#and what if you had to choose the brightest one without getting burnt?

[jupiter-reimagined]

not me adding prāta vētra to every playlist ever. i promise im not obsessed. oh my god.

finally working on my oc playlists and. i keep forgetting that mārītes 17 and going batshit insane at every chance she can. anyways big fun from the heathers soundtrack would be her-coded if her dads werent such nuisances. well. or it would be her if she was still living in london/living w katie

[janetbrown711]

To Be Alone (Again)

Sun Wukong hates being immortal for many reasons, but mostly with how death and his responsibilities never go away.

tw for Major Character Death and slight suicidal thoughts

Ao3 link

A world without Sun Wukong was something he thought about often– sometimes even fantasized about.

Of course he loved his unending eternal life with its peaches, its waterfalls, its friendships that last a lifetime and then they die and he’s left alone again, its…

…

Every couple of centuries Wukong would try the whole disappearing thing, but someone always saw him and of course the moment there was any kind of danger, mortals would search far and wide for the Great Sage Equal to Heaven, pleading for his assistance. He never had the heart to say no (not since the days of Tang Sanzeng) but it wasn’t exactly fulfilling anymore.

The longer he lived the more he understood mortality is what gave life purpose for mortals– without that what was Wukong living for? Whether or not Wukong slayed the demon, death would come for whole cities eventually. He had personally tried to stop death’s cruel hand many times, but it seemed he was only ever able to save himself.

And great heavens, what a mistake that was.

To watch people he cared about die over, and over again….

It had started with the monkeys on Flower Fruit Island– he was their king and grew to love every one of them as a proper leader should but as he went off and trained with the immortal sage Subhodi and gained his first “layer of immortality” and he started to watch as they started to get kidnapped and die off again and again…

He tried not to care, briefly teaching them to fight before deciding to mess around with demons and dragon kings, getting some nice alliances and some sweet weapons (like his staff– thank you Dragon of the East) and was invited to be a court member in heaven, but even that didn’t last long as he just made himself enemies with practically everyone there, which eventually got him trapped under that mountain for five hundred years…

Ah, classic Sun Wukong: Making friends with those who can die, and pushing away those who can’t, creating an eternal cycle of loneliness.

If he had a yuan for every time he either pushed someone away or got someone killed, he’d have enough for at least 500 human retirements.

…

The death of Tang Sanzeng, Ao Lie and Sha Wujing– heck, even Zhu Bajie– hurt more than Monkey ever thought a death could.

Tang Sanzeng had died peacefully, as he was owed. He lived a long life knowing he had done much good and reached ultimately enlightenment. The whole world seemed to light candles for Tang Sanzeng, but Wukong liked to think his and the other pilgrim’s burnt the brightest– especially the private altar in Flower Fruit Mountain.

On that altar, he also made a little origami man… it didn’t do him justice, but it made Wukong smile sometimes…

Ao Lie had decided his own life came to an end after seeing and helping to raise five generations of descendants, and had had a long chat with Wukong about life and of how long ago the journey was and how it also felt like it was just yesterday. Wukong envied him– a part of him wished he wasn’t stone and that he could have descendants and that he could just choose to stop existing– but being stone and immortal six times over meant those were off the table…

Wukong left a candle at his altar, as well as a little origami horse.

Sha Wujing died protecting a town from a storm caused by a demon who stabbed him right in the chest thirty times for his kindness. Wukong had all but torn the demon limb for limb at the news, and mourned on Flower Fruit Mountain for a hundred years.

A little blue man was added to the collection.

Zhu Bajie… Wukong never said this, but he always thought Zhu Bajie would somehow outlive him. Of course Wukong didn’t know how it’d be possible, but he always hoped for it anyway. The two were so similar and yet so different– it caused a rift in his reality when he discovered he had died after a demon attacked his family (Zhu Bajie had a family?!). The demon had been killed by Zhu Bajie but not before he was poisoned too, and they died together.

Wukong was the only one left to light incense and candles…

And a pink pig man finished his shrine.

…

He spent the next milenia alone, so… so alone…

He went back to Flower Fruit Mountain, but he locked his home, locked up his weapons, and hardened his stone heart until the next inevitable mortal banged on his door for his help. Then Wukong would grab his staff, kill the demon in one smack, and head back.

Though of course, there was Macaque.

Macaque, Macaque, Macaque.

Wukong thinks perhaps he once loved him, but Macaque had gone totally apeshit on him one day (no pun intended). The battle was legendary (according to whatever dweebus scholar was watching) and it seemed every milenia or so that he showed up always ended with bloody faces, bloody fists, and solidified hatred.

Sun Wukong always pushed away those who could understand him.

He’d spend centuries alone until some mortal needed him or Macaque wanted to fuck with him again. Any break in this pattern was a mistake– something that only ever hurt the Great Sage– something he should have never done.

…

So why did he agree to take on a student…

Wukong didn’t know what it was– his eager smile, the way he caused absolute destruction everywhere he went because he had absolutely no control over his staff or powers, or if it was his light hearted humor that reminded him of a younger him, but he… wanted to train him.

It was kind of fun seeing a kid that small pick up his staff and start swinging it around anyway– Wukong treated it like entertainment at first.

But then the kid gave up invincibility and started picking fights or jumping into some that had nothing to do with him.

It SHOULD have been the other way around, but MK was too… heroic. In that way, he was the opposite of a younger Sun Wukong. He always wanted to save people, to belong, to bring justice to the world. Wukong grew to admire that spirit.

He grew to like a lot of things about the kid– it started to hurt when he saw how often the kid tried to throw that away.

That was another thing about mortals… no matter how many times you try and tell them they often did stupid shit that often made their already impossibly short lives even shorter. Yeah, Wukong used to be (okay– IS) very impulsive, but he has immortality! These mortals don’t– why did some people always want to protect him-??? He was the protector dammit.

MK especially liked to protect him– and it made Wukong furious every time.

Like right now for example– when they were fighting a very, very, very old enemy of his– The Demon King of… shoot, was it Havoc or Confusion…

“KID!” Wukong shouted, as MK pushed away his mentor from the slice of the Demon King’s sword. MK tumbled to the ground with a thud, making Wukong gnash his teeth as he took the staff from MK and made this fight a lot more equal.

“Haha! Your mortal pet is even more foolish and impulsive than you, Sun Wukong!” The demon flashed his sharp teeth.

Wukong didn’t dignify the remark with a reply, instead choosing to make himself as large as the demon king, which caused him to start retreating.

It was then Wukong started to have fun again.

He not only blocked and parried, he went to sweep the leg, he whacked his back, he smacked him over the head and when he fell to the ground, he pointed his staff at the demon king’s neck.

“Any last words?” Wukong grinned.

The demon king chuckled.

“You can kill me all you want, Sun Wukong, but you will never get them back–”

The words barely hung in the air before Wukong put the staff through his neck repeatedly, finally killing him.

Wukong shrank down to his regular size and zipped his way on his cloud back to MK.

“Hey kid– what the hell was that?! I had it handled— you know I can literally regrow my head if it comes off, you didn’t have to do that,” He crossed his arms. MK groaned.

“Call it impulse,” MK chuckled and sat upright, clutching his side. “Where’s everyone he kidnapped?”

“A few mountains over. Are you alright kid?” Wukong examined his successor.

“Oh yeah– might’ve broken a rib or something– let’s just fly on over and save them,” MK assured with a big grin, and while Wukong didn’t know if he believed him quite yet, he let MK on the cloud and they flew away, with MK gawking at the Demon King of Havoc/Confusion(???)s corpse, which was starting to dissolve into maggots and other such unseenly creatures.

“You know I’m immortal right? AND invincible– you really shouldn’t be taking any hits for me– if anything I’M the living shield,” Wukong decided to scold him some more.

MK sighed, but quickly cringe in regret, holding his side.

“See what I mean? You mortals are all soft and squishy– I’ll get you to a hospital soon but this is exactly what I’m talking about kid,” Wukong sighed, picking up his speed.

“Y-yeah, I guess it was kind of dumb,” MK admitted.

Well at least he was getting it now…

“You can’t prevent his death forever, Wukong. Soon enough the Ten Kings of Death will find his name and he’ll be gone forever and ever and ever and ever—”

Wukong forced his cloud even faster, and before they knew it they were at the Demon King of Confusion/Havoc maybe–’s cave. It was a rather standard mountain from the outside, having a massive iron door depicting his epic successes and conquests over the years. Such boastfulness was standard for Wukong to see, but the depictions of his old monkey friends and subjects being kidnapped and eaten made him furious.

“You want to do the honors, kid?” Wukong held out the staff for MK to take as he dissipated the cloud. However, instead of standing like he was supposed to, MK fell to his knees, holding the staff in his left hand and his side with his right.

“Yo– MK– what’s going on? If you want me to take all the credit, you can just say–”

And that’s when Sun Wukong saw it.

Blood.

And lots of it.

It was all over the hand that had been holding his side, and was soaking his white shirt under his usual yellow hoodie.

“You goddamned mortals and your goddamned blood,” Wukong whispered under his breath, desperate to think of a way to fix this. But Sun Wukong was not a healer, no no no– he was a fighter. A poisoner. A destroyer of friendships, and the creature he hates most in this world.

“H-hey, it’s fine Monkey King, I’m totally fine– we gotta save those prisoners and then we’ll be home free,” MK grinned.

“No. You aren’t going anywhere but a hospital– there are probably demon guards in the prison– why did you have to take the shot for me kid?! I can handle this shit– you can’t!” Wukong went back to yelling.

“Impulse, like I said– now lets go,” MK tried to stand up, but cried in pain, which made Wukong’s alarms flare more.

“Stop trying to sit up! Jeez kid– who taught you to fight–?” He internally face palmed for asking such a stupid question.

“You did, genius.“

“The suicidally impulsive monkey king decided to become a mentor and is somehow surprised the kid became just as stupid as him.”

“I-i think I messed up my wrists, haha,” MK smiled, but beads of sweat were gathering on his face as he was starting to grow paler and paler.

“H-hey now, stay with me bud– I just gotta take you to a hospital, and then everything’ll be okay,” Wukong tried to scoop him up, but that made MK cry out again.

“ACK-! I-I’m sorry kid– I’m not a healer–”

“Of course you’re not. It’s never been relevant to you. You have never needed healing, so why bother learning?“

Wukong wished his brain would shut the hell up already.

“S’okay, really. I-I’m totally a-okay,” MK tried to assure.

That was another thing about mortals.

They loved denying death almost as much as they loved to chance it.

Wukong helped MK onto the ground where it was easier for him to breathe. He tore off the sleeves of his shirt and tried to wrap it around the wound, but all that did was make MK cringe and tears fall.

“Holy cow– we have got to get you to a hospital kiddo, th-this isn’t good, I can’t–” Wukong didn’t want to finish his sentence.

“Y-yeah, not my brightest move,” MK started to close his eyes. Panicked, the ever-so-wise Great Sage Equal to Heaven slapped him.

“Stay with me kid! I swear on the Jade emperor’s throne– I’m not going to lose you too–!” Wukong slapped a hand over his mouth, but the words were already said.

Fuck– he had said it.

He had finally said it.

A-and now there were tears.

Tang Sanzeng, Ao Lie, Zhu Bajie, Sha Wujing…

And now MK.

God– curse his stupid brain for allowing himself to think of him like that– for getting so attached– he was supposed to know better than this by now.

“M-me too?” MK managed a weak smile. “Y-you… you love me?”

Wukong wiped his eyes. “O-of course I do, bud… I-i…”

He wasn’t supposed to say that either.

“Y-you’re my successor, MK. A-and with all you’ve been through– I-i… gah, what am I saying,” Wukong muttered that last part to himself.

He wasn’t supposed to be saying any of this. He was supposed to be guarded– why did he let himself get this attached to a mortal again– it only ever ended in pain.

“I-i love you too, Monkey King. Y-you’re like the bà I never had,” MK took the Monkey King’s hand.

Bà…

Wukong had always wanted descendants… He wanted to watch as his family tree continued to grow and grow and grow until even he couldn’t keep track of them all…

“S-sorry that’s–”

“No, kid, I-i… Just hold on, okay?! You aren’t going to die– not here, not now– hell– not ever,” Wukong swore, falling fully into the human delusion that death would stray if you shouted it hard enough.

“W-we have to free the prisoners together, remember? You and I– we’re right here, bud! C’mon, I’ll help you up,” Wukong said, forcing a smile and trying to stand but his legs were trembling, and he fell back down as his knees buckled.

“N-no, even better- the prisoners aren’t going anywhere– I-I’ll just go fly and get you a doctor– yes, yes, that’s what I’ll do– i’ll get a doctor,” Wukong started to summon a cloud, but MK grabbed his pant leg, squeezing it as hard as he could and crying.

“Please don’t leave me…”

It was a whisper that rang in Wukong’s head as loud as a firework. He instantly let it dissolve and went and put his student’s head in his lap. MK was shaking now, which only made his wound hurt more.

Shit– if only Wukong could remember any of those old healing sutras Tang Sanzeng tried to teach him a millennia ago… but of course, he hadn’t listened because when did Sun Wukong ever listen?!

“It’s alright, bud, I-I’m here,” Wukong forced a pathetic laugh, holding MK’s hand again and giving it a tight squeeze.

“I-i’m sorry I got in the way– Y-you’re the immortal one.”

“Bah– I don’t know what the hell I’m saying, kiddo. I’ve never done this before– I just– I just–”

“I haven’t done this before either. A-and I wish I could say I’ll do better next time, b-but I don’t think there’ll– ngh– be a next time,” MK breath started to become a lot more shaky too.

“No, no, no, don’t say that– you were a great student, You managed your impulses a lot better than I ever have– a-and if you think I’ve never been scared then you’re so wrong– I’m scared right now!”

MK laughed a little, but it caused him to roll in pain. “I-i’m sorry, I-i never wanted to scare you–”

“It’s my fault for getting attached,” Wukong laughed pathetically, wiping his eyes. “I-i know mortals are like this– I just…”

“Y-you really tore that guy apart there… thanks for the justice,” MK tried to wink.

“Stop making me laugh– this is– this is a nightmare,” Wukong shifted MK so he was being cradled in his arms.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t become immortal… I-i should’ve studied more o-or something– I never could just– focus, you know?”

“Of course I do, kiddo. I’m the Monkey King– I practically invented hyperactivity and impulsiveness. A-and you were great– If I could give you a piece of my immortality I would right here, right now…” Wukong hugged him a little tighter, knowing what he said was impossible.

“Thanks bà…”

“A-any time bud. J-just… just say the word and I’ll– I’ll be so fucking proud– I’ll compliment you so much even the Jade Emperor would be jealous– I’m sorry you ever felt so worthless– I’ve been such a lousy mentor i-i–”

“I-it’s okay Bà, i-it’s fine now. J-just tell Mei and ‘em I said ‘hi’ and ‘sorry’, o-okay?” MK hand was getting shakier, his grip looser.

That was another thing.

Mortals usually leave other mortals behind too…

But then they’d die and they’d die and they’d die and then it was like that original person never existed at all…

“I-i… I will…” Wukong didn’t know if he meant it yet.

“I-i love you, bà,” MK smiled and went to reach Wukong’s face…

But the arm fell halfway.

Wukong stared down in disbelief.

“M-MK?” he called. He set him down, giving his face a small tap.

“M-MK, stay with me bud– y-you still got a lot of training– I was just kidding before– it’s not okay, you need to come back– I don’t want to be all alone again– I-i-i–”

Nothing.

Wukong touched his son’s lifeless face, looking at his glassy eyes.

Wukong let out a cry so loud all the court of heaven heard and knew what had happened.

Wukong didn’t care if they knew.

Sun Wukong was on his own again.

[honey-milk-depresso]

What about our precious Bennett with anyone of your choosing

Oh shit Bennett- that precious boy I- Imma kill that adventurer who said he sucks I swear-

Also stan Razor x Bennett- U-U

While you're mostly someone of good character; always lending friends a helping hand and giving them the best of your support, your luck mechanism sort of ruins the help, and might end up turning the tables on them in a bad way.

Despite all, you're a very optimistic individual, and you look towards the light up ahead of the tunnel. Despite all odds, you push on. And that's what makes you strong.

TWST The unlucky but optimistic s/o (Bennett)

Trey Clover

Never in his life has he ever made a mess in the kitchen,

until he met you.

For some reason, no one did anything, but everything went haywire. Let's just say, you two found some trouble with Riddle, something he didn't expect.

"What on earth happened in here?! Trey!"

"No, no! Riddle, it wasn't Trey's fault..! It's... my fault.. I.. probably started the mechanism again.."

Mechanism? Trey and Riddle would soon realize that whenever you tag along with someone, bad luck would always be on your side with them, and bring the people you're with down.

Trey feels.. sorry. Like, really sorry. It must be hard whenever you try your best to help, only to end up in miserable outcomes.

But you've never gave up. You've never gave up in trying your best to do anything, especially when it comes to being a supportive friend and lover.

And he just can't leave you. Sure, you may bring about taboo for him but, you've never had any ill intentions, he know you can't control your bad luck, and you're just the sweetest cinnamon roll he's ever met, how could he just leave you?

Sometimes, you might be in doubt. Even the brightest of people can't always bring about sunshine to themselves. "Hey, Trey? Why would you still want to be with me.. I've never really brought about anything good, and we've only manage to get out of trouble by our skins.. I'm just really sorry someone as nice as you would have to go through all this because of me..."

Trey simply takes your hand, and uses his thumb to rub it in soothing circles.

"You've always been my charm, s/o. I wouldn't trade the world for you." <3

Jade Leech

He can't understand.

He's messed up so badly.

Ever since you worked in Monstro Lounge, and he was instructing you, everything drowned into chaos. And this time, it was somehow you and him that seemed to start it. Not Floyd.

The drink glasses were scattered every where, plates were broken and there quite a handful of unhappy customers.

"Jade?! You don't usually mess up your duties like this! What in sevens happened???"

"Ah! Wait, Azul! I.. well- um- it's hard to explain but- none of this was Jade's fault. It's mine! I.. probably started all this because of my whole bad luck seeping through the situation.... sorry.."

What bad luck? Apparently, it's happened to you since young. All the time when you're with someone, luck would never be on your side, and would potentially bring about hefty troubles to many.

How unfortunate, aiyah~

While Azul doesn't really know how to help you, making a potion to ease the bad luck might be something very advanced-

Jade would look out for you.

As much as you're always bringing about bad luck, you can't control it, he knows. And you have always been the sweetest little angelfish who tries your best to help him, like a true lover. Oh, such a sweet little thing you are, he can just eat you up~ Not literally, don't worry, darling-

But he would always be by your side, no matter how bad of the situation you make. He doesn't mind. It can be rather entertaining as each problem that arises is very unexpected; the way he likes. All sorts of drama can take place, and it can somehow be all resolved in the most peculiar ways by you. How fascinating~

" Jade? I was wondering... why won't you leave me? Not to say I don't like being with you! Trust me..! I really do! But.. well... am I not a problem for you to deal with?? I feel bad you're in all the troubles I stir up because of my mechanism..."

He only chuckles softly, gliding his finger on your locks as he traces and pushes it to the back of your ear. "My sweet angelfish. How could I ever leave someone who has brought me so much color in my life now, hmm?~ I could never leave someone as sweet as you~" <3

Malleus Draconia

Malleus.. doesn't quite know how to feel. But he was very much surprised.

He... well... his magic had somehow went out of hand, and now burnt paper were spiraling around the two of you, as some burnt parts of the paper became ash littered on the cobblestone floor of his room.

Lilia seemed to have stepped in with a surprised look on him as well, slightly amused by what has happened.

"Oh my~ What seemed to have happened in here?"

"Ah! Lilia-senpai! Oh no... I'm so sorry! Malleus and Lilia! None of this is anybody's fault except my own! I... I guessed I've activated the mechanism without caution again..."

What is this mechanism you speak of? Your mechanism apparently brings about bad luck to those around you, and might cause some havoc if you aren't cautious to your surroundings... though, sometimes you the mechanism can activate at any given time..

Malleus could help reduce such of the situation considering his vast knowledge of magic can help in anything.

But then again, that bad luck is natural, the best he can do is reduce it and make sure you aren't harmed.

To Malleus, there's nothing wrong with you.

You have always been supportive and kind towards him, and you've been the sweetest friend and lover for him that he could throw that bad luck of yours out of the window. You have always been the optimistic sunshine in his life who have always seen the best and worse in him and still stay by his side to care for him the best you can. It's the thought that counts

He can reduce such, but solely for the purpose of keeping you safe, and prevent such hazards that can harm you.

"Malleus, someone like you... shouldn't.. well- your the greatest wizard of them all! And I'm... just someone with extremely bad luck.. hehe... I'm not sure what I can even do for you.."

Malleus only places a hand to cover both of yours, he looks at you with a gentle gaze before softly replying, "You have given me all the love and happiness in the world. I should be the one wondering why I have someone as great as you. But.. perhaps, I've seen the both of us being a perfect fit for one another. Nothing can take over your place of being first to come to my mind" <3

[mythiccheroacademia]

My bad, I’m just now seeing the rules😭 I’ll choose shiguraki, dabi, and Hawks for the time traveling kids reaction

A/N: You’re all good baby! I kept looking at this trying to come up with a fitting situation for them and then I dreamt about being in all three situations last night??? lmaooo it was both terrifying and lucky hehe~ Hopefully, it’s as good as I’m imagining it

Side Note: I’m writing this with a baby (thankfully, but unfortunately, not mine!) on my chest. Get on my level. Jk, but everyone say hi <3

Warnings: Cursing 

Shigaraki Tomura:

you and shigaraki came back from your daily walks 

aka, people watching

and you two planned to play on the PS4 later

whiles you’re setting up the TV in the living room, he goes to his room to get the console and remotes

he opens the door, sees a baby on his bed, then immediately shuts the door

goes to you and kurogiri

him: “any of you know why there’s a baby on my bed?”

kurogiri: a baby? 😐

you: a BABY!!!?? 😍💞💞

you rush in there and to your amazement, there is a baby no more than six or seven months, gurgling on the bed

kurogiri is giving tomura the most judgemental look and shigaraki kinda feels embarrassed even though he swears he didn’t do anything

“please don't tell me it’s yours”

“i can assure you, y/n and i use prot--”

“oh my gosh, shiggy, she looks just like you with my hair and nose!”

kurogiri is over it 

tomura is malfunctioning

you’re gushing over the baby girl, totally ignoring the fact that a literal child, who just so happened to look like a perfect mix between you and tomura, just appeared like a sick magic trick

was it a quirk?

was it time travel??

did tomura knock you up and everybody just somehow forgot???

so many questions, so little answers

in order to keep from getting a migraine, everybody followed your train of thought and just went along with it for now

shigaraki was less than pleased that his plans with you had been scrapped

he spent the day going shopping (stealing) for diapers, getting formula, buying clothes, and buying toys

feeding the baby was annoying

changing her was a nightmare

shigaraki threatened to disintegrate the child if she puked on him one more time

but everyone just adores her

she’s such a cutie

her toothless smile just warms up everybody’s hearts

even kurogiri is smitten

the day ends with you, the baby, and shigaraki in his room, getting ready for bed

he’s grumbling bc “can’t we just leave her on the couch or something”

you ignore him and he’s forced to get in bed bc no matter what, he’d never give up the chance to cuddle with you...even if it is with some stupid baby

after she falls asleep, you sigh and lean on his shoulder

“you really think she’s ours?” you ask

he wants to say i hope not, but the way you look at him with all the hope in the world makes his heart tingle 

instead of answering, he softly kisses your lips and tucks the both of you in

when you both wake up, the baby is gone--probably back to her timeline

you're a little sad and shigaraki only says what he says NOT BC HE THINKS IT’S TRUE OR SOMETHING but bc your misery makes him itch

“don’t worry. i’m sure we’ll see the brat again someday”

Dabi:

when you came back to your apartment, holding a load of groceries, you were quite surprised to see the situation at hand 

in the middle of your living room was dabi, at his big ass age, wrestling with a kid that couldn't be older than 12 

least to say, you were pissed 

“come on, fess up you little runt. did my old man have another kid”

“for the last time, NO! i’m yours!!”

“stop lying! my pull out game is too strong for that”

“EW! get off of me you staple-faced, burnt chicken nugget lookin’ fu--”

that’s when you intervened

“chicken nugget lookin’ what?” you questioned, looking at the boy with the look™️  

 the boy’s expression went from angry to scared in 0.2 seconds

dabi’s kind of impressed

“father. i-i was gonna say father”

“oh, that’s what i thought bc if you were gonna say what i thought your were gonna say, then i’d have to whoop your ass. but you weren’t, correct?”

“no ma’am”

“so we’re good?”

“yes ma’am”

“perfect. now what’s this about him being your father?”

dabi is taking out of his smugness and flinches under the heat of your glare

you ask him one time who he slept with and when he tells you you're crazy, you lunge at him

your kid lets you get a couple of good hits in before he decides to drop the news that he’s you two’s son of three from the future

you pause, his hand on your face and your fist in his hair

“deadass?” dabi says 

the boy nods his head and you two take the time to look at him

his features are undeniably yours and dabi’s; he was one of those kids that if you sat them next to one or the other, they could look like both parents

you two take it better than he thought you would 

“i always knew you wanted kids with me. simp”

dabi can’t even deny it. he just rolls his eyes and acts all tough 

then he asks, “you sure you’re not gonna get erased from the time continuum by telling us?”

the boy shrugs “i mean...i hope not”

it’s beyond y’all at this point

so you spend the day with the kid, who was named after Dabi (Touya Jr.), and it’s so obvious he’s a momma’s boy 

he helps you cook, set the table, and wash the dishes 

smiles at you like you’re the entire world

dabi is kind of jealous from all the attention you’re giving him 

fumes at the middle finger junior sneakily flips at him 

does it back 

claims to hate the kid but wipes the crumbs off his lip without hesitation

junior got the itis and is down for a nap

calls you two mom and dad before falling asleep 

you get all 🥺 and even dabi is a little nostalgic when junior disappears 

it’s quiet for a moment and then he says, 

“wanna do a practice round in baby-making. yknow? for the future”

you roll your eyes but you aint say no! 

Takami Keigo (Hawks):

hawks didn't expect to see a tiny kid on the edge of a building on his day off

there wasn't a lot that scared him, but he couldn't deny the fear hammering against his ribcage as he saw the child look around before jumping

thank goodness his speed wasn’t just talk

he caught the girl who didn't look a day past six 

he’s in the middle of giving her a huge lecture about safety and mental health, she just giggles and gives him the biggest kiss on the cheek 

“haha! i knew you’d catch me if i fall, papa~”

he’s too angry to even register what she called him

“that was totally dangerous, kid! what if i hadn't seen you? then what?”

“then i would fly” she said like it was the most obvious thing

he’s dumbstruck as two beautiful white wings sprout out of thin air and allow her to float next to the hero with ease 

hawks blinks bc yeah anyone could have wings, but he could tell that feather pattern from anywhere

it was his 

it was like his own fingerprint was staring at him 

did he accidentally knock someone up bc that would be a big uh-oh

y/n wouldn't like that at all

he asks the child who he is to her and she repeats, “papa~”

he then asks who the mother was and she goes, “mommy~”

she’s not the brightest crayon in the box, that’s for sure 

“what’s mommy’s name, kid,” he asks with the patience of a saint

“Takami Y/N~”

“you’re coming with me”

flys across the city with conviction

you’re lying on your bed, face mask on and reading a book in peace before your oh so wonderful boyfriend comes crashing through your open window

you don’t even flinch. so used to his surprise visits, you close the book and sigh

“to what do i owe the great pleasure of having you break into my house? again”

hawks holds the cute girl up, squishing her cheek as she laughs from the adventure they just went on

“mommy!”

“surprise!”

this time, you drop the book

eventually, with some cupcakes and chicken, the little girl tells you two about how she went to play with some kid and got zapped by a quirk and ended up here 

you also find out she’s the youngest of four

you look a little sick but keigo gives you a shit-eating grin

he’s so excited about having a family with you

you can’t deny the tingle in your heart

parades the girl around the house and they’re both laughing the same laugh, eyes bright with joy

it makes your heart hurt and now you have to join into the shenanigans 

you spend the day playing games, doing face masks, and reading books to fall asleep to

when you wake up, she’s gone but keigo’s arms are still firmly wrapped around your waist

“so now that you know i’m gonna trap you with four kids, when are you gonna pop the question?”  you joke 

but hawks isn’t laughing. instead, he’s smiling at you in a way that makes your eyes widen

he digs in his coat and pulls out the ring

“i was gonna try and make it a little more romantic. but why wait? so, what do ya say to taking my last name?”

[waiting4inspiration]

Her Eyes IX:  Into the Mountains

Summary: You choose to stay with your father and say goodbye to Geralt. Even though that was the plan since the beginning, it’s not a easy goodbye. Your father starts to teach you things you haven’t been taught on your way to the city buried in the mountains.

Warnings: angst, strong language, this will have a happy ending I promise, magical elements, mentions of bullying(?), little fluff, daughter-father bonding time

Word Count: 2,223

Her Eyes Masterlist II The Witcher Masterlist

It’s a silent journey. Geralt riding a long way in front of you and your father circling the skies above you, leaving you with your horse as your only company. Still, talking isn’t even a thought on your mind now. With your decision being made to stay with your father and live in the secret city filled with people like you, you’re not sure how you will say goodbye to Geralt after what happened last night. 

Before your father showed up and saved both you and the Witcher from those Magic Hunters, you had the mind of forgetting about being with people like you where you were so sure you’d carry on living your life alone because you refuse to be tossed around from man to man, finding out who will be compatible to you so you can have a family and just travel with Geralt. Now, with your father in the picture and his offer to teach far more than any Mage with towers filled with books can teach you… Everything has changed. You’ll have the family you wanted now that you have your father. And security for being hunted for your blood. 

You just hate having to say goodbye to someone you’ve grown so fond of. Someone to who you’d be willing to give your heart. Someone who might actually have your heart already. 

Coming to the foot of the mountain you had been traveling towards all day breaks you from your thoughts and makes your heart leap into your throat as your father lands slightly behind you, startling your horse a bit. “This is where we must part ways, Witcher,” Armen says, your head turning over your shoulder to look at him for a moment before you look back at Geralt. “(Y/n), this is where you say your goodbyes. To me, or to Geralt.”

You open your mouth to speak but stop when you hear Geralt dismounting his horse. He looks up at you, waiting for your reply, but you close your mouth again and drop your head between your shoulders. Then, you look up at your father, tears almost brimming your eyes and you gently nod your head at him. And when you look at Geralt again, he can see what it is you decided. He thought that it would be your decision. 

Dismounting your own horse and leading it towards Geralt, you clear your throat so that when you speak, your words won’t break. “Thank you,” you end up whispering, not trusting yourself enough to speak confidently. “For everything you’ve done for me. I was told to give you this upon my arrival.” Digging into the pouch on your saddle, you pull out a bag of coins to hand to him. 

It’s his payment from your uncle. Geralt had forgotten about this, that it started out as a job, and takes the bag from you with a small chuckle to himself. “I hope you’ll get everything you wanted,” he grunts, looking up from the bag to you as his smile falls. 

“I won’t. Not without…” You stop, swallow past the lump in your throat and breathe out a sigh to stop yourself from shedding any tears. “Here. Take my horse too. No doubt the mountain path is no place for a horse and he’ll fetch you a good price too,” you say, handing him the reins you hold and forcing a smile. “Especially if you mention that he’s-”

Geralt doesn’t let you finish speaking before he leans down, closing the space between you and him and pressing his lips to yours, his hand coming to touch the side of your face. You lean into his touch, kiss him back as you snake your arm around his neck to hold him close one more time. You thought he would be angry at you for your decision. But this doesn’t seem like anger. 

Armen with a soft grumble, as a cold wind blows down from the mountains making you slowly pull away from Geralt. But he holds you close for a few moments, his forehead resting against yours as his thumb caresses your cheek. “I hope, one day, I will see you again,” he whispers.

“I hope so too, Witcher.” Slowly, you pull away from him and turn to walk towards the path that leads into the mountains. 

With the sounds of your footsteps walking away from him, Geralt works on attaching the reins of your horse to his saddle so the horse can follow him, unaware that you have turned back to look at him one last time before venturing into the mountains, your father taking flight once again after a brief farewell and conveyance of gratitude for bringing you this far. 

Then, Geralt looks down at the bag of coin in his other hand. He opens it to quickly check how much he has been paid. But, on top of the golden orens lies a silver pendant with a dragon engraved in the metal. Slowly, he pulls it out of the bag by its chain and recognizes the older pendant you received from the traveler that told you of the Dragon-born city in the mountains. 

He turns to look at you over his shoulder but finds he is standing alone. He takes a deep breath, turns his head back around, and then quickly mounts his steed. Now, the best thing for him to do is put this place behind him. 

It’s quiet in the mountains. All you hear is the wind howling as it blows through the almost narrow path you travel and the flaps of your father’s wings as he flies overhead. The path has a few difficulties along the way, especially as it gets darker with the setting sun. And even though it’s quiet around you, your mind is busy and loud. 

Armen lands on top of the peak of the rocky wall in front of you, shifting to distribute his weight evenly, and then looks down at you. “We should stop here for the night.”

“I can keep going,” you mention, turning your attention back to the path that lies ahead and you take one step forward. 

“Venturing through the mountains without a clear mind will surely end in disaster,” he says in a booming voice that echoes through your mind. You stop in your tracks, stare into the dimming light in front of you as you breathe out a heavy sigh. “Look back. Look at where you’ve come from.”

You close your eyes and shake your head to yourself. You don’t want to look back. Looking back will only remind you that you chose your father over Geralt. Looking back will remind you of what you left behind and what you said goodbye to. You only want to look forward. But, you slowly turn around. 

When you open your eyes again, you see the path you had taken weaving all the way through an open expanse. You had not realized you were walking through this area because you had been stuck in your own head. 

“You could walk right through that nearing city and you wouldn’t even know it until you got to the other side of this mountain,” Armen says, lowering his head down, slightly closer to you. “A muddled mind leads to chaos. Chaos leads -”

“To dangerous affairs,” you finish his sentence, having been told that Akius after the incident where you almost lost control. “I know. I just can’t stop thinking. My thoughts are running through my mind and I can’t stop them.” You look up at him as you shake your head. Surely, there is nothing you can do about that. You can’t control how loud your thoughts can get. 

“You have been holding back on your magic because of fear. I saw that when I told you to lose control.” You frown up at him, tilt your head slightly to the side as you realize that when the magic hunter attacked. “You cannot learn to grow if you are afraid of what you can do.”

“I am not afraid.”

“Then let it go,” he challenges, nodding towards the empty field. “Lose control. Let your power flow through you without any restriction,” he urges and you feel something growing deep inside you. It’s the same feeling you had when you almost burnt down half of your uncle’s kingdom. “There are no repercussions here, (Y/n). Only freedom.”

You close your eyes, tune in to the fiery feeling growing inside you. When you open your eyes again, looking down at your arms, you see that small wisps of fire are flickering off the top of your skin. They travel all the way to the ends of your fingertips and when you look up at your father, he nods out to the open area behind you. 

Turning to face back the way you came, you hold your arms out in front of you and forget everything Akius taught you about control. You remember how people looked at you with a cautious eye everywhere you went as if they were scared that you were going to set something on fire due to your reputation. You remember how they would look at you and then whisper something about your eyes. You remember how you never felt like you were a part of them like you would never fit in with their society. 

Then, like a wave of relief, you let that all go. And fire streams out of your hands like how your father would breathe fire. 

When it’s finished, you sigh and lower your arms as you slowly open your eyes and to gasp at the raging fire in the open field that you cause. The bushes and shrubs are all burning and the destruction that will be left behind will all be because of you. But, the relief you feel inside you, letting everything go, it’s the best feeling you have ever felt. 

“Fire eventually dies. It burns the brightest when it is released but eventually, it dies and settles. And it leaves room for growth,” your father says, staring out into the flames you have created as you turn your head to look up at him. “Soon, I hope you will see it’s beauty as I do. And I hope you will not keep it burning inside you. Many Dragon-borns have died because of it.” He looks down at you when he says that but you turn your gaze to the fire in front of you, feeling the heat on your face as you watch the shrubs burning to sticks and then to the ground. 

“I don’t understand. Why was I taught to control everything if it would end up killing me?” you ask, shaking your head as you turn your gaze up to your father again. 

He turns, you can see he is ready to take off to the skies again so you turn to carry on walking on the path, leaving the burning field behind you. “You were taught wrong. You should not have been taught to control by holding everything in, but to control by knowing how much to let go. Have you let everything go?” You nod your head. “Good. Because we will need a fresh start if you are to learn things properly.” 

“So, everything I taught was wrong?”

Armen chuckles, flaps his wings, and lifts off of his perch. “Not everything. But most things. Come. The city is most alive at night.”

“I thought you didn’t want me to carry on tonight,” you mention, a smile growing on your face as you watch him fly above you. 

“I didn’t want you going on with a troubled mind. I think that has changed. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be talking to me right now. Or am I wrong?” 

No, he’s not. You’ve never felt more like talking to him than you do now. Your mind feels clear and quiet for the first time since you parted with Geralt. And you want to know more. You want to ask your father all the questions you’ve kept in your mind. Now that you are alone with him, you feel it is the best time to ask him. 

You lick your lips as you step over a fallen rock, press your hand to the stone wall to support yourself, and think of your first question to ask him. “Do I have any brothers or sisters?” It wasn’t a question you had hoped to one day ask him and it just came to your mind after thinking about how many people like you are in this city. You wonder if there will be any that share your parentage.

“I have only ever loved your mother,” he says with a laugh, looking down at you as he flies above you. “You will also learn, some dragons reproduce just because they can. Their children often end up being not so different. It is wise to stay away from them.”

“You’ll help me with that, won’t you?” you ask, stopping before you have to squeeze through a gap in the rocks. You know there is a hint of fear in your voice and you’re not ashamed of it. You think your father should know that you're scared of something happening to you. 

“I will be there to help you whenever you call on me.”

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[littlemisssquiggles]

So I have SEVERAL feelings over the gif and am super worried over Ruby's expression, her being separated from her team in the snow, the fact that Oscar's taking her place at the head of RWBY, and the fact that Ruby is aligned with Yang who is mentioned to be "suspicious" AND I AM NOT READY

Hiya Miki-chan. Weirdly enough, despite what the intro GIF teased, this squiggle meister took a more light-hearted reaction to it, to be honest.

I know some folks are assuming that Oscar taking Ruby’s place alongside WBY as a stance on him replacing Ruby as leading the group and…I for one, didn’t really see it that way.

For me, I looked at it as a sign that perhaps Oscar may take a more supportive stance besides Ruby; not necessarily taking her place as leader but more as being a right hand to her---y’know like an advisor to aid her in these troubling times when tensions are high and the overall trust within the team is suffering because of it. For me, I took this as us potentially seeing Oscar help Ruby to mend the broken bonds within their team, thus restoring what they once had.

It made me think back to the Little Prince and the lesson he learnt from the fox---a lesson about love and responsibility. About one being responsible for what you tame. The Fox told the Prince that he was responsible for his rose as he was the one who cared for her, and that what’s made her the most unique to him in a world full of roses.

It is because of this why I always latched onto the concept of Oscar being a support for Ruby and strangely enough, we’ve seen Oscar take a helpful role towards Ruby in the past.

We saw him take this position back during the dojo moment in V5 when Ruby wasn’t being honest regarding her repressed emotions over the events of the Fall of Beacon. We saw Oscar take this stance again in V6 in Argus when Ren questioned the room of a proper plan of action to stop Salem and we see Oscar look to Ruby, who appeared distraught as she had no answer to give. From there, we then saw Oscar try to speak up in a move that gave the impression that he was trying to emulate Ruby in that moment---trying to be a voice of reason and optimism while simultaneously diverting all the negative attention that Ruby was receiving onto himself in a sense.

Consecutively, this is later followed up by Oscar attempting to reassure Ruby of their plan back in Argus when she appeared troubled over Qrow’s behaviour.

Basically what I’m getting at is that, I’ve always liked the thought of Oscar being a “fuel to Ruby’s spark”. Since the forces of evil have threatened to break Ruby’s indomitable spirit and snuff out that light of hers, I liked the idea of Oscar becoming someone who makes it his duty to keep Ruby’s spark alive.

I based it off of this analogy I shared back in my musings from V5. Ruby is often described as possessing an unquantifiable spark. A spark is type of a flame. A flame that burns brightly to ignite the way and guide those lost to the darkness like a beacon in the night. However even the brightest of flames cannot burn forever. Eventually that flames grows weary---starts to dim until eventually its burnt out.

But do you know what is often used to keep a fire going? Wood.

Oscar’s last name is Pine and pine is a type of wood. Therefore, should Ruby’s spark start to dim. Should her spirit slowly start to break from all the pressures placed on her, I love the concept of Oscar being the one to reignite it---providing Ruby with that same burst of inspiration that she’s always provided him. Therefore Oscar becomes someone of great importance to Ruby as he becomes a source of motivation for her. Someone to keep her going and be a beacon of hope to her when she starts to go astray and feel her spark dwindling. A fuel to a spark powered by an unyielding heart of loyalty love and bathed in a golden light as bright as the sun.

That what’s I’m picturing Oscar to become for Ruby in terms of his significance to her. Even if romance isn’t in the cards for the rosebuds, I’d still love for Oscar’s relationship with Ruby to be meaningful and unique to them; just like the bond between the prince and his true rose.

And let’s not forget that…Oscar has already acknowledged Ruby’s vulnerability and understands it. What I mean by this is that that despite Ruby being christened as the voice of hope and encouragement within her group---the one everyone turns to for leadership, Oscar has already realized that this also means that Ruby has a lot of pressure placed on her because of the badge of leadership that’s been put on her by those around. Hence the comment he made to Ozpin back in V5CH5.

“…She really is remarkable, isn’t she?”

“Yeah. She must’ve been one of these best huntresses at Beacon, huh?”

“In some ways yes but in many others, no. She has her quirks. Her faults, just like everyone else. But she also possesses something unquantifiable. A spark that can inspire others even in the darkest of times.”

“…This must be really hard on her too.”

“It’s most assuredly is.”

In the beginning, Oscar reacts the Ruby the same way others who grow to admire her usual do. He is enamoured by her remarkability, as Oz put it. However the instant Oz goes even further into giving his own impression of Ruby and mentions that she is a person of inspiration to others, Oscar’s impression of her changes a little as he took Ruby’s role as leader as her also having a lot of expectations placed on her (like him) and he gets it immediately.

And that’s another reason why I loved the V5 dojo scene. It says so much about Oscar without saying a lot and it’s great.

Ironically enough, it’s AFTER this brief conversation with Oz where I noticed Oscar taking up a more dedicated approach towards Ruby---immediately being one of the first few people to run to her side after she’s hurt by Emerald during the Battle of Haven. Defying  even Ozpin---his other half essentially--- and fighting against him to possible protect Ruby from Oz when the ole soul’s desperation to prevent Ruby from using the lamp to uncover the truth got the better of him. And the list can go on.

Oscar understands the weight that Ruby feels and probably will feel even more now as she is basically placed in the same position that Oz was back during the events of V6. When the group turned on Oz, Oscar was pretty much the one to feel the brunt of the ole soul’s emotions after he chose to isolate himself. That being said, I can see Oscar not wishing to see the same thing happen to Ruby so like I said, I’m hoping his position in the opening will hint at him becoming an advisor or crutch to Ruby, standing by her side and working with her to mend everything.

That being said, I’m not saying I’m expecting Oscar to be a blind follower of Ruby, choosing to “follow her lead”. One thing I love about Oscar’s character is that while he may appear apprehensive at times, he’s never afraid to speak his mind and let others know exactly what he’s thinking and he’s not one to sugar coat either.

Oscar is rather blunt but still articulate in the way he expresses himself. It’s never vague with Oscar. He’s quite upfront about his thoughts and fears. While it may take him some time to open up, whenever he does get the courage to speak up, he always does so in a manner that commands the room or practically demands that his voice is heard by those around him.

And another trait I admire about Oscar is that he isn’t afraid to share his opinions even when he outright disagrees with someone’s stance on a particular subject. If he feels as if someone’s actions are wrong or may lead to issues, Oscar doesn’t withhold those feelings. He lets them know as highlighted when he was the first character to oppose Ruby’s decision to deceive the General. He was also quite upfront about his disagreement with the General’s actions towards the People of Mantle and progression of Amity Tower. Oscar even tried to warn the General of the path he was taking and while things still ended poorly, you still have to admire Oscar’s character in these moments.

To me, this is one of the moments that highlighted why I would consider Oscar to be our SECOND smaller, more honest soul next to Ruby. This is why I want to see him step up and be a voice of comfort and wisdom to Ruby in these times. Whether or not Ruby choses to heed his words isn’t really the factor here. I just want to see this dynamic done since this could provide an amazing opportunity to see the friendship that’s been slowly building between the rosebuds for the past few seasons truly start to flourish.

V8 could spark the moment when the Rosegarden bond fully blooms into a beautiful relationship---be it a really great friendship built on trust and understanding or perhaps something more.

Oscar is loyal to Ruby, yes. And he believes in her, yes. He also trusts her wholeheartedly, yes. However if he fears that her actions are leading her down a dark path, he will tell her so. And unlike other characters, Oscar will tell Ruby this to her face---not in a manner that condescends or belittles her---but in his own way. Firm yet understanding (like how we saw back in V5CH5).

Basically what I’m saying here is that I can trust Oscar to always being upfront with Ruby about his concerns and opinions on her actions and decisions which…is something I would like to say for the rest of her team but…I can’t. Not really.

Weiss and Blake may have their feelings and concerns but in the end, they are more or less written off as sheep perfectly content with following the herd led by Ruby as their shepherd (even if that headship ultimately winds them in a den of wolves). And while Yang had been highlighted to not be entirely complacent with her sister’s leadership (as we saw during the events of V7), it still bugs me how Yang went behind Ruby’s back the way she did last season.

It almost felt…uncharacteristic for her to do this considering that Yang has been described as someone who has always looked out for Ruby as both the older sibling and surrogate parent to her. So why have Yang go behind, not just Ruby’s back, but the whole hero team to be an informant to Robyn Hill and then…NOT disclose this info to the rest of the her teammates. Only Blake knew and like I said, Blake is a sheep, fine with following Yang’s lead despite not doing anything herself to inform the others of what the Bees did together.

In reviewing the episode where this essentially took place---V7CH7: Worse Case Scenario---Yang is the one who basically gave Blake the go ahead to inform Robyn of the truth behind Amity when the two cornered her in the alleyway. Yang was even the first to talk and tell Robyn of Ironwood’s plans to send the Ace Ops to detain her.

“…If Ironwood wants me, he’ll have to send more than a couple of kids.”

“He is. Stopping the trucks alerted the Ace Ops. We don’t have long before they arrive so please listen to us.”

Yang spoke first. There is an even a shot in that very episode where Blake goes to spill the beans to Robyn but looks to Yang first for validation and it’s only when Yang nods in agreement when Blake finally shares. Although Blake is the one who told Robyn about the plans for Amity, it was Yang who practically gave her the go-ahead.

So while Blake is an accomplice, I’m going to place full responsibility for this tactic on Yang since she made the first call and also encouraged Blake to reveal the truth. Ruby’s choice to deceive was bad, yes but we cannot ignore Yang’s own choices to deceive in this mix which is also very problematic and could prove more dangerous than one might realize.

And given how there seems to be this talk in the FNDM about Yang being the one to apprehend Ruby for her actions inV7….I'm going to be blunt with you, Miki-chan. If the show does what you think they're gonna do by having Yang be the one who either calls Ruby out for the mistakes she made from her decisions or have Yang be the voice of doubt against Ruby, basically placing her in the same role as she did with Oz back in V6, I'm honestly going to hate it.

Let me explain why I REALLY don’t like this angle. I said this before back in V6 and I'll say it again here, Yang Xiao Long has no right calling anyone out for their deceit or secrets when she is NO innocent party.

May I remind everyone that the only reason that the group ended up needing to transport the Lamp of Knowledge to Atlas in the first place was because Yang boldly told Raven Branwen---the Spring Maiden to leave her with the Relic allowing Salem to come after her and the others as opposed to advising her to seal the lamp back into its respective vault.

“…Yeah I’m scared but I’m still standing here. I’m not like you. I won’t run which is why you’re going to give me the relic.”

“And why would I ---“ “Because you’re afraid of Salem! And if you thought having maiden powers will put a target on your back, imagine what she would do if she finds out that you have a relic. She will come after you with everything she has. Or she can come after me and I’ll be standing there, waiting for her.”

“You don’t want to do this.” “Nope but I’m gonna do it anyway.”

As noble as this was of Yang to do in the moment, it was still HER decision to have Salem target the hero group for the Relic instead of her mother. It was a choice she made of her own accord and it’s a choice she hasn’t disclosed to anyone since the impression after V5 is that beyond Raven disappearing again, Yang hasn’t told anyone else of what was said and revealed down in the Vault of the Spring Maiden. Even when Qrow asked her about it during the V5 finale, she basically told him…well…a half-truth.

“…What happened?” “I don’t know exactly. When I got down there, Cinder was gone and Vernal was dead.” “And Raven?” “Gone.”

The half-truth is that Raven did leave but not before Yang figured out that she was the Spring Maiden and not before Yang told her to leave the lamp in her possession instead of sealing the lamp back in its vault. May I remind everyone that Yang also didn't tell anyone that Raven---her mother---is the Spring Maiden?

And may I also remind everyone that Yang (along with Blake) was the one who went behind the group's back and told Robyn Hill about Amity. A detail that neither she nor Blake disclosed to the rest of the team.

“…This isn’t over yet. We’re with you.” “Are you with me?” “Sir?” “…How did Robyn know about the Global Communications Project?” “We told her. The night of the ambush.”

At least with Ruby, everyone was aware that Ruby made the call to lie to Ironwood about Salem including Oscar who basically sorted that out for Ruby (even though it SHOULD have been Ruby herself taking responsibility for her own actions in my opinion). However no one knew what Yang had done with Blake with Robyn which was why they all seemed pleasantly surprised when Ironwood brought it up. Blake and Yang were the only two members of RWBY who knew about this detail and note that Ironwood didn’t bring up the group deceiving him about Salem.

Again, that part was ironed out thanks to Oscar. But the part about Robyn, that part James didn’t know about. And unfortunately for our heroes, neither did they.

Yet…Yang phrased it as if RWBY had told Robyn when in fact, it was just Yang and Blake who made that call while Ruby and Weiss were clearly in the dark as evidenced by their troubled expressions at the Aces’ and Ironwood’s reactions to the news.

You're seeing my issue with Yang being the one to call Ruby out? If Yang ends up being the one doubtful of Ruby or "suspicious" of her actions/decisions, it'll pretty much be a rehash of V7.

Most of us thought it was mighty hypocritical for Ruby to be deemed in the right for choosing to lie to Ironwood following the group's chastising of Oz for withholding important information (the same info mind you) from them.

So wouldn't it be ultra mega hypocritical of Yang to be the one to doubt Ruby's actions and leadership based on her decisions and mistakes when...technically it was Yang's actions---an action she didn't tell her team---that provided the other end of the final straw that ultimately broke Ironwood and caused him to turn against the hero team.

While what Ruby did started it, what Yang did ended it in a sense because as I’ll point out again, AT LEAST Ironwood knew about what Ruby did, thanks to Oscar. But no one knew what Yang did. Except for Blake.

But her own sister. Their  own aforementioned leader didn't know and I'm sorry, THAT needs to be addressed.

While I'm fine with Ruby being called out, Yang needs to be called out too. I will be so mad if Yang is treated as being in the right again while her own actions go unscathed.

It upset me when Yang had the gall to call out Oz for his lies and secrets while sitting on her own and it would bother me to know ends if it is done again for Ruby.

Yang cannot be the "good cop" or sheriff to bring Ruby to justice for her actions. She's got her own skeletons to be unearthed and thrown on the floor, exposed and raw for all to judge and I honestly hope this happens for V8 finally. 

Let it be a western style dual. Let both parties draw fire to take out each other. Let it be a case where both Ruby and Yang start to mirror Oz and Ironwood’s dynamic from way back in V2. Both parties don't agree with each other's decisions despite being close allies. Both parties have their own methods of helping the people and believe them to be in the right when in actuality they both end up being the catalysts to further cause more problems within their team; dividing them even further.

Instead of Yang being planted on some high horse and made to be the judge that hangs Ruby for her mistakes while continuing to hide her own, I want BOTH SISTERS be held accountable for driving a deeper wedge between their group only for Oscar Pine to end up having to be the middleman to come in and help repair it all.

And I say Oscar of all characters, not just because I’m a Pinehead and want to see more development for my favourite little prince but mainly because like it or not, Oscar HAS to be the one to be in the middle of this shitstorm since...in essence, this all started with Ozma and was prolonged by Ozpin.

And as Ozma's current heir succeeding Oz, Oscar will probably see it as his own duty to fix everything sparked by his predecessors.

Oscar already has faith in Ruby and if him spending time with Yang down in Mantle could lend to him learning to have faith in her too then this could ultimately lend to him desiring to quell the tension between both sisters that’s slowly affecting their faction, henceforth working to reconcile everything with everyone.

I’ve expressed how much I would like to see Oscar mend the broken bonds within his team and I still want that above anything else to be part of his arc for this coming season. 

The hero team dynamic needs a reboot; with everyone being cleared of their past false actions so that they can start anew with everyone on a clean page with one another and a better willingness to trust each other now that they've all experienced what deceit and secrecy amongst allies can do.

I want this so much and I want Oscar to play a big part in making it happen. 

I don’t wanna hear “Ruby is our protagonist and she has to fix everything” or “Yang will be our stan queen for V8 to call Ruby out”.  NO! 

Both girls have fucked up! Everyone has fucked up!

Including my boy. The difference is that at least Oscar knows he’s fucked up. He is AT LEAST aware of his fuckery unlike Yang and Ruby and the rest of the hero team which is why I need Oscar to be the one to pull everyone up for their shit.

Since who better to do it than the person whose shares a body with the man whose made more mistakes than any man, women and child on Remnant, am I right? 

 Even now as we head into V8, I don’t think Ruby and Yang are aware of the consequences of their own mistakes. None of them seem to be. All the more reason why I think they require the wisdom and guidance of another smaller, more honest soul---one whose seen it from BOTH sides of the coin and can now make a call to better help everyone as a whole.

That's what I'd like to see. Not sure if this changes how you feel Miki-chan but that's how I see it.

P.S. On another note, if it’s any further consolation, I’m not ready for V8 either 8V 

Like it still hasn’t quite hit me as yet even when the episode is literally tomorrow. All I will say is that I NEED to see that opening. Based on how things are staged from the teaser, that opening and the visuals that tells what we’ll see for that season will be what gets me into V8.

But we’ll see XD 

~LittleMissSquiggles (2020)

[surveys-at-your-service]

Survey #359

“i’m only a crack in this castle of glass  /  hardly anything there for you to see”

Do you look better with your hair down or up? It's too short to go up. Has you mom ever directly told you that she favoured your other sibling(s) over you? Yeesh, no. Have you ever read The Outsiders? Seen the movie? Read the book, seen the movie. Adore both. What’s your favourite drink from Jamba Juice? I don't think we have those here. Can you stand eating the crusts of a slice of sandwich bread? I don't mind the crust at all. Do you do your homework at home or in class? Prior to college, I did my work right after getting home to get it out of the way. In college, I did it in-between classes or when waiting for Mom to finish class. Do you feel uncomfortable sharing drinks with other people? Yes, I never do it. Do you get jealous if your boyfriend hugs another girl? I'm single, but hypothetically, I wouldn't... It's just a hug. At least for me, it's just a friendly gesture. Is there something that happened in your past you hate talking about? A few things, yes. Is it hard for you to be “just friends” with the opposite sex? Nah. If you had to choose, what color is your favorite? Baby pink. How many times have you dated the person you’re with now? I’m single. Has anyone suspected you of being a different sexuality? Yes. Do you like chocolate or vanilla cake more? Chocolate. Does it bother you to have blood drawn or not so much? Nah. What color is your toothbrush? It's a white electric one. Do you normally fall asleep fast or slow? Ridiculously slow. Have you ever had a severe allergic reaction? No. What do you want to be for Halloween this year? I'd love to dress up as like a Ms. Oogie Boogie and take some cool pictures, but I highly doubt it'll actually happen. What color are your glasses, if applicable? Black. Do you still look in the toy aisle, or do you pass it by? I walk past it. What are your summer fashion essentials? I don't have fashion essentials for any season. Do you have your own website? For my photography, yeah. Do you think you would be a good salesperson? Ha, no. I worked in retail before and I fucking sucked. Do you like candy corn? NO. Just colored wax, ugh. Do you like to wear skirts? I don't wear anything that shows my legs. Were you happy as a kid? Yeah. That, talkative, and hyper. Favorite store to browse but not really buy anything? Haha, I LOVE going on MorphMarket now and again to browse the ball pythons especially, but boy if I had the cash and space would I buy like fifty of them at once. I don't really know about a store I like browsing but not buying from. Skittles or Sour Patch Kids? Both are great, but I guess Sour Patch Kids. BUT, if you throw SOUR Skittles in there... then it's a war lol. If tattoos were free, how many would you have? A HELL OF A LOT. I wanna be just about totally painted. Do you wear a retainer at night? Not anymore. I had one, but I stopped using it. Are you afraid of dolls, puppets, or clowns? I'm not a doll person, particularly porcelain ones. When you’re in your room, do you keep the door locked? No. It's not even closed. Do you think your face is mostly symmetrical? Actually no, and I'm self-conscious about it. Stupidest thing you have ever said out loud? OH Christ, I'm not retrospecting on this. What’s your least favourite ice-cream flavour? That I've actually tried, strawberry. It's disgusting. What was the last good news you heard? I got approved for TMS therapy! Who was the last person to comment on your Facebook status? My friend Lyndsey. How did you meet him/her? World of Warcraft. She's actually my guild master, and she is the sweetest damn person. Have you ever learned any self-defense? If not, would you be interested in learning? I haven't, but yeah, I'd like to. When was the last time you took a nap? How long was it? Yesterday. For some reason, I actually slept a LONG time, like at least three, but probably close to four, hours. I mean I was tired, but I didn't feel THAT tired. Do you like Gushers? YAAAAAAAAAAS What would you do if you could do anything without failing? Actually get a degree for SOMETHING. What is your native language? English. Do you have a younger brother or sister? A younger sister. If so do/did they really get on your nerves? No. We were very close as kids, but we've drifted apart. Now, she absolutely doesn't get on my nerves. I'm so proud of her. Name something that happened to you that was completely unexpected. Uhhh I dunno. Do you judge people that have multiple piercings? Lol wtf? No. Do you watch the Olympics? No. What did you have for breakfast this morning? I had Kix cereal. Do you like orange juice? Yes. So long as it doesn't have pulp in it. Do you think it’s cruel to keep an animal in a cage while you’re away? It depends on the size of the cage as well as how long you're away. Do you have a pet gecko? No, but I'd love a fat-tailed gecko. Are you scared of reptiles? Not at all, I adore them. Is your car messy? I don't have my own car. Mom's kinda is, though. It needs a wash badly, but because of her bumper literally being zip-tied on, she doesn't trust going into a car wash. And neither of us are about to do it manually, lol. Have you ever seen the show 16 and Pregnant? No, fuck that show. Do you buy expensive clothes? No. Does death scare you? Not really. What are your current goals? Conquer my social anxiety, get a job, lose weight, do something to strengthen my legs... Those are the four biggies. Do you clap or cheer when at a concert? I did both at the one I've been to. Do you drink coffee? What brand? No. Do you use a comb or brush? A comb. When you were younger, did you ever do that exclamation point that looked like an upside down triangle and had a really big dot? No. I loved the cutesy girl handwriting though, haha. I just could never do it. You’re locked in a room with the person you last dated, any problems? Well yeah, we're locked in a room lmao. What kind of relationship do you have with the last person you kissed? It's perfectly fine, we're best friends. Have you ever gotten burnt by a cigarette? No. Do you get mad when people smoke around you? Yes. Honestly, have you ever eaten raw cookie dough? Yeah, more than once. When was the last time you were on a city bus? Never. Do you have a garden? Does it have flowers, vegetables, or both? No. Where do you want to raise your kids? Who said I even want kids? Have you ever been to Cracker Barrel? Yessssss, good shit. Have you ever seen a ghost? I think I have. Have you ever burned an ant with a magnifying glass? No. Have you ever been to craigslist.com? Yes. Have you ever used Nair? Yes, on my legs. It works, I just have stupidly hairy legs that need so much to get it all. How many tabs do you have open and what are they? Two YouTube tabs and then Tumblr. What browser do you prefer to use? Chrome. What room are you in right now? My bedroom. Are you excited for anything this month? 1.) I get my tattoo on the 19th, and 2.) I start TMS next Wednesday. What language course did you take in school, if any? I barely survived one semester of Latin, then I did all four available German courses. What language would you most like to learn? I'd love to improve my German. What would you like to get a degree in? Photography. What book are you reading, what genre is it and do you like it so far? Wings of Fire: The Brightest Night. It's young adult fantasy, I think. Did you ever sometimes flip through your text books even when you didn’t need to? Yeah, mainly to just look at pictures because I was that bored in class, haha. What types of magazines do you read? None. Would you prefer to read a book, watch a movie or TV show, or play a video game? Play a video game. What’s your current relationship like with the person you lost your virginity to and do you wish it was different? We don't have any relationship anymore. I don't regret losing it to him, if that's what you're asking. If you mean our relationship stance, it'd be nice to still be in touch with him, but I know it wouldn't be healthy for me. Have you ever felt responsible for someone’s death? Pets, yes. No humans. What was the last book you recommended to someone? Idk. What’s the most difficult thing you and your current or last significant other have gone through? Distance was very hard. What’s your best memory with your ex? I'm going to assume this refers to "the ex." In which case, we were "play arguing," and I came storming into the kitchen after him to make a point, and I slid mid-sentence, and he caught me. We just held each other laughing our asses off. It's the simple things, man. Who was the last person that asked to hang out with you and what’s the story of how you met that person? Summer. My little sister and her were in pre-k together and became friends, but I gradually became closer to her than Nicole did when we were teens. Has anyone ever asked you out and you turned them down? Yes. Is there something you generally always ask for help with? Yeah. Like recently I've been having apples and peanut butter a lot, and I ask my mom to cut the apple because I'm terrified of knives. Do you feel comfortable telling people how much you weigh? NOPE. Have you looked at any old photos of yourself lately? No. In a relationship, have you ever been on and off with your partner? No. Do you consider cooking to be an art? Yes. Are you a fast or slow reader? I'd say I read at a moderate pace. Does it take a lot to gross you out? It depends on what it is, but I am actually more squeamish than I used to be.

[utanoprince-imagines]

When the Cherry Blossom Fades

Prompt: Your last date with Masato

Character(s): Masato/Reader

Genre: Angst

Word count: 1,645

Warnings: None!

A/N: Hello! I decided to challenge myself and try a hand at writing angst! I’m usually all for writing fluff since it makes me happy, but I decided to branch out a little! I hope you enjoy reading this! Thank you!

Read on Ao3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/23958646

You weren’t sure when it all started. Gradually you noticed your relationship with him slowly slipping away. Both of you stopped texting each other in the morning, you no longer found the motivation to meet up with him after work, choosing to spend your dinner time alone in front of the television instead of your boyfriend. Your weekends were filled with appointments - but they were for yourself only. 

Once in a while the two of you would sit at a cafe after lunch together, sipping on coffee. But the entire date was in silence, with words barely exchanged between the both of you. It wasn’t like you ran out of things to talk about, the usual you would have told him every small detail about your day - how your morning toast was slightly burnt beyond your liking or how you met a stray cat on your way to the office.

It was as if the two of you became complete strangers. 

Eventually, you knew it was time to call it quits, and you knew your boyfriend thought the same. 

You dropped him a text, basically telling him that your relationship was going nowhere and it was better to break up. You stared at the screen for a moment, waiting for a reply. Somehow it brought upon a bitter feeling, despite knowing that your relationship was close to hopeless.

“Can you promise me one more thing?” came the reply, leaving you confused.

You replied with a “yes, what is it?”

You knew your boyfriend wasn’t a bad person. He never hurt you out of spite, and even if he hurt you unintentionally, he always immediately apologised. He always meant well, he always had good intentions. 

It really made you wonder - where did it all go wrong? 

A couple of minutes later his reply came again “Just the two of us, one last time, I want to see the cherry blossoms.”

~~

Going to see the cherry blossoms every spring was something the two of you had been doing together for the past three years. It was a date you constantly looked forward to, the both of you would happily try to catch any falling petals. When you got tired from walking, you would sit on a bench beneath a tree and talk about the things you wanted to do in the future, from going overseas together to getting married.

Nothing of that sort was going to ever happen. It was going to be your fourth and final time looking at the cherry blossoms together.

You let out a deep sigh as you opened your wardrobe to find a sweater to wear. Though the weather allowed for you to dress lightly, you knew the spring breeze would eventually pick up later in the day, and you didn’t want to end your last date trembling from the cold. 

Shuffling through your clothes, your eyes landed on a particular knitted sweater. It was a gift from your boyfriend when the two of you were in the early stages of your relationship. It was some time in autumn, and you had gone out to catch a movie with him. Not knowing that the temperature was going to drop during the night, you left the house underdressed. The moment you left the mall to walk home together, you felt the chills and instinctively tried to wrap your hands around yourself to provide your body with the needed warmth. Your boyfriend saw what you were doing, and immediately dragged you back into the mall to buy you a new one. 

Today wasn’t exactly the right occasion to wear a piece of clothing which carried so much meaning to you, but you weren’t given much of a choice, looking at how your other sweaters were either too thick or too thin.  

Grabbing your bag and keys, you stepped out of the house.��

~~

It was a silent commute to the park, with the only sound being the soft music playing through your earphones. 

You had the time to think about your relationship. No matter how you looked at it, you couldn’t comprehend where everything turned sour. Despite both of you being introverts, you managed to click well with one another, and every silence the both of you had was never awkward. You never had a major fight with him, and small arguments were always resolved as quickly as they appeared.

Was it just the gods above telling you that it was not meant to be? Was this the cruelty of fate that you heard so often of from your friends?

Reaching the park, you had caught sight of other couples already there, walking along the pathway, hand in hand, wearing the brightest smiles on their faces. You felt a pang of jealousy in your chest - you used to be like that. 

You took a seat at one of the benches near a convenience store, waiting for your boyfriend to come. Looking at the breathtaking scenery in front of you, you weren’t sure if you were to feel happy or upset that the relationship was ending like that. You hoped that you would be able to enjoy the cherry blossoms without your feelings getting in the way. 

~~

Not more than five minutes later, you spotted a familiar figure approaching from a distance. Standing up from the bench, you forced a small smile on your face as you greeted him,

“Hijirikawa-san.” 

Likewise, Masato greeted you politely, a similar smile seen on his face. His gaze fell onto the sweater you were wearing, and it looked as if he wanted to say something, but held back. 

You then felt him look at your hands and you realised it was because you were wearing a bandage on one finger. You had hurt yourself earlier in the day while trying to fix one of the loose buttons on your shirt. Pricking yourself with the needle was never a problem when you lived with Masato, he was always good with his hands, while you fell more on the rough side.

He looked concerned and you shyly told him that it wasn’t serious and that it would heal up in no time.

You hated this. How the two of you went from lovers to seemingly two people who first met on a blind date. But you also knew that at this point, it was unavoidable. 

Walking side by side, silence hung between the both of you as you directed your gaze at the cherry blossoms slowly cascading down onto the pavement. Masato was the first to break the silence, asking you if you had been well recently. You told him that work had been a lot more manageable recently, and that you were getting along well with your colleagues.

“I’m glad.” He replied.

There wasn’t much meaning in the conversation shared between the both of you, just small talk here and there. Once in a while the both of you would reminisce about things that happened when you were dating, but those conversations didn’t last long, it appeared that the both of you didn’t want to touch on that topic. 

Before you knew it, you had reached the end of the pathway, the last cherry blossom tree just right in front of your eyes. It was coming to an end - the day, the date and the relationship. Both of you stopped in your footsteps, simultaneously looking at the tree in front of you. 

Somehow, both of you never wanted the day to end. 

“(y/n)-san.” Masato called out gently.

Reaching into his front pocket, he pulled out something small, like a charm of some sort. He took your hand and gently placed it in your palm.

It was a happiness charm, and at first glance you could tell that he had personally made it. The stitching pattern was all too familiar to you.

“I know it was a difficult request, but thank you for meeting with me today. I hope this charm serves as a proper parting gift. I still love you, and I’m sorry things didn’t work out. I hope that in the future, you’ll be able to find the happiness and comfort that I couldn’t provide you.”

You bit your lip, trying your hardest not to let a single tear slip.

“Thank you, I love you too. Please be happy and healthy from now on.” You replied, your voice shaking slightly.

Reluctantly, Masato bid you farewell as he walked off. You stood frozen in your position, looking on as you saw the figure of the man you once loved so much leave, your hand still clutching on tightly to the charm he gave you.

He was out of sight, but he wasn’t out of your mind yet. 

You placed the charm inside your bag, your legs picking up the courage to finally make your way home. Cherry blossoms continued to fall, decorating the path in front of you.

~~

Reaching home, you took out the happiness charm from your bag and held onto it as you slumped in front of your room door. You looked at the charm in your hand, your fingers gently running over the soft fabric.

And then, you cried.  

You let all the tears you’ve been holding back out, you buried your face into the sweater, your chest hurting more with each wail you let out. You missed him, you missed him so much, and you felt helpless that there was nothing you could do to mend the broken relationship. In your mind, you already knew that there was no way you could love another man like him ever again, your relationship with him was the most precious one you have ever had and yet it didn’t work out. 

You prayed, with all your heart, you poured your entire soul into it, that when the cherry blossom fades, your lingering feelings for him would disappear too.

[keelywolfe]

FIC: Like the Weather (pre-spicyhoney)

Summary: Snowdin is bitterly cold, no matter what universe you're in and Edge should know when to come in from the cold.

Notes: I'm trying to use NaNo this year as an inspiration to catch up on my WIP's, but I had the urge for something melancholy today.

Pre-spicyhoney and I don't usually write in this tense, so forgive me my mistakes.

~~*~~

Read it on AO3

or

Read it here!

~~*~~

It’s chillingly cold.

It’s always cold in Snowdin, every version of it, and Edge is well accustomed to it by now. He’s spent years spent walking through the messy drifts of snow in the woods that occasionally rises as high as his hips, almost overtop his much-shorter brother’s head.

In his version of Snowdin there is also a chance at meeting LV Hunters in those darkened woods, though these days they keep a wary distance from him and Sans, familiar with the price that others have paid in dust for trying their hand.

That’s less of a concern in this Snowdin.

Here, the lights that surround Muffet’s front windows are all lit and blinking, the window itself airy and unbarred. The alleyway between the hotel and the shop only houses neatly-filled trash bins and there is no graffiti filled with sneers against Asgore and the Guard.

Walking to Muffet’s involves nothing more concerning than a stroll up the street and the glances Edge gets when he goes in are more curious than fearful. Muffet packs up his order quickly and efficiently, even setting the lidded coffee cups in a small wire carrier that she doesn’t even admonish him to return, the expectation that Blue or Rus will unspoken. She accepts his G without biting it to test it authenticity, drops the coin into the register with a cheery clang and waves him out the door.

He steps back outside into a blast of icy wind, strong enough to cut straight through his uniform. The cold is less of a concern for him, or any skeleton, really, but he hardly enjoys it and Edge hurries back to the Swap brothers’ home, packages in hand.

There’s a tiny, cherry red glow cutting through the darkness, and Edge follows it as much as the blinking Gyftmas lights on the house’s eaves.

Rus is sitting on the porch steps, directly in the line of that chilling wind like the fool he is. It’s wretchedly cold, more so than normal, there must be a storm blowing in, and still Rus chooses to sit in it to get his nicotine fix. He coughs, the cloudy puffs as much from the cold as the cigarette.

Rus has been coughing since they all arrived, recovering from a cold, Blue told them all, and there’s a certain dullness to his eye lights, an unhealthy flush to his cheekbones.

He shouldn’t be outside.

He looks miserable, hunching as if he could possibly burrow further into his oversized sweatshirt. The hood is up, but Edge can’t imagine it provides much in the way of warmth. It’s rather a surprise that Blue let Rus out at all, but despite his lazy nature, Rus has shown a streak of stubbornness that Edge recognizes in himself. It shouldn’t be charming.

It certainly isn’t now, seeing how exhausted Rus looks. He doesn’t even offer a defiant glare in Edge’s direction, only scoots down to the end of the step to give Edge enough room to pass by.

His cigarette is mostly burnt out and he drops it into the snow before lighting another.

Instead of brushing past him, Edge sits next to him. He ignores Rus’s surprise, selecting one of the cups from the wire rack, handing it over. Rus accepts it, winding his fingers around it immediately.

Edge does the same, somewhat less desperately. His own hands are protected from the blowing wind by gloves whereas Rus’s are foolishly bare. The heat from the cup burns through even that layer, warming him.

“thanks,” Rus said. His voice is hoarse, uncertain.

Edge only nods. He rummages through the bag again and pulls out a folded square of wax paper, opening it to reveal a selection of tiny pastries. Each one is topped with crumbling icing and he offers the paper to Rus who, after a pause, selects one, eating it instead of smoking the cigarette burning down between his fingers.

The pastry crumbles beneath Edge’s teeth, honeyed-sweet, and when he sips from his cup, the hot cocoa is rich, heavy with cream. The heat spreads out from within, his magic carrying it to his limbs.

Despite drinking his own cocoa, Rus still looks terribly cold. His tongue is bright orange, the brightest thing in sight as he licks the sugary remnants from his fingertips and Edge finds himself watching, wondering distantly what sort of fool it makes him, that he knows very well when to come out from the cold and yet, here he sits.

He isn’t sure why.

He and Rus don’t get on well, never have, Rus is obnoxious and lazy, he offers terrible puns with enthusiasm and spits verbal arrows back at Edge effortlessly, meeting any insult with one of his own. He’s an irritant and a fool, barely recovering from being ill and sitting out in the snow.

He’s lovely and Edge is as much a fool as he is.

There’s nothing he can offer Rus that he doesn’t already have except himself, and Rus hardly needs another Papyrus when he is one. He doesn’t need a thing from Edge, not his protection nor his affection, living here in this safe little world where his worst problem is lingering sickness and the falling snow.

He can hear the rattle of bones as Rus shivers, still holding his empty cup.

Wordlessly, Edge unwinds the scarf from around his neck. It was a gift from Sans, his Sans, years ago when he was accepted into the guard. His brother had given it to him with little more than a careless grunt and Edge couldn’t say if the gift was bought or stolen. He wore it nearly every day.

Today, he wraps it around Rus’s neck, ignores his startled flinch. Tucks it in closely, still warm from his own body heat. He doesn’t try to parse the emotions that flutter over Rus’s face, a kaleidoscope that ends with a hoarse, “won’t you be cold?”

Of course he will, it’s freezing. “I’m fine.”

They don’t sit outside much longer. Only a few moments before Rus puts out his cigarette and Edge gathers up the bag with the pastries. The rest of the drinks will be closer to lukewarm than hot when they go inside.

Edge doesn’t ask for his scarf back when they do, ignores the weight of his brother’s gaze, and Rus wears it the rest of the night. Halfway through the movie, his head sinks back to rest on the sofa cushions, his sockets closed and his breathing raspy.

Blue is the one who carefully spreads a blanket over Rus, his expression hiding none of his concern and affection. He smooths Edge’s scarf, tucking it closer around his brother’s neck and murmurs low to Edge, “I’ll see that you get it back.”

Edge nods curtly and focuses on the television screen. He doesn’t allow his gaze to stray to Rus sleeping next to him, wearing his scarf around his throat like a collar.

It’s colder when they leave that night, the chill biting into his bared vertebrae.

Edge ignores it and heads for home.

-finis-

[nehathelifecoach]

The Greater Good

I started going for a walk, early in the morning, in a ground nearby, a few days ago. Except for the walking path and the area inscribed in it, there’s garbage all around.

At the sight of it, my dad made a remark, “this is the situation of our country in the 21st century and we expect to become a developed country in the near future” and sighed.

His remark lingered on my mind for the whole day and I couldn’t understand why people are so ok with littering. What would I do if I were drinking from a water packet while walking there? Will I care to carry it home and throw it in a dustbin? Or will I just throw it in the pile lying there, saying one more wouldn’t matter!? 

It may sound cliché but yes, I’ll do the former action since its the GREATER GOOD!

So, what is this Greater Good? And how did we miss it in our education?

To define in a line, Greater Good is placing the rightful and better interests above our selfish ones and acting on them without fail.

Throwing a water package into a pile of thousand is easy but if the person who first threw had restrained doing it, the other 999 maynot have! Maybe!! 🤷

The interest of the people littering can be, "why work so hard taking the garbage home, while there's a pile right here, infront of me?" ��

The better interest is obviously that of the planet's. I don't need to start on the problems that arise from waste mismanagement 🙂

This is what the concept of Greater Good is! Choosing the better interests over and over the useless ones 😇

Anyway, littering is still a less serious problem when compared to the ones I'm going to quote later in this post. Just a pile of water packets, tomorrow or day after tomorrow a cleaner can take it out.

But the problem is not the type of problem. Problems can be trivial sometimes. It's the mentality behind the action which is a serious problem. Throwing a wrapper on the road looks trivial but the reckless mentality behind it is grave 😑

As a person practises this reckless attitude, it grows stronger and stronger via these trivial practices and later becomes a part of his character.

As the time passes, his brain ceases to see the Greater Good in anything and everything he does. All he continues to look at is his own benefit!

When a politician forgoes the request of an eminent leader to contest from his party, over the money offered by a rowdy sheeter, Greater Good is burnt to ashes.

When a dedicated employee is kept from promotion because he can occupy his boss's chair with his unmatched skillset, Greater Good is dumped into the garbage bin.

When a deserving contestant loses his chance of appointment, since he failed to bribe the recruiting authority like his fellow candidate, Greater Good sobs in a shut dark room.

When a boy with a bat in his hands and dreams in his eyes is sent back home just because he comes from a distant part of the country and has no recommendation from the influential guys, the country fails to lift the world cup 🙁

All of this continues to happen because we are so addicted to the instantaneous results that we turn a blind eye to the long term ones... Just like in the following case:

Suresh happens to be an employee at Defence Research Center. A group of interns at the headquarters are expected to deliver their best and after a week, one of them will be inducted into the organisation.

The final selection is overseen by Mr.Suresh. After the tense week of giving their bests, Suresh conveniently picks Ramesh, his son, over Rajesh who is the brightest in the lot.

Ramesh gets inducted but fails to cater to the country's needs at the best possible level. Country's defence grows vulnerable due to lack of innovation from the Defence Research Center. Neighbouring countries keep threatening of war. Government sees that Research Center has no extraordinary capability in producing new technologies and steps into the world market to buy weapons 😞

Buying your protection cover from somebody else is the same as selling your defense strategies, since all the information of your weapons is known to the selling country. And the Research guys watch all this happening helplessly...

And people like Suresh keep jeopardising the future of the country.

Will Suresh not face the consequences? Of course he will! Every action of yours will fetch back it's consequences.

If an enemy country throws a bomb, Suresh will die too! His body is not made of steel!!! It's just that, just like Mr.Suresh, we all are addicted to instantaneous results so much that we drop curtains over "Greater Good".

While Ramesh getting salary is a near result, country growing weak takes time, hence is a long term result and more often it is blamed on the government 🤷

Ok, now what happens to Rajesh, the bright one?

It's his second rejection in the Research area and this disappointment sent his dreams crumbling to pieces. Yet he has to earn a living. So he settles with a small occupation. He teaches his children to do the same and not to chase after their unrealistic dreams because he is not influential enough to get them into big organisations even if they're talented.

He fails to teach his children that Greater Good exists and they should give their best shot in what they aspire to become "since he never experienced it himself".

This is what the whole point behind the narration is!

"What happens to you in your life is the education you receive outside a school"

If Greater Good doesn't happen to you, you miss it in your character, your heart and your life!!!

That's how we missed it in our education. And henceforth we grow to believe that it doesn't exist. But it's out there! Waiting for us to grab and put it in our minds and hearts!! It's never late! It's never late to do better things and to have better perceptions😊! The only next responsibility is to make sure our coming generations not miss the 'Greater Good" as we have 😇

I say it's time. It's time we look at "Greater Good" as an accessory, a weapon, a pledge and a mindset ✊🏻.

It's no more a better alternative but a necessity that we take a moment before every action we perform to identify the "Greater Good" of it, do it and grow that muscle of our brains stronger and healthier everyday 💪

Good luck and good day ☺️

To choosing "Greater Good" 🥂

[minhoslut]

♡ summary: Since long ago the seven kingdoms of Lentavia have worked together as one, sharing their resources and prospering because of it. Each kingdom has its own prince, each a beautiful man who rules fairly, caring for their people and distributing their resources amongst the kingdoms. The seven of them are much like brothers, having grown up together in their joint castles that sit in the middle of the island. They are free to rule as they please and do what they wish, as long as it is harmonious within the kingdoms. They must, however, follow one rule. At age 26 they must marry a person of their choosing in order to fully take the throne and become a king. The eldest prince, Seokjin, is 2 days from the date he must choose his betrothed and has yet to even suggest someone as an option.

♡ pairing: Kim Seokjin x fem!reader

♡ chapter: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | ? |

♡ series warnings: blood mention, injury mention, swearing, anxiety, death mention, depression

♡ series genre: fluff, smut, slight angst

♡ series rating: Mature

♡ word count: 1977

♡ posted on: AO3

♡ chapter three: flicker

♡  A/N: This au is kind 18th-century esc but I do what I want cause it's my au so it may not be 100% accurate! Hope you enjoy this lil update <3

The smile you received from Seokjin when you accepted his proposal was the brightest you’d ever seen. He had giddily walked you to one of the rooms in the castle, then bid you goodnight. The room was huge, bigger than your cottage itself. A huge beautiful bed with silken black and gold sheets, a wardrobe, a desk and chair, all made with beautiful dark wood. You’d never been in such an extravagant room, you wandered around it touching the smooth furniture. There was a bathroom attached with a large tub in it, various nice smelling liquids set along the side. You looked at yourself in the mirror and wondered how you had ended up here.

Settling down on the bed you realized all of your things were still at the cabin including a change of clothes to sleep in. You sighed, you had a tendency to rush into things without planning and now you were dealing with the consequence of one of those decisions. A knock on your door startled you from your thoughts. “Miss L/N? His Majesty Seokjin has sent me with some sleepwear for you.” You smiled, he was such a considerate person, to even have recognized the problem you had gotten yourself into. Opening the door, you accepted the clothes and thanked the servant for bringing them to you. Slipping off the dress you were wearing, you folded it and put it on the box at the end of the bed. You put the simple white nightgown on and climbed into the big bed, snuggling into the soft sheets and giving in to sleep.

~

You woke up just before the sun began to peek over the horizon, as you did every morning, and went to the bathroom. After using the toilet and splashing some water on your face you returned to the room and put the dress from yesterday back on. Luckily you had a good memory as you were able to find your way out to the garden. You walked amongst the flowers, touching the leaves and petals with a delicate hand. The garden's energy was extremely pleasant, the plants were all well cared for and so they were happy.

It was strange to not be in your cottage practicing spells or tending to your own garden. Usually in the mornings you would go out to the forest to collect herbs or visit the creatures who lived there, but today you were exploring the castle gardens. You wondered what marrying the prince would actually entail. A wedding was probably a must, when would it happen? Did Seokjin expect you to sleep in the same room with him? You vetoed that thought, the prince hadn’t shown any intention of anything besides fixing both of your problems. What was going to happen to your cottage? You made a mental note to ask Seokjin about it when you saw him.

That was another thing, what did the princes even do all day? You had never really thought much about them, and only ever knew that they were handsome. There was a lot of mystery surrounding this whole world you had somehow stumbled into. You sighed, you would learn eventually you supposed. Luckily, you were a pretty good judge of character, and you always had your magic if something turned out bad. You trusted Seokjins kindness, and truth be told it was getting tiring to be constantly attacked by the townsfolk. They had been amping up the vandalism and verbal threats recently and you were afraid of what might happen if they went through with any.

You were always terrified of hurting other people with your magic, so you never used it against others. Even when you had been attacked a few months ago and they had been kicking you relentlessly, you refused to use magic in fear of injuring one of them. Instead, you let them get out there anger and then whipped up some healing balm to help with the pain once you’d made it back home. It had been terrifying and hurt a lot, but you knew you wouldn’t be able to live with yourself if you ever caused someone pain with your magic.

Continuing your garden stroll you hummed softly for the flowers, they always liked being given music. “Y/N!” The somewhat panicked shout startled you and you turned to find Seokjin running towards you. “Please don’t leave! If I or my brothers said something to offend you please tell me, I will fix it, just, just don’t leave.” You couldn’t contain your laughter as the prince stared at you, face full of confusion. “I’m not leaving, I’m just walking in the garden.” Relief washed over Seokjin’s handsome features. “Thank the Gods! I asked a maid to check on you and she said you were gone, and it was so early I assumed you must’ve snuck out to run away…” Seokjin admitted sheepishly, scratching his cheek.

You smiled, “I always rise with the sun, and I like to be with nature often, so I just figured I’d go for a little explorative stroll. I’d never just up and leave with no warning, I can assure you that.” The prince smiled back gratefully, “In that case, good morning to you, shall we get some breakfast then see about fetching your things?” You agreed and followed him back to the castle and up to the dining hall.

~

Once the two of you had eaten, Seokjin called for a carriage to take you both to your cottage. You stared at your hands sat in your lap during the short ride, pondering what you’d like to bring with you to the palace. As you neared your home the smell of ashes and smoke caught your attention. You poked your head out the window, worried about some kind of forest fire hurting the animals but instead you were faced with the burning remnants of your life. A cry tore its way out of your throat as you jumped out of the still moving carriage. Ignoring the harsh impact of the ground, you stood and ran towards the flaming cottage, ignoring the Prince’s call for you to stop.

Without an ounce of hesitation, you pushed through your door and into the smoke-filled room, wincing at the heat. The ash clung to your throat and burned your lungs and eyes, but you ignored it as you dashed to your bedroom. You pulled back at the sharp pain from the searing hot handle of your door, then steadied yourself and opened it regardless. Throwing things across the room, you began pulling things out from under your bed, desperate to find what you needed. A firey beam fell atop your bed, narrowly missing your crouched body, you wiped the pooling tears out of your eyes and snatched the bundle of cloth you’d been searching for.

Coughing heavily, you barely managed to throw yourself out the open door before the whole thing collapsed behind you into an inferno. Arms were suddenly around you, holding you tightly to someone’s chest as the carried you away from your home. You sobbed in the persons hold, clutching the bundle you’d risked everything for to your chest.

Next thing you knew you were sitting on a white cot whilst a gentle woman assessed your injuries. She tried to take the cloth from you but you just held it tighter against you, making her sigh. “I won’t take it anywhere, child. Let me make sure you’re alright? It’ll be right next to you hm?” Her kind words and soft eyes, convinced you as you slowly nodded and let her take it and put it beside you as she’d promised, before continuing her examination. She wrapped your burnt hand with some herbs and then a clean cloth. A damp cloth was used to wipe the ash and soot off of your body, then you were dressed in a simple golden brown striped gown atop a white frock . The kind woman who had been watching over you, Hejin, had then left but was quickly replaced by an extremely flustered and angry Seokjin.

“Y/N! Thank god you’re alright! How could you be so reckless? Nothing is worth losing your life over! We can replace anything, why would you run in there like that? You could have been seriously injured, or worse! Why would you do that?” You looked into his anxious brown eyes as your own grey ones began to water again. “What is it? Something hurts? I’ll get Hejiin again-” You placed your non-injured hand atop Jins, effectively stopping his tangent. Then you slowly unwrapped the cloth Hejin had set beside you. Inside it was a photo of a woman with big beautiful curls just like your own, her face a bright smile as she held a little girl with matching locks. “My mother…” You managed to say, voice hoarse from smoke inhalation.

A look of sad understanding fell across Seokjins features, and he pulled you into a gentle hug. “I’m sorry for yelling, I was just worried. I’m glad you’re alright.” He said softly, not breaking your embrace. You gripped the fabric of his shirt tightly and bit your lip in an attempt to not cry anymore. “It’s ok, I got her so it’s ok.” You whispered back to him. Reluctantly, the Prince released you and surveyed you with his eyes. “I’m so sorry Y/N.” You gave him a weak smile, “It isn’t your fault that I’m hated, and you weren’t the one to burn my home down.” Seokjin frowned, “But-” You held up your hand to stop him, “No buts, I am ok, I have what matters to me most and I will heal from my injuries.”

The Prince gave you a pointed look but dropped the topic, “I’ve asked Jimin to order some clothes for you, he knows lots about clothing.” You opened your mouth to protest but Seokjin stopped you this time, “No buts from you either, you’re my fiance so of course, I will provide for you.” He explained with a wink, making you smile for real. He offered his arm and took you out of what you assumed must be the infirmary wing, “Let’s get your Mother somewhere safe then.” When you two returned to your room a servant was waiting with a golden frame, which you gratefully accepted. You set the picture into the frame and then put it at your bedside, facing the window.

“She always loved to watch the sun rise and set. New beginnings and happy endings she’d say.” You smiled at the memory, running your hand along the frame gently. Seokjin crumpled his hand into a tight fist. He couldn’t believe people would do such horrible things to such a kind and warm person. He rarely got mad, but right now he was furious and hiding it as best he could for your sake. “Hejin said you should take it easy for a few days since you took in so much smoke, and your hand…” The prince trailed off. “Nonsense.” You said with a shake of your head, “I just need to go collect some herbs from the forest and then I’ll be right as rain.” Seokjin gave you a look of disbelief making you chuckle softly. “Witch, remember?” You said plainly, gesturing to yourself.

Seokjin blanched. He had, in fact, forgotten this bit of information, so wrapped up in your accept of his proposal and the morning’s events that it had slipped his mind completely. “Ah, right. Then I will accompany you to the forest later, but for now, you should have a small rest at least?” You couldn’t deny the sweet request and so you bid him farewell and laid atop the bed. You tried your best to have a nap as wicked flames licked at your dreams, turning them to nightmares in an instant.

[nsorchidsociety]

Collegiate Honor Society Honors Everybody

Lena Dunham to release spoken word poetry Record

Fueled by Ramen, the record label behind the soundtrack GIRLS Volume 1: Music from the First HBO Series, announced today they will be releasing a record of first spoken word poetry written and played by none other than Lena Dunham. It’s no surprise after Dunham signed a $3.7 million book deal for… MORE “

Music Festival Lineups Announced, Everybody Turns into Douchebags

“Dude, did you   see   that the Bonnaroo lineup?” Asked a tall, lanky white child to his both lanky white friend at the Campus Center last Tuesday. “Dude. Dude!” We began to notice similar cases happening all around campus. 1 girl close to our table in particular Id proceeded to share jpegs of the Coachella lineup on all… MORE “

“Trojan Family Room” renamed for napping purposes

Since its grand opening in 2010, the Ronald Tutor Campus Center has been quite the useful addition for all Trojans, by the outdoor International Plaza to the upstairs offices and Traditions from the cellar. However, the most used of all, but has been the grand entry of Sample Hall, more commonly known as the “Trojan… MORE “

Everybody Blows Off Last Week of Classes, Goes to Disneyland Instead

“I have really made a decision to drop my important and dance in the parade total time today that I have spent the week at Disneyland,” said a very excited theater important. “It is just this kind of lifestyle here.” For a reason, we totally agreed with what she said and blamed it on creepily persuasive Disney magic. MORE “

15 Things I’m Thankful For

Because time moves too quickly in college I’m not really certain  what Thanksgiving is about anymore (pilgrims?? Genocide? I dun no), but the 1 thing I do recall is that folks say what they’re thankful for, and so I have compiled a listing to read at the dinner table tomorrow: 1). The Mucho Mango smoothie at the SCA… MORE “

5 Antisocial Things to do on Halloween

Um, somehow it became Halloween. I’m not sure when that happened, and I have decided it is likely because I have no social life. Whoops. Therefore! As a pitiful person who can not even remember what day it’s, I appropriately compiled a listing of things to do to do while nevertheless preserving the Halloween spirit. Bring on the… MORE “

Campus Center Piano Bans “Chopsticks”

The Ronald Tutor Campus Center recently included a painted upright piano to the International Plaza. The piano, donated by a USC staff member and alumna, became accessible for anybody to play within the campus centre’s “Art and Trojan Traditions” program. The piano immediately gained a lot of a following that frequent visitors began… MORE “

5 Reasons To Celebrate the Rain

Finally. After a few weeks in the high 80s to mid 90s, the LA weather forecast not just dropped to the usual 70s, but predicted scattered thunderstorms having a 50% probability of rain for this Thursday, otherwise known as tomorrow. “Aw man!” Exclaimed some helpless man in Ray Bans next to me about hearing the… MORE “

Wait for the donuts, stay for the intoxicated folks

You are able to get anything from fritters to bagels to breakfast sandwiches to ice cream to any kind of boba-related drink to cereal to smokes to vitamin to iPhone cases to duplicates of your homework due in an hour. MORE “

Young Adult Publications are Totally Cool

I’ve a confession to make: I never grew up. At least, together with books. I mean, I have attempted to read the books and classics for college and weird angsty poetry but something always brings me right back to the fantastic ol’ times of hiding behind the awesomeness of the YA book. Yes, even today in school…. MORE “

Returning Students Petition for Cafe 85

Returning students to USC weren’t happy to locate their favorite overpriced meals court no longer accessible with no meal plan. With Jamba Juice, Daphne’s, and Wok Bar only legend to current freshmen, the remaining part of the student body is in a constant state of mourning. “I will never get a free boost again,”… MORE “

Senior discovers hidden gem known as “Galen Dining Center”

It’s recently come to our attention the Galen Dining Center, also known as “in which the soccer team occupies” to campus tour guides, has gone undetected for many throughout their time at USC. What is the Galen Dining Center, you ask? That is what Steve Flanders, a senior, asked also. “I simply never… MORE “

5 GPA Boosters For The Fall Schedule

Believe it or not Trojans, choosing your fall courses is right round the corner. If you are not an engineer and also have a couple credits to spare, why don’t you take something completely ridiculous interesting  that will cushion your GPA at exactly the exact same time? After requesting the brightest and finest about, I have compiled some options That May just grant you… MORE “

Mad Men Returned to TV (And I Liked It)

Oh! Hey USC Basement. Superior news. Take out your fitted blazer, skinny tie, and pen skirt since the men of Madison Avenue come back! AKA Season 5 of Mad Men. The season began with a bang in a two hour premiere last Sunday. Let’s party like it’s 1966! MORE “

Cool Story Bro: “I must have clotheslined him”

A child, perhaps 14 or 15, was bolting towards me. Like, at top speed. And just like in the movies, time seemed to slow down. I couldn’t move. My ideas were all: “That is odd. He is running like, really quickly. He likely has to grab a bus. God I really want a Coke Zero. French fries. Jon Hamm. Wait, what–” MORE “

10 Totally Wonderful Things to perform (On Campus) Over Spring Break

So you are stuck on campus for spring break. Do not fret! (do people use that phrase anymore?) This can be your chance to take advantage of USC’s “one way” place for the best staycation. Yes I only used the term “staycation.” Here’s a few of our ideas: 1). Try every fast food chain onto Figueroa. If you currently live… MORE “

CampusCruiser offers new service “CampusLoser”

We’ve been ““ dressed to impress at the best rager on Thursday night. The clock strikes 1am with DPS nowhere in sight; a wonderful song comes on because you talk up the hottie you’ve been meaning to talk to for months. Then, from nowhere? The person you least want to view… MORE “

Cool Story Bro: The Laundry Room

This article is part of a brand new series in which Becca over-dramatically remembers “cool narrative bro” moments from her time at USC.   “WTF,” said a girl down the hall. Her voice seemed like evil grossness. The door to my New-North cubby-hole-of-a-dorm-room was wide open and the high-pitched voice kept at it. “Ewww somebody took my… MORE “

Breaking News College Professors Are Old

A recent study performed by the Old People Association of Educational Things and Stuff found that 89% of college professors are indeed age 60+. And yet, the evaluation not only quantified physical era, but psychological age, developing a record breaking statistic of college professors with an older mental age at 99 percent. The analysis… MORE “

‘Smash’ Smashes ‘Glee’ Just Like Woah

Even the premiere of NBC’s Smash past Monday has a great deal of folks talking ““ and hammering ““ about a series that could finally dethrone the sad, overwritten, burnt-out-at-three-seasons “struck” known as Glee. Ouch. That was mean. See, I was like Glee. I did. I loved Rachel, and Kurt, and mash-ups, along with regionals, but somewhere… MORE “

BREAKING NEWS: “The Muppets” Acquire NOTHING at the Golden Globes”¦ WTF?!

In the 69th Annual Golden Globe awards there were lots of winners, the huge ones “The Descendants,” “The Artist,” “Homeland,” and “Modern Family.” However, a night which attracts many winners also brings about even more losers. And while people might be angry that “Bridesmaids” didn’t win gold did Leonardo DiCaprio walk off… MORE “

21-year-old can drink in bars, can not afford to drink in bars

“I’m not ordering cocktails made of gold” Yelled one SC senior because he was escorted from a busy downtown pub yesterday evening. “Can they come off-brand?? Can you do payment plans?!” He’s only one of many students whose long-awaited 21st birthdays immediately tanked due to bar-drink sticker shock. “Fifteen dollars is either a bottle… MORE “

To Rick Perry, Love Santa Claus

Dear Gov. Perry, I’m not scared to admit the concept of me is a little creepy. I mean, it says in a tune I can see children when they’re sleeping. And while that’s true, I don’t abuse my position of energy to pedophilistically spy on minors nor do I use it to publically… MORE “

All Women in Sorority House Hate Drama, Charlotte

As past nights chapter dinner, a lot more individual talks, unlimited hours of   study, and a recent media release in the sorority have revealed, All the women in the Theta Delta Chi home have commented they, “Hate Drama.” Drama has been cast off with this category also, “Shitty,” and, “Annoying,” previously. The… MORE “

Beneath fire, NCAA remains committed to amateurism

Lately and always, the NCAA has already come under fire for its failure to Keep the Exact standards when dealing with distinct compliance cases, particularly when compared to 2010 sanctions against USC who have become viewed as too harsh and really helpless.     While USC confronted severe scholarship discounts along with a two-year bowl prohibit, ” the… MORE “

What Summer Orientation Should Have Been

Those still on campus for summer time might have noticed that it is abuzz with three-day bursts of panicky, fresh-faced nervous energy recently. People without much else to keep them amused are aware ““ it is summer orientation! If you are like me, you had been rejected when you implemented to work orientation (twice!) But also want you… MORE “

Involvement Honest signatures demonstrated to become binding contracts

The thrilling Involvement Fair was in full swing because enthused clubs and organizations lured involvement-hungry students in with guarantees of philanthropy, a great time plus melted oreos to a day which felt like being inside Satan’s drier.   Following the blueprint of Involvement Fairs anyplace, no stall visit was complete without the obligatory signing of… MORE “

My Inner-Battle about Whether to See “Pitch Perfect”

SCA’s “Outside the Box Office” film screening series is performing a sneak preview of Universal’s “Pitch Perfect” tomorrow. I have a reservation since I make a booking for whatever I’ve really heard of before studying the website. But I Can’t decide on if I should move or not, I keep swaying back… MORE “

5 Reasons Why “The Immortals” May Die Out

The Immortals opened last weekend, and audiences everywhere seem to think it wasn’t talking Greek.   (They had been right–it wasn’t.   Anyone who believed otherwise should see their health practitioner.)   Even the mythology-laced 3D sword-and-sandals film managed to top the box in the united states and in overseas markets with more than 30 million in each area.   Haroo, haroo, haroop-de-doo…. MORE “

Neighborhood superhero reportedly always remembers trash day, people’s names

From the warmth of superhero blockbuster season, a real live one has been recently found on campus. Early listed sightings were separate but seemingly described the exact same student who looked “like a regular dude,” but does some fairly nonregular things. Known only by his people moniker, “Steve” supposedly “consistently puts in for beer. And… MORE “

from Society http://www.nsorchidsociety.com/collegiate-honor-society-honors-everybody/

[sheraan]

Startup Q&A with Fin24

I recently did a wide ranging Q&A with Fin24 on startups, my personal journey, and some advice for budding entrepreneurs. 

The article was titled “Tech start-up space not for the faint hearted”.

Here is the full text:

The technology start-up space is a major drawcard for many of the world’s brightest and most ambitious young minds.

Lured by the prospect of developing the next Facebook, Google or Instagram, these techno-whizzkids constantly create and launch new apps, platforms and other tech-based product offerings, in the hope that one of them will fly, be sold for a billion dollars and they can retire to their island paradise and sip margaritas all day.

In truth, the harsh reality is that the odds of such runaway success in the tech space are probably about the same as a budding actress from Benoni making it as an A-list star in Hollywood. Oh wait … Charlize aside, for every moderately successful tech-based start-up, there are literally thousands of ideas, apps, products and services – many of which burnt through millions of dollars in investor funding – that never made any money.

The reasons for this litany of failed products and dashed dreams are numerous, and more often than not linked to the cash runway ending before the plane can take off. Simply put, it costs big money to get a tech-based offering off the ground, and this is compounded by the fact that many tech products do not generate any income until they are far down the road, and can take years to achieve profitability or economies of scale. By way of example, Hubspot generated $186.4m in revenue last year, and still lost money.

One entrepreneur who has experienced first-hand the rollercoaster ride that is the tech start-up space, is Cape Town-based Sheraan Amod. A veritable veteran of the tech industry at the relatively young age of 30, Amod has spearheaded the development of three major tech-based start-ups over the past decade or so, both in the US and here in South Africa.

He understands first-hand the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the ever-growing reliance on technology to make our lives easier, improve business processes, create access to markets and resources and even manage our health. He shares some of these insights with us below:

1. You have been operating in the tech start-up space since 2008. What made you choose this industry specifically, or did it choose you?

I’ve been passionate about technology my entire life— I was one of those kids who spent hours every day tinkering with computers. It made sense that many of my role models were leaders in the tech industry. Building start-ups is the ultimate challenge because it’s so difficult; but I relish the underdog mentality and “small team trying to change the world” underlying theme of it all. I suppose one could say that the start-up industry and I chose each other…

2. You have founded three businesses over the past 7 years (Personera, Springlab and RecoMed). Which of these has been the most valuable in terms of lessons learned, and why is that?

Founding start-ups is a lot like falling in love. They begin with passion and energy, but sure enough great heartache is also part of the journey. Everybody knows that their first great love and subsequent heartbreak change them the most... so if I am to relate this to my career I’d have to say that Personera was my most valuable experience.

I was young and foolish enough to dare to go global with a world-first concept, and while we did eventually commercialise and sell the company in the US, it was only after some incredibly draining and difficult periods that I don’t wish to repeat.

While other companies I’ve started have had their own special challenges to conquer, it was pretty smooth sailing in comparison to Personera. The simple lessons I took away from Personera were three-fold, viz. (1) innovation is useless unless it delivers value (and customers will thus pay for it), (2) never give up, and (3) never ever give up!

3. You describe yourself as a Renaissance Man. Does your love for learning and culture influence your approach to business, and if so, how?

I sometimes describe myself as an “aspiring” Renaissance Man, but I don’t take this moniker too seriously. Mostly, I’m just a very curious person, and enjoy all forms of learning and expressing myself in different ways — be that in running a start-up, writing essays, or participating in boxing matches.

I believe that having a broad field of vision, while being able to develop laser focus on key aspects and connect them together, does create an advantage in business. It’s well known that the greatest innovations usually occur at the intersection of different disciplines and cultures.

4. What are the three most important things an aspiring tech entrepreneur should know?

- Fortune favours the bold. It’s impossible to build a great company, or get investors excited about an opportunity, without having a bold and challenging vision of where the company is going. You cannot start a fire with a wet match…

- Cash flow is more important than your mother. I borrowed this one from the legendary Ken Morse of the MIT Enterprise Forum, but it’s too good not to share. Cash is the oxygen that keeps start-ups alive. Founders need to understand how much they need and what rate to use it, but at the end of the day even the most promising companies can be destroyed quickly by a cash flow crisis.

- Luck favours the persistent.  Start-ups almost never “succeed” early and grow sustainably — regardless of what investors may wish for. Most encounter several torrid periods that threaten the company’s existence. Push through these periods and just keep surviving. Eventually things will grow again, or a game-changing opportunity will arise that the company can capitalise on. A lot of observers like to call this phenomenon “luck”!

So in summary I would say be bold, watch your cash flow, and don’t give up!

5. Collectively, your business ventures have managed to raise impressive amounts from investors, including venture capital, angel investment, equity finance and other financial instruments. Is there any preferred source of finance for a tech start-up, and what do potential financial partners look for above all else?

There is no preferred source of funding, because the sources change depending on the stage that the company is at. I favour friends, family and angel investors at the seed stages, then venture capital once the company is clearly on a growth trajectory. In all of my experience, I notice financial partners asking the same three questions, in this order: (1) Is the founding team bankable? (2) Is the business opportunity big enough? and (3) Is the risk worth it?

A “bankable" founding team usually carries a combination of smarts, domain expertise, experience, reputation and commitment to the start-up. A "big enough" business opportunity usually means a company that can generate at minimum R100m in annual revenue at high net margins. “Risk” is a tricky one, but most commonly refers to the price of the deal, i.e. does the investor feel that they are receiving sufficient equity in the business to produce a valuable return?

6. You were quite well established in the US, but made a decision to move your operations back to SA. What prompted that return home?

I returned because I could see large economic opportunities that nobody was going after properly. South Africa combines many elements of developed and emerging markets, and can be a great place to build a sustainable business base from which to expand to other similar emerging markets. There’s a lot of negative stuff going on in the media these days, but long-term I believe things will get better and well-prepared entrepreneurs will succeed.

7. Finally, tell us a bit about RecoMed, and why it seems to be making some waves in the healthcare space?

Every month, more than one million doctor-related Google searches are made in South Africa alone. I can’t even guess how many phone calls are made by patients and call centres to organise healthcare bookings nationally — probably hundreds of millions. I saw an opportunity to make this process simpler, quicker and more seamless, and to close the loop between searching, calling and booking, by developing a platform that allows people to do both.

In essence, RecoMed is an online platform listing healthcare practitioners that also offers a real-time booking facility for patients wishing to make an appointment — which they can do in seconds using their phone or tablet. It also integrates with any existing practice management software that doctors may be using, as well as with call centres that manage bookings on behalf of patients.

RecoMed’s platform is also being applied to large scale healthcare solutions, such as use in wellness screening days, chronic disease management programmes, and coordinating insurance medicals. It is still quite early days, but the response has been overwhelmingly positive and we have the support of many of the really big players in the healthcare space, so I am thoroughly enjoying the ride in what is a new industry for me.

* Amod is passionate about sharing the lessons he has learned via his blog (http://sheraan.com/ ). He can be contacted at sheraan@recomed.co.za or visit www.recomed.co.za to learn more about his latest tech-based venture.

* Anton Ressel, a regular Fin24 small business columnist and expert answering user questions, is a mentor and business development specialist.