#and then the camera pans up a little bit to show the light shining down on maria

[sonknuxadow]

im sorry but this shot is really funny to me for some reason

[lowkeyrobin]

New anon here, love your writting

Cellbit mayhaps 👉👈

Possibly Ordem Paranormal👉👈

(no rush tho, take as much time as you need*

ooo yeah sure! ; idrk much about ordem paranormal so I apologize, I did something kind of like it though! ; also tysm! I'm glad you enjoy my writing 🫶 I'm in my flop era atm so yk how that's going LMFAO ; thanks for requesting, hope you enjoy anon! ; this is super short and dumb, I apologize ; also getting this out of my drafts now cause I might not post for a few days while I get shit sorted out lol

CELLBIT ; paranormal investigation

summary ; exploring an abandoned home with cellbit

warnings ; language, mentions of knives for self defense

disclaimers ; didn't use their real names because I don't think they're okay with it so if it seems a little abundant with names, that's why

word count ; 1.2k

masterlist

"Why would I ever agree to do this with you?" You sigh, your index finger and thumb rubbing the bridge of your nose.

"Cause we're gonna find ghosts" He smiles, pulling you and Roier inside. He holds the gopro up a bit, catching your unamused look at him.

You enter the house, walking into the living room. The windows were completely busted out, leaving glass shards resting on the couch under the window and outside in the overgrown grass. Bullet holes are lodged into the adjacent wall, a few having hit the box TV, which was dated back to around the 70s.

"How long has this place been abandoned?" You ask.

Cellbit shrugs, "Since the early 80s or so"

"Damn," Roier mutters, carefully opening the door into a closet. He scans the rack of coats, most torn up and weathered down. He spots a spider in the corner and quickly shuts it, not wanting to confront the insect.

You slowly walk into the kitchen, shining your flashlight over the old appliances. This house was literally trapped in the late 70s to early 80s. It was like a time capsule. An abandoned one at that. Graffiti is sprayed over the backsplash, reading something like someone's Instagram handle in purple.

"I don't think we're finding ghosts here, dude"

"You never know"

You open up the cabinets around the kitchen, wanting to see if anything was left. Some scattered pots, pans, and other dishes remain, like the people who lived here packed up as quickly as possible and left half of their things behind.

Roier finds a plate shaped like Mickey Mouse, with the famous face painted onto it, said paint chipping off in some spots. He holds it up, showing it to you and Cellbit.

"Look, it's you, Y/n!" Roier smiles.

"Shut the fuck up" You laugh.

You hear something crash and break in another room, something light, like glass. You jump back, accidently knocking into Cellbit. Roier stands frozen, eyes widened as he looks at the two of you.

He whispers, "The hell was that?"

You slowly turn to look between Roier and Cellbit, making it clear you weren't going to be the one to investigate. Roier quickly shakes his head, looking up at the other man to go investigate himself.

He glances between the two of you before rolling his eyes and slowly walking toward the hallway where the noise came from. He scans the bathroom as he passes the door, nothing.

He creeps to the first bedroom, seeing broken glass scattered upon the old, rickety wooden floor. A whole spot was sunbleached, leaving it much lighter and faded than the rest of the floor, a spot laying in front of the window. He looks back, slightly nodding as he looks back.

You quietly share a look with Roier, sharing regretful thoughts about being here.

Cellbit leans into the room, softly grabs the doorknob, and pulls the door shut. You listen to the soft click as he makes sure it's totally shut, and look at the camera in your boyfriend's hand.

"What the fuck" You softly whisper, "Was there someone in there? Or something?" You ask as he quietly trails back to you.

He shakes his head no.

"I'm scared someone's actually here, can we leave? I don't wanna stumble upon some fucking freak ready to turn us into the next plot of some cheap slasher movie" You speak with worry, arms crossed.

Roier quietly agrees with a nod of the head, leaning into you a bit as he feels a shiver run up his spine. You feel a slight zephyr brush against your skin, causing goosebumps to quickly jump up as you stand in fear while now freezing under your jacket.

You feel some qualms as Cellbit walks toward the stairs, wanting to explore more. You shake your head no, begging him with your speechlessness to not go up.

"Dude," Roier whisper-shouts, "We're leaving if you go up there"

In reply, he devilishly smiles and quickly walks up the stairs, leaving you two starstruck in the kitchen below.

"I'm not going out there without that knife"

"Me neither"

"I actually hate you" You whisper, hiding behind Cellbit as Roier was doing the same with you.

"You love me, darling," He snickers. "C'mon," He says, investigating the top floor, consisting of another bathroom, two bedrooms, and some storage looking room at the end.

A door loudly slams in front of you, the storage room at the end of the hall. You feel yourself jump out of your skin and feel Roier's hands twitch and flinch on your shoulders.

"Nope, bye" You quickly turn around, rushing down the stairs to get the fuck out. Roier follows you, now equipped with the knife Cellbit had in his pocket.

Cellbit, after a few moments of thinking, dips as well, following you two out of the door. You notice as you look behind yourself as you pull the door open.

"I thought you said you wouldn't get scared of any doors?" You loudly speak.

"I'm scared there's an actual human here, go!"

You three quickly jump off the porch and dart into the woods away from the house and toward the car. As you run, Roier looks back, then screams as he runs faster.

"There was someone in the window!"

You push brush and dead leaves out of your way, being pricked as you run deeper into the woods. The trail here was already densely covered and needed some reshaping, but it felt even worse now.

"Left!" Cellbit shouts behind you, directing you the correct way through the trees.

You swerve left, soon revealing the car parked on the side of the road. You watch as the car beeps, unlocks and the headlights flicker on as Cellbit uses the automatic start on his keys. You jump in the front, Roier right behind you as he jumps into the back.

Cellbit runs around the car, hops in, throws the car in drive, and quickly speeds off. As he drives, he pulls his seatbelt on, and it clicks into the fastener. You and Roier do the same, absolutely winded.

"What do you mean, someone was in the window?" You ask, gasping for air, turning the heat all the way up.

"I looked back," Roier begins, coughing a bit to get his breathing steady, "And in one of those windows on the top in the front, someone was clearly in the window. Like, a light was on in there, and you could see a clear shadow."

You share a frightened look with Cellbit before leaning back in your seat, hugging yourself for comfort as your heart was racing. You didn't know why all three of you got so spooked, maybe the fear of encountering an actual person wasn't on your menu tonight. I mean, when would it ever would be?

"Please connect your phone and play music before I scream in terror" Cellbit speaks, glancing at you.

You pull your phone out, connecting your phone to the radio to play Toni Braxton's Un-Break My Heart. You try your best to keep your mind off of it, but overthink all the cans of food and trash laying around the house. People probably were squatting there.

If anything, they would've been scared of you, I mean, you had no right to just walk in.

"We are never doing that again"

"I second that"

"Third"

[thisissooriginal]

THROWDOWN! - Lil Mac vs Raymundo

Opening shot of a large arena filled with roaring fans, with the bright neon letters spelling out "THROWDOWN!" shining above the stage. The camera zooms in on two rowdy announcers standing at the center of the stage, Todd and Bomhoff.

TODD: "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to another exciting episode of THROWDOWN! Where the toughest fighters from across fictional media battle it out for ultimate supremacy!"

BOMHOFF: "That's right Todd, and tonight's first match is going to be a real doozy. In one corner, we have the pint-sized powerhouse from Punch Out, Lil Mac!"

The camera cuts to Lil Mac, a small but muscular boxer wearing green shorts and gloves, bouncing on his feet as he stares down his opponent.

TODD: "And in the other corner, we have a master of martial arts from the Xiaolin Showdown series, Raymundo!"

The camera switches to Raymundo, a tall and lean warrior with a serious expression, dressed in a black and white gi.

BOMHOFF: "Let's get this fight started!"

The bell rings, and Lil Mac charges towards Raymundo, throwing a series of quick jabs and hooks. Raymundo dodges and weaves, effortlessly evading Lil Mac's attacks.

RAYMUNDO: "Is that all you've got, little man?"

Lil Mac growls and lunges forward with a powerful uppercut, but Raymundo catches his fist and twists his arm, flipping him over his shoulder and slamming him onto the ground.

TODD: "Wow, what a move! Raymundo showing off his impressive martial arts skills there!"

Lil Mac quickly gets back up, wiping the sweat from his brow.

LIL MAC: "You're pretty good. But I'm not done yet!"

He charges forward again, this time throwing a flurry of punches so fast they're almost a blur. Raymundo blocks and parries each one, then delivers a lightning-fast kick to Lil Mac's stomach, sending him flying across the arena.

BOMHOFF: "And that's gotta hurt! Lil Mac taking a serious hit there!"

Lil Mac staggers to his feet, breathing heavily. Raymundo steps forward, poised for the final blow.

RAYMUNDO: "It's over, kid. You can't beat me."

But Lil Mac isn't giving up yet. He grits his teeth and charges forward, throwing a powerful punch that connects with Raymundo's jaw. The impact sends Raymundo flying backwards, crashing into the wall of the arena.

TODD: "What a comeback! Lil Mac not willing to go down without a fight!"

But as Raymundo slowly gets back up, Todd and Bomhoff's faces turn serious.

BOMHOFF: "Uh-oh, looks like Raymundo is tapping into some serious energy here. He's got that look in his eyes."

RAYMUNDO: "You're tougher than I thought, kid. But now I'm going to show you the true power of the Xiaolin warriors!"

He unleashes a powerful chi blast, a beam of pure energy that shoots towards Lil Mac. The boxer tries to dodge, but the blast hits him full force, sending him flying across the arena and slamming into the opposite wall.

TODD: "And that's it! Raymundo with the finishing move, taking Lil Mac down for the count!"

BOMHOFF: "But don't worry folks, Lil Mac will be back in action soon thanks to the Lorekeeper's magical powers!"

As the camera zooms in on Lil Mac's motionless body, a shimmering, glowing figure appears beside him. It's the Lorekeeper, a mysterious being that has the power to revive defeated contestants.

The Lorekeeper stretches out a hand and places it on Lil Mac's forehead. There's a bright flash of light, and Lil Mac's eyes snap open. He takes a deep breath and stands up, looking around in confusion.

LIL MAC: "What happened? Did I... did I lose?"

Todd and Bomhoff rush over to him, grinning broadly.

TODD: "You sure did, kid. But that was one heck of a fight!"

BOMHOFF: "You gave it your all, but in the end, Raymundo's chi blast was just too much for you."

Lil Mac nods slowly, looking a bit disappointed.

LIL MAC: "I'll have to train harder next time. I won't let him beat me again!"

The crowd cheers, and the announcers lead Lil Mac out of the arena as the camera pans out to show the next contestants waiting in the wings.

TODD: "Well folks, that's it for this round of THROWDOWN! But don't go anywhere, because we've got plenty more fights coming your way!"

BOMHOFF: "That's right, and who knows who will come out on top in this next battle? Tune in next time to find out!"

The camera fades to black as the sound of cheering fans echoes in the background. Another thrilling episode of THROWDOWN! has come to an end, but the excitement and anticipation of the next battle lingers on.

[titlemewickedwonderland]

Sucker For You - Joseph Quinn (One-Shot)

Since you all loved my last Joseph Quinn one shot so much I chose to brave another one for your eyes! Hope you enjoy it, friends!

He was stunned. The girl he had been dreaming about stood right in front of him. Perhaps, not dressed as beautifully as in his dreams but he could not get those pretty E/C colored eyes out of his head. He didn't get dreams very often that he remembered enough but this one was so persistent. For a good week, he seemed to have the same occurring dream. Perhaps not scene by scene but in every single one of those dreams, she was in it. With skin a smooth S/C and eyes a perfect shape and color as they kept solid eye contact as her companion spoke to her. Her dress was a modest maxi dress in the deepest shade of navy paired with a light-colored cream thick belt around her middle and matching sandal wedges on her feet which completed her look perfectly. Her hair was perfectly styled and glossy looking in a beautiful shade of H/C as it seemed to shine under the lights above and don't get him started on that beautiful smile occupied by a musical laugh. He was smitten and if he wasn't an actor with a good poker face in character no one would have known the wiser that Joseph Quinn was crushing hard on his interviewer.

She finished speaking with her colleague before that form graced the floor in his direction with that warm smile on her face as she extended a hand that sported a pretty charm bracelet on her wrist. "Hi, thank you so much for coming on short notice! Adam isn't very good at calling ahead, I generally like to call agents myself." her voice was soft and friendly as she beamed up at him; even with the 3 inch heel giving her an extra height she was still shorter than Joseph's 5 foot 10 inches in comparison.

But he didn't care at all as he looked down at her with a smile that could light the whole world and gentle puppy brown eyes as they looked down at her. He grasped her outstretched hand with both of his and shook it gently before raising her hand to his lips to press a warm kiss to the back of it.

"Oh don't think anything of it, love! I'm very happy to be able to do another interview!" he replied happily as he let go of her smaller palm so that he did not look like a creeper by holding it longer than needed.

The soft tone of pink on her cheeks was evident as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear as her smile grew a little shyer. "Well, we are happy to have you Mr. Quinn! This is actually one of my first chances to interview solo so I'm a little nervous. So if I fumble during filming please just go with it." her laughter was shy and a tad bit embarrassed as she waved a hand around.

"Oh I'm sure you'll do amazing! And please call me Joseph!" the actor replied running a hand shyly through his chocolate curls.

The smile the woman sent him would have melted his very bones and made his knees go jelly but he was an actor so keep up that face was what he needed. When they finally got into position in front of a plague wall with the Stranger Things cover on the back and the man of the hour was comfortably sitting in his chair with a water bottle placed on the floor just out of sight. The woman took her own seat a respectable distance across from the man. She seemed a lot more nervous than Joseph and he couldn't help but give her an encouraging doublt thumbs up right before the camera began to roll forcing the female interviewer to mask the flush that spread across her body at his gesture.

"Hello everyone, thank you so much for tuning in today; welcome back to the show!" a bright welcoming smile graced her features as the camera panned to her face. "Today we have a very special guest with us today. Mr. Joseph Quinn himself from the hottest hit Stranger Things; Joseph thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us, we are so excited to have you!" her gaze turned to the actor as the back cameras clicked on showing the frontal view of the man himself who waved to the camera with charm

"Oh of course! I'm delighted to be here. Thank you so much for the opportunity!" he beamed

"Well if anything we should be thanking you for the time you're making to do this interview for us. Stranger Things Season 4 has pretty much blown all the others out of the water; it certainly blew Netflix up!" Y/N laughed before continuing as the actor nodded with a smile.

"Now you play a new character that's been introduced in Season 4; Eddie Munson. Can you tell me a little about what you had to do to get in the idea of playing such a character?" she asked tilting her head as her gaze lifted briefly from her notes in her hand to give the man her undivided attention.

"Yeah of course, you know I actually had thought about how I could make Eddie's character a little different than all the others within the show. Everyone's sort of brought their characters to life one way or another so when I was reading the script at the beginning I was coming up with ideas on how to evolve Eddie in some sort of way. I was actually talking with the brothers during script reading at one point and Eddie's character was actually written to be someone more grungy and a little more hardcore. But little by little as we were shooting the scenes I sort of improvised a lot of the way Eddie's character was portrayed and the brothers seemed to like it a lot more than the original idea for his personality which I thought was a nice twist." he replied; hands waving a little bit as he spoke

"Well he certainly took the hearts of so many viewers out there so fantastic job! Do you actually know the size and strength Eddie's fandom had created in just one season? I think it's overrun by any other character on the show thus far and that's saying a lot. Are you surprised that he's gotten so much love?"

A small little smile tugged at the actors lips as his tongue peeked out a bit and his face flushed happily at the praise. "Actually yes, I had gotten a small glimpse of it all and I can honestly say it's very humbling considering that I was originally afraid that my portrayal of Eddie's character wasn't good enough in the beginning but it truly makes my heart so happy to hear that he's such a beloved character by the viewers. It makes it very bittersweet and heartbreaking considering the outcome of his character." Joseph replied nodding thoughtfully

Y/N smiled taking a moment to nod along with him and glance down at her notes a bit but before she could ask her next question Joseph actually intervened when he spoke up again

"I had actually noticed that charm on your bracelet earlier before we filmed; it looks like a Stranger Things icon. Are you a big fan?" a little smile played on his face that was equal parts curious and happy.

Lifting her wrist up to view it herself Y/N beamed a bit shyly. "Actually yes it is! You have a sharp eye! It's actually Eddie's guitar pick." she stated with an almost embarrassed laugh.

"Ah so you're an Eddie's girl too huh? I knew those questions were a little personal." the actor teased making the woman playfully hide her face as the camera panned over to her.

"Guilty as charged! But the blame is all on you for such an amazing portrayal of such a lovable character Joseph! We are seriously going to miss him on the show; unless of course you can give us a little insight on whether on not he'd coming back? You know there are theories that Eddie's not actually dead." she commented with eyes seemingly a little more keen than an interviewer usually should have. The tall tale of her own fangirl itching to burst forth but a slow smile gracing his features slowly dulled the excitement as he replied with a shrug

"I honestly can't say one way or another. I was very keen on wanting to come back for next season but it's kind of hard to think on how - if the brother's choose to - Eddie would be brought back after his death scene. Of course I'd love to come back if they want me too but it's really up to them at this point. I was surprised to see so much love given to his character so I'd be honored to play him again if given the chance." he replied with a twinkle in his eye that Y/N couldn't quiet make out the meaning behind.

When they were done with the interview the woman began unhooking herself from her microphone but looked up when Joseph came over to her with a warm grin on his face.

"Thank you again so much for the interview. I'm sorry if I fangirled too obviously." she teased handing over the microphone devices over to a staff worker

"Oh no of course not love! I wouldn't have minded if you did." his cheeky remark made her laugh as she reached down to grab her water and take a sip watching him

There was some sort of pause between them as if they didn't want to end their time together but unsure of what to say next. When the woman finally gave a little wave and grabbed her things to leave with an excuse of needing to go Joseph finally jumped at his chance before it slipped through his fingers.

"Actually, Y/N. I was wondering if you would like to go out for dinner, um tonight maybe? Unless your busy…" the adorable shyness of him made her grin over at him and squint

"I dunno if my boyfriend would like that…unless it's a business dinner of course but…" she trailed off and she could see his smile dropping a bit

"Boyfriend. Right." he hissing in a little breath. "Yeah um…" he was at a loss for words and Y/N couldn't help but laugh as she shook her head.

"I'm joking Joseph. I don't have a boyfriend." she grabbed her bag and pulled out her phone before holding it out to him expectingly "And I would love to go out for dinner with you."

The grin that he sent her made her world as he quickly typed in his number into her contacts. "That's great! For me that is." he laughed a bit he sent a text message to his number so that he had hers before handing the device back. "I'll pick you up at 6?"

She hummed thoughtfully. "Hmm, funny, sweet, and a gentleman. I think I hit the jackpot." she giggled placing her device back in her bag. "6 o'clock is perfect. I'll text you my address."

The actor gave her a warm farewell hug and the woman had to stop herself from inhaling his scent like a mad woman with her nose buried in his neck but damn did he smell good. When she pulled away she flashed him one more smile before turning to head out the door with him traling in tow. "I'll see you later than Mr. Quinn." she shot over her shoulder as they entered the hallway.

"Looking forward to it Ms. Y/L/N." was his cheeky reply before the pair began walking in opposite directions down the hallway with big smiles plastered on their faces and thoughts of just how well their night may go tonight.

[lord-explosion-baku]

Trident Tale

Merman!Shinsou x reader, Kirishima x Reader

Warnings: adult themes (Minors DNI)

A/N: read the prologue on AO3

Part 1 || Part 2 || Part 3

(Original image by @maewoahoah)

Synopsis: Moving to an island where everyone is big on the surf scene and other oceanic happenings might not have been the brightest idea for someone so afraid of anything that has to do with water, but you make do by spending your days looking after the Bed & Breakfast, trying not to burn the house down when you fry a few eggs, and obsessively scrolling through Eijirou Kirishima’s social media page. He’ll never notice you, and you think you’re fine with that, until a mysterious force washes into Ms. Shuzenji’s pool after a particularly nasty storm.

Hitoshi Shinsou is a pain in the ass from the get-go, but you put up with him, fins and all, when he promises he can help unite you with your soulmate. The catch? The fish is hellbent on taking back what was stolen from him, and he won’t lift a gracious finger until he gets what he came for.

You’re helpless to lend him a hand, so long as you stay dry. Unless, of course, he has other plans.

You know how the saying goes: you rub his fins, he’ll rub yours.

Storms have never really been your cup of tea. Though you keep yourself locked inside a good percent of the time, there’s nothing quite as suffocating as the compress of clouds overhead. It’s not like you always have to see them to be uncomfortable, but you definitely feel them pressing down, closing in, and caging you, even when you’ve got yourself tucked under a blanket on Ms. Shuzenji’s couch.

It’s been a little over a year since you first moved to the island. All you needed was a new beginning, and you got that, but you got that, and the tropical weather that you’re still getting used to. It’s currently typhoon season, and holy seaweed-on-your-doorstep, is it storming.

There’s little you can do to distract yourself while staying and working at Shuzenji’s bed and breakfast. There are currently no guests, aside from you, so all the rooms are made, and the old lady is on another one of her long vacations, so you’re basically being paid to lounge. You’re grateful for that, at least. But the only thing that’s keeping you physically separated from the terrifying weather is a thick glass pane that water sloshes on every time a wave laps over the backyard walls.

The things that separate you mentally are the old-timey recordings of Shuzenji singing alongside an ensemble cast, and the little device in your hand. If you didn’t have your boss’s haunting melodies echoing throughout the house, and some big, beefy, tatted eye-candy to gawk at during the storm, you’d surely go insane.

Eijirou Kirishima, one of the island’s best surfers, is out on his board, live-streaming his current fight against the waves. His whoops and hollers can be heard over the crashing tides, getting even you excited for what’s about to come. That’s the thing about Kirishima; he’s wild, you’re not, and it’s hot as hell. Oftentimes, you catch yourself daydreaming about joining him out in the surf—he guides you through the waves, maybe yoou impress him a bit with your sudden affinity for wave-riding, and the two of you wash up on shore where you’ll both share your first kiss. It would be feasible if you could swim. It would be feasible if you bothered to learn how to swim, but for now, you’re content with your imagination. At least he can make you hate the terrible weather a little less.

The conspiratorial smirk he shows the camera is borderline swoon-worthy when the swell begins to pull him further out. It’s impossible not to bite your lip every time you catch a glimpse of his arms forcing themselves through the sea. He makes this look easy—like the storm is child’s play, and as the winds blow Shuzenji’s trash bin into the sliding glass door, you welcome the delicious distraction.

As Kirishima stands up on his signature trident board and rides one of the biggest waves he’s seen all day, you’re once again struck with how much of a coward you are. He can fight the elements, while you can hardly bring yourself the courage to talk to him. Mind you, he’s constantly surrounded by a close group of friends—a close group of friends you find intimidating—and when he’s not with them, he’s out in the water. Where there’s water involved, you’re spoken for. Unless, of course, you’d like for the first time you guys actually speak, to be when he’s giving you CPR.

Not the most ideal “meet cute”, but if it works, it works.

A loud crash snaps you out of your admittedly salty daydream. Mango, Shuzenji’s orange tabby, yowls at the blanket of water cascading down the windows, and your stomach sinks. There’s only so many minutes you can pretend that the storm Kirishima is facing isn’t the one that’s destroying Shuzenji’s yard.

With a sigh, you roll off the velvet couch, and grimace when crumbs that were nesting in your shirt fall to the carpet: a mess to clean up later. Without any guests to mind, you don’t have to worry too much over keeping the place spick-and-span, so long as things are nice and tighty by the time the old lady gets back, which will be awhile.

You have an easy enough job—at least, when there aren’t bunches of thick seaweeds crashing over the yard’s wall, flooding the pool.

“Shit.”

Water sprays in every direction. The already trash-infested pool overflows as more kelp rolls in with the maniacal waves, and angry, white foam bangs on the back door. It's a disaster outside, and you’re not sure what to do about it.

Fingers wrapped around the back door handle, you struggle to think of a way to prevent a bigger mess, but even if you could manage to clean anything, nothing is stopping the tempest from wreaking anymore havoc. Best case scenario, you stop a plastic soda-chain from washing out to see and becoming a deadly necklace for an unlucky seagull. Worst case scenario, you slip, crack your head open on the pavement, and drown before you can ever utter the words “mahalo” to Kirishima.

Needless to say, you’ll take your life over a gull’s any day.

Another sigh.

A greater wave collides against the wall, bringing more of the Great Unknown into the pool. This is going to be a fun job to clean. Good thing you’ve got Shuzenji’s service boy, Denki Kaminari, on speed dial. You think if you sound particularly distressed in the morning, he’ll show up to help you out with just about anything in the matter of minutes. God bless desperate fuckboys.

So, for now, you cuddle back up on the couch, watch Kirishima shake saltwater out of his thick, red hair, and pretend that his storm is not the same thing as your storm.

It’s early morning when you finally rise out of bed. You hadn’t gotten a whole lot of rest—something to do with the wailing winds shaking your bedroom window nonstop, but after you finally drifted into dreams about snakes and dragons, you woke to clear skies, and light seagull calls.

From the second story, you can see early birds have already gotten the jump on cleaning up the beach. The sun is shining, the ocean blue and vast. The only trace there was ever a storm is already being taken care of. There are lifeguards riding around on ATVs and younger civilians with trash bags and grapplers picking up seaweed and absconded debris. The respect everyone has for the island is something to be admired, and you half-consider going out there yourself, after you’ve dealt with your yard, which is sure to be a wreck.

There’s no interest in picking out a cute outfit for the morning you’re going to have, even if Denki might see you, so you throw on a already-worn-this-week crop top, some pink shirts, and you’re good to go.

The first thing you do after Mango’s fed is check your socials. Kirishima posted a picture of his breakfast: a hefty plate with three eggs, sausage links, bacon, cut avocado, and what seems to be low-carb toast. The post reads, gotta eat ur gainz 2 gain ur gainz, and it’s so ridiculous that you’re infatuated with this reckless himbo. You wonder if you’d ever be able to hold an intellectual conversation with him, if you could ever manage to speak to him in the first place, but conversation wouldn’t matter if his mouth was between your thighs.

Following his example, you crack two eggs over a frying pan, sigh at the mostly empty fridge, then agonize over the state of Shuzenji’s yard. It’s worse than you thought it’d be. The pool is a sickly green color, and from where you’re standing inside, its murky depths seem to be almost opaque from the seaweed and garbage stewing together. Kelp litters the beige pavement, and there’s trash hiding in the shrubs. There’s a chocolate donut floaty bobbing around in there, too, and Shuzenji doesn’t own any floaties.

What a drag.

Before you get too far in your head about everything you’ll need to do to clean up, you quickly dial Denki’s number. He picks up after a ring and a half.

“I know what you’re about to ask,” says the boy on the line, and from his cocky tone, you can assume it’s not going to be about the cleanup. “I am absolutely free tonight. If you wanted to grab drinks at the Salty Barrel, maybe go on a romantic rendezvous out on the beach, watch the sunset on or in a couple blankets, I wouldn’t complain.”

“I’m not calling to ask you on a date, Kaminari,” you say as you step outside. The pavement is cold underneath your bare feet, and you have to tip-toe around to be sure not to let any kelp touch your skin. Yuck.

“But you’re not, not calling about a date, either,” he counters. By the volume of his voice, you can tell that he’s in his van, talking to you over the speaker. Good. So he’s already out and about.

“I need you to tell me how to drain Shuzenji’s pool.” Call you cold, but you’re used to Denki’s flirty nature by now, and you’ve learned that the best way to deal with it, is to not acknowledge it. Of course, you can’t be too callous when it comes to him, especially when you actually need his help. You eye the dangerously complex-looking valves off to the side of the house, and grimace. “There’s too many twisty thingies! I’m not sure what to do!”

“Now, hold your horses, little lady! Don’t go twisting any thingies just yet. Draining a pool is a process.” There’s a long pause, the loud growl of an engine, then silence. He’d pulled over to talk to you. “How’s your TDL? And what kinda PVC pipes you got?”

“The huh and what?” You don’t need to pretend to be in distress—you have no idea what he’s talking about.

“Listen, don’t touch anything. You’re calling because the pool’s a mess right now, right? You don’t need to drain it; at least, not yet. I can swing by in an hour or so to clean it, but I’ve gotta make some stops first. You’re not the only single woman who wants to watch me do my thang, especially not after yesterday.”

“It’s so bad, Kaminari.” The water in the pool sloshes around, like there’s actually something in it causing the water to ungulate and burble. “I don’t even know where to start.”

“Don’t worry your pretty, little head over it. You've got me, okay? It’s my job to protect and serve.”

“You’re not a cop.”

“Nope, I’m better than a cop. I’m a pool guy.”

He goes on to ask you to check out what kind of drain the pool has, if you can find the drain, then loses you when he starts talking numbers and gallons. While still on the phone, you send a few texts to Shuzenji, explaining the predicament, then Denki mentions rates. You’re getting the cutie pie discount, doubled because he counts Shuzenji as a “cutie pie” too—something you mention to her because she’ll get a kick out of it—then he drops all business to ask about food.

“I’m cooking my breakfast,” you say with a wary glance back at the house.

“But is your breakfast fries and a shake from Tiki Burger?”

You bite your lip as your stomach growls its empty sorrow. “No.”

“Would you like it to be?” His knowing grin is heard through the line.

“…I’m not gonna go out with you.”

He chuckles and you’re grateful that he can’t see your answering smile. “We’ll see how you feel after you see me work my magic. And hey, if you’d like me to wear a Speedo while I work—“

“You’ll be here in an hour?” You cut him off, because Denki in a Speedo is the last thing you need on your mind. The thought of Kirishima in a Speedo, however, gets you a little hot, which is saying a lot, since you’re a part of the Speedos and Dolphin-shorts Are Abominations To Swimwear belief system.

“Maybe sooner. I think my next client just needs me to check out their chemical levels. Inside pool and all. Everyone else knew to put a tarp out.”

The tarp you had blew away, but you don’t bother explaining that to Denki. Let him believe you’re the dim-witted “little lady” he wants you to be. If it means Shuzenji gets a discount, not that she can’t afford any bill Denki’s company throws at her, then let him believe you can’t open a pickle jar without a man’s help for all you care.  

“See you then,” you say, and end the call. There will be time to work on your charm once Denki gets here. Until then, you figure you could do some investigating so you’re not completely helpless.

Leaving your phone on the pavement so you don’t accidentally drop it in the water, you make your way around the pool to where you think you remember the drain being. You can’t say you’ll know what kind of drain it is, but if you remember correctly, it’s circular, and like, kinda meshy? That description simply won’t do.

Dropping down to your knees, you peer down into the pool, squinting, as if that can help you see through all the muck. There’s definitely a lot of kelp and algae, sand drifting through the water, someone’s wayward brazier, and oh. A school of fish—little babies circling about. It’s wild, but you suppose it could be possible if all the chlorine washed out and there was enough salt water to sustain marine life.

The fish move together, bopping into each other, mouths gaping open to eat whatever they find in their temporary home. You don’t know enough about marine life to know what kind of fish they are. Silvery little things. Maybe Denki has something that can help transport them from the pool to the ocean. It’s not far—Shuzenji’s house is on the beach. It would be a shame if all the little fish had to die. You don’t particularly care about touching or feeding fish, but a life is a life, and if they can be saved, you’d at least like to try.

But all your thoughts of saving fish life stop when you catch something moving in the water. It’s not the fish—they’re not that big, but it’s definitely fishlike. Fish plus. It moves like a shadow, serpentine and fluid. You catch a glimpse of scales, so it’s definitely not a dolphin—even then, it’s bigger than a dolphin, and more graceful than a shark. You begin thinking of leviathan, and other mythical creatures, as ridiculous as that is, when you see a long flowing fluke.

Okay. This thing is not just big. It’s gargantuan, and to see this much of the creature without seeing its head makes your skin crawl. You imagine falling in and being swallowed whole, suffocating in the dark, drowning in a monster’s belly.

The thought spooks you static, just in time to meet a pair of eyes in the water. This is your overactive imagination—you’re scaring yourself insane, but you don’t look away, and those eyes, almost human and curious, don’t disappear.

You’ve consumed enough media to know how these impossible interactions go. The creature is inquisitive, but keeps its distance. It often has to be coaxed out of hiding, and even then, the thing is skittish and untrusting. You’re certainly not one to go “pspsps, hey little guy, I’m not gonna hurt you,” but even if you were, you don’t get the chance, because this thing you’re looking at isn’t the least bit skittish, and in one second, you’re making eyes at at it, and in the next, the thing is exploding out of the water.

A large, broad chest towers over you. The thing pushes itself up with arms, human arms, but it’s anything but human. Sure, it has hair, although an odd purple color, framing its angular face and jaw, which are both human enough. Also framing its face are a pair of long, pointed fins sticking out from where human ears should be. Water dribbles down its chest, down to its navel—its navel. Your brain screams mammal, but underneath its navel are scales, rippling down to where its legs should be. Not human. Not fish.

Fish plus.

Man.

Fish plus man.

Fish-man.

Its eyes are almost the same color as its hair, only a shade lighter, and much sharper, narrowed in on you. It’s glaring. You realize this at the same time you realize that you're staring at it with your mouth agape. This would be so rude in any other setting. It’s also rude to pop out of a pool that isn’t yours without any other warning, but you’re not about to chastise the thing. You’re far too scared.

Then the thing reaches out to you, sprinkling water on your thighs and your shirt. Its hands look like a man’s hand, but its long fingers are connected by thin, indigo webbing that matches its tail. Its tail. You lose focus trying to find the word for this creature that’s barely on the tip of your tongue, when you realize the palm of its hand, its fishy, webby hand, is hovering over your cheek, the other carefully placed next to your knee to keep it upright.

You open your mouth to speak, but only a hiss comes out. The creature, wary, brings its hand back, but only slightly. Not enough to put you at ease, but enough to allow you to gain your composure, and scream.

“H-help!!!” You screech. “Help! Somebody! Help me!”

It claps its hand over your mouth, knocking you back. Water drips down on your shirt as it leans in, mouth curling up with distaste. Then, it does something impossible.

It speaks.

“So loud,” it growls in a low, masculine timbre.

It speaks, you think, it speaks and it has no manners!

You try to yell back, probably something with little thought, but you have a mouth full of fish-man hand, and the more you warble in its palm, the more apathetic it appears.

“Be quiet and still,” it commands, as if obeying it is supposed to be the most natural thing—something it expects from you. It catches you so off-guard that you actually listen, only trembling a little bit as those indigo eyes scan over your form. It’s uncomfortable having an unknown but cognizant creature observe you so closely. You shiver when its gaze roams over your belly, down your legs. You want to curl your legs up, move away, but you’re afraid if you even twitch more than it’s comfortable with, it’ll grab you and drag you into the pool. Your nightmare.

Instead, it does something slightly less worse. It moves its hand from your mouth to your cheek. The palm of its hand warms your skin in an unnatural way, like you’ve been laying in the sun for half an hour and it’s only your cheek that heats up. The creature's eyes widen as light begins to emanate, either from you, or from it, you’re not sure, but definitely from where it touches you. Tingles run from your neck down to your spine, and you wish you’d put a bra on before going outside, because this thing’s touch is making your body react in a way that it shouldn’t.

“So easy,” it purrs appraisingly, somewhat less insolent, but you’re still taken aback, ears hot with embarrassment.

Un-fucking-likely.

“Easy?!” You squawk out. “What do you mean by easy?”

It doesn’t answer you, and instead, moves its fingers from your cheek, down your jaw, to your chin. It begins leaning closer, heavy lids closing. You notice its lips for the first time: a defined line and a pretty bow. If you were in a less dire situation, you’d be able to admit that they’re very nice lips, but they’re getting closer to you, closer still, and you realize with a jolt what it’s trying to do.

Your foot meets its chest in a heartbeat.

“Nope!” You belt out, extending your leg so there’s more distance between you and the impolite beast. “Not today, fish-breath!”

Unperturbed, it lifts a lazy brow. Then, to your absolute horror, it presses both of its hands into your bare leg, and again you’re lit up, warm, and tingly, only far worse than before. Stomach tightening, you make a choked noise, trying to hold in the sigh that claws at your throat.

“Fish-breath.” It repeats your insult like it’s a balled-up piece of paper to be thrown in the trash. “I’ve been told that my aroma is quite appealing.”

“By whom? Other fish-breaths?!” You wriggle your leg out of his embrace, or whatever you could call that invasion, only to have it slip down so your foot rests in the fish-man’s hands, bright as the stars in the sky. “Eww ew! Don’t touch me! Get away!”

The creature scoffs, but let’s you go, and you both watch as the light disappears from the arch of your foot where he’d been touching. Fish-man slinks back into the murky water, hiding under a blanket of algae.

You have enough time to gather your composure, wipe the water droplets off your face, and rub your eyes. For a moment, you try to convince yourself that this has all been a sleep-deprived hallucination, but you’ve never really been one to delude yourself, unless your Kirishima fantasies were involved, and you know that you’ll have to try another tactic to accept the reality of your situation. Perhaps you can try to be civil with this creature, ask it if it’s…hurt, or if it needs a late night escort to get it back to the sea. But then, the thing resurfaces on the opposite end of the pool. It faces you, and leans back against the wall, arms spread out against the pavement, basking.

“You know,” he says, “your decorum is severely lacking. Don’t humans have classes that teach them proper etiquette—how to be more polite towards their guests and such?”

What’s lacking is your patience for marine life.

Standing up, you take in the thing, which you’re now pretty sure is in fact a man of sorts, in its entirety. His tail is long, longer than human legs, extending past the halfway mark of the pool, if your measurement counts his fluke. There’s a golden cuff on his right arm that spirals around, accentuating his large biceps. You stubbornly admit that it’s attractive—he’s attractive, at least, he would be for people who were into fish and not surfers. You brush whatever you’re feeling in the pit of your stomach off by telling yourself that you’re simply awestruck, and move on.

“Where I’m from-“ you begin, straightening your sodden crop top- “we offer our guests various beverages and snacks, depending on the time of day.”

Annoyingly, he looks interested.

“Since it’s the morning, I’d offer a guest tea, or coffee, and if I’m looking to impress, I’d maybe cook them a hot meal.”

The creature offers you a sardonic smile. “I happen to be famished.”

“However, with home-invaders, we’re more likely to pull a gun on them before heating up the earl grey.”

He loses the smile, and you’re glad that he might have an inkling of what a gun is. You’ve never owned one, and they don’t allow firearms on the island, but the threat stands. But if he was intimidated, even for a moment, he doesn’t show it anymore, and proves just that by turning his back on you, and resting his head in his arms. He has a dorsal fin with what looks to be a deep, x-shaped scar near his tailbone. You try not to wonder what that could’ve been from.

“Then how do you propose I go from a home-invader, to a house guest?” Asks the creature with little interest.

Cautiously walking around the pool with your arms crossed, you begin to list things off for the far-too-comfortable fish-man.

“You can start by telling me who you are, what you are, why you’re here, what you want, and why you think you can lay your webbed hands on me.”

“Oh, is that all?” He hums noncommittally. Content. Aggravating. “Why don’t you start then? Who are you, and why are you here?”

The back of your neck grows hot and uncomfortable. “How entitled do you have to be to—!” You start, but you’re swiftly cut off by the shrieking of the fire alarm. Smoke plumes from outside the house’s windows, and you curse under your breath before darting towards the door. You’d completely forgotten about your eggs.

In your haste to move the pan off the stove, you burn your fingers and drop the pan to the kitchen floor, two blackened egg crisps flaking off and diving in different directions. Mango yowls at the commotion and investigates one of the fallen egg crisps. Before you can tell him to buzz off, he loses interest in your mess, not bothering to give it a taste. You don’t blame him, but the eggs didn’t appear to be cat-bad. Ah, you can’t kid yourself. They are cat-bad. They’re completely inedible. Now you’re going to have to head to the market, while worrying about a man trapped in Shuzenji’s pool.

Your stomach roars at you.

After cleaning the mess as best as you could while desperately and ruefully wanting to return to your guest—no, not guest—invader, you get the alarm, half-heartedly fan the smoke out of the house, and return. Angry. This guy better start talking soon, or things are going to get ugly.

To your utter displeasure, he looks all the more amused at your newer, messier state.

“Was that supposed to be the hot meal,” he asks, cocky. “Because if so, I’ll pass.”

Instead of biting his head off like you’d like to, you present him with the still-dirty frying pan, pointing it at his head like you intend to use it.

“Start talking, fish-for-brains.”

The beast snickers, raising his hands in the air in mock-surrender. “Easy there, tiger shark. You know how to use that thing?”

You refuse to humor him. Instead, you keep your scowl tight, your arms steady. If he’s not threatened, he’ll lose interest in this game, then he’ll have to talk.

Lo and behold, you’re right. The fish-man rolls his eyes, and looks at you, again, with apathy.

“My name is Hitoshi Shinsou,” he says, lackadaisical, like he’s already bored of himself. “I’m one of Ryūjin. What humans have learned to call merpeople are actually descendants of the sea gods who lived centuries ago. I’m here, simply because the storm washed me here. What I want is to retrieve what’s mine. I thought I could lay my webbed hands on you—well-“ the corner of his mouth tilts up-“darlin’, it was because your body reacted to me.”

Mouth forming the beginning of a question that never comes, you stare in disbelief at this myth. Then the last thing he said dawns at you.

“I did not react to you!” You rebuke, steady hands now shaking.

“Oh no?” He says, but it’s not a question. It’s a challenge.

Hitoshi grabs the flat end of the frying pan and yanks it, and you, closer to him, closer to the water. You cringe and whine when a wet, webby hand closes around your wrist. Inadvertently, you drop the pan, but he pays it no mind as it sinks past his tail. Your skin begins to glow underneath his palms, and the tingles come back, shooting up your arm, causing tiny goosebumps to appear.

“Would you look at that,” Hitoshi croons, slow and almost sensuously. His indigo eyes narrow on your index finger where you’d burned yourself. To add to this nightmare, he closes his lips around it, and begins to suck. Your stomach flips, and you’re not sure if it’s because you’re disgusted, or scared, or…enjoying the feeling of his warm mouth, his tongue, touching your skin.

“Stop.” It’s a whisper. It means nothing. You think you want it to mean something, but your thoughts are buzzing into a blur. Knees growing weak, you descend, leaning closer to him, not caring about the water or the seaweed or the fish, and instead, entirely focused on his mouth. It’s glowing, his mouth. Faintly. Like a single candle lit in an otherwise empty room.

When he eases off of you, he runs his thumb over your now-healed finger, and let’s your arm fall limply at your side.

“All better,” he whispers back at you.

There are prickles all over your skin once you regain an ounce of dignity.

“What the hell was that?” You ask, breathless for no other reason than shock.

“The glowing?” He asks. “The healing?”

“Both.”

“Your reaction to me.” He’s cocky again. This is something sick. Mythical creature or not, this has got to be a game he plays, washing into people’s pools, causing problems, sucking on lonely girls’ fingers. He probably gets his kicks this way, and uses whatever other kind of magic he has to erase whoever he’s tormenting’s memories, if he doesn’t end up eating them when he’s done. Bogus.

You won’t let him get to you.

“Alright, Hitoshi Shinsou, how would you like me to get you back into the ocean? You healed my finger-“ although it’s essentially his fault you were burned to begin with, if you take into account the sequence of events-“so helping you out is the least that I can do.”

“I could use your help,” he muses lightly, turning his body back around to his chest and abdomen are turned towards  the sun. You tell yourself not to stare like you know he probably wants you to. Though his eyes are closed, he peeps at you, sneaking a glance. “I don’t want to go back into the ocean, though. Not until I get what’s mine.”

With the might of a girl who just wants to go back inside and scroll through her phone, you swallow your bite, and ask, “what would that be?”

“Oh, this and that-“ he waves his hand around dismissively-“other things.”

With the might of a girl who just wants to go back inside and find another frying pan, you say, “alright, listen. Someone is on their way to the house to clean the pool. I don’t know what one of Ryūjin means, but I’m guessing people like you don’t always want to be discovered by people like us. So you either tell me what it is you need, or see how my pool guy reacts to a mermaid lounging around in my backyard! I wouldn’t put it against him to call the local news station. Get this place flooding with cameras. Does that sound like a pretty picture to you?”

Absolutely none of your threats penetrate Hitoshi’s cool nature. In fact, he laughs.

“When he gets here,” the merman drawls, knowing he’s got you hanging on every word, “invite him to swim.”

[xeulousluv]

Almost

AN: Hello everyone, I am fairly new to posting on this app, so therefore I am still learning how to use it. Hehe :) Anyways, I hope you are having a great day!

Warning: Nothing really, maybe a little bit of angst? 

Zayn and Y/n broke up and all he’s left with are the videos she took during their senior year of high school.

September 1st, 2010: 

The camera was set up in her hand as she was slightly fixing her hair, a huge smile plastered on her makeup covered face. He always thought she looked better without makeup, but sometimes you couldn’t beat the insecurities. 

“Here we are, the first day of senior year! How are we feeling, Zayn?” 

Next to her stood himself, a much younger version of himself. Two years to be exact. He was almost unrecognizabel, with his usual high school attire adoring his body. A white tee-shirt, black skinny jeans, and not to mention his varsity football jacket hanging off of his shoulders. She looked lovingly at her boyfriend, her eyelashes beating against the softness of her rounded cheeks. 

“I’m ready to get out of here, the last three years were the upmost worst years of my life.” Zayn spoke truthfully, he hadn’t expected to make it past the ninth grade, but with the help of Y/n, he managed to make it all the way to his graduating year. Y/n gave him an offended look before responding, “Hey! If it weren’t for these last three years, you would’ve never met me, let alone had the courage to talk to me. Am I really that bad?” 

She laughed out while speaking, all so he knows that she is joking and would never accuse him of thinking such things. Though, he was already two steps ahead of her and was laughing along at her sad attempt of looking offended. “Of course not, baby. You are what kept me going.” With that, Zayn kissed her temple and she let out a small giggle before stopping the camera. 

September 5th, 2010:

Random small talk was heard on the computer sitting in front of Zayn, before her face showed with a bright glow. She was so beautiful it almost hurt. She was laughing at something her friend Emery said, though it was completely inaudible, he just let the smile take over his face hearing her laugh again. 

“I don’t exactly know why I turned this on, but hello! We successfully made it through the first week of school, and let me just say, it was not fun. The teachers still hate me.” Again, Y/n laughed towards the camera. 

“I remember this one time last year when Mr. Lambert threw me out of class because I wouldn’t stop laughing. In my defence, he was talking about the safety of condoms and Zayn kept mocking him. That was a detention worth going to.” Zayn remembered that day clearly. He sat to the left of Y/n, Mr. Lambert’s first mistake, and would whisper in her ear how he would show her the proper way to wear a condom when they got to her house that night. To say he did end up showing her was an understatement. 

The camera then turned to her friend before she continued on with what she was saying, “Anyways, Emery here, has informed me about this back to school party for seniors at Anthony Stilettos house. So, we are heading to the mall so we can get a nice looking outfit for tonight. I’ll see you guys later!”  And with that the camera switched off.

He thought that was the end of the video, but when she popped back on his screen, he was pleasantly surprised. She wore a black dress that just reached her knees, the end of it rippled and flew each time she took a step. Her hair and makeup was done, and her shoes matched her dress, she really was the most beautiful person he has ever met. 

Without saying anything, Y/n moved the camera to where the view was now on Emery. She wore a simple tight red dress that fit her like a glove, she was placing bobby pins in her hair before realising a camera was watching her every move. Emery turned away from the mirror Y/n had in her room, and started making random poses into the camera. The video finally ended with Y/n facing the camera back to herself while laughing at it. 

October 7th, 2010: 

It was homecoming. Their final homecoming, and of course, Zayn asked her to be his date. He didn’t go all out like the previous years, this particular year was asked right after they finished giving each other their all. They were bunched up together, all sweaty and breathless, and that is when Zayn asked her to go to homecoming with him. He thought it was gross because of their previous activities, but Y/n thought it was sweet, endearing even. It was personal and intimate, she wouldn’t have had it any other way. Plus, she was tired of all the attention that comes with getting asked to homecoming. 

Her dress was a beautiful shade of baby yellow, Zayn wore his usual black suit but with a yellow tie and a yellow rose pinned to his coat pocket. The night couldn’t have been anymore magical. 

“Z, are you ready to go? Emmy and Dallas are waiting in the car.” Her soft voice echoed through the speakers, she was worried about being late. But more so, excited about what the night had planned for the couple. Zayn was fixing his hair, like he does any other day, however today, he wanted to look his absolute best. “Just one more second, love. Gotta look perfect before leaving these four secured walls.” 

Y/n rolled her eyes into the camera before another smile took over her face. It only got wider as he finally announced that he was ready. 

“Baby, you look handsome! You don’t need all that hair gel, make one wrong move and we’re calling you Uncle Jesse.” Zayn scoffed, his hands finding their place on her hips, him being pressed up against her back. His chin resting on her shoulder, they looked so in love. They were so in love. 

October 31st, 2010: 

Fall was Y/n’s favorite season, meaning Halloween was by far her favorite holiday. She squealed into the camera when Zayn walked out in his Peter Pan costume. “Baby, you look so fucking adorable!” She cooed, though Zayn was having none of it. “Do we have to go to this party? Can’t we just stay in and watch scary movies, I promise I will protect you if you get too scared!”

He knew it was no use, Y/n had been going on and on about Anthony’s costume party for the past week, so when she started laughing, Zayn internally groaned. “Brave of you to assume I will get scared during a horror movie. How about we go for just an hour, then you and I can come back here and watch whatever movie you want?” 

At that, his ears perked, he could go for an hour. That gives him all the more time alone with his love. “Hocus Pocus? That’s my favorite.” 

“Yes baby, we can watch Hocus Pocus, do this for me, and I’m all yours for the rest of the night.” A grin was stretched across his face as she leaned up and gave a peck to his lips. Adoration shining brightly in her eyes as she looked up at him. “You are so lucky I love you, Y/n.” 

“I love you, Zayn. More than you will ever know.” 

December 31st, 2010:

“Hola, my favorite people! Happy New Years Eve, I hope you guys are having a good day. My family is having a little party to bring in the new year, even though you won’t be watching this until later when I decide to post it, I hope you guys have an amazing holiday. Be safe now. Bye!”

Christmas and New Year’s was hard for Y/n. She had major separation anxiety for everyone she grows close to, so not being able to see the people she loves for a whole two weeks was taking a toll on her. Not to mention, Zayn went back to Bradford for the holidays, so he wasn’t there to keep her calm. All she had was the emails and messages he would send her.  

However, that night was different. She didn’t know what it was, but the air felt more intoxicating. There was something she was missing and the young girl couldn’t put her finger on it. 

Emery got ahold of Y/n’s camera without her noticing, pressing the ‘record’ button and smiling.

“Hi, as many of you may know, my name is Emery White. Before questions start racing through your head about where Y/n is, she is currently in the kitchen talking to one of her neighbors, and she knows nothing about this so, shhh!” Emery held her index finger up to her mouth, even though she is talking to a camera. 

“So, the time is now 11:58, meaning it is almost New Year’s and I got a message from a good friend of mine to get her camera and start recording. Oh wait, she’s coming over! Act normal!” 

“Emmy? Why do you have my camera, wait no, when did you get my camera?” Emery turned her neck to look at Y/n, and smiled while looking at her friends confused face. “It’s almost midnight, I figured we could record the big moment for your journal thing.” 

Y/n looked at her watch and sure enough, it was 12:59, and the people around her were counting down. By the time Y/n looked back at her friend, Emery had switched her position to behind the camera, her smile now stretching to her eyes. She gave a confused smile towards the camera before shaking her head. 

10..

9..

8..

A tap was felt on Y/n’s shoulder making her turn around, not believing her eyes, she had to do a double take. There he was in all of his glory. Zayn stood in front of her with a bouquet of random flowers, her eyes widening in complete shock. 

3..

2..

1!

Before she could fully process his presence, Zayn had planted his lips against hers in what he would call, one of their best kisses. His arms went around her waist while hers were around his neck, keeping him as close as humanly possible. She was the first to pull away from the kiss, tears forming at the bottom of her eyes but never fell. Zayn pulled her back, this time her face went into his neck as he whispered out a small, “Happy New Years, baby.” 

May 22nd, 2011: 

Senior prom, a day Y/n has waited her entire life for. Getting all dolled up for one night of perfection sounded glorious. Unlike most people, her dress doesn’t reach the floor but goes a little ways past her knees. It was a light shade of green, she wasn’t usually one for the cliche pink and blue, and her stomach was laced over showing her belly button peircing. She felt on top of the world, the most gorgeous she has ever felt in her entire life. 

Zayn was in a nude tuxedo, a lightish green tie tucked into the blazer. “It’s prom day, baby, how do you feel?” The now well-known camera placed in front of his face, though he paid no attention to it, but really the girl behind it. “Like I have the most beautiful girlfriend in the world. How did I get so lucky, hm?” 

The blush was evident on her face, he could see it perfectly now even with the camera facing him and not herself. He could still see the light in her eyes. Looking back on it, he couldn’t imagine living his life without her, how could he let her go? 

It wasn’t like they got in a fight or anything, Zayn and Y/n were going to different colleges and he didn’t want to do the whole long distance thing. He felt she deserved better than that. So even though the breakup was absolutely not a mutual agreement, Y/n somewhat understood and let him walk away. 

“You’re such the charmer, Zayn. Always got me blushing for no good reason.” 

“I would be a bad boyfriend if I didn’t.” 

Now turning the camera to face both of them, Zayn placed a kiss on her lips before turning off the camera and letting their night go on as best as it could, for it would be one of the last good memories they have. Except at the time, neither of them knew the last time would actually be the last time. 

June 4th, 2011: 

“Hey everyone, I just want to start off by saying congratulations, we made it. Graduating today was the most amazing feelings, and I’m sure you all can agree with me. The past four years have really taught me a lot, I know I sound like the Mallory Barnes, our valedictorian that gave the speech today, but I’m serious, you all have been amazing. Teachers included.” 

Y/n wasn’t in her usual attire. She was in a comfortable baggy hoodie, and that’s all you could see as her camera was propped on the desk in the corner of the room. Her hair was in a messy bun, no makeup, and her glasses were sat perfectly on her nose. What no one could notice was the slight puffiness to her eyes, the way they were red and tired. But Zayn noticed, however. When Y/n first uploaded this to her instagram, Zayn couldn’t bare to watch it, so seeing it now definitely brought back a feeling he tried too hard to push away. 

“In the past four years I have learned about friendships, I learned about love, and I learned about heartbreak. I have got to say, high school brought me some really great friendships that I will cherish forever. I am finding it very difficult to say goodbye, but we are bound to go off and do bigger and better things. The future awaits for us.” 

“I just want to thank you guys for the amazing memories, and I hope you guys make your dreams come true.” Y/n sighed into the camera, she was really bad at saying goodbye, though you would think it would be easier considering no one likes high school. However, Y/n loved every single second of it, maybe not the learning but the memories made.

“Now, I am going to get really sappy for a minute and say a massive thank you to the man who has loved me for the past four years. Zayn, I know we haven’t talked in a few weeks, and you’re probably not even watching this, but just know that I am so proud of you.  I don’t know how I could not be. I really hope you make something wonderful of yourself. You were by far my favorite part of this journey. Thank you for sticking with me and for loving me. And even though we aren’t together anymore, I love you.”

“We almost had it all, didn’t we?” 

AN: Yeah, I don't think I like this babahahah. Love the concept but someone out there could definitely write it better. 

[s0nia246]

I haven't had any writing ideas for Project Sekai so I'm doing this writing practice for fun.

This inspired by League of Legends Star Guardian (Universe, might make into a au.

This was inspired by Star Guardian New Dream: Seraphine's Vlog

Minori is Seraphine

Haruka is Orianna

Ena is Senna

Y/N is Xayah

-The camera turns on-

Minori ran quickly to school trying to catch up to her friends. She pulled up her phone to turn her camera on when she spotted them. Minori turned the camera around catching her friends as they walked through the school entrance.

Ena was reading a book when Minori jogged over.  She immediately saw the phone in Minori's hand. She sighed in annoyance as she closed the book.

"I said no, Minori." Ena rolled her eyes at her friend as she walked away from Minori and leaving Haruka to deal with Minori.

"Come on! It's like...a diary! Or a record log?" Minori tried to convince Ena.

Haruka's eyes widened, her mouth opening and closing as she tried to  come up with something reasonable. She looked between the two girls before deciding to walk away from  the conversation and follow behind Ena.

"IT'LL BE FUN THOUGH!" Minori shouted after them as the school bell ring.

ᴺᴼᵂ ᴾᴸᴬᵞᴵᴺᴳ : Song Title 0:00 ───|────── 0:00 ⁿᵉˣᵗ ˢᵒⁿᵍ ↺ ʳᵉᵖᵉᵃᵗ ⊜ ᵖᵃᵘˢᵉ

Minori adjusted her phone's camera to focus on her. Sticking on her tounge in concentration,making sure everything was set up. She then pressed the recording button.

"Okay let's get started" Minori spinned around in her chair before starting to speak again "My name is Hanasato Minori." Cut to clothes laying on Minori's bed, her stationary materials she uses for her diary, and Minori playing with her pet Samo-chan's paws. "I'm in Animal Care! I love dogs, interstellar travel, and... I'm a Star Guardian!" 

To transition to the next scene Minori uses Samo-chan's paws to reveal her Star Guardian outfit.  Minori danced around the room for a bit, her Magical Mediums, Treble & Bass flying around her. On accidental she ends up kicking one of them, falling onto her bed as her microphone hits her hand.

ᴺᴼᵂ ᴾᴸᴬᵞᴵᴺᴳ : Song Title 0:00 ───|────── 0:00 ⁿᵉˣᵗ ˢᵒⁿᵍ ↺ ʳᵉᵖᵉᵃᵗ ⊜ ᵖᵃᵘˢᵉ

Humming softly,  Minori watches Ena draw in her sketch book. Ena was sitting alone in a empty classroom, she hadn't noticed Minori recording her.

"Whatcha draaaaaaawing?" Minori asked excitedly.

Ena first was startled before quickly turning into anger. As if on impulse, Ena throws her sketch book at Minori. The sound of Minori's laughter cut to the next scene.

ᴺᴼᵂ ᴾᴸᴬᵞᴵᴺᴳ : Song Title 0:00 ───|────── 0:00 ⁿᵉˣᵗ ˢᵒⁿᵍ ↺ ʳᵉᵖᵉᵃᵗ ⊜ ᵖᵃᵘˢᵉ

It was night time and the stars were shining brightly as a shooting star zoomed over.  The camera panned down at Minori, Ena, and Haruka. Minori winked at the camera,"Watch this!" The camera turned to face a stitched up doll that was put up on one of the higher building the girls were training on. The camera then zoomed out to show of Minori shoot out a ball of light that was orange in color.

"Damage...55.%" Haruka said, holding her Magical Medium, Tocker.

Disappointed with her, Minori sighed. "Aww...."

The sound of a loud lazer filled the air, startling Minori as it hit the doll, obliterating the doll. Minori turned the camera to face Ena. She was shooting out of her paintbrush styled cannon. She put her  cannon over her shoulder as she smiled smugly at the camera and Minori,"Ha."

"Damage...250.%"

ᴺᴼᵂ ᴾᴸᴬᵞᴵᴺᴳ : Song Title 0:00 ───|────── 0:00 ⁿᵉˣᵗ ˢᵒⁿᵍ ↺ ʳᵉᵖᵉᵃᵗ ⊜ ᵖᵃᵘˢᵉ

Minori was petting Samo-chan's head as she put head against Samo-chan's back, she looked nervous and anxious, "Am I- Are we ready for this?"

Y/N looked up the feather that they were focused on. They got up from Minori's bed and looked over towards Minori's direction, "I chose you because your ready. Don't forget that." Y/N spoke softly, their voice soft like silk as reassured Minori.

Minori smiled softly at the camera before turning it off.

ᴺᴼᵂ ᴾᴸᴬᵞᴵᴺᴳ : Song Title 0:00 ───|────── 0:00 ⁿᵉˣᵗ ˢᵒⁿᵍ ↺ ʳᵉᵖᵉᵃᵗ ⊜ ᵖᵃᵘˢᵉ

This was a little writing practice thanks for reading. Also here's some doodle I did

[marvelouspeterparker]

A small imagine where singer!reader is dating tom and releases a really sexy song about him and tom watches the music video and he's like 🥵🥵🥵 plsss

this took me forever to respond to but i feel like with ari’s new album the timing is perfect now

18+ under the cut u know the vibes

i took a page out of @hollandbaby‘s book and used an ari song for this, but the music video concept is fictional! listen to ‘nasty’ while you read this if u want :)

–––

he didn’t even know you had filmed a music video recently, and he hadn’t even heard the song yet. he was in for quite the surprise. 

your music video was dropping at 12pm est and it was currently 11:55pm. you were currently on your way to his house for the next few months to spend the weekend. he was about to film the next spider-man film and luckily you had some spare time before work took you elsewhere. you were ten minutes away from his house and smiled as you felt your phone buzz with a notification, knowing exactly who it was from.

when you reached a red light, you opened it.

tom: ‘so excited to see you love :)’

you smirked as you typed out a response.

y/n: ‘you have no idea how excited i am to see you too tommy’

as the light turned green you set your phone aside and stepped on the gas. you smiled as you looked up and noticed a billboard with your album cover on it. you were excited for the fans to hear your new music, but especially tom. the entire album was essentially dedicated to him anyway. 

when you hit traffic you looked at your phone and realized it was already 12pm. you sent the link to tom with no comment before posting it to your story and set the phone aside. 

tom smiled to himself when he heard the notification, thinking you were telling him that you were close by but his brows furrowed when he noticed what you had sent. when he noticed the title of the song, he shook his head, that little minx. he decided to search it up on his tv instead, wanting to see it as clear as possible. he’d never pressed the controls on his remote faster. 

as the video started up he could feel his heart pounding. 

you got me all up in my feels in all kind of ways, i be tryna wait

the song started and the camera panned up your legs slowly to show you walking along a hallway in a house, your body shining thanks to some body glitter, a beautifully revealing gown on you, with two slits on the side to show your smooth legs. you glared into the camera lustfully and tom felt his pants tighten as he clenched his jaw, his mouth suddenly feeling dry but somehow salivating at the same time. 

i just wanna make time for ya swear it's just right for ya 

the way you were singing the song was so sensual, it felt like you were singing right to him. and the way you were looking into his soul through the camera, he could tell you really were. 

like this pussy designed for ya

you got down on your hands and knees and crawled to the camera slowly, like a predator alluring it’s prey. “christ––” 

don't wanna wait on it tonight, i wanna get nasty (yeah, yeah)

he licked his lips, his eyes completely entranced by you and the way you were moving. the camera panned to you laying on a bed in the prettiest lingerie he’d ever seen but then again, anything would look that pretty on you. 

what you waiting for?  what you waiting for?

you were staring up at the camera, mouthing the words as your hands ran up and down your body and tom could barely contain himself, he wanted to pick up his phone and ask you where you were because he was getting impatient but he didn’t want to miss a thing on the screen.

don't wanna wait on it tonight, i wanna get nasty 

for the whole rest of the video, tom’s mouth was wide open, his eyes completely hypnotized as he watched you, wondering how on earth he got so lucky. 

you slowly made your way to his house, unlocking the door quietly with your own key as you heard the song playing through his speakers. he felt blood rush to his heart and his cock when he saw the dedication at the end, ‘dedicated to my love.’ you chuckled to yourself when you stepped into the living room behind the couch and saw tom wordlessly replay the video. 

you stepped back and took your phone out to record him, enjoying the way he was completely focused on the video, sitting up with his elbows on his knees as he leaned forward to see everything as much as he could.

after you posted to video to your story, captioning it ‘my inspiration approves of the song ;)’ you couldn’t keep in the laugh anymore. you set your phone and jacket aside before taking your shoes off and walking over to tom. he perked up instantly, looking at you in awe, almost as if he couldn’t believe you were real. 

his hands reached out for you and pulled you in to sit in his lap, your arms going around his neck as you looked down at him lovingly. “you gonna replay it for a third time?” you teased.

his eyes lit up playfully, “i think i deserve to, it is about me, after all.”

you nodded, a bright smile on your face as you leaned in to kiss him. he moaned into the kiss, his arms squeezing around your waist as you arched into him. 

he pulled away for a few split seconds, between kisses, not wanting to lose your lips or your taste. “that––” he licked his lips, trying to contain himself, “that lingerie you were wearing in the video––” he looked up at you hopefully. 

you interrupted him, amused and nonchalant, “oh you mean the one i’m wearing right now?”

you’d never seen his gaze darken so fast. he stood up immediately and you squealed as he practically dragged you to the room, one thing on his mind.

he stripped you down and when the lacy fabric came into his view he traced his hands over your skin softly, memorizing the look and the feel of you under his hands. he pushed you down to lay down on the bed and the way you were looking up at him, just as you were in the video made him curse as he tugged his shirt off. 

“you don’t have to give this back do you?” he asked as he played with the waistband of the bottoms. 

you bit your lip as you shook your head, “nope. it’s all mine.”

he grinned, “good, cause i’d really like to fuck you in it.”

he positioned himself between your legs, slid the fabric to the side and swiped his thumb between your folds, pleased to see how wet you were. seeing him all riled up because of a music video of yours did wonders to your ego and your sex drive. 

he spread your wetness around, making a proper mess between your thighs, before rubbing his thumb over your clit. you sighed and rolled your hips into his touch, yearning for more. when you became too needy, he slid a finger in, then when you begged for it, a second one. he was giving you everything you wanted, you more than deserved it after the treat you gave him.

soon he was pumping two fingers into you, rubbing against your g-spot just the way you needed as his thumb rubbed your bundle of nerves. you gasped, your eyes fluttering shut, your body arching and tensing as you tipped over the edge, your thighs trying but failing to shut closed. 

“that’s it, such a good girl.” 

when you came to again, your eyes opened to find tom scanning your body, his two fingers inside his mouth as he cleaned your wetness off of them, clearly enjoying the taste and the sight of you. 

he shrugged his sweats off, along with his boxers all in one go and quickly made his way back over to you. his hand rubbing your thigh soothingly as he positioned his cock at your entrance. he slid in easily, the two of you fitting like puzzle pieces and he bottomed out instantly, the both of you moaning into the sultry atmosphere of the room. 

his hands held onto you tight as he thrusted into you, eyes never leaving your body for a second. you looked like a goddess lying there underneath him, your body covered in that intricate lace design. he would never be able to get enough of you. 

“had me bulging through my boxers since i started the video, love. you know that?”

you looked up at him, your eyes bright as you pulled him down and locked your lips together. “couldn’t wait for you to see it. was thinking of you the whole time we filmed.”

he bit your lip smugly and turned his attention to your neck. he wanted these marks to last even after you left in a few days. “all mine,” he mumbled into your skin and your breath hitched as he sped up his movements. 

“gonna make me cum tommy, want you to cum with me.” your fingers gripped his curls, your other arm tightening around his back as he pounded into you.

“yeah baby? i’m close too, please cum with me, darling. that’s it.”

several thrusts, moans and curses later, tom was panting on top of you, the both of you trying to catch your breaths, as you lied there sweaty and satisfied.

he pulled out and lied next to you, staring up at the ceiling in disbelief. “that video was really something, love.” 

you smiled cheekily, “wait until you hear the rest of the album.”

he let out a loud breath of air before pulling you closer to him by your waist and leaving a kiss on your forehead. “you’ll be the death of me, darling.”

you giggled but sat up when he got off of the bed. you tilted your head as you watched him, “where are you going?”

he turned to you, a mischievous glint in his eyes, “gonna go get the speaker. think i have the perfect album for us to listen to while we...” he looked you up and down, licking his lips teasingly. “get nasty, as you put it.”

[fruitcoops]

Could you maybe write a “73 questions with Sirius Black” Vogue one? Or something like that.

Yes! I had never seen these videos before and it was a fun challenge to write. Hope you enjoy! Sweater Weather credit goes to @lumosinlove!

The house is large, two stories tall and painted a soft gray with white trim around the windows. Holiday lights have yet to be taken down and shine in all colors of the rainbow from the eaves as the camera crew walks up the front steps. The curtains in the window tremble for a moment, then a dog pokes her head through—she is all-black and curious, and looks quite large.

Dorcas Meadowes knocks on the front door; a moment later, it swings open and reveals Sirius Black. “Hey, guys, come on in! You can leave your shoes by the door inside.”

“Thanks, Sirius.” Dorcas kicks off her flats and follows him inside as he sets a dish towel on the end table and leans against it. “How are you today?”

“I’m doing pretty well. Morning practice was productive and I’m feeling good about our upcoming game.”

“We’re here today to ask you 73 rapid-fire questions while you lead us around. Sound good?”

“Sounds good. You can all come inside instead of freezing on the porch,” he laughs, waving them closer. The door shuts with a gentle click.

“First question: on a scale of 1-10, how excited are you about life right now?”

“Hmmm. A solid seven.”

“Do you have any pets?”

“I do!” Sirius leads them into the other room, where the dog is curled up on the couch below the window; he picks her up and gives her a kiss on the head. “This is Hattie and I love her very much.”

“Cute! If you could do a dramatic love scene in a movie with anyone, who would it be?”

Sirius sets the dog down and thinks for a second. “Aside from my fiancé, I’m going to say James Potter. We would kill it and I don’t think it would be that awkward.”

“What’s the origin of your name?”

“Pretty much my whole family has star-themed names. Sirius is the dog star from Canis Major.”

“Brightest star in the sky, too. What’s one thing people don’t know about you?”

“I’m an introvert. Lots of people assume that I’m super social because of my job, but I’m very quiet in real life.” He walks back out to the entrance and takes the towel off the table, then moves into the kitchen. It’s well-lit and painted a deep, warm red. The countertop is scattered with knickknacks and picture frames—clearly, this is a place people spend a lot of time. Hattie, who followed them in, lays down by the oven with a heavy sigh.

“What’s your wakeup ritual?”

Sirius reaches up and pulls two mugs out of the cupboard. “I wake up around seven am and make coffee while Re is in the shower, then rinse off and get dressed while he makes breakfast. It’s a good system. Want some tea?”

“Sure. What’s your bedtime ritual?”

“I don’t think I have one,” he says as he puts the kettle on and ignites a burner on the stove. “Usually we read or watch a movie, then go up to bed and talk for a while. There’s not a big routine or anything.”

“Sounds nice. What’s your favorite time of day?” Dorcas sits on the other side of the kitchen island while he takes a box of peppermint tea down.

“That’s a tough one. I like the in-between spots, like just after sunrise or dusk. Three in the afternoon is usually pretty chill as well. Does anyone else want a cup?”

There are a few murmurs behind the camera and he takes two more down. “What is one thing no one knows about you?” Dorcas asks.

He raises an eyebrow. “If I told you, everyone would know, and it wouldn’t count.”

“Fair enough. Dream country to visit?”

“Anywhere. I think I want to go to Ireland first, though.” Small wisps of steam begin curling out of the kettle, but it doesn’t whistle.

“Do you ever feel pressure to post things on social media?”

Sirius makes a face. “I used to. Eventually I just got tired of it, you know? The whole point of social media is sharing bits of your life with people and it makes me happy to show off my dog, or Re, or my friends. I post things just for fun now.”

The kettle begins to hiss and he reaches back to turn it off. “Sneakers or skates?”

“Skates.”

“Vintage or new?

“Vintage, especially for t-shirts and sweaters.”

“Who is your biggest role model?”

“Pascal Dumais.” Sirius stops pouring for a moment to look up at the camera. “If you ever get a chance to meet him, listen to what he has to say. You’ll be better for it.”

“Wise words. How do you deal with negativity? Oh, thank you.” Dorcas wraps her hands around the mug and takes a small sip while Sirius passes the other ones to the crew.

“Honestly? I don’t give a shit. It used to really bother me, but I’m happy, I have a job I love, and my family cares about me. Why should I care what people I’ve never met think of me?” He sits on the counter and rests his elbows on his knees, blowing on the hot water.

“What are three things you can’t live without?”

“My dog, Remus, and my family.” There is no hesitation in his voice.

“Not hockey?”

“I’d be devastated if I couldn’t play, sure, but it’s not the central focus of my life anymore.”

“What’s one ingredient you put in everything?”

“Does salt count?” He winces as he takes a drink. “Ugh, burned my tongue. I put salt on a lot of things because I drink so much water that it throws my balance off.”

“What is something you’re completely bored of right now?”

Sirius rolls his eyes. “Gossip columns and tabloids in general.”

Dorcas hums in agreement. “What’s your biggest fear in life?”

“Losing my loved ones.”

“Window or aisle seat?”

“Window. Anyone walking by always steps on my foot or hits my elbow if I’m in the aisle. Plus, I get a good view and an easy nap spot.”

“What’s your current TV obsession?”

“Avatar: The Last Airbender, which I’m watching for the third time already.” He shakes his head. “It’s just so good.”

“Favorite app?”

He takes a second to think. “Spotify.”

“Secret talent?”

Sirius looks at her over the rim over his cup. “This is going to shock you. Ready?”

“Ready.”

“Hockey.”

“You’re the worst.” Despite her words, Dorcas smiles. “What the most adventurous thing you’ve done in your life?”

“Uh, probably going to Europe with some of the guys last year. We had a lot of fun, but it was crazy.”

“I can imagine it was. How would you define yourself in three words?”

“Tall, dark, and handsome.”

“And apparently not humble,” Dorcas teases. “Favorite piece of clothing?”

“Hoodies.”

“Clothing item everyone should have?”

“Hoodies.”

A door opens behind them and the camera turns; Remus walks out of the basement, covered in sweat as he wipes his forehead with the hem of his shirt and holds his skates in his other hand. “Baby, have you seen…” he trails off when he sees the group of people in the kitchen. Hattie’s tail thumps on the floor. “Um. Hello.”

“Hey, Remus, how are you doing?” Dorcas asks mildly.

The camera pans out to catch both Sirius, who is laughing quietly, and Remus, who flushes pink. “I’m good. I thought you were coming at ten?”

“It’s ten-thirty, sweetheart,” Sirius says, hiding his smile in his tea.

Remus glances at the clock before giving an awkward nod and walking toward the stairs. “I guess I’ll take a shower, then. Sorry about that. Uh, carry on.”

“What’s a superpower you would want?” Dorcas asks as soon as he disappears.

Sirius shakes his head with a grin. “Uh, teleportation. That would be really cool.”

“What’s inspiring you in life right now?”

“Ah, une grande question.” He thinks, then tilts his head toward the staircase. “Moments like that. And the Stanley Cup, of course.” He reaches back and knocks on the wooden cupboard.

“What cause is closest to your heart?”

“LGBT+ rights, especially trans rights. I’m privileged enough to have a platform and I intend to be loud as hell about that.”

“Good.” Dorcas sets her almost-empty mug on the table. “What’s one thing you’d say to your teenage self?”

Sirius lets out a long breath and drums his hands on the light blue ceramic of his cup. “I would say…it gets better. It really, really does. You’re going to feel super shitty for just a little bit longer, but then I promise you will be so incredibly happy that you wake up every morning and it hits you all over again.”

Dorcas nods, and the kitchen is quiet for a moment. “What’s a book that everyone should read?”

“The Hobbit, by J.R.R Tolkien.”

“What would you like to be remembered for?”

“This is going to sound so corny, but I want to be remembered for just being a good person.”

“That’s not corny. How do you define beauty?”

“Remus Lupin.”

“That’s corny,” she laughs, making him smile. “What do you love most about your body?”

“I’m a big guy, which can be a little bit intimidating, but it means I give really great hugs. I’m sure everyone saw the video that went around a while ago.”

“Cap Cuddles?”

He snorts. “Right. You’ve got Finn O’Hara to thank for that.”

“In your opinion, what’s the best way to take a rest or decompress?”

“Being alone,” Sirius says. “There is literally nothing better than getting home and sitting down with a book or something while I can hear Re doing his own thing and Hattie’s napping. It’s one of my favorite parts of the afternoon.”

“That’s the most introverted thing you’ve ever said.” Dorcas grins and finishes her tea just as a faint beeping noise begins in another room. “What’s your favorite way to experience art?”

“Through music, for sure.” He slides off the counter and walks down the hall, leading them toward the laundry room. He gives the camera crew a look as he pulls dry clothes out of the machine and heads back to the living room. “What? Did you think I didn’t do my own laundry?”

“You lost a sock,” Dorcas informs him, picking it off the ground and laying it on top of his head.

“Thanks, D.”

“What question do people ask that you wish they wouldn’t?”

“Lots of people have asked me when I decided to be gay, which is wrong on so many levels.”

“If you could master one instrument, what would it be?”

“Guitar or piano.” He dumps the load of laundry on the couch and opens the back door, holding it for the crew as they walk out into the sunshine. Hattie weaves through their legs and disappears into the bushes along the back.

“I might have to take your dog home with me. If you had a tattoo, where would it be?”

Sirius mock-glares at her. “Let me have my girl! Um, I would love to have a tattoo somewhere on my arm.”

“This might be a hard one. Dolphins or koalas?”

“Oh, that is hard. Probably dolphins. The ocean is terrifying but those little guys are just having a blast.”

“What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?” Dorcas asks as he picks up a tennis ball and throws it across the yard. Hattie emerges from the bushes and races after it in a blur of black fur.

“An engagement ring.”

“Yeah, it was.” Remus walks into the backyard and kisses Sirius’ cheek before bending down to catch Hattie in his arms. His hair is still damp from the shower. “Hello, sweet girl!”

“Who’s your favorite musician?”

“Queen.” Sirius laughs at her surprised look. “I’m gay, what did you expect?”

“True. What’s your favorite board game?”

“Monopoly.” Remus and Hattie disappear from the frame, but the bouncing sound of the tennis ball creates some background noise and Sirius watches them for a moment with pure affection.

“Favorite color?”

“Blue.”

“Least favorite color?”

“Orange.”

“Bowties or knot ties?”

He frowns. “Don’t they all have knots?”

“Smartass.”

“Yep! Uh, regular ties.”

“Bowties are superior!” Remus calls.

“Get your own questions!” Sirius laughs.

“Going off your music answers: records or CDs?”

“I don’t own a lot of records, so I’m going to have to go with CDs. I love the way vinyl sounds, though.” His eyes widen as he looks to the side. “Are you okay?”

“Fine,” Remus wheezes. “I didn’t need those ribs anyway.”

“For the viewers, the dog just football-tackled him into the grass,” Sirius says, and Dorcas snorts.

“Your hair is famously luscious. Blow-dry or air-dry?”

“Air dry.”

“Coffee or tea?”

“Coffee, but tea is nice in the evenings.”

“What’s the weirdest word in the English language?”

Sirius laughs. “There are so many. Uh, ‘jeez’ is the one that comes to mind first.”

“What about the French language?”

“Oiseaux,” he says in a crisp accent. “It means ‘birds’, and you pronounce about three of the actual letters.”

“Good to know. Do you prefer dark chocolate or milk chocolate?”

“Dark chocolate.”

“Stairs or elevators?”

“Elevators. I don’t want to walk up three floors after playing hockey for two and a half hours.”

“Summer or winter?”

Sirius bites his lip in thought as they walk around the yard, where small flowers line the fence in beds and colorful pots. “I love summer because I have actual free time to be with my friends, but winter is hockey season. I don’t know, next question.”

“What’s a dessert you don’t like?”

“I’m not a huge fan of caramel. It’s too sticky.”

“A skill you’re working on mastering?”

“Will you ban me from more interviews if I say hockey?”

“Yes.”

“In that case, I’m working on keeping plants alive, as you can probably see.” He taps the nearest flowerpot gently with his foot; it has ‘Harry’ painted across it in sloppy blue letters. “My godson made that for my birthday.”

“What’s the best thing to happen to you today?”

“This, for sure,” he says with a smile. “I haven’t seen you and Marley in ages.”

“We missed you, too. What’s the worst thing that happened to you today?”

He pouts slightly. “Burning my tongue on tea.”

“Hugs or kisses?”

“Hugs! Though I’ll accept kisses from a few very specific people.”

“Do you have a favorite smell?”

He pauses and cranes his neck to look behind the cameras. “Re?”

“Yeah?”

“What shampoo do you use?”

“Uhhh…” There’s a moment of quiet. “It’s something with lavender, I think.”

Sirius turns back to Dorcas. “Something with lavender.”

“How specific,” she laughs. “What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received?”

He smiles to himself. “There was a young woman, maybe sixteen or seventeen, that came to one of the games earlier this season. I saw her standing with a puck and went over, and while I was signing it she looks at me and says, ‘you are exactly what I wish my older brother was like’. Turns out, she was bisexual and her brother wasn’t super accepting of her. That was…” He shakes his head. “That meant the world to me. I’ll never forget it.”

“You’ve definitely made a big impact on the community,” Dorcas agrees. “What’s the last piece of content you consumed that made you cry?”

“I watched ‘Soul’ the other night and almost had to pause it at one point to pull myself together.”

“Do you prefer animated movies or live-action?”

“Animated, mostly because I wasn’t allowed to watch Disney movies as a kid, so I’ve been catching up as an adult and they rock.”

“What’s your nerdiest quality?

“I love watching documentaries.”

“Sweet or savory?” The back door creaks a bit as they walk back inside and the camera catches a few frames of Hattie and Remus running around the yard together.

“Sweet.”

“In ten years, you have a daughter. What age do you let her date?”

Sirius gives Dorcas a look. “Whenever she wants to. I’m going to impose curfews and stuff, but I’m the last person on the planet to police her love life.”

“Good answer. What’s a song you can listen to on repeat?”

“Don’t Stop Me Now by Queen. Absolute banger.”

“If you could switch lives with someone for a day, who would it be?”

“Arthur Weasley,” he says after a moment. “I would love to know what it feels like to get up in the morning and know you’re about to spend another day wrangling our team. It’s a miracle he hasn’t killed us all with his clipboard.”

“How do you know you’re in love?”

“Oh.” Sirius blinks at her in surprise at the sudden topic change. “Well, for me, I think it’s just…being comfortable around someone. Being able to spend time with them without saying anything and knowing you’re safe, no matter what. It’s the best feeling in the world.”

“What are you most excited about at this time in your life?”

A slight smile crinkles his eyes. “Getting married. That’s going to be awesome.”

“Who is your go-to for having a good laugh?”

“James Potter. He’s the best, and I love him.”

“Last question,” Dorcas says, sliding her list into her pocket. “Many LGBT+ people, especially teenagers, have spoken about how you’re an inspiration. Any words for them?”

Sirius hums in thought. “First of all, thank you for being so open and welcoming. I would never have expected the sheer force of people’s love to come through like that when so many people were saying horrible things. Second, to any kids out there who need to hear it: I’m proud of you. It takes a lot to be true to yourself and even if you’re still in the closet, you’re just as valid as the rest of us. Stay proud.”

“That’s a wrap.” Dorcas gives him a quick hug that he happily returns. “Thanks for letting us crash your morning, Cap.”

“Any time. Thanks for tuning in to Lion Pride, everyone!”

[silvercrystalwhump]

The Death of a Tyrant

Vincent Shield belongs to @ashintheairlikesnow

TW: antagonising, bbu content warning, owen grant

-

The lights shine down across the stage, three cameras spin and whirl in the shadows beyond. Vincent can feel the eyes beyond the camera watching every hair on his head. He can almost feel the millions of eyes on the other side of the lens.

Today was a long day of interviews for the first television show that he’s ever been in and Ann’s, the young actress to his left, first-ever adult role.

Vincent can almost feel her anticipation through his skin. The poisoned nostalgia freezes the air in his already tense lungs. The interview boasts eyes of venom and they are poised directly at him.

This interview was supposed to be about the show.

It turned into a drama cast very quickly.

“So,” The interview leans back, eyes scouring across Vincent’s face. He can feel the resignation behind his eyes. Simmering coals eat under him. Vincent can feel the question before it leaves his lips, “How has the recent tape release affected you, Vincent. It must be rather hard to deal with the aftermath of being forced to come out.”

Vincent pierces his lips. Watching the lens on the camera pointed at him shift, Vincent draws up the mask, “While I would rather we keep this conversation on Iscariot and the Strings of Time, I will say that there has been many people who have been very helpful during a time that has been definitely stressful.”

The interview looks almost disappointed, eyes dropping into shadows before perking up as the focus returns to him. Vincent can really tell in these moments that this man sitting across from him and Ann was once an actor. Every movement in his face is planned and Vincent can see Ann’s gaze trying to avoid his.

She’s not used to this.

“Vincent, how do you feel about the Director’s new Box Babe, Kat?”

There it is.

Vincent sighs, “Han and I have had a conversation about this. He did not want his decision to get in the way of professionalism. He is aware that I will not hesitate to contact the Commission if I see any sign of abuse.”

The interviewer pauses, waiting for more words to come. They do not.

Then, Ann laughs, shifting in her seat, “It looks like he pulled an Owen Grant, Kat looks so much like his ex-wife to the point where it’s almost uncanny.”

The air stills for a second as the words settle into the floorboards. The sound of the lights quietly can be heard above. Those few heart-chilling seconds seem to eat at the very fabric of his turtleneck. It suddenly feels just a little too tight.

The interview picks up again, “Well, I believe that all of us can say that we are looking forward to seeing how you two work together in this new dynamic.”

Vincent draws a smile onto his face with an invisible sharpie. Ann scrambles to scoop up her own as the camera does doubt pans out to view them all.

“Are you allowed to reveal a date?” The interview leans in, the side of his face away from the camera twitching slightly.

Ann nods and nearly bounces out of her chair. Vincent remembers the excitement when he was younger that came with being the one to say the date. He used to itch for it when he was with his old studio. Something else I’ve lost.

“The first episode will be available on Netflix on November 1st!”

The interviewer sits up straight and clasps his hands together, “I cannot thank you enough for your time out here today, thank you everybody for tuning in and we all anticipate the debut of Strings of Time.”

Vincent watches as the cameras are shut off and pulled away. He holds himself in the chair until all of the cameras have been pulled away and the interviewer stands. In one movement he is off of the stage and talking with someone. Vincent brings his hands on the armrests and pulls himself to his feet.

Vincent floats for the door, plans to go home, and just passes out on the couch already bubbling across his vision. He hates the air conditioning here.

Why did he have to get brought up?

Vincent adjusts his blazer and steps out of the recording studio. Regretting wearing a turtleneck, he makes his way towards his dressing room. The sound of his shoes clicking against the tiled floor echoes around him. Air catches in his throat as the faint memory of a different set of oxfords walks down a hall only a wall away from him. The memory tastes like Coke.

Just grab your paperwork and go home.

A hand grabs his arm, “Excuse me, Vincent.”

Vincent spins around, panic, like an ivy spreading up his veins. Ann stands behind him, looking a bit flustered, “I need to apologies to you.”

“For what,” Vincent asks, forcing his muscles to relax.

Ann smooths out the edge of her blouse and forces her eyes, “Once the words came out of my mouth I realized how insensitive it was to just�� nonchalantly mention the Owen ordeal as um.”

“Hey,” Vincent says, “I- You were nervous I could tell, I’m not offended.”

“Yeah, but especially since his mother just passed and he’s going to be working with us I- it feels wrong, I’m sorry.”

I’m sorry, what!

“I accept your apology, Ann. Don’t think too much of it. This is your first gig since moving into adult acting, right?”

Ann nods, leaning back on her heels. It is painfully obvious that she is very new to interviews that ask unscripted questions.

“It’s alright,” Vincent reassures, “Honestly Ann, don’t stress about accidentally stumbling over words. It happens.”

Ann relaxes just a little, “Are you sure?”

“Yes, I’m sure.”

“Okay, thank you,” Ann smiles, letting gallons of air escape her tense lungs. She turns around and trots for her room a few halls down. As he watches her walk away the nostalgia hits him like a truck. The people-pleasing, the desire to be perfect, to be without controversy, makes him flash a piteous smile and shake his head.

He straightens his spine and turns around.

A very intense woman is standing behind him.

“Oh, hello,” Vincent nearly exits his skin as she draws her gaze up to him, “I didn’t realise you were there.”

“Vincent Shield, am I correct?”

Vincent nods, squirming under her very intense gaze, “Yes, you are.”

She holds out her hand, “Keira Harker.”

He takes her hand and shakes it, “Pleasure to meet you Ms. Harker. How can I be of service?”

“You’re known to be very active in the Pet Lib movement and you were basically responsible for the creation of the Commision correct?”

Where is this going? “I wouldn’t say that I’m responsible, there are many people who helped put in place the building blocks that would lead to the Commision.”

“I am aware,” she responds, holding her gaze firmer than Vincent does, “However you have a lot of knowledge about the underground and many of the safehouses.”

Vincent raises a hand, feeling himself freeze under the delicate mask, “Ma’am, everything I have done has been within the limits of the law. I can assure you all of my associates are also performing their actions under the law.”

Her face hardens and she takes a small step towards him, “I am not accusing you of breaking the law.”

I have just gotten out of multiple interviews and a press conference and in the press conference, I was called a felon at least four times. I wanna go home and eat Dmitri’s chicken and rice soup.

“All due respect Ms. Harker that is what this is beginning to sound like.”

Keira sighs and relaxes slightly, “I am asking for your help, if I were to accuse you of being a criminal that would not be very productive.”

Vincent lets his body de-tense but he is in no way relaxed, “My apologies Ms. Harker. I have been on the butt end of those accusations for a better part of today. Just on my toes.”

“I understand,” she responds, almost mimicking his behavior, “My brother was… voluntold to join the pet program. I tried everything in my power to find him and I found out that he was sold to the son of a very powerful senator.”

“He was sold to Owen Grant.” Kauri.

Keira nods, glancing over Vincent’s shoulder, “While I wish not to speak ill of the dead, now that she is deceased. I believe it will be easier to discover his whereabouts without WRU getting involved.”

The weight of her words start to weigh on him. If she is looking for her brother, how many others are now looking for their family?

“Well, I agree in that sentiment,” Vincent gestures forward, “If I can have a name, I might ask around to some more of my well versed colleagues.”

Keira reaches into her purse and pulls out a white card, “So, shall we keep in touch.”

“Of course,” Vincent takes the small card and glances down at the contact information, “We’ll be in touch.”

-

Vincent steps inside and can smell something good. He faintly hears Dmitri moving about his kitchen, making dinner. The aroma of fresh bread makes his house feel alive. Dropping his stuff at the door to his office, he floats over to the kitchen.

Dmitri stands in front of the stove, wearing a faded Kiss the Cook apron. Vincent finds a small smile blooming on his face as he steps up to him.

“Soup should be done in five minutes,” Dmitri asks as Vincent leans up onto the counter next to him, “How was the interview?”

“We cannot be doing that the night before an interview,” Vincent mutters and he fusses with the turtleneck. “I have been paranoid that someone has seen this all day.”

Dmitri smiles and chuckles, “Vincent you can barely see them, I highly doubt they would notice.”

“Dmitri, the media would go batshit if I had hickies in an interview!”

Dmitri swills the spoon around in the soup before turning towards Vincent, “You didn’t seem to mind last night.”

Last night, probably one of the first where he was both sober and relaxed. Dmitri had showered him in deep kisses. The two of them practically laughed themselves to sleep that night. They were so close yesterday.

Vincent had felt so. damned. cherished.

“Yeah,” Vincent pouts slightly while he leans into Dmitri, “I didn’t but I did this morning.”

Dmitri laughs, his chest rumbling against Vincent. His finger rests on Vincent’s hips and drums on his belt.

Vincent squints up at Dmitri, “If we get caught because of stuff like that I’m going to wring your neck.”

Dmitri leans down and places a soft kiss on his curls. His breath brushes across the strands and Vincent’s muscles relax. “I would love to see you try, cariño.”

The oven buzzes and interrupts their little moment.

“There’s the bread.”

-

Dmitri and Vincent sit out on his back porch, eating chicken and rice soup and just enjoying the crisp fall air.

“Can I ask you for advice?” Vincent says as he dips some of the bread into the broth.

Dmitri nods and leans in, “Always.”

Vincent rests his head back on the back of the seat, “Let’s say someone approached you and asked you to help them find someone. This someone has been missing for years but you’ve known their whereabouts for a while now. You want to reconnect them but you’re just not sure about what said ‘missing’ person would think? But you also don’t want to just completely cut of the person who asked for your help”

“Ask them,” Dmitri answers as he sips at his broth, “I’d just ask because they may not want to. They could have been trying to leave a difficult situation and don’t want to approach those who could have harmed them.”

Vincent sighs and tries to melt back into his porch cushions, “But what if he tells me not to talk to her at all, how am I supposed to explain that to her?”

“Improv,” Dmitri shrugs, “Lie.”

“Lie to someone who’s looking for her family?” Vincent blinks, “Isn’t that just cruel.”

“How do you know that she’s looking for them to be kind?”

Vincent pauses and lets his eyes wander upwards towards the dusk sky. The sky matches the color of the bottoms of the trees. The reds and oranges ripple above him and a sinking feeling eats in his gut.

“I don’t.”

Dmitri takes a final sip of his soup and gives Vincent a gentle smile, “Just ask them first, they might just wanna meet her and do it themselves. All else fails, just give them her contact information.”

I don’t think Kauri will. “Alright, okay.”

-

Vincent stands at the door to the safehouse. The sounds of the town around him drape the porch in waves of white noise, masking the sounds from within. Reluctantly, he raises his hand to knock on the wooden door frame. His knuckles barely tap it before two sets of locks are unlocked and Kauri opens the door.

They make eye contact and Vincent watches Kauri’s expression shift.

“Make this quick, I have stuff to do.”

Kauri lets Vincent step inside the safehouse. The air of the interior feels heavier than before, solidified by the sound of the deadbolt locking.

“I’m so-”

“If the words I’m sorry leave your mouth at anypoint, I’m gone,” Kauri says as he walks over to the kitchen, “Just get this over with.”

Vincent follows in his footsteps, glancing over at Jake who lays asleep on the pull-out couch. The makeshift IV step sits on the table next to him, out of use.

Remind me to send Nat money over to cover that.

Kauri places his hands on the counter behind him and shifts his weight into it. Crossing his arms out in front of his chest, he looks up over at AJke before returning his gaze to Vincent.

He looks exhausted.

“How has-”

Kauri raises his hand and presses his fingers together, making a “close your mouth” gesture, “Cut to the chase, I have errands to run today.”

“Alright then. A few days ago I was approached by a woman named Keira Harker who asked for my help in finding her brother, Liam Harker, who was taken by WRU. She said that she thinks the person he was sent to was Owen Grant and, now since Carlotta is no longer alive, she can try and find him without her getting in the way,” Vincent says, leaning his weight into the kitchen table, “She gave me her contact information and asked me to help her in finding-”

Kauri spins around and opens the cabinet behind him. Pulling out a white bottle, he sets it down on the counter and mutters, “So she’s looking for me?”

“Yes.”

“What else did you say?” Kauri asks as he pours himself a glass of water, “Did you tell her where the safehouse is? If you did I swear Vincent I’m-”

It’s Vincent’s turn to interrupt, “No, I didn’t say anything. All I said is that I would keep in touch.”

“Good,” Kauri says as he pours two pills out of the bottle and into his hand, “Cheers.” Kauri tosses the pills into his mouth and tilts the glass of water towards Vincent before drinking.

“What are you doing?” Vincent asks, tugging some at the sleeves of another turtleneck.”

“Migraine meds,” Kauri answers, pouring the rest into the sink, “I get them when I hear Liam Harker.” Just like clockwork, Kauri winces and rubs his temple, “Just something else to deal with.”

“I’m sor-”

“I will leave until Nat gets back.”

Vincent purses his lips and watches Kauri walk over to the fridge. The air stills around them in the way the air in a freezer is still. Something hangs over the room, could be the tension, could be the unease, could be the new presence in their lives, Vincent can’t tell.

“I have her contact information if you want it,” Vincent speaks, trying to shoo away the stillness, “On your time.”

Kauri pauses mid-reach. He rests his forehead against the fridge handle and says, “I- maybe later. I have far too much on my plate right now, running to the safehouse almost by myself. Nats with Jameson at her house, Jake is still recovering, the whole issue with Chris and Laken, the Oly- I just can’t take on something else right now.”

“I get it,” Vincent nods, shifting his weight onto his back foot, “I’ll keep it if you want it when all of this blows over. But, if she does try to press me for information-”

“Pretend you have no idea who me, Nat, and Jake are,” Kauri answers while pulling out a plastic pitcher of what smells like cold brew, “If I ever decide to contact her I’ll deal with it, okay? I’m just not ready or have the time right now.”

Vincent leans back on one foot to try and see the clock on the wall, “Um. what time is Nat supposed to get here, we have money stuff I have to talk to her about.”

“Around four,” Kauri answer while pouring himself coffee.

The sound of the deadbolt unclicking sounds softly crosses the room. Kauri barely glances over his shoulder.

“Is Nat back already?” Vincent asks as he tries to see the door.

“Nope,” Kauri says, popping the p. “Just Chris.”

“I- I’m back and I have Laken,” Chris beams as he dashes past with Laken in hand, “Oh hi Vince.”

Vincent gives Chris a small wave, “Hi Chris.”

“Wait- is that Vinc-”

But Chris has already whisked Laken away before they could get the last words out. Vincent follows them with his eyes for a moment before looking back at Kauri.

Kauri looks relieved. A tired smile adorns his face as he takes a sip of the cold brew.

Vincent doesn’t ask, he puts enough of the dots together to know something just fixed itself. Good for them.

“Anywho,” Kauri chuckles, looking back over at Vincent, “A turtleneck won’t hide your sins Vincy.”

“Shit, how obvious has it been?!” Vincent panics and readjusts the hem of his shirt.

“I was just joking...” Kauri’s smile deepens as the mischief returns to his face. He gives Vincent a look over and sing-songs, “...So, what’s Dmitri like?”

“We just kissed Kauri!”

“Sure, and I just kiss Jake.”

“Kauri!”

[maladaptive-ninja-returns]

It’s The Avengers (03x14)

Loki x Reader Avengers The Office AU (Slowwwwww Burn)

Season 3 Episode 14: It’s Not What It Looks Like

Series Summary: Living in the Avengers facility post-apocalypse in a better timeline   Tony Stark has decided to capture every moment by pulling The Office on the Avengers. All of housemates are pretty used to the idea except for you, who had just come here to finish her degree, and the newest member- Loki.

Warnings: ehehehehehe

Word Count: my anxiety was through the roof this time. and that too on the thing that I know was not achievable. But noooo my boss just wants results. Well, fuck you and your boss who gave me anxiety. You will know the pain of these tears soon.

MASTERLIST in bio, darlings. Tags are open (check bio)

The familiar sports car shining in its red shade came to a halt right outside the door for Tony to get out and greet the lone camera covering him. "How's it going fellas?" He seemed comparatively chirpier than the last few days as he whistled his way to the boot of the trunk to take out five boxes of large pizzas along with a whole bag filled with soda and side dishes. "It's pizza party today, my lovely unicorn," he announced to the camera person; mostly because there was no one else in his vicinity.

Tony: *standing next to his car* I have come realise that I have been a bit hard on my team because of the anxiety I've been feeling ever since Y/N disappeared from right in front of me. Like last Monday. *camera switches to the video recording of Last Monday* Tony is seen in the kitchenette making detox juice for himself after a workout. Sam comes and grabs the coffee pot, looking around for a mug to pour himself some. The only mug hanging on the stand is your Brooklyn Nine-Nine themed one. "Well," he mutters to himself, "no one's using this for a while." Just as he finishes the sentence, Tony's hand slips on the juicer switch and the green spill out everywhere in the space, making Sam yell for help. "You are excluded from my will," Tony announces while looking dead into Sam's eyes before pouring the coffee from his pot into the sink and walking away. *back to present* Tony: Pepper says I went overboard but Sam didn't have to say that now did he. *makes a cringe face* Anyways. This is my way of showing them that I have made peace with the situation for now and that I trust our alien friends to get my daughter back to me asap.

Tony walked into the facility to be greeted by dead silence. "Did I miss something?" he wondered out loud for the camera while looking around the lobby and the waiting area. "I am pretty sure we were not supposed to go out anywhere thanks to that stubborn virus."  He walked up the elevator to be greeted by Clint coming back from the security room with his self-regulated watch, carrying two glasses of iced Americanos- one of which he offered Tony. "Pizza-" he seemed happy to see the boxes, taking the bag from Tony- "what's the occasion? Are you firing one of us? Is there a budget cut because of the 'Rona? In that case, just know that I spot a person without a mask from miles. And I can end them right there." Tony pressed the button for the lounge and waited for the camera to record his wink and smile till the doors closed to let the other handy camera in the elevator- following Clint- take over. Clint did a survey of the bag and was quite content with the contents. Tony, still with his glasses on, walked his usual walk that displayed well that he owned the place. "No one's getting fired unless they are eating my choco-chip ice cream." "You have set the bar pretty low." "It's pretty much up to the expectations I have from you all."

Clint shrugged and went on to agree with him, walking behind the Iron Man as the elevator dinged. The camera followed Clint and Tony out to film the scene unfolding in the Lounge. Manoeuvring away from their shoulders, the camera caught that deadpan silence in the room filled with nearly every Avenger staring at the screen with the seriousness of defusing a bomb that may go off any time. Peter was hiding under Scott's arm, peeping at the screen through his hands while Scott was biting his nails, nervousness dripping from his forehead. Wanda held Vision's hand while she muttered something under her breath- most probably a chant. Sam seemed to have forgotten he was watering the plants for the water-can was already empty and yet he still went on to pour the contents while his eyes were glued to the screen. Bucky's hands were busy brushing Zuko's fur- while the pupper took this opportunity to lay in his lap and snooze- monotonously, his gaze too stuck on the screen. "Come on, come on. Do it," Steve muttered while on the edge of his seat on the sofa. The camera swivelled back to Clint and Tony- both of whom had confused looks on their faces by now. Both of them turned to the screen in sync to witness what exactly was it that had all of them in such a grim state. And it was something like this.

On the screen was a barely lit space that seemed like it could have been a small closet under somebody's staircase. In that barely lit space, you could be seen from your abdomen up. There you were, panting, sweating, your hair a literal mess, your bra strap dangling out of your tank top's straps. "Again," you panted, wiping the sweat beads from your forehead while positioning your hands on a surface where the camera was seemingly recording you from. And in that same dim light, a movement was discovered behind you. That movement was of the exposed muscles and skin that the viewers had never seen in their daily life. Well, neither had they seen that very person pant and sweat like this before as well. Green eyes shined in that bare light, as the familiar face came out from the shadows to apparently hover just above your shoulder. One pale hand was used to remove those clammy hair strands coming in his way before both arms mimicked your position and came to rest on either side of your arms. "Are you sure?" Loki's voice, breathless and heavy, questioned you with sincerity while his body did not budge from behind you. You nodded. "Again." The frame caught you adjusting your hips to position your butt right with his front- something that was not covered by the camera. He towered over you, adjusting to your height while grounded his arms on the surface. "Okay then," he whispered, taking one arm to move your butt a little closer to your frame before going back to anchor himself to the surface, "here we go."

The iced Americanos created a crackle and bang louder than expected- thanks to the already looming silence- when they hit the floor. The pizza box and other snacks? Not so much. Every other person jumped where they were to turn and watch the colours from Tony and Clint's faces drain away by the second, their jaws unhinged, their hearts at a pause and their lungs just no longer working. Steve- the only one in the room to have deciphered what had just gone down in those Dad brains- got up and raised his arms till his chest as of sign of caution. "It's not what you think. Tony, Clint it's not-" The elevator dinged and out came Natasha and Bruce with four feet long bags of Cheetos and popcorn, the former quite excited to rush out into the Lounge. "We found the snacks from the pantry! Did we miss something? Did they put it in yet?" Steve winced just as Bruce blurted out those words. Tony was already heaving audibly, no air going into his lungs as he nearly collapsed on the floor if not for Natasha holding him up like she was used to it. Clint, on the other hand, had 'disgusted' written all over his face, judging every single person in the room before storming out. "OH MY GOD!!!! OH MY GAAAAA~" the screams could be heard from outside while the camera zoomed in on Natasha's face- already bored and tired.

Natasha: If they had more than one working brain cell they wouldn't have fought like twelve-year-olds in the middle of an airport and then stopped talking for a whole year. *camera pans in on her face* *faces the camera* And to think they can procreate. .

One Hour Ago Eight Hours Earlier In A Galaxy Far Away One of the camera drones stepped over a stone wall and passed over a dozen guards, buzzing its best to enter the first window it could find. Passing over ogres guarding the small galleries, another drone accompanied the first one down the maze of hallways, parting at the stairway leading down to the dungeons and up to the meeting room. The way to the dungeons was one dark path that only lit up at the very end of the hallway- few lamps burning with constant flickers. The space was divided into walls and covered with iron bars. A few of these cells were empty while others housed creatures who are only spoken about with the name of their shadows. In the last cell was a shadow that seemed similar to that of a human sleeping under the lone ragged excuse of a blanket. If one tried to focus, they could hear light snores coming out of that creature too. The drone came to rest upon one of the iron bars, sending in the live feed to the cameraman behind this whole shebang. The other fly had already found the 'throne room'. The throne- as one could make out with the setting of the hall- was made out of a tree trunk burned till all that was left was an ash-covered dead piece looking up at the sky. The seat was carved right through the middle with one of the ashened branches housing a black adder with red eyes. And in the throne sat the one person no one wanted to see. "Aellae," you mumbled in the most derogatory sense, your eyes wanting to hurt her there and then through the screen in Javier's hand. And lo! Right then the God stepped in the frame, standing in front of the witch with his usual demeanour. Well, that's what it looked like. "Why do you have to bow to her?" You whispered at him a bit viciously. White entered the frame that was recording your end. Looking at the screen he furrowed his brows and wondered how you could tell that. "He stands straight," you stressed, already sensing the question from White, "and right now he is not. And he does not not stand straight for anyone." "I see you have found yourself a fine pair of pets on your galactic travels, my love," you and White hear Aellae from the screen, bringing your attention back to her. "Just a bunch of humans and a kitten to entertain me on my way," he chuckled and shrugged a little, that Asgardian charm resurfacing in his smile. Aellae smirked at him. "On your way to where?" The question had a hint of anger even when she added a wave of curiosity, something that was easy to catch of the one who was listening to layers in her voice. Loki waved his hands in the air. "You know how it is for me. Here and there, always on the move. A nomad exploring the universe." "No more," she announced, her head high, her stare stern, "now you stay with me. You will be my advisor in the day, guiding my army to every corner of this world, with nothing to spare." She got up from her throne to walk an inhumanly seductive gait to reach the God and place her finger under his chin. "And in the night, you shall be my pacifier," she whispered, making your whole face cringe for the camera to zoom into it. "You shall satiate all my bedly desires till I the very. last. drop." Something cracked on the other side, making Javier and White turn in every direction to look at the source of the sound. Lulu too was a bit confused. You were the only person not taking your eyes away from the screen.

You: I swear to God if she was not such a bitch, I would have asked her out. Would have even gone to lengths of being her *makes air quotes* bedfellow if she was not such a fucking bitch?? Javier: *turns the camera to himself with the dazed look on his face* *signs for the camera* I am supportive and all in for this but is now really a good time for her to be questioning her sexuality? When we can literally die for just breathing wrong???

"Now," Aellae snapped everyone back to the screen, "as for those pets of yours, I'll send someone to take care of them. They are just hindrance if nothing more." "Aellae," Loki's honey laden voice was now implying a sternness. "What." "They are not to be given enough importance to be-" Loki sighed and closed his eyes- "taken care of." "All the more fun to watch them die in misery." Her eyes widened with excitement at the thought of murder. "Especially that Midgardian who is living in the illusion of being your friend." Loki's jaw tightened. "If you decide to harm h-them, I will not aid you in your irrational quests, Aellae. Going after those weaklings proves that you are still the reckless stubborn creature that I left you." There wasn't an exclamation of surprise on her face but rather that particular smirk of the devil who has walked its prey right into its trap. "So, she does mean something to you." Loki kept mum. "Guards!" she yelled for the two orcs standing outside, "bring me the head of the woman!" "Aellae, stop," he begged casually. "Enough humour." "And do whatever with the rest of her!" she ordered with her eyes piercing through Loki's soul.

The next thing you know, the last fly drone that got lost on the middle floor somewhere was recording two orcs throwing Loki into a room before shutting the door behind him. His grunts echoed through the room with no windows. All around him were walls coloured in a dusty cream shade, lamps lining up the four walls with one dressing table sitting with one of the four walls, housing heavy chains, the purpose of which Loki did not want to know. He huffed as he stood up, looking at the door before letting his gaze land on those shackles on his wrist that now seemed permanent. The tension on his jaw did not go unnoticed by the tiny roommate before he slammed those bracelets- along with his wrist- into the wall in pure animalistic rage.

Witch's Den- Down the Hall Two orcs stood guard to the entrance coming to the floor via the stairs. One of them seemed to be snoozing with all the pressure sitting on his nose and brows while the other one was trying to drive away this one stubborn fly that kept buzzing around its head. Eventually reaching the threshold of irritation, he followed the fly out towards the stairs, his curved sword being swung into the air to strike the buzzing creature; only to be taken by surprise with a bright source of light. The next thing the fly was recording was the other orc waking up to the clunk of a sword dropping, this one finding gasping and taking an attack position before the camera went dark.

But not for long.

The fly in Loki's room recorded the God catching the sounds outside while he was in the middle of surveying the whole room for an escape route. The grunts and gasps of orcs outside have stopped, making him all the more cautious to the steps that steadily approach the door. He took one of the chains in his hand, with calculated steps, walked towards the door to catch whatever tried to come in next. With the sound of a heavy key twisted inside the keyhole, the wheels turned and the door opened a smidge to let someone in. Without losing even a second, Loki wound the chain around your neck from behind you, nearly choking you. "Not now, dammit!" you choked, trying to free yourself from the hold. "Y/N?" the surprise stirring along with confusion was a new shade on Loki that you would have appreciated any other day. "Wha-what are you doing here?" That God wasn't even able to squeak on realising it was you. The chains came off as fast as they had gone around your neck, giving you room to breathe and widen your eyes in horror. "No! No no no no noooo!!"  You ran towards the door as it clunk shut, leaving you to pull at it with all your might to no avail. "The door opens from outside," you groaned with a sob, thumping your head on it with low winces before a tiny realisation hit you hard enough to stop and look back at Loki. "Ow!" He yelled at the hard slap that came for his back, looking at you in simmering confusion. "You could've waited to choke me after we got out, you fucking IDIOT!" The slaps and punches got more vigorous with each word until Loki had to gab your hands with his to stop you from wasting your energy anymore. "And what makes you think coming here was a good idea?"  He struggled to keep your writhing form from hurting itself more than him. You were ready to kick him in his shins and you would have absolutely done that if Loki had not shoved you into the wall with him towering over you to restrict any movement of your limbs. The little buzzing drone came to sit over Loki's arm and capture the frame where both of you were flaming with anger and still trying to breathe enough to keep that rage alive. "I'd already told you were on your own," he grunted, his eyes drilling through your soul. "And I'd already told you I am a psychology major. I can see the denial routine from miles away, you stupid blob of six-foot galaxy brain! You think I haven't sacrificed myself to a professor for the sake of my friends?" "...what? Wait. What do mean by sacri-" "Now get off me and find us a way out of here." You pushed him back. Well, at least you thought you did. But he pushed closer to you, shooting emotions of mild surprise in your eyes before you caught yourself slipping. Fortunately, this little drone caught everything in 4K. From the veins popping in Loki's neck to the parted lips and wavering gaze of yours. "This world is not a joke, Y/N. There was a reason you were left behind. And you have done the exact opposite of that which is supposed to keep you alive." It felt as if Loki had to restrain from spilling that anger over the rim. To make that hypothesis true, he punched the wall to dissipate this emotion he did not want to be running him. And there he stood, his head hanging above you in defeat, his eyes closed and his breath wavering. "I was supposed to send you home safe," he was barely able to mutter. The drone focused on your hands coming around his torso, your arms taking as much of his frame in a hug as possible as you softly patted his back and soothed him. Loki's body twitched a little at this new touch, still like a stone before giving in with every wave of your soothing touch. "You're family, idiot. I'm not gonna leave you behind with some crazy bitch that isn't me?" A chuckle resonated through you and then the room. The next moment when you looked at him, he was looking lighter. "Now come on, use your muscles and drill through one of these walls." Raising his good brow, he judged you while tapping his fist casually on the wall. "What exactly do you take me for?" "A cheesy brooder who's all soft inside," you commented without skipping a beat, looking around to find some kind of a loophole in this square room. "Say that outside these walls and watch what this brooder does to you." "Sounds like an invitation," you sang under your breath, tapping the walls. It took a while. A while that was long enough for you to move around the room to come and sit on the lone drawer by the wall, feeling the heat of the room bursting out the sweat in your skin, other than turning your brain into an irritated mush. You groaned while taking off your top and throwing it on the floor. You wanted to cry out loud to blow off some of the unbearable heat but stopped short at the sight of that overcoat coming off. Followed by that black shirt. Muscles. No matter how he moved or what he did, his back lived in that moment to tease you with those muscles. And what was that? Sparkles? No, sweat, glistening in the dim light. Wait, why was it glisten- You looked around and realised the lamps were at their wick's end. "Same," you sighed as you looked back at Loki's back, only to find him turned around to face you. "Oh, Gods!" you jumped down from the drawer with quite the surprise in your eyes. "This is your first time seeing me shirtless?" It almost felt like he was genuinely curious. "What? No! I don't know. That wasn't the-look!" You signalled him to come closer and let your hand hang right above the drawer's top that touched the two corners of the wall. Loki mirrored you and realised it instantly. "That's a cold breeze." He looked at you with pupils expanding wide in that dim lighting. Taking over from there, he tried his best to get a look as to which section of the wall it was coming from. "There's an opening-" he immediately shifted his position to standing parallel to the length of the wall, his hands grounded on the varnished top- "we will have to either pull it-" he tried his best but the structure did not budge- "or push it towards the opening in that section." You got to work as well, standing next to him and giving your end of the small corner a good push that only ended up in failed grunts. "Okay, let's try another way," you inhaled, "I'll push the top, you be the bottom."

The drone was sitting on the drawer now, capturing all those failed attempts from every angle both of you thought possible before you nearly collapsed due to lack of air. "We're are clearly doing something wrong here," Loki huffed, his puffed-up chest, the centre of the camera's frame. You flipped your wet hair to show your tired face in the lone lamp that burned in the room. "There weren't any more of those BDSM chains inside it, were there?" Loki's breathing stopped for a moment. You looked at him for an answer. Both of you moved to open the drawers. The drone captured the disappointment in your own IQ in high definition before watching you both taking them out with nothing but pure spite. "Take a break, I'll try-" "No," you shook your head and wiped the forehead sweat, "let's do it together." Loki wanted you to stop but that you gave him was more than adequate to let anyone know you won't listen right now. "This time you stand behind me and let's use the wall behind as a supp....ort? Wait how is this room looking shorter?" You were looking around in dazed confusion while Loki closed his eyes. "It's not a normal room. Those two walls will keep closing in until..." He didn't have to say more. "Well, then what are we waiting for?" the drop of panic in your high pitched voice was evident as you positioned yourself- putting your palms on the edge. "Come on." Loki came to stand behind you, copying your position, just a bit more charismatically- and with a bit more skin- till he felt your hair come into his mouth. "One, two, three!" This time the push did budge the drawer chest a bit but your strength had been used for that movement of a centimetre. Your breaths almost felt like your lungs were on the verge of crying. "Again," you panted, wiping the sweat beads from your forehead while positioning your hands on a surface where the drone was seemingly recording you from. Loki looked at your back, clearly concerned. This time he used his hand to remove those clammy hair strands coming in his way before both arms mimicked your position and came to rest on either side of your arms. "Are you sure?" Loki's voice, breathless and heavy, questioned you with sincerity while his body did not budge from behind you. You nodded. "Again." The frame caught you adjusting your hips to position your butt right with his front- something that was not covered by the camera. He towered over you, adjusting to your height while grounded his arms on the surface. "Okay then," he whispered, taking one arm to move your butt a little closer to your frame before going back to anchor himself to the surface, "here we go." Both of you had your eyes stuck on the wall with a fiery gaze and an aura that would have burned this place to the ground. His muscles tried to take all that you could not. And just when the grunts were turning into screams, the drawer started to move from its place with a screeching noise. As soon as Loki noticed a decent enough opening in the wall to your and his side, he pushed you and himself in through the opening before the death walls came for your limbs. The drone fly followed. Both of you rolled through what seemed like a tunnel slide through the walls for a minute till that just did not seem to end. It did end though. It ended in a noisy fall of thuds and groans- you on top of him. "You okay?" you winced through your broken voice, not moving a muscle for the fear of breaking something. Also because it was awkward lying over him on your stomach. Loki replied with a quick wince. A ruffle came from next to you. Followed by a lazy groan.  Your head turned to the noise. So did Loki's.  "You two could have easily waited for another hour." The drone swerved around to bonk into the one that was already there, covering the dungeons. There under the rugged blanket, laid Carol Danvers, looking at the two of you with sleepy eyes. Neither of you knew what to say. She looked at her watch and put her head inside the blanket again. "Five more minutes."

[finnified]

a list of things i absolutely love about / kind of analysis on hog hunt, compiled as i watch it for the second time:

(under the cut cos this got really long)

right near the beginning when they’re raising the anvil, she does this really cool transition from the light on the anvil to the light on the curtain in tubbo’s first few frames. it’s incredibly smooth and it works rlly well. the pattern is also continued to the shine on tubbo’s axe when he twists it to see his face in it which is also rlly neat.

i’ll probably point this out several times, but the use of perspective in this animatic is amazing. we first see it from phil standing on his balcony looking at the raised anvil, but the use of perspective is absolutely INCREDIBLE all throughout this animatic.

we see it right after this, actually, with the trees and the crow flying over it. not only is the perspective so cool here, but the motion with the feathers is also amazing.

i also love how whenever ghostbur shows up, the screen gets a little glitchy. i’m not sure what i like about it but it’s just kinda fitting with his static-y eyes and such.

PHILS CROWS!!

THE TRANSITION SCENE FROM TUBBO WALKING DOWN THE HALL OF THE WHITE HOUSE TO HIM PULLING OUT THE AXE AND SUDDENLY THE BUTCHER ARMY IS ALL THERE. that was so absolutely satisfying, with the sound effect of quackity’s torch and all. also ranboo is there which is <3

the transitions in this animatic really might be my favorite part. we get the bit with techno suiting up with his cape and his crown and then the really cool fog that allows him to appear outside with the butcher army, and we can see someone level their axe in front of them and BOOM techno appears out of the smoke, pulling the axe back and swinging. it’s AMAZING.

the swinging motion from that last scene allows a little bit of a still waving transition into the butcher army room, which is STUNNING by the way (and also ranboo) which then flawlessly pulls into phil and then the scene in phil’s house with the shattered glass visual and audio combination it’s AMAZING. the frame with phil’s chest in white on the black background with the only color being ghostbur’s blue is also really neat here as well.

i absolutely ADORE the frames where tubbo finds the compass, because you can hear and see the smirk in his voice and i love how the compass drops down on the little string and it’s just. so poggers. love that. the part directly after that where it zooms in on phil and you get the opportunity to see the weight of the situation from his perspective is AMAZING.

and the collection of frames after that that go in the flashes of light? quackity with his back to the screen, techno reading the letter (TECHNOGLASSES POG) phil’s compass slowly pointing forward to the viewer? the flash of phil standing on his balcony, and then the butcher army which gets cut off of view by one of phil’s crows, with the feathers in the background that morph into his wings? this sequence is so powerful, for a reason i can’t quite place, but i absolutely adore it.

THEN WE GET THAT PHIL SCENE THAT EVERYONE’S FAWNING OVER, AND RIGHTFULLY SO. the camera slowly pans down to phil’s face, and then his hat tips forward so the shadow can grow on his face, and then we get that really cool glitch effect where he turns all black with the white eyes and such. it’s so cool.

then we get the ‘i choose blood’ scene, which in all honesty i had to replay several times to properly get my thoughts down on. this whole bit is so incredibly smooth and flows so well, with techno’s cape and the butcher army readying their axes and then techno pulling the potions from seemingly nowhere and then the colored smoke again from earlier- which i quite literally can’t get enough of, sad-ist do your shoes need shinin ma’am, and then the whole sequence where tubbo is pinned by techno and screaming at quackity to do something, which transitions FLAWLESSLY into big q and carl. you can see techno’s shock even before he realizes quackity actually has carl, and i applaud sad-ist for being able to convey that much emotion even without techno’s eyes.

the spinning from the camera being right next to techno to right behind quackity is also amazing. i think the color of the background shifts slightly? which i think might represent something, but it sort of just stood out to me in the moment. the perspective when quack is talking and holding carl’s reigns is amazing, because it’s slightly below quack’s eye level, which gives us the impression of looking up at him, and also really allows us to see how much danger carl is actually in.

once again i applaud sad-ist for her ability to convey so much emotion in techno even with half of his face covered. his resignation of his own safety for carl’s is aggressively clear as he drops the cape and the crown away.

and then we get the phil sneaking out sequence, which i had to slow down to properly appreciate, but it’s REALLY cool. the blue handprint on the tree? the entire skull motif? (which my friend mysso pointed out) it ties back into The phil scene from this animatic earlier and i really love it.

then we have literally what might be my favorite scene in this animatic!! which is stupid maybe because it’s one of the less important scenes, but i love it nonetheless. it’s the scene where they’re walking techno into lmanburg and phil is on his balcony and says “you actually got him” which transitions into tubbo reminding him that he’s on house arrest and then techno running forward with the chains (which have their own noise, which i think is such a poggers detail) and demanding to know what they did to phil. i love absolutely everything about this scene, from (once again) the extreme amount of expression that techno has even with the mask to the fact that it takes both quackity and fundy to restrain him once he’s pissed off to once again the absolutely FLAWLESS motion in that bit. you can see the struggle happening perfectly with techno’s flailing and quackity reaching forward to grab his arm and all, and i love it.

the little short scene we get with techno shifting slightly side to side to imply walking slowly in time with the music is also really cool. detail in sad-ist’s animatics my beloved.

THEN WE HAVE THE PUNZ SCENE!!! i absolutely love this one because of the use of perspective as well. it flips from tubbo doing his speech to the rooftop with punz and dream, and dream slowly raises his hand and punz flips the ender pearl and then APPEARS on the ground, sheds the cape in a single movement (might honestly be my favorite singular motion in this animatic) tosses the potions, we see the beloved colored smoke again, and when it clears punz and ranboo are going at it. you get the amazing panic in tubbo’s voice with him screaming at big q to pull the lever, and techno’s iconic little ‘heh??’ and then-

anvil drops. here comes the best scene in this animatic.

we get a few seconds of techno staring up at the anvil in shock, holding the totem, and it’s super cool actually because at the very end of that you see the bottom of the anvil come into super sharp detail in the reflection of techno’s eye. it flashes to ghostbur on the outside, watching the anvil fall, and when the sound of impact comes the totem explodes. that frame on its own is amazing and i might make that my background just because of how dynamic it is, with the light exploding and everything, and THEN. THEN WE GET TECHNO’S ABSOLUTELY STUNNING REANIMATION SEQUENCE with the flesh wrapping back around him, being stitched together it’s the green totem threads, his skull underneath and the blood, it’s amazing. he jumps through the bars of the cage with the chains mostly broken except for one on his hand, and he runs off after dream who has carl. WHILE THIS IS HAPPENING, (and someone on tumblr just pointed it out,) techno is still actually reforming. one of his legs is only fully solid once he’s outside the cage and one of his arms is still reforming when he swings it through the bars- thats why he’s able to get out so easily, and that’s why it’s bleeding in the next few scenes.

dream in this animatic is terrifying, by the way. he’s the most inhuman we’ve ever seen him, with the hood always up and the shadow covering half the mask so there’s no way to see under it. i know a few people on tumblr have pointed out sad-ist’s design progression with dream (from very very human with the mask on the side to the mask on to the mask and the cape) but it’s so wonderful that i felt the need to say it again.

and then dream is gone and quackity is here. time for the most banger fight scene to ever be animated in the history of animated fight scenes!

the motion in this fight scene is amazing. techno never stops moving. he’s darting under quackity’s legs, twirling the pickaxe (he’s fighting with a pickaxe!) JUMPING OVER QUACKITY’S HEAD AND YANKING HIS AXE OUT FROM HIS GRASP WHICH IS HONESTLY THE COOLES THING, and that motion continues smoothly when you see the axe get imbedded in the wall, and then you get the ‘put it through your teeth’ which is AMAZING.

and then it slowly fades back to techno’s cabin, and then TOMMY!! he looks so soft in these few seconds when he’s here, and i love that for him, mostly because it shows how much he’s changed. the sound effects when the wither wall is dropping are flawless as well, and i know everyone is saying this as well but i literally cannot, CANNOT get over how techno does the spreading-his-arms-curling-his-fists thing in front of the wither vault like he did in the dawn of the sixteenth animatic in the revolutionary’s vault. we get those two frames- one with techno suddenly splashed in blood, and then the one where that blood turns green and we’re left with only the blood, techno’s eyes and tusks, and the very barest outline of the wither vault, all in the same bright green. techno’s laughter also draws out even through the closing scene, which is another nice touch.

overall? absolutely amazing animatic, so many things to point out and pick apart, and i am definitely going to watch it like eight hundred more times.

[spookysweet-heart]

The Fateful Meeting

Request: “What about Claire x Reader meeting for the first time in the middle of the zombie outbreak? You can choose the circumstances!”

Fandom: Resident Evil

Pairings: Claire Redfield x Birkin!Reader

Warnings: Zombie Outbreak, mention of death (zombies), blood, violence, language. 

A/N:  Thank you to the anon who requested this! I hardly get Claire Redfield requests so it always gets me super happy to get to do these!!! Hope you all enjoy it! The collage was made by me!

        Claire ran from behind one car to another staying low and quiet. Looking around, she lets out a sigh of relief when there aren’t any zombies around her. Sliding down to the ground Claire leans her back against the tire of the car. Huffing a bit, catching her breath Claire looks up at the night sky trying to remember the way to the Police Station.  

Looking around again she heard a can roll away and a groan soon after. Claire slowly moves away before quickly standing up and running in the direction of the Station. “Oh, Fuck!” Almost tripping over her own boots she skids to a stop when the small horde of zombies appear to be blocking the entrance gate. Glancing to her left Claire sees a stray pipe on the ground.

Dodging her way out of a zombie grab Claire quickly picks up the pipe and bashes it against the zombie's exposed skull. Hearing the base of the skull crack she feels the pipe go through piercing its brain making them fall to the ground. Detaching the pipe she swings it down one more time, now on the exposed brain, she sees it turn to nothing but a pink and grey mush on the concrete. 

Wiping at the blood on her cheek Claire lets her guard down for a second before she grips the pipe with both hands she furrows her brows in concentration. Letting out a deep breath she didn’t realize she was holding in. Claire looked at the four maybe five zombies blocking her way to the gate. “Alright...Let’s do this!” Taking a running start Claire swings the pipe left and right, hitting them dead center on their heads either knocking them down or successfully killing them in one hit. 

Sliding over to the gate she makes it in time to lock out the rest that is starting to gather around. Tossing the bloody pipe to the side she looks up at the building and silently hopes that she finds Leon or at least someone else who's alive is in the building right now. 

Opening the front doors to the police station, Claire looks around carefully walking in as the doors start to close behind her. “Anyone here??” Walking down to the front desk she finds a box of ammo and a stray gun. Taking the gun she checks if it's loaded, seeing that it is she checks the ammo to see if its the same as the ones in the gun. Hearing a loud bang Claire jumps and looks around. Quickly putting the ammo in her pocket, she stays quiet waiting for a few seconds if something else will happen. 

“Hello? Is anyone still here?!” Claire looks over at the small desk seeing a laptop. Going over to it she sees there’s a live feed of the building. Hearing another bang she notices it’s coming from her left. Looking for the feed on the left side of the map she finds movement near the west office. Clicking the feed Claire hears the moans and gurgling through the audio. There’s a flash and another bang sound.

Turning the corner you fire off another shot hitting the zombies leg making it fall and successfully slowing it down. Looking up at the camera in the corner of the room you see the little red light blinking signaling that someone’s looking at you through the recording. “Hey! Is someone there?! Please, if someone else is alive in here can you find me?! Im in the hallway between the weapons lockers and West Office!” Hearing banging from the door to the West Office your eyes widen when you see two more of them trying to get to you. Please! I’m looking for my little sister! Whoever you are, I’m going to hide in the dark room thats down this hallway...I don’t have much time!” Getting your gun ready you aim at the zombie at the ground that caught up to you. Firing at it’s head your shoes and part of your jeans et covered in dark sticky blood. Looking back up at the camera you see the red light fade away.  “I really hope they heard me…” Suddenly the door to the West Office bursts open making you run down the hall towards the Dark Room.

Claire watches the video feed turn to static and fade away. Quickly finding the map again, she looks for the Dark Room. “There it is!” Glancing to the side she sees a hunting knife, taking it, Claire takes another look at the map before looking around The Main Hall. “Maybe I can open that gate to get there. The doors themselves look like they’re locked….” Memorizing the path one more time Claire puts the gun in a side pouch. Gripping the handle of the knife she walks over to the taped up electrical box. Cutting away at the tape she opens the little door and presses the button. Hearing the little beep she turns to the gate seeing that its slowing rising. 

Putting away the knife she looks around the room and finds more unused ammo on one of the benches. “Everyone was really in a hurry. Wasn’t this supposed to be a safe place for people to evacuate to?” Putting away the bullets, Claire takes out the gun once more and makes her way to the other door. 

Carefully opening it she its a dark hallway, reaching into her pocket she takes out a small flashlight and shines it at the walls. Slowly making her way to the end of the hall, there’s a radio call coming from a body on the ground thats leaning against the wall. 

Claire could tell the body was fully dead, they weren’t like the others that came back to life. Just as she was about to reach over a sound at the right made her stand up straight again. Seeing feet dangling in mid air Claire notices dry blood soaked into the socks and shoes. Panning the light upwards she sees the body’s only hanging from the persons face that’s split in half from a pipe.

Carefully moving around the body Claire continues her way through the next hallway. Turning to her right she sees double doors, remembering that this is the right way to go she reaches for the doorknob but jumps back when she hears a glass window break. Gripping the gun Claire turns to face the zombie as they’re standing up. “You have got to be kidding me...”  Aiming the gun at the zombie’s head Claire pulls the trigger seeing it burst five shots. The last shot to the head causes it to explode in a mess of blood, chunks of brain and whatever’s left of the eye balls.

Quickly reloading, Claire goes into the room and sees the door she was supposed to go through is chained up. “What the fuck is this...now where-” Stopping herself when she looks to her left and sees a storage box below a broken window. “Well, that works.” walking over to the box she carefully climbs her way up and over the window jumping down into the next room. 

Staying still when she hears banging near by she realizes one of them is banding away one of the vending machines. “I guess they’re still human after all.”  Silently as possible Claire walks past the zombie and sees the West Office and Weapons Locker. “They should be at the end of the next hall I think…” Whispering to herself Claire doesn’t notice theres a zombie right around the corner. 

The zombie notices her first and successfully knocksher down to the ground. Claire groans in pain when her back hits the floor. Keeping the zombies face away from her she gathers all her weight and flips them over so she’s straddling the zombie. Taking out her knife she plunges it into its head twisting it before pulling it out seeing the blood pool as it’s limbs fall to ether side of it. Breathing heavil Claire looks up seeing the zombie from the vending machine making its way towards her now.

Claire quickly gets up almost falling again in the process but she’s able to brush it off and run down the hall. Turning to her right she the Dark Room in the little corner. Sighing in premature relief she runs over to the door opening and closing it behind her. Trying to slow down her breathing Claire’s startled when the lights to the room turn on. Immediately she aims her gun at the switches direction only to find another living person on the other side of the room.

“Are you hurt? Did they bite you? Scratch you?” You looked over at Claire defensive but  if you were being honest you very relieved someone actually heard you.

“No! None of that...though I was close to getting bit but I was able to escape in time.” Claire slightly lowers her gun as she stares back at you. “What about you?”

“No.” You lowered your gun as well. “I’m (Y/n), (Y/n) Birkin.”

“Claire Redfield. You said you were looking for you sister?”

At the mention of your sister your eyes perk up as you walk closer to Claire. “Yes! Have you seen her? Her name’s Sherry she’s  twelve years old.”

Claire sadly shakes her head. “No i’m sorry. You’re the second person I’ve met  who isn’t one of those things.” Claire takes a folded up picture from her pocket and shows it to you. “You haven’t seen this guy around, have you?”

Looking at the photo of Claire with a guy that has his arm around her shoulders. They look like they’re laughing really hard over something. Shaking your head you look over at Claire. “No I’m sorry. Who is he?”

Claire softly smiles at the picture. “That’s my brother Chris. He works here as S.T.A.R.S agent for the R.P.D. I cam here looking for him. I guess you had the same idea with your sister?”

“Ah, yeah...I was coming home from college to surprise Sherry but I came just as this whole thing started getting too out of hand. I immediately went home but Sherry wasn’t there by the time I was able to get in. The only clue I had was the notebook with Sherry’s handwriting on it with the Stations phone number. I guess i just took the chance but I can’t seem to find her anywhere….” Wiping away the tears that start to fall you shake your head. “Sorry for getting emotional…”

Claire gently pats your back and gives you a soft smile. “Don’t be, we’re both on the look out for our siblings. Tell you what. How about we stick together. Get through this and find your sister and my brother.”

Smiling, you look at her and nod. “Yeah, That sounds like a good plan to me. Thank you, Claire”

“Don’t mention it, (Y/n). we’ll get through this, together.” Reaching out her blood stained hand for you to take she laughs a bit seeing yours is also covered in blood when shake her hand.

[shaalk]

Great morning

Type: Oneshot

Characters: Yixing X Reader

Genre: Romance, Fluff

Warnings: Slightly suggestive

Status: Completed

Summary: It’s the day after Yixing and I got together so I know it’s not going to be a good morning, it is going to be a great one.

Words: 1429

I groan as the sunlight hits my face, forcing me awake. I squint my eyes to adjust to the bright light before cursing at myself for forgetting to draw the curtains the night before, or else I could have gotten a bit more shut eye. 

It is only 9:30am in the morning for crying out loud! 

However, I can't worry about sleeping in any longer because I suddenly recall what happened the night before: Yixing's and my confession to each other. 

We are finally together!

I reach out to my right for a warm figure only to be greeted by warm sheets instead, signalling that he had woken up not too long ago. I get up quickly, brush my teeth and skip out of my bedroom, excited to spend the day with my new boyfriend.

As soon as I exit my room, I am immediately greeted with the smell of fresh eggs being fried. 

My boyfriend is making us breakfast! 

I stand at the doorway of the kitchen, hiding myself to secretly watch Yixing cook. My oh my is it a sight to behold. 

He is standing in front of the stove with only a pair of boxers on. The sunlight filtering through the kitchen windows shine directly on his back, highlighting his milky pale skin. All I can think of doing is nuzzling my face in his broad back.

And that's what I do. 

I creep into the kitchen quietly and wrap my arms around his waist. I feel him jolt a little in shock but I just snuggle into his back, inhaling his musky scent and enjoying his warmth. I am slowly melting into the heat he is emitting when I hear him chuckle deeply, making his back rumble as well. 

"Xing-ah, you're so warm and comfy. I could stay like this forever," I mumble into his back as I tighten my arms around him.

He turns around and brings me into his arms, hugging me. 

"Good morning my princess" he greets as he kisses me on my forehead. "Slept well?" I nod my head giddily and shove my nose into his chest. 

Yixing takes it upon himself to card his fingers through my hair. We remain like this for a while, simply enjoying the comfortable silence and each other's warmth.

I could get used to mornings like this.

Soon though, the smell of something burning fills the air. 

"My eggs!" Yixing screams in horror as he turns back to the frying pan. 

I am overtaken by a fit of giggles right away.

Yixing kills the stove and grumpily throws the eggs away. They’re beyond burnt and there is no way to salvage them because they are black and crispy. I can see the male pouting, utterly sad that his once perfectly fine eggs are now in the bin. 

He glares at me, clearly upset that i’m still laughing at his kitchen mishap. 

"Ya! You made me burn my eggs and now you're laughing at me? You're so dead,” he declares as he cracks his knuckles.

Knowing my future, I quickly dash out of the kitchen not wanting to suffer from Yixing's tickle attack. I only make it to the living room which is literally beside the kitchen, when Yixing catches up to me and pushes me down onto the couch. 

He starts tickling me non-stop, enjoying the way I squeal and struggle to escape his attacks. I am wriggling around and tearing because his tickle assault is too much for me to handle. I keep screaming for him to stop but to no avail.

After a minute or so when Yixing thinks that he has tortured me enough, he stops digging his fingers into my sides. Instead, he holds me steadily by my waist so that he can catch my lips in his. 

Our breakfast is long forgotten on the kitchen table as we lay on the sofa even after our mini make out session for another activity. Things escalate rather quickly because Yixing and I soon find ourselves breathless after a morning workout. 

Normally I hate exercising, but the type I do with Zhang Yixing, not so much.  

We come down from our highs and moments later, Yixing flips the both of us so that he is lying on the sofa instead, while I am resting on top of him.

My head finds purchase on my boyfriend's chest, our legs comfortably tangled. Yixing's arms are around me and he is stroking my back softly, almost putting me to sleep. Our sweat is mixing but neither of us mind. 

Yixing runs his fingers through my sweaty locks while I stroke his chest, kissing it every few seconds. I just can’t get enough of him.

"You dressed for me?" He asks out of the blue. 

I am only wearing one of his shirts, which could easily pass as a dress for me. I watch Yixing’s eyes dilate significantly at the sight of me in his clothes. I just smile into his chest. 

"Anything for you Yixing-ah,” I whisper and peck his chest once more. 

His grip on my waist tightens signalling that my reply has tickled his fancy. 

Yixing must have loved my reply a little too much because in a flash, I am flipped over again so that he is straddling me, and the top I am wearing is flung across the apartment. 

Needless to say, it became an extremely stimulating morning for the both of us.

After one more round in the shower, Yixing and I decide to head out for breakfast (or lunch) since we are too exhausted to cook and have nothing to cook anyway. 

Also, Yixing says, and I quote, "I want to show my new girlfriend off to the world." 

So, we stroll hand-in-hand to a nearby popular brunch spot, just chatting about random things.

Even though Yixing and my relationship status has very recently changed from friends to couple, the atmosphere between us is not awkward at all. The conversations we share rarely come to a stop and even when they do, the quietness isn’t uncomfortable. I am really thankful for that because I usually find myself feeling uneasy when moments of awkward silence take place.

Upon reaching the unusually empty restaurant, we are able to be seated immediately. The waiter takes our orders after 5 minutes or so, and then Yixing and I are alone again. 

I am sipping on my glass of water when I catch sight of Yixing staring at me with a fond smile on his face. I try my best to fight the blush that is going to paint my cheeks but I am not able to. 

Yixing’s grin widens, extremely satisfied that he can manage to coax such a reaction out of me.

"What?" I ask, curious as to why Yixing has been staring at me for so long. 

"You're just,” Yixing starts and pauses. I raise my eyebrows, impatient to hear the rest of his statement. "Really pretty,” he continues with a shrug. 

I bite my lower lip, trying to control the wide and ugly grin that is creeping its way out. 

Yixing sniggers harder at my expression and I think I hear him whisper 'cute' under his breath but i’m not really sure because I am still feeling abashed from his previous statement.

Thankfully, our orders arrive, giving me a moment to calm down from Yixing's heart fluttering statement. 

My boyfriend whips out his phone and starts taking pictures of our food while I just sit back and let him do his thing. After all, taking pictures is his passion and forte. 

He is really good at it. 

I make a mental note to steal a picture or two from him after our meal to post on Instagram.

When I look back at Yixing, he is no longer taking pictures of our meal. Instead, his camera is pointed towards me. 

"Stop!" I panic-yell and reach over the table to cover his camera lens. 

I am in my worst state, no make-up on and not camera ready. Despite my complaints, I hear the shutter sounds continue. I start whining and pleading Yixing with my eyes.

Yixing pauses his photo-taking for a moment and pouts. 

"But baby, you know I like taking pictures of pretty things!" 

My mouth hangs open in shock at the cheesy comment, unable to believe that my boyfriend can make such a toe-curling comment. Deep down however, I am loving Yixing's remark because I can feel my heart pounding wildly.

This man is going to give me a heart attack!

A/N: Let me know what you think! Please drop a comment :)

[ghosttotheparty]

I’ve Been Waiting For You (And You’ve Been Coming To Me)

also on ao3

I’ve been waiting for you And you've been coming to me For such a long time now For such a long time now

Sander knew it was ridiculous.

That he had seen this boy, this beautiful boy, a total of two times before now.

Once, under the moonlight, white masks covering both their faces. The boy hadn’t seen Sander, nor his camera, under the roof of the warehouse, hadn’t noticed Sander watching him, Sander’s face hidden behind the mask and under the hood of his jacket, hidden by the camera when he held it up to snap a picture of him.

There was a moment, as Sander watched him, where it felt like Sander’s heart slowed to a stop, where it felt like all the blood in his veins stopped moving, a chill went down his arms and back, where his lungs let out a sharp breath like a sigh and a gasp, where his face softened, and he forgot about everything except the boy in front of him. It felt like a realization, like a moment of familiarity, a feeling like he’s finally come home after years wandering the universe, looking.

Oh. There you are. You’re what I’ve been waiting for.

It hardly hurt when he watched the boy kiss Noor, the girl he knew from school, the girl that was friends with Sander’s girlfriend (who was far from his mind). It still disappointed him, still made his heart drop just a little, though the butterflies still fluttered like they were trying to escape him.

The next time, in the skate park, a group of teenage boys walking past.

A whim, a wild hope, that maybe the boy with the pretty eyes and the brown hair, could be one of them, and Sander glanced up.

And there he was.

Looked at Sander.

And how beautiful he was.

In the same jacket he wore the night Sander first saw him, with his fluffy hair around his head like a halo, looking lonely even with the boys he walked with. Sander had looked at him as he walked past, thinking that this could maybe be his last chance to see him, his last chance to look at this nameless boy, and he caught the boy glancing back at him.

That was all it was.

Just a glance.

But it was all that was on Sander’s mind for days after. Days and days, rushing through his mind like a film, like a gif, like it was all that existed in his world, in his universe. He’d done messy sketches of it, but ended up erasing it so many times the paper ripped under the rubber, or he crumpled the paper into a ball and threw it to the bin in the corner of his room, or he ripped it up, the angles, the lashes, the shine in his eyes, just not right.

Just a glance.

But in the light, Sander caught the brown of his eyes, caught the shine of them against the sun, caught the curiosity that overtook the loneliness, just for that short second.

And in that moment, Sander was okay.

He looked different in the sun than he did the moon. The light wasn’t as pale, though it was a cloudy day.

There was a gentleness about him, a softness that Sander could only just see. A gentleness hidden behind the intense exterior of a disguise. It hurt Sander’s heart to see it, this disguise that the boy was hiding behind. The disguise was in the way he walked, his hand stuffed into his pockets, just a step behind his friends, in the way all three of them spoke as the boy glanced to Sander, the way none of them noticed the pained, sad look on his face.

The look that might have disappeared when he looked at Sander.

For just a second.

Like he felt it too.

That was when Sander decided that was it.

He would do whatever he had to.

Go over any obstacle, break any locks, shatter any barrier, to get home.

So he did.

And he found himself in a beach house, surrounded by friends of Britt’s, friends of Noor’s, friends of his in a way, though he barely knew any of them.

Except, of course, the boy with the brown jacket.

He’d had something planned to say to him, had something he wanted, needed, to say.

He doesn’t remember what it was.

It was probably something flirty, something bold, something that would have caught him off guard, that would have made him smile.

But he forgot everything he was supposed to say when he showed up, when he and Sander made eye contact through the window, just a few seconds between the moment and when he walked through the door, a few seconds for Sander to try to calm his heart down, to make something up, to have a script in his head so he didn’t just stare blankly at him, awestruck and starry-eyed.

So he talked.

And it did manage to make him smile, a crooked, confused smile, a quiet “Huh?” that made Sander burst out laughing.

His voice.

It fit him.

A quiet, low voice that matched his eyes, that made Sander’s heart fill with butterflies. He did his best to hide it, to disguise how shaken he was, to pretend he was fine, to be casual and friendly, like every cell in his body wasn’t screaming finally.

“Sander, by the way.”

“Robbe.”

Robbe.

Robbe. Robbe. Robbe.

It was like the name was stuck in Sander’s head, like a song he didn’t know all the lyrics to, an unfinished melody, and he had to make sure not to say it, not to let it out as he made conversation with the boy, Robbe, on their way to get groceries.

He had to make sure not to let his hands shake as he grabbed food from the shelves, as he made Robbe laugh with his mime impression.

And he hoped, he prayed, his face wasn’t flushed bright pink as he talked to him, and he twirled him around on the shopping cart, as he looked into his eyes, and as Robbe looked back like it was the most natural thing in the world.

If he’s completely honest, Sander forgot about Britt.

She didn’t exist in those moments, the moments where Sander was with Robbe, in the kitchen as Sander told him about his masterful croques, the moment where Robbe kneeled to the ground to get a pan and looked up at Sander, twirling the pan in his hand, a small smile in his eyes like he was proud, the moment where they turned the stove on together, Sander’s curled fingers pressed against the side of Robbe’s hand, and they both looked at each other, smiling just because. (Robbe’s smile was beautiful. It put sunsets and fields of flowers to shame. Robbe’s smile lived rent-free in Sander’s head.)

And then the moment where Sander moved past Robbe to turn up the radio, pressed his hands to his back even though he had plenty of space to get around him, let one hand trail across his back, taking up every fraction of a second he could.

Robbe smiled when Sander sang, when he moved his fingers in time with the music, when he acted like the dork he was, he didn’t roll his eyes, didn’t complain about “Bowie again?” He even swayed his shoulders, grinning at Sander, like he was dancing but wasn’t meaning to.

Robbe didn’t say much.

But he didn’t really have to.

Sander knew he felt it too.

He could feel Robbe’s eyes on him, as he sang and talked, felt Robbe’s eyes on him as he slid his tongue along the edge of the paper of the joint, and he tried not to let his self-consciousness show, even though it felt like his body could have exploded had he let it. He tried to hold himself upright, tried to look confident and secure, pretended he wasn’t screaming inside.

It was finally happening, he thought as he took a drag from the joint, as he smiled at Robbe. It all felt so natural, all felt so real. He knew it was silly, to be this head over heels for a boy he’d only met that morning, but he couldn’t help it.

He couldn’t help the way he looked at Robbe, the way his eyes softened and smiled even though he was trying to act normal. He couldn’t help the way his heart sang as he held the sandwich up and Robbe took a tentative bite, the way he had to stop himself from giggling like a little girl when Robbe looked at him blankly as he chewed, like his mind was blank, like he was feeling exactly what Sander was feeling. He couldn’t help the way he wanted to just gaze at him for days, the way he wanted to curl his fingers into Robbe’s hair, wanted to kiss him until they were both breathless (even though Sander already felt a little breathless just seeing him).

He couldn’t help the way he startled when he heard Britt’s voice, the way he really just wanted to close the door in her face, to take Robbe and hide from her where she couldn’t find them, to forget about Britt completely. It wouldn’t hurt.

He tried telling Robbe, after Britt had kissed him, tried to tell him Don’t worry about it. It’ll be fine. This isn’t really real. He could see it in Robbe’s eyes, could see you the slightest bit of anguish, of disappointment, of pleading, even through his small, pained smile as Britt spoke to him. Sander apologised to him, looking at him with Britt’s cheek pressed to his.

The truth was, nothing Britt did, none of the touches, the kisses, ever felt even remotely close to what he felt when he shook Robbe’s hand, when their hands touched on the stove, when their fingers brushed as Sander passed him the joint. Nothing Britt did made Sander feel so electrified, made him feel like he was where he was supposed to be. Nothing she did made Sander feel so beautifully wrecked, so perfectly ruined.

Britt showed him something after they left Robbe in the kitchen.

Sander doesn’t remember what it was.

His head was too distracted, too consumed by the memory of Robbe’s smile, his eyes, the way his hand felt against Sander’s.

He felt at peace for the first time in a very long time. Like the planet was rotating again after years of standing stationary. He felt okay.

This is what he’d been waiting for all his life, what he’d been looking for.

This is where he was supposed to be, with this beautiful boy with his brown eyes.

Someday, he thought, he would kiss him. He would hold the side of his face, would brush his fingers over his jaw and cheek, over the side and back of his neck, before sliding them into his hair, where he would tighten his grip, would clench his fists in the soft curls, would pull and tug as Robbe slides his arms around Sander’s waist. He would probably smile against his mouth, might have to pause, pull his head back, their foreheads pressed together, just to smile, his eyes closed, feeling Robbe close. How blissful that would be.

Someday, he thought, he would draw him. Really draw him, with his face, and his eyes, and his smile lines, and the curls that fall across his forehead, not like the drawings he did of him with the while mask covering his face, not like the drawings he did that were just colour and shapes, just brushstrokes against paper, colours and shapes that he didn’t think through, colours and shapes that just felt right.

He knew no one else would look at them and think of them as portraits.

But they weren’t for anyone else.

And he did kind of like the idea of the art being his little secret. Paintings of his love.

He knew it was ridiculous.

But even so, it just felt right, it felt okay, it felt real.

For such a long time now For such a long time now

[syncogon]

[QZGS meta] what’s in an OP? dawning glory (pt 3)

(part 1) (part 2) 

This is the third and last post in my little series analyzing the opening theme of The King’s Avatar Season 2! Honestly, this whole thing became way longer than I was expecting. I guess this is what happens when all my immense amount of love for this series, accumulated over years of no-donghua-updates, overlaps with my immense amount of love for anime openings. 

Watched the first and second episodes yesterday, and they really sparked a lot of joy. :D I missed Blue River so much :D

Yesterday, they released the OST for Season 2, which includes the TV cut and full versions of the OP and ED, as well as two insert songs, and the instrumental versions of all of the above. I’ve yet to find anywhere that lets me download the audio files (hoping they’ll be reuploaded to youtube or bilibili soon), but in the meantime you can listen here. They’re really good songs!  https: //www. kuwo. cn/album_detail/15792659

Anyway, let’s finish up this OP analysis!

Now here, we reach the true climax as we enter the chorus section. This next segment is definitely the highest-energy part of the entire opening. It’s a montage of Happy’s characters showing off their moves, timed to the music; there’s not too much deeper meaning, but damn if it doesn’t look fantastic. The animation flows from one character and scene to the next so smoothly, so beautifully, it’s just incredibly hype to see. This is what you get when you specifically choreograph/animate sequences for the opening instead of just reusing shots from the main show! (Parts of some of these shots appeared in episode 1, but I do honestly think that it’s more likely that the show reused shots from the opening than the other way around, just because of how perfectly the OP fits together. I also don’t think it’s super noticeable in-show; I’ve just been watching this obsessively.)

In particular I love the line that kicks this all off: “just put on your battle armor and step onto the road to the unknown.” Specifically, though, the rhythm of the lyric is, “jiu pi shang zhan jia ta shang wei zhi qian fang,” with emphasizing accents on the -ang sounds. This isn’t how you would divide the phrase naturally, but because the (syncopated!!) melody accents these notes/syllables, the rhyming effect really stands out and it feels as clever and satisfying as a rap lyric. Moreover, the emphasis times juuust right with the attacks of Soft Mist, Steamed Bun Invasion, and Windward Formation, a perfect example of how music and visuals mutually reinforce each other for maximum cool effect. 

It’s generally easier to rhyme in Chinese than English, because of a smaller phonetic vocabulary. From the chorus onward, the key rhyme is on the “-ang” sound (think “ahng” or “ong”, not “aang” like the Avatar), which is a good choice - powerful, reverberant. The asymmetry of the syllable’s use in this section - the song’s lines are all different lengths at this part, so you’re kept on your toes as to when the pattern will reappear - helps add to the engaging excitement of the song. This is also the syllable used for most of the rhymes in the second half of the first OP. 

jiu pi shang zhan jia ta shang wei zhi qian fang

hui qi shou zhong wo jin de na shu guang

you ni men zai lu shang__

shi li liang

I really love One Inch Ash’s design. Concealed Light had a big redesign for this season, and honestly I like it as well. And notice here that he’s holding a book - exactly how we left Luo Ji when we saw him last! 

“Waving the light clenched tightly in our hand” - that is to say, brandishing our light as our weapon, no matter what form it may take - a sword, a book, our hope and determination. 

On a purely musical note (ha), right at this point, specifically the measure beginning with “那束光,” you can hear a three-note “ooo” harmony line in the background, and wow it’s so subtle but I love it so much! A similar three-note line actually appears earlier too (during the “crossing the frozen finish line,” right as the music is building up), also to great effect.  

We follow Concealed Light’s gaze upward to the building to see Deception running along the wall, from which he does a flip and slashes downward with twin blades. I love that transition a lot, but my favorite transition of this entire sequence has to be the following one:

Yes! Deception’s cross slash resolves perfectly into the cross held by Little Cold Hands. It’s so fast and so natural you don’t even notice it, and that’s the absolute beauty of it. The first time I saw this, I was in awe - the animators really brought their A-game to this, far better than I ever would have dared hope for this series.

And Little Cold Hands is so pretty! When we got our first art of her official design, the comments were filled with people simping for her, and honestly, valid. I’m surprised her hair is purple instead of pink, but that’s just a minor thing. 

There’s something especially powerful about how she raises her cross in time with the lyric “having you all here [with me] on this road,” and then the cross flashing brilliantly with “it’s power.” More than any other role, the healer is a team player. And this theme of team togetherness is particularly important for An Wenyi, who is deeply moved by the team’s perhaps illogical faith in him. Remember that analogy Ye Xiu tells him, of the straw tied to the deluxe mitten crab? 

An aside: listening to this, I always thought the line should be 有你们在身旁 instead of 有你们在路上, because it still fits the rhyme, because my past experience has somewhat conditioned me to expect that phrase, and because the full message of “having you by my side is power” just makes me wanna tear up like what a good line! So it felt like a missed opportunity that they didn’t use that. But as it turns out, the final iteration of this chorus in the full version of the OP does, in fact, use “by my side”! And I think making this tiny tweak to the lyric the final time you here it just makes it that much stronger :’)

I’m also just a big fan of the “it’s power” melodic flourish in general, since it comes as a surprise. You kind of expect the melody to end with the previous phrase, but the extra notes here add a really nice emphatic beat to finish off the line. 

So to recap the transitions: we see Soft Mist falling from the sky and get a close up of her face as she stabs her spear; this takes us to a closeup of Steamed Bun’s face facing roughly the same direction before we zoom out to his torso and he slashes from lower left of the screen to upper right; following the motion of that slash we see Windward Formation’s torso rotate in that direction as the camera zooms out farther; we follow the rays of his attack to see One Inch Ash drawing his sword; we zoom in on the flashing blade and zoom out on Concealed Light’s glowing book; we follow his gaze upward to see Deception running along the building behind him; Deception leaps and slashes and the slash becomes Little Cold Hands’ cross, which raises up and triggers an explosion. It’s just so dynamic and smooth even without taking place in one continuous setting, and it just really, really gets you hyped. 

Also, starting from Happy’s team picture at the start of the chorus, which is during the day, it feels like Soft Mist and Steamed Bun’s moves are at late afternoon, Windward Formation and One Inch Ash take us to nighttime, and then you can see the first rays of morning in Concealed Light and Deception’s segments. This continuity also definitely helps with the feeling of natural flow through these scenes. 

Anyway, this entire action segment is just so beautiful, I could watch it on loop. But we still have the final segment of this OP to analyze, so let’s keep going.

After the action sequences of the climax, we settle down a bit now as we approach the end. Here we see the Excellent Era team picture, in the same style as the team pics we saw earlier, but presented separately. It makes sense, as the role they play in the story is different from the roles of all the other teams. 

Sun Xiang, Liu Hao, and Cui Li are at the bottom. Because we’re panning up, these three are the first we see. At first glance, the way they’re positioned is fairly consistent with the team pics we’ve seen already: Captain Sun Xiang at center-right, the largest figure; vice-captain Liu Hao, manager Cui Li in the background. 

Sun Xiang’s position and expression is really the only one that fits the healthy pattern of the teams we’ve seen already - looking toward the camera, a confident (though arrogant) smile. He might be misguided, but there’s hope for him yet. Notice how Liu Hao isn’t even looking at the camera, which as we’ve seen before is somewhat of an indication of how unified and focused the team is toward its goal; instead, Liu Hao is doing his own thing, determined to prioritize his own desires over what’s best for the team. And manager Cui Li is in this image too, despite not even being a player. His sinister presence reflects the unhealthy interference of the business side in the gaming side. Excellent Era’s downfall comes about because of its prioritization of profit over victory.

As we pan up, Excellent Era’s logo comes into view. It’s larger than any of the other team logos we’ve seen so far, spanning around three-quarters of the screen whereas the others looked to span no more than half. Excellent Era’s legacy is a weighty one, to date the only team to have ever won three championships, and consecutively to boot. 

It’s this immense, shining logo that seems to be casting Tao Xuan on the left into shadow. He cuts a large figure, reflecting the deep impact his actions have had upon the main plot of this story, even though he’s only now appearing for the first time in the donghua.

However, he’s also turned away from the camera, such that we can barely even see his closed eye. Because of that, it’s difficult to read his expression, but the impression given by this pose is not one of vindictive pride, but one of shame, as though he can’t quite bear to face what he’s done. On some level, no matter how he might try to rationalize it as necessary, Tao Xuan knows that his profit-driven betrayal of Ye Xiu was a pretty awful thing to do. It might be this amount of guilt that leads him to offer Ye Xiu a wish granted, a tribute to their years of friendship and partnership before their ties are severed completely.

In the end, Tao Xuan’s greed leaves him with nothing really to show for it. What had he gained? What had he lost? Those realizations are still a ways off in the story, but I like how this OP is already hinting at the depth of his character. Tao Xuan isn’t some glasses-flashing, evil-laughing, one-dimensional antagonist; he is in fact very realistic for the setting. We can condemn his actions and priorities, but at the same time we can understand how he ended up here.

As for Su Mucheng, her eyes are closed as well. She’s brightly illuminated, but pointedly turned away from all of the others in Excellent Era; she knows the direction of her future, and that it no longer lies with Excellent Era. Her loyalty was always to Ye Xiu, and as soon as he was banished, her relationship to the team was professional and nothing more. 

“This light hidden in my heart is burning” - there are many ways to read this lyric and what exactly the light referenced here is, but because the line is paired with this image, I naturally think about Su Mucheng’s situation. Despite her pretty-vase, sweet-girl appearance, she holds a deep, profound anger at everything that happened regarding Excellent Era. It’s a testament to her immense strength of character that she lasted the remaining one and a half years of her contract in this hostile environment. 

Yet even as she resolves to cut ties, there’s a sadness in her expression. She was here from the very beginning as well, when Excellent Era was no more than an internet cafe, and it pains her immensely that the powerhouse, championship team that they and her brother had built from the ground up would ultimately meet this tragic end.

It’s interesting to note that both of the “redeemable” characters here (namely Su Mucheng and Sun Xiang) are on the right, more brightly-lit side of the screen, so there’s a nice little dividing line you can draw there. Sun Xiang’s eyes are still looking toward the left, though, revealing how his character development still has yet to play out.

From there we cut to Ye Xiu holding Lord Grim’s account card. He’s standing back on top of the roof from the beginning of the OP, now in full daylight.

As mentioned… the animators really went ham on the bangs animation.

Ye Xiu turns away from the railing, the camera cuts to an image of Happy’s logo on a flag waving in the wind, and then we zoom out to see the current members of Team Happy gathered together in uniform, standing proud in the light of day. Left to right, Steamed Bun, Tang Rou, Luo Ji, Ye Xiu, An Wenyi, Wei Chen, Chen Guo. Presumably, this will be Happy’s lineup by the end of the season. 

Up until now, we’ve only seen the real players separate from each other - they’ve all been in different places, never even in the same frame together. (This, of course, also contrasts the pro team pics that we have, which show everyone together.) Halfway through the OP, we got the group shot of them meeting in game with their characters. And now, they’ve finally met up in the real world as well. 

One thing I like about this final pose is how it compares to the final pose of the OVA OP. It’s the same kind of power-pose vibe, but there we only had Ye Xiu, Chen Guo, and Tang Rou. Look at how we’ve grown since then! They’re well on their way to being a proper pro team! 

And that’s a wrap! With this final image of Team Happy gathered together, we’re ready to enter the episode proper. 

So let’s talk about the OP as a whole. Generally, an OP serves a couple of main roles: a) tells you a bit about what the show is about, b) gives you an overall feeling / mood for the show, c) gets you hyped and ready to watch the upcoming episode.

How well does this opening achieve those goals? Pretty well, as we’ve seen. Past OPs did a pretty good job of setting the mood, but they honestly just put some pretty visuals on the screen, only vaguely aligned to the music, and called it a day. This OP, however, has a cohesive storyline to tell, framed around Team Happy’s coming together (following the tagline of this season). Even in such a short span of time, it manages to convey so much information about its story and characters, both overt and implicit (as I hope this series of posts has managed to convince you). Paired with the music, which has its own deeper meanings encoded in the lyrics, the OP becomes incredibly effective and memorable as it makes its statement.

I mentioned an “interest curve” earlier (interest in the sense of interesting, not the money); this is part of the standard formula for anime opening songs, in my experience. I’m a little too lazy to draw a graph myself, so take a look at this image:

(source: https: //www. researchgate. net/figure/Example-of-an-interest-curve-for-a-successful-entertainment-experience_fig1_333917625 )

Although not all of the relative heights and segment lengths are accurate in this specific case, hopefully the general shape of the interest curve is enough to demonstrate my point. You’ve got the A-B peak at the opening instrumental segment, the C-D peak/arc over verse 1, the D-E-F peak/arc over verse 2, then the sharp F-G-H peak over the chorus before dropping off for a smooth landing right into the episode. This general pattern is effective at holding the viewer’s focus and managing their excitement over the course of this one and a half minutes. 

Visually, the OP is just such a treat for the eyes. I’ve already talked about many of the little details I love - lighting, character designs, animations, transitions, etc. - but all in all the new animation studio is doing a really good job here. An OP is how you hook people, and I’d definitely feel comfortable using this to try and bait people into watching this show. 

One comment I want to add is about the incorporation of the credits, which we didn’t see until the episode premiere. I don’t think there’s anything too exciting to say (and I also don’t have access to any images right now since the OP was only shown in episode 2), but the fonts and styling were a nice choice - it gave a gaming vibe, but if I recall it still used a serif font, so it didn’t feel overly modern - and the text positioning generally complements instead of distracting. I also liked how they showed the lyrics! I didn’t really expect them to include them onscreen, or if they did, I thought they would just be plain subs like they were in this video. But in the actual OP that plays at the beginning of the episode, they’re as much a part of the art as the credits!

If I had to make any criticism, my biggest complaint about the OP is, I think, the singers. I think having two different singers trade off can work nicely, but in this case, the switches are jarring because their voices are so different. The first singer has a lower, gravely voice, while the second singer’s voice sounds much brighter and more nasally. Furthermore, the first switch doesn’t come until we’re fully halfway through the song, which means that by that point we’re already used to this first singer. It’s also strange that they’d switch back to the first voice at the climax of the song, when I think the second voice would suit the high-energy segment much better. Switching from second to first right at this point feels like we’re actually taking a step down in energy, which is the opposite of what should be happening here. 

Still, my main problem isn’t with the voice switching but with the voices themselves, and I think the voices are something I could get used to. The third switch, going from the first voice back to the second voice during the shot of Excellent Era, is much less jarring than the others - I actually like how it feels like the solo is passing naturally from one person to the next, emphasizing the ideals of this not being a single-player game and all that. For that transition in particular, I think (because of the added “it’s power” flourish) it happens too quickly for one person to sing it comfortably, so having another person pick up the line works best. And I do like how the voices sound when they overlay together for the final lines of the song. 

So, overall? Overall, this OP is really damn good. It’s everything I could have asked for and more. After such a long wait, the OP, at least, does not disappoint, and I’m extremely excited to see what the series has in store for us. 

If you’ve read to this point, thank you! I like this series a lot, as you can probably see, and I’m treating it as my glory :)