfshadows]

Taken - Zutara - Part 13

First / Previous / Next / Masterpost

Katara found her life shifting to fit a new routine. Zuko would come to the South Pole every two to three months. While Katara healed the injured soldiers, Zuko and Iroh met with her father and Bato, and the Earth Kingdom supplies were traded for the few things they had an overflow of.

She realized that some of the supplies from the Earth Kingdom were metals forged into spear heads and arrow tips. Hunts became easier, with more deadly equipment able to fell wild tiger moose and arctic caribou in only a few shots, rather than a slow trailing hunt. For once, they had enough to breath.

Its in the evening, as they feast and celebrate, Zuko tells Katara about his travels. Sokka hovers each night, supposedly still wary of the prince, but Katara has a feeling he just wants to hear about the rest of the world too. Zuko had traveled a fair amount, but was restricted to Fire Nation friendly ports, while also avoiding selling the Southern goods at towns controlled by the Fire Nation. Mostly, he got around it by traveling further inland from Fire Nation ports that wouldn't look to closely at his cargo.

Zuko had been to a small town called Gaipon, where he had sold some lamp oil in exchange for some berry wine and a few crafted spear heads. In a somewhat large city called Goa Ling, he and the soldiers had donned Earth Kingdom disguises, selling the rest of the lamp oil and the crate of arctic crab that the nobles in the area went crazy for. Kyoshi Island was closer to the South, but isolated and rarely went off the island, so they took an interest in anything Zuko had left over on his way back, once they deemed him not a threat.

Before Katara knew it, it had been nearly a year and a half since she had returned home. She vaguely realized that she had missed Zuko's 14th birthday, and that his 15th was close. She mused the thought aloud at dinner one night, and her parents seemed intrigued.

The next time Zuko returned, she met up with him to find the Fire Nation Prince stumbling out of a tent, traditional Southern Water Tribe blue covering him. His face was bright red, his hair redone in a version of a Southern Warriors wolf tail. He seemed embarrassed as he shifted around, hands fisted in gloves at his sides.

"Sorry Katara," her father said as he came out of the tent, a firm hand placed on the back of Zuko's neck, the way she'd seen him do to Sokka when her brother wasn't to keen on following orders. "But Prince Zuko will be spending the day with us."

Before she could get any answers, her father was leading a grumbling firebender to the village wall, joining with Bato and a pair of boys that had just turned fourteen. She wondered what could possibly be going on, and went to Iroh for answers. Of course, the man was good at keeping secrets, and somehow pulled her into a game of Pai Sho. They played for hours, Katara's mind drifting to what her father and Bato could possibly be doing, only for Iroh or soldiers to distract her.

When they finally returned, Zuko was wide eyed and laughing, as if shocked by his own delight. He and the two other boys were dragging a large Arctic caribou behind them. Across each brow was a mark of the tribe. When Katara got close enough, she saw the mark of the trusted painted across Zuko's brow.

"You took him hunting?" Katara snapped at her father. "And ice dodging? Dad! That's so dangerous! Zuko didn't grow up in the South! He could have been seriously hurt!"

"It's fine," her father said, placing a hand on her shoulder to stop her. He turned, and Katara followed his gaze to where more of the older boys were gathering around Zuko, laughing as they seemed to share stories of ice dodging and first hunts. "Zuko has earned a place in the tribe. He has done us a great service, returning you, and helped us still since then." He paused. "He has become someone the tribe can rely on."

Katara watched her friend as a young warrior, a boy who had joined the warrior ranks two years ago, gave Zuko a joking shove. Zuko, despite his momentary scowl, shoved back in a similar manner, setting the warrior into howls of laughter. For the first time in what seemed like years, Zuko seemed almost at ease.

When he looked at her, he smiled, lifting his hand in an awkward wave. She lifted her own hand to do the same, only for someone to say something to Zuko that got his face flaming red and start wrestling in the snow. It quickly devolved into a free for all, all in good fun.

Katara watched on, wishing that Zuko would stay, let himself be happy here in the tribe, where he felt free enough to laugh so openly. But she knew, come morning, he would be off once again, chasing a ghost.

First / Previous / Next / Masterpost

[companionjones]

The Beginning of Us (3/5)

Pairing: 36!Joel Miller x 23!Fem!Reader

Fandom: The Last of Us (video game/tv show)

Warnings: There is an attack on Reader in this chapter. Nothing fully happens, but the attacker has very bad intentions, cursing

(1/2/3/4/5)

*******

It was night when it happened. The night after Tommy and the girls told you their opinions on the whole Joel situation.

They had been for it. They approved of you, a 23 year old, going after someone who was 13 years your senior. The age difference alone was almost as old as Ellie. His oldest daughter.

He was a father. He had been a father ever since you were in the 4th grade. Fuck, that was fucked up. All of it was just so fucked up.

What was even more fucked up was that you didn’t see it coming. You were so busy thinking about what Tommy had said, thinking about what the girls had said, and thinking about Joel that you didn’t hear a stranger come up behind you.

If you thought about it, it was a miracle it didn’t happen before. You had seen men watching you on the streets before, and hell, you were a young woman living on her own in a city. Something was bound to happen sooner or later.

Out of nowhere, you felt a gun pointing into your side and heard a man’s hushed and rushed voice in your ear: “Come with me, into the alleyway, and I won’t hurt you.”

Your whole body froze up. It wasn’t like when Tommy tipped you off to Joel’s feelings. Your life was in danger. Part of you was sure you were going to die.

“Please, don’t,” was all you could get out.

“Do I sound like I’m patient, bitch?” he didn’t raise his voice, but he sounded meaner. “Get into the alley, and I won’t pull this trigger right now.”

Hurriedly, shakily, you did as he asked. The man slammed you into the hard brick wall of the alleyway, and you turned around to see the glistening gun he was threatening you with.

“Strip.” The syllable cracked unevenly from his lips.

His hood saw that most of his face was sheathed in shadow, but you could tell that his mouth hung open as he stared at you. You half expected drool to form and leak onto the ground.

Shaking still, you undid the buttons on your coat. In the back of your mind, you couldn’t believe what finally got you to cry was you couldn’t get those damn buttons off fast enough.

“Go!” The man barked at you.

Your coat fell to the ground at the same time the stranger's head collided with the brick wall next to you. You jumped back from the violent act and screamed, terrified.

Then, you looked up and saw Joel.

He was staring at the then bleeding man on the ground. The only emotion that could’ve described what was in Joel’s eyes was fury.

Joel picked the man up by the lapels of his jacket and pinned him up against the brick wall with so much force that you were surprised the man’s skull didn’t cave in.

“You think you’re strong?” Joel spat at the man. “You think you’re strong, huh? You attack a woman from behind at night with a gun, and you think you’re strong?! Answer me!” Joel slammed the man’s head against the wall again. “Do you think you’re strong?!” Again. And again.

The man blubbered out something that must’ve been an answer, but all it told you was that he was alive and Joel hadn’t just murdered somebody.

“J-J-J-Joel.” You reached out to him in an effort to get his attention. “J-Joel. J-Just leave him. P-P-Please.” You didn’t understand. Your lips were chattering, but it wasn’t cold out at all.

Sirens approached on the street. How did the police know to come?

Only then did Joel let the guy go. He left him to drool onto the concrete. You watched him twitch. He was still alive.

The next hour or two were really a blur for you. The police questioned you and Joel and they took the man away. Brian Madison. Someone had told you his name. You didn’t know why you remembered his name. Maybe it was because Joel had almost killed him.

Your senses started coming back to you as you and Joel climbed the stairs to your apartments.

“The girls called the police,” Joel was telling you, “We were coming home from the movies when we saw you. I told them to come upstairs and call the police while I…” he trailed off.

“You saved me.” You spoke without stuttering for the first time in a while.

Joel looked down at you. “Yeah. I did.” He said matter-of-factly.

“Joel.”

He didn’t respond, instead got you to the top of the stairs to your apartment.

“Joel!” You separated yourself from him. You didn’t need his help to walk anymore.

Without thinking, without taking the effort necessary to think another thought (you didn’t want to think anymore) you stepped forward, got on your toes and leaned forward.

“Not tonight,” he told you, not at all stern.

“What?”

“Not tonight.”

“Why?”

“Y/n, you’re in a really vulnerable place right now, and I can’t—”

“But Tommy said—”

“Tommy came and talked to you?” Joel paused, then his lip tipped up. “I should’ve known.”

“Why not?” you asked him, tired and swaying on your feet.

For a moment, Joel examined you. Then, “Not tonight,” he clarified, “Ask me again some other time.”

You stepped back from him, and almost smiled. “Okay.”

“Do you need a place to stay tonight?”

“No, Joel.” Your back was already toward him.

“Because it’s really no problem—”

“I know, Joel…Just not tonight.” You finally smiled at him, over your shoulder, as you used his words against him. “I know I’m safe with you close, even if it is across the hall.”

The last thing you saw as you shut your door were his sparkling deep brown eyes.

(1/2/3/4/5)

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Author’s Note: Thank you for reading! Fill up that heart and reblog if you liked it. I would also really appreciate a comment, if you have the time. If you would like to read more, check out my masterlist. Have a nice day, night, or whatever time it is for you! <3 <3 <3

*******

Tag List:

@dbnightingale24 // @kyuupidwrites // @minjix // @xxmusic13luverxx // @junmsli // @mmeerraa // @orangevtae​ // @dorck26 

[selenecrown]

I just watched the Spider Within and honestly, I think it is great. While it may not mean anything in the grand sceme of the Spiderverse series-I personally think it is a great addition full of good panic attack representation especially in the Black community, and In-Universe implications.

While I cannot speak much on the part of speaking about panic attacks to others representation, as while I have had panic attacks in the past, I am white and have had a much different experience then those of color, who have a distrust of the medical system in my country and deal with different stigmas and my panic attacks went in a different direction then Miles where he is seeking help whereas I almost. . . Game Overed myself before I got the help I needed-I think The Spider Within's verson of a panic attack is still a good interpretation of a panic attack. While it does not show physically what it is-it creates a wonderful metaphor for it.

Anxiety is like a spider on you-you may not even notice it at first, it's small and insignificant. But overtime, it gets worse and worse, until eventually, the spiders become too much to handle and attack you all at once if they are not swatted away. It also feels like the more spiders you notice, the worse it gets. And when anxiety strikes-it feels like many spiders attacking all at once and makes you feel unsafe even in your own skin.

So, in that regard, I love the use of Spider Horror as I think it serves as a wonderful metaphor I can use to explain it to someone who doesn't have anxiety.

Another thing I love, is unironically, the implications of the short-as a comic book fan (or at least to my experience) it's never really been addressed the struggles between your superhero identity and your true identity and what that entails for a person.

We have to remember Miles is 13 in Into the Spiderverse and 15 years old in Across the Spiderverse.

Let me say that again.

Miles Morales is 13 and 15 years old at the time of the movies he stars in.

He is still a teenager and he is balancing his identity as Spiderman and Miles Morales.

Most of the superheros we see are adults. Fully. Grown. Adults. who HAVE the skills to cope with their double lifes and often times have a support system of superheros and those who understand around them to help and guide them through whatever they are dealing with. This is especially clear in the Marvel Cinematic Universe where is it very clear most superheros have help.

No superhero is ever truly alone in the MCU.

Miles is not that case and this has been emphasized by many Spiderman characters-they feel truly alone and they have to do things by themselves. Miles doesn't have the help like other Marvel characters do. He is the only Spiderman in his own universe, and possibly the only superhero in his universe. To quote Peter Parker in the first movie, "The only thing standing between this city and destruction, is me."

It is just Miles Morales against whatever threat there is, and he has the deal with the consequences after. And as he saw in The Spider Within, this is taking a huge toll on Miles, enough for him to have a panic attack.

This shows, like the movies keep saying over and over, being Spiderman, and by extension a superhero-is NOT something to be taken lightly. It takes a lot from a person to be a superhero, which also has not fully been addressed in comic books or comic book movies. It is not just a simple you get superpowers, side with the good people and BOOM! You are superhero no questions asked. It is a commitment to a cause, a curse and blessing and honestly I LOVE that.

I also love what this implies during the first movie-Peter Parker of Mile's universe most likely have gone through the same thing, which makes his line of "You're like me." That much more impactful and devastating to me.

The hope in Peter's voice-when Peter Parker and Miles Morales first met, through the Spidy Sense they knew they where one in the same. And this gave Peter Parker hope because in that moment, he was not the only one who had to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders. And to add insult to injury, it is HIGHLY implied Peter Parker was NOT a part of the Spider Society as seen in Across the Spiderverse. Peter didn't have that help so he truly felt he had to do everything by himself. Peter Parker felt he was alone until Miles came into the picture, which got his hopes up and I imagine really comforted Peter even in death that things would be okay, despite him saying otherwise.

Being a superhero takes a toll on people. And I think The Spider Within addresses that wonderfully.

[averagecontentenjoyer121]

I don’t like Zeus in normal mythology and that Bias has 100% made its way into this story.

Anyway it times for more of Zeus parenting

Chapter 7: Home

(Now listen to legendary and Little wolf)

Telemachus retreats back to his room when at the top of the steps he sees an exhausted Athena sitting against the wall. He walks to his balcony, “Tell me Athena why you came to my aid.” Athena sat there staring at him, shocked he could recognize her, for the last time she saw him was right before his father set out for Troy 13 years ago. She began to speak.

(Now Listen to We’ll Be Fine)

That night Athena stands outside Ithaca’s walls; she had been reinvigorated through seeing Telemachus, so much like his father. She stood there still catching her breath from the excessive use of her powers, waiting. Then suddenly a bolt of light rushed beside her. “Now did you call me ‘ere to catch up, spend time with my grandson, or do you need help.” Grinned Hermes. “First, is there anything you know about where Odysseus is.”

“Afraid I can’t say I know. Last I saw him he was at Circe’s. My band came down to give ‘em a hand and encouragement. Although I think Dionysus was trying to convince Odysseus to sleep with her, that's just like him.”

“Now, can you take me to Olympus?”

Woah! Hold on, no mortal can go into Olympus. And I’m a messenger, I don’t transport people, I transport words.”

“Father wanted me to prove myself, maybe this is how.”

“Sounds like it’d at best break the rules and at worst tick your dad off. I’m in.”

“Quick to change your mind.”

“All you have to do to convince me of a plan is for it to cause chaos, that’s funny.”

High above the clouds in the palace of gods Zeus waits for his daughter, knowing of her intentions. As soon as she steps into the palace she demands that Odysseus be let free, that what’s happened to him is unjust. Zeus stares down at her, his head shrouded in clouds. He leans forward, “Seems you’ve become more like them. What right do you have to make demands of me as a mortal? You haven’t proven that you should be a god in any respect. You haven’t proven your wisdom, strategies, or justice. So why do you think you can come here?”

“Because, as I’ve said father, what’s happened to Odysseus isn’t justice-“

“He stabbed the eye of Poseidon’s child.”

“Yes but he wouldn’t have had to if the cyclops didn’t threaten them. Doesn’t that break your rules of hospitality? So you choose to be unjust?”

“Smart play daughter. Fine I shall give your audience. Let us meet above the home city of you favored human.”

(Begin listening to God Games then pause at ‘Who’s them?’)

Athena pondered before her father’s voice thundered out once more

(Continue watching God Games until Zeus starts listing off the names of the gods)

Athena stood there for a second scared that she would have to face the gods who she played a part in getting exiled. She then regains her composure.

(Continue after ‘bring it’ until Aphrodite.)

Aphrodite stood there glaring at Athena. She could feel the bitterness in Aphrodite's eyes.

(Continue until ‘Please reconsider this’)

Aphrodite stood there surprised at the desperation of Athena. Her mind began to sway

(Continue until ‘ares’)

Athena stood in pain as Ares used his divine powers to cripple her for the moment. She saw him approach her with a wide grin as sharp as a blade, as he brandished steel talons on his gauntlets

(Continue God Games until it’s finished)

The thunderstorm stood there towering over the charred, bloody body of its daughter. Her hand grasping his then fell slack as she blacked out from the immense pain she was in. It stood there quietly as all the crowd starred in disbelief. It then slid one of its feet under the side of her torso. With little effort it kicked her off. Her unconscious body fell back down to the mortals and landed in the sea. She would later wash ashore Ithaca again. This time however, scarred.

[caitchercatlady]

Bedridden in the Savanna

*Some notes before we get to the story!

I'm not an artist, so I don't have much of anything for my MC, but my Yuusona's name is Mika. I am working on a fanfiction project in which she is the Yuu of the Twisted Wonderland story. This project is huge, and I'm not sure if I have enough space to incorporate any of the event stories, but I couldn't ignore putting in a small vignette of Mika and Jack conversing after Book 3 Chapter 13 of the Cloudcalling event story where Kalim and Lilia basically wake everyone up with their loud singing. Part of my story project involves Mika and Jack being the OTP, so a Mika without interacting with Jack doesn't exist in my project. I couldn't stop thinking about how she would talk to him after the Bead Brawl team's long day of exploring the city and practicing for the games, so that's what I wrote. I hope you guys enjoy this small story that I crafted on a whim.

Now the tale must go on!

Grim’s annoyance at the Bead Brawl team’s loudness was the sure enough sign we needed to head back to bed. It was a good call as we all had Leona’s plan driven into our minds for the tournament the next day. We all headed back towards our rooms…except me. I opened the door to let Grim in, but he noticed by my shadow that I wasn’t moving. He asked me what I was thinking.

“I’m gonna see if Jack’s awake.”

“He most likely is considering how loud you were all being.”

“I won’t forget to apologize when I visit.” I closed our bedroom door as soon as I saw Grim pounce into the bed. I wandered my way down the hall all the way to Jack’s door.

I knocked on it while also informing him who was on the other side. His heavy footsteps indicate that he was strong enough to get out of bed while also indicating that he was still tired at the same time. I mentally prepared for the apology, but when Jack opened the door and welcomed me in, he didn’t let me apologize as it seemed to be unnecessary.

“They got on your nerves, too?” he questioned.

“Yeah, that’s a way to put it,” I responded.

“They can't possibly be singing in the middle of the night; nevertheless, you all have a tournament to win!”

“Well, the singing stopped the moment Leona stepped in.”

“Of course, it did.” Jack returned to bed, gripping the left side of his forehead.

I joined from the other side of the mattress, crawling behind him. “Are you alright?”

“Better than I was earlier,” he said softly.

Finally, I get to apologize, but it’s a different apology that I meant to say to him from our first arrival at the hotel. “I’m sorry I’ve been out for so long. I was thinking about you the entire day, feeling bad that you get to spend your first trip in Sunset Savanna stuck in a hotel bed.”

Jack, his eyes softening, pulled me onto his lap. “Now, don’t let what happened to me ruin your experience here. You’re the one who may not experience Sunset Savanna again. You’re not the one who got sick.”

“First and foremost, we all had a wonderful time exploring the City and the Springs. I watched the team practice, and they seem to be getting the hang of it. My experience has been fulfilled. Secondly, I’m allowed to worry that you didn’t get the same treatment.”

Jack cleared his throat. “May I be honest with you?”

“Of course. Always,” I replied.

He brushed through his white and gray hair. “I worried that this was going to happen. Surviving the warm spring at Night Raven College is already a pain, especially during track practice. I didn’t want to disappoint Leona, so I agreed to come to the Savanna even though I didn’t know how well I was going to adapt.”

I lay my head against Jack’s chest. “I should’ve said something.”

“Mika, you blaming yourself is becoming a bad habit.”

“Can you blame me in this situation we put you in?”

“I don’t blame anyone, not even myself. Besides, you shouldn’t worry about me anyway. The doc said that I’ll be fine by the morning, and I spoke with Neji before I went to bed. He said that I’ll be able to watch the competition tomorrow. Though I’m not competing as originally planned, watching Leona and the others will be enough of a thrilling experience for me.”

The side of my face snuggled against him. “I’m so glad to hear that.”

“See? When you worry, it’s for nothing. I do have to keep resting if I want to keep that clean bill of health intact.”

I yawned through my response of “Oh course.”

He smirked. “Looks like I’m not the only one.”

“Perhaps you’re--” Before I was able to finish that sentence, I remembered the special thing that I had bought for Jack earlier in the day. I dug my hand into the pocket of my bathrobe and pulled up the gift that was wrapped in the paper at the bazaar. “I found this for you at the Raintree Market. I thought you would like a little something.”

“Did you really have to get me something?”

“Jack, it’s me. I absolutely had to.”

Jack used his pointer nail to tear the paper at the top. He separated the wrapping paper to reveal the carefully chosen towel that I thought suited Jack so well. His hand gently grazed across its soft texture and the mighty lion roar design. His mouth was left slightly agape.

“I figured that you would like something to use while you take your morning jogs. Maybe how it looks is a little silly. I thought--”

Jack ceased my rambling by patting me on the top of my head. “There’s no need to explain a good choice in a gift.”

I felt Jack’s tail swinging around with the small whiffs of air fanning onto me. I looked up at his face, and he was smiling for the first time since he arrived at Sunset Savanna. “Aw, what’s that? You like that I thought of you after all.”

At me pointing out his gratitude, his face blushed pink. “Don’t make such a big deal out of it. It’s the thought of the gift that counts.” He shook his bangs away from his face. “Anyway, what I mean is…thank you, for the gift. The sentiment is humbly appreciated.”

With some careful navigating on his lap, I was able to wrap my arms around the beastman and snuggle closer into him as my way of saying, “You’re welcome.” With relief washing over me, I was too tired to say goodnight or even think to return back to my own room. Jack didn’t seem to mind as we would end up passing out in the bed until the Sunset Savanna sunrise.

[starcrossed591]

KDrama Year in Review 2023

While I watched more KDramas this year than CDramas, none of them consumed my heart and soul quite like this year's crop of CDramas did (CDrama review post here). And I dropped KDramas more readily than I have in years past, in part because there were so many more things to watch than I had time for (also I had to finish my dissertation and graduate, etc etc). Still, there were definitely some that I really, really enjoyed, so here's this year's KDrama round up:

16. My Lovely Liar: Started strong, got boring real quick. Dropped for homophobic murder plot. Still, glad to see that Hwang Min Hyn can actually act (although full disclosure, I did still enjoy him in Alchemy of Souls, wooden as that performance may be). Hoping Kim So Hyun can catch a break and get a role in a drama more worthy of her in the near future.

15. Crash Course in Romance: Excellent performances and chemistry by the ML and FL. Romance between two middle aged people instead of youths is also a treat. Dropped around ep 12 because of the unnecessary, homophobic murder plot. Pass.

14. A Good Day to Be a Dog: Surprisingly stronger than the goofy premise suggests, largely on the basis of Park Gyu-Young's performance as the FL who turns into a dog upon being kissed. Pacing problems in the third act around the origins of the whole dog curse thing. Can't say I recommend unless you're really in the mood for some shenanigans, but largely inoffensive if a little silly. (Also it turns out Cha Eun Woo *really* leveled up his kiss game for this one!)

13. Love to Hate You: Perfectly serviceable rom com. Nothing too special, but a nice weekend binge if you're in the mood for that. Also a good way to see Kim Ji-Hoon's v handsome face and that *hair* without having to deal with everything involved with his rather murderous run in Flower of Evil.

12. Joseon Attorney: A Morality: Perfectly serviceable law procedural/Joseon historical. If you don't like either of those genres your mileage may vary, but I had missed having Bona on my screen, so it worked well enough for me.

11. Welcome to Samdal-ri: I seem to like this one more than literally everyone else I know, and I fully admit that my enjoyment of this drama is more vibes-based than plot-based. I guess I have a soft spot for Shin Hye Sun yelling at people at Ji Chang Wook going a bit unhinged over a woman who ran away from him (see also: Lovestruck in the City).

10. My Demon: Very much enjoying Song Kang as a cranky demon falling in love with a human. Very tropey in the best way, and feels like a return to form for the supernatural romance genre. Remains to be seen if they'll land the ending as of this writing, but enjoying as it goes.

9. Doctor Cha: A contribution to the slate of divorce comedies I watched this year (see also: Strangers Again (KDrama) and Let's Get Divorced (JDrama)), a surprisingly touching story about growing older when you've devoted your life to someone who has not done the same for you.

8. Alchemy of Souls: Light and Shadow (Part 2): While Ko Joon-Yung never quite managed to replace Jung So-Min as the FL for me, I definitely still enjoyed the closer to this fun fantasy series. Special shout out to Shin Seung-Ho as Prince Go Won and his pet turtle

7. Strangers Again: I didn't see a ton about this one on tumblr as it was airing, but I found this rom com? melodrama? divorce procedural? makjang? story about relationships and why they end unexpectedly profound. I tuned in expecting mindless makjang hot mess, and instead got a thoughtful meditation on divorce. Left me feeling unexpectedly melancholy at the end, but glad I watched it.

6. The Secret Romantic Guesthouse: Very fun sageuk! Probably won't knock your socks off, but it does what it does very well. Bonus points for a B couple as compelling as the A couple. I've also been a big Kang Hoon fan since Little Women, and there are a couple of other actors in here that I'm always glad to see working.

5. Perfect Marriage Revenge: Tour de force makjang. Came out of nowhere and blew me away. Hits all the right beats, and unexpectedly fun (and was a nice break from the heaviness of My Dearest for me). This was a good year for jaded and slightly unhinged transmigrated FL's back for their #revenge (see also: Story of Kunning Palace in CDrama land), and I was here for it. Also features one of the spiciest make-out scenes of the year, 10/10 recommend

4. See You in My 19th Life: Absolutely loved this haunting, melancholy, and sometimes unexpectedly goofy reincarnation drama. I loved the webtoon and had high expectations, and this drama largely met them! The continuing relationship between sisters Ji-Eum (Shin Hye Sun) and Cho-Won (Ha Yoon Kyung) was a special highlight for me, and while Shin Hye Sun is already a never-miss for me, I'm especially looking forward to whatever Ha Yoon Kyung does next. I prefer the ending of the Webtoon to the KDrama, but I'm still delighted this drama exists and am glad I watched it.

3. The Interest of Love: Look, I loved this drama. Even though it seemed on the surface like nothing but *mess* in the interpersonal lives of these characters working at a bank on the border between a rich and poor neighborhood in Seoul, it nonetheless had some of the most searing class commentary of the year for me. I also love an FL who will (spoiler) pack up her things and disappear at the drop of a hat, even if no one else will understand her decision to do so, because she just cannot deal anymore (see also: the FL in Lovestruck in the City, whom I also love but everyone else hated). This drama kept me gleefully coming back every week in a year where not a lot of others did.

2. Call It Love: A revenge slice of life melodrama that I found unexpectedly touching in its deep melancholy. Loved not only the main couple, but the relationship between the siblings and their pharmacist bestie. A lovely character study. (Also I somehow ended up watching this at the same time as Till the End of the Moon and Li Susu as Ye Xiwu's hidden identity/revenge plot, which was unexpectedly stressful! Had a very "it's the same picture" moment despite two dramas in two genres that could not be further apart.) If you missed this one (and since it aired on Disney+, you might have--Disney+'s effects on the KDrama streaming ecosystem will be the death of me), it's worth seeking out!

1. My Dearest (Parts 1 and 2): Kind of feels like everyone has said everything there is to say about sageuk of truly epic proportions, but it blew me away as well. Epic romance? Check. Twisty political machinations? Check. Heartwarming friendships between women? Check. Strong ensemble cast? And my top FL of the year, Lady Gil-Chae, played to perfection by Ahn Eun-Jin. I've adored her since Hospital Playlist, and am delighted that she's getting the attention and the roles she deserves. Namkoong Min also a top contender for ML of the year as Lee Jang-Hyun. Part 2 dragged for me a bit in places after a nearly perfect Part 1, but such a great drama overall.

Favorite Drama of the Year: My Dearest. See above.

Favorite Female Character: I mean, it's gotta be Gil Chae from My Dearest, right? She starts out as such a spiteful, spoiled noblewoman, and then turns out to have a core of pure steel. Turns out all her conniving and strategizing, which went towards causing mischief in the village, really just needed a proper outlet. While I would never want to be in the circumstances in which she found herself, if I did, she's exactly who I would want on my side.

Favorite Male Character: Everything's coming up My Dearest this year, because this one is Lee Jang-Hyun in My Dearest as well. Checks the box for my competence kink, and has a knack for showing up just when Gil-Chae needs him, even at great personal cost. Also a smart-ass, which I probably like a bit too much in a man.

Favorite Secondary Female Character: Cho-Won from See You in My 19th Life. Her relationship with her reincarnated older sister was almost more compelling to me than the main romance sometimes, and really helped develop how the ties that bind us are not just romantic ones. Also she was just super cute

Favorite Secondary Male Character: Could have picked anyone from Team Himbo in Alchemy of Souls, but gonna have to give this one to Go Won, himbo prince of my heart

Favorite Ship: Again, it's gotta be Gil-Chae and Lee Jang-Hyun in My Dearest. Sometimes, there are drama couples that nearly cause me pain when they are apart, and these two quickly became one of them. Though their relationships is hardly functional for much of it, through all that push and pull, they ultimately learn how to show up for each other. Also, their *chemistry* is insane!

Favorite Secondary Ship: I loved Hye-Seong and Sung Joon, the B couple in Call it Love. Seeing the SFL grow more comfortable with herself after a truly shitty ending to her previous relationship was a nice respite from the hidden identity stress of the A couple in this one. I'm also a sucker for a good romance where you start to see someone you've long taken for granted differently. (Close Runner Up: Cho Won and Do-Yun in See You in My 19th Life)

Favorite Platonic Relationship: Gil-Chae, Eun-Ae, and their maids, Jong Jong and Bong Doo, in My Dearest. I loved loved loved the relationship between these women in this drama, and part of the reason the second half of the drama suffered a bit for me is because of how far it moved away from this core relationship. They were ride or die for each other more than the majority of the men in their lives, and I loved that for them.

Trope that Needs to Die: While I find murder plots in rom coms tedious at the best of times, homophobic murder plots are really not it. Quit it, y'all. It's not cute.

Dramas I Missed: Moon in the Day, The Story of Park's Marriage Contract, and Tell Me That You Love Me (grrr Disney+ on this one) are on the list for next year. I'm probably missing others.

Non-2023 Drama Spotlight: Finally went back and watched Do You Like Brahms? for a hit of Park Eun-Bin. A lovely, if also melancholy, slice of life romance that's just as much about what to do when a (career related) dream that you've worked really, really hard for just isn't going to come through as it is about the main romance. Also made me fall in love with Kim Min-Jae and his lovely deep voice, enough so that I also then went back and finally watched Dali and the Cocky Prince, which was also a treat. Recommend both.

Most Looking Forward To: I continue to yearn for a Yumi's Cells 3, and who's to say if that one will ever come through, but I'm putting it out into the universe anyway. More realistically, I'm looking forward to the surprisingly stacked line-up of sageuks coming up, including Captivating the King and Love Song for Illusion.

[seeminglyranch87]

Taylor & Travis Timeline

August 2024 - Part 2

"salt air and the rust on the door, I never needed anything more" August, T. Swift

August 11,12 - Chiefs Training Camp, St Joseph, Mo | Day 16 & 17

#1 The Tortured Poets Department tops the Billboard 200 for the 14th non consecutive week - and this has consequences for other artists...

August 13 - Daily Mail report (x)

Taylor Swift hosted a lavish thank you party for her 200-strong tour team at private members' club Annabel's in Mayfair, London on Tuesday night. The hitmaker, 34, let her hair down with her crew and partied until 3am ahead of her final leg of the Eras Tour at Wembley Stadium.

Taylor is dressed in Vivienne Westwood.

Chiefs Training Camp, St Joseph, Mo | Day 18

Patrick Mahomes is interviewed on SiriusXM and shares...

“I've been trying to get [Travis] to grow his hair out and all of a sudden Taylor gets him to do it."

Reminds me of this moment during the Eras Tour with Travis dancing to Shake It Off (x)

August 14 - Chiefs Training Camp, St Joseph, Mo | Day 19

August 15 - The Eras Tour, Wembley Stadium, London, UK N4

Taylor appeared to tear up at the first show after events in Vienna.

Everything Has Changed x End Game x Thinking Out Loud with Ed Sheeran (guitar x) & King Of My Heart & The Alchemy (piano x)

Taylor also does the archer pose during her performance of So High School - do we assume Travis is watching the live stream?

ETonline reports (x)

A source tells ET, "Taylor and Travis always prioritize each other even when they are physically apart. They are still in constant communication texting and FaceTiming each other." The source adds that the pair is "very affectionate with each other even when they're apart."  One way that Kelce apparently shows his affection is by lavishing Swift with heartfelt gifts.  "Travis sends Taylor flowers and loves to shower her with surprise gifts and tokens of gratitude," the source says. "Their connection is unlike anything that they've ever experienced before." 

IJBOL - available for a few more hours... thank You aimEe live, see Taylorswift.com to purchase!!! Let's keep TTPD at #1 and remember who made TS famous.

Chiefs Training Camp, St Joseph, Mo | Day 20 Military Appreciation Day & final practice

August 16 - The Eras Tour, Wembley Stadium, London, UK N5

Taylor debuts a new Midnights costume ✨🌙

London Boy (guitar) & Dear John x Sad Beautiful Tragic (piano)

August 17 - Chiefs v Lions, Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO. NFL preseason. 23 - 24

Patrick passes behind his back to Travis for the first down (x)

The Eras Tour, Wembley Stadium, London, UK N6

I Did Something Bad (guitar) & My Boy Only Breaks HIs Favourite Toys x Coney Island (piano)

Cheekily there was no announcement for Reputation (TV). Taylor has played all songs from Rep on the Eras Tour.

Travis attends Kansas City Current women's soccer final with Patrick & Brittany Mahomes & friends.

August 19 - The Eras Tour, Wembley Stadium, London, UK N7

Long Live x Change (guitar) & The Archer x You're On Your Own Kid (piano)

Travis at preseason practice, KC (x)

Travis Kelce is announced to star in action comedy ‘LOOSE CANNONS’ for Lionsgate (x).

Go to previous update -> August 2024 part 1

Go to next update -> August 2024 part 3

Return to the timeline

[okayto]

Kishu for the impression ask game?

[ask game link]

Okay! This is based on the manga and OG anime, because I haven't gotten to watch Tokyo Mew Mew New yet, so any new worldbuilding/details from TMMN are ignored.

First impression Ears. EARS. (Second impression: wtf are those sleeves. How does this shirt work. Why are there long ribbons.) So, basically all visual.

Impression now

He's just a funny terrible guy. Like, I want to punch him. He deserves it. But he is gleefully terrible and I also want to take one of those helpful hand grabber-claw things and pull on his ridiculously-oversized ears (I noticed that the new series makes the ears more sensible; some points of the manga and OG series had them absolutely ginormous).

He's also like, 13. So he's terrible but also in that lacking-adult-supervision way that makes you worry. Where are Alien Child Protective Services.

Favorite moment

Okay, I know this is really more Zakuro, but...

Look at the way he scrabbles for the portal!

Idea for a story

Basically, see my headcanon down there at the end? That thing. I'm probably never going to write it.

Unpopular opinion

These days? Not sure. In Ye Olden Fandom days, it was definitely not popular to ship Ichigo with her canonical love interest, Masaya, rather than Ryou or our spicy alien here.

Favorite relationship

I am pretty sure I hold the distinction of being the world's only Kisshu x Kanna Saionji shipper. Kanna is an anime-only character from episode 32, is a spoiled rich girl who considers Minto her rival, and I think that once he learns to be less of an assaulting asshole, they would be obnoxiously delightful together. Also, her dominant color is orange hair, and orange and green look nice together.

Favorite headcanon

Kisshu and co are part of a cult.

No, listen. It's a cult that has some power to it, since Deep Blue gets himself incarnated on earth and is actually a threat, but "three guys and their semiconscious boss" are not an invading force. I could kill more people by dropping a medium-sized rock off Tokyo Tower; these nerds can fly and create giant monsters and as far as I can tell, never managed to kill a single person during their genocide attempt. Even if you argue they were basically just killing time until Deep Blue woke up, that was a terrible plan to give their human opponents time to study them and get stronger.

Their small numbers and general lack of plan (and bizarre decision to start their invasion in a highly-populated modern city rather than setting up a base in a less-populated area where they could have straightened out any problems and let Deep Blue awaken without interference) make more sense if you consider all them them zealots on the fringes of their society. Disaffected young men living in a not-great place, vulnerable to the idea of doing something meaningful and active that makes them feel powerful.

Their people left earth three million years ago; for most of the population the concept of former planetary home they could retake is likely a myth, though I wouldn't be surprised if there were others looking for other places to live, or to terraform their current planet. (For reference: humans have been around far less than one million years; homo sapiens evolved around 300,000 years ago and our oldest myths are still less than 50,000 years old.) Our guys definitely found/uncovered/rediscovered something because their attempt has power behind it (and their spaceship, and whatever the alien dimension is), but in no way do they seem like the chosen heroes of an entire race.

[broomballkraken]

Title: As in Coffee, As in Life Chapter 13: I Get to Love You

Fandom: Octopath Traveler 2

Pairing: Osvald/Partitio

Word count: 3519

Warnings: None

Fic Summary: “A bit o’ sweetness helps everythin’ along. As in coffee, as in life.” That was the mantra of Partitio and Roque Coffee Company. Partitio’s first customer on the opening day of the café, however, very much disagreed with this philosophy…well, the coffee part of it anyway.

After learning more about Osvald, Partitio is determined to bring a little sweetness into the crestfallen professor’s life, whether he is ready for it or not.

Chapter Summary: It’s Osvald and Partitio’s wedding day, and both men feel incredibly blessed that they get to love each other for the rest of their lives.

♪One look at you

My whole life falls in line♪

It was a beautiful spring day in New Delsta. The sunrise had dried the grass that had been shimmering with dewdrops and gradually warmed the crisp, chilly air. Most of the people in the city went about business as usual, but for Osvald and Partitio, this day was slated to be one of the best of their lives.

“Pops...Will ya quit yer blubberin’? We haven’t even started yet.”

Rolling his eyes, Partitio let out a sigh as Papp continued to cry. Roque chuckled as he took over adjusting Partitio’s tie and helping him into his suit jacket.

Papp sniffed loudly and rubbed the handkerchief that Roque handed him over his face. “S-Sorry, chickadee, I’m just...so happy that my boy’s getting married to the love of his life!”

Partitio smiled - this one bright enough to blind anyone who looked straight at him - as his mind wandered to Osvald, who was busy getting ready in a separate room of the chapel. His fiancé...who would be his husband by the end of the day. The overwhelming happiness that flooded through him made tears prick at the corners of his eyes, but he quickly blinked them away when Papp placed his hands on his shoulders.

“Partitio, I’m so proud of the man you’ve become,” Papp said, a smile crossing his tear-stained face, “And...I know your mom is damn proud of you too.”

The tears Partitio had been trying to hold back spilled down his face, and he pressed his face against Papp’s shoulder when he was pulled into a hug. Partitio felt Roque’s hand start rubbing his back, and that only made him cry harder; he really had the best family in the world, and he was certain that his mom would be watching over him and Osvald as long as they lived.

“Thanks, Pops. And you too, Roque,” Partitio said when he pulled away and turned to his stepdad. Roque’s eyes went wide when Partitio hugged him, and he too shed some tears when Partitio hugged him. “Thanks for always bein’ here for Pops an’ me, for the good times and the bad.”

“Partitio...” Roque swallowed thickly as he fought back more tears, and he smiled as he returned the hug. “You truly have grown into a fine young man. I wish you all the happiness in the world with Osvald.”

“Aw, hun...”

As Roque lost the battle with himself and broke down crying, Papp wrapped his arms around both him and Partitio, pulling them into a tight embrace. Partitio counted himself damn lucky to have such an amazing pair of parents.

“Ah, am I interrupting?”

Partitio looked up to find Hikari - his best man - poking his head into the room, and he beamed and waved him in. “Naw, c’mon in Hikari!”

Hikari chuckled as he walked up to Partitio, holding up a small, ornate box. “I’ve got the rings all ready to go. Ah, and this!” He opened another box that contained a boutonniere, affixed with a bright yellow dahlia. Hikari had his already pinned to his jacket - that was probably Agnea’s handiwork - and Partitio stood as still as possible to allow Hikari to pin his in place.

“Thankee kindly!” Partitio said, and he pulled Hikari into a hug. “For that, and for standin’ next to me on the happiest day of my life.”

Hikari tightened his arms around Partitio and placed a hand on his shoulder when he pulled away. “Of course, Partitio. You’re my best friend, after all. I wouldn’t miss this for the world.”

“Alright fellas, it’s almost time!” Papp interrupted as Roque straightened his tie.

Partitio nodded eagerly as a giddy happiness swelled within his gut, and they all finished getting ready together.

♪I prayed for you

Before I called you mine♪

“Hold still, Osvald. I don’t want to accidentally stab you.”

“Sorry.”

Clarissa - Osvald’s best woman - chuckled and shook her head as she finally succeeded in pinning his yellow dahlia boutonniere in place. “You’re trembling. Nervous?”

“...Maybe.”

“Oh, Ossy dear, everything will be fine!” Diana said as she fussed with Osvald’s hair, brushing it smooth before tying it neatly back.

Harry put on his suit jacket and chuckled. “You’re not afraid of being left at the altar, are you?”

“Dad...” Osvald grumbled, pouting as his mom and Clarissa dissolved into giggles. “It’s not that, it’s just...” He paused to swallow past the lump that had formed in his throat, and he looked between the three with watery eyes.

“I just...never thought that I could ever feel this kind of happiness again, after Rita...”

“Oh honey...” Diana hugged him tightly, and Clarissa and his dad were quick to join in. “Rita was a wonderful wife to you, and mother to Elena. I just know that she’s so happy that you found love again.”

Osvald let a few tears fall down his face, but he managed to compose himself before getting too carried away; he didn’t want to walk down the aisle with red, puffy eyes.

“Thanks, mom.”

“Hey! You guys almost ready?”

Osvald looked up when Elena rushed into the room, bouncing on her toes excitedly. She bounded over to Osvald and hugged him tight, looking up at him with a beaming smile on her face.

“You look great, Papa! I’m so happy for you,” she said, sniffing as she brushed away a few tears. Osvald smiled and gently hugged her back, careful not to mess up her hair.

“Thank you, Elena - and all of you - for supporting me today.” Osvald’s gazed passed over the most treasured people in his life; he really could not have made it to this moment without their unwavering support during his darkest moments.

“We love you so much, Osvald,” Diana said, taking his hand and giving it a squeeze.

Harry smiled and placed his hand on Osvald’s shoulder. “Yes, and we’re so proud of you, son. Of the man and father that you’ve become.”

Osvald had to clench his jaw hard to keep himself from breaking down, but he was saved when Elena groaned and stuck out her tongue.

“Ugh, you guys are taking the sappiness to a whole new level,” she complained. “Can ya save some of it for the ceremony?”

Clarissa laughed and leaned over to adjust Elena’s askew hair clip. “Oh, you’ll be just as sappy when you find your special someone too.”

“Doubt it.”

Diana gasped after glancing down at her watch. “Oh dear, it’s almost time! Let’s hurry now!”

Osvald sighed and shook his head as he let his mom fuss over him again. He had a broad smile on his face, however, and he was really looking forward to finally being able to call Partitio his husband.

♪Oh, I can't believe it's true sometimes

Oh, I can't believe it's true♪

The quaint chapel was packed with Osvald and Partitio’s beloved friends and family, who were almost as excited as the happy couple was to celebrate their marriage, judging by the loud, eager chatting that filled the room.

That chatter quickly faded away once the music started, and everyone’s attention turned to the back, where Hikari and Clarissa were walking towards each other from opposite ends. When they met at the center aisle, Clarissa placed her hand in the crook of Hikari’s arm before continuing towards the altar.

Meanwhile, Partitio emerged from the right side of the back of the room, looking exasperated as Papp sobbed on one side of his, while Roque was practically shaking with the effort to hold himself together.

“C’mon Pops, yer embarrassin’ me...” Partitio mumbled, rolling his eyes when Papp just cried harder. As he tried in vain to get his parents to get it together, Osvald led his parents and Elena towards him from the opposite side.

Diana and Harry were much better at keeping their composure than Partitio’s parents, but Elena had started crying and couldn’t seem to stop.

“Elena, my dear, are you okay-”

“I’m f-fine, Papa. I just...got something in my eye!”

Osvald chuckled as Elena huffed and shook her head to compose herself, and when he approached the center aisle, he looked up, and the sight took his breath away.

Partitio accepted that Papp and Roque were lost causes, so he turned his focus back to his front, and when his eyes met Osvald’s, tears fell down his cheeks as the biggest smile that he’d ever worn crossed his face.

♪I get to love you

It's the best thing that I'll ever do

I get to love you

It's a promise I'm making to you♪

Osvald had always thought that Partitio was a handsome man, but today he looked like an ethereal being that had descended directly from the heavens. It was his turn to tear up, and he pretended to not notice the smug look that Elena was sending his way.

It was like everything else around Partitio had faded away, leaving him to gawk at how incredibly handsome his soon-to-be-husband looked at this moment. Swallowing thickly, he blinked away a few tears as he came to a stop in front of Osvald, eyes locking as their respective escorts made their way to their seats in the front row.

“D-Darlin’,” Partitio stammered as he reached out with a sweaty hand to take Osvald’s, ”you look…Hoo-eey...”

Osvald chuckled and gave his hand a squeeze, before lifting it to his face and placing a tender kiss to the back of it, which earned a few giggles and ‘aws’ from the crowd. “You look rather handsome as well, my dear.”

Partitio beamed as he looped his arm with Osvald’s and shot him a wink. “Well, I do hope that yer goin’ my way, hehe.”

Osvald chuckled, and the fond smile that crossed his face gave Partitio pause. “Always.”

Laughing, the two men walked down the aisle, basking in the amount of love and support that they were receiving from everyone in attendance, and they stopped in front of the altar. Temenos was waiting for them with a serene smile on his face; both Osvald and Partitio had been quite surprised to find out that the detective was ordained, but they were very happy that they could be married by one of their dear friends.

♪Whatever may come your heart I will choose

Forever I'm yours, forever I do

I get to love you

I get to love you♪

Osvald and Partitio turned to face each other as Temenos began the ceremony, but his words seemed far away and muffled, as the two men only had eyes for each other at this moment.

Osvald barely registered when Temenos turned to address him directly. “...Do you, Osvald, take Partitio to be your husband?”

“I do,” he luckily managed to say without missing a beat, a soft smile crossing his face as he gave Partitio’s hands a squeeze.

“And do you, Partitio,” Temenos continued as he turned towards him, “take Osvald to be your husband?”

“I sure do!” Partitio loudly blurted out, causing their friends and family to laugh. His face flushed with embarrassment as a sheepish smile crossed his face. His eyes met Osvald’s again, who was watching him with an amused glint in his eyes, and gods damn it Partitio was so fucking ecstatic to be marrying this man right now.

♪The way you love

It changes who I am

I am undone

I thank God once again♪

They exchanged rings and the rest of the ceremony continued without a hitch, until Temenos smiled brightly and said the words that Osvald and Partitio had been waiting for:

“...and by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and husband. You may now kiss the groom!”

Cheers rang out from their guests, and Partitio wasted no time in grabbing Osvald’s face and smashing their lips together for their very first kiss as a married couple. The cheers continued when Partitio pulled away, and he pressed his forehead against Osvald’s, given pause at just how much love and adoration he saw reflected in his husband’s pretty eyes.

“I love you, Osvald...my husband.” The word felt foreign on Partitio’s tongue, but it wouldn’t be that way for long, because he knew for a fact that he was going to overuse the hell out of it.

Osvald couldn’t hold back his tears anymore, and he pulled Partitio into a tight hug and cried softly against his shoulder. “I-I love you too, Partitio. I’m...overjoyed to call you my husband.”

“Daw, sweetheart...”

♪Oh, I can't believe it's true sometimes

Oh, I can't believe it's true♪

The mirth of their guests only grew louder when Temenos ended the ceremony with, “May I introduce, for the first time, Mister and Mister Osvald and Partitio Vanstein-Yellowil!”

Osvald shared a fond glance with Partitio - his husband - before taking his hand and lifting their arms into the air, coaxing another loud cheer out of their guests. Lacing their fingers together, Partitio beamed as they made their way out of the chapel, followed by their wedding party.

After taking a few pictures there, they all piled into the limousine and drove right to Partitio and Roque Coffee Company, where Partitio and Osvald took one of their favorite photos of the day, standing in the very place that they first met, sharing a tender kiss with the huge pride flag hanging above the door directly overhead.

♪I get to love you

It's the best thing that I'll ever do

I get to love you♪

When the happy couple were satisfied with the pictures that had been taken, the wedding party headed to the location of the reception, which was Solistia University’s largest banquet hall (which had been picked mostly due to Osvald’s very generous employee discount combined with Partitio’s alumni discount). After they had made their grand entrance, Osvald and Partitio went around to greet every single treasured friend and family member who had decided to celebrate their special day with them.

“Ahh! Congratulations y’all!” Agnea exclaimed after giving Partitio and Osvald both the biggest of hugs. “That was such a beautiful ceremony!” Throné nodded in agreement before turning to help her girlfriend Rai Mei untangle one of her earrings from her hair.

“Yeah, congrats!” Ochette chimed in as she walked up to them with two full plates of hors d'oeuvres. Osvald raised an eyebrow at her, while Partitio doubled over laughing.

“Shucks, Ochette, didya leave any for the rest of us?” he teased, and Ochette puffed out her swiftly-reddening cheeks.

“C’mon, Parti! Cheering so much at the ceremony really worked up my appetite.”

“Heh, I’m just teasin’ ya!”

Osvald laughed at their banter, and he and Partitio moved on to other guests. After that, the meal was served, during which Hikari and Clarissa both gave touching best man/woman speeches that left both grooms in tears.

♪It's a promise I'm making to you

Whatever may come your heart I will choose

Forever I'm yours, forever I do♪

After cutting the cake (which turned into a bit of an amusing ordeal when Osvald’s piece that he ate for the picture had somehow gotten all over his beard), it was time for their first dance as a married couple. Osvald took Partitio’s hand and they took to the dance floor alone, and when Gil’s band started playing their song, it felt as if they were the only two people in the room.

“Shucks, Osvald, today’s really gone off without a hitch,” Partitio said with a smile, “I’m surprised that most of the folks we invited managed to show up!”

Osvald nodded. “Yes, we drew quite the crowd. It’s a shame that Castti couldn’t make it though.”

“Well, yeah, but she’s probably havin’ her first baby right about now!” Partitio gushed, pausing to duck under Osvald’s arm when he twirled him around. “I betcha Edmund’s a godsdamn mess too.”

“I’m sure they’ll both be fine. She’s a doctor, after all.”

“Heh, yeah, you’re probably right ‘bout that.”

When the song ended, Osvald’s next dancer partner was Papp, while Partitio was paired with Diana, and Roque and Harry got a turn after that. When it was time for everyone to take the dance floor, Osvald and Partitio greatly enjoyed letting loose and having a great time with their guests.

♪I get to love you

I get to love you♪

As the night went on, guests started to slowly trickle out, until only a handful of people remained. Most of them were sporting at least a happy buzz, and that included the newlyweds, who were currently occupying the mostly-empty dance floor.

Partitio lifted his head from Osvald’s chest and smiled, tears pricking at the corners of his eyes. “This really has been the best day of my life, Osvald, and I can’t wait to share the rest of it with you.”

Osvald chuckled and gave Partitio’s hand a squeeze as they swayed gently to the music. “I can. I don’t want it to go by too quickly. I want to cherish every single moment with you, my love.”

“Osvald...” The tears that Partitio had been holding back fell down his face, and Osvald wiped them away with a feather-light touch. “Shucks...I love you so damn much.”

♪And they say love is a journey

I promise that I'll never leave

When it's too heavy to carry

Remember this moment with me♪

There was a commotion across the dance floor, and they looked to see Papp lifting Roque into the air, only to drop him moments later. Partitio burst out laughing and buried his face into Osvald’s chest, and Osvald let out a rumbling chuckle himself.

“That’ll be us someday, you know,” Partitio said as he shot Osvald a wink.

“...Please don’t drop me.”

“Never, darlin’!” A tender smile crossed Partitio’s face as he lifted Osvald’s hand to his lips and placed a kiss onto his wedding ring, his voice dropping to a whisper: “I’ll never let you fall, never again. I promise you that.”

“Partitio...”

♪I get to love you♪

♪I get to love you♪

Osvald cupped Partitio’s cheek, staring deep into his husband’s eyes before kissing him, soft and tender, earning a couple wolf-whistles from the few remaining guests. Eventually, the night had to end, and after helping the wedding party clean up, Osvald, Partitio, and Elena made their way home.

“Ah, this feels nice!” Partitio said, after he had flopped onto the bed and settled in under the covers. Osvald was quick to join him, and he chuckled when Partitio immediately latched onto his side and snuggled as close as he could to him.

“I agree.” Osvald wrapped his arms around Partitio, who rest his head on his chest as Osvald placed a tender kiss on his forehead. “I...feel like I could pass out at any given moment.” Partitio raised an eyebrow when Osvald frowned and averted his gaze, and he hummed when a realization hit him.

“Heh, yeah, me too darlin’.” Partitio kissed Osvald before nuzzling their noses together. “As much as I’d love to jump my new husband’s bones...I’m so tired...” He snickered when Osvald let out a relieved sigh; Partitio had guessed right as to what he had been worried about.

“As sad as I am to miss out on that,” Osvald started as he lifted Partitio’s left hand to his face and placed a tender kiss upon his wedding ring, “we have the rest of our lives ahead of us, and I plan to use much of that time for - ahem - ‘bone jumping.’”

Partitio felt his cheeks heat up, and he barked out a laugh as he entwined their fingers together. “Yer a hoot, darlin’! Hehe, maybe we can get a head start on that bright and early tomorrow. Might need a good shower and a lower body massage, if ya catch my drift.”

“...You’re a degenerate.”

“And yer stuck with me for life, ha!”

Osvald burst out laughing and smacked Partitio with his pillow, starting a pillow fight for the ages. After being narrowly defeated, Osvald accepted his punishment of being the big spoon and wrapped his arms around Partitio after he had settled in front of him.

“Love ya Osvald, my darlin’ husband...” Partitio mumbled, letting out a long yawn and letting his eyes slip shut.

“I love you too, Partitio, my heart.” After placing a kiss against Partitio’s shoulder, Osvald covered his hands with his as he fell asleep; Osvald couldn’t help but wonder what he had done to deserve such an incredible husband. As he started to drift off as well, Osvald still found it hard to imagine that he could have ever gotten to this level of pure bliss again after everything he had been through.

However, it seemed that all he had needed was someone to listen and dilute the bitterness that had settled within his broken heart. After all, in the wise words of a former greenhouse coffee shop owner (even though Osvald still didn’t agree with the coffee part):

“A bit o’ sweetness helps everything along. As in coffee, as in life.”

♪ I get to love you♡♪

[toreii]

Tamashina Mina spoilers part 13

Sunset Savanna - Sunset Villa

—Hotel Lobby

Leona mentions it’s finally time for Catch The Tail. He takes attendance of Vil, Lilia, and Kalim. Kalim confirms they are all there. But, Vil comments that despite telling everyone to “gather”, Leona was still the last person to show up. Lilia recalls the same thing happened at school. He really is a lazy guy. Grim points out that he and Yuu, including Jack now, were already there.

Choice A: “I will do my best to support you.”

Kalim mentions that he’s happy. Lilia says they also have something to do. Vil tells Yuu to speak loudly so as to not be drowned by the cheer of his fans.

Choice B: “I’m nervous.”

Leona tells Yuu they aren’t participating in the game. They should relax, so the others don’t get nervous.

Jack also says he will support everyone. Vil asks Jack what does he mean by supporting them? He should be resting in his room. Jack tells him it’s okay. He got a proper medical examination, and was given permission by Kifaji. Leona says Jack will be really useless if he goes back to rest. He needs Jack to function. Leona mentions that the small bus will take them to the arena. It will be driven by a driver of the royal family.

Kalim recognizes the car Leona drove yesterday, and asks why it is there. Leona says he is going in his own car. They were so noisy throughout the whole ride yesterday. All of them. Vil asks who he is talking about. Lilia says it would still be boring to drive by himself. So, he decides to go with Leona. Kalim agrees that it’s not good to be lonely, so he will also join Lilia in Leona’s car instead of the bus. Grim exclaims that if he’s with Kalim, he’ll get sweets and juice. He’s going in the car, too. Yuu replies that it looks like it will be lively.

Leona remains silent. Vil mockingly tells Leona that his words didn’t seem to get through to them. Poor Jack, though. He’s shocked that Leona can drive a car. Leona tells him he already told that story yesterday. The things Jack missed.😆 Anyways, Leona tells everyone they can either shut up and get in the car, or have fun on the bus. Either way, they can’t get in the car. So, he’ll go first. (Unlock the doors, you hoe😂) Lilia happily exclaims they should head out!

Sunset Savanna - Arena

Leona announces they have arrived. Kalim is thrilled seeing a huge audience. Leona says Catch The Tail is the highlight of Tamashina-Mina. Kalim asks what their first game will be. Jack mentions that there is a tournament table nearby. Kalim looks up their team on the brackets, and learns that they are on the very first match. Lilia is surprised they have to compete so suddenly. Vil comments that he’s been curious about Catch The Tail from the start. Leona says it’s just their luck. It can’t be helped. Regardless, Kalim is excited for the first match. Lilia remarks that they’ll be sure to stand out. Vil agrees. There is no team better than they are to be the opening act for the tournament.

Suddenly, Kalim spots Kifaji across the arena. Vil notices Cheka is there, as well. Surrounded by yesterday’s guards. Leona explains that that area is the VIP seats. It’s reserved for the royal family, government officials, and foreign guests. Lilia comments that was were Kalim was supposed to sit and watch from above. Kalim says it’s better to be able to participate with everyone in the games than to sit by himself. Vil asks who is going to occupy the big seat. Leona replies that he will.

Lilia assumed that the seat belonged to his brother. Leona says that his brother is in charge of all of Tamashina-Mina, so he’s currently in Sunrise City. It’s customary for Leona, who will lead the Sunset Warriors, to sit in the seat instead. Vil says that he’s losing his motivation now that he thinks this tournament is for Leona. Leona tells Vil not to say that. He’s looking forward to seeing a show by a top entertainer. Besides, after the tournament, there’s a flashy victory parade.(Leona really knows how to charm Vil😆)

Kalim is excited for the parade. Leona says that if he’s looking forward to it, they have to do their best to win. It will be a grand parade honoring the newly selected Sunset Warriors. They’ll definitely stand out. Lilia asks if Leona will participate in the parade. Leona reminds him he isn’t part of their team. He’s going to enjoy watching them from his VIP seats. Vil replies he is getting less and less motivated. Lilia says it’s boring. He thought he’d carry Leona on his shoulders during the parade.

Anyways, Leona tells them that they’re ready to compete. He’s going to go sit in his seat. He tells the boys he wont be able to give them any advice from his section, but he reminds them to fight like they did yesterday. Kalim replies to leave it to them.

Jack comments that players have gathered from all over. Kalim notices the lady from the fruit stand. Vil also sees the owner of the souvenir shop. Lilia recognizes a lot of people he saw at Raintree Market. He adds that it really feels like a festival. Kalim says they seem to be having fun. Vil mentions that the main competitors aren’t athletes, but ordinary people. He’s relieved. It should be an easy win for them.

Suddenly, the referee announces the first round of the first match, the vanguard match, will begin. Kalim comments that it’s time for their match to start. Lilia wonders who their opponents are. The referee announces that the out-of-town youth team vanguard move forward.(I’m just going to refer to them as Youth/Youth team.) Youth A is fired up, wanting to get things started. Youth B yells at our NRC trio, asking what the hell they are doing? They shouldn’t keep them waiting! Lilia comments that they’re a bunch of bad guys.

As with the youth team, the referee calls for NRC to go to the arena. Jack recalls that in Leona’s strategy, the vanguard is Kalim. Kalim confirms he is.

Choice A: “Please, do your best!”

Kalim thanks Yuu, and says he will be on his way.

Choice B: “The first match is important!”

Kalim says that’s right. He tells Yuu that was a good thing to say.

Elsewhere, Leona comments that Kalim is going first. All according to his plans. Kifaji is shocked to see Kalim be first. Leona asks what’s wrong? It’s like being cursed by a rattlesnake. Kifaji says that in this tournament, the team to win two matches are the winners. If the vanguard and midfielders win, there will be no general match. Kifaji believed Kalim to be a general so that he wouldn’t have to participate as much. Kifaji states that Kalim is just there to make up the required number for the team. He’s not someone who can fight.

Leona tells Kifaji that Kalim performs the role of Kalim. It’s their first time participating in Catch The Tail. They’ve never seen a live match. Both Lilia and Vil did well in practice, but the atmosphere of the match is different in practice than the real thing. It can be confusing when things are different. So, first, let Kalim, who isn’t considered a winner, participate. Then, have the other two watch a game of Catch The Tail up close.

Kifaji reminds Leona that Kalim is a guest of Sunset Savanna. If anything happens to him, it’ll be serious. Leona says he taught Kalim. There’s no way he’d make a blunder like that. After a pause, Leona adds “…Maybe.”😂

The referee starts the match. Kalim is excited to start, but it soon vanishes as Youth A yells ferociously. Kalim tries to dodge, but to no avail. Kalim yelps, realizing that his opponent got ahold of one of the beads on his mask. Kalim realizes he almost lost. His opponent is strong. What is he to do? He begins to remember his practice session with Leona.

—The day before

Kalim tells Leona he will do his best in practice. Leona says that the tournament is long, and he doesn’t know what kind of opponents will be there. If you’re a tourist who participates to enjoy the festival, there’s a chance of winning. If Lilia and Vil get tired from constantly fighting, Kalim will have to give them a break. There are plenty of roles, so he tells Kalim to not let his guard down, and to practice hard. The most important thing in Catch The Tail is defense. He can’t lose if his beads aren’t taken. Leona instructs Kalim to use the remainder of practice learning how to protect his beads.

Kalim chants “defense” over and over. He needs to avoid the opponent’s attack. Youth A growls, noticing that Kalim is moving fast.

To be continued

Can I just say, I really admire the confidence Leona has in Kalim. Since the start, everyone has doubted that Kalim could pull his weight for this competition, or that he’s an important guest to be protected. Yet, Leona chose to put his faith in him. When Kalim was unsure of trying out the food and drinks in the market, Leona said that he would also eat and drink, so it would be okay. Leona made time to work with Kalim, give him advice, and encouraged him when Kalim did poorly during practice. There’s that slight chance that things could go wrong and Kalim will lose. But, Leona not only put his faith in Kalim, but is having him show Vil and Lilia how this competition looks like and works at the same time. He’s not doubting him, he’s not sheltering Kalim, either. Leona’s letting Kalim be himself, and letting him contribute to the team in his own way. Not once has Leona said anything negative about Kalim (other than he is loud), and I really appreciate Leona giving Kalim his place on the team. Sorry, this got long, but I got really upset at Kifaji. Don’t start, old man!

[euphoricimagination]

Summary: Months have passed since the training camp, now entering October, successfully passing the preliminaries. The Spring Interhigh was about to happen, however a call from the All-Japan Youth training shakes the Nekoma team, an unexpected invite to join.

Kenma x reader; Haikyuu x reader

Part 12 - Part 13 - Part 14

From the beginning

In these past months the guys have practiced a lot, with a lot of practice matches between different schools. It's the 26th of October. Today is the Spring High preliminary, which will decide which schools will go to Nationals. Since Tokyo was the host of the Spring High, they have 3 spots available to represent the city, you just have to be one of them. This was the last chance for your third years to make it, so everyone was a little worried.

You are now in the gymnasium, waiting for the female volleyball teams to finish. You were standing near the team watching the most recent match of one of the schools when you heard a loud voice behind.

“HEY, HEY, HEY! Chibi-chan!” Bokuto back-hugs you while pressing his cheek on the top of your head, causing a lot of people to look in your direction “It's been way too long! Let me buy you some food later!”

“Thank you, Bokuto-san” you chuckle while patting his head “are you guys ready?”

“Of course we are, we will beat you guys” says playfully while moving you side to side

“Oh, I want to see you try, you owl, my cats got better”

“I know, but I will still beat you. Don’t worry, you still can make it to the Nationals. And if not…I will avenge your third years!”

“That’s not the most encouraging thing to say Bokuto-san” says Akaashi arriving “but we will win against you Yn-chan”

“Akaashi! You too!?”

“Sorry, but Bokuto-san has bee-”

“Sakusa-kun! Komori-kun! Hii!” screams Bokuto interrupting Akaashi

“he has been in a really good mood lately” continues Akaashi

“I noticed, he seems even more confident than normal. Hi Komori-kun, Sakusa-kun” you smile at the boys

“Yn-chan hi! Akaashi-kun, Bokuto-san how are you” says Komori arriving, followed by Sakusa who just nods “what were you talking about?”

“About the game, we have a match against chibi-chan!” says Bokuto excited

“Were you analyzing their plays too?” Komori chuckles

“Nah, I already know how they play. I was watching Nohebi’s match just in case”

“Be careful with them, they’re cunning” Sakusa adds, looking around uncomfortable, there were a lot of eyes on you, after all Bokuto and Sakusa were really respected here “don’t be too nice to them or trust them too much”

“Are they that bad?”

“Yeah, although I’m sure you can handle them. Good luck today” he hesitantly pats your head before leaving, making Komori surprised

“He never touches someone unless there’s no option” whispers amazed “anyways, good luck guys!”

“We have to go too, let’s have a good game” says Akaashi

“See you guys”

“Chibi-chan, I’ll buy you food later!”

“Sure Bokuto-san, I can’t wait to see you play. My brother and mom came too, by the way”

“My little fan came to see me! HEY, HEY, HEY!”

With that you go back to your cats, passing by a bearded man in a suit, who looks at you interested while whispering something to another one. Although he looks like a normal dude, you can’t help but feel creep out by the interaction, so you move fast to where the team is, seeing Kuroo and Yamamoto talking to someone while the rest of the team is behind

“What is happening?” You asked Kenma and Kai, who were at the back “And where is Lev?”

“Nohebi High and their antics, Lev went to the bathroom” answers Kai

“…After all, you’re only good at defense” you were able to hear as you get close. Out of nowhere Lev appears behind the dude, saying that Nekoma is different this year only to be scolded by Yaku

“Yeah sure, how different things can be? Being tall doesn’t mean shit”

“Daisho, do you have no-”

“What is happening Tetsu?” you move to look at him, while you knew that the team wouldn’t start a physical fight, it was better to avoid any confrontation

“Ehh…nothing chibi-chan, don’t worry” says moving in front of you

“Aaww you got your cute little manager protecting you” says the captain of the team, looking at you up and down “look hot stuff, I understand if the cats don’t…pleasure you enough, that’s why you go to the Fukurodani and Itachiyama boys. You can always come to us; we can always pleasure you in ways that the kitties here wouldn’t be able to”

“HOW DARE YOU TO TALK ABO-”

“Let’s go” you roll your eyes taking both of their arms

“Yeah, yeah, you probably want to suck their di-ouch!” you punch him before he could finish his sentence, surprising him by the sudden move

“Don’t call me a slut ever again. Leave” you say angry

“You’re crazy” the dude caress his cheek, redness appearing before walking away, leaving with the rest of the team following behind. You feel a pair of arms through your waist, slowly pulling you back.

“Relax chibi-chan, it’s me. How come you’re scarier than me?” says Kuroo pulling you towards the team

“Because you’re not scary”

“I will say you look more like an idiot than intimidating” says Yaku, earning a glare from Kuroo and a chuckle from you “Thank you for defending us chibi-chan”

“Yeah, and don’t believe them, you’re not a slut” Yamamoto adds

“I know Tora, I’ve been call like that before. Anyways, let’s go to the gym, the match is about to start” you push them slightly towards the entrance, for some reason the words of the Nohebi captain still ring on your head. Kenma comes to you and grabs your hand, squishing it in the process with worried eyes, you just smile back at him in an attempt to not worry him; you can see that he doesn’t believe it, but let it go

“Are you nervous Kuro?” he asks when you arrive besides the tall boy

“Of course I am, did you see who are we playing against?” says Kuroo right when cheers start sounding, Bokuto entering the arena throwing his jacket in the air. At the same time the cheers from your side start to go louder.

The game begins with Fukurodani serving, Yaku easily receiving it and sending the ball to Kenma. He sets it to Kuroo who scores past a single blocker. After receiving the serve of Yamamoto, Bokuto marks a poitnt despite the blockers being there, sending it into the stands. As Bokuto is praised by the Fukurōdani cheer section, you applaud him, surprised by the strength.

As the game progresses, Bokuto is able to score several points though Yaku is able to move in time to catch a cross-shot. When Nekoma’s spike is received, Bokuto does a line shot, and while Kenma moves into the right spot, he is unable to receive it due to the force.

“Bokuto-san is playing incredibly good, I see why Akaashi told me he’s in a good mood” you say in the time-out

“Yeah, both Bokuto-san and Yaku-san are in top condition today”

“I can see his spikes clearly”

“Did you notice the line shots of Bokuto-san?” asks you Kenma

“Yeah, he hasn’t failed a single one yet. He truly seems to be doing extra good on those”

“Yeah, and he knows that Yaku-san is waiting for the cross-shots”

“Should we start blocking the straight shots then?” Kuroo asks

“I’m pretty sure that Akaashi told me something about Bokuto being too good at something, he kinda just use it unconsciously”

“Then let’s wait until he gets more comfortable with line shots, then we change”

The game continues Bokuto spiking one more time, however Kuroo successfully blocks him by changing places with Kenma. You see Kenma tell the team something, probably to start blocking the straight shots now. The game continues and Bokuto is about to spike, however he does not have anywhere to send a shot, so he sends a line shot over Kenma but it’s out.

Kenma sets for Lev in the next rally, but Lev nearly misses and barely gets the ball over. Fukurodani are able to save it but the ball goes directly over the net, making Lev jump and attempt to spike, however, he completely misses.

Coach Nekomata calls for a time-out, so you go to Lev to talk to him after passing the bottles

“Lev! You’re not doing good today. Relax”

“I know! But I genuinely thought I could hit it”

“Lev” Kenma arrives with an annoyed face “you get scared and try too hard all at the same time, at least look at the ball, don’t lower your elbows, you need to prioritize height over speed”

“Kenma-san, don’t say it so fast! Yn-chan tell him!”

“You deserve it, Lev”

“I have told you all of this before” says Kenma with a face that makes Lev shake “You are nowhere near good as Shoyo” taking your hand, he pulls you away from Lev, who does an offended noise “Lev tires me more than the game” he lays his head on your shoulder

“I’m sure he’s nervous, first official match with the pressure of being the last opportunity for the guys. It can be a lot”

“I guess”

“You’re doing good, c’mon you can do this” you brush his hair out of his face before he has to come back

The game continues after that conversation, Lev goes to spike, jumping higher than before, however Konoha is able to chase the ball and send it back, landing it right in the corner. In the next rally, Lev lands a powerful spike, his height helping him a lot, however Fukurodani still manages to get the set.

You change sides, the coach giving them a little speech before the game continues, both teams refusing to let go while your cats build their defense. After being blocked by Lev and Kai, you noticed that Bokuto was looking sad, probably one of his emo modes appearing, making the team ask for a time-out.

The last rally starts again, Akaashi fooling Lev and setting it to Bokuto. As Bokuto jumps you can clearly see his big smile while making an extremely powerful cross-shot, giving them the win

“Seeing Bokuto-san play is always amazing to watch” you say to Kuroo and Kenma when they come by, looking at Bokuto who is celebrating with your brother and mom.

“I can’t deny that” Kuroo adds while you go out the gym

“Have you seen Lev? I don’t see him”

“I’ll go look for him, you two go and eat something” Kuroo walks away, while you and Kenma go to where the bags are to not be around so many people.

“You still thinking about it, aren’t you?” asks Kenma

“Huh? About what?”

“You’ve been quieter since Nohebi appeared” he explains taking your hand “it’s not true, you know that”

“I know, it’s just made me wonder if people tend to think that about me…I mean, most of my friends are men, and my interactions with them aren’t particularly normal”

“Come here” he pulls you to his chest, hugging you “who cares what they think about you? It’s not your fault that they don’t have friends that love them”

“Not you saying that, you hypocrite” you chuckle “but thank you”

“I don’t like seeing you all down” he hugs you tighter; both of your phones ring with a message, you look at it seeing a message from Hinata ‘We won! We’re going to the nationals!’ “he told you too?”

“Yeah” you write back a congratulation towards Hinata “he told me when they won against Seijoh too, and a little later Oikawa-san and Iwa-san told me that they lost, I didn’t know how to feel”

“Oh yeah, you’re friends with them too”

“Yeah…let’s go, the game is about to start” you stand up, dragging Kenma to where the team are, getting ready to play

“Alright Nekoma, let’s win this!” says Kuroo

You enter to the gym once again, Nekoma now facing Nohebi Academy for the last spot for the Nationals. You see Kuroo talking to the captain, annoyance in his face

“We know this already, but they’re tricky players…”

“They seem to use a lot of feints too, be careful”

“Well, if they score 5 points we just need to score 10” says Yaku, making the team say how cool he looked.

The game begins with Kenma’s serve, when Lev and Kai try to block, Nohebi attempts a feint shot, Yamamoto receives it quite messily, leading Nohebi to do a direct spike and score. When they go to serve, you were able to hear the players say something, some looking at Lev, some shifting their eyes to where you are, making your team clearly annoyed. As Nohebi spikes, you see that Yamamoto moves too far getting hit directly on his head. Since you were the manager, you were allowed to go in the court and make sure he’s okay

“Tora, you okay” you ask while putting the icepack on his head, the rest of the team coming close

“Yes, I’m fine, I thought he would do another feint but I was wr-” he stops looking behind you, the other team bowing as an apology

“That’s a fake apology if I ever seen one” you mutter helping Yamamoto up and taking him to the bench with Inuoka, since the coach ask for a time-out

“Have they always been like this?” asks Lev

“The captain recently started to act as a Goody Two shoes, it gains admiration from the referees and the crowd”

“But you can basically read FAKE on top of them, how nobody notices?”

“I don’t know, but I never thought they would stop so low. I know that they want to make us angry, but they don’t have to use you for that” Yamamoto looks at you sad

“It’s alright Tora, don’t fall for those”

The game continues with both sides scoring until eventually Yamamoto tries to save the ball, but it heads toward the crowd, Yaku rushing to successfully send it back to Nohebi. You noticed that Yaku was grabbing his leg after saving it, so you go to where he is to help him.

“Yaku-san! Here let me help you”

“He landed on someone’s foot” explains Shibayama to the team while you go back, Yamamoto coming to help.

“I’m sorry sir” says Yaku trying to go back to the court, but falling due the pain

“Yaku-san don’t move, you’re going to hurt yourself more” you tell him

“Shibayama, go to warm up, you’re up now” says coach Nekomata

“I’m sorry guys”

“We always cause you problems, Yaku, it’s not going to hurt anyone if you see us win from the bench” says Kuroo

“Don’t worry, it’s just a break before we go to the Nationals. Go with chibi-chan so she can help you” adds Kai

“And I have been so careful this year” Yaku sighs while you walk to the bench with him

“Yaku-san, these things happen, they are out of your control” you help him sit, putting his leg on top of yours to put some bandages “you just need to take care of it now so it doesn’t get worse. Besides, Nekoma is known as defense specialist, not just you. They’ll be fine”

“I know” he looks at his ankle “thank you chibi-chan...You sometimes act like a mom, you know?”

“Thanks?”

“It’s a compliment”

Kenma serves, but Nohebi digs it aiming for Shibayama, who fails to receive because of his nerves. Coach Nekomata decides to call for a time-out, so you pass them their bottles, feeling the tension rise up

“Shibayama, relax. You are really good, I’m sure you can do it” you say to the first year

“Thank you, Yn-san”

“I’m going back to help Yaku-san, relax we’ll be fine”

“Yeah, I think so too” says Kenma, who begins to explain something while you go back to help Yaku

And true to his words, Nekoma ends up winning the first set, Shibayama being able to relax and dig the ball, and with an amazing back row attack by Kuroo. Halfway through the second set, Nekoma has a two-point lead. When Fukunaga spikes, he hits it towards the back, a spike that he never fails, however two of the Nohebi team dives to receive it in a really weird position, making the referees give them the point since it was supposedly out

“But that was in” you say to yourself however the coach and other people around seem to hear

“How are you so sure about that?” says a voice behind you , making you turn around to see the bearded man in suit from before. You look at coach Nekomata, who gives you a little nod, confirming that it was safe to talk to him

“Ehh…well Fukunaga, the number 6, has never fail those shots…also the back of the divers was a little higher than what normal dives look like, it would have been impossible to dig it like that”

“Ha! I agree with you, it did seem like the ball went in, however this is a high school match, is not serious enough to have a bunch of cameras to prove your point”

“I know”

“You seem to know your team really well, you pay a lot of attention to the match and you seem to be able to analyze the plays and help your team with information, have you consider being a coac-”

“Chibi-chan! Can you help me?” calls you Kuroo coming to you. You immediately shift your attention towards him, seeing blood on his hand

“What happened to you?” you ask taking the bandages and some alcohol

“I couldn’t receive it properly, but it’s nothing, don’t worry too much…Who were you talking to-Aagh!”

“It’s nothing, huh?” You raise your eyebrow playfully, putting the bandage on his finger “and I have no clue, seems important though. Better?”

“Yeah, thank you” says passing an arm through your shoulder while waiting for his turn “is it me or Lev looks more concentrated than before?”

“He is” you notice when Lev spikes the ball, Nohebi saving it just in time. However when they are about to spike, Lev aura seem to totally change, an intensity that you have never seen before from him, making the ball go directly to Shibayama and helping Yamamoto to mark the last point for Nekoma, making them the winners

“WE WON!” screams Kuroo, pulling you and Yaku into a tight hug. While some of the team comes to Yaku, who’s crying from happiness, you go to where Kenma is, looking at Lev and Shibayama celebrate

“You won” you hug him tightly despite the sweat, surprising him by the sudden hug “We’re going to the Nationals!”

“Yeah, we are” he passes his arms through your waist, pulling you as close. You take his face and smile at him before giving him a kiss, until you realize that you still were in front of people.

“Sorry, I wa-”

“If that’s my price for winning I might try a little harder to win” he nuzzles his head in the crock of your neck

“We are literally dating Ken, we can kiss every time we want” you chuckle

“But you still are my favorite reward”

“Aww young love” Kuroo arrives to your side “we should go out now though”

“Yeah, let me go and grab the bag”

“I’ll go with you” says Kenma

“Are you going to text Shoyo after?” you ask, receiving a nod from Kenma “Ok, I’ll tell my foxes about it too” you sit on the floor to put all the bottles and towels on the bag. Out of nowhere a paper bag appears in front of you, seeing a yellow and green jacket.

“Take it, some meat buns” says Sakusa when you look up

“T-thank you Sakusa-kun, but why?”

“Well…ehh…” while hard to see, you still could notice a faint blush behind his mask

“There are rumors about what happened with you and the captain of Nohebi” Komori answers instead “and what he said about you…”

“I told you to be careful with them. Congrats on winning” with that Sakusa leaves, not before patting your head one more time

“You’re nice, so don’t believe any of those things they told you, we appreciate your friendship a lot. Sakusa too, he seems to like you a lot” says Komori

“Thank you Komori-kun”

“See you in the Nationals!” says before leaving.

After eating with the guys and talking with Fukurodani, you get into the bus ready to go to the school to finally arrive home. All of the guys are exhausted after 2 long games, so they start falling asleep quickly, Kenma leaning on your shoulder. Once you arrive at the school the coach gives a little speech and lets you go, everyone leaving immediately to finally rest. When you arrive at your houses, Kenma instinctively moves you to his house so you go to sleep there, falling asleep on your chest while hugging you tightly.

++

You are a week away from entering December, the cold air getting even colder than before. Ever since they won in the preliminars the team has gain a lot of attention, gaining new fans. Occasionally there was a brave girl who comes up to the boys, normally Kuroo, Yaku, Lev and even Kenma, giving them a letter or some snack, leaving the boys in awkward situations; for some reason nobody seem particularly interested in a relationship. Luckily, all of the girls were really nice and respectful, nothing compared to Atsumu’s.

“So you’re telling me that having tons of girls confessing to Kenma doesn’t make you jealous at all?” asks you Kuroo one day on your way home

“Nope, it just frustrating that only now people start to notice how amazing he is”

“Well, I never wanted attention from anyone until I met you” says Kenma looking up from his phone “it’s annoying, and I hate it, but at least I get free food that I can share with you”

“Excuse me while I go to vomit” Kuroo smile at you “at least say that you will share with me too, I’m your best friend”

“And Yn is my girlfriend, so it’s only for us. Deal with it”

Today’s Friday afternoon, you were in the gym with the boys practicing while you were taking care of them and helping them with some things, since the coaches had an important call to answer. You were helping Lev with some receives alongside Kuroo when the coach enters and call you to a meeting.

“Everyone here? Yes? Okay, I have some…surprising news”

“What is it coach?”

“Have all of you heard about the All-Japan Youth training camp” says mostly looking at you, making you nod while drinking some water.

“Yes, why? One of us was invited? That hasn’t happened before” asks Kuroo confused

“Well, you could say so…They want to invite you, Yn-chan”

“ME?!” you say surprised, alongside the rest of the team

“Yeah, I was surprised too. Do you remember the man that talk to you on the match against Nohebi? When you said that Fukunaga’s point was in?”

“Yeah…”

“He is the coach for the Japan’s men’s Olympic volleyball team, Fuki Hibarida. He was there to look for candidates for the training camp. This year he decided to do an exception and invite you to see your capabilities at coaching; apparently, he has noticed you helping Inarizaki before and now Nekoma”

“Coaching…why that?”

“According to the call I had, he sees potential in you for that, not only your analysis of games, but how you connect with everyone in your team. He wants to train you” he says before giving you a paper with the information “It starts on Monday, so if you decide to go, you will be excepted from classes for a whole week while you there”

“It will be a good experience chibi-chan, none of us have go before, you’re really good after all” Yaku says

“While I don’t want to pressure you, don’t let this opportunity go to waste” Kuroo squish your cheek “don’t worry about our practices either, I’m sure we can survive without you for a week”

“…Sure, why not? It can’t be that bad”

“Good, let me call back then, I will give you all the information after. Keep practicing”

With that the coaches leave, the boys erupting in excited screams right after he closes the door. Kuroo lifted you by your armpits, causing you to swear at him; Yamamoto and Yaku were crying; the first years were running around. The only normal ones were Kai, who just laughed at the chaos, and Kenma, who had a little smile.

“Our chibi-chan got invited to a super exclusive camp!!” screams Yamamoto

“I knoow” Yaku wipes a tear

“I’m jealous of you chibi-chan, I always wanted to go there” Kuroo puts you down “literally the best out of the best are there”

“That doesn’t mean anything”

“Do you realize that the coach of the OLYMPIC TEAM just said you could be a great coach? You and your charms can definitely end up being a coach of a professional team” he pinches your cheeks again, making you roll your eyes.

“Yeah, yeah whatever. You should go and practice before the coach comes back though. Go, go, go”

“Yn-san, we will not lose. We will practice so hard to be as good as the training camp players” says Inuoka with Shibayama and Lev behind before going to practice all fire up.

“I can definitely see you as a coach” Kenma gives you a quick kiss “you’re smart, and everyone you meet likes you and values your opinion, you will be good”

“Thank you, love”

On Monday morning you go with the guys to the station like normal, but instead of going to school you have to go to Ajinomoto National Training Center, which luckily was quite close.

“Is the next station, right Chibi?”

“Yep, it’s pretty close to school”

“You can’t go back home? You’re like 5 stations away” asks Kenma this time

“They told me I could since I live so close, but they’re going to practice until late, and for safety reasons they rather for me to stay in the dorm”

“Aren’t you like, the only girl going? Would it really be safe?” says Kuroo

“I have my own room and bathroom, away from where the boys are. Plus, Tsumu’s going too, I’ll be fine”

“Did you tell him?”

“That wouldn’t be fun. Anyways, I need to go down. Tetsu, you’re in charge of my duties until I come back. Ken” you take his face with your hands and kiss him “see you in a week”

“See you” he blush at the sudden display of affection, yet a little smile was creeping in while you go down the train, hearing Kuroo laugh.

The coach wanted to present you to the boys right after the introductions, but before going to the actual gym, you got told to leave your things in your dorm, a nice room next to the bathroom. Once you leave your things you went to the gym, hearing the end of the coach speech

“…What truly matters is not 'what you are blessed with', but rather 'what you're able to draw out'” the person who guides you goes to tell him something, so he adds “Finally, for the ones that have already been here, we have a new change that can help you achieve this. This year I’ve decided to have someone who is going to practice as an assistant coach, I have seen her with some of her teams and I’m sure that she can be an excellent coach in the near future. Can you come here Yn-chan?” says while the guide push you slightly next to the coach

“Hello, I’m Yn, nice to meet you” you bow. Once you stand up, not only you can see Atsumu with widen eyes, shaking while holding back his urge to come to you; but you also can see Kageyama, Sakusa, Komori and Eikichi Chigaya, from Shinzen Academy, all with surprised expressions.

“For the ones who don’t know her, she’s currently Nekoma’s High volleyball manager. From what I have notice, she’s able to catch the plays of other teams incredibly fast and with a lot of precision, I also heard that she gives good feedback to her team. Now I will let you get to know each other before we start”

With that the coaches move a few steps behind, leaving you all to interact with each other. You see some confusion in some eyes, confused as to why a girl was suddenly there

“Chibi-chan!” you see Atsumu running to you, crushing you into a hug

“Tsumu!” you pass your arms through his neck while he passes his through your waist, spinning you around

“How dare ya to not tell me ya were coming! I thought we were friends!” whines after putting you down

“And lose the opportunity to see your face? Hell nah”

“Am I just yer source of entertainment?”

“Yeah, why do you think I've dealt with your shit everyday?” your words made him pout

“Ye’re mean chibi-chan, and here I was sad that I couldn’t see ya despite how close ya were, just for ya to hurt me like this. My poor heart” says dramatically, playfulness in his eyes

“Deal with it” you hug his waist, putting your face in his chest as he hugs you back “I missed you, you big idiot, but you should go and say hi to the rest”

“I missed ya too” he kisses your temple “let’s talk after” he walks away to say hi to the rest while you go to Kageyama, who’s just standing there without talking to anyone

“Hello Tobio-kun, how are you?”

“Yn-san, hi. It’s nice to see you”

“Same here, I had a feeling you will be here”

“Did you?”

“Tobio-kun, you’re talented. How’s Shoyo by the way?”

“T-thanks Yn-san, means a lot” he puts his hand on his neck, blushing a little “That idiot is okay”

“That’s good, have yo-”

“What are you doing here?” Sakusa says behind you, it surprisingly didn’t sound mean despite the choice of words. You see Kageyama’s eyes widen when looking at Sakusa, shaking a little.

“Sakusa-kun hi. I have no clue, they just invite me”

“It makes sense really” Komori comes and pats your head “you are really observant, and I am not even in your team”

“Thanks Komori-kun”

“It’s nice having you here” Sakusa smiles at you while moving to pat your head too, bowing to Kageyama before leaving

“Hope we can actually get to know each other better, see you” says Komori leaving with Sakusa

“You know Sakusa-san?! How?!” asks Kageyama, his voice shaking a little

“Yeah, I met him last year, he’s really nice. Now, as much as I don’t want to, I have to meet the rest, so see you”

“Sure Yn-san, talk to you later”

You go around saying hello to everyone else, they were all really nice, some were a little awkward, but nice overall. You go to say hi to the last person, which you only could see his white hair, but for some reason seemed familiar.

“Hello?”

“Oh? Hi! I’m Kōrai Hoshiumi from ka-”

“Kamomedai, right?” you say surprised

“Oh yeah! I feel like I have seen you before”

“Inarizaki played against you last year, I was their manager”

“Ahhh that’s why! It’s nice to see you again!”

“You were really good last year; I wonder how much better you got”

“Oh, I’m sure it will surprise you!”

“Yn-chan, please come here” calls you the coach, so you go to him after bowing to Hoshiumi “we are going to do a match, help us divide the teams”

Since Atsumu and Kageyama both were setters, they obviously needed to be on different teams, so Atsumu end up being with Hoshiumi while Kageyama with Sakusa and Komori. On the first rally, you see Atsumu setting for someone, but it’s received by Komori without much problem. Kageyama then sets it to Sakusa, yet Atsumu is able to dig it sending it to the other side of the net. After being blocked by Hoshiumi, Kageyama sets it really fast, making the ball fall untouched

“Tobio-kun, you’re not at Karasuno!” you chuckle

“Sorry, it was out of habit” says Kageyama

“It’s okay it’s the first one”

“What Kageyama said it’s good, means that he can get used to plays” says one of the coaches

“Yeah, he adapts really fast to the spikers” you say as you continue watching them. The day continued with a lot of practices, changing teams every match so all the boys could play with each other. At lunchtime you went to eat with Atsumu, who faced Osamu and Suna so you could talk to them while you were texting Kenma and the team.

After all the practice matches of the afternoon, you were waiting for Atsumu to grab dinner, who went to shower after all the practice they did, so in the mean time you decided to go to where Kageyama was sitting.

“…we lost on the finals of our own tournament, how pathetic” says Eikichi

“You lost? How? You were good in the training camp” you sit down next to them

“Ah Yn-chan, yes, we did. I guess we had a bad day, we barely were able to get into the finals, what about you guys” he eats

“We’re going to the Nationals this time” you say

“Congrats!”

“Yn-san, you’re not eating? Here, have some of mine” Kageyama offers you some rice

“No, no, I’m waiting for Tsumu, just enjoy your food”

“But you’re my senpai, I should help you…”

“Thank you Tobio-kun, I’m okay, don’t worry. And I told you to not treat like a senpai or whatever, I don’t like it”

“But…”

“Oi, I haven’t seen the video but why did Shiratorizawa lost? Was Ushijima in a bad condition?” asks Sakusa to Kageyama when he approach

“Hm? No, I think he was playing okay…” answers Kageyama. Sakusa looks at you, like asking for a confirmation

“I don’t know, sorry, haven’t watch the video either” you say, so he nods focusing on Kageyama again. Eikichi looks at you confused by the interaction between Sakusa and you.

“Then how did he lose? Did someone stop him?”

“Yeah, someone did” Kageyama says simply, making Sakusa shock

“Who was it? What year? What’s his name? What middle sc-”

“Sorry!” Komori arrives “he’s way too negative, he wants to know everything he can about possible threats”

“I’m not negative, it’s called being careful”

“This sounds familiar, didn’t you ask me the same when Inarizaki won against Ushijima last year?” you look at the two boys with a smirk

“Yeah, he did”

“Again, I was being careful”

“I’m not judging, I do the same…just nicely” you make him mutter a small ‘I know’, his eyes relaxing a bit

“You still don’t play seriously, right” asks Kageyama, shocking everyone

“Why?”

“I thought so, so far you’re more normal than I thought” says Kageyama, shocking Sakusa while Komori and you laugh

“He thinks his shoulders aren’t okay, although it’s pure imagination” Komori adds while Sakusa whines lowly

“That was it? I noticed it too, but didn’t want to say anything yet. Sakusa-kun if your shoulders weren’t okay, you wouldn’t be able to spike at all without feeling pain” you chuckle

“I told him that! But he doesn’t listen to me!”

“Then why do I feel it so tense?” asks you Sakusa

“Maybe you’re stressed, you seem the type to worry about everything. A massage should help”

“I don’t want anyone’s dirty hands on my shoulders, I rather be tense” Sakusa almost whines stubbornly

“That’s not good for your health Sakusa-kun”

“Whatever, I’m going to take a bath”

“So soon?” asks Komori

“I’ll do it before everyone’s germs are on it”

“Put warm water in your shoulders for a while, that should help a bit with your pain. But if you do want a massage, you can tell me”

“…okay, eat something” says before leaving

“You know the pain was in his head, right Yn-chan?” Komori asks

“Yes, but it should help him relax a bit”

“Yeah, at least it’s something. Sorry to disturb you guys!” He leaves behind Sakusa as you see Atsumu entering the cafeteria

“Tsumu is over there, so I’ll take it as my cue to leave. See you tomorrow guys” you stand up leaving, arriving next to Atsumu “Finally, I was starving”

“Yer fault, I told ya to eat without me” says with two trays while you put some food on them, him taking both trays before going to sit “Thank ya for waiting though”

“Of course, I’m not leaving you to eat alone”

“Chibi-chaan! I swear, ye’re the best” he hugs you tightly, his eyes shining with happiness

“I know, I know. Let’s eat, okay”

You continue eating while talking, both of you sharing stories of what had happened to you these past months. After eating both of you went to your respective rooms, you went showering before Face Timing Kenma, who was playing his game while talking about what had happened today.

At some point you take your laptop out and put some headphones, Kenma still on call. Sakusa had brought up the fact that Karasuno won against Shiratorizawa, something that you hadn’t really thought about until now, so you were curious about the game too. While watching the match you decided to take some notes, since they could be handy in the future. After watching the match, and Kenma scolding you for continue working on your free time, you played with Kenma for a while before you call it a night at 2:30 am.