#but when you're the warrior of light and have the spotlight on you all the time

[tallbluelady]

🎉Say it's their love interests' birthday, how would they celebrate it~?

Soooooooooooooooooooooo. I've had it in my head that Rowan and Urianger like, block an entire day off for name days to be private. Like, if Thancred wants to throw a surprise party for Urianger Rowan will have to okay the actual day because she and Urianger are going to be having a full day of hedonistic pleasure. Stuff like different kinks they haven't tried, wearing impractical lingerie, imbibing drugs, and eating very expensive foods. Stuff that would regularly raise eyebrows and mayhap make them feel a little guilty for enjoying. Twice a year they get to be secluded from the world and just cut loose. The idea of celebrating a partner's life is what carries them through any guilt that otherwise prevents them.

Thanks for the ask!

[kengan-daddies]

Hey!!! I have a request for some of the Baki men. But first i would like to so that I personally LOVE your Baki x Motherly reader series! Now on to my request: How would the Baki men react if reader was part time fighter and part time Burlesque dancer? And if your asking what a Burlesque dancer is, basically people who put on very suggestive dances and performances.

For the characters can you please do, Baki, Hanayma, Retsu and Katsumi? Feel free to skip any characters or add!

First Baki ask, LETS GOO!!

Most of there's POV's are relatively the same, aside from their thoughts, Baki's is probably the most different, and with the most 'plot' coming in from the views of a young high schooler.

(S/N) = Stage Name

The boys aren't aware of your second occupation, you're a great warrior and an even greater friend, but to know that you had such a secret life was far beyond them.

Burlesque dancer? - Retsu, Katsumi, Hanayama, and Baki

Anime : Baki: Son of Oger

Characters : Retsu Kaioh, Katsumi Orochi, Hanayama Karou, Baki Hanma

Warnings : Mention of drugs, alcohol, misuse of drugs

Retsu

When he went into the club, he wasn't there for anything promiscuous, he was here for business, a meeting with Hanayama, Katsumi, and Baki. It wasn't an ideal place, but it was the most discreet place. The dancers on stage were ignored by him as he kept his eyes on the people around him, taking in his surroundings. It was an atmosphere that he wasn't used to but not unfamiliar with.

He pushed through the sweaty bodies that smelled of alcohol and musk, it wasn't a present smell, but he smelt worst. The sight of people slumped against the walls caught his attention, people slipping pills and others grinding and kissing. It was disgusting but it was also very human. Every sin that you could think of, was in this place.

He didn't hate it, but he didn't agree with it. The lights suddenly dimmed, catching his attention, but he didn't give it much thought. 'Must be the climax of the party.' He thought as he continued on his way. "AND NOW, FOR THE PERFORMANCE YOU'VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR!! SHE'S LOVELY, SHE'S AMBITIOUS, AND SHE'S EVER SO SENUAL!! GET READY TO MAKE IT RAIN, FOR (S/N)!!!"

The sound of men cheering excitedly caught his attention, and he looked around, hearing the excited cheers. "This '(S/N)' must be very talented." He spoke aloud as he looked at the stage. Multiple spotlights came on, lighting up the catwalk, he watched as a young woman walked down the catwalk, her legs like a cat, her hips swaying like a seductress. His lights lit up in recognition when he saw her face. "(Y/N)!?" He called out in shock as he watched her approach the crowd of men.

'To think, that this was a means of living for her. She's a warrior, surely she could've made more money by fighting. Hell, she could even ask me for a few dimes, I'm more than willing to give.' He thought his eyes lingered on her for a moment longer before stalking off through the crowd, making his way, admittedly, much smoother through the now still crowd. He could see an opening and he made a beeline for it, unashamed that he might have to stand on a table just to see where his comrades were, but he was most pleased when he saw them.

Baki was the first to notice him. He watched as Baki's eyes widened and a small smile graced his face. His arm suddenly shot out, his finger pointing. "Hey look, Retsu's here." He said, a small smile on his face. Retsu could be seen pulling his leg out before he walked over towards them. "Well, now that all of us are here, let the meeting commence." Hanayama said. Retsu nodded.

Katsumi

Walking through the crowd of drunken people was like a maze for him, it wasn't too difficult but it wasn't pleasant either. However, he kept calm as he walked through, making his way to the meeting area. He gave a relieved smile when he saw Baki and Hanayama sitting at the rounded booth, half a bottle of champagne sat in front of Hanayama, along with a champagne glass that he was drinking from. "Hey boys, long time no see." he casually greeted as he walked within hearing distance. Baki and Hanayama both greeted him. Hanayama with a curt nod and Baki with a small smile.

"Katsumi, how ya been, man?" Baki asked as he watched Katsumi sit on the booth and he scooted his way in. "I've been well, training has been very promising, my students are improving every day. What of you two?" He asked as he got comfortable. Hanayama shrugged. "I've been well, but not much has happened in my life, it's been the usual but also rather calm... Which is troublesome." He said. Katsumi gave him a small smile of pity. "Yeah, I know what you mean, quiet days are welcomed, but they never promise any good." He agreed. Hanayama nodded before he looked over at Baki.

"What about you, Baki?" He asked. Baki snapped from his thoughts as he looked up from the table and up towards Hanayama, a wide but sheepish smile on his face. "Hmm?... Oh um, yeah... I've been pretty good too, same ol' same ol', going to school, kicking ass." He said. Katsumi chuckled. "How's school been, Baki?" He asked. Baki looked over at him. "Oh you know, boring as ever." He said with a wave of his hand. Katsumi chuckled. "Oh yeah, I remember those days." He said as he sat back in the booth, a nostalgic smile on his face. Hanayama nodded. They were quiet after that, lost in their own thoughts.

the lights suddenly dimmed, catching all of their attention. "AND NOW, FOR THE PERFORMANCE YOU'VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR!! SHE'S LOVELY, SHE'S AMBITIOUS, AND SHE'S EVER SO SENUAL!! GET READY TO MAKE IT RAIN, FOR (S/N)!!!" Came the announcer's voice, they all looked over towards the stage, watching as the lights slowly lit up the catwalk. "An entrance like this for a single woman? She must be something special." He said aloud. Hanayama nodded. "Yes, she must be for such high praise, and the silence of these men, she must be a fan favorite." He added.

A shadowy figure came forth, stepping into the light. Katsumi's eyes widen. "(Y/N)!?" He practically shouted in shock as he stared on. 'But... why?... Unless this is just some sort of side gig she just happens to enjoy.' He thought as he watched. Her legs were like a cat, her hips swaying like a seductress, he was nearly hypnotized. You're an attractive woman and an amazing fighter, it's just easy for him to forget that you were a woman. It was always a secondary thought in his mind when it came to you, you were like one of the boys honestly.

He was pulled from his thoughts when Baki's arm suddenly shot out, his finger pointing. "Hey look, Retsu's here." He said, a small smile on his face. He looked over at Baki before he looked over, from the crowd, Retsu could be seen pulling his leg out before he walked over towards them. "Well, now that all of us are here, let the meeting commence. " Hanayama said.

Hanayama

He was the first of the boys to arrive at the club, the first thing he did was flag down a waitress and order himself a bottle of champagne. His fist cup in, and Baki was the first to arrive. A soft pat on his shoulder made him turn around in question, seeing a smiling Baki standing there as he waved at him. "Sup Hanayama." He happily greeted as he walked around. Hanayama nodded in return. "Baki, I'm surprised to see you here so early." He said as he watched Baki get comfortable in the booth.

Baki chuckled in amusement as he looked around the club, honestly so am I." He said. Hanayama looked away from him as he took a sip from his glass. "So, what's this meeting gonna be about?" Baki asked. Hanayama looked over at him as he placed his cup back down. "Honestly, it's just a way for us to get together, along with the topic of Pickle." He said. Baki cocked a brow at him. "That's it? A simple get-together?" He asked in disbelief. Hanayama stared at him for a moment before he looked off from him.

Baki stared at Hanayama for a while longer before he looked off and over towards the stage, seeing the women dance, a relaxed smile on his face. "Well, a simple get-together isn't so bad." He said aloud, Hanayama nodded as he took another sip from his drink. "Hey boys, long time no see." Came a familiar voice, both Baki and Hanayama looked up in curiosity before a familiar gleam shined in their eyes. Hanayama gave him a curt nod and Baki gave him a small smile.

"Katsumi, how ya been, man?" Baki asked as he watched Katsumi sit on the booth and he scooted his way in. "I've been well, training has been very promising, my students are improving every day. What of you two?" He asked as he got comfortable. Hanayama shrugged. "I've been well, but not much has happened in my life, it's been the usual but also rather calm... Which is troublesome." He said. Katsumi gave him a small smile of pity. "Yeah, I know what you mean, quiet days are welcomed, but they never promise any good." He agreed. Hanayama nodded before he looked over at Baki.

"What about you, Baki?" He asked. Baki snapped from his thoughts as he looked up from the table and up towards Hanayama, a wide but sheepish smile on his face. "Hmm?... Oh um, yeah... I've been pretty good too, same ol' same ol', going to school, kicking ass." He said. Katsumi chuckled. "How's school been, Baki?" He asked. Baki looked over at him. "Oh you know, boring as ever." He said with a wave of his hand. Katsumi chuckled. "Oh yeah, I remember those days." He said as he sat back in the booth, a nostalgic smile on his face. Hanayama nodded. They were quiet after that, lost in their own thoughts.

the lights suddenly dimmed, catching all of their attention. "AND NOW, FOR THE PERFORMANCE YOU'VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR!! SHE'S LOVELY, SHE'S AMBITIOUS, AND SHE'S EVER SO SENUAL!! GET READY TO MAKE IT RAIN, FOR (S/N)!!!" Came the announcer's voice, they all looked over towards the stage, watching as the lights slowly lit up the catwalk. "An entrance like this for a single woman? She must be something special." He said aloud. Hanayama nodded. "Yes, she must be for such high praise, and the silence of these men, she must be a fan favorite." He added.

A shadowy figure came forth, stepping into the light. Katsumi's eyes widen. "(Y/N)!?" He practically shouted in shock as he stared on. Hanayama's eyes widened when he saw that it was you, his mind raced with questions. 'Why?... She's a proud warrior, so why?... Is she struggling to make ends meet?... She could've just asked me and I would've helped her, no payment needed in return.' He thought as he observed her. Her legs were like a cat, her hips swaying like a seductress, he was nearly hypnotized. You're an attractive woman and an amazing fighter, to see you in such a position, made Hanayama slightly sad.

He was pulled from his thoughts when Baki's arm suddenly shot out, his finger pointing. "Hey look, Retsu's here." He said, a small smile on his face. He looked over at Baki before he looked over, from the crowd, Retsu could be seen pulling his leg out before he walked over towards them. "Well, now that all of us are here, let the meeting commence." Hanayama said. He'll probably find a way to pull you to the side and get some answers out of you.

Baki

The music was blaring and it was nearly deafening, Baki wasn't used to coming to these places, hell, most high schoolers weren't... But Baki wasn't a normal high school boy, so this was just a part of the package deal at this point. "Guess being the Oger's son... has its perks." He said aloud to himself as he remembered the bouncer immediately allowing him access once he heard him say his name was "Baki."

He eased his way through the crowd, taking mental notes of every little detail, his young mind acting like a sponge. He couldn't help but notice every little thing, his eyes gleaming in innocent curiosity when he would see the strangest things, from people slumped against the walls to others pouring liquor and slipping pills. It was grotesque and yet he couldn't look away from it all. He looked forward and he sighed with relief when he seen that there was a gap in an opening from between the bodies.

He pushed his way through taking a much-needed breath of slightly fresher air once he was able to pull from the crowd, he looked back at the people with a sheepish grin. "Yeesh... I wonder how they're able to breathe in there... The air is so dense." He said aloud before he looked forward and his eyes gleamed in familiarity and relief when he saw Hanayama sitting at the table, a freshly opened bottle of champagne on the table. He shoved his hands into his pockets and walked over to him, coming up from behind him he placed his hand softly and invitingly down on his shoulder, making Hanayama turn around in curiosity.

"Sup Hanayama." He happily greeted him as he walked around. Hanayama nodded in return. "Baki, I'm surprised to see you here so early." Baki gave a quiet sigh as he walked around the booth, sliding in his eyes and taking in the contents of the table before he looked up at Hanayama with a small smile on his face before he chuckled in amusement as he looked around the club, honestly so am I."

He said aloud as he thought over the fact that it was a miracle he even found where Hanayama was sitting. He's never been to a club before so this was all so new to him. Hanayama looked away from him as he took a sip from his glass. Baki looked back at Hanayama, taking in his relaxed poster, his eyes dull with slight boredom. 'Man, I bet he's real familiar with this type of atmosphere... This must be a common site for him.' He thought as he observed Hanayama.

He sat up straight in his seat as he leaned onto the table in front of him. "So, what's this meeting gonna be about?" Baki asked. Hanayama looked over at him as he placed his cup back down. "Honestly, it's just a way for us to get together, along with the topic of Pickle." He said. Baki cocked a brow at him. "That's it? A simple get-together?" He asked in disbelief. Hanayama stared at him for a moment before he looked off from him. Baki stared at Hanayama with a perplexed gaze before he relaxed back in his seat.

'Just a simple get-together?... I mean... I guess there's nothing wrong with that... But in a place like this?... Why not the park or something?...' He thought in confusion as he observed Hanayama in confusion. He'd never be able to understand the man before him, but he will admit, that Hanayama always moved with purpose. Baki stared at Hanayama for a while longer before he looked off and over towards the stage, seeing the women dance, a relaxed smile on his face. "Well, a simple get-together isn't so bad." He said aloud.

"Hey boys, long time no see." Came a familiar voice, both Baki and Hanayama looked up in curiosity before a familiar gleam shined in their eyes. Hanayama gave him a curt nod and Baki gave him a small smile. "Katsumi, how ya been, man?" Baki asked as he watched Katsumi sit on the booth and he scooted his way in. "I've been well, training has been very promising, my students are improving every day. What of you two?"

He asked as he got comfortable. Hanayama shrugged. "I've been well, but not much has happened in my life, it's been the usual but also rather calm... Which is troublesome." He said. Katsumi gave him a small smile of pity. "Yeah, I know what you mean, quiet days are welcomed, but they never promise any good." He agreed. Hanayama nodded before he looked over at Baki. Baki looked between the two, taking in their conversation, he honestly didn't know what the hell they were both talking about.

Small talks were never his strong suit. "What about you, Baki?" Came Hanayama's voice. Baki snapped from his thoughts as he looked up from the table and up towards Hanayama, a wide but sheepish smile on his face. "Hmm?... Oh um, yeah... I've been pretty good too, same ol' same ol', going to school, kicking ass." He said. Katsumi chuckled. "How's school been, Baki?" He asked. Baki looked over at him. "Oh you know, boring as ever." He said with a wave of his hand. Katsumi chuckled. "Oh yeah, I remember those days." He said as he sat back in the booth, a nostalgic smile on his face. Hanayama nodded. They were quiet after that, lost in their own thoughts.

Baki felt a bit out of place, first, he was in a place he wasn't very familiar with... Actually, scratch that, this was like a different world entirely. second, he was talking about his life like it was sooo normal, because yeah... His life is totally normal... and he totally knows how to have a normal conversation about his very normal life... Yeah, know?... Like normal people do.

the lights suddenly dimmed, catching all of their attention. "AND NOW, FOR THE PERFORMANCE YOU'VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR!! SHE'S LOVELY, SHE'S AMBITIOUS, AND SHE'S EVER SO SENUAL!! GET READY TO MAKE IT RAIN, FOR (S/N)!!!" Came the announcer's voice, they all looked over towards the stage, watching as the lights slowly lit up the catwalk. "An entrance like this for a single woman? She must be something special." He said aloud. Hanayama nodded. "Yes, she must be for such high praise, and the silence of these men, she must be a fan favorite." He added.

Baki stared in his confusion, wondering what all the hype was. 'She's just another woman... What's so grand about her? Is she like rich? Super attractive?... Tall?' He wondered as he looked around at all the people who've all gone quiet.

A shadowy figure came forth, stepping into the light. Katsumi's eyes widen. "(Y/N)!?" He practically shouted in shock as he stared on. Baki's eyes widen as well when he sees you. 'HUH!?' He thought in surprise. First, this weird ass place, second the very normal small talk, and now this!! What's next, clouds are going to start falling from the sky now??

He watched as you walked down the catwalk, your legs were like a cat, hips swaying like a seductress, he was nearly hypnotized. You're an attractive woman and an amazing fighter, to see you in such a position, was confusing for Baki but at the same time he could understand that bills have to be paid, food needs to be bought, or maybe it was just something you simply enjoyed... Either way, it wasn't really any of his business, you were an adult, and you knew what you were doing.

He looked away from the stage for a moment, letting his eyes trail along the crowd when his eyes widened and a small smile graced his face. His arm suddenly shot out, his finger pointing. "Hey look, Retsu's here." He said, a small smile on his face. Retsu could be seen pulling his leg out before he walked over towards them. "Well, now that all of us are here, let the meeting commence." Hanayama said.

'Thank god... because I don't think I can be here for another second.' Baki thought.

[cielettosa]

Popularity does matter and helps measure a characters worth. If they are written well then they generally will be the most popular. Also you should care about popularity seeing how that keeps a conversation going and keeps that character relevant and keeps the fanarts and fandom works coming.

Levi is no longer popular and that just goes to show that he fell off as a character. He had potential to be something great but just left many disappointed. This is why he's no longer the face of aot or the most popular in his show. (Eren took that shit back!!!) This is why he's losing polls to characters like Gojo. He's just not relevant anymore. You're more likely to see Eren and other characters on anime fan creator pages than Levi now. Levi barely pulls in the interactions and likes on twitter whereas Eren and Mikasa are bringing in the numbers. You see Levi used to be the talk of the town and the anime IT boy. He used to be everywhere and if you spoke against him you'd be swarmed. Now that doesn't happen. People just don't care. If you have a character that was that popular and now they're barely talked about, you know something went wrong. You know they fell off and disappointed people because their writing was lacking. So yes I do actually think popularity measures the worth of a character.

Hey, angry warrior.

Here is the thing about throwing shade from the anonymity – it takes about as much courage as a moldy banana peel challenging a hurricane. If your opinions are so earth-shattering, why hide behind anon messages like a frightened internet ghost?

I find it hilarious that you are saying Levi is the one who "had potential to be something great but just left many disappointed" when in reality it is Gojo who has left many disappointed. (Not hate)

Let's talk popularity. You act like it's some holy grail of character worth, this infallible judge of quality.

Newsflash: popularity is fickle. It's a vapid internet windsock, blowing whichever way the latest meme dictates.

Sure, a well-written character with depth can grab attention, but sometimes pure entertainment value steals the show.

The goofy dumb hero with a tragic backstory might not win a Pulitzer, but they keep the popcorn tubs overflowing, right?

Trends shift faster than Kardashians change their hairstyles.

Characters dominating discussions today are yesterday's news tomorrow.

Guts is one of the most well written character of all times, but we rarely see him dominating popularity polls. Because popularity is a snapshot in time, not a mark of quality.

Are Kaneki and Light still relevant online? Maybe, but probably not the first name that pops into someone's head when they think "hottest anime character." Why? Because Tokyo Ghoul and Death Note are not the shiny new toy everyone's playing with anymore.

That doesn't make them bad characters now, does it? Just means Jujutsu Kaisen is the new kid on the block.

Popularity reflects the current hype, not some objective measure of quality.

Now, about that "Levi isn't popular anymore" claim.

Here's a little fact for you: Levi is declared the most popular anime character of all time. Still riding high on My Anime List at number 2, with Eren trailing behind at 13th and your precious Gojo at a respectable 16th.

Funny how you cherry-picked one popularity poll to fit your narrative (Anime Corner 2023), isn't it?

Bet that pinches a bit in your anonymous little corner.

I don't use Twitter (X) now, because that platform lowers the IQ of the entire internet by several notches. Who cares who's trending there? It's a chaotic mess of fleeting opinions and manufactured outrage.

Attack on Titan season four took a sharp turn, shoving Eren into the villain spotlight. His descent into darkness was undeniably intriguing, and I can see why it grabbed people's attention (and mine too). Let's not forget Eren is the protagonist. The entire story revolves around him. Of course his character development and tragic romance with Mikasa would be a focus!

But here's the thing – Levi's popularity doesn't magically disappear because Eren's on the rise. They're both compelling characters in their own right.

In fact "Bad Boy" manga that is going to be released is revolved around Levi.

So, instead of anonymously whining about a perceived decline, why not ditch the negativity and have a real conversation? What makes a character truly tick for you? Is it the emotional depth, the badassery, the hilarious quirks? Let's dissect what truly makes a character shine, instead of resorting to schoolyard taunts about a fictional character.

In the end, Levi's legacy in Attack on Titan is undeniable. He's a fan favorite, a symbol of unwavering strength, and a character who continues to inspire cosplay, fanart, and endless debates. Maybe the hype has shifted a bit, but his impact and popularity on the anime world remains. So, take your anonymous complaints and channel them into something constructive. The internet could use a little less negativity and a lot more genuine discussion about the characters we love, flaws and all.

[mcverse]

ꨄ︎ Paring: Rotxo x Adopted! Sully! GN Reader

ꨄ︎ Requested: Yes/No

ꨄ︎ Type: One Shot

ꨄ︎ Word count: 4.8K

ꨄ︎ Warnings: angst, fluff, unrequited love, requited love, mention of you. Not really mentions of reader being female so I changed it to gn. Safe for 17+ to read. Not proof read, possible spelling mistakes.

please keep in mind that all characters in my stories are always 18+

How can one miss someone who was never theirs to begin with?

Perhaps you played yourself, allowing a delusional desire to take root, hoping against all odds that he could be yours. Lost in a dense fog of denial, you knew deep down that this kind of love was never meant for you—that it wasn't directed your way.

Ever since you and your adoptive family arrived in Awa'atlu for uturu, you have all been in the spotlight, but some receive more attention than others. Sadly, the attention you crave the most is effortlessly bestowed upon your sister. His oceanic eyes gaze at her with the intensity you wish he would reserve for you, overflowing with adoration and admiration. It feels almost criminal to witness someone being worshipped so deeply, while she remains completely oblivious to his love.

How can you ever find the words to tell him that every night, as you lay beneath the sky's embrace, peering through the cracks in the mauri, your thoughts are consumed by him? With each star you count, you offer silent prayers, hoping that a shooting star from the tales of old tawtute will streak across the heavens, allowing you to make a wish, fully aware that it will revolve around him.

He was the sun that illuminated your days when they felt impossibly dim just by a smile sent your way, and you were the moon, forever drawn to his orbit, seeking a place in his world. The farther he seemed, the closer you yearned to be, until the yearning became insatiable. You craved his warmth, his light, wanting nothing more than to bask in his radiance. Your existence revolved around him, and with every passing day, the desire to bridge the gap grew stronger. Closer and closer you wanted to get, until the closeness became enough, until only your love for him was enough.

You're unsure how you came to love him so deeply, and it pains you to part ways even briefly. Eywa herself knows the internal struggle you endure when you watch him fade into the distance, vanishing without another word, with your concealed emotions left unspoken.

He was kind, supportive, and courageous—a formidable warrior among the people, a remarkable friend within your youthful circle, and a well-suited potential partner. You wish you could rid yourself of your feelings for him, much like the way he yearns for your sister, but his qualities are impossible to overlook.

Your heart tightens each time you witness him trailing behind her, wearing the most beautiful and genuine smile, calling out her name in gleeful laughter, "Kiri! Where are you headed?" as he dutifully follows her, unaware of the effect it has on you. He would likely follow her to the ends of the earth, and you’ll understand because you’ll do the same.

You often found yourself lost in a tumultuous sea of thoughts, seeking solace by the ocean's edge, far removed from prying eyes. The weight of your emotions became overwhelming, making it agonizingly difficult to confide in someone, fearing their judgment and the damning label of selfishness.

Yet, can it truly be branded as selfish when it's painfully evident that Rotxo yearns to court her, while she remains oblivious or so it seems? What if she truly knows and deliberately keeps him dangling on a string?

Great Mother, your love for your sister burns with an intensity that knows no bounds, but does she truly grasp the power she holds—the power to choose between two hearts held tenderly within her hands? The weight of that choice is immense, leaving you in a state of anguished uncertainty and bittersweet longing.

Then, whether through a twist of destiny or the compassion of Eywa, Rotxo mustered the courage one day to reveal his feelings to Kiri. To your surprise, she was completely unaware of his intentions, blissfully ignorant of his affection towards her. It seemed her attention was focused on another, a fellow female Na'vi within the village. How Rotxo missed that detail remained a mystery, but he wasn't the only one caught off guard. The news reached your ears when Kiri returned home, her expression filled with solemnity.

At first, you struggle to contain your bubbling excitement. It felt like Rotxo was finally free, and a glimmer of hope sparked within you. Maybe, just maybe, there was a chance for something between you two. However, as Kiri proceeded to explain his reaction, a wave of guilt crashed over you. You realized that you had unwittingly taken his pain and transformed it into your own joy, and the weight of that realization bore down heavily upon your conscience.

That night, sleep escapes you, and you found yourself restlessly shifting in bed, tormented by thoughts of Rotxo. His once charming smile was replaced with a frown in your mind's eye. It unsettled you to the core, knowing that he was burdened with sorrow while you held onto a glimmer of hope.

Reality struck hard—you understood deep down that there was no possibility for you and him. He had just experienced rejection, and pursuing another romantic endeavor would be the least of his concerns. The gravity of this truth kept you awake, lost in contemplation throughout the night. Eventually, you abandon the pursuit of sleep and ventured to the shoreline, where you wandered along the edge of the ocean, sinking your feet into the soft sand as you sought solace in the rhythm of the waves.

Eventually you reach your usual spot, a quiet place for reflection, you freeze in your tracks. Your expectation of finding it deserted is shattered by the sound of gentle sniffles. Someone else seeks refuge there, their emotions overwhelming them too. A bittersweet warmth fills your heart, realizing that this place offers comfort and solace to others who grapple with their own feelings. Though your initial instinct is to respect their privacy and leave, your intention wavers when you hear his voice—his familiar voice that stops you in your tracks.

His voice trembles with vulnerability, as he opens up about his pain and heartache. The rawness in his words sends a surge of emotions coursing through you. You stand there, hidden from view, listening intently as he pours out his feelings. Every word he utters resonates with your own hidden desires, with the longing you've kept locked away.

An uneasy feeling begins to wash over you, as if you are trespassing on his intimate moment. You recognize that these words were never meant for your ears, that he did not willingly choose to confide in you. Caught in this dilemma, you find yourself torn between respecting his boundaries and offering a comforting presence. Yet, you cannot bear to leave him in such a vulnerable state. So, with cautious steps, you retreat to the entrance and clear your throat, hoping to make your presence known.

His glossy eyes shift in your direction, and the sight tugs at your heartstrings. It stirs within you an overwhelming urge to rush to his side, to wrap him in a warm embrace and assure him that everything will be alright. But you hold yourself back, restraining the impulse. Instead, you offer him a gentle smile, your voice soft and tentative as you speak up, "I'm sorry... I don't mean to intrude, but... are you okay, Rotxo?"

His gaze lingers on you, caught off guard by your sudden presence. He takes a moment to collect himself, his voice trembling as he responds, "Not really." He lowers his gaze to the ground, seemingly lost in his thoughts.

Frowning, you move closer, squatting down beside him on the ground. From this vantage point, you peer at him under your lowered lashes, your heart betraying you by racing at the proximity. You curse the timing of these feelings, fully aware that now is not the moment to indulge in personal desires. Your sole focus remains on providing comfort and support.

"Why are you crying?" you ask, although the reason is painfully obvious. You choose not to spell it out, allowing him the space to share what he wishes.

He presses his lips together, taking a slow, steadying breath before he responds, his voice barely above a whisper, his voice barely above a whisper, his body slumped with sadness.

"Kiri didn't tell you?" he murmurs, his words heavy with a mixture of pain and confusion.

Naturally, she did. She was your sister, bonded by a deep connection whether by blood or not. It was evident that the weight of her own struggles had become too much to bear alone, leading her to confide in you, and for that, you were grateful. But now is not the time to reveal that knowledge.

“No,” you furrow your brows, gulping as you consider you answer, “She didn’t. Should she have?”

Your question hangs in the air, masking the truth that you hold. You tread carefully, protecting your sister's trust while trying to offer him the support he seeks. You wait, holding your breath, aware that his answer will shape the course of this vulnerable moment between the two of you.

Finally, he breaks the stillness, his words faltering as he reveals, "I... I like Kiri..." His eyes shift away, avoiding direct contact.

You offer a subtle nod, acknowledging his admission. "I know," you respond softly, holding more understanding than he realizes.

His ears flick up before lying flat against his head, sinking his face into his hands as he groans in exasperation, "So it was obvious to everyone except her?" His eyes welling up with tears once more.

Your willpower to respect his boundaries crumbles in an instant, overridden by your overwhelming urge to provide comfort. Acting on instinct, you step into his personal space and wrap your arms around him, seeking to offer solace and support. You understand that apologies can come later; right now, all that matters is being there for him, as he has been for others in their moments of sadness.

He tenses at the unexpected contact, momentarily pausing in his sniffling. But then he returns the embrace, holding onto you tightly and burying his head in your shoulder. The wetness of his tears dampens your skin, a physical manifestation of the depth of his need for comfort, perhaps more than he even realizes.

"I'm sorry she didn't see you the way you saw her..." you murmur softly, your hand rubbing his back in a soothing motion, akin to a mother comforting her child. It feels fitting, given the sense of family that he most-likely come to associate with you.

"I feel so stupid," he whines, his eyes tightly shut as he shuffles closer, seeking more solace in your warmth. It's as if he has been deprived of it for so long, though you know that cannot be true. His parents were present. His self-blame stems solely from the rejection he has faced. "I... I should have noticed the signs... I should have."

Shaking your head softly, you offer reassurance, "She didn't give any signs. You weren't the only one who didn't know,” you pause to ponder you next words, it’ll be a risky statement given the circumstances but maybe you were selfish if you did, “Maybe if you did, you could have found someone who’d reciprocates your feelings.”

"Nobody would want me after this. It's humiliating," he practically whispers so low you’ll miss it if he wasn’t this close to you. His sniffling has long subsided as he rests his head on your shoulder. His arms loosen their grip, hanging loosely around you, "I wouldn't want me."

Your heart aches at the sight of his self-deprecating words, the pain and insecurity etched on his face. Without a second thought, you gently push him back, your hands resting on his chest, a small act of resistance against his negative thoughts. His swollen, confused eyes meet yours as you lean closer.

Placing a hand on his thigh for comfort, you let your voice carry the weight of your words, "Never say that about yourself," you say firmly, your frown reflecting your deep concern, "Rotxo, you are so much more than this moment of rejection. You deserve love just like anyone else. Don't let this define your worth."

Your fingertips caress his cheeks, radiating warmth and tenderness as they glide along his skin. A softness lingers in your touch, an unspoken reassurance that you offer with every stroke. Despite the tremor that quivers through your own hands, a testament to the emotions swirling within you, you remain steadfast in your mission to uplift his spirits and kindle a flicker of hope within his wounded heart.

Truly, it was right there before him, concealed in plain sight, much like it was with Kiri. You can't help but marvel at the irony of it all, how easily the heart can be blind to what lies just beyond its reach. Yet, a tender fondness washes over you, an understanding of his innocence and his unwitting ignorance of the precious connection that beckoned him.

Perhaps, you think, it's for the best that he remained oblivious for now, as the pain is still fresh and tender.

"Do you really think so?" he asks, his eyes filled with wonder and a glimmer of hope, desperately seeking validation in your response. As you nod and offer a soft smile, his face lights up with a genuine smile, the first of the day. Excitedly, he pulls you into a heartfelt hug, his pure nature shining through. This man is truly a gem.

You find yourself grappling with a myriad of emotions as you reflect on the situation. It perplexes you why he seemed oblivious to the impact he had on your heart. Taking a deep breath to steady your racing thoughts, you decide it's time to bring this poignant exchange to a close.

Clearing your throat, you slowly rise from your seated position, your gaze momentarily avoiding his captivating eyes that shimmer in the gentle moonlight. The silence between you stretches, filled with unspoken words and lingering emotions.

"I think it's best if we both make our way back," you say, your voice carrying a tinge of melancholy and unrequited longing.

He reciprocates with a gentle smile, its genuineness captivating you, even in the midst of this tender farewell. A subtle nod of understanding passes between you, both acknowledging the intricate complexities of the moment.

His voice resonates with heartfelt gratitude, softly punctuating the stillness that envelops you both, "Thank you."

With those words lingering in the air like a whispered promise, you reluctantly part ways, each step carrying the weight of unspoken emotions. The night embraces you, wrapping you in its embrace as you find comfort in the knowledge that you were there for one another, if only for a fleeting moment.

Little did you know, it was far from being the last encounter.

The following morning arrives, and you attempt to steal a few extra moments of slumber, seeking refuge from the complexities of the previous night. However, your peaceful interlude is shattered by the persistent calls of your mother, who reminds you of the responsibilities and obligations that come with being a member of the Metkayina. The demands of productivity override any personal desires, and you resign yourself to the tasks that lie ahead.

You decide to embark on a fishing expedition, a familiar ritual that brings level headedness and nourishment. Equipped with your trusty net, you make your way to one of the favored fishing spots, immersing yourself in the tranquil waters. The cool embrace of the water fails to deter you as you wade deeper, determined to fulfill your task and provide a bountiful catch for your family.

After a while of not catching anything in your chosen fishing spot, you decide to relocate. Fortunately, the change of location proves fruitful, and you're grateful for the decision as you witness a group of male Na'vi engaging in animated conversation, their attention fixated on Rotxo and his fishing prowess.

A sense of amusement washes over you as you realize his popularity. Who would have thought?

Without a second thought, you find yourself wading through the water towards him, unintentionally interrupting the tranquility he sought. "Looks like you've got some admirers," you playfully tease, you playfully tease, coming to a halt a few feet away. He turns to you, confusion evident in his eyes.

"What do you mean, (Name)?" he asks, genuinely puzzled. But his confusion quickly fades as you gesture towards the group of Na'vi, a faint blush coloring his cheeks. He takes a step back, shrugging his shoulders, a slight frown forming on his face. "They've been there all morning. Just gossiping, I suppose."

A surge of annoyance wells up within you, no longer able to tolerate his self-doubt. "Enough of that," you assert, your voice carrying a deep resonance. "Anyone would be lucky to have you... including myself." The words slip out in a mumble, almost lost amidst the sounds of nature. Whether he catches your confession or not, he remains silent, stealing a quick glance in your direction before returning his focus to the task at hand.

A comfortable silence envelops you both, accompanied by the gentle lapping of waves and the occasional splash. Surprisingly, the absence of words doesn't create any awkwardness. It's a stark contrast to the usual giddy and somewhat nauseating feeling you experience in his presence. Perhaps the brief but meaningful connection you shared the previous night has brought a newfound ease and comfort when it comes to being around him.

You feel a gentle yet firm grip on your forearm, halting your motion of throwing the net once again. Turning your gaze to the source, you find Rotxo standing beside you, a soft chuckle escaping his lips as he observes your fishing technique. His eyes sparkle with amusement as he takes hold of your hands, his touch sending a tingle of warmth through your skin.

Curiosity dances in his eyes as he asks, "Who taught you how to fish?"

You can't help but feel a touch of self-consciousness, looking down for a moment before meeting his gaze. "I actually taught myself," you admit, your voice carrying a hint of bashfulness.

A knowing smile graces his face as he replies, "That explains your stance. You won't catch many fish like that." He moves closer to you, his body language open and inviting. His question hangs in the air, and you find yourself captivated by his presence, eagerly granting him permission to guide you.

"I don't mind," you respond, your voice filled with anticipation and curiosity. With your consent, he takes the lead, positioning your hands and adjusting your body to align with his preferred fishing method. Every touch, every gentle adjustment, sends a jolt of electricity through your being.

"I must say, I've caught plenty of fish on my own," you playfully interject as he pulls away, a mischievous glint in your eyes.

He nods, his gaze transitioning from your hands to your eyes, a silent understanding passing between you. "I have no doubt about that. But the way you were doing it would have taken much longer," he remarks, a hint of admiration evident in his voice.

With his guidance, you make several more attempts, each time incorporating the adjustments he has shown you. It's a delicate dance of coordination, a symphony of movement and shared intention. You feel a sense of connection and trust building with each throw, as if you are moving in perfect harmony with each other and the rhythm of the water.

Time seems to melt away as you continue fishing together. Conversations flow effortlessly, laughter echoes through the air, and a sense of peace envelops you both. The symphony of nature's sounds—the gentle lapping of water against your legs, the rustle of leaves in the breeze, and the occasional splash of a fish—accentuates the tranquility of the moment.

A bittersweet ache tugs at your heart. You wish you that this would be the last time similar actions would be like this, that it’ll be easier to let go than to hold on to a love that can never be fully realized. It's a torment, a constant battle between the longing in your heart and the rationality in your mind. Each passing day spent in his company, teaching and bonding, feels both like a gift and a cruel twist of fate.

You had made peace with your feelings long ago, even before he confessed his love for Kiri. You had resigned yourself to the fact that friendship was the only path you could walk together, no matter how much it pained you. It was a choice to preserve what you had, to savor the moments of joy and connection, even if it meant treading a delicate tightrope of unspoken desires.

"You're spacing out again," Rotxo's voice breaks the spell of your thoughts. You find yourselves back at the familiar spot, the place where platonic confessions were made, now a couple of months later. Time has slipped away swiftly in the company of the one you love.

You let out a soft hum, meeting his gaze with contemplation and unknown affection. "I've been doing a lot of thinking," you confess, your voice tinged with a hint of uncertainty.

Curiosity flickers in Rotxo's eyes as he tilts his head, genuinely interested in the thoughts that have consumed you for so long. He has always respected your privacy, refraining from prying into your inner world. Yet, an undeniable concern gnaws at him, a desire to understand and offer support. You both have become pillars for each other, leaning on each other in times of need.

"Is it something troubling?" he asks, his gaze unwavering as he waits for your response.

“I think that depends on how someone sees it…” you trail off, sensing a shift in the atmosphere. The conversation takes an unexpected turn, and a wave of apprehension washes over you, making you hesitate to continue. You can't quite put your finger on it, but something feels different about this discussion, and it makes you reluctant to delve deeper.

"Will you tell me?" he whispers softly, his voice filled with concern and a touch of vulnerability. The genuine care in his eyes urges you to open up, but you find yourself momentarily speechless, unsure of how to express the conflicted emotions swirling within you. You don't want to burden him or risk jeopardizing the friendship you hold dear.

For a moment, silence hangs in the air, and he senses your hesitation. Worried that he may be crossing a line, he considers dropping the subject altogether. But just as he's about to let it go, your voice finally breaks through.

"I don't think I can continue to be your friend... I feel guilty," you confess, the words escaping your lips, filled with sadness and regret.

He shifts in his seated position, giving you his undivided attention with a serious expression. What could you possible feel guilty about? You haven’t done anything to him, he was pretty sure of that. If anything, you have been becon since his rejection, guilt was the last thing he expects you to feel. Unless it’s something he doesn’t know about.

"Guilt?" he repeats, his voice gentle yet tinged with confusion. "What is it that makes you feel this way?"

A heavy sigh escapes your lips as you try to find the right words. "It's these... feelings I have," you confess, your voice barely above a whisper.

“Feelings for who?” he wasn’t aware you had sometime you liked. And knowing that made him uncomfortable in his chest. It was a familiar feeling—like his heart has dropped to his stomach. A gasp leave Shia lips as you continue, his heart beat picking up.

“For you,” you express, looking eyes with him, “I’ve always liked you and I was content watching from afar. Then we started getting closer and my feelings gotten stronger. It’s became harder for me to ignore it. I can't help but feel guilty for having these emotions while knowing they may complicate our friendship.”

A faint smile tugs at the corners of his lips as he reaches out, his hand gently holding yours, a comforting gesture that you hadn't even noticed was trembling, “I think—no, I feel the same way,” he reveals.

Your eyes widen, your face flushing with warmth as you process his words, "You what?"

"I like you too," he confesses, his voice growing a little louder, “It took a while for me to realize it but when I did, I was scared that—uh, that another situation like before would happen again.” he moves to interlock your hands, lower his head bashfully as you’ve done in numerous situations.

You stare at him, your mouth hanging open in astonishment. "Do you really?"

His eyes meet yours, filled with warmth and fondness reflected in their depths. "I first noticed it when we were going to gather some fruit," he begins, his voice laced with a sense of nostalgia, "My stomach felt funny, and I couldn't help but feel excited when I saw your own excitement.”

He scoots closer to you, his shoulder gently brushing against yours, sending a delightful shiver down your spine. Your heart skips a beat, captivated by his closeness and his words.

"The first time my heart raced, I was scared and confused," he continues, his voice soft and filled with vulnerability, "You weren't even around, but it was as if you were right there in my thoughts. It took me a while to understand what those feelings meant, but now I do. I like you, more than ever. "

His eyes never leave yours as he speaks, and you can see the depth of his sincerity. It's a moment of shared revelation and vulnerability, a connection that goes beyond words.

A smile spreads across your face, mirroring the joy that fills your heart. "Me too," you whisper, your voice filled with an undeniable certainty. The weight of unspoken feelings finally lifted, replaced by the exhilarating realization that your feelings are reciprocated.

"I thought I misheard you when you said you'd be lucky to be with me," he chuckles, leaning his forehead against yours. "Little did I know, it would actually be the other way around."

You close your eyes, giggling softly at his words, flattered by his belief in your worth. "I see you," you whisper, too shy to meet his gaze. It feels surreal to hear him express his feelings so openly.

He gently releases your hand, his finger lightly tapping your cheek to get your attention. "Look at me," he insists, his voice filled with tenderness. "Tell me when you look at me."

With a bit of reluctance, you open your eyes, feeling a flutter in your stomach as your gazes meet. The intensity of his gaze sends a shiver of excitement down your spine, and in that moment, you realize that this is not a dream—it's your reality. Before you can utter a word, Rotxo beats you to it, leaving you breathless.

"I see you, (Name)," he says, his words overflowing with sweetness and sincerity. It shocked you that it was directed at you. Nearly felt like a dream if he didn’t plant a wet kiss on your nose, forcing you to wrap your head around that this was real, that he was there with you—not with Kiri or any o the other Na’vi woman.

Just you.

"Would this make it awkward, liking you after..." he starts to ask, his voice trailing off, unable to find the right words without it sounding off.

You shake your head, dispelling his concerns with a reassuring smile. "She'll understand," you assure him, confident in your response.

Because even though Kiri may have been oblivious to Rotxo's feelings, she had an inkling of your affection for him. That fateful night of raw emotions and a little too much alcohol had led to a heartfelt confession, revealing the depths of your feelings for Rotxo. In that moment, Kiri had grasp the truth, and though unspoken, an understanding had silently formed between you.

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[elusivecagedmockingbird]

Now That We Don't Talk

[seokjin x reader, slight hoseok x reader] [1.3k+ lovers to strangers, angst, suggestive content] A/N: Loosely based on 1989 vault tracks: Is It Over Now? and Now That We Don't Talk. I might write another drabble loosely based on a song for Hoseok x Reader. I'm thinking of picking up the story from the end of this one. As always, all stories I write and share here are an attempt to get back into creative writing; I truly appreciate everyone who finds my writing and shows their love. Please be kind!

Not In The Same Way (prequel) | Be My Mistake (jhope x reader) | Not Warriors

You part the crowd like the Red Sea Did you get anxious though On the way home? I guess I'll never, ever know Now that we don't talk

-

You don't mean to stare, but you can't help it.

From where you stand, you see Seokjin walk the red carpet, and on cue, camera flashes light up, and other artists and attendees are ushered quickly to clear the booth.

The runway is illuminated, both from the flashes and Seokjin's presence.

He always had that glow around him, and it didn't matter if he was walking the carpet or simply entering a room—he seemed to effortlessly carry that aura wherever he went.

Seokjin poses like it's second nature to him, giving the photographers quality shots that would publish well in magazines and tabloids, you’re sure.

You wonder how nervous he really is.

You know for a fact that events like these are never his thing. During one of your nightly rendezvous, he admitted that all the bravado he exudes in the spotlight was actually a front to shadow his anxiety.

Oh, the celebrity life.

He knows what he signed up for, but that doesn't mean he always enjoys the tenfolds of attention, particularly when he's the lone receiver. It overwhelms him, and that feeling is followed by unwanted anxiety and the urge to hide.

When your eyes meet on the carpet, you're surprised how you can still get a good read of how he truly feels behind his facade. You can tell he's anxious as hell, and it's taking everything in you not to rush towards him, hold his hand, and walk the carpet together. Not that you ever had the chance to do so when you were still together. But at least back then, he had you waiting behind doors, ready to warm his shaky, cold hands with yours, shift his focus, and lull his raging nerves before you had to go to your tables in separate ways.

You can't do that now. Or ever. Those are distant memories now, the gap bigger than where you and he stand.

Feeling like you've glued your feet too long where you stood, you turn away and head straight to your table, no detours to dressing rooms. No Seokjin to wait on closed doors. -

There's an after-party. Like always. And as you enter the venue, you immediately find Seokjin sharing casual conversations with almost everyone. Without trying, he will always be the main character in every event. And without meaning to, he always will be the life of the party.

You steal this time to study him. He grew his hair long, you note. And though you sense that the confidence he carries to approach people is a front, you can't help but be bitter that he chooses to talk to anyone but you. He doesn't even meet your eyes nor look your way.

But you can't blame him. You suppose you're no longer the comfort and familiarity he seeks at the end of parties like these. With a sigh as heavy as your heart feels, you excuse yourself through the crowd as you make your way to the open bar. You might as well have your own fun before the night ends.

On the other side of the room, the crowd parts for Seokjin wherever he walks.

-

"I didn't think I'd see you here.”

You turn to follow the voice and chuckle at the man who greeted you.

“Well, I was invited,” you retort with a shrug.

Hoseok hums. “I invited you to my parties before and yet you never came. What makes this one so special?” At the last word, Hoseok raises his brows as he briefly glances to the side of the room. Where Seokjin stood, you assume.

“Just… making appearances. I have an upcoming show.” You internally wince at your half-truth reply. If it were a different person, they wouldn’t be able to tell you’re lying. But you were talking to a dear friend. You just hope Hoseok doesn’t call you out.

Hoseok was Seokjin’s friend. Before all the fame and faux friends came. You trio met during a variety show, Law of the Jungle. You initially hit it off first with Hoseok, coming from the same hometown. But as you mingled with everyone, Seokjin’s jokes won you over. You were over the moon when after filming, he approached you with a stuttered invite to go out for a coffee.

That moment was so long ago. And yet everytime you remember it, it feels like you got to relive the moment with how strong your emotions kick in.

“Ah, you’re just here to make an appearance, huh?” Hoseok pulls you out of your reverie. You nod with a tight-lipped smile. “Well, you’re here now. So, how about a drink?” He signals for the bartender and briefly acknowledges him before he returns his attention to you.

“You’ve read my mind.” You grin back at him.

You and Hoseok managed to down one glass of cocktail after another and another and another until you needed to be guided as you stepped down from the stool.

“Let me take you home,” Hoseok offers. You stare at him for a moment, cogs in your brain working.

You always had a soft spot for Hoseok, but it always remained platonic. But tonight, for the first time, he also seems to have you weak in the knees for him.

Your eyes fall on the mole on his lips and you gulp on air before nodding.

Hoseok's hand remains rested at your hip as you both walk away.

A few tables away, you miss the pair of eyes fixed on your leaving figure. Seokjin's grip on the glass tightens, and he could lie to himself and say that the burn on his throat is from the whiskey he downed in one shot, but he already knows the real reason just walked out of the bar.

He hasn't healed from you walking away, albeit figuratively, and seeing you physically walk out with someone who isn't him just prods his bleeding wound.

-

Kim Seokjin and Im Yoon Ah Looks Cozy at After Party

Im Yoon Ah Spotted Leaving Kim Seokjin's Home

You feel your headache worsen with each headline you read, and with every photo of them together that pops into your feed, you feel your gut churn.

At this point, you should be numb to these headlines. Seokjin has been a regular scoop for the tabloids lately, and while you try to rationalize that he was a free man and any person with 20/20 vision wouldn't turn away from his attention, it still stings when you're greeted with these types of headlines.

You tried to soothe yourself with the fact that the tabloids could stretch things out. You've had your fair share of taken-out-of-context stories published, too.

The first time you saw his name mentioned with another girl's name in a headline, you went out to a bar with one of your exes and, out of spite, you invited the one guy Seokjin always felt jealous over, to party and go home with you.

You regretted it the morning after. You wanted to explain yourself to Seokjin. But held back since you've already made a fool of yourself.

Still, all those nights partying and hooking up with guys, you wondered if seeing your name alongside male celebrities in headlines had the same effect on Seokjin as it did on you.

You grip your phone tighter, and you feel your throat closing in. It shouldn't hurt this much anymore.

The pang in your heart grows at the thought that he parades himself with these women with no care in the world if they get photographed. Yet, when he was with you, he made sure you left at different times and drove to his home in different cars to avoid paparazzis. You're pulled from your pity party when someone knocks on your bathroom door, "Everything okay in there?"

Switching your phone off, you open the door to a shirtless Hoseok. "I'm fine. I'm just feeling a bit hungover," you sell your excuse with a lopsided smile. Hoseok hums, "I read somewhere that you can fuck away a headache, want me to try?" he wiggles his brows at you suggestively, and for the first time this morning, perhaps even in a while, you laugh. It's not a quip you would usually find funny, lame dad jokes were more of your taste, hence Jin. But willing your heart to heal, you let him brighten your mood.

Hooking your arms around his shoulder, you try to be seductive as you answer, "I don't think that’s true, but I’m ready to be proven wrong."

-

[arabella-s-arts]

Watched the new atla show. And now I will share my thoughts because I need to put them somewhere.

I agree with people that it kind of fell flat. More like an impersonation than the actual show. Also, people are right, where is Katara's rage? I'm not going to dive into it, because people already have, but Katara is stubborn and righteous, so where'd they put those qualities?

I wish the show would stop telling us everything. Like, stop telling me that Ozai thought finding the Avatar would be impossible, and sent Zuko on this quest anyway. I know, it's obvious. I don't need to be told the subtext, that's why it's subtext. Subtality could do this show a world of good.

Zhao's death sucked. It was perfect how it was in the original, it showed Zuko's kindness, and Zhao's hubris being his downfall was perfect. Also, this isn't necessarily a complaint, just something I noticed, Zhao feels different in the show. A guy with similar aspirations and ideas, yes, but not the same guy we all hate.

The acting wasn't always the greatest, but I can't tell if it's actually the actor's fault or script (probably script).

I wish Sokka was involved in the Jet plotline, he played a big part in it originally, and it really showed his true character.

Why did Katara and Aang never get any actual training in Northern Water Tribe? That's what they were there to do. Somehow, magically Katara became a master waterbender, because she what? Believed in herself? That's not how learning a skill works. Imagine trying to learn the flute, you're confident, and you figured out on your own how to play a few notes. But you still need someone to teach you the rest of the notes, how to trill, how to read the sheet music, etc. You can't learn everything just from confidence.

The costumes bothered me so much. Sokka and Katara's coats looked so light weight, which is probably more comfortable for the actors, but those coats could not shield you from a light breeze, much less a frozen tundra. Also someone pointed out that their clothes don't actually look worn, and they're right.

What on earth was the scarf scene? Why was it there? What was the point? I am not a Zutara shipper (though I have no hate for the shippers, just dislike for the ship), and now online is just going to be posts about that.

Was Suki just not wearing her warrior make-up because she had to kiss Sokka? Either way, it's still upsetting. The one time she doesn't wear her warrior make-up (which is an honor to wear) is when she's finally in a real fight, and on the day Kyoshi shows up too. Also, no Sokka wearing warrior make-up? I get if they couldn't fit it in, but it's still a bit sad.

I don't understand them getting rid of the fact that Aang ran away, I think it really makes his character more complex as he struggles to take on the responsibilities of the Avatar.

They sorta switched Sokka and Katara's roles in the Omashu tunnels, which I don't get.

Having Zuko fight Ozai in the Agni Kai was a terrible idea.

I'm sorry to say this, because I don't like Zuko being in pain. But Zuko's scar is smaller and a lot more understated than in the animation. I don't know much about burnt tissue, or how it will scar, especially with their technology. But we rarely see heroes with facial scars beyond a line through the eye or something, I don't want it taken away. The scar doesn't even seem to reach his ear. And I'm sad about them confirming his sight was fine. Zuko with some hearing and vision loss is technically just a headcanon. But then why did Zuko only leave his unscarred side up when sleeping around people he didn't trust in the animated version?

I could tell that Aang was airbending during it, so it wasn't really flying. But it's a little too similar, especially considering how significant flying is in Korra.

The thing that bothered me the most was Yue's death. Why was it barely acknowledged?! Yue made a huge sacrifice, but instead we're making up a plotline that causes Aang to have the spotlight instead. And when Sokka was talking to Arnook about Yue, somehow the conversation became focused on Sokka, and his insecurity, instead of someone they both deeply miss (though Sokka and Yue's relationship development could've been better). Sokka is joking around again by the end of the episode, it feels like her death never happened! And why make her a fish! No offense to fishes, but it feels less impactful, and in the original, we could see how Yue was able to keep some of herself alive in the way she presents herself as a spirit, she doesn't do that here.

Some things I liked:

Zuko being upset about Aang stealing his journal.

Sokka and Suki had really good chemistry (though, the show doesn't really give us a reason why Suki likes him, she seems annoyed with him when they first meet).

The effects were good, and I liked a lot of the fight scenes.

Kyoshi.

Oma and Shu being lesbians.

That one lady hitting Zuko for trying to hurt Aang.

Suki being awkward and beating up the guy she likes.

I am impressed with how they were able to overlap some story lines. That must have been difficult to figure out.

The sets.

Azula.

[strqyr]

Me just chewing on the Summer working with Salem theory. Just... As someone else pointed out Summer is the only stepmother we've seen in the entire show about fairytales. And very specifically Yang has both abandonment issues and the family absolutely imploded when Summer died or "died". Bonus that's messed up points: Raven at least occasionally visits as a raven. I'm all for this theory because oh it makes sense and it finally puts the spotlight on the family implosion.

More on the whole Summer Rose possibly joining Salem makes the whole STRQ situation stupidly complex - Yang and Ruby nearly ended up Grimm chow because went looking for Raven. Qrow saved them - but given Raven's semblance she possibly could have also. Or what I'm saying is that I'm considering the option that Raven's reintroduction to the narrative is her bailing out RWBY after they come across Summer working for Salem. Because Raven is extremely set up for high powered evac from nowhere.

my mind always goes back to red like roses part ii bc with every new revelation that make the picture just a little bit more clearer, the more relevant it becomes. i made a sacrifice but forced a bigger sacrifice on you is often read as "summer took a risk going against salem and died trying to end this war once and for all, and thus the weight of being the simple, more honest soul fell on ruby" but reading it in the light of summer working with salem, and it becomes "summer made a sacrifice by essentially faking her own death and never making any contact with her family, perhaps hoping that one day she could return to them when it's all over, but in doing so forced ruby, the little girl with silver eyes, her own daughter, into the spotlight" which i find 100x more interesting characterwise.

and god is the reveal going to have an impact on the whole family; the comparisons between summer and raven are apt bc so far, they could have not been spoken more differently about, but the more the curtains get peeled back, the more similar they become (not the same, never the same, but i do think summer and raven are more similar to each other than even they themselves may think). and it's so interesting bc we know how the family was affected after summer's alleged death (at least from yang's perspective) but nothing after raven left other than they all eventually moved on and what tai said about it doing a number on their family (which rings odd when the focus has been more on how they were handling things post-summer's 'death' rather than raven's departure).

the bridging of the gap between heroes and monsters is already well on its way; a world is a lot more complex than a simple black-and-white morality might suggest, being a hero and doing good doesn't equal never failing, people you trust or don't trust can both be right about one thing and wrong about another, everything that ruby is going through mirrors plenty of villains, it's just a matter of perspective, etc; finding out that summer, the best of the heroes the world has to offer, is working with salem is definitely going to speed things up even further.

i'm not willing to try and predict when raven is going to come back properly (i.e. excluding potential summer flashbacks) bc, well. she's kind of unpredictable. like, her first appearance was 'foreshadowed' by yang talking about her family to blake, but that was as much about summer as it was about raven, and what it left us with was "yang is searching for her mom", not "her mom is going to drop in out of nowhere to save yang."

like the setup is there, the warrior in the woods made it clear—"next time you enter the woods, you're on your own." -> "i knew you'd still come to my rescue." is not being subtle—but it could also do with summer potentially going to ask for raven's help during her final mission that took a turn, and. ya know. "promises are like birds; they taste great, but always escape." or something like that. idk.

i jinxed myself not so long ago by saying that i don't think any of my long running, serious theories are going to get proven or debunked this volume and now i've been told to buckle up and the strq brainworms are having a unannounced party that has kept going way past into the quiet hours.

like. ten years of waiting and i might actually get all of team strq in the same episode this saturday? trying to keep my expectations in check but also i might just cry.

[splicejunction]

new mutants/xforce baseball team lineup

I have to combine the two because there's not enough of either team to fill out a full ten man roster. I'm gonna go down the batting order. but before I get into the batting order. we're going by DH rules so I gotta start w/ sam who's the pitcher. he's big and gangly and has big hands but more importantly he's the guy everybody puts in the spotlight but he's not the emotional or strategic center of the team (that's the catcher which is danielle but I'll get to that). sam CAN hit if he has to but I want to be able to include more people so I'm saying there's gonna be a DH.

leadoff is beto. you want a leadoff guy who can be kind of a star and light up the crowd and that's beto. you also gotta have a guy who doesn't strike out too much and can take a pitch but doesn't need to do anything glamorous like hit a bunch of home runs and that's beto. he gets on base a lot and he's fast. he's crafty and quick on his feet which is ALSO why he plays shortstop.

2nd is rahne. similar to 1 from a hitting perspective she's going to be a good hitter who gets on base and is fast. there's no wolf form allowed in the batters box but its allowed on the bases. she's shyer than beto which is why she hits 2nd and not 1st. she also plays right field. she can really lay out for the catch. she is allowed to go wolf mode in the outfield.

dani hits 3rd. getting into the heart of the order and the power hitters in the lineup. she's smart in the box and she can hit the ball hard. she's also the catcher and the heart of the team emotionally and strategically. sam never shakes off her signs. also they're the worlds first platonic battery.

cleanup man is jimmy. easy. power hitter. he's the designated hitter and backup catcher when sam's knees need a break which is because he's also the emotional and strategic heart of xforce or he should be. in a just world.

5th is tabs. she's fast and can hit pretty well and she's crafty on the bases but not quite as much power as dani and james and she CAN be a little impulsive in the batters box. she's got a crazy strong arm but she can't pitch because her accuracy sucks and she's always shaking off the signs so she plays third base.

julio hits 6th he's decent and pretty fast but he's a bit too gay to be really good at baseball. if the ball gets hit at him too hard he hits the deck or deflects it with his vibe blasts. he tries very hard though. he's second base and his major function on the team is chirping at the opposing batters with tabs. they will be losing to the xmen 10-0 and he doesn't lose steam on the chatter which is why he has to be in the infield as opposed to the outfield.

getting into the bottom of the order, 7th is illyana. she can't really hit but she'd be offended if she was 8th or 9th in the order. they're like yana you're indispensible in center but you can't hit the ball very hard and she's like :( are you assuming I'm bad at America's Pastime because I'm russian :( she's a great center fielder though. she DOES teleport the ball through limbo sometimes to make the catch but she's sneaky enough about it so nobody catches on.

8th is shatterstar he is the first baseman because you have an advantage being tall and also you don't need to intricately understand the game of baseball very well to play first base. he's also 8th in the order and nobody explains to him that the back of the order is where the less good hitters go so he doesn't care. if he gets on base he can run well and dodge the tag but he never gets on base for two reasons first of all he does not ever take pitches and has never drawn a walk and second of all he doesn't understand the concept of an off-speed pitch. he's like a true warrior faces his opponent head on. this "change up" is the pitch of a coward.

and finally. the 9th man in the order is warlock. I love him but I don't think he really cares about baseball or competitive games and sports. doug tries to hype him up. oh yeah doug is the manager and he also is the third base coach because warlock won't go on the field to hit without him. doug tries to hype him up but he's just like Wow my friends and I are playing outside <3 he plays left field they made him watch like a million hours of baseball games so he can mimic human capabilities on the field

[letstalkwhump]

Let's Talk Whump No. 10

Welcome to Let’s Talk Whump, a series of interviews that spotlight the amazing people in our whump community. I’m Malice and I’ll be your host. 

Today we have @suspicious-pools-of-blood joining us to share his whump story!

Tell us a fact or two about yourself!

I'm a butch (he/him) and I enjoy rock climbing, leatherworking, and losing my entire goddamn mind over Xena: Warrior Princess. 

What does whump mean to you? 

To me it can range anywhere from a trope to a vibe involving some kind of hurt. I definitely consider angst to be whump.

How did you find the whump community? 

It was actually very straightforward; I was up one night and the word "whump" kept rattling around my brain, I'd probably seen it tagging a fanfic at some point, but I didn't know what it meant, so I looked it up and found a definition followed by the Tumblr community. Specifically, it was albino-whumpee's writing that came up, so I was introduced to whump and box boys and WRU all at once. I stayed up all night reading their stuff and then made a sideblog and dove in, dragging my OCs down with me. 

Do you think your views on whump has changed? Maybe the way you consume whump media?

This community was basically my first foray into reading original fiction online instead of just fanfic, and now that's definitely what I read most.

Favourite whump trope?

One of my favorite tropes is carewhumpers--not of the bad caretaker variety, but more whumpers who don't let whumpee have any caretaker but whumper themself. Relatedly, I like captor bonding (not sure if that's an actual term, but that's what I call it because the term Stockholm syndrome has a super gross history), as well as intimate whumpers, nsfwhump/noncon/dubcon, slavery, power imbalances, etc. Also a big fan of a whumpee who internalizes their hurt hard enough to become a whumper against a new whumpee, continuing the cycle of violence and abuse rather than the typical whumped-turned-whumper trope where the two characters just switch roles. I really like the mental/emotional side of whump, seeing how both whumper and whumpee feel about what's happening, why whumper does what they do, and how the whump changes both of them as people.

And your favourite piece you've written? 

Really hard to pick, but currently I'll have to go with Not You Too and its companion piece Wish . It's more angst than any physical whump, but it's an important piece for developing and understanding the psyche of my main character.

What's your writing style like? 

Oh man, calling myself out here on this one. Don't be like me, kids. Often times I find that not being sober helps me get over mental blocks that prevent me from getting the words onto the page. It depends on what I'm writing, but usually a couple bourbon old fashioneds or an edible get me into the mood to write, night time, lights off, candle lit on my desk, relevant OC or WIP playlist playing. I'm trying to get better about that though because needing to be intoxicated to write is not good. I try to write regularly but usually I just end up sitting in front of my Notion board for hours on end while procrastinating on work I should be doing.

Is there anything you struggle with writing?

Cisheterosexuality is fuckin impossible for me to write.  I have no experience with it so I'm profoundly confused when I have to write about it for plot reasons

Is there anything you're working on at the moment?

The current piece I'm working on is my main character's first time sleeping with another woman. I am, if nothing else, committed to realism in writing, so I did spend more time than I wanted to today remembering my own first time and cringing but hey, at least I got the vibe!

Do you have any writing advice?

Make some lil guys and rotate them in your mind; literally no one can stop you

Shout out time!

@winedark-whumpk-whump has some truly fantastic stories and was really encouraging when I was struggling with engagement and feeling self-conscious about my original content.

Anything you'd like to add? 

Thank you so much for this interview, this was lots of fun!

Thank you for joining us, @suspicious-pools-of-bloodod ! It was great to have you here!

And to all you folks at home, have a whump-derful day!

[darksidestudio]

I am working on an illustrated series called, Death Race 2001: A Spaced Odyssey, in a Road Warrior setting.

It's an amalgamation of various movie themes and based on the short story, X Marks the Pedwalk, [Free Read No Sign Ups].

While in a head rush from a bong hit I seen Nikki Sixx as the character, Madd Maxxed!

You know Nikki wouldn't do the gig without the Crüe, besides Vince Neal would be perfect for Lord Humungus 🤭– Tommy Lee (especially in his Mohawk days), is perfect for the motorcycle riding psycho, Wez.

Something special is reserved for fans of Mick Mars, possibly a Dr. Phibes vibe–with a Herman Munster mobile!

John 5 is there also, I have a feeling his entrance might be a little grandiose–🤔–yep, when the Mothership shoots Lazer lights on the ground and starts 3-D printing John 5 while he's playing guitar to Live Wire–that would be bitchin', and a little grandiose!

Okay, in the writing of this post more of the story has come to light, so there's work to do in the Darkside Studio where "The Candle Flame of Thought Shines it's Brightest in the Dark".

4:20 Update

Alrighty, I have an Update!

The premise of the #shortstory is (think Warriors movie in a Road Warrior setting):

In this world the only difference between Heavy Metal bands and wild marauding Biker gangs is, some wild marauding Bikers played a musical instrument, others didn't.

Now Bikers get chicks, but a Heavy Metal guitar playing Bikers get Groupies, hence the rivalry between the two factions known as the Metal Heads and Gear Heads. (A third group, known just as "Heads", are straight up Stoners that don't ride motorcycles or play guitar, or drums, or bass. They're the extras you'll see running around, (the chicks have to come from somewhere 🤷‍♂️)

Again, in this world, not much entertainment with all the mayhem going on fighting over petrol and chicks, except the Headbangers Ball where a truce is drawn for the Annual Battle of the Bands ( with the Metal Heads busy it's about the only time of year the Gear Heads have a chance, so they agree to the truce, of you're wondering).

Except at this year's Headbanger's, during an Awards portion mayhem erupted when Jethro Tull was named Heavy Metal band of the Year!

Nikki Sixx started protesting that not only was Jethro Tull "Not Metal, man!" but Ian Anderson rode a Moped!

Right at that moment a shot rang out–two actually–the first knocking the flute out of Ian's hand and the second shot actually hit Ian in the foot. The foot he was standing on while he was blowing widly into the flute at the surprise win. (Ian is known for standing one foot, like crane, while playing the flute)..

Anyways, bullet hit Ian's foot, Ian falls off the stage edge–this is bad–and is impaled by the flute when he landed.

By this time the crowd was stirred when a Gear Head yelled "He did it! Nikki Sixx shot Ian!"

(We're still in Warriors mode)

Just then police riot squads (🤔 guess that makes a 4th group) hit the crowd with mega spot lights and the crowd went from Turtle to Rabbit!

Just then John 5 rushes up exclaiming, "It was Marilyn Manson who shot Ian, he was dressed up as Alec Baldwin and didn't think the prop gun was loaded!"

A police helicopter circling the crowd turned on it's spotlight and it landed right on the Motley Crüe, John 5 shouted "I have a Roadie waiting with a gig van, follow me I know a secret way out!"

And in all the mayhem, John 5 leads Motley Crüe to getaway van, but they still have to make it home and clear their name.

Next Chapter:

NO SLEEP TILL BROOKLYN

[kranethios]

Ask game! 3, 4, and 5!

ooooh thank you! questions are from here:

3. How do they feel about being Hydaelyn's chosen? (Feel free to break it down from ARR's "Champion of Eorzea" all the way to "The Savior of Etheirys" as much as you like. Have those feelings changed, or just grown more complex?)

it unnerves him to think about it too much. hibiki is a very humble guy and it's pretty overwhelming for him to think about himself as being a Big Deal on such a tremendous scale. he was sort of able to make peace with the specific idea of being Hydaelyn's Chosen in particular when he formed a connection with venat during endwalker, but the grand hero nonsense continues to be a source of awkward feelings for him.

one of the things he appreciated about being in tural was his capacity to just be Some Guy because there even if people had heard of him and the events of endwalker, they didn't really make the connection that this dude that was hanging out with the third promise was that person. he still kinda had that spotlight on him, but it wasn't quite as bright and high-stakes, which he appreciated.

4. What do they do in their down time? Do they have any hobbies outside of Primal-slaying and world-saving? Are these lifelong hobbies or recent interests?

as the oldest of a whole-ass flock of siblings, he learned to cook pretty young and he's always loved it. he also really enjoys trying new foods. whenever he goes home, he brings new recipes with him for his family to try. it's very wholesome and cute.

5. How do they feel now that "it's all over" (the story of Hydaelyn and Zodiark)? What do they plan to do next? Or is their story finished - and if you're retiring them, what does retirement look like for them? Do you have someone else taking the stage going forward?

the end of endwalker had him feeling a little aimless. the whole business of hydaelyn and zodiark consumed him for a long time and he had no idea what to do with himself after. he definitely spent a While ruminating over the last words emet-selch left him with. ultimately though he's an explorer and his adventurous spirit was always going to lead him to new places. he feels a little relieved, i guess, to not have to shoulder some world-sized burden for now but it's also kinda empty, in a way.

[rainbowappareluk]

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Remember, high visibility fleece jackets aren't just about flashy colours and reflective strips. High-vis fleece jackets are more than just trendy safety gear. It's not just about the cool colours (although, let's be honest, they do look pretty awesome). These jackets are designed with you in mind. They're the kind of gear that says, "I'm a pro, and I take safety seriously, but I also like to be comfortable and look good while I'm doing my job. They're constantly evolving, with new features and technologies that make them even more effective at keeping you visible and warm. And they're about peace of mind, knowing that you're equipped to handle anything the day throws your way.

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[autisticcassandracain]

Oh my god i love that so much! Thank you i'll be sure to read up on it! do you have any other recs for kori reading?

Yes I do! Unfortunately, pretty much all Kori recs I have are from the 80's/early 90's, since I think the later incarnations of her character never really lived up to her characterization established in that era. I say 'unfortunately' because 80's comics (as well as other older comics) are written in a very different style than modern comics, that many people (myself included) find difficult to read. I'll rec some more modern Kori stuff later, just in case you really can't get through the 80's comics, but even the best of those are pale imitations of her character tbh. Even if you find 80′s comics difficult, I strongly recommend giving these a fair shot.

General Recs are:

New Teen Titans (1980/volume 1)

Tales of the Teen Titans #41 - 58 (technically she also appears in #59, but that's just a reprint of the first story she ever appeared in, in DC Comics Presents (1978 #26); it's not necessary to read that, imo)

New Teen Titans (1984/volume 2)

New Titans (I recommend stopping with this one when you hit the Wildebeest/Titans Hunt arc, or after if you're interested in seeing how Joey dies, as the quality of writing drastically decreases once it hits that arc. The arc starts at #71, which does have a cute Kori moment, so you can stick around for that and then skiddaddle)

Tales of the New Teen Titans #4 (this is a mini-series and only has four issues, and explores the backstories of some Titans. #4 is relevant to Kori but reading all of it won't take much time)

Teen Titans Spotlight #1-2, 19 (Side-series focusing on various Titans and Titans supporting cast; the ones listed are relevant to Kori, but it might be worth looking into the others as well. #1-2 contains necessary continuity information, and you should read it before NTT v2 #26.)

I recommend reading the New Teen Titans and the relevant Tales of the Teen Titans issues in full (for some reason, the Tales of the Teen Titans issues take place between volumes one and two of NTT. No I don't know why, yes this was deeply confusing). I've tried skipping around for the relevant Kori issues myself, but it really does end up leaving out a lot of good character moments and context that way. However, if that's (understandably) daunting, I recommend specifically:

New Teen Titans v1 #1-3: getting-the-gang-together arc, important for context reasons, but I also think this arc does a lot to establish Kori's character. Contains a few of my favourite moments with her.

New Teen Titans v1 #8: Doesn't center on Kori, but has very good character moments and establishes her modelling job. Feel free to skim for Kori moments.

New Teen Titans v2 #13: Once again, doesn't center on Kori, but this shows her among the Amazons, which is an interaction I really like. Also she rides a giant kangeroo in this one. Comes on the heels of an Amazon/Donna-centric arc in #11-12, which Kori does feature in pretty prominently, but isn't necessary to read. Feel free to skim for Kori moments.

New Teen Titans v1 #16: Kori gets a boyfriend and almost murders a bitch. First Kori-centric issue of the series, and a really good showcase of her character. Contains one of my favourite Donna + Kori moments.

Tales of the New Teen Titans #4: Expands on Kori's backstory, specifically her time spent training with the warriors of Okaara. Shines a light on her early relationship with Komand'r, so I think you should read this before the next arc.

New Teen Titans v1 #23-25, annual #1: Komand'r recaptures Koriand'r and takes her to be re-enslaved by the Gorgonians. Expands on the worldbuilding of the Vega System, where Tamaran is in, in particular the Gorgonians, Psions, and the living goddess X'hal. Also focuses on Kori's personal development and her relationship to Komand'r. Technically starts in #22, but you should be able to read this without reading that. This one is an absolutely necessary read if you want to get to know Kori.

New Teen Titans v2 #3-4: Takes places in the second Trigon arc, which is #1-5. Not Kori-focused, but showcases her greatest fear, alongside that of most of the other Titans. It's not terribly inventive (for Kori, I really liked Dick and Donna's), but worth a read. I recommend reading the whole arc, partly for context, mostly because I really like it.

New Teen Titans v2 #5: Gang deals with suddenly being beloved and famous, and goes for a group bonding session in the Grand Canyon. Not Kori-focused, but focused on the Titans' friendship, and contains one of the best Kori moments ever, imo.

New Teen Titans v2 #14-15, The Omega Men #34, New Teen Titans #16-18, #22-23: Kori finally returns to Tamaran, only to find it embroiled in a civil war, and that she is to be married to calm the conflict. Meanwhile, Komand'r is planning a coup. Expands on Tamaran's culture and Kori's family, as well as Kori's own relationship to love/marriage and Tamaran. Already wrote this one down in the previous ask, but influded for completion's sake. I'd also consider this one a necessity for understanding Kori. Technically has lead-up in #10-11, but that can be skipped, though #10 has a cute dickkory moment if you're into that.

New Teen Titans v2 #32: The gang goes on vacation! Not Kori-centric, but focuses on the friendship between the Titans in a low-stakes environment.

New Teen Titans v2 #39: Kori talks to Raven about Raven's feelings for Dick. This is honestly hands-down one of the best Kori moments of all time. It focuses on her relationship with Raven and highlights her emotional maturity and views on love. If you're interested in (NTT) Raven, this is also an absolute must-read. You can jump right in, but I recommend reading #36-37 for context on Raven's feelings here.

Teen Titans Spotlight #19: Kori teams up with a heroine I know, like, nothing about, and gets to give some life advice. Great insight into Kori's character and worldview! No clue where this is supposed to take place in the timeline though.

Some notable ones I left off were Teen Titans Spotlight #1-2, and New Teen Titans #34.

Teen Titans Spotlight #1-2 is Kori-centric, but I made the choice to leave it off the list for two reasons:

Her primary character development here is deciding murder is wrong under all circumstances. This gets quietly written out fairly quickly; I think it lasts until the end of New Teen Titans v2 at most. So although it was important character development for her, it's not development that stuck, so I don't think it's overall necessary to read and understand it.

It's an issue-focused arc on Apartheid in South Africa. While it seems to have been progressive for its time, I don't think it's held up terribly well by modern standards (or at least, not modern leftist standards), and if you want to read up about Apartheid, you're better off actually researching it.

That said, if you're interested in the history of politics in comics, I highly recommend reading it. Also, the Spotlight on Jericho arc in the same series showcases letters that the writers received in response to this arc, and as someone who wasn't alive during this time period, I found them a fascinating look into the mindset people had back then, and how little racist arguments have changed over time. If you're planning on reading the arc or letters, trigger warning for violent racism, obviously.

I left off New Teen Titans v2 #34 because it's Dickkory-focused rather than Kori-focused, and you couldn't pay me to like that ship. I know many Kori fans will vehemently disagree with me on that one, though. If you're interested in reading up on dickkory specifically, I recommend asking someone who actually likes the ship for recs. This one focuses on Dick deciding to move in with Kori. If you're planning to read this, trigger warning for domestic violence/attempted femicide and also a truly awful use narrative parallels.

If you're interested in more modern Kori recs, there's a lot less, but I'll attempt to give some. Please mind the fact that these have all been in a relatively understandable chronological order so far, which is not something I can maintain from now on, because I think some character arcs for Kori weren't great.

Modern recs:

JLA/Titans: A three issue mini-series focusing on Cyborg going completely off the rails out of loneliness. I don't particularly like it as a whole, but that's mostly because I usually don't like ensemble cast series in DC since I always have no idea who half these people are, and I also don't enjoy superhero vs superhero fights (also I think Bette Kane's characterization in this sucks and she's one of my faves so I take this personally). Nevertheless, I really enjoyed how they handled Kori's character in this one, particularly what her deepest desire (as fabricated by Vic) was shown to be, and didn't even hate the moments between her and Dick.

Titans (1999) #3-4: I really despise Kori's characterization in pretty much everything after this point in the series, hate Devin Grayson's writing and dislike this series in general, and I think the Tamaran/Gorgonian arc in this was a unique flavor of awful, but these two issues have pretty good Kori characterization, in my opinion, and were fun to read. Just disregard all other Kori characterization, specifically that line about her 'needing war', it's nonsense.

Teen Titans (2003) #6-7: This series is... controversial, which I suspect is mostly for how it writes the ex-Young Justice crew, but since I know nothing about them, I haven't hated what I've read of this series (except evil!Joey). I like this Kori better than Titans (1999) Kori, and these two issues are pretty good. In #6, she fights Wonder Woman and reads Superman the riot act, and #7 has what I consider to be the best non-NTT Kori moment. I do think her characterization in this series is more in line with early-Kori than late-Kori and leans too heavy on her warrior side, but I don't hate it.

Her plotline in 52. According to DCUguide (I'm sorry I'm too tired to double-check), she appears in #5, 7-9, 16-17, 19-20, 28, 31-33, 35-37, 41, 51. This series is a collection of stories about what happened in the year after Infinite Crisis, when Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman were MIA. Kori is stranded in space with Animal Man and Adam Strange and must work together with them and Lobo to get back home. Has issues with oversexualization, including a very uncomfortable scene of sexual harassment played casually with Lobo, and leans a bit too heavy on her warrior side for my liking, but her dynamic with the cast is good, and she has some great moments. I know literally nothing about Adam Strange and Animal Man's characters, though, so I can't speak for their characterization.

Countdown to Adventure: An 8-issue mini-series focusing on the aftermath of Kori & Co's adventure in 52. While I found the dialogue in this series awful, thought Kori's design was boring as hell, and generally wasn't a terrible fan of the series as a whole, it still ranks among the better Kori characterizations I've read. I like the idea of her losing her powers and trying to live a normal life, even if I don't think they expanded on it enough, and although I found Animal Man's half-crush on her kind of annoying, I do like how she handled it. It's short, and if you enjoyed her plotline in 52, worth a read.

Honorary mention goes to R.E.B.E.L.S #15-28, and Justice League: Odyssey. 

The first gets an honorary mention because while I have some severe issues with Kori’s characterization that hold me back from recommending it, I did appreciate some of it and I REALLY loved Komand’r in this. My issues with Kori’s characterization in this are 1) an over-importance placed on her relationship with Dick, 2) an overreliance on her warrior side, 3) the blatantly wrong statement that ‘Tamaraneans fall in love for life’ when Kori has had two boyfriends she genuinely loved outside of Dick and it’s canon Tamaran practices polyamory (see also NTT v2 #39), 4) the fact that they wrote her having a friends-with-benefits relationship with Captain Comet, which she clearly established as such (which is fine!), and then proceeded to slutshame her for it and say she was ‘leading him on’, and 5) the fact that I don’t think Kori would join the crew this quickly but that’s more of a nitpick. But I did like that they how she reacted to certain revelations regarding the Psion’s society, and this is the best Komand’r has ever been, in my opinion. She’s an absolute delight to read in this series and I’d recommend it if you want to read more on her character.

The second gets an honorary mention because, while I’ve heard good things about it, I haven’t actually read this myself. I tried, twice, but I just don’t know enough DC space lore to be able to understand, like, anything at all about wtf is going on. Listen, I barely know who Darkseid is, that’s the level I’m operating under. I’ve heard good things about Kori’s characterization in this one, and I like what I’ve seen of it, so if you know more about DC’s space lore than me, give it a shot!

And you didn’t ask, but you gave me this excuse to give my opinions and I will RUN with it, so here’s some stuff you should avoid: 

The New Titans #97-100: start of the dickkory break-up arc and an absolute character massacre for Kori. I dislike Kori’s characterization in the vast majority of post-Wildebeest arc New Titans, but this is its low to me. For context, the writers has Mirage, a newly introduced hero, pretend to be Kori, and while she did, Dick slept with her, not knowing it was Mirage. This is, you know, rape. Then they had the entire team victim blame him. This arc focuses on Kori doing exactly that, which is especially awful since she’s heavily implied to be a rape survivor herself (basically confirmed in R.E.B.E.L.S). This arc has glimpses of an alternate future in which this was better handled, but it wasn’t, and this whole entire arc is just a Grade A Mess, do yourself a favor and avoid it. 

Titans (1999) #17-19, #45-46: #17-19 is the previously mentioned Tamaran/Gorgonian arc, where Tamaran invades the Gorgonians and Kori lies to her friends to get them to help. It’s somehow even worse than it sounds. This might actually be the worst use of narrative parallels that I’ve ever seen, and destroyed what could’ve been at least a good B-plot. Warnings for discussions of physical and sexual child abuse in the B-plot. #45 is where the aforementioned ‘Starfire needs war’ stuff comes from, and #46 has the nerve to drag the Afghan War into that. Please do yourself a favor and don’t read this.

Outsiders (2003/volume 3) #16-32: Some issues towards the end have some okay moments with her, but in general, she’s terribly underused as a character and it’s just not worth reading all of this just for her. Apparently people like this series? But I couldn’t tell you why if you paid me. Admittedly, though, I started skimming it after I realized that literally the first arc Kori featured in was centered around a child trafficking ring, and a) they didn’t have Kori react to this in any meaningful way, and b) they were using it to plug America’s Most Wanted. CANNOT stress that last one enough. So, yeah, I decided this series wasn’t worth my time. Consider this a trigger warning if you do want to start this series, though, it gets quite dark. 

Titans (2008): Introduced her naked, which is how you know they really respect her as a character (/s). This was so bad I couldn’t even skim it. I tried, I couldn’t do it. The art in the second and third issues is awful. The writing is somehow worse. Maybe this gets better eventually, but when you start this bad, I’m not gonna stick around to find out.

Red Hood and the Outlaws: Disclaimer I haven’t read this, but I’ve also heard pretty much nothing good about Kori’s characterization in this. The best I can say for it is that apparently it gets better later on, and I think the issue that focused on a younger Kori was apparently decent (I think it was #33), but I’m not reading through everything else to find out. I’ve never met a Kori fan who liked this one (unless they’d only read her in this and the N52). Also this is the one responsible for that infamous art of her with what has to be a broken spine, no organs, and metal cupholders for her breasts masquerading as a hero costume.

Starfire: her only solo series. This was the the first comic I ever read, actually! She’s grossly out of character in this one, in that she’s much more in line with cartoon!Starfire’s characterization, and much too ditzy and tooth-less, if you get what I mean. This will not give you a good impression on who Starfire is. 

I haven’t read everything Starfire, and I could be missing some really good modern stories, or really bad ones! I might’ve also forgotten some highlights in the NTT era. So absolutely do pull up a proper reading list/guide if you feel like getting into her. These are just my personal recommendations, which are obviously followed by my personal biases, so feel free to disagree with stuff on this list! But hopefully, for newcomers or people who are looking to get a loose grasp on her character, this should provide a good starting point. You also obviously don’t have to read everything on this list! Feel free to jump around to whatever catches your attention. Comics are supposed to be fun, not a chore!

[palaceofpassion]

Tempverse ask isn’t it close to Rua’s birthday? Because if so may I request a fluffy birthday bash of weiss taking her out on a nice dinner and possibly a show?

Rua shifted in her chair, her gaze staying firmly on the table in front of her, even avoiding the soft loving stare of the one before her.

"Weiss?"

"Yes dearest?"

"I don't believe this was quite necessary."

"Whatever do you mean?"

She took a deep breath as she brought her vision from the well lit dining table. "I'm not sure I belong here."

The taller girl felt her body practically shrivel as various people gave her passing glances. Tonight had been the eve of her day of birth, an auspicious occasion that she would often use to spend time with her family.

However, this year had been somewhat different. Weiss had insisted that she take her out to eat tonight. Rua had of course no reason to decline, more time to spend with her petite love was always welcome.

Though when she was fitted in a dress, by Pyrrha of all people, she'd had second thoughts. Rua was a warrior, and while she enjoyed things that were cute. She'd hardly ever call herself pretty. If anything her brother had always been more suited to dresses and gowns than she was.

But now? Perhaps this was why she was so nervous. She was dressed in a glistening red silk dress that clung to her figure. She knew not where her friends had acquired one like this... but it made her feel self conscious. Which was a strange feeling for her if she was being honest.

It didn't help that her right thigh stuck out so easily... "Perhaps the people here do not think this dress suits me." She sure didn't.

Weiss on the other hand simply gave her a strange but caring look, "Rua... they're gawking... they aren't just staring."

It was perhaps on the second viewing that she realized... yes in fact she was getting a few looks. And that explained the red tinge on sevearl of their faces as they turned away from her to avoid eyecontact.

"Oh."

"Rua, you can see the beauty in others but... you're absolutely stunning. IN fact my heart is fluttering deliriously fast at the moment."

"Oh. Thank you Weiss."

"No reason to... though- I have to take a moment."

Weiss excused herself as she headed for the ladies room. Rua continued to stay seated, their waiter soon coming by to deliver her food.

"Excuse me, where is my girlfriends meal?"

It was only her food though.

The waiter said nothing, instead simply walking away silently. Something sh wasn't about to let go, only stopping when the lights dimmed.

On the center stage her eyes fell wide as a spotlight began to expand revealing Weiss... and Jaune... and Yang and Nora?

"Wha?!"

Her face flashed a cute little crimson.

Until Weiss spoke up and looked her directly in the eye.

"This is for my darling girlfriend Rua, happy birthday."

Then... then they started playing music. And Rua remembered why she fell in love with Weiss, all over again.

[tiredassmage]

Do you gravitate toward certain characters?

Hey there, thanks for the ask! <3

I think... probably?? I mean, my tendency and still undiagnosed as to its cause preference to write male characters is almost glaringly obvious, especially if you asked me to list off all the characters that live rent-free in my head that I just haven't put out a lot of stuff for on the blog yet - or just as an overall history of characters I've crafted and written in the course of my writing and rping history.

But, running back through a mental list of what I have semi-recently played or enjoyed, I think, as a sort of generalization, I really enjoy the kind of... quiet hero type when I find myself working with characters in those kind of roles.

Obviously, with XIV, that role is the Warrior of Light, and, for most of my characters, feelings about carrying that title have been... relatively restrained, despite the fame that undoubtedly comes with it. Part of that, I will admit, is probably my own memory just kind of glossing over it because while we have many prominent figures pour accolades upon us for all our Good Deeds in saving the world and whatnot, its otherwise not glaringly obvious - left more to player interpretation, I'm sure. And this I tend to appreciate because very few of my characters enjoy basking in the spotlight.

They may be confident of their own abilities (though usually in a humbler sense, rather than an outgoing or even cocky one), but I don't usually write characters who seek a stardom kind of recognition.

Astor, Shay... a good many of my characters, I think, if I sat them down, seek a more... personal kind of recognition. They don't necessarily want to be heroes... They just want to help where they can, or have some other "closer to home" motivation for being in the action.

I'd say even my Inquisitor from Dragon Age probably falls into this category. My beloved Lavellan mage ended up a bit more confident than I expected out of him, but I'd say, at the end of the day, he recognized what he could accomplish with his position as Inquisitor and rose to the responsibility and his perceptions of what he could do to make the world better for it.

As for an example from media I've consumed, my favorite Avenger was always Hawkeye. I have a somewhat strained relationship with the media now due to some choices made in previous movies, but I did always appreciate that Clint's... just a guy. He's relatable. His relationships are personal - his tight-knit friendship with Natasha, his role as a father, his mentorship of Kate.

I like those kind of get in close plots that really allow exploration of interpersonal relationships - particularly in friendships, family (and we love some found/adopted/'my new best friend I found behind a 7/11' what have you in this house), lovers, companions. It's why my favorite characters have always been those I've been able to write or develop with others - like Astor and Shay, who are both blessed with lovely stories shared with @fatewalker-phoenix!

And, on that note, I'm... wildly out of practice in actually roleplaying. It's been... probably a few years since I'd consider myself to have done it consistently, and that was on forums instead of through messengers or whatnot, and I don't necessarily have all the steam to write a whole lot like I may once have, but if you're eyeballing this and you've seen someone or something you like while you've been here, feel free to hit me up! I still really enjoy just... cooking up things and headcanons in dms and, occasionally, turning them into writing pieces, if something strikes me! I'm honestly just admittedly horrible at starting points so I usually have no idea what to say or where to start unless someone pokes me.

~ From a list of mun asks! ^.^

[rosesanthology]

Golden Hues | Bokuto Koutaro x F!reader [GreekMyth!AU]

That was incredibly hard to write thank you very much🤡 figuring out how to write a certain character is quite the challenge so today i offer you, offbrand Bokuto in an Ancient Greece setting !

[Songs] : • Towards the sun by Rihanna

              • All good people by Delta Rae

[Tags] : @raevaioli @hqxreader

- your whole life has been revolving around the same things, not that you minded them

- you were the oldest daughter of a noble in Greece, and your family was known by the people as being descendants of gods and godesses

- throughout the years you've been taught how to act like someone your rank, how to uphold a position of power even in situations where a woman should't be

- you were grateful for that

- you were taught manners, litterature and arts as well as the art of fighting and that was pretty much it

- war, was not inherantly seen as a bad thing, it was almost like those plays that you often watched when you were a kid

- vast sceneries of warriors blessed by the gods to fight alongside them, defending their beliefs or properties

- at least that's what you thought back then, the reality of war was a whole other thing, and yet the necessity of knowing how to defend yourself against any ennemy was not one to ignore

- fighting wasn't pretty. But it had to be done.

- another reality was the one of the gods, you had witnessed it yourself one faithful day of training with your servants

- a young man carrying a lyre had approached you, seemingly coming out of nowhere

- you were pretty sure that it was Apollo, god of the sun, healing, arts and oracles; patron deity of your family for centuries now

- at the time, he had whispered words that you still managed to remember clearly :

        On the horizon of a sacred dawn,

    When the sword and arrow cross paths  

A union that will make the earth shake all the way to the farthest parthenon, shall rise

          And with it the fall of an order.

- a prophecy

- that sounded ominous to say the least but at that moment you had felt something in you that you could only describe as being some sort of repressed euphoria brewing deep somewhere in your mind

- sadly, the prophecy reached the ears of your parents and soon you found yourself trapped in your quarters for the majority of your days

- only going out for classes and eating, your parents having cut down most of your sparring sessions anyways

- your once fullfilling life now reduced to a scheduled routine, the only fun part of it being when you got to hear the stories of your litterature instructor paired with the occasionnal sneaking out during the afternoon or at night

- he felt as if in order to understand the "outside world" better you had to get actual informations on it

- and so he started talking to you about random things he heard during the day

- some days it was just about how the flower merchants closest to the royal grounds had gotten engaged and made a joined business

- other days like today it was about how the people have been effervescent about a certain talented warrior from a neighbouring city

- allegedly, he mained the bow and arrow with an unmatched deadly grace, making his way through entire battlefields in no time, some spread the rumor that he did so while smiling, unbothered and untouched by ennemy attacks

- some speculated that he was a demigod, son of some powerful deity or the reincarnation of Achilles, however one thing was sure is that he took the spotlight everywhere he went

- it would be an understatement to say that you were intrigued

- how was that possible ? Was he really unbeatable ? How was he the same age as you ?

- "well not like you would ever find out", you thought, returning to your room after class

- with the absence of servants on your way your next thought was easy : sneaking out

- it was a habit you picked up

- you went outside from the window for a few hours and came back in as if nothing happened

- and today was one of these days

- so here you were, strutting through the woods trying to find some cool rocks to add to your collection back in your room

- when you heard some kind of rustling sound

- at first you were scared cause what if it was a brown bear ??

 - well at least it would make an interesting story if you came out of it alive

- but then you saw a head of white hair peaking out from behind some bushes and a voice saying something close to

- "pspspsps" yep. Definitely not a bear

- "Excuse me ?" you said, trying to get the attention of whoever that was

- the person jumped and judging by the "thud" following, you could only assume that they fell

- going round the bushes, you were meant by a well built looking man with spikey white hair and piercing imperial gold colored eyes looking up at you from the ground

- that....was not something you were used to

- "are you alright ?" you said, helping him up

- " yeah don't worry im fine ! I was just trying to catch this squirrel" he was smiling so bright that it almost blinded you in addition to the sound of your own heart pounding that was making you deaf

- "oh im sorry....did i make it run away ?"

- "well- yes but at least now i get to talk to a pretty girl !"

- oh :0

- and that's how the conversation began

- you learned that his name was Bokuto and that he was a royal guard of a close city, one that was as powerful as your own

- "oh so do you know the rumors about that demigod archer ?"

- "you mean the ones people spread about me ?? You know, im pretty good with a bow and arrow but not to that level haha"

- SO HE WAS THAT PERSON

- you never suspected that you had all those questions for him until you started spewing them out one after another but luckily he seemed to never come short with answers

- you talked for hours until night had fallen and you had to go back to royal grounds before anyone noticed you were gone

- he walked you the whole way back to your bedroom window because he "wanted to protect you" even tho you did this like every other day

- he just wanted to talk to you more

- "goodnight princes-"

- "you can call me Y/N you know ?

- "no princess is cuter ≧◡≦" he was really thankful for the late hour because he really didn't want you to see the blush on his face right now

- "hey Bokuto !" your voice made him turn back faster than light

- "do you want to meet again tomorrow ?"

- of course he wanted to

- and the pattern went on for about a month or so

- you would meet him in the woods outside of royal grounds and you would just talk and have fun with him until night when he would insist on walking you home

- tonight was no different aside from the fact that you stayed a few hours later than usual with him

- at this point you guys were very much in love with each other but also too much of a mess to confess already and you were kind of fed up

- so he was walking you home as per usual and you were leaning against the window frame bidding him your goodbyes as the sun began to rise in the distance

- "goodnight prin-" you cut him off by grabbing his face and kissing him, the shock of your lips against his had caused both of your minds to focus on each other, and there it was

- the same euphoric feeling from that time you heard the prophecy

- so that was it....love

- "goodnight Y/N" he had said when you finally pulled away, not needing to add anything more to it as you already knew how you felt about one another

- that day you fell asleep with dreams about spending your future with Bokuto, the dorky demigod warrior who had stolen your heart

- except all dreams must come to an end

- the next day your parents had informed you about an incoming war with another city....his city

- after all those years of peace and unity why now of all times ?

- "the fall of an order" this line of the prophecy echoed in your head as you sat on the floor of your room

- you couldn't help but ask yourself if somehow this was one of the gods' jokes

- if this was your fault

- would that mean that now Bokuto would resent you ?

- you heard a soft knock on your window, you already knew who it was and you went to open it, hesitant and scared of what was next to come for the both of you

- " Y/N you're here !" he beamed, staying true to himself even now

- "Bokuto have you no knowledge of what is happening ? Our cities are-"

- "on the edge of war ? I know that and that's why i came"

- "to say goodbye" you thought, already bracing yourself for the heartbreak

- "to ask you to run away with me !"

- you looked at him in shock and he just responded by smiling as if nothing about that statement scared him, as if nothing in this world could make his golden eyes loose their oh so familiar shine

- in this moment you understood that he really was something else, a sun amongst mortals, and a song in the darkest times of your own life, a light in the battlefield.

- not hearing any response from you, he held your hands together between his warm ones, confidence unwavering as he locked eyes with you and spoke,

- "We don't have to ever be appart, must the skies and gods themselves threathen us as much as they want, i'll never let it happen. We shall stay together and brave the odds and Fate herself. With Apollo's blessing, we'll make even Aphrodite and Ares jealous."