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wangxianficfinder · 5 months ago

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Fic Finder

Aug 3rd

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1. Hi can you help me find this fic ?

So it was set during the Sunshot Campaign, vivid war setting, a lot of explicit sexual content,a long fic I think but definitely more than 10k. It was about Wangxian getting too during the war. I remember only some bits. LWJ asked JC for permission to get married or something of the sort and JC got mad because he thought LWJ was joking but started to negotiate with LXC when it became apparent he was not. Before the final battle WWX promised LWJ that they won't die.During the final battle LWJ got hurt and seemingly died and WWX lost control and made a giant earthquake that collapsed Koi Tower with JGS inside. LWJ was kind of dead for a while but his spirit stuck around (I don't remember why really just that maybe it was part of some spell?) and WWX managed to resurrect him but he needed to regain his memories slowly.

FOUND? The dreamers. by orange_crushed (E, 17k, WangXian, Dreams, Dreamsharing, Spells & Enchantments, Canon Divergence, Oral Sex, Penetrative Sex, War, Canon-Typical Violence, Sunshot Campaign, Temporary Character Death, The Character Dies But Does Not Stay Dead Trust Me, Resurrection, Suicidal Thoughts, Loss of Identity, Hurt/Comfort, Heavy Angst with a Happy Ending, Injury Recovery, Trauma, Memory Loss, Memory Magic, War Is Hell Etcetera, I Promise The Characters Do Not Stay Dead and Will Absolutely Be Okay, Masturbation, Fantasy, Very Brief Mention of Burial-Mounds-Era Cannibalism, Major Character Death... but only for a minute honestly!!, Awkward First Times, Marriage Proposal)

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2. I'm looking for a fic where Wei Wuxian wasn't killed at the attack at Nightless City but taken captive by the Jins. It's discovered that, to escape the loss of his loved ones and the abuse at the Jin's hands, that he's grown a new core while dreaming and can now dream cultivate. He even manages to bring back Jiang Yanli. I can't find it and hope it hasn't been deleted. Any help tracking this one down would be greatly appreciated!

FOUND? Dream a little dream of me by Moominmammashandbag (M, 60k, WangXian, NHS/MXY, Prison, Hair Washing, WWX thinks he is dreaming, Hurt/Comfort,vFluff and Angst, mentions of torture, MXY deserves love, Mention of dismemberment, Coming Out, Plotting and scheming, animate body parts, goose, and supporting avian cast, Anxiety Disorder, Anxiety Attacks, Reincarnation, Implied/Referenced Child Abuse, Implied/Referenced Incest, Do not fuck with NHS, Dreamwalking, Angst with a Happy Ending, I have read chapter 118 of MDZS ergo I regard JGY as a villain, JC is not a villain, just flawed, JZX Lives)

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3. looking for a fic that's set during the sunshot campaign, after wwx leaves the burial mounds and is found by lwj and jwy. all I recall is one chapter where jwy attacks wwx and endangers wwx. lwj rescues wwx and takes him to the medical tent, and then confronts jwy. I believe the fic author provided two versions of lwj's confrontation w jwy, one of which is a full on physical fight. does this ring a bell? thanks! @potatokunst

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4. hi, i vaguely remember reading a fic where wwx runs around the lan sect political hall in front of the other sect leaders threatening to strip to defuse political tensions HAHA i dont remember the name of the fic but if you could find that that would be great! thank you so much :)

FOUND? Kingfisher Feathers by anonymous (E, 165k, WIP, WangXian, A/B/O, Alpha LWJ, Omega WWX, Rut Sex, Knotting, Mating Cycles/In Heat, Palace, Royalty, Everyone Lives, Married but one of them doesn't remember it, Amnesia, Historical Inaccuracy, Harems, but not really because we all know lwj only ever sees wwx, Emperor LWJ, War Hero WWX, Collars as a status symbol, Eventual mpreg, Bonding, Claiming Bites, Mutual Pining, Breeding Kink, hints of dubcon cos the whole situation is kinda icky, trope-typical sexism, Dubious Consent, Angst with a Happy Ending)

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5. Hi! I am looking for this fic:

Wei wuxian either goes back in time or loses his memory. But it is back in burial mounds. And he has lost any love for Jiang Cheng. His golden core starts to come back to himself. Jiang Cheng comes to burial mounds demanding an explanation and wwx is rude as he doesn't have that brotherly love anymore

FOUND? 💖 Return to Sender by Thesaurus_with_no_words (M, 72k, WIP, WangXian, Canon Divergence, BAMF WWX , WangXian Get a Happy Ending, YLLZ WWX, Golden Core Transfer Fix-It, Not Everyone Dies, canon JC characteristics, Temporary Amnesia, Partial Memory Loss, Literal Emotional Manipulation, Unreliable Narrator, Unreliable Narrator WWX, they are all unreliable ok, Burial Mounds Settlement Days, Canon-Typical Violence, Canon typical horror and gore, Slow Burn)

FOUND? The Core Issue by Hauntcats (T, 21k, WangXian, Angst with a Happy Ending, Not JC Friendly, Canon Divergence)

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6. Im looking for this fic please let me know if you can find it

I don't remember a lot of it but in the end there is a battle and lwj and wwx are together and all the sect leaders are also on the battlefield. They can see that there is another flute and xichen finds out its jgy and su she responsible for it.

FOUND? 🔒 Living by WithBroomBefore (G, 15k, WangXian, JC & WWX & JYL, Canon Divergence, Fix-It, Not Everyone Dies, POV LWJ, WWX Lives, JYL Lives, Family Feels, Siblings, Crying, Lots of it, Suicide Attempt, just the one though, everyone goes to Lotus Pier, plot happens offscreen, Healing, Sad with a Happy Ending, Canon-Typical Violence, Minor Character Death,nmostly just hugs and weeping and healing, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Hugs)

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7. Hello! I have another fic finder request for you. I think wwx is a prince of the royal family that rules of gods/goddesses. I think lwj might've been mortal, but I'm not sure. I can't remember exactly how wwx and lwj meet, but I think they promised each other that they would marry. lwj then goes home and finds out that his marriage has been arranged - turns out it was wwx's family who got too excited and asked behind his back. I think wwx goes to find lwj in a tent(?) and tells him the truth before the wedding happens. Sorry it's kind of vague. Thank you everyone!

FOUND? cloudy autumn heaps the sky by anatheme (T, 23k, WangXian, Fantasy, Universe Alteration, Secret Identity, Dragon LWJ, Fox WWX, Strangers to Friends to Lovers, Timeline What Timeline, wwx is a little older here, wwx piling gifts on lwj and encouraging hoarding tendencies, Sharing a Bed, Literal Sleeping Together, Arranged Marriage)

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8. Hi! This is fic finder. A modern au where WangXian an ex. WWX works as a model and LWJ is a parfumer. LWJ got a job for YZY. When he goes to the meeting, he sees a bilboard that has WWX on it. Then he messed up the meeting. WWX and LWJ then work together. LWJ places got blown up. WWX asked LQR to sponsor LWJ. Thats all thank you! @idontknowwhattowriteforusername

FOUND! 🔒 heart notes by spookykingdomstarlight (E, 92k, Modern, Fashion & Models, Slow Burn, Angst with a Happy Ending, Mutual Pining, Reconciliations, Family Drama, exes to friends to lovers, Second Chances, Breaking Up & Making Up, Flashbacks, POV Alternating, Perfume, Fire,bminor injury, Perfumer LWJ, Model WWX, just this once CSSR lives, LWJ's past mistakes come back to haunt him, the inherent eroticism of perfume and the application therein, a little bit of pining while fucking, shockingly enough this narrative does not rely on misunderstandings to fuel the plot)

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9. Hello!! Could you help me find a fanfic where wwx travels back in time as a ghost(? some people cant see him) and he stumbles upon lwj and lxc when they were kids, and he starts taking care of them like giving them treats and comforts lwj & lxc when they lost their mother

Thank you ! <3 @reredamancy

FOUND! Waiting by Morgana_avalon (G, 46k, WangXian, LXC & LWJ, Short Story, LWJ is five year old, LXC is eight year old, LWJ as a boy kneeling in the snow at the jingshi waiting for his mama to return, brothers looking out for each other, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, canon divergent but also canon compliant, Mystery, Mysticism, Chenqing, didn't know the name of Lan Zhan and Lan Xichen's father when I started writing this, Bichen, happy endings!, The Qilin, Author has no clue how to use birth/courtesy names correctly, Based on the TV-series and not the novel)

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10. Hi sorry to bother y'all, I am looking for a fic I've lost, (I need to learn to Bookmark them with Tags I can remember), and I need help finding it.

A) Basically WWX gets taken in by the Lans because YZ traumatized him to be afraid of Lotuses and Purple? I can't really remember but he gets to stay with LWJ because of it.

B) Mingjue after death gets turned into a talking head/loud goose and the cultivation world looses it's head.

Thanks so much for your all's effort in this blog! (^_^♪)

10A)

FOUND!🔒 this body yet survives by RoseThorne (T, 54k, WangXian, WIP, No War AU, Recovery, Trauma, Dissociation, Courtship, Courting Rituals, Near Death Experiences, Attempted Murder, Eventual Happy Ending, Panic Attacks, Vomiting, Siblings, Protective Siblings, Soup, Triggers, Protective LWJ, Protective LQR, Yúnmèng Siblings Dynamics, Bad Parent YZY, POV Third Person, POV LWJ, reference to poisoning, reference to assassination, Reference to chronic illness, reference to infanticide, Depression, Minor Injuries, Painting, Gift Giving, WWX Has a Fear of Dogs, Good Sibling JC, Good Sibling JYL, BAMF WWX,, Jealous SS, WWX Protection Squad)

10B)

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11. I cannot for the life of me remember this fic although I'm sure it's a time travel fix it. The scene that has been stuck in my head is:

During the sunspot campaign (?) jzx admits he wants to marry jyl, and wwx and jwy sit down to negotiate the terms (it is implied that they're going to take him for everything he's got and he's going to let them). Just then mianmian bursts in towing a very confused jgy who then realised what's going on.

I thought it might be paper moon but they never broke their bethrothal. I've gone through my bookmarks and still can't place the scene. Please help!! @theladypeartree

FOUND! Lynchpin by ShanaStoryteller (Not Rated, 103k, WangXian, JC & WWX, Time Travel, Fix-It)

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12. Hello there! I need help i am looking for a fic it was an Alien Invation au i think? Lan Wangji is in the Military with his brother Lan Xichen and Nie Mingjue. They were trying to fight some of the aliens but Lan Wangji got seperated and met wei wuxian who was a scientist. There was also Jiang Cheng and Wen Ning. Hope you can find it please! Thankyouu! @lynthecat

FOUND? Deleted "Son Of A Soldier Boy" by FireAwayy. The cached link for chapter 1. If they want to read the rest of the fic they will have to search each chapter to find the cached version. I did check the Wayback Machine but the fic isn't available there (but here is that link too if interested: https://archiveofourown.org/works/41843295 ) // Number 12 for yesterday’s fic finder sounds like “Son Of A Soldier Man” by FireAwayy. They deleted some of their fics a while back including this one. The fic is not available on the wayback machine but you can access it, chapter by chapter, through cached search results. I haven’t been able to find all the chapters but I imagine some more sleuthing can dig them up. You can follow this tutorial for info on how to access cached pages. Note that Google Chrome no longer caches links, so you have to use an alternative like Microsoft Bing (ext for Chrome available) to access.

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13. For fic finder: My apologies if I recently sent in this ask: this fic has been on my brain for the last few days and I can’t remember if I already wrote in about it or not! It was a modern au about pro e-sports. The different sects are different gaming teams in this fic. WWX was accused of cheating a few years back and had to leave the Jiang team. LWJ, captain of Lan team, eventually finds WWX again and asks to enter a competition with WWX, and I think together they can pull off some kind of special move in-game that shows they have incredible teamwork or something. The fic reminded me of the danmei novel God Level Summoner, but I think the general theme of “fallen champion player gets back on his feet and wins the league” is pretty common in esports stories.

NOT FOUND! Love OP Please Nerf by LikeTheTide (T, 13k, WangXian, WIP, Esports, Gamer AU, Modern, Gaming, Mutual Pining, Friends to Lovers, screw top and bottom whos the tank and whos the squishy dps, Slow Burn) Based purely on synopsis, could this be 13?

FOUND! 【为梦想而战】for this dream, i'll fight by paradisetrain (M, 27k, WangXian, JYL/MM, Modern, Gaming, Gamer AU, League of Legends, Video & Computer Games, Gaming Jargon, Social Media, Internet Hate, cancel culture, Hacking, Cheating Scandal, Internet Scandal, Bad Parenting, Parent Death, Loss of Parent(s), Family Issues, Family Feels, Healing, Falling In Love, Threatening unborn babies, Death threats to unborn babies, Blackmail, Implied Incest, Canon Typical Incest, Between JGY and QS, Illegal Activities, The game is League of Legends but with different names, Why do people on the same team all have the same surname?, just because, featuring:, WWX Goes Back to Gusu, WWX's canonical self-worth issues, LWJ's unconditional support of WWX) #13 might be this one - I've not read it, but my bestie says it might be the one.

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14. Hello! I'm looking for a fic that's is a university au, maybe lwj pov? In this fic, lwj is selectively mute and took a semester off from college to learn sign language so that he could communicate solely through that. When he meets wwx and his siblings, they can all speak with him because Madam yu is deaf and they know sign language because of her. I think wangxian meet at a cafe where wwx works? At some point point lwj is forced to make a speaking presentation in on of his classes and he prerecords a video to show in class instead due to his anxiety, also somewhwere in the story jiang cheng helps him through a panic attack. I swear I have looked all over AO3 for this fic, but I haven't been able to find it, so there's a chance it might have been deleted, but I hope you all can help!!!!! @kavlobebeki

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15. Hello, thank you for all your help! I am now looking for a fic where Wei Wuxian was raised as Jiang Cheng's whipping boy. This was a common practice among the gentry except for in the Lan clan. JC grew up and he tried not to do anything that would lead to WWX being whipped in his place but during the Cloud Recesses lectures Jin Zixuan demands WWX be whipped and JC can’t really stop it. Lan Wangji tried to intervene but Lan Qiren held him back saying not to get involved in other sect’s conflict. I think Meng Yao was also a designated whipping boy for Huaisang, possibly all the whipping boys for all the young masters also attended the lectures as manservants? I would love to read this again, if anyone can find it! @gloriousclotpole

FOUND? the price of a home by JemTheKingOfSass (T, 13k, JC & WWX, Whipping Boy AU, Pre-Canon, Canon verse events, TW details in top Notes of any chapter when necessary, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, the price of a home [podfic] by esbielle)

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16. I'm looking for a fic where the Lan are the most powerful sect, or maybe they were royalty, and take over Lotus pier because Lan Wangji thinks Wei Wuxian has very impolitely spurned his marriage proposal, only for it to be revealed that Madam Yu did it. @mullk6

FOUND? Warrior Prince by QteCuttlfish (M, 4k, WangXian, Rape/Non-Con, Threats of Rape/Non-Con, Angst with a Happy Ending, Alpha/Omega, A/B/O, Omega WWX, Alpha LWJ, Implied Mpreg, Not Canon Compliant)

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17. Hi can you help me find a wangxian fic where wei wuxian either runs away after the golden core transfer/did not participate in the war and works at an inn? He ends up finding and rescuing the wens and they work at the inn with him. Then lan wangji found him and so did jiang cheng at the end. @fjcfanatic

FOUND? The Taste of Home by For_the_Love_of_Bichen (E, 49k, WangXian, Canon Divergence, Coffee Shops & Cafés, Bar/Pub, inn owner WWX, WWX never learns demonic cultivation, Human WWX, canon compliant up until the golden core removal, set in mdsz world, Fantasy Medical Procedures, Medical Procedures, Golden Core Transfer, Blood and Injury, Hurt/Comfort, Angst with a Happy Ending, Feels, canonical kinks, Anal Sex,bAnal Fingering, Oral Sex, Bathing/Washing, Dual Cultivation, LWJ & WWX Have a Breeding Kink, WWX Has a Rape/Non-Con Kink, mild cnc kink, mentioned cnc kink, no actual cnc play, Mild Breeding Kink, Drunk LWJ, Additional Warnings In Author's Note, Slow Burn, Possessive LWJ, First Time, LWJ Has a Praise Kink, WWX Has No Golden Core, WWX Has Self-Worth Issues)

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18. Hi, I really hope you find this fic! It was WIP which I found only a few months ago. I think it's Jiang bashing altogether because the last chapter ended with Jiang yanli giving tea to Jiang fengmian saying she will take care of something. I tried the "Jiang yanli is not an angel" tag but I cannot find it. Can you help me with this one please?

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19. For some reason scrolled by this fic when browsing through someone's bookmarks and now cannot remember whose, so must turn to you once again! Time travel by Jin Zixuan. Judging by the summary, I think he comes back to awareness in the middle of the fight with Wei Wuxian at Cloud Recesses; he wonders about the fact that he's sure he was bleeding out just a moment ago, then about the fact that WWX suddenly looks a lot younger but still very angry. @linderel

Had no idea that there would be several fics with that premise but then again, perhaps not surprising! Sadly, none of the three suggested for #19 so far sound right. I'll probably still read them at some point.

additionally, about #19: I'm fairly certain that the summary mentioned JZX bleeding out or something, which none of the suggestions have. I also went back to dig through several authors' bookmarks myself but alas, no luck yet; not even any of the suggested ones has popped up

NOT FOUND 一寸光阴一寸金, 寸金难买寸光阴 by orphan_account (G, 11k, JYL/JZX, JC/WQ, WangXian, WIP, Time Travel Fix-It, JZX Tries, JZX Has Friends, (frenemies really but still), Canon Divergence, Temporary Character Death, JZX-centric, Reconciliation, Everyone Lives, Socially Awkward JZX, Second Chances, Cloud Recesses, Cloud Recesses Study Arc, Cloud Recesses Shenanigans, Pining, JZX can see the love, Matchmaker JZX, did he sign up for this? no but he's gonna try anyways)

NOT FOUND Brittle Steel Slicing Through by meyari (T, 19k, JYL/JZX, WangXian, Major Character Death, Sunshot Campaign, War, aftermath of war, PTSD, Warning: Jin Guangshan, fuck that guy, murder as a method of problem solving, murder as a flirtation method, learning to communicate for idiots, Time Travel Fix-It, Jin Murder-Babies FTW, Fluff and Crack)

NOT FOUND 🔒 Rise of the Peacock by JustAWanderingBabbit (Not Rated, 70k, JZX & JGY, JYL/JZX, 3zun, WIP, Canon Divergence, Re:Birth/Transmigration, Drabble to Full Story, JZX is all grown up in a boy's body, Time to save the world, Or at least save JZX's chest cavity, I just love saving JGY, Definitely NOT Untamed timeline, Reasonably intelligent gamers, The Jin Brothers are a team, Attempted Sexual Assault, unwanted sexual touching)

NOT FOUND With you, I can fight the World by Weiyingbestboy (G, 2k, WangXian, JYL/JZX, JC & WWX & JYL, JZX & WWX, Everyone Lives, Time Travel Fix-It, Canon Divergence, JC is so done, JZX and WWX Friendship)

FOUND! 🔒 long bygone burdens by humancorn (T, 17k, JYL/JZX, JZX & WWX, Time Travel Fix-It, Time Travelling JZX, Pre-Sunshot Campaign, JZX-centric, JZX Tries, JZX & WWX Friendship, Wife Guy JZX, He's doing his best ok, Canon Divergence, mentions of corporal punishment) So none of the fics suggested for #19 were right but I finally braved the search function and found it myself! I think I skipped it because it wasn't Wangxian content 😅 Anyway, it was this

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20. hello! for the next fic finder, i’m looking for a fic where lqr ends up being able to hear wwx’s thoughts. there’s this distinct scene where lqr is traumatized by wwx jerking off to thoughts abt lwj. thank you!!

FOUND! Judge Softly by Chrononautical (E, 32k, WangXian, LSZ & WWX, LXC & LWJ, LXC & LQR, LQR & WWX, Accidental Voyeurism, Masturbation, Non-Consensual Mind Reading, Oblivious WWX, WWX Has Self-Worth Issues, Cloud Recesses, BAMF WWX, Genius WWX, sex makes WWX stupid, LQR Tries, It may be more accurate to say LQR learns to try, Suffering LQR, WangXian Get a Happy Ending, Post-Canon Fix-It, mostly web series with a few influences from the broader canon, Ghosts, Angst with a Happy Ending, Gusu Lan Forehead Ribbon, Teacher LQR Mutual Pining, Longing, Playful Sex, Use Your Words, Canon-Typical Violence, Switching, Virgin WWX, Love Confessions)

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#wangxian #mdzs #wangxian fic finder #wangxian fic search #the untamed #wangxianficfinder #long post

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moodymisty · 7 months ago

Note

I was looking through your various works and I got this idea from a previous ask you received. The one where it’s after Sainguinus dies and how this new curse the black rage acts when you, Sainguinus’s beloved are around. The request mentioned your presence either mellowing them out or making them worse. You decided to go with their presence making the black rage worse, but it got me thinking about how you mellowing them out could actually make them worse.

Now let’s set the scene, your presences calms down your sons and decreases the probability of any of them falling to the Black Rage’s call. In some cases it can even bring them back from the brink. You provide a partial solution to this new awful pandemic plaguing the Blood Angels. There no way this net positive could cause any problems down the line.

Wrong.

For the sons of Sainguinus, you are their legion mother, their saviour, their oasis. Your presence provides a calmness and peace that is rarely found in the constant warfare of the 41st millennium. You are able to save them from one of the curses that runs through their blood, preventing them from being reduced to nothing but berserkers.

The reverence they already have for you is magnified to unfathomable measures and the place you hold in their hearts as high as their dearly departed primarch’s.

This naturally leads to intensified protection and you gaining even more eyes on you, at all times of the day. After all, now that it’s known you can help their condition they surely have to ensure your safety from any of their enemy who would seek to see you killed and in doing deal a catastrophic blow to the chapter’s morale. And you just have to simply get used to this new situation and shoulder the ever increasing guard and protection of your sons

After all, your the leash that pulls them back from the dark abyss of their minds. But beyond even that fact, they can’t bear to lose you. They love and adore you so greatly that should they lose you, their no telling what they would do.

Just imaging what unleashed monsters they could become without you is enough for you to submit to the suffocating guard. But the weight of worship falls heavy and you don’t know how long you’ll be able to take it

Yes!!!!!

This is exactly what I was thinking for the other route that request could take and I'm glad someone went deeper on it! Mellowing them out absolutely comes with it's own downsides; The rigorous protection to the point of nearly being leashed and caged while at the same time being worshiped as the wife of Sanguinius and the 'cure' for the Black Rage is a suffocating fate.

Cause while at the same time is good that something as simple as your presence helps quell this darkness in them, there's only so much you can do, and they only seem to be getting more obsessive about it.

#reply #Misty's book club

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vhagarlovebot · 2 years ago

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content warnings: hurt/comfort.

note: hello, hello ! here’s another one of the works i posted on my old blog—not my favorite but i thought about sharing it either way. i edited it the best i could, so you’re probably still going to see some very poor grammar and it’s because i’d just started writing in english and because of that it is completely normal for me to still have problems writing in a language that isn’t mine. i really hope you enjoy! reblogs and likes are greatly appreciated.

it’s past midnight when you decide to go to aemond’s chambers, he had agreed to come to yours a few hours before but apparently forgot. in other circumstances you won’t mind, but you’ve missed him all day. seeing him walk through the corridors without being able to touch his hand or simply smile at him, afraid someone would say something that will get you in trouble.

there’s no one in sight as you quickly cross the hallways, relaxing when you’re in front of his door. there’s light coming from under it, so you know he’s awake.

when you open the big doors, you find him sitting at the foot of the bed only with his pants on. “hi.” you whisper when a minute has passed and he hasn’t turn around or acknowledged your presence. “i was waiting for you.” you walk slowly towards him, suddenly worried.

“you didn’t think that maybe i didn’t want to go?” his voice is low and hoarse, still looking at the floor.

you immediately stop after hearing that, not really hurt by his words, you know he doesn’t mean them. there might be something else bothering him, and you know what it is the second he stretches and grunts, his head hanging down.

“oh, love.” you whine, almost running to him. you kneel in front of him, his eyes hidden behind his long, silver hair. you brush it out of his face, finally meeting that breathtaking violet eye. “hello, my prince.”

“‘m sorry.” aemond says with a small and tired smile. he caresses your cheek with his thumb, eye never leaving yours. “i didn’t meant to talk to you like that.”

“mmh, i know.” you see how tired he is just by looking at his face, he can barely keep his eye open. he is always doing too much, but apparently that’s never enough to his family. “you need to rest. would you like a massage? does that sounds good?” you stand up, moving your face closer to his so you can kiss his forehead.

you don’t wait for his answer, already climbing on the bed and sitting behind him, legs on either side of his body. you stare at his back for a few seconds, just seeing how delicate and smooth his skin looks like… how fragile aemond targaryen really is.

you gently massage his shoulders and back, spending a little more time in those places that make him shudder, loving the way he leans into your touch. since you’ve known him, aemond’s not one to ask for help, so this moment means a lot to you.

you know aemond hides a lot of things, some big ones, but at this point in life you don’t care what those things are; you’d do anything for him. anything if that means you can spend the rest of your life by his side.

“you’re an angel.” at first you think you heard him wrong, but he says it again and your heart skips a beat.

you blush, kissing his shoulder blades. “i think that’s you.”

“no, really, you’re always so kind to me and i’m… i’m a monster.” you stop what you’re doing, lifting his chin up and turning his head so he can look at you. “you’re not a monster,” you make sure to emphasize each word. “and you never will be, you hear me? no matter how many times you say that about yourself, i'm always going to be here to remind you of it.” aemond stares intensely at you, smile on his face that says everything you need to know without actually saying it.

"you’re all i care about." he leans in to kiss you and you swear the world stops the moment your lips meet. his lips are gentle and soft against yours, his touch on your cheek grounding you.

when you pull away, his violet eye flutters open. "hi." he whispers, a drunken smile stealing your heart.

"come here." you move to lie down against the pillows, and he follows lying down next to you, his back to your chest. aemond is so much larger than you, so you try to hug him against your chest, pressing kisses against his forehead. and he doesn't need to ask for you to start stroking his hair, he also doesn’t need to say how safe he feels in your arms.

#📮 ⌇ my works ˖⋆࿐#aemond targaryen x reader #aemond targaryen fluff #aemond targaryen scenarios #aemond targaryen angst #aemond x reader #aemond targaryen smut #hotd x reader #hotd fanfic #hotd imagine

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justanotherwriter140 · 10 months ago

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Kung Fu Panda 4 - The Movie

The last really, really long discussion post (for now).

Major spoilers ahead!

This review is full of spoilers, so please refrain from reading through it until you've watched KFP4. I would highly suggest doing so, as I want everyone to form their own opinions without my influence. The movie has its flaws (some of which admittedly being a bit distracting), but it's a fun film that has things to offer.

Kung Fu Panda 4 is a fun movie (take that as you will) that takes its audience on an action-packed, surprisingly funny, yet relatively contained adventure on which Po doesn't really do much. It's an inconsequential, safe sequel that doesn't really hurt the franchise but adds close to nothing.

I had a good time watching the movie. It was obviously produced with its theater experience in mind and the action scenes especially reflected that priority. The humor was actually funny sometimes and I enjoyed Po and Zhen's dynamic. During the film, I was able to put most (most!) of my grievances aside and take the movie for what it is. I've discovered that the best way to watch KFP4 is with low expectations and an open mind.

I have a lot of things to say about KFP4, both complaints and compliments (though the former might be taking the forefront in this review), and I hope this review can help those of you who have seen the movie organize your thoughts. I've been having a lot of trouble with that specific aspect of things myself. Those who get it get it.

With that said, let's get into my full review of KFP4! I've been waiting for nearly 2 years to write this and I'm so excited to share every single thought.

I'm going to follow the format of my first discussion post and curate a bulleted list of my thoughts, followed by an analysis of each of these points. Keep in mind that everything I say is IMO and this is more of a rant post than anything else.

Here are my main points:

The Furious Five's role is comically minuscule in the context of the film. Their actions are inconsequential and add nothing to the plot (a confirmed last-minute add), and they have 30~ seconds of screen time. Shifu is also largely irrelevant.

Mr. Ping and Li's presence has little to no effect on the movie (though I won't complain too much because they were pretty fun to watch and this movie has bigger problems). In almost any scenario, I am adamantly against having characters present that don't add anything to the narrative; however, Mr. Ping is an exception. I love Mr. Ping. James Hong is a gem.

Zhen's screen time is not utilized well and her character is underdeveloped. She definitely wasn't annoying, but I didn't find her either compelling or funny enough to warrant the screen time she was given, especially considering it wasn't used to establish a backstory/strong motives. This makes me feel bad for the character because the movie kind of screwed her out of any substantial development.

The Chameleon, while complimented greatly by Viola Davis, is an underwhelming villain. Viola Davis is amazing in this film and I would suggest watching it for her performance if for nothing else, but the Chameleon is underwhelming considering the super cool concept behind the character.

The film feels very rushed. Apologies to those who disagree, but I think the pacing is atrocious and the final fight is anticlimactic. The movie felt like a word-vomit with no discernible intermissions that stops abruptly when the film ends.

I felt as though Po didn't change/grow as a person and the audience never had a chance to either bond with or relate to his character. His internal struggle is kept to a minimum and we don't spend a moment alone with him as an audience, which is disorienting and distracting. Watching the film felt like running into an old friend at the store who's too in a rush to have a real conversation.

The action scenes were strong with few exceptions. Creative art direction was utilized and I thought the martial arts choreography was entertaining and dynamic. I love the color palette of the film and many scenes were very impressive visually.

With my main points established, I do believe it's ranting time. Strap in, folks.

Let's start strong with the Furious Five: I'm gutted. Chagrined, despondent, crestfallen, etc.

The lack of the Furious Five negatively affects KFP4 so much, because not only does their absence hurt the atmospheric integrity of KFP as a franchise, it also forces KFP4 to bring in a slew of different characters—all while still noncommittally including the FF at the very end because I believe the marketing team required it—that clog up the cast a bit. It all goes to show how important strong, established side characters are.

The Furious Five are side characters, but the role of "side character" does not equate to being irrelevant, expendable, or exchangeable. I recognize that the Furious Five aren't super developed as characters beyond a handful of lines that allude to traits sprinkled sparingly among the members; however, I believe that the tiny bits of development we have been given have proved impactful in the past. Tigress's development in KFP2 is a prime example of how much narratively conscious changes (however small they may be) can positively affect these movies.

Because of limited runtimes, the Furious Five often operate as more of a singular unit than five individuals. Even so, I don't think discarding them is valid. They're so important to the KFP universe (to Po's universe!) and not having them with him feels so wrong. The Furious Five are fully integral to the heart of Kung Fu Panda, which is why I believe a lot of those who have seen the new movie have expressed something feeling "off" or something being missing.

I agree with this sentiment. To me, KFP4 didn't feel like a KFP movie. I don't need a Furious Five spin-off movie and I can be fully content with a KFP5 centered around Po's journey as an individual as was intended from the beginning, but he can't carry an entire movie on his back. As strong as he is in every sense of the word, he is only one character. He's the centerpiece of the franchise, but a centerpiece can only go so far without the rest of the design, so to speak.

For me, the Furious Five's absence is one of this film's biggest faults. It's huge and glaring. I know I'm not the only one who feels this way, either, because the friends with whom I saw the film refused to talk about any other aspect of the movie after seeing it. Seeing them at the end was better than nothing, of course, but it was a disappointing culmination after eight years of waiting.

That all is to say I feel robbed. Despite all of this, though, I understand that there were reasons why the Furious Five weren't included in the movie. I don't believe the production team would exclude the Furious Five unless they weren't given a choice.

Shifu and Po's dynamic continues to be thoroughly delightful but their interactions are short and simplified. I would have loved to see more of them in this film, especially considering the extreme relevance of teacher-student relationships in KFP4. I (somewhat) digress, though, because the idea of Shifu having to live at the Jade Palace with only Po for an extended period of time is hilarious enough on its own. Maybe that's what the short film is about!

The comedy is odd but has some jokes that stand out. Po maintains a healthy relationship with his inner sass, which I think makes him more fun to watch and kind of eradicates the man-child verdict. Some jokes don't land, of course, but I genuinely thought KFP4 had some funny moments. Mr. Ping was consistently awesome and Po had some good lines sprinkled throughout the film.

As for Mr. Ping, he and Li Shan are the subjects of the film's B-plot as they follow Po to Juniper City out of shared concern for their son's safety. In my mind, they don't add anything to the story that couldn't have been brought about by other characters, but they had their moments of being entertaining. I enjoyed their silliness and thought they had a cute dynamic if nothing else.

Speaking of other characters, I want to discuss KFP4's deuteragonist and why I genuinely feel bad about the way her character was treated.

I want to let it be known that I'm still not on board with Po passing the Dragon Warrior torch to another character. While I agree that his arc is now calling for him to have a student, I disagree with the notion of him retiring from his DW role.

As I stated in my first discussion post:

Didn’t the initial significance and nuance of the title come from the fact that there is only one person who can be the Dragon Warrior, because the concept of the “Dragon Warrior” isn’t so much a title as it is Po himself? The universe (Oogway) must choose the Dragon Warrior because they are a singular being of legend. It is one person, and that person is Po. Wasn’t the point of the first film that the title ultimately doesn’t really matter because there is no “secret ingredient,” so to speak? The title doesn’t actually give Po anything. “It’s just you,” Po says, and that was the resolution.

When it comes to Zhen as a character, contrary to what I predicted I would think of her, I thought she was okay. While I was still a bit distracted by how out-of-place her design looks, I wasn't truly annoyed by her at any point and she and Po had some cute moments. Even so, I think their relationship could have been a bit more refined and developed.

While it's evident that Po and Zhen are meant to have a teacher-student/mentor-apprentice dynamic, I think their relationship feels half-baked. There were parallels that contradicted one another and ended up being confusing come the film's conclusion, and the nature of their relationship seems to vacillate depending on the scene. Additionally, the strength of their bond goes from zero to one hundred within thirty-ish minutes and left me with a bit of whiplash.

We're shown that Po and Zhen care about one another, but we're never shown why. They have a brief conversation during which they bond over being orphans, and Zhen says at one point, "You're actually a good guy," but that's it. This obvious lack of development is a bit disorienting because we're later led to believe that Zhen and Po care very deeply for one another when there's almost nothing to back it up.

A scene that sticks out to me when discussing this is when Zhen attack-hugs Po in a way that explicitly mirrors Tigress's hug from KFP2. This happens around the beginning of the third act, and while it had the potential to be an endearing moment, I think it fell flat.

The impact of Tigress's hug was brought on by her character's hardcore nature and reputation of being heartless, further strengthened with the knowledge that she was hugging Po (which was obviously way outside her comfort zone) as a show of companionship and fundamental understanding. Tigress hugged Po because he needed someone to recognize his strive for closure.

Zhen's hug had little to no impact because she had no reason to do it and it didn't indicate growth. She hugs Po because she's sorry for betraying him and doesn't want him to be killed by the Chameleon, but neither of these things are newly-established via this hug; we have already gathered by now that Zhen regrets betraying Po and doesn't want him to get hurt.

The hug is far from the movie's weakest point, but I think it's unnecessary given the context. I'm big on hugs in movies (an underutilized form of platonic affection, in my opinion), but it didn't fit here. I don't hate it, and I see it as an honest effort to bring emotionality to Po and Zhen's relationship, but it seems arbitrary.

Zhen and Po's relationship has a lot of potential and I'd be open to seeing more of them in the future, but I think some more thoughtful development needs to occur before I can humor it further. Even so, I can see myself featuring Zhen in some future post-KFP4 one-shots—sparingly, of course, because we have a lot of Furious Five content to compensate for.

Overall, they had a cute dynamic and some sweet moments but I'm not attached. I'm on board with Po having a student but I think their relationship needs a lot more development, something that this film unfortunately didn't give them time to either accomplish or earn.

Now, onto the Chameleon!

The concept of the Chameleon's character is admittedly super interesting. She's the deuteragonist's fastidious mother figure who feels that Zhen owes her a debt and as a result holds her to an impossible standard. That dynamic had the potential to be so interesting but I didn't think it was explored at all. There is no indication of Zhen having any internal conflict about fighting the Chameleon, no emotional complexity between them at all; it's disappointing because I think it would've added a bit of earnestness to the film.

Additionally, the idea of a shape-shifting villain is versatile. A shape-shifting villain gives those telling the story a lot of room to experiment with the protagonist and different ways in which the main character can be challenged and tested. It's yet another good idea utilized poorly. Just one idea: the Chameleon could have disguised herself as one (or several) of Po's family, friends, etc. and brought to fruition a new arc with his character (seeing as he arguably doesn't have one in this film), but she only disguises herself as Zhen very briefly in the movie.

Furthermore, the Chameleon completely relies on the powers of previous villains to pose any sort of threat to the main characters. She summons Po's former nemeses from the Spirit Realm (despite there being little logic in doing so considering Kai's literal evisceration) and takes their kung fu abilities for herself.

An excerpt from my first KFP4 discussion post that I think is relevant to the point I'm trying to make:

I don’t think it would be in the best interest of anyone if the past villains were to come back in any way that’s not a flashback (even then, I’m not sure I’d see the point). In all honesty, I thought that the whole point of the villains was that they died and stayed dead. They were defeated by Po once and for all as a testament to the idea of establishing Po's character growth and journey as a person through the bad things he’s able to overcome. It’d be highly contradictory to the messages of the other films if these villains were to suddenly come back.

While there was an honest effort made to portray the Chameleon as intimidating, I never felt as though any of the characters were endangered by either her or her army of lizard henchman. She's a visually appealing character (aside from her eyes, which I thought more resembled those of a gecko than a chameleon) and I greatly enjoyed Davis's performance, but overall I don't see the Chameleon as a notable villain.

The return of Tai Lung (had he been on his own) had the makings to be an excellent story, especially considering the importance of teacher-student dynamics in KFP4. To see him interacting with Shifu would have been incredible and could have led to further closure on Tai Lung's end (because I think that's kind of what the team was going for anyway), but it didn't happen.

It was nice to see Ian McShane reprise his role, but I wish Tai Lung's characterization had been more reminiscent of the way he was in the first film and more complimentary of his overall character arc. Tai Lung isn't a one-dimensional villain with a singular goal and motivation, and I couldn't help but feel as though the complexity of his character was simplified for the sake of KFP4's narrative.

Tai Lung's presence in KFP4 may be odd, but Shen and Kai's appearances are even more so. Kai, if I remember correctly, was fully obliterated by Po, reduced to literal particles on screen (which is kind of wild now that I think about it). Shen being in the Spirit Realm makes sense all things considered; however, Po and Li had no visible reaction to his presence, which seemed a bit unlikely considering Shen's deeds. This plot hole can likely be attributed to the fact that Shen and Kai's cameos (to my knowledge) were last-minute additions to the movie.

I have to talk about the pacing. I have to. I'm sorry, bear with me.

To me, the film's pacing is erratic and disconcerting. While I can appreciate a quick-moving narrative that doesn't dawdle on storylines that aren't interesting/important, KFP4 kind of flings itself too far in the opposite direction and ends up being frighteningly fast-paced. Once the credits began, I felt like I had been holding my breath for the entire movie.

KFP4 is confusing because while the runtime is standard for a KFP movie, it feels incredibly short. At the same time, the film's story moves at a breakneck speed and leaves little time for heart and development. These things culminate into a barreling boulder of a movie that simply doesn't have time to let its characters, story, or audience take a breath.

A fast pace is not inherently negative, but I don't think it worked in the favor of KFP4. The KFP franchise has always been very emotionally grounded (and just very grounded in general), so to see a film in which emotion/heart takes an aggressive backseat in comparison to action and comedy is jarring. While I think it's unreasonable for fans to expect the same emotional integrity as the original films to be present in the current and upcoming ones, I still think there's room for Po to grow and I felt as though the notion of him developing further was brushed aside in this film.

As for Po's growth, I felt it was nearly nonexistent. The previous trilogy wrapped up his character's journey beautifully and I know that KFP4 was bound to struggle with this particular aspect of making another KFP film; however, just because the strongest pillars of Po's character are established doesn't serve as a valid excuse to reverse his development and repeat what he learned in KFP3.

In KFP3, Po learned firsthand that he is capable of spreading wisdom and teaching kung fu. He also learns that he is constantly growing and that change is inevitable; there is always something more to learn.

"If you only do what you can do, you will never be more than you are now."

"I don't want to be anything more, I like who I am!"

In KFP4, Po pushes against this narrative despite fully accepting it in KFP3, actively reversing crucial parts of his character development achieved in the latter. KFP3 was non-ambiguously about learning to cope with change and responsibility, and I can't help but feel like KFP4 is simply copying this message while not adding anything to it.

Additionally, I felt that KFP4's Po generally felt less personal than he has in the past. In every KFP movie up to the franchise's most recent addition, I felt very connected to Po as an audience member. I felt like I was truly seeing the world of KFP through his eyes. I consider this to be one of the franchise's most impressive feats; it's incredibly difficult to build a universe around a character without making the audience feel limited to one perspective and one part of the world.

With KFP4, I felt both limited and disconnected. The world didn't feel as vast and all-encompassing as it has in the past and Po didn't seem fully like himself. This could be me nitpicking (as I'm prone to do), but I can't recall a single moment in the movie in which Po was alone on screen. Scenes like these are crucial for me because I see them as a meet-cute between the character and the audience, a moment for us to cross the bridge into their world in a way that's silent and intuitive. These little bonding moments are absolutely integral to feeling connected to a character.

Po's dream sequence in the first KFP movie is one of the best examples of this. It presents his aspirations, alludes to his way of life up to the point of the movie, and showcases his personality. During Po's dream sequence, the audience is quite literally inside Po's mind; we're there with him, seeing what he sees, subsequently feeling what he feels. Po is a dreamer at heart and makes the audience feel like dreamers, too.

In KFP4, I felt like I little to no point of reference when it comes to how Po was feeling. I didn't feel immersed in him and his world.

I know I've been very "doom and gloom" throughout this post, which is an exhausting mindset for everyone involved. I want to end my critique with something positive because I think some praise is deserved. Let's just say the movie could have been a lot worse, the details of which I'm sure you're all well aware.

Congratulations, you've reached the end! Thank you so much to all of you who took the time to read this unnecessarily long and detailed review. As long as I help someone translate their conflicted feelings into coherent thoughts, I'll call it a win.

KFP4 has its flaws and there are a lot of aspects that I dislike, but the I greatly admire and respect the hard work put into the film by those of the crew who put their efforts forward and tried their best to make it work. This does not at all excuse my issues with the movie, but it's worth saying.

As for the future of the series, I only hope that the next installment is more considerate of the franchise's origins and why Po's story is being told in the first place. I fully believe that another sequel could be good (even great!), but only given a strong, passionate crew with a great understanding of the characters and world (and I wouldn't be averse to some previous directors returning, just to put it out there).

Thanks again to those who took the time to read this crazy excuse for a movie review. Feel free to either disagree with me or add things in the replies/reblogs, I'm always looking for more thoughts to think.

Until next time!

#kung fu panda 4 #kung fu panda #dreamworks animation #kfp #kfp 4 #movie review #i'll add the actual picture of the furious five's cameo when i can get ahold of one of decent quality #my time has come #so i didn't love it #but it is what it is #free the five #perhaps i treated kfp3 too harshly #don't get me wrong the movie had good qualities and i can tell a lot of work went into it #a lot of missed potential imo #a lot of characters done dirty #i didn't even mention the score but i thought it was just okay #i wasn't wowed #i know close to nothing about composing though so i should probably just not even go there #credits were the best part both cinematically and musically #i feel mean but i'm not going to be dishonest #bc obviously you all simply must know how i feel about the silly panda movie #a more detailed version of the grievances i have w the dragon warrior plot can be found in my og discussion post if anyone's interested #as well as my thoughts on bringing back old villains #might make some edits to this in the future but this is all i have to say for now #doesn't hurt my love for the og trilogy but i'm still upset #alas we move on #kfp4 is not canon idc fight me

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starleska · 5 months ago

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[stepping over the picket fence from my backyard into your backyard, like I’ve learnt anything about Despicable Me or Maxime since my last ask besides it is, indeed, the masc “le Mal” and not the feminine “la Mal”]

Hi, hey, howdy, don't worry about getting to this ask quickly or replying or anything, you take care of yourself, do what you need to do, do what you want to do 💕 I'm going on a thought experiment, a couple of thought experiments. <3

but I was pondering my orb or taking a four hour nap or whatever you wanna call it and like. Is flustered, needy Maxime a new concept???? Not something that’s been greatly considered????? Bc tbh, he always gave me those vibes. For some reason. Like “Oh yeah, of COURSE he’s clingy and embarrassed and blushy and etc etc”. I’m not even sure why I was so sure but it just felt right. 💖 Surely…I wasn’t…projecting any type of …”personal biases” upon himAHEM so sorry, allergies.

That big coat is for hiding and he totally can just, dissappear in there and hide from the world. He could pull the coat up and his head in and hope he can cover how read his face is. Like don't look at him rn, he's so vulnerable and uncomfortable about it bc he's used to being so big and impervious, but also don't go away, bc he likes you sm and this is so nice and he loves being adored. But also it's so much!!!!!!!!! Vicious cycle.

I'm a Blushy Needy Maxime truther. Or liar. I'll leave it to the people who've actually seen the movie to decide. Just the bigger the ego, the harder they fall, thats what I always say. Don't fact check that.

What do you reckon flusters him most? Nice words? Physical affection? Teasing? Gifts? All of the above? I feel like it could be anything. 👀 or maybe it’s none of the above.

Maybe I underestimate him, maybe he's got better composure than I assume, but every set of armor has a weakness! Anyone can get flustered, Maxime can get flustered, and tbh he probably should get flustered. Where there’s a will there’s a way! …Maybe Valentina would help. Either way I KNOW THAT GUY IS GETTING FLUSTERED I know it

Accidentally a little overboard with the teasing and flustering and he gets all in a huff, giving the cold shoulder. You gotta say you’re sorry and wrap your arms around him, and in an ideal world he’d hold strong to his grudge until he felt you’ve paid your dues, but he can’t help but melt into your embrace. He compromises, turning back to you, burying his still-hot face into you and refusing to look at you instead. His arms tight around you, not letting you go even long after you assume all is well. His ire is still on you, you know! You owe him a lot for all that trouble you put him through! And besides, he still feels lightheaded from all this blood rushing to his face. You must let him stay in your soft, supportive embrace for just a moment longer. You wouldn’t turn him out now, would you? After you did this to him? For shame.

(He is Not intending to let you go anytime soon, he is making up all the excuses)

…hm…I may be talking in circles and not saying much of anything. I also feel like I’ve Greatly Exposed myself today. I gotta go disinfect my ear piercings…I gotta wash my neckties….I gotta refill my mint essential oil diffuser to keep away…the….the bugs…ahem…I gotta make a Pokémon team for Normal Reasons.

I'm also once again coming to you cold, literally standing next to an actual oven for warmth like a Victorian child when my jacket is on a chair literally just one Maxime away. I’ve Got to GO. I CANT KEEP BEING LET OUT OF CONTAINMENT LIKE THIS. Thank you for listening to my TEDTalk/hostage situation. If anyone asks, I was never here. Take care, you’re great <3

[Runs away, jumping fences like I committed a crime here.]

not you dropping an entire three course meal and dessert into my askbox, á la mode!!!!!!! 🙈💖💖 for someone who claims they don't know anything about Maxime, you certainly have put a lot of thought into this message...😉

you know, at the time you sent this ask I would've said that flustered, needy Maxime is a new concept, but we've had an amazing wave of art for him over the past week and there's so much of him being all cute and blushy 🙈🙈💖💖 i think it's that he is so easily angered and hates being called cute…he's total fluster-bait!!! we NEED to make him blush 🥺 AAAAA ohhh my god the idea of him wrapping his coat around himself and hiding is so soft!!!! no no you are SO onto something because Maxime is so horribly arrogant and confident, he's a bully who loves the spotlight and desperately wants attention…so wouldn't it be interesting to finally hit that sweet spot and get him wanting to hide? i really do think overt affection like that would make him curl up, and if you did it in a pointed enough way, his face would light up like a traffic light 🥰💖 i think that Maxime is probably really unprepared for anyone who is able to match his energy. he's looking down at you all heavy-lidded, boasting about himself and casually belittling you, but you shoot back with a well-aimed flirtation and it just. hits him like a truck. his cheeks warm, he starts to stammer. he desperately tries to recover, but he's actually looking for an out because he needs to find somewhere to breathe and quiet his beating heart 👀💖 YOU ARE CORRECT Valentina would so get involved!!! you've probably seen us talk about Valentina a bit before, and our wishes that she'd had more dialogue/character development in the movie…but two things that are very canon about Valentina is that she loves cute things, and she also thinks MAXIME is really cute 👉👈 i am certain that behind closed doors those two lavish all kinds of attention on each other, and Valentina turns Maxime tomato-red every time!!!! squealing no no no please don't be embarrassed i LOVE this!!!! gahhhh i adore that quick possessive flip from being so embarrassed and curling in on himself to it being something where he desperately wants to keep you, he can't let you go…!!! oh, my heart 😳😳😳 it's going to sound so silly given all of the stuff i've made for Maxime and being a selfshipper but i adore him so much that i STILL get so incredibly squirmy even trying to imagine any degree of one-on-one discussion with him, let alone contact…!!!! it's taken me a week to answer this ask for exactly that reason 🙈💖 so THANK YOU for fueling my brain i am going to chew through my hoodie sleeves now 😳😳😳 cackles. are we both sufficiently dead now? did you manage to do all of those convenient excuse-related things (including making the Pokémon team which i would LOVE to hear about)? 👀 it's OKAY lovely, open yourself up!!! there are no rules when it comes to loving characters - who says we can't adore many at once?! 🥰 thank you for always sending the loveliest, most interesting asks!! i've been mulling over this one for a hot minute and it's really, really cheered me up after a tough month, so big big hugs 🫂💖💖

#this whole ask has made me feel like i've run a marathon how DARE you be so big-brained 🙈💖💖#flustered Maxime SUPREMACY #maxime le mal #maxime le mal x you #maxime le mal x reader #maxtina #maxime le mal x valentina #valentina #despicable me 4 spoilers #despicable me 4 #dm4 #despicable me #starleskasks #long post

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audreyscribes · 3 months ago

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Ω PJO MISCELLANEOUS DEMIGOD HEADCANONS: 🍃 ZEPHYROS: GOD OF THE WEST WINDS, PERSONIFICATION OF THE GENTLE WEST WIND AND SPRING. 🌷

A/n: Another Popular minor god let's go! Zephryos or Zephryus will always pop up like a random but welcome breeze, so it was only fitting to do a demigod imagine on him. Also either I'm not looking in the right direction or I see a lack of Zephryus demigods. No idea if he would make a good godly dadza. Now to see if anyone picks up the references I've put in from another fandom. MISCELLANEOUS DEMIGOD H/CS MASTERLIST LINK: [TUMBLR] || [AO3]

If you’ve ever heard of “Spring is in the air”, there is no better term used for Zephyros because that essentially sums up his entire existence. This also applies to you every time you make an appearance. Whether you bring love in the air or smell like flowery perfume (the good kind that brings you ease and happiness), it ranges a bit.

When you get claimed, you can hear the singing of swans as the wind blew gently from the west, carrying the smell of Spring almost like a herald…even if it’s not even Spring anymore. Unironically, your claim in Camp Halfblood takes place at Zephyros Creek…the creek that is literally named after him that runs through the entire forest.

As one of the more popular, minor gods, your presence as a demigod and your powers are also notable…which isn’t as much of a problem if it wasn’t much of a learning curve. Unlike where it’s pretty simple for the major gods where it makes relative sense of their domains and concepts, for Zephyros it’s less on the nose and requires some actual studying; from the winds, horses, spring, love, and etc.

As a child of Zephyros, you obviously have the power of the winds at your command. However, he is also technically a god of springtime, you also have the power to grow and manipulate plants, though not as much as the child of Demeter. Makes sense if you think of the wind carrying the pollen, helping the growth of flowers and the Spring wind heralds the changing of the seasons from Winter. If you’re at Camp between the seasons of Winter and Spring, you’ll find yourself in the company of the children of Demeter. A welcome change from growing decorative gourd to strawberries.

What no one tells you at first, despite being a god of the winds, you expect to have some connection to birds like the Swans from earlier, you learn you also have a connection with horses; as Zephyros has turn into a horse and had pulled Zeus’ chariot with his brothers against Typhon. So Pegasus flying is almost like second nature to you but slightly left field. Good thing you have the children of Poseidon because you two can gossip and complain with the pegasus…though why is that you feel a certain draw to certain pegasus…?

You also find yourself being drawn to and from the children of Iris; where you learn that Iris told them to make you feel welcome and extends you an invitation to drop by her Organic shop anytime, the children of Apollo surprisingly; once everyone got over the fact about their parents’ thing over Hyacinth, they welcomed you greatly and especially appreciated you spirit over any injured patients over or simply growing some well-need plants at that moment. Plus, every so often, you all get together to have a small music break and not surprisingly, you find yourself gifted at wind instruments.

You also meet Lester or a.k.a. Apollo as well around this time. He welcomes you as much as he can and while you appreciated the gesture, you knew he carried guilt and awkwardness towards you, forcing himself to show you that he had no qualms and in extension, show Zephyros that he regretted blaming your godly father for Hyacinth's death and to show he wouldn’t be petty and harm his own kid; even if he knew that received help during his own powerless moment. Luckily for you and him, Zephryos written a letter for Apollo that you gave to him, explicitly stating that Zephyros that was sorry as well and forgave Apollo long ago. You find yourself having another father figure in your life through Apollo, who constantly invites you to his and his children’s activities.

You find yourself being in the company of the children of Aphrodite. Zephryos famously has a connection being in the service of Eros, bringing Spring (i.e. romance) in the air, but there’s also his and Iris’ son; Pothos, the God of Sexual Longing, Yearning, and Desire, who is also an attendant of Aphrodite. So whether or not you have a particular interest in romance or whatever, the children of Aphrodite are more likely to share their secrets and gossip with you and even help you from time to time. Or you’re going to be the one spreading those juicy gossip and spilling the tea to the people of the Aphrodite cabin (and those who feel so inclined) about So and So being seen together while holding hands.

You quickly figure out that Zephyros is rather well-known around Camp, outside of his presence in Greek Mythos, as you find out that from Annabeth, like her, a lot of them were brought to their mortal parents from their godly parents by Zephyros. Somewhere down the line, you find yourself able to find out whose unclaimed demigods’ parentage is because Zephyros touch lingers on them, leaving you in a dilemma if you’re allowed to say it.

In terms of physical attributes inherited from your father, this is what’s going to be a nightmare for you. At first you thought you might inherit wings because Zephyros is often depicted with wings, but if your claiming doesn’t trigger it, then you might not have wings at all. Though this is not a problem with flying as you can manipulate the wind to help you fly. No, what’s a nightmare is that Chiron sat you down and told you that you might be able to turn into a horse because Zephyros has been known to turn into a horse, so you may be able to turn into that…but what really threw you in a loop is that you may possess the characteristics of a tiger because he’s also the sire of Tigers. So Tiger, Horses, and Birds oh my! good luck with that!

On the other hand, you’re going to have an animal companion; whether its a tiger, horse, or birds; though usually swans but not limited to it. Afterall, pegasus are considered horses too; so there’s that. For all you could know, you may have crows as your companion(s); though they’re a rather chatty bunch so you are probably going to call them as Chat. Or Bryan- for that one crow that can speak rather human like.

Everyone stared at you with open gaped mouths as the claim of Zephryos floated above your head. The swans were singing and flapping their wings in Zephyros creek. The wind gently blew from the West as if Zephyros was gently running his hand over your hair, giving you a light kiss on the forehead. There was a waft of floral scent also coming from the West, and it smelled familiar to you.

Everyone was staring at you with a range of awe, surprise, and absolute recognition. The weight of the stares was starting to make you awkwardly hot and uncomfortable. Silence gradually filled in when the swan singing started to fade off into the distance, only the wind swaying of the trees with the sound of the water running through the creek. It was then you remembered that you had the flag in hand, the fabric flapping in the wind earlier like some epic painting when you reached the goal. It was a whirlwind of events when you felt yourself flying, your feet carrying you like you were absolutely nothing. At first you thought you were definitely a child of Hermes, with your feet running like you had wings on your feet but then when you were getting pincered from all sides. You were cut off by the enemy side and the only exit was a cliff and the next thing you knew you jumped off the cliff in a run, and as you fell, panic hit you as you realized you couldn’t land safely and the creek wasn’t that deep to sustain your fall.

It was at that moment the wind blew from the West and swirled around you, carrying off into safety into the waters. You botched the landing and did a couple stumble but you took that then going SPLAT.

You wondered if you should say anything when people weren’t really moving, whispering amongst themselves, until you heard a whistle that came off rather musically impressed and then a clap of rhythm. Your eyes turned to the source to see a boy with brown hair and eyes but when the sunlight filtered through the gap of the branches, you swore you saw blue instead.

“Well, certainly Zephyros knows how to make an entrance, not that I wouldn’t do either of course” said the boy and you heard that one child of Demeter with a temper scoff. “I think we can say Capture the Flag is over right Chiron?”

The centaur shook out of his stupor and cleared his throat, regaining his composure. “Yes, that would seem to be the case” he said before he turned to the other campers to say that Capture the Flag was now over and your team cheered in victory.

You were rushed over by your teammates for securing the win and congrats on being claimed. You thanked profusely, still not sure who claimed you until you saw the boy from earlier, that your brain hazily remembered as some from the Apollo cabin.

“Well I never expected to see a child of Zephryos to appear, much less when I’m at camp. I guess there’s no real bad blood anymore if he’s open to claiming his kid in front of me.”

“Uh, wait Zephryos? He’s my dad? But isn’t he the god of the West wind-”

“Yes, Zephryos, God of the West Wind as well as the personification of it and a god of Spring you can say” he said, before gently gesturing you out of the water and that’s when you realize your shoes and socks were absolutely soaked and very uncomfortable as they squished with every movement.

“I don’t think he would have a demigod” you admitted.

“Well, Zephryos and I were both interested in a lovely human man named Hycanith, though he got jealous that Hycanith accepted me as a lover. It’s a long story but it seems like he had moved on some time to have you” smiled the stranger.

“Wait, I remember that story…but you? The story had Apollo-” you started to say but you cut off your words when it hit you. You turned to the stranger beside you and now you could feel it. “Ah yes, it’s a rather long story but I’m in my mortal form. Here, I’m called Lester Papadopoulos but those who know, know me as Apollo.”

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mint-yooxgi · 1 year ago

Text

The Library of Illusion - Prologue

Yandere AU - Based off of This Event hosted by @cultofdionysusnet

Genre: Mature, Horror, Angst, Slight Humour

Pairing: Ateez X Reader - (Focus on Seonghwa to start)

Words: 4,362

Warnings: Mention of losing consciousness, dehydration, and starvation. This is a Yandere story, it will contain themes such as stalking, violence, obsession, possessive natures, and just general overall creepiness and swearing. You have been warned.

A/n: Huge thank you to the network for allowing me to participate in this event!! I'm super excited for everyone to see what I have planned, there's a lot of stories heading your way!! I really hope you all enjoy, and please do let me know your theories and what you think so far!! As always, Feedback is greatly appreciated! Enjoy!~

Gentle reminder that I do not do tag lists.

Mini Masterlist

The heat is unbearable.

With every step you take, exhaustion creeps closer and closer. Your entire body feels heavy, your eyelids drooping further with every blink. Long since has your blood flowing through your ears drowned out any other sounds of the desert around you, the sun bearing down on you like an iron cross. Each breath is a pain filled dagger into your burning lungs, but still, you carry on.

It has to be around here somewhere.

For four days and four nights, you have been trekking through the red, unforgiving sands of the desert in search of a library. Not just any library. A hidden library that is said to house an indescribable knowledge, and a hidden treasure.

You’ve never been one to care for material treasures, nor seek vast riches in life. In fact, you had been perfectly content with the way your life had been going.

Until the accident.

Now, you desperately seek this Library of Illusion and it’s treasure, for it is foretold that it can grant any wish, and right now, you only have one. You will only ever have one.

The constant drag of your feet through the sand grounds you. Your mouth, which has gone as dry and barren as the desert around you, desperately longs for water. A luxury you ran out of twelve hours ago. Already, you can feel the effects of severe dehydration, your vision blurring at the corners as your body feels as hot as the scorched sands of the earth you traverse.

Only yesterday, you ran out of food, and you can feel those familiar pangs of hunger twisting at your stomach. Yet, nausea builds steadily in your chest. Bile rises in your throat, and each attempt to swallow down the acidity rising within has your chest constricting from the pain.

You should have packed more. You should have been more prepared.

The map you had been following fluttered away in a sudden sandstorm early on, of which delayed you by a whole day. You had managed to find an outcropping of rocks to hide yourself in as the storm passed, but the only thing you had to gather your bearings and reorient yourself with afterwards was the sun. You’re running on pure adrenaline and hope right now, but you don’t know how much longer either will last.

Already, you can feel your movements slowing down, chest feeling heavier and heavier with each inhale you take. You would have called for help some time ago, were it not for the fact that your phone died, and so did the multiple spare wireless charges you brought along with you. Even so, there’s no service in this particular section of the desert, so you’re stranded regardless of if you had been able to garner communication with the outside world or not.

With each blink, your eyes sting from the sand beginning to swirl around you. Dread weighs heavy on your heart, which begins to slow with each languid step forward. Already, you are close to collapsing.

An ominous feeling from behind you has you turning your head to see a looming cloud of smoke approaching from the distance, and you realize with a horrid sense of dread that another sandstorm is on its way. Only this time, there is no shelter you can seek.

You are doomed, and probably have been from the very start. There probably isn’t an actual library out here to begin with, and you’ve just thrown away your life for a chance at something that seemed impossible to begin with.

Rumours are just that. Rumours.

Your feet give out beneath you.

Sand clouds your vision, stinging at your tired eyes as your body refuses to move. So much as coughing to clear your throat feels as if someone has taken sandpaper to your lungs, scraping the tissue raw from the inside out.

You begin to choke on dust, no tears able to form in your dry eyes.

This is it. This is how you die: lost in the desert, alone and starved, dehydrated and exhausted to the point of delirium. All for the hopes of some sacred treasure that may or may not actually be able to grant your wish. A desire so deep, you had been more than eager to throw away your life for, even if it did not actually exist.

Even now, on the bring of death, you cling onto that wish. A flickering flame of hope continues to burn so deeply in your soul, you swear that you can see the embers lighting up behind your very eyelids as they finally fall shut. The only thought in your mind as you succumb to your exhaustion is a desperate plea to whatever is out there in the universe to let you see him one last time.

~~~

It’s dark.

Dark and cool, despite the feeling of something draped over your body. A body of which feels the lightest it has been in days, that aching feeling no longer buried deep within your bones.

Dark, and cool, and quiet.

A low groan escapes you, turning onto your side form your back as you begin to regain consciousness. Raising your one arm, you bring a hand to your head, wiping at your face lethargically.

A deep chuckle sounds from beside you, “Are you finally awake?”

Immediately, your eyes are flinging open as you tear the covers off of your body. You appear to be in a bed of some sort, dark red curtains, almost maroon, hanging from each of the grand posts rising high from each corner. The sheets are light in material, but dark in colour as your head darts everywhere around the room.

“Where am I?” Your frantic voice, sounding much better than you thought it would after days of no use, echoes around the area.

You seem to be inside of an old building of some sort, the walls the same dusty red as the sands of the desert. It appears as if this chamber has been carved out of stone, a wooden antique desk resting off to the side while shelves upon shelves of books line the walls. The ceiling is high and arched, chandeliers hanging every three rows or so to illuminate the space.

At least this place has electricity… and air conditioning, it seems.

“I think you already know the answer to that.” The same voice replies.

Turning your head, your vision is drawn to a man now leaning against the wooden desk. His arms are crossed over his chest, yet despite his closed off stance, his shoulders appear relaxed. He has somewhat medium length black hair that falls in light waves, parted over his forehead, and wide, dark brown eyes. They appear almost black in colour, for you can see what is supposed to be the whites of his eyes have faded to a sort of aged yellow, almost reminiscent of the few pieces of worn yellow parchment you can see littering the top of the desk.

His clothes are fair. A low collared black shirt adorns his torso, while black pants rest over his legs, reminiscent of jeans. You can even see a silver chain dangling on his hip, attached to the one loop on his waist while the other end disappears around him and into his back pocket. Another chain rests around his neck, thick and just as silver as the other.

How he doesn’t overheat is a mystery to you.

Amusement dances lightly in his eyes as he watches you from across the room. His lips tug upwards in a friendly grin, but the more you stare, the more unnerved your become.

Softly, you place your feet upon the floor, standing cautiously from the bed. Your eyes lock on your personal items - your backpack, canteens, and holster - all sitting beside him on the floor. They seem to be resting against the desk, untouched and in perfect condition.

Inhaling sharply, your one hand rushes to your back.

“Looking for this?” With a quirked brow, the man pulls out your hunting knife from under his arm. “I will say, not as many come as prepared as you do. Desperate, yes, but with weapons?”

A loud clanging echoes throughout the chamber as he tosses the knife onto the top of the desk behind him.

You eye him carefully, guard still high as you prepare to defend yourself using any means necessary. You’re not much of a fighter, but you won’t go down so easily.

“I’m dead, aren’t I?” You voice lowly. “This is the afterlife.”

The man begins to laugh, quite boisterously at that.

“No. You’re not dead.”

“I should be.” You counter. “Even I know that there’s no way in hell I could have been rescued from the middle of the desert when there was a sandstorm approaching. I was already suffering from heat stroke, and dehydration. I should be dead.”

“Is it that surprising to learn that you are not?” He tilts his head curiously at you.

“Did you save me, then?” You counter, mirroring his stance by crossing your arms over your chest.

“I did.” Comes his blunt reply. “It was quite easy, too.”

“Then, if your earlier implication is to be believed, this is the library I’ve been looking for.” You state, somewhat skeptically.

“The one and only.” He confirms with a slight grin.

You blink, disbelief painting your features. “Why… is there a bed in the middle of the library?”

“The bookkeeper needs some place to sleep, no?” He chuckles.

“You’re the bookkeeper of the Library of Illusion?” Your head tilts forward slightly, looking at him with a clearly raised brow.

“Well, I am the Keeper of Keys. Bookkeeping is just my hobby.” He shrugs casually, as if this is a conversation he has often.

“So, then, I’m also correct in assuming you know everything there is to know about this library?” You continue.

“That would be correct.” He nods his head once.

“Great.” You mirror his nod. “Where’s the treasure?”

His eyes widen in amused disbelief. “Not even going to ask for the name of your saviour first?”

“Fine.” You heave a tremendous sigh. “What’s your name?”

He smiles, as if he’s been waiting for this opportunity all along, “My name is Seonghwa.”

A firm nod in response in all he receives from you as you begin to look around the space once more.

His smile falls.

“You know, it’s common curtesy to introduce yourself after someone has identified themselves to you.” He states, rather pointedly.

Your brow furrows as you choose to ignore him for now. There doesn’t seem to be any visible entrances or exits in the immediate vicinity, and the entire chamber doesn’t look that grand to begin with.

“How did you manage to save me?” You turn your attention back to him.

“You were passed out, so I brought you inside.” Comes his simple reply.

You hum, clearly not convinced. Only, you decide to leave it at that for now. Instead, you opt to introduce yourself just as he said. It’s better not to get on his bad side, anyways. He may be the only one who knows the ways in and out of this place. Besides, he did save your life.

“So, bookkeep,” you straighten in your spot, “the treasure?”

“And here I was thinking you’d be different,” he sighs.

“Different?” You nose scrunches, dissatisfied with his tone.

Purposely, he ignores your statement. “What is it that you were told the treasure was this time?”

“I was led to believe the treasure is said to fulfill your deepest desire.” You eye him warily, lowing your hands to your sides for the moment. “A wish, if you will.”

“Let me guess? Fame? Fortune? Beauty?” His gaze narrows slightly, disinterest painting his features. “Love?”

You inhale sharply.

“Don’t ask questions you don’t want to know the answer to.” You reply darkly, tone low and ominous.

“I am the Keeper of Keys, it is my duty to ask questions,” he pushes himself off of the desk. “Especially when the treasure is involved.”

“It’s real, then?” You watch as he begins walking down the open hallway a ways.

“As real as you and me.” He sighs, not even bothering to look back at you.

“Great!” You begin to follow him, that familiar blossom of hope swelling inside of your chest. “Where can I find it?”

Suddenly, Seonghwa makes a sharp right, stopping right before an iron gate. A plaque above the intricately shaped bars of metal reads ‘Restricted Section’ in big, bold letters.

Wordlessly, he points at the gate.

“Behind there?” You question.

“If you can get to it.” He hums, shifting to lean against the shelf closest to him.

You go to take a step forward before stopping yourself. “What’s the catch?”

“What do you mean?” There’s a certain giddiness shining behind his eyes as he meets your own.

“I’m not stupid enough to believe you would lead me straight to the treasure without there being some kind of test.” Your answer is quite firm, irritation lining your voice. “So, what’s the catch?”

“You’re not even going to try the doors?” His tone is nothing short of mocking as he continues to stare at you.

“You didn’t unlock them.” You reply bluntly.

“Smart girl.” He hums. “You see, I cannot unlock them.”

Your brow quirks. “Can’t or won’t?”

“I cannot unlock them.” He repeats, emphasizing his every word. “I don’t have the keys.”

“Some Keeper of Keys you are.” You exhale a disappointed sigh. “Doesn’t even have the key to the restricted section. Bookkeeping must get so boring for you, not having any of the fun books to go through.”

“It has its moments.” He nods, actually contemplating your words. The way he notices you shooting him a blank look has him chuckling. “No, only you can unlock this door.”

“Me?” Incredulous doesn’t even begin to describe you, your eyes going wide as you look from him to the iron gate.

“If you’re serious about wanting this ‘wish’,” he stands back to his full height, “Then, you are going to have to earn it.”

“Earn it?” You shoot him another incredulous look. “How the hell do you expect me to do that? I can’t knock down a locked iron gate!”

“How do you even know it’s locked in the first place?” Seonghwa replies smartly.

“You just said you can’t unlock them!” You raise your hands exasperatedly in the air in front of yourself.

“Oh, I suppose I did.” He chuckles.

“Spend too much time in the desert you have dust for brains or something?” You mutter, shaking your head.

“That’s not a very nice thing to say to someone you just met.” He pouts.

A moment passes where you consider his words before your entire body is deflating.

“You’re right.” You take a deep breath as you look towards the ground. “I’m sorry. It’s just been a long past few months.”

His brow furrows in confusion. “You’ve been looking for this library for the past few months?”

“No, that’s not what I meant.” You shake your head once more.

“Then, what did you mean?” He blinks at you curiously.

“Never mind.” You wave him off. “Forget I said anything.”

“Normally, when people seek out the treasure’s wish, they tend to be down on their luck.” He comments. “Even fewer still who make it inside.”

“Well, I have you to thank for that, don’t I?” You attempt a faint smile, but it does not reach your eyes. “How do I even get into this restricted section, anyways?”

“You need to find the keys.”

“I think we’ve already established that.” You sigh.

“Not just one key. Keys.” He purposely emphasizes his final word, motioning for you to look closer at the door.

Sure enough, glancing intently at the iron gate reveals six different sets of locks, all weaving together intricately to keep the door tightly shut.

You swallow thickly.

“Where do you suppose I start looking for those? You already said you don’t have the key.” You turn back to face him. “Or well, keys.”

Again, Seonghwa motions across the way, and you follow the movement. A moment later, and he’s stepped to the opposite side of the hall where five plaques seem to be placed directly beside five doors. Each plaque is bronze, title corresponding the the name engraved onto the front of the section it resides beside.

“Each of these doors lead to a different section of the library.” He explains.

“I thought everything would be in one place.” You mumble, crossing your arms over your chest.

Looking closer at the wall that houses the doors, you notice each door to be different. One is a steel door with a circular handle that looks quite familiar to you. A few are thick wooden doors. One is intricately carved with what appears to be mini statues of kings. The other simply looks like an old wooden door, the types castles are sure to have. Another door is more modern in shape, but still not up to today’s standards, while the other is a mix between iron and wood with a porthole type window frosted over in the centre of it.

Scanning your head around the area, something to the left draws your attention. There seems to be a metal grate on the floor, the area beneath glowing faintly as if there are burning embers far beneath the surface.

That’s when you realize, that must be the sixth door.

“You will need to find the keys in each of these sections before you can attempt to open the main gate of the restricted section.” Seonghwa continues. “But beware, each of these keys are guarded. These guardians will not be easy to convince to give up their keys, if you can even manage that.”

“We’re talking regular old keys here, right? I don’t want this to be some kind of riddle where the key is, I don’t know, a sacred orb, or something that will only transform into a key when I get back here.” You say, somewhat skeptically.

“No, no,” Seonghwa assures you. “They’re all physical keys.”

“Little concerning that the Keeper of Keys doesn’t have the ones we need.” You shoot him a look out of the corner of your eyes.

“It’s not like I wanted them to have these keys. It’s just the way things are.” Seonghwa shrugs.

“Alright, so, these… sections house individual keys kept safe by these guardians.” You repeat back to him, noticing how he nods along to your words. “Anything I should know before I attempt to look for them?”

“Once you enter a section, you will no longer be able to reach the main chamber, or me, for help.” He adds. “Not until the task is complete.”

“If I’m being honest here, Bookkeep, you haven’t been much of a help to begin with.”

“Need I remind you that I saved your life?” He quirks an amused brow.

“Yeah, yeah,” you wave him off. “Details, smetails.”

“That’s not a word.”

“Neither is ‘irregardless’, but people still use it, irregardless.” You quirk a small grin, glancing at him out of the corner of your eyes.

“You certainly are very interesting.” He hums.

“I’m going to take that as a complement.” You say, moving closer to each door to inspect the plaques beside them. “Is there a time limit for each section?”

“Not that I am aware of. You can spend as little, or as much time in each section as you desire.” He responds, watching you carefully. “The only way you can come back is if you’ve successfully retrieved the key.”

“So, I could spend years searching for the key inside each section, and still come up empty handed.” You exhale a large sigh. “Great.”

“Not necessarily, but that possibility is not zero.” He replies. “There is no time limit. At all.”

Your brow furrows in thought. “Is there a specific order I have to do this in?”

“No. It is completely up to you to decide the order.”

“Can I take breaks between these so called ‘trials’?” You inquire, tilting your head slightly to the side.

“Yes.” He confirms. “You may stay in the main chamber with me for as long as you desire.”

“Are you allowed to come with me?” You turn to meet his gaze.

“Unfortunately not.” He shakes his head. “This is something you will have to do on your own.”

You purse your lips in response, opting to turn back to the first plaque closest to you. It just so happens to be beside the door which says ‘Adventure’ on the front of it. Stepping in front of it, you begin to read:

“The sea calls us home; a heart to yearn.

Hoist the colours high; never shall we die.”

Inside your chest, you can feel your own heart pang, eyebrow twitching in tandem as you recognize the saying. No wonder there’s a porthole on the door.

Shifting over to the next door, the one with the carvings of kings, an audible gasp escapes your throat as you read the plaque. You’d recognize that inscription anywhere, the lines of the script as familiar to you as breathing. Subconsciously, you clutch at the necklace that you wear in your hand of a golden ring with the same inscription found on its sides.

How fitting for it to be for the ‘Fantasy’ section.

The next door you look over says ‘Mystery’ in those big, bold letters. It really reminds you heavily of a castle, and once you read the plaque, you find out why.

“Deep within the stone walls, terror lurks. A monstrous creature thirsting for blood. Some call it a beast, while others never get a chance as it steals their last breath. Can you uncover the monster lurking in these walls? Can you survive the cold, dreaded night?”

Your eyebrows raise in contemplation as you move onto the next door. It’s the steel one with the circular handle.

Glancing at the plaque, your heart skips a beat in your chest. Lines of code seem to be engraved upon the bronze to serve as the description. Lines of code which you recognize, especially considering the door proudly reads ‘Sci-fi’ as you walk passed.

The final door in the row reads ‘History’, and it is the only one you actively reach out and touch. It’s cool against the skin of your hand, but you find yourself recoiling quickly at the rumble you feel shake the door. Reading the description, you find out why.

“War-torn and forlorn, a husband desperately longs to see his wife instead of the gruesome sight of the dead and injured littering the battlefield. Never has there been such bloodshed since The Great War, and five years in, the world just longs for it to end. However, Europe isn’t the only battlefield this soldier has to brave, but does he have the courage to fight for and defend what is his?”

A slight hum escapes you as you finish reading the plaque, nodding to yourself as you move over towards the grate to your left. Crouching down, you read the final plaque for ‘Horror’.

“Mother is god in the eyes of a child.”

You seemingly breathe a sigh of relief. “Oh, thank god.”

Standing back to your full height, you notice Seonghwa standing a little tense off to the side.

“What?” His inquiry is somewhat short, but curious none-the-less.

“I’m assuming these plaques tell of what each section has in store?” You ask.

“You would be correct.” He confirms. “I still don’t see-“

“I’ve figured out a majority of what resides in each sections.”

Seonghwa frowns. “How?”

“Simple.” You shrug. “My husband and I-“

Immediately, your voice gets caught in your throat. You blink, fresh tears immediately springing to your eyes as you turn away from Seonghwa for the moment.

“I read a lot.” Your voice is strained as you attempt to clear your throat, wiping subtly at the few tears that manage to escape and roll down your cheeks.

Subconsciously, you grasp that ring hanging around your neck tighter. Another, thinner band of the same golden metal glints off of your own finger on your left hand.

“You’re married.” Not a question, but a statement from Seonghwa.

You glance at him from over your shoulder, unable to get a read on his expression. “I was.”

“Divorced?” Seonghwa’s brow furrows. “Many seek the wish to make the one they still love fall back in love with them-“

“He died.”

A brief silence settles over the both of you.

This time, it’s Seonghwa who clears his throat. “My condolences.”

“I appreciate that.” You reply roughly, tightening your grip on that ring once more.

“I understand your motivations, now.” He replies, beginning to walk back towards where you first woke up. “You may start whenever you’re ready, but I highly recommend eating something first. Take as much time as you need.”

You swallow the sudden dryness in your throat, nodding your head along with his words despite the fact that he’s no longer looking in your direction.

Slowly, you begin to follow him back to the main area, your steps almost as silent as his.

“This wish…” you begin, voice much smaller than before. “Can you guarantee I’ll be able to obtain it if I do this?”

Seonghwa turns around once he reaches his desk, leaning against the front of it as he meets your eyes. “Your greatest desires at the time when you obtain the treasure will be fulfilled.”

Your own gaze narrows ever so slightly, “How do I know that I can trust you?”

“You don’t.” He hums in understanding. “But it’s either that,” his eyes flash to some point in the library off to the side, “or go back.”

“I can’t go back.” You shake your head. “Not now. Not ever. Not without him.”

Seonghwa takes a moment to observe you carefully, before seemingly nodding to himself.

“Then, My Dear,” he grins widely, and you swear his teeth suddenly look a lot more sharper than they should be, “Welcome, to the Library of Illusion.”

#cultofdionysusnet #library of illusion event #yandere ateez #ateez scenarios #yandere kpop #kpop scenario #ateez x y/n #ateez x you #ateez x reader #kpop au #yandere au #seonghwa scenario #yandere seonghwa

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ssavaart · 11 months ago

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___ Scott, I have been long meaning to ask,

Did you ever deal with dissatisfaction of your end product art versus the quality of your supplies?

I say this as most art supplies that are readily available in the US, have its prices inflated easily up to three times the original (in USD) where I am from.

Though I desire greatly to support my local brands, they will rarely provide the gamut of quality found in the art supplies available in other countries. (Mainly Europe and North America).

Any time I come to ponder this, it brings me an anxiety that once my art evolves, I will be unable to follow up and upgrade the materials used for them; the cost of professional and international art supplies would make it unpractical in the long run.

This mainly affects me during the creation process, as I am constantly reminded that even those advertised and sold as artist grade where I live fall significantly behind those internationally known, and well respected art brands. (Arrtx, Blick, and even Winston & Newton are hardly heard of)

Consequently, I then think; if I am to purchase art supplies any more expensive, it might just not be worth and wasteful, as my art would not justify the cost.

I am aware this might not apply to everyone (maybe not to you, either!), but I am relatively new to this ─ and you are my greatest reference as an artist.

So, how would you do it? ~for-the-writing-artist

Hi. This is a great question that I'm asked a lot (especially from my fans in India) and I think the best answer that I have is that you will KNOW when you need to upgrade your art materials. In other words... if you're still young (under 25) and still learning... use what you have. You don't need good art materials to learn design, composition, proportions, values, negative space, color theory, and generally just building your style and confidence.

Use the cheap materials to get good at storytelling.

Find your voice.

Then... when you start to get to the point where you're getting job offers, commissions, or generally feeling like "yeah... I'm a professional now", then... THEN you can look into the "good stuff".

Until that day... you're still learning (though, to be honest... I'M still learning too. We're always learning) and there's no need to waste money on better materials.

Will better art supplies help your art? Absolutely.

Will it make you a better artist? Nope.

Work on getting better.

Work on learning.

The good art supplies can come later when your art (and you) are ready.

Sending Big Hugs from the Hobbit Hole. ♥♥♥

Scott

#art #traditional art #artists on tumblr #drawing #art advice #art supplies

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yxngbxkkie · 2 years ago

Text

change of heart (s.c)

first piece of my skz street racing series! i'm extremely nervous, and i really hope you all like it 💓

feedback is greatly appreciated 🥰

You're cleaning the ceramic cups when his loud voice echoes off of the walls. You resist the urge to roll your eyes as you glance in the direction of the front door.

A few other patrons glare at Changbin as he walks up to the counter. It's not every day that he comes here, but most people come here to study, meaning they want the space to be quiet.

"Welcome to The Crescent Café, what can I get for you?" You ask the dark-haired man with no emotion in your voice.

"It's nice to see you too, Y/N," Changbin says while keeping his eyes on the menu. "Can I get a medium iced americano?"

You nod your head, inputting his order into the system. "Is that all?" You follow up, meeting his gaze.

"Can I get your phone number?" He asks with a smirk.

"No. Your total is $5.46," you reject him with no hesitation.

Changbin releases a light hiss before shaking his head. "Come on," he whines, laying his hands on the counter. "What do I gotta do to get a chance with you?"

You purse your lips as the receipt for his order prints. "You'd have to stop being a dick to people around you. You'd have to be more considerate too," you mention while handing him his receipt.

He just nods his head, keeping his mouth shut. Changbin doesn't say anything else as you start to make his coffee. A part of you is surprised that he shut up instantly.

It doesn't take you very long to make his iced americano, handing it to the buff man once you're done. He doesn't stick around after he takes the drink from you.

You feel proud of yourself for knocking him down a peg or two, but you also feel a bit guilty for sounding so… mean. Your gaze moves with his figure as Changbin walks out of the coffee shop.

"You okay?" Your co-worker asks while placing a hand on your shoulder.

You jump at the sound of his voice, placing a hand over your heart. "Jesus, yeah, I'm okay," you mumble, giving him a small smile.

The guy apologizes to you while placing a comforting hand on your arm. "So sorry. I didn't mean to startle you," he chuckles, rubbing your forearm.

"It's okay," you giggle, moving to rest against the back counter. "You're just early. Cho said that you weren't coming in until eleven."

"Ah, yeah. I thought I wasn't either, but the event I attended was shorter than anticipated," Ji-ho mentions, his arms crossing over his chest.

"Everything is okay?" You ask him.

His gaze meets yours, and a charming smile graces his lips. "Yeah, everything's fine. Don't worry your pretty little head," he flirts, tapping the pad of his index finger on your nose.

You feel yourself blushing, dropping your gaze to the tile flooring. Ji-ho hooks a finger under your chin, lifting your head up.

"Would you want to go out Friday night?" He asks you, smirking a bit.

"O-Oh," your eyes go wide, and you stutter, "I, uh, yeah, sure."

He smiles widely as a customer walks up to the counter. "Great. Give me your number after our shift, and I'll text you the details and everything," Ji-ho mentions while strolling past you.

You keep your eyes on him as he helps the older woman. Did he really ask me out? You ask yourself, furrowing your brows a bit. You can feel the nerves beginning to catch up to you, and you let him know that you're going to take a quick break.

Once you make it outside the building, you release a deep breath. "I have a date Friday," you whisper before doing a little cheer.

"Are you sure this is appropriate?" You ask your roommate, a laugh escaping your lips.

Hana runs her hands up along your sides before resting her chin on your shoulder. "Girl, yes. You look absolutely fabulous," she hypes you up, patting the top of your head. "Plus, didn't he say to dress nicely?!"

You nod your head, looking yourself over in the mirror. You do look good, you have to agree. "Okay, before the confidence wears off," you chuckle while walking out of your bedroom, heading into the living area to put your shoes on.

"Get some!" She screams, racing into the kitchen.

Another laugh comes from you as you slip your black heels on. Hana comes into the room with two glasses of wine, handing one to you.

"Hana, I'm just about to leave," you tell her, pushing the glass back towards you.

She pushes it into your hands anyway, making you take it. "It's for courage, babe. Drink up," she clicks your glass before downing the alcohol.

You raise the drink to your lips, drinking the red wine steadily. You gulp the liquid down and place the empty glass on the table in front of you. A knock on the door echoes off the walls, signaling that Ji-ho is here.

"Okay, I'm leaving. I'll update you later," you tell her with a grin.

She nods her head and quickly dips back into her bedroom. You take one more deep breath before opening the front door. Your breath hitches in your throat at the sight of him.

"Hi," you greet him, meeting his dark eyes.

"Hey, you look gorgeous," Ji-ho compliments you, leaning forward to place a kiss on your cheek.

"Thank you," you blush, taking the hand he's holding out to you.

The taller man leads you out of your apartment building, making small conversations about each other's day. He stops in front of a sporty looking vehicle and opens the passenger side door.

"This is yours?" You ask him after slipping into the seat. Ji-ho nods his head before closing the door. You lock your seatbelt and rest your hands in your lap.

Ji-ho slips into the driver's seat and starts the vehicle. He revs the engine, the loudness of it startling you slightly. "Ready?" He grins, revving the engine again.

You nod your head once, and Ji-ho shifts his vehicle into gear. You grab a hold of the door as he speeds down the well-lit streets.

The ride lasts about twenty minutes, getting curious about where he's taking you. You notice a bunch of cars sitting in one area, the neon lights on each vehicle lighting up the parking lot.

"What is this?" You ask the man beside you, taking a quick glance towards him. "Where are we?"

"Street race," he tells you before parking the vehicle. Your lips part as Ji-ho gets out, gently shutting his door. He races over to your side and opens the door for you. "Come on. It'll be fun."

Your hands shake a bit as you slowly rise out of the vehicle. "Uh, you know these races are illegal, yeah?" You ask him, starting to feel a little uneasy.

Ji-ho rolls his eyes at your question. "Really? Are you going to be a buzzkill? This group comes here almost every night," he informs you, attempting to drag you towards the crowd of people.

"I don't want to be here," you truthfully tell him, planting your feet into the ground.

"Fine. Find your own way home," Ji-ho snaps before walking away from you.

You're honestly a bit surprised that he just left you alone. You look around yourself, feeling a bit overdressed for this kind of occasion. A slight gasp comes from your lips upon seeing Seo Changbin.

Of course he's here… You think to yourself, having an internal debate with yourself. "Do I really want to ask him to take me home?" You mumble while slowly making your way towards him.

He checks the engine in his vehicle as you walk up to him. The curly-haired man lifts his head, and his eyes widen once he realizes who you are.

"Y/N? What are you doing here?" Changbin asks you, looking around while resting a hand on your forearm. "How'd you even get here?"

You swallow thickly and jab your thumb in the direction of the crowd. "Uhm, I went out with a guy from work, and he brought me here," you begin to explain, tangling your fingers with one another. "I-I asked him to bring me home, but he just ditched me."

"Who is it?" He asks, straightening his back.

"His name is Ji-ho," you mention with furrowed brows. "It doesn't matter. I was just wondering if… if maybe you could bring me home?"

Changbin's eyes meet yours again, noticing the desperate look in them. "Yeah, sure," he pauses, the corner of his mouth lifting, "but only if you give me your number after."

You scoff, shaking your head at him. "I can't stand you," you laugh loudly, turning to walk away from him.

A hand quickly wraps itself around your wrist, stopping you from walking away. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry," Changbin apologizes while pulling you back towards him. "I have a race in five minutes, but after that, I promise to bring you home."

"You don't expect me to ride with you for it, do you?!" You ask him.

"I mean, you don't have to," he shrugs his shoulders, providing a small smile. "Although, I'd feel more safe if you were with me."

You bite your lip as you glance back at the group of people. They start to disperse, and you assume they're preparing for the race.

"If I scream to get out of your car, you pull over," you start while walking towards the passenger side of his crimson-colored vehicle, "I don't care if you're in first or last place."

Changbin places a hand on his heart after shutting the hood. "I promise to let you out if you scream," he swears, the two of you piling into the vehicle.

You can not believe that you're in Seo Changbin's car during an illegal street race. Hana's never going to believe you when you tell her this.

His car drifts around the tight corner, causing you to suck in some air and squeeze your eyes shut. "H-How does one do this?!" You ask out loud to no one in particular. "You're all crazy."

Changbin places his right hand on your leg before slapping it a couple of times. "Oh, come on. It's fun. We're having fun!" He says while squeezing gently.

You turn your head to glare at him, your knuckles beginning to turn white from how hard you're gripping. "Oh, yeah, I'm having so much fun," you almost growl.

He takes another sharp turn, and you almost bash your head off of the window. "Shit, be careful," Changbin's demeanor changes from amusement to concern. "You gotta pay attention, baby."

"Don't call me baby," you grumble, keeping your eyes on the road.

"You're cute when you're mad," he laughs while shifting his vehicle into another gear, the speed of it increasing.

You cross your arms over your chest for a few seconds. "Is that why you keep trying to get my number?" You ask him with a raised brow.

"I mean, it's part of the reason. The other reason is that you're so cute," he answers your question with his signature smirk.

Your hand grips his wrist that sits on the shifter, your eyes glancing towards the man. Changbin crosses the finish line in first place, and you release a deep breath as he starts to slow down.

As soon as he parks the car, you unbuckle your seatbelt before opening the passenger door. You tumble out of the vehicle, looking back to see others cross the finish line.

"Do you still want me to take you home?" Changbin asks you, leaning forward a bit to look at you from the driver's seat.

"Will you drive normally?" You almost plead to him, trying to get your heart rate down.

He smiles at you softly, nodding his head. "I promise," he places a hand on his chest.

You nod your head and get back into the car. The buff man beside you waits for you to get settled in before driving away. Silence fills the space for a few minutes, your eyes staring out at the quiet city.

"What do you get when you win?" You ask all of a sudden, keeping your gaze on the view.

Changbin hums in response while taking a quick glance in your direction. "Uhm, pride?" He chuckles, adjusting his grip on the steering wheel.

A loud laugh leaves your lips, and you finally look over at the pretty man. You give him a look, not wanting to believe that they don't get some sort of prize. "You're absolutely kidding?" You ask, leaning forward in your seat a bit.

"I'm being one hundred percent serious," he continues to laugh, turning his vehicle down a different street. "We all do it to be on top. You know how some guys can be. They get off on this kind of stuff."

"Gross," you laugh while shaking your head.

The two of you sit in a comfortable silence for the rest of the drive. Changbin pulls up to your apartment building, parking the vehicle before turning it off.

"What are you -" you're cut off as Changbin piles out of the car. You watch him race around the front before opening your door for you. "Well, aren't you a gentleman?"

You giggle as you get out, flattening the skirt of your dress afterward. "I'm trying to woo you," Changbin says, shutting the door behind you.

"Woo me, huh?" You whisper to yourself, feeling your lips perk up into a smile. He walks you up to the main door, holding it open for you.

"Thanks for accompanying me tonight," he mentions. "I hope it wasn't all scary."

"I…" you trail off while walking up the last step, tilting your head to look at him. "I had fun. The driving scared me a little bit, but you're pretty good behind the wheel."

You hold your hand out to him, deciding to give him your number. Changbin looks at your open hand in confusion before realizing what's happening.

"No way!?" He asks in a hushed whisper, shoving his free hand into his pocket. He pulls his phone out, placing it onto the palm of your hand. "You're actually giving me your number?"

"Yes," you laugh, typing your contact information into the device. "You're pretty cute, Seo Changbin."

"You're cute," Changbin mumbles, his eyes dropping down to your lips. "Would you want to come to the next one with me?"

You hiss before gently biting your lip. "Hm, I don't know about that one," you tell him, rocking on the balls of your feet. "I'll have to think about it."

"I'll take that."

You tuck a strand of hair behind your ear, leaning on your toes to press a kiss on his cheek. "I'll text you tomorrow," you tell him after walking through the open door.

Changbin grins, nodding his head. "I'll be waiting."

tagging: @thewxntersoldier @reddesert-healourblues @spacegirlstuff @foxinnie8 @moon0fthenight @luckieleaf @stayconnecteed @tiaxa @yoonrimin @sunny-future @daysofskz-ateez @endzii23 @sweetbutpsychovalkyrie @bunnies-only

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troius · 11 months ago

Note

I just want to say a few things before you get to the end. First up, it's been a pleasure to read your thoughts on the series; like any fan, you have your own unique interpretations and it's always good to read how fans see certain scenes. It's also been fantastic to see fellow fans respond to your posts adding on to what you've written, again bringing your thoughts out more and generating discussion.

Also, seeing your thoughts has made me appreciate scenes and characters I never thought I would -- Yamamoto for instance, who would've thought?! They've also reminded me of why I fell in love with the series as much as I did, from the artwork to the themes to the incredible bonds between the characters. You've reminded me that BLEACH has it's flaws that can sometimes take you out of the story, but when it hits, it 100% HITS! It's a manga that's about the bonds we form, how they can help us overcome challenges and be a source of light in our lives. It's about the ways we overcome grief and the fear of death, whether it's literally fighting your way through it or slowly coming to a state of acceptance as time goes on. It's about the 'hearts' of people, about what they look like and how they're shared between those you choose. I could go on and on, but then this would become an essay and we'd be here all day.

All of this is to say, thank you for choosing to create a Tumblr account and deciding to read the series and give your thoughts along the way. I can't believe you've finally reached the end, it almost feels like I'm saying goodbye to the manga again!! I don't think I'm the only one here who sees you as a big and valued part of the community on here, so I hope you'll be sticking around! :)

Thank you so much Rays! Response under the cut because it went long.

This won't surprise you, but I too have grown in my appreciation for the series over the course of the uh three years that I've run this blog. Bleach has character concepts I've never seen elsewhere. It has moments of storytelling brilliance. It has truly, phenomenally astonishing art.

But more than anything else, I, like you, am impressed by the heart. For a story that's largely about the afterlife, Bleach is shockingly humanistic, locating virtue not in any system of belief, in any group or faction in the various conflicts that provide the setting for the manga, but in people. All people, whether they're our extremely relatable teenage protagonist and his friends, the occasionally sketchy adults in his life, or the various adversaries ranging from evil monsters to supernatural samurai to a regular-ass gang to a foreign apocalypse cult. Bleach never, not once, lets the viewer fall into the comfortable childish space of believing that there's good people and bad people in the world.

There's just people. Sometimes these people want to do bad things, like execute their sisters, or kidnap your girlfriend, or isolate you from your family, or destroy the entire world. Bleach doesn't flinch away from that either. But it (again, very humanistically) locates those bad actions not in the individual human beings, but in our relationships with one another through the systems and structures we've created to organize ourselves.

And yet in the face of the idea that humans do their worst work through other people, that's also where Bleach locates its greatest virtue. Alone, we're nothing. It's the bonds that we have with others that are what make life worth living, that are the source of everything good in this world. And navigating that dynamic, between spiritual bonds and structural shackles...that's really what adult life is all about, isn't it?

Anyhow, my adult life has been greatly enriched by all of you on here. But I'll take the chance to thank you specifically Rays, for being such a source of joy. Your positivity and passion are the sort of thing that makes a humble blogger want to come back for more, and I've deeply enjoyed hearing all of your thoughts, not just on my liveblog, but through your own posts and writing. I'll be sticking around for sure.

#bleach #ask Troius

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jacksmusesdrv3 · 11 months ago

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Your twin theory stuff has been going on for quite some time, have you considered making a run down on it because it’s a bit hard to find all your points and information on it because of how long you’ve spent on it and I’m very curious but struggling to put it all together

(Alright, take two since I got stuck for a loooong while)

This is a basic explanation of the Ouma-Monokuma twin theory! I will do my best to condense the concepts down in a way that flows simply and is easily understandable, but it will be hard to cover everything while keeping to the most relevant information. So if this doesn't do the job, I might finish the much longer meta on ao3 at a later date, in which I will cover… everything I possibly can, no holds barred and without the blog links. Which will take considerably longer and need very careful execution. (Yeah, this is the short version…)

General disclaimer: this is a view informed by at least six years of trial and error, ruminating in canon for patterns and their meaning. Through all this, I recognise that it is still a theory, and it doesn't make others’ ideas less meaningful. All the same, I need you to understand that this theory and its analysis is fundamental to my view of Danganronpa as a whole, not just my feelings about Ouma. And in my opinion, the presence of bad writing in DRV3 does not negate that view, either. So if you believe that it does, I hope we can agree to differ on our reader responses instead, after all is said and done. Thank you.

Alright, with that out of the way, dropping this under a cut as it's lengthy. Though rather than a lot of detail on what this means for Ouma's character right now, I'm going to dig through the surface with the basis of reframing, roles, academy history, psychology, narrative style for the mastermind, and the broader consequences, with feelings from my perspective to wrap up. I hope that will help give a perspective of the theory world, so that any evidence I give should fit easier in the future.

⚠️ Reader discretion is advised- this content details abuse further on and will be marked like this! ⚠️

[‘Then this story's not over.’]

The way I see this situation is basically like a 3D sculpture with two different pictures- ‘the fiction’ and ‘the conspiracy’. That is to say- in the ‘fiction’, there are things that are effectively motifs or throwaway remarks (such as, Ouma's comment about having a brother in his FTE), but in the ‘conspiracy’, they become clues to a hidden interconnected situation. A puzzle in the meta, essentially.

To begin, I’ll outline components of this framing, as these are necessary to understand how this turnabout works.

Catbox world: the question hanging in the air, 'is HPA fiction, or is it real'? What would the consequences of the latter be for the game and outside world of DRV3? In order to begin answering this, I think this way:

Domino effect: 'when you learn a new fact, you learn something else along with it'. Ex: if HPA is real, a very large and clandestine organisation may also be real, since one was connected to HPA's library. With that possibility opened, there are… a lot more potential threads coming from it.

Unreliable narrator: is there something Shuichi is missing? In Ouma's lab, along with the complete history file there are monitors and a hatch, and in his dorm room there’s a whiteboard with pictures and notes scrawled on, the latter two Shuichi doesn't even notice. There are things he cannot verify too - such as Rantaro's odd memory of the forgotten Prologue - which is left up to us, the players.

Contextual reframe: with the new information, we can infer for example that record keepers of the past are made obsolete, and since the HPA history was in Ouma's lab, this could make him a viable record keeper. If TDR's agenda is with historical record, its identity may be the secret society involved in conspiracies. This can greatly affect some of Ouma's comments in hindsight- one relevant to this is his FTE remark about ‘tricking the entire world’.

With doubt already on the most basic aspect of the 'fiction' narrative (that is, ‘HPA is fiction’) we can apply this principle to the Flashback Lights and by extension, the idea that the cast must also be fiction, too.

Ex: Shuichi and Kiibo were made to see the Flashback Light panel in a way that was rigged up to be seen- it should not have been visible to multiple persons, so it's likely to have been tampered. We know Shuichi to be helpless with computers, so he would not be able to verify if anything else is amiss (ex. Kubs Pad and other options being withheld). What's more, with ‘fiction things’ - such as the Shukuchi method for Ryoma - being relevant in both the ‘weird backstory’ and in the main narrative, there's a possibility that some of the Lights are real memories or at least closely based on their real experiences.

[‘A liar like me knows their own kind.’]

When you reframe the context in an excessive manner like this, it can also affect known roles, even events and relationships. I reason it beginning like this:

Tsumugi becomes a patsy for Monokuma. Just like the fake Makoto in DR2 led the narrative to trap Hajime, Tsumugi misled others similarly, with incomplete knowledge of her own cospox. That is, her cospox being real in the sense of the effects on her person, doesn't necessarily mean that HPA is fiction, because it's about her perception

Kiibo becomes a patsy for Monokuma, someone whose true (military) nature was obfuscated to himself on a metaphysical level, via code-hijacking. This means that high-powered functions he has are strange to him, and he’s easily manipulated into believing lies about his function (such as ‘strength of a senior citizen’, and the ‘audience surveys’ that he cannot verify)

Ouma becomes Monokuma’s double, like Mukuro taking the identity of Junko, as the monitors and hatch are a direct parallel to Junko. This means that Ouma has a deeper relationship and notably intrinsic connection to Monokuma as well as less freedom from him, likely has extensive knowledge of everyone, and has his own memories. And from that, an incentive to guide people he considers his friends, to minimise himself and his own struggles while working against Monokuma subtly, even to manufacture his disappearance in ch5 to take the fight to Monokuma alone

Shuichi becomes the ‘shadow mastermind’, like Izuru- the ‘traitor protagonist’ who sealed and sabotaged the group’s will to live, while losing his memory of that. This is reflected by Chapter 1's case, wherein he had created the perfect setup for Kaede to enact her own plan to kill, and had conflict over his actions that he had tried to shut away. It also provides context for Ouma being especially wary of Shuichi, noting on the whiteboard to ‘be cautious’ of him, especially if he has a relationship with Monokuma as well.

These are the big four as far as the mastermind agenda is concerned, but another interesting role-reframe is the Monokubs. Remember that Shirokuma and Kurokuma were fragments of the mastermind, and Shirokuma’s role in UDG is to deceive the player? What if the Monokubs had such a situation, split up into comedic personality fragments? Were the melodramas telling some sort of story as well- the story of Monokuma?

If so, there may be some clues from them. But first…

[‘Designed like a school’]

As to the academy’s lost mystery, it’s possible it was originally an experiment. Rantaro’s hunch was that there was ‘someone behind Monokuma’, and in Salmon mode he points out that Monokuma could have ‘taken over the facility’. A bunch of files in Shuichi’s lab suggest that the culprits of the scenarios were noted for their ‘tricks’, likely pertaining to their Ultimate talent.

A concerning matter is that the details of the Gopher Project’s plans were crossed out, with us unable to see why youngsters of Ultimate status were required. Doubly concerning is that Ouma himself appears to have amazing, even supernatural ability, demonstrated in ch5 with his scripting- a talent such as that is in line with Junko’s abilities.

Speaking of that, it must be said that Junko's true ability was left a mystery by the game's end. It was also a subject of much curiosity by HPA, so if Ouma is a supernaturally talented person, that could speak volumes as to his own position. His status as an 'invisible Ultimate’ alone raises questions as to why it has to be hidden, or rather, why he has to obscure it. It could be that he is oppressed by the talent system itself, and if that's the case, perhaps he is its guinea pig along with V3's Monokuma. But it's not just about Ouma's ability- if Monokuma too had a similarly strong supernatural talent and/or circumstance, that could explain not only his posing as a ‘god’, but Angie’s mysteriously intimate knowledge of others' personal ideals through such a ‘god’. That is, if she was possessed by someone with knowledge of the cast's ideals, and who was exploiting them in the Love Hotel.

Moreover, if Ouma and Monokuma were supernaturally gifted, there's a good possibility that if the vault clues were a layered clue symbolic of them- the ‘light’ and ‘dark’ Monokumas depicted on the ‘twins’ clue for the vault - then they were not only siblings, but twins- identical twins. This allows for another ‘report card misidentification’ a la Junko-Mukuro, while the Flashback Light panel refers to the ‘Gamemaster’ rather than ‘ringleader’ (meaning an identical double could interact with it), and from a lore perspective, twins were known in Danganronpa Kirigiri to be the subject of (highly unethical) research, and identical twins would be the most sought after for genetics reasons.

Such research could eventually wind up creating Ouma and his brother - seemingly the highest of any known talents - through a form of eugenics, not unlike Byakuya’s backstory. From there, there's no telling what could have happened…

[‘Eh…?’]

Now I can get to the psychology behind the bear. If a person behind Monokuma had such a past with this academy, traits can be speculated:

⚠️ Content: incest, child abuse, sexual abuse, psych torture/institutionalisation. ⚠️

Vengeful: in ch2, Monokuma suggests he may hate the cast for something, and tells them to ‘work for the answer’. Interestingly, Monotaro (leader persona) makes note of ‘red lies’ in the Salmon mode, and red lies are for revenge.

Extremely traumatised and mentally ill: if it is Ouma’s brother, and he’s wearing a straitjacket, this could imply institutional abuse. Monokuma’s behaviours in ch3 (a mental shutdown) and ch4 (depression) could denote severe mental damage, and having the academy cleared of bugs gives credence to him having an affliction with bugs like Ouma ( foaming at the mouth and passing out).

Depraved: in ch4, Ouma noted he would ‘strangle the one he loves’ to ‘keep his eyes on him’, and appears to play a similar threatening, possessive role in the Love Hotel. Implied in the Monokubs’ melodrama, Monokuma may have coerced his own sibling into having relations- though he may have forgotten his sibling entirely due to trauma.

People pleaser: Ouma says that he ‘lies to entertain people’ in his Salmon mode ending, which could reflect his persona (Monokuma)’s desires. It may be that his desire to ‘not be boring’ feeds into this persona, too, as it's something so serious to him that it was shown as basically a dying wish.

In this sense, the mastermind can be similar to Monaca- as she took control over the city (while Monokuma stated to have taken over the country), became mentally ill as a result of the abuse inflicted on her, lied (about an injury) in order to make her abusers nicer to her, and became depraved in a way childish and sadistic (in how she toys with Kotoko and Nagisa, for instance). There's also the narrative effect of obscuring her trauma with unreliable narrator, and even Monaca’s own warped sense of humour that obscures it in tandem.

[Twin with supernatural talent (Junko Enoshima), a result of experimentation (Izuru Kamukura), childishness complex (Monaca Towa) and all combined (Kokichi Ouma)]

For narrative styles, DRV3's Monokuma is a culmination of approaches to make the game’s mystery truly warped to its core. Taking the masterminds’ actions from the past games:

Junko selectively picked photographs to sow discord about the group’s reality

AI Junko (a plant by Izuru) tried to lead Hajime into making a choice without proper context

Monaca led Komaru through a growth journey to use her for impact at the end

These can be attributed to:

the Flashback Lights- some real, others ‘rotten apples’, but overall context is dubious

the ‘It is fiction’ declaration- may be a leading question, again with dubious context

Shuichi’s ‘confidence growth’- that makes him more credible to those watching outside

(As for ‘context being dubious’, it should be noted that the Twilight mystery has a similar vibe in terms of how it is chopped up and misrepresented on the first viewing. This is particularly interesting when you factor in the mixed Kubs Pads giving other characters information.)

Speaking of ‘using’, Monokuma talks about how someone could be used by expressions of gratitude. In parallel to this, Shuichi is talking about how he was happy to be ‘useful to others as a detective’, and regards their gratitude personally. But it’s concerning that Shuichi and his history is a topic for ‘Monokuma Theatre’, when you factor in what Monaca did in UDG.

The basic concept is: with Monokuma’s agenda towards the end being to throw out foreshadowing and mystery - to deny its purpose - he wants you to make the decision of ignoring the heart, discarding the mystery and the path to the answer. In this sort of vague and unnerving way, a ‘hidden mastermind’ is like a progression of Monaca’s style. Symbolically, Shuichi’s journey seems to be one where he is on the fringe of going astray the entire time, and in this reading, he ultimately does with the loss of the game's mystery.

What follows is the player's re-examination of the canon context and in this case, a ‘salvage effort’ of what was lost. And ultimately, in the quagmire of broken context, Ouma's mixed relationship with Shuichi is fuel for thought, because his cryptic behaviour - like the game he plays in his FTE - keeps you guessing on what he's been trying to say.

[Members… of what?]

So, factoring in earlier recontextualisation - of the large organisation likely spanning the world - is the idea brought up during Ouma's FTE, that I question like this: could Shuichi have joined a nefarious organisation after all, and following in Salmon mode: is there any indicator Ouma has concerns about Shuichi’s intentions in general (that is, regardless of whether or not his past self would have been capable of less-than-moral decisions)?

What about others in the cast- a Prime Minister who had run away from her post, a military robot, a super inventor, an assassin? An artist with odd brainwashing powers, a musician with the ability to connect to others’ hearts through music? Because given that the DR2 group had affected the world with their talents after being manipulated, it's possible that the V3 group’s talents had a similar part to play, too. For instance, Kaito’s FTE detailed the possibility of communicating with aliens, and trading technology with them- and as it happens, there is notably a very weird technology in the academy, capable of ridiculous feats. This kind of unknown in the narrative speaks of a whole world that we barely know, even now.

If this kind of world is what Ouma is burdened by, something beyond the protagonist's understanding, that too is a story waiting to be told. And his strange interactions with Shuichi could be at the heart of this story…

[‘Just hit the reset button on your feelings’]

As for the relationship with Shuichi, that is particularly difficult to give in evidence- partly given the culprit in his backstory, and how if Monokuma was that culprit - someone with a strong agenda against Shuichi - that might link to both twins. But due to the death of one of the siblings in that backstory, it warrants a supernatural idea such as resurrection, that has yet to be proven viable in-universe. If we remember Angie having a weird supernatural air about her though, and that she was implied to be in a cult, you could still infer that cults were involved in the supernatural. It’s entirely possible that a high-profile cult had come to the point of using resurrections, although that’s very much deeplore, as is the supernatural in general.

So while I can’t say too much about technical lore, like with the organisation, I can talk about the vibes I have with the theory, to focus on a sense of grounding in character instead:

“Ouma and Monokuma are both sidelined by the narrative. A not-insignificant part of that was caused by Shuichi in his past, even if he was led into the cause unwittingly, and the actions of Shuichi’s present self in missing memories. As a result, Ouma is in a nerfed position during the game despite his supernatural talent. Unable to say anything without surveillance, he is under a great deal of stress and pent up, ambivalent feelings - not least towards Shuichi and Monokuma - that he tries mostly to deflect. After all, it would not do to give too much away, and ruin his own plans.”

I have a detailed ‘song lyric analysis’ of sorts to tie to this, as a way of exploring feelings. Part of the reason I’d go this far, is Ouma as the designated ‘narrative scapegoat’ has always just fit well for me, given that the cast is shown to struggle with their treatment of him. Even leaving analysis aside, I feel it would be very satisfying (cathartic, even!) to explore an angle where he was suppressed, and that his position was legitimately the consequence of others actions right from the start, making the whole ‘pretending to be a villain’ situation even more painfully ironic.

Plus it would be a welcome change from the notion of ‘misguided morally-grey antagonist who needs to change’, in my opinion, as Ouma’s unchanging self is something I hold particularly strongly. So instead of the arc of drastic change, the thing to explore would be how he functions and struggles with others (in mundane as well as grand ways), and also gets them to change, to understand him. It would also be interesting to expand on the theme of talent abuse, to have a Monokuma who was a product of the corrupt talent system- rather like Izuru was, but this time fully present in the narrative, and in tandem with someone else connected to him.

Overall, I feel that a situation where the protagonist thinks he’s won, while a mysterious someone has been struggling in the sidelines to affect change, is a real goldmine for a mystery situation. Especially from replaying the game, and picking up odd signs that something may not have been what it seemed. There may not be much to go from there (as things stand right now, at least) but the palpable frustration means that through this perspective, I can - at times very viscerally - imagine Ouma’s frustration and powerlessness. That alone colours the game and the interactions in a whole new light for me.

I hope this helped clarify at least some of what the heck is going on- and why I would even see Ouma this way at all, if it’s so convoluted. I have struggled to put it into words all this time, but with the pieces flying in my face from every direction, it’s hard to not try putting them together. I usually don’t game on Hard Mode like this, but something about Ouma compels me- whatever Kodaka’s intentions, I believe him when he says Danganronpa V3 is without end.

Thank you for reading!

#drv3 #kokichi ouma #monokuma V3 #V3's Theory of Vengeance #king horse twins #long long long!!#SERIOUSLY FUCKING LONG #LONGER THAN THE 'HORSE TWINS' ONE #I'm really trying to run down on everything necessary #but I'm losing track myself honestly #so uh. I hope this helps!?!#dr psychology #other dr #talent oppression

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thelostgirl21 · 7 months ago

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Alright, so this is a reply to @my-jokes-are-my-armour brilliant additions to my post, because the original one was getting insanely long, and apparently I had lots of feels about this, but asfoljasdfklsf;asldkfas;flkjasdlkjffslksjdf;s...

That "maybe"...

There are so many possible "layers" to that "maybe"!

And that's definitely one the places where Jaskier and Radovid's respective situations massively differ in that scene, too, IMHO.

Like you've said, Jaskier has a found family that he's spent about 20+ years investing in.

So, obviously, it would make absolutely no sense for him to sacrifice the ties he's already built with Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri, for a relationship that does have great potential, but is still in its infancy; whereas Radovid has made no such personal commitments in his life.

I don't know if you're familiar with the YouTube channel "Cinema Therapy" (basically, a psychologist and filmmaker analysing various movie relationships, characters psychology, etc. I highly recommend it!), but they've occasionally spoken about the notion of "shelving your agenda".

Essentially, "shelving your agenda" relates to a person's ability to "temporarily delay one's own needs to meet those of another".

And, in this particular situation, the only one of them that can afford to shelve his own agenda for the other is Radovid.

Because, at that moment, Jaskier is facing the possibility of devastating potential losses within his family system that greatly threaten his emotional and psychological well-being.

Radovid can (or at least could, while Vizimir was the one still wearing that crown) afford to be the one providing him with emotional, physical and financial support to give Jaskier his best chance at being reunited with those he loves.

But Jaskier can't really promise or offer Radovid anything in return for the time being.

And sadly, he doesn't know how bad things are for Radovid at court, either.

He doesn't know that Philippa and Dijkstra orchestrated Queen Hedwig's murder, right under King Vizimir's nose, with such confidence in their ability to get away with it that they openly told the Crown Prince of Redania about it!

He doesn't know about Radovid's relationship dynamic with his brother, and the fact that being the King's little brother is no longer enough to keep Radovid safe in that castle.

And I don't think Jaskier fully grasps just how much being in his presence is already offering Radovid something that's rather essential for his own emotional and psychological well-being, too, that he has never been able to find anywhere else.

Jaskier: "You don't understand. [This is not me trying to walk away from a relationship with you.] The war brewing outside is nothing compared to what Geralt will unleash on this Continent to find his daughter. [I'm pretty much planning to go throw myself headfirst into some desperate suicide mission with a stubborn, insanely protective Witcher dad!] I don't know what happens next. [I've no idea what will happen to me. Out there, none of us will be safe!]"

Radovid: [Oh boy! Where do I even start?] "Just let me be there with you." [Trust me, as terrible as you are trying to make it sound, joining you on a suicide mission following an angry overprotective Witcher around is actually my safest, least bad option.] "Prove that I'm more than a mask." [I belong with you and your family out there, not stuck at court playing games!]

Basically, I've a feeling that Jaskier might be operating under the belief that the safest place for the Crown Prince of Redania to be, in times of war with Nilfgaard, is behind the well guarded walls of a castle; not running around the Continent helping him and Geralt go rescue a Princess!

If he returns to Tretogor and stay there, Radovid will have an entire army standing between him and Nilfgaard!

Which, you know, is pretty much the reason that had convinced him that Ciri might be better off in Redania rather than anywhere else...

If he comes with him, well, Radovid is probably one of the last people you'd want anyone loyal to Nilfgaard to get their hands on.

The King's brother - and sole current living heir to the throne (at the time) - is very much someone that Redania's enemies would want to capture so they can use as leverage against the King.

And Jaskier's pretty much planning on being Geralt's ride or die companion on his quest to find Ciri.

So, I'm not sure how comfortable Jaskier is with the possibility of Radovid getting himself captured by enemies or killed trying to help them out there; or, even worse, winding up sacrificing his life to save Jaskier's.

Because Radovid has already proven that he values Jaskier's safety and freedom above his own, when he ditched his whole (now very dead) royal security detail to go see him and Ciri at the cabin.

Radovid is willing to make Jaskier his #1 priority, in a situation where Jaskier needs to make Geralt, Yennefer and Ciri his own #1 priority.

Jaskier is planning to "shelve his agenda" for his family, to the point of being willing to risk sacrificing his life for them…

…while Radovid is talking about "shelving his agenda" for Jaskier, while being willing to risk sacrificing his life for him, and - by extension - Jaskier's family, too.

It's likely a lot for Jaskier to take in.

And, perhaps, knowing that Radovid - at least - would be safe back in his castle, would give Jaskier some peace of mind, and even something for him to fight to come back to, should he somehow succeed in helping Geralt get Ciri back without managing to get himself killed in the process!

So, Jaskier's "maybe" is likely the most sincere answer Jaskier can give him at the moment, since Jaskier genuinely doesn't know what happens next, and he probably doesn't want Radovid to make the decision to take such a huge risk for himself and his family based on the promise of things that he might never be given the chance to offer him.

Had Jaskier known that the greatest threat Radovid was facing could be found within his castle's well guarded walls, his response to Radovid's desire to be there with him might have been different.

Perhaps he might have said something along the lines of "Forget about the money, and if you really want to come with me, come with me now! We'll think of a way to let your brother know you're relatively safe, and haven't been killed or kidnapped while we're on the road!", or something.

And then, hope his own family would understand why he chose to take Radovid with him, and for them hopefully to not be upset that he's just managed to make their whole situation even more complicated than it already was.

[Poor Geralt though…

Geralt: Let me get this straight… Of all the people on the Continent you could have romantically fallen for, you somehow managed to pick the Crown Prince of Redania? And now, the prince - who comes from a bad home that has been mistreating him - has been following you outside his castle, and you're asking if we can adopt and keep him?

Jaskier: *Smiles sheepishly and attempts to look adorable.* Yes?

Geralt: *Mumbling to himself.* Why does Destiny fucking hate me so much? How many princes and princesses am I supposed to be looking after? I'm a Witcher, for fuck's sake! I'm supposed to be killing monsters! Not opening a royal rescue shelter…

Radovid: *Concerned.* Ah, is your Witcher okay?

Jaskier: Just give him a moment to have a mental breakdown, and he'll be fine!]

But Jaskier doesn't know how bad things are for Radovid back at Tretogor.

Actually, even Radovid himself doesn't fully know!

As far as Radovid is concerned, Dijkstra briefly perceived him as a threat - or at least a nuisance - with regards to the complete and absolute influence he has on King Vizimir, and threatened to have him killed if he gets in their way.

So, by leaving, he'd technically be doing him a favor! No more "baby prince brother" royalsitting for Dijkstra and Philippa! They can go back to the way they've always preferred doing things, without having Radovid to deal with!

But Radovid doesn't know his brother has decided to let Philippa take the fall for Thanedd, and that the best solution the sorceress came up with, to deal with the issue, is "Yup! Imma get rid of Vizimir and put that spare on the throne!"

On a scale of 0 to "the spymasters are so confident they can get away with regicide that they feel totally comfortable making the guy they gleefully confessed Queen Hedwig's murder to King", just how fucking screwed are you?

I don't think Radovid had fully realised he'd reached that very last stage yet.

But yeah, Jaskier answering "maybe" made much more sense, to me, than him going "yes please, come with me, where I'll almost certainly manage to get you and/or myself killed in a desperate attempt to keep my family safe!"

And I love how long he hesitates before giving that answer, and the way his thoughts really appear to be racing, even after he says "maybe", because it is an incredibly complex and multi-factorial situation for him to deal with.

Whereas Radovid has essentially two choices:

Return to a loveless, toxic, dangerous place where he's totally disconnected from himself, and isolated from healthy human interactions.

Be out there in the world, risking his life for something - someone - that's worth taking those risks for, thus acting in accordance with who he is, and what matters to him the most.

So, Radovid basically saying "I'm all in! Let's go!", while Jaskier is saying "maybe", to me, might have more to do with how well they are both ready to handle and accept the potential consequences of Radovid choosing to go with Jaskier at that moment; than it has to do with how much they both desire to have the chance to potentially be together, or even Jaskier struggling with forgiving him.

Of course, there's also Jaskier's own personal fears (of abandonment, of falling back into unhealthy codependent patterns, etc.) that may play a role in him hesitating to treat his feelings for Radovid as a full-fledged partnership right away, and being comfortable with the idea of trusting Radovid enough to rely on him for support, too (trust and forgiveness are not quite the same thing).

That "maybe" is filled with so much potential delicious meanings, I'm telling you!

And, given that being told "maybe" didn't deter Radovid from wanting to go to Jaskier, I've a feeling that Radovid knew that Jaskier's "maybe" was also filled with a lot of hope and yearning, and as close to a "yes" as Jaskier could afford to offer him.

After all, he'd already told Radovid that his plans [of breaking things off between them] had changed.

When Radovid said "I don't get it", Jaskier could have answered him with: "it's the right thing to do", or "I may no longer want to see you, that doesn't mean I wish you to get hurt, Radovid", or "I owe you for having ditched - and now lost - your guards when you came to see me. This is me doing what I can do to pay back the favor."

But Jaskier said "plans change", with some of the most cautiously hopeful and vulnerable puppy dog eyes I've ever seen him throw at anyone.

To me, there was a sense of forgiveness and a bit of an apology, even, in Jaskier's expression at that moment…

Because the fact remains that Jaskier didn't offer Radovid his help, the night before, when he told him he was scared; resulting in Jaskier having allowed Radovid to back himself into that corner where people might say and do stupid things.

It would be a bit unfair for Jaskier to be upset with Radovid for not having trusted him with everything he knew when he came to see him and Ciri, when Jaskier himself was so scared to trust Radovid that he didn't call him out for having avoided to directly answer his question, and instead chose to test what he'd do with the information that the forcefield only lasted 'til dawn.

He's accusing Radovid of not fully trusting him and having kept his full intentions from him, when Jaskier himself literally set up a trap for him, because he was too scared to trust him…

And Radovid had the honesty of saying "I'm scared, Jaskier", at the very least. Whereas Jaskier kept his own fears to himself, and chose to play games and test him.

Granted, Radovid could have pretended to be scared to get Jaskier to lower his defenses, and manipulate him. I'm not saying that Jaskier didn't have very valid reasons for choosing to test him, rather than opting for a direct confrontation.

Trust eventually does become essential in a relationship, but it would be unrealistic to expect it to "magically be there" until both sides have experienced how the other responds in a variety of situations - including their ability to make each other still feel safe while they handle conflicts and mistakes.

So, I'm not pointing out Jaskier's own contribution to this whole mess while trying to determine who is to blame, who was wrong, or who hurt the other the most.

Just hoping that, maybe, Jaskier is allowing himself to recognize that they are both very flawed, complex and human individuals that never meant to hurt each other at that moment.

That part of the reasons why he sits down and looks at Radovid with such a sad, defeated expression, is that he's realizing that they were simply dealing and coping with their own respective fears and doubts as best they could back at the cabin, and got both a good, strong bite in the arse as a result!

When Radovid ran away from the cabin earlier, Jaskier made a little move as if instinctively wanting to run after him.

I think that, maybe, in all of the ways Jaskier might have expected their confrontation to go when "catching Radovid in the act" that morning, he might have imagined facing more outrage from Radovid, more fight…

He might have expected for him to start blaming him in return, etc.

Because, had Radovid indeed been a "knife" and wearing a mask with Jaskier, he might have played "meek" and attempted to "reason with" Jaskier in the beginning in a desperate last ditch attempt to hold onto his mask, sure!

But, when he'd realised it didn't work - and Jaskier would not be so easily fooled - the mask would eventually have had to come off!

Radovid could easily have pretended that he had only wanted to test if Jaskier was being sincere with him.

He could have claimed that he'd realised, the night before, that Jaskier had only let him know about when the forcefield would come down, because he'd never truly cared about him, nor trusted him!

And low and behold! He was right!

Radovid could have accused Jaskier of having been dishonest and manipulative with him, of only having ever pretended to care for him, so he could use him because of his wealth and position at court.

He could have mocked Jaskier for having claimed that "he had no desire" to be playing games with him through his song, only to then go on scheming against him, and setting up traps for him at the first opportunity he got!

A skilled "knife", caught in a lie, will not admit to any wrongdoing, and will make it sound like you're the villain, they're the victim, and the problem lies with you, not them.

But Radovid's response was being truthful in his answers, internalize Jaskier's blame, look like he'd just been kicked, utter a pitiful "I'm so sorry," and run away!

Unless you are someone that enjoy dominating other people and bringing them down (something I do not believe Jaskier does), there's no sense of triumph, or even validation to be derived from Radovid's response!

There's no sense of relief from "having escaped being fooled by such a manipulative and dangerous individual" to be found!

Radovid just took all the blame on himself, brokenly apologized for having managed to hurt and disappoint Jaskier, and ran away thinking he'd forever lost him.

Had Jaskier's priority not been to ensure Ciri's safety, I think he might have followed his impulse and gone after Radovid to attempt to get to the bottom of what was actually happening.

And, even should he have suspected that Radovid's behavior was yet another manipulation attempt - that Radovid would be patient enough to hold onto his mask a while longer while faking taking responsibility for his mistakes and hurting Jaskier…

There's absolutely no way Radovid could have predicted that Jaskier was going to come investigate the room he'd huddled himself into a dark corner to cry.

So, I like to think that Jaskier did regret his harsh words, the way he'd jumped to conclusions back at the cabin, and how he'd cut short Radovid's attempt to explain, as soon as he'd mentioned that he'd be out from under Dijkstra's thumb.

I like to think that Jaskier was sorry for the way he'd hurt Radovid, too, and that he realised that he'd let his own fears and issues get the best of him.

Now, it's up to them to decide if they'll allow their respective fears and issues to win; or instead let that deep, beautiful and delicate connection that they've been experiencing together come out on top.

So, since "the plan" was for Radovid to have seen the last of Jaskier…

I tend to interpret Jaskier saying "plans change" as a way of telling Radovid "I don't want this to be the last you see of me. If you'll still have me, when this is over, I'd like to come back to you."

With Radovid's immediate response being "Come with me, then."

Because Radovid does very much still want Jaskier.

Except Jaskier has a family he needs to go help first, before he can be free to go back to Radovid and continue to explore and deepen that relationship.

And OMFG, yes! Found families are a theme that I absolutely adore in virtually any form of media (perhaps because I had to leave my own family of origin behind to go find "my own tribe")…

By the way, do you have that season 3 review link nearby? I'm not sure if I had the chance to read it yet, or if it somehow managed to pass me by… But I'd be interested to have a first or second read at it!

Otherwise, I pretty much found myself just nodding along while reading your comments.

I definitely think that, the first time Radovid meets Jaskier, he's deeply intrigued by him and how he personally connects with his songs, but still a bit in a "playing games" mindframe, because that's just the way his world is, and has always been, and how people communicate.

And now, I'm amazed, because you've just made me realise that, when Jaskier came to see Radovid wanting to share intel with him, it could very much have made it look like he only cared about Radovid's position, wealth, and resources; rather than about Radovid himself!

In many ways, Jaskier is 100% aware that the Crown Prince of Redania "fancies him", and I think that, under normal circumstances, he wouldn't be above taking advantage of that attraction to help protect his family.

To be clear, I don't think Jaskier would ever look to manipulate the emotions of anyone that would be having sincere, non-entitled, and reciprocal feelings for him.

But a royal that would be looking to own, use, or control him? I think he'd be feeling perfectly justified using his own charms to get what he wants from them.

He tells Vespula "you can't play a player", therefore very much perceiving himself as "a player", in a sense.

And, given that nobles often have an inflated ego and sense of self-importance, "playing them" is typically not that hard to do.

But Radovid does not.

He is far from immune to Jaskier's charms, but he does not perceive him as a some type of potential "trophy lover" or conquest. He's genuinely curious about him, and wishes to better get to know and understand him.

In such a context, trust should normally go both ways.

Jaskier tells Philippa and Radovid that, if they get rid of Rience, they will have earned Ciri's, Geralt's, and his own trust (and he talks about winning his own trust while pointedly looking at Radovid)…

But what is Jaskier willing to do to earn Radovid's trust in return?

You've just made me realise that, while I often tend to remind myself that there is lot that the audience knows about Radovid that Jaskier himself doesn't…

Well, there is also a lot that the audience knows about Jaskier that Radovid himself simply doesn't, too.

Sure, Jaskier's initial response towards learning that Radovid was the Crown Prince of Redania was rather flattering and amusing, especially since it brought a certain balance to the way Radovid himself was slightly starstruck by Jaskier.

Rockstar meets royalty, basically… and forgets to let his hand go, much to royalty's delight!

But, once that initial moment has passed, does Jaskier still only sees Radovid as a prince - with all the privileges tied to his position that he could use for his own gain - or a person that's worth knowing, too?

We all assume that Jaskier's motives are honorable, because we know him, but Radovid only knows about Jaskier's songs and what little he's been able to pick up from him during two rather short encounters.

In that context, Jaskier showing up all "So, I hear you've got money! Maybe you could use it to get the two detectives to talk, and help Geralt and I find out who Rience is working for?" could actually be… borderline insulting?

Technically, it wouldn't, if Radovid was into such things as power and influence, wanted to find Ciri for himself rather than to please his brother, and Jaskier's suggestion was helping him get closer to something he really wished to get closer to besides the man standing right before him.

Again, Jaskier doesn't know that; so, there's a bit of an ongoing comedy of errors happening between these two this season.

And he doesn't know that Radovid doesn't actually have that much money "ready to be handed out" like that, either.

That Radovid would have to first sell some of his own belongings to pay for that intel.

Jaskier's basically prancing right into the palace while making a bunch of (albeit flirtatious) assumptions about Radovid - most of them kinda wrong / only half right - and it's really no wonder Radovid himself would be unwilling to "collaborate" with him so easily, admit to what he knows, and instead choose to initially continue to play dumb/drunk!

To be fair, most nobles would likely love to be reminded of their wealth, status and power, and go "Oh yeah, I've got money and I'm so important, uwu!"

They would likely welcome any opportunity to put it on display and use it to further seduce Jaskier! Normally, a prince should have favorably responded to Jaskier's innuendos...

Whereas Radovid's pretty much "Yes, yes, very interesting… Now, enough about me, let's talk about you! Here's your lute, may I humbly ask you to sing about what you prefer singing the most? Please?Maybe your white-haired Witcher? I really want to get to know you…"

And look, the fact that Jaskier got his crush to agree to help him because he was moved by his singing, cares about him, and has made it his personal mission in life to learn to better understand what makes him so special, must be so much more satisfying to Jaskier’s than it being because Radovid likes to display his wealth and feel influential and important!

I mean, look at that face...

He's just so pleased with the unexpected way things turned out...

#Jaskier #Radovid #Radskier #My Posts #My thoughts #Awesome other people's thoughts #Casually overthinking things!#Can't believe I'd never realised how Jaskier's initial attitude when he came to see Radovid could have disappointed the prince...#That spoon is such a spoon though!#He just... manages to get Jaskier to sing and things finally take off! Lol!

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ichorresearchproject · 1 month ago

Note

Hey! Quick tip!

Both scraps, gigi and goob are easy to distract as long as you have some kind of object between you. Keep on going around it and when either winds up, hide behind it and they will miss.

If you can't do that though, just run- they have a limit on distance. If you're lucky, they'll miss. If not, you might be in a bit of trouble.

Be careful when bringing pebble a Good luck!! You'll need it. Keep on writing your journal! Helps us know what tips to give.

~Anonymous

To Anonymous,

[That matches up well with my observations of Scraps, I suppose it would make sense for Goob to have a ranged attack as well... I don't think it would be wise to attempt the distraction strategy again so soon, but that's for the group as a whole to decide. Your input and support are both greatly appreciated, I intend to continue writing updates for as long as necessary. It was admittedly a bit difficult to find the motivation to write today's entry, but we cannot move forward if I don't continue my research. Perhaps I should decide on a plan in case I'm ever unable to provide updates for any reason...]

#in character post #//i considered waiting til friday to answer this one since itll be more relevant then but i had ideas for it tonight :)

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xxxevilfilms · 3 months ago

Text

Bicurious Twenty-Somethings | Chapter 1

Info: Fuck buddies AU. Hwoarang and Jin attempt to see eye to eye after concluding that neither of them have anything to gain from their rivalry and decide to become friends...kinda. One thing leads to another when Hwoarang exposes Jin to recreational activities that colors Jin’s feelings about his former rival.

Kinks: Frottage, Dirty Talk, Mutual Masturbation, First Time Blow Jobs, Porn Watching

How High | Jin Kazama x Hwoarang

Ao3 Link

Their fight ended as soon as it began, culminating in another fruitless draw that left them panting, bloodied, and bruised.

Jin relaxes his stance, unclenches tightly balled fists while Hwoarang takes a knee, long legs trembling from exertion. Too exhausted to go on, Jin descends to the ground as well, sitting on his calves as he watches Hwoarang nurse a split lip, a sight that makes him hold his hand to a stinging gash on his temple. For a moment, they’re silent, unable to do much but sit there and glare at each other, but Jin has enough energy to open his mouth and voice his grievances.

“Why do we bother?”

Hwoarang sits back on the ground, assuming a position similar to Jin’s. He’s confused by Jin’s question, but decides to entertain him regardless.

“The hell--” He spits blood-tinged spittle from his mouth. “The hell are you on about?”

“With this.” Jin motions at his body and then Hwoarang's. “These squabbles.”

“Dumbass...” Hwoarang lays against a brick wall. “Ain't it obvious?”

“No.” Jin does the same. “Not really.”

Hwoarang is quiet for a moment.

“Shit,” He runs his hand through red-stained locks. “I must've cracked your head good if you're acting like this...”

“Perhaps, but that still doesn't answer my question.”

“What, you callin’ it quits?” Hwoarang helps himself to something in his pocket. “Afraid I'll kick your ass?”

“There is no point to any of this.” Jin declares. “Clearly we are equally matched.”

“Tsk...”

“Do you not agree?”

“I do.” He pulls out a cigarette and a lighter. “Don't like it, but I do.”

Jin watches Hwoarang place the cigarette in his mouth and set the tip alight, the stench of nicotine quickly filling the air between them. Jin doesn't say anything, just exchanges glances with Hwoarang, attempting to read him.

“So,” Hwoarang blows smoke from his nose. “What's on your mind, Kazama?”

Jin thinks for a moment.

“Let's make peace.”

“Eh?” Hwoarang raises a brow. “The fuck are you talking about?”

“Making peace. I think it would benefit us greatly.”

“Who the fuck says “making peace,” Kazama?” Hwoarang sniggers. “What are you, 80?”

“I don't know how else to explain myself then...”

Hwoarang takes another drag.

“You can just say you wanna chill with me. Is that what you're asking?”

“Y-Yes.”

“Why?”

“ Why? ”

“You heard me.”

“Well,” He clears his throat. “You are a little overbearing, but that doesn't mean I dislike you.”

“Fuck you.”

“Are you not interested?”

“Hm,” Hwoarang looks him dead in the eye. “Can't say I'm not.”

“So does that mean...?”

“Yeah, yeah,” He waves him off. “I'll fuck with ya, I don't care.”

Jin relaxes a little, the tension in his aching shoulders suddenly lifting at Hwoarang's words.

Jin and Hwoarang sat in that damp, dingy alleyway for the better part of an hour, making conversation with each other until the pain in their limbs became too great to bear. They stagger to their feet and hobble onto the sidewalk clutching weeping wounds and purple skin as they try ignoring the judgemental stares of oncoming bystanders.

“I need a drink...” Hwoarang grumbles under his breath. “Sleep this shit off.”

“I think I will do the same.” Jin replies.

“Sounds like a plan,” Hwoarang stumbles away, chewing on his cigarette as he waves his hand. “ Annyeong , Kazama.”

Jin watches Hwoarang walk off for a little longer before turning around and heading home himself.

Jin and Hwoarang were never truly friends and never truly enemies either. Their pride compelled them to fight, to engage in a rivalry that at this point had no reason to exist any more. Devil gene notwithstanding, Jin and Hwoarang were indeed equally matched, two sides of the same coin, really. Jin did not feel any joy or satisfaction from their fights, and although he would be hard pressed to admit to it, he can tell Hwoarang didn't see a reason for any of this anymore either. Jin honestly expected more push back from Hwoarang for even postulating such a relationship, but perhaps the blow he delivered to Hwoarang's head disoriented him enough to keep his yap shut for once.

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

Jin was out for a morning jog the next time he saw Hwoarang. He was squatting in an alleyway, counting ill-gotten gains as he chewed on another cigarette. Jin failed to notice him at first, but the shock of red hair and the stench of smoke is enough to stop Jin in his tracks.

Jin approaches him, lips held against a dripping water bottle.

“Working hard?”

Hwoarang barely acknowledges him.

“Hard enough.”

“Who'd you scam this time?”

He shot Jin a look.

“Fuck's it matter to you?”

“Just asking. Looks like a decent haul.”

“I didn't scam anyone,” Hwoarang pockets his cash before standing up. “Couple punks caught me on a bad day, so I ran their pockets.”

“What's bothering you?”

“Tsk,” He sucks his teeth. “You Kazamas are so fuckin’ nosy, you know that?”

“I try not to be, but I suppose I can't help myself. Asuka is rubbing off on me it seems.”

Hwoarang gives Jin a look, an unreadable one that the younger man raises a brow at.

“Is something wrong?”

“Nah, don't worry about it.” Hwoarang shook his head. “Guess this truce is starting to get to me.”

“I don't mind a spar. Beating each other until we're black and blue is what I don't want to do.”

“Better than beating these shit kicking brats.” He sucks his teeth again then looks him over. “What, you come back from the gym or somethin’?”

“I finished a jog. I usually have Asuka with me, but she is busy with school.”

“Hm,” Hwoarang nods before pulling his cigarette out of his mouth to ash it on the ground. “You hungry? I think those kids gave me enough for some lunch.”

“I could eat.” Jin wipes his wet hands on his shorts. “What did you have in mind?”

Hwoarang took Jin to a Ramen shop, a little hole in the wall with subpar atmosphere, but good food nonetheless. Jin ordered a conservative helping of miso ramen with shredded chicken while Hwoarang ordered tonkatsu ramen with extra pork belly.

“Not bad.” Jin says as he sips at his broth. “You know how to pick them.”

“Cheapest spot I could find around here. Never knew Tokyo could be so fuckin’ pricey.”

“...We are in Osaka.”

“Same shit.”

Hwoarang takes a bite of charred pork into his mouth before ripping into it with his teeth. Jin watches him briefly before taking a drink of his water, suddenly cognizant of the fact that he's never had a true “friend” before, or rather a true male friend. Every man he's met either wants to kill him, use him, or cheat him, but Hwoarang, despite his crudeness, has decent intentions. Jin never sensed any kind of malice or hatred from him, traits that prompted Jin to cherish the one masculine connection in his life that wasn't toxic.

“Can I have your phone number?”

Hwoarang sputters, half-chewed bits of pork and noodles flying from his mouth when he chokes on his food.

“Christ--” He coughs as he pounds his fist on his chest. “Laying it on kinda thick, aren't ya, Kazama?”

“Uh...” Jin blinks, confused. “Am I?”

Hwoarang glares at him, looking ready to argue, but just sighs and relaxes in his seat instead.

“God, you're hopeless...” He props his chin in his hand before drinking from a Coke can. “Like I'm talking to an old fuck sometimes...”

“It's okay if you don't want to.” Jin returns to his food. “Figured I'd ask.”

Hwoarang is staring at him with that unreadable expression on his face again.

“Fuck it,” Hwoarang reaches into his pocket for his phone. “Give me yours and I'll just send you a text.”

“Oh,” Jin's face lights up. “Okay.”

Jin gives him his phone number, the only mode of contact he had beyond an old fax number and an email. Hwoarang visibly scoffs at Jin's lack of social media presence, but doesn't make fun of him too much for it. After they finish their lunch, Hwoarang pays the bill with the cash he stole from those thugs before exiting the shop with Jin.

“I appreciate the meal.” Jin thanks him with a small smile. “I am more than happy to pay you back next time.”

“Don't mention it, I ain't a charity case.” Hwoarang folds his hands behind his head.

“Are you doing anything tomorrow?”

“Nah. You?”

“About the same.”

“I’ll text you if I can think of anything, I guess.”

“Sure,” Jin nods. “I’d like that.”

From that point on, Jin and Hwoarang hang out with each other at least once a week, engaging in whatever activity that came to mind. Hwoarang claims it was because he has nothing better to do, but Jin can tell that Hwoarang enjoys the company. Like him, he didn’t have very many friends either, at least in this country, and it became apparent that the more time they spent together, the less guarded Hwoarang became. Sure, he was a scheming punk, but he was still a good person; someone Jin can rely on if he ever needs anything from him. As days turn into weeks, Hwoarang becomes a fixture in Jin's life he's come to enjoy passing time with, even if Hwoarang's ways of “having a good time” was a little dangerous.

The next time he sees Hwoarang, it's in his motel room, a cramped little suite barely big enough for two people. It was clean, so Jin had no reason to complain, but he still makes his opinion known to him.

“It's small in here.”

“Not everyone has a gold card like you, Kazama.” Hwoarang sits on the bed, shrugging off his backpack. “Now sit down, I wanna show you something.”

Jin looks around, notices that there isn't a chair, and decides to sit on the floor cross legged. Hwoarang notices this and shakes his head.

“Up here, jackass,” He moves closer to the head of the bed to make space.

“Ah, right,” Jin scratches his head before joining Hwoarang on the bed, legs crossed again. “What's up?”

He's rummaging through his bag. “You're pretty straight-laced, yeah?”

“I mean...” Jin cocks his head. He certainly upheld himself to a certain standard, but he wasn't a stick in the mud. During his brief reign as head of the Zaibatsu, he imbibed in leisures he could've never afforded as a youth, but never overindulged himself if he could.

“I guess it depends.”

“You ever smoke?”

“I tried some cigars, but I never took to the habit.”

“You'll be fine then,” Hwoarang pulls something out from his bag that looks like cigarettes, but the shape of them alarms Jin.

“W-What is that...?” Jin looks closer. “Are those cigarettes?”

“Don't tell me you don't know what a joint is, Kazama.”

“A joint? You mean...?” Jin sits back and furrows his brows. “How'd you manage to get this?”

“I know a guy who knows a guy.”

“I don't think I want any.” Jin grimaces. “I've heard stories.”

“From what, your mom?”

“Maybe...”

“Well sorry to say this, guy, but weed doesn't make you kill for fun.” Hwoarang fetches a lighter as he holds his joint to his mouth. “It chills uptight motherfuckers like you down.”

“If you smoke it so much, why are you the way you are?”

“What?” He sets the tip alight and puffs on the part that's in his mouth. “Hot as fuck cuz I stay blazing?”

“You're crazy.” Jin moves away from him. “I'm not smoking that.”

“Aren't you part demon or some shit? What's the worst it can do?

“I don't know...” Jin's eyes shift to the sheets. “Isn't it dangerous? How long have you been smoking it for?”

“I dunno, five? Maybe six years?” Hwoarang sits back against the bed, pungent plumes of whirling smoke leaving his nose. “If eating and napping is what you call dangerous then sure, why the fuck not? I should've died ages ago.”

“Is that true or are you just messing with me?”

“I'm still here, aren't I?” Hwoarang pulls it out of his mouth and holds it out for Jin to take. “Go on, make my day. Ain't like you to puss out anyway.”

Jin stares apprehensively at the rolled joint, his mother's words in the back of his mind when he starts questioning himself. Marijuana is bad is what he was always told; a drug that degenerates use when they're down on their luck and have nothing else to live for. Hwoarang however is not a degenerate nor is he a junkie; he is a rowdy youth who wants to share something relatively innocuous with him. If he's been doing it for this long, surely it can't be too bad, right?

Jin takes the blunt from Hwoarang and examines it a little more before putting it to his mouth to breathe it in. He ignores Hwoarang's jeers in favor of focusing on his body, on the lungs in his chest that are quivering and shuddering at the queer smoke that inflates them to their limit. It gets too much to bear and Jin winds up coughing hard .

“Easy, easy ,” Hwoarang sits up to pat his back. “Don't gotta hit it so hard.”

“T-The--” Jin coughs some more. “The smell caught me...off guard...”

“You get used to it,” He reassures him. “Catch your breath and take small puffs this time. Don't need you hacking up a lung.”

“R-Right,” Jin sits upright, clearing his throat as he looks down at his hand. He's hesitant to take another hit, but he reasons that it's no different from smoking a cigar, and holds it up to his lips again, inhaling quickly before pulling away. He doesn't cough that time which prompts him to do it again and again until he gets used to the smell.

“Well?” Hwoarang looks him over. “How you feel?”

“About the same.” He shrugs. “Don't really feel too diff--”

Oh...

Oh fuck...

Jin blinks, gaze shifting between Hwoarang and the blunt he holds, heart beating like a drum. His head fills with fog that numbs him from the inside out, making him feel flighty like a bird.

Jin holds his head in his hand while Hwoarang snickers at him like a fool.

“Goddamn, you getting fucked up already?”

“Is that what this is...?”

“Fuck yeah, it is.”

“Ugh... I feel weightless,” Jin lays down on the bed, arm covering his shifting eyes. “Asleep and yet not asleep, like I'm teetering on a line between life and death.”

“That was really beautiful, Kazama.” Hwoarang laughs as he lights up the other joint he had. “Didn't know you'd be one of those artistic types.”

“Neither...” Jin laughs a little with him. “Neither did I...”

“Ha, ha, this is great~” Hwoarang blew a thick plume of smoke into the air. “Imma hot box this bitch.”

“We're gonna get in trouble...”

“Did you really just say that?”

“Yeah...”

“You ain't too high to fuck up some cops are you?”

“Uhh...” Jin wills his devil to the surface before lifting his arm from his face to watch his hand turn into a clawed visage of its former glory. “Nah... I think I'm good.”

“Then shut the fuck up and turn the TV on,” He kicks Jin’s side. “Bored as fuck over here watching you tweak out.”

“Mmph...” Jin does as he’s told, tries rolling off the bed to get to the television set but falls flat on his stomach when he misjudges how close he was to the edge.

“Ouch...”

Hwoarang busts a gut, a cackle that’s so contagious it makes Jin laugh, too.

For the rest of the night, Jin and Hwoarang vegetate on the floor, watching American movies as they, in Hwoarang's words, hot box his bedroom. Jin can't remember how many bags of snacks or how many boxes of takeout he went through, just knows that when he went to sleep, he felt full, tired, and most of all happy. He wasn't entirely sure where his head landed when he finally knocked out, just knows that when he did, he heard Hwoarang berating him for some reason.

“O-Oi, Kazama! Watch it!”

“Hm...?” Jin feels knuckles dig into his scalp but doesn't budge.

“Don't “hm” me, you asshole! Get yer head off my lap!”

“Sorry...” Jin apologizes but doesn't move. “I'm just resting my eyes.”

“Don't care, didn't ask! Get off, or I'll--”

“Hwoarang...”

“E-Eh...? What?”

Jin stretches his legs like a cat before nuzzling his cheek into Hwoarang's thigh.

“You're a good friend...”

Hwoarang is finally quiet, which Jin didn't mind at all. After a few moments of dead air, Jin is asleep and dreaming, too tired to question or even acknowledge the bump that pokes incessantly at the back of his head.

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

A tradition was born; an incredibly illegal tradition, but a tradition nonetheless.

Weekends were now dedicated to getting fucked up in Hwoarang's hotel room, rolling spliffs and devouring takeout as Jin and Hwoarang waste their night playing video games or watching television. Jin liked the latter more than the former since he wasn't terribly good at video games, but the weed in his lungs and the food in his stomach keeps him placid. Hwoarang could beat him at any game and he wouldn't care; he felt too good to care. To think Jin Kazama, the former warmongering half-demon emperor of the world would turn into a lackadaisical pothead. His mother would be proud.

After playing a few rounds of House of the Dead 2 on a virtual console, Hwoarang grows bored and pauses the game to stand up from the floor and change the input on the TV.

“I'm bored. Let's do something else.”

“Okay,” Jin swallows a handful of chocorooms. “What did you have in mind?”

“Dunno, something,” He picks up the remote control before sitting back down to surf through channels. “You can't aim for shit, you know that?”

“I aim good enough, my coordination is just off.”

“Maybe if you weren't stuffing your face, we could've at least beat the Strength--”

Suddenly, Hwoarang stops talking, attention taken away by what's on the screen. Jin looks up from his box of cookies to stare at Hwoarang who's smiling like a fox at what he sees before him.

“Oh shit, check it out,” Hwoarang sits back and crosses his arms. “Didn't know I had skin flicks on this thing.”

“H-Hm?” Jin glances at the TV, cheeks pinking when he sees a small Asian girl with brown coiffed hair bouncing in a taller, much larger man's lap. Jin's instinct is to look down at his cookies out of modesty while Hwoarang watches the crude display with little shame.

“Damn, she's gotta big ass,” Hwoarang grabs a beer and promptly pulls the tab. “I got somethin’ to look at when I get too bored here.”

“Mm.” Jin nods, steals some glances when a few moans grabs his attention. “I didn't know you liked this kinda stuff.”

“I'm a guy, why wouldn't I?” He looks at Jin who's still too shy to view the screen completely. “What, never seen titties before?”

“I have, it's not like I was raised in a barn,” Jin frowns.

“You a virgin?”

“N-No...” He nibbles apprehensively at the biscuit stem of his snack. “I've done some things before.”

“Who'd you fuck?”

“A friend.”

“Hold up,” Hwoarang turns his body towards him. “Is it that Chinese chick that hangs around you all the time?”

“Yeah,” Jin, bashful, rubs the back of his head. “We dated for a few months.”

“Why'd you break up?”

“We were friends for too long, I think.” Jin explains. “It felt strange, especially when we were intimate. I liked it when we had sex, but sometimes it felt like I was kissing my sister...”

“Hm, that's weird.” Hwoarang puffs on his joint. “A little scrawny for me, but she's cute. Shocked you let her go like that.”

“She understood.”

“What kinda girl do you like?”

“I never thought about it.” Jin sits back, now watching the TV when it became apparent that the scene was over. “I don't think I care about how she looks. So long as she's nice with a good personality.”

“Ughhh...”

“What? What did I do?”

“You're so fucking boring, man,” Hwoarang shakes his head. “Yeah, duh, you wanna chick who isn't crazy, but what about the body, Kazama?”

“I'd prefer it if she were fit and healthy.”

“...Are you fucking with me?”

“No. I guess I don't understand the question.”

“Ya know, do you like big tits? Little tits? Shit like that?”

Jin thinks about it for a moment. He's never had much of a preference so long as the girl was fit, healthy, and pretty, at least in his eyes. Xiaoyu wasn't the curviest girl in the world, but he liked her body fine.

“I never thought about it.” Jin shrugs.

“Jeez, you're so boring.”

“Well, what do you like?”

“Damn, what don't I like?” Hwoarang sighs as he sniggers deviously at the screen, at a bleached-haired, tanned skin AV starlet who sat on a suede sofa. She's wearing a small tank top and a micro skirt so short, Jin catches the briefest glimpse of an unshaven pubis.

Suffice to say, it catches his attention, reminds him of certain preferences he had when he was dating Xiaoyu.

“I like a girl with some meat on her,” Hwoarang takes a sip of his drink. “Nice big firm tits, fat ass, big thighs,” He smirks to himself. “Gotta have some nice legs, too, can’t forget about that.”

“Hm,” Jin takes a drag of his joint, lightheaded as he watches the idol on screen bring her legs up to spread slim thighs, exposing herself to the camera. The hair on her mound contrasts sharply with the hair on her head, black as ink and neatly trimmed compared to the long platinum hair that falls over her shoulders. Jin watches the screen intently when she slides manicured fingers over her navel and down her crotch, sparkling acrylics combing through a fuzzy pubis before descending to a pierced clit, plump from arousal. Jin swallows thickly and crosses his legs, cock twitching from anticipation when he sees the idol pinch her clit between her fingers.

“Hard to find bitches like that here though,” Hwoarang scoffs. “Gotta go to America for that shit.”

“Do you,” Jin shifts a little. “Do you like American women?”

“Fuck yeah,” He laughs. “Love me some yangki boji . Best sex I ever had was with American girls.”

“They're that curvy, huh?” Jin asks, voice distant. The idol was rubbing herself now, rolling her clit under the pad of her index and middle fingers, pink flesh and dark hair glistening under camera lights.

“Love riding black horses, white horses, brown,” He cackles like a fool, starts cursing in Korean. “Aw man, I'm getting bricked up just thinking about this one girl I brought home one night. Black as night, thick as fuck, man, almost lost my dick in her ass it was that big.”

“Do you like this girl here?” Jin asks.

“Ehhh...” Hwoarang scrutinizes the TV, clearly not as aroused by it as Jin. “She’s got nice tits, I guess. Would like her more if she were bald.”

“Oh...” Jin is bashful again, shifting when his cock pulls against his underwear. “I think she’s pretty.”

“Yeah?” Hwoarang asks, looking at his face. “What do you like about her?”

“Conventionally, she is attractive, but I mostly like...” He’s shy to reveal himself at first, but the marijuana in his system helps him. “I like that she’s natural.”

“You like hairy pussy?”

“If there’s one thing I asked of Xiaoyu was that she...remain unshaven.” Jin confesses. “She can groom and trim when needed, but generally I liked her all natural. I suppose that would be one of my preferences.”

“Interesting,” Hwoarang nods, taking a drag as he points at the screen. “She makin’ you hard?”

“W-What...” Jin shrinks back from Hwoarang’s gaze. “What kind of question is that?”

“Just a question, you don’t gotta be shy.” Hwoarang leans back, smiling wide. “I’m hard, too.”

Jin turns his head from the screen to regard Hwoarang, to look into the almond-depths that stare back at him and acknowledge the mighty erection that bulges through his shorts and pulses against a thickly built thigh. Jin clears his throat and scratches his head again, unsure of how to proceed.

“Did reminiscing turn you on?”

“Clearly.” He holds his joint between his teeth now. “Watching this chick play with herself turn you on?”

“M-Mm.” Jin nods.

“Figured.”

Both men are quiet for a time, silently listening to the sound of the AV idol’s squelching cunt that did little to calm down Jin’s loins.

“Bet you wanna jerk it, right?” Hwoarang asks.

“...In front of each other?”

“I’ve seen your dick before, I don’t care.”

“Flaccid, in a locker room, sure.” Jin frowns, feeling awkward. “I’ve never been...hard in front of another man before.”

“Neither have I, guy, but hey,” Hwoarang sits up from the floor a little to tug at the waistband of his shorts. The sight alarms Jin. “I think I’m too horny to care.”

“Hey, w-wait a sec--”

Hwoarang is already sliding his shorts over his thighs, thick cock slapping against his navel when he pulls them down to his ankles. Jin is taken aback by the sight, but doesn't move away; just watches the sway and bounce of Hwoarang's engorged member as he sits back down on the floor.

“Fuck, that's a lot better,” Hwoarang sighs in relief. He grabs himself by the base and shakes it this way and that way, working it to full mast as he looks at Jin, lips curled into a devious smirk.

“C’mon, Kazama,” He says, inviting Jin into his debauchery. “I ain't gonna bite.”

Jin looks between himself and the tanned prick that Hwoarang manipulates. He briefly wonders if it was a good idea to join him, but the ache in his loins at this point is too great to ignore.

Sighing deeply, Jin sits up as well to strip himself of his sweatpants and boxers, releasing a pale cock of equal length and girth to Hwoarang before sitting back down.

“Shit,” He whistles at him. “You got a big cock.”

“Thanks, I guess...” Jin grabs himself, tries just looking at the screen.” You’re...sizable, too.”

“Tsk, you flatter me,” He jolts upwards when his fist closes over the tip. “You look good enough to eat though.”

“T-Thanks,” Another twitch followed by a release of precome that dribbles over his knuckles. Jin tries smothering the urge to compliment Hwoarang as well given the circumstances, but his lips are too loose from weed and pleasure to keep them shut.

“You look...good, too.”

Hwoarang stops touching himself to ogle Jin which he is quick to notice.

He tries to apologize. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to--”

“What do you like about it?”

“U-Um,” That catches Jin off guard. He isn’t sure what to say, how to explain things to his friend without sounding like a creep. Just like the idol, Hwoarang's cock was aesthetically pleasing to look at, but Jin feared that the words he wanted to use to describe it would sound too crude.

Still, he thinks to himself; it doesn't hurt to try.

“I...I think it's thick and long,” Jin strokes himself as he talks. “I'm not surprised girls like you so much.”

“Oh yeah?” Hwoarang keeps a firm hold on the top of his length. “Like how hard it looks, too?”

“Y-Yeah, yeah I do.”

“Mmm, you certainly know how to talk, Kazama...” Hwoarang laughs, voice shaking as his lashes flutter. “You’re getting me super fuckin’ wet.”

Jin watches his friend's expressions intently, at the twitch in his brow and the tremble of his cock as Hwoarang's palm slides over the tip, wet with slippery essence that makes his shaft shine. Jin bites his lip at that, doing very little to repress the feelings suddenly brewing in his soul. Hwoarang looks good. Really good. It’s arousing as it was tantalizing, forbidden in so many ways and yet too hot to ignore.

Jin, despite his appreciation for the idol’s cunt, decides to pay more attention to Hwoarang's cock, unable to look away from it when he turns his body to face him properly. Hwoarang notices this and moves closer to Jin, knees carrying him along ash-stained carpeting until he's sitting over his legs. Jin doesn't move away or push Hwoarang off, just sits there, curious as to what he had in mind for him.

Hwoarang wipes some sweat off his brow as he lowers his hips, both men wincing when they're lengths touch. Their cocks briefly cross over one another before Hwoarang grabs them both to keep their members in line. Jin bucks his hips out of reflex while Hwoarang settles himself in his lap, grip firm and pace steady when he starts jerking both of them off with one hand.

“H-Hwoarang...” Jin watches them with bated breath, at the foreskin that glides up and over the tips of their cocks to the sticking precome that coats Hwoarang's hand.

“Do you like this, too?” Hwoarang leans down, rocking his hips into his grip. “Do you like it when I hump your cock?”

“ Yes ,” Jin closes his eyes. “You're making it feel really good...”

“I don't mind doing more with you...”

Jin doesn't have time to reflect on Hwoarang's words as Hwoarang is already pushing him to the floor, laying him down like a limp doll so he could sit in his lap and fuck up against Jin’s prick that way. God, Jin thinks to himself; to think he'd like this, to be humped on and played with by his own best friend. Jin was never insecure enough in his sexuality to not entertain the idea of sex with another man, especially after his break-up with Xiaoyu, but the weed and alcohol in his system is definitely encouraging him to act on his urges.

Jin let's Hwoarang suck along his jaw and chin, drawing noises from him that he isn't ashamed to hold back. His hand came to Hwoarang's scalp then to hold it there, to keep it occupied as he let him take the lead. Hwoarang apparently likes that and gives Jin a kiss on his neck that extends to the lobe of his ear.

“You're so fuckin’ hard for me, Kazama,” Hwoarang whispers into his ear before biting into it. “Like how I handle this dick?”

“You're very good at this...” Jin flinches when he nips his jugular. “Do you...do this often?”

“Nah,” Hwoarang lifts his head to meet his gaze, smiling again. “I don't like guys like that.”

“What's all this then?”

“Guess you're an exception to the rule,” He grabs his chin to hold his head steady. “Really gonna look a gift horse in the mouth like this, Kazama?”

“No, I'm just...” Jin can feel his heart beat at the back of his throat when Hwoarang lowers his head. “Curious.”

“I want you,” His breath tickles his skin. “And I want your cock.” A chaste kiss to his lips that starts as soon as it ends makes Jin's red face turn redder. “That answer your question?”

No, Jin wants to say, but Hwoarang is too damn impatient to let him talk still. He kisses him deeply, like a man would a woman, and works his mouth over Jin's trembling one to make him reciprocate. Jin groans in both surprise and ecstasy, still somewhat unsure of himself, but the slow methodical rock of Hwoarang's hips reassures him that he still wants this. Wanting nothing more than to indulge in his newfound lust for his friend, Jin ignores his conscience and meets Hwoarang's thrusts with ones of his own, completely bewitched by his lips and cock. He then returns Hwoarang's kiss with fervor, licking at white teeth and a plump bottom lip as he raked his fingers through his hair, which earns him a bite to the tongue and a firm thrust from the older man’s cock.

“ Hah ...” Jin separates from Hwoarang, eyes finding their way to the back of his head when he holds onto Hwoarang's shirt for dear life. “God, Hwoarang, that's it...”

“Mmm, that's right, get into it, Kazama...” Hwoarang props himself up on thick arms to watch Jin’s face, cock pulsing like a living being. “I like hearing you moan like a girl...”

“Nngh...” Jin's back arches off the carpet, tingles in his spine going straight down to his cock. “Oh fuck...”

“ Shit ...” Hwoarang smooths over locks that cling to his forehead before tucking his face into Jin’s neck, a hard thrust to Jin’s shaft making him shake. “Sound so fuckin’ good, baby, holy shit...”

Jin's blush extends to his ears and neck then. No one's ever called him “baby” before, not like that anyway. He's heard it in movies, shows, and porn especially, but to be called something so diminutive by a rough and rowdy punk felt good.

“Do I feel good...?” Jin brings his legs up to wrap them around Hwoarang's waist. “Do I turn you on? Make you...horny?”

“So fuckin’ horny, baby, goddamn ,” Hwoarang bites into his neck, panting like a dog. “I love fucking this big cock, can't wait to watch it shoot...”

“A-Ah...” Jin’s belly quivers at his words. “H-Hwoarang, I think I'm almost...”

“Hold on, hold on,” Hwoarang sits up suddenly. “I wanna do something.”

Hwoarang motions for Jin to sit up as well which Jin does with no complaints. He then watches Hwoarang climb off his lap so he could sit between Jin’s legs instead, gaze finally settling on the rigid, red hot organ standing at attention for him.

“I wanna suck you off, baby,” Hwoarang says as he bends himself over. “Can I do that for you?”

Before he could give Hwoarang the okay, the older redhead is already taking his cock in his hand and opening his mouth for it, slapping the blunt red tip against his tongue as he stared deeply into Jin’s eyes. Unable to handle it, Jin throws his head back and moans out his approval, a noise that Hwoarang takes as a sign to go further for his sake.

He takes him as deep as he can go as he jerks off his own cock with his free hand, moaning like a whore and choking like one, too when he manages to fit all of Jin’s meat down his throat. Jin curses to himself, low and deep, in hushed Japanese at that before touching Hwoarang’s head again to keep it steady. Xiaoyu, bless her soul, was never able to take him this deep without complaining, but this man, this beautiful, beautiful man was able to throat him no problem.

“Hwoarang...” Jin takes his head in both hands now, inhibitions gone when he starts fucking his face. “Yes, yes, right there, right there...”

“Mmph...” Hwoarang briefly fights against Jin’s grip to pull himself off his prick, quivering lines of slick and spittle clinging to his lips and chin when he wrenches himself free from Jin’s length. “Fuck yeah, lookit that. C’mon, Kazama, lemme see how good I make it feel,” He strokes him now, hard and fast like it was the last cock he’ll ever get the touch. “Show me the money, baby.”

“I can’t... I can’t hold--” Jin’s hips stutters and his eyes cross when it finally happens, hot seed leaving his cock and collecting in the palm of Hwoarang’s hand who shamelessly gets off to the sight like the pervert he was.

Without taking his hand off of Jin’s prick, Hwoarang sits up on his knees to stroke himself over Jin’s lap, beating off a big hard prick that trembles and twitches when Hwoarang brings himself over the edge. He shoots his load all over Jin’s cock and balls soon after, taking great care to add onto the mess he made of Jin by drencing his loins in hot white seed, a visual that Jin finds that he doesn’t mind. After a few weary strokes of Hwoarang’s hands that empties the last of their balls onto Jin’s navel, he sits back on his calves to catch his breath, panting like a dog. Jin, no better than the friend who seduced him, sits against his mattress, hand over his racing heart as he silently tries to come to terms with what just happened.

After a few moments of heavy panting, Jin looks over at Hwoarang who’s carelessly wiping his hands off on a discarded shirt that’s on the floor.

“W-What...” Jin clears his throat. “What...was that?”

“I jerked us off.” Hwoarang says matter-of-factly. “What else?”

“No, I mean, what was that ? All of that?” He reiterates and then frowns a little. “You still didn’t answer my question...”

“About what? Why I sucked you off?”

“Among other things...”

“Dumbass, can’t you read between the lines?” Hwoarang sneers at him. “I like you, what other reason do you need?”

“Again, I thought you liked...”

“I like pussy, but that doesn’t mean I can’t like you, too.”

“You like me that much...?”

“Well, I like you enough to chill with you,” He then starts crawling towards him. “And I like you enough to��fuck you,” Jin squrims once Hwoarang’s in his face, suddenly losing his edge. “But do I like you enough to actually date you?”

Jin is quiet as a mouse, momentarily lost in black eyes that stare straight into the depths of his soul.

“Nah, I like your dick,” Hwoarang smirks as he shakes his head. “But I don’t think I like it enough to put a ring on it... At least in that way. Ever heard of a fuck buddy?”

“Y-You mean,” Jin tries to find the right words to say. “Friends with benefits?

“Yeah that,” He kisses him. “You old fuck, can’t you act your age for once?”

“Sorry,” Jin looks away. “Just...never did this with a man before. Still don’t know what to expect, I guess.”

“I’ll help you,” He kisses him again. “This is a first for me, too.”

“You seem so...” Another kiss, a press of flesh that lingers on his lips for a moment that Jin cannot help but groan a little at. “Experienced though.”

“Ever heard of the internet? It’s not hard to look up how to suck a cock.” He rolls his eyes and then chuckles. “You should count your blessings though, Kazama. You’re the only stud in the world who can even come close to seeing my cock. You should be proud.” Hwoarang kisses him deeply then. “Really proud...”

“Ah...” Jin flinches when Hwoarang bites and pulls on his lip, mindful of the mess they made on his crotch. “W-Wait, I’m still--”

“Who the fuck cares, I’ll lick it off, christ...” Hwoarang pushes him back down to the floor again. “Now shut the fuck up for a bit, yeah?”

Jin let’s Hwoarang take him to the floor so he could play with his mouth, licking at his tongue and teeth as he rubs his flaccid, wet cock against Jin’s messy one. Jin is quick to give in to him as he’s too addicted to his cock and tongue at this point to deny him. To go from rivals to friends and then to friends with benefits was not something Jin expected to get out of this relationship, but he certainly wasn’t complaining. They were making peace and that’s all that really matters in the end... Right?

#tekken #evilfics #jin kazama #hwoarang #hwoajin #smut #tekken fanfic #hwoarang x jin

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