#comedians punching down

[christinareedy-love]

What happens when comedians punch down on trans, gay, & handicap people...

Turns out they're not that funny. 🚫

They identify as Not Funny, respect their pronouns.

[captain-nohbo]

Just because I can't stop thinking about it

I hc that both the Masked Fools give up a part of their identity once they start following Aha

Basically joining the Fools means "becoming one of Aha's many masks". I think Aha is the kind of Aeon to not be above taking on the role a character to have fun especially since he's pretend to be Akivili before. So Basically possession is on the table

[kingofmyborrowedheart]

Need award shows to start having hosts whose style of comedy is punching up and not down.

[12amsongs]

I don’t make as many people laugh like I used to.

[shayneysides]

I legit forgot how handsome Marcello is but seeing him in HD like short king can get it 🥵

He had such a great episode too and basically acted as co-host for a lot of it which is impressive for a featured player. I think he’s really proven himself as a cast member and will defs be promoted next year.

no truly i'm usually a longfellow kinda guy but marcello was so <333 this episode i'm losing my mind.

and YES i'm so glad he got so many major roles this episode. he absolutely deserves it. I actually saw him live pretty recently- he opened for michael che and colin jost at their live show, and he easily got the biggest laughs of the night and outshined them both. che made a joke about how in five years he'd be opening for marcello, and that really feels true- i think he's going to be a star. and the fact that he seems to be becoming a fan favorite cast member definitely helps

[wilwheaton]

In a new interview with the New Yorker ahead of his 70th birthday on Monday, the comedian explained his theory about why there’s no “funny stuff” to watch on TV anymore. “Nothing really affects comedy,” he said, “People always need it. They need it so badly and they don’t get it.” Instead of getting sitcoms like M*A*S*H, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and All in the Family, audiences miss out, he said, as a “result of the extreme left and P.C. crap, and people worrying so much about offending other people.” [...] A look back at some of his earlier comments on a similar subject adds some context, if not clarity. In 2015, Seinfeld sat down for an episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd podcast, where he explained his aversion to performing stand-up on college campuses. “I don’t play colleges, but I hear a lot of people tell me, ‘Don't go near colleges. They’re so PC,’” he said on the show. After giving an example of his teenage daughter using the word “sexist,” he concluded that young people “just want to use these words: ‘That’s racist’; 'That’s sexist’; ‘That’s prejudice.’ They don’t know what they’re talking about.”

Jerry Seinfeld Draws Right-Wing Praise for Comments on ‘Extreme Left’

This is such a bummer. Tell me you’re a privileged, entitled, myopic Boomer without telling me you’re a privileged, entitled, myopic Boomer.

It’s interesting to me that he says these legendary sit-coms, none of which were cruel, punching down, or hurtful, but were actually satirizing power, celebrating women, changing societal norms through representation, and using comedy to do it all, wouldn’t exist if “the extreme left” had anything to do with it.

Umm. Who does he think created these shows? And is he really that ignorant? Has this guy never read a single interview with Norman Lear? Or literally anyone in the cast of Mary Tyler Moore? I mean. Come on, man!

Teenagers and college students don’t know what they’re talking about when they tell a privileged, entitled, multimillionaire Boomer that his “jokes” can be hurtful, and maybe he could use his tremendous talent to do comedy that is just as funny without being hurtful. Okay. Got it. Keep saying that, and see how far it gets you, buddy.

Hey, Jerry Seinfeld: when blue checks on Twitter are celebrating you being a dick, it’s not because you’re so funny and such a brilliant comic; it’s because they love how you’re validating what garbage they are. You can’t see that, or don’t care, and that’s such a huge bummer.

[night-night-stories-before-bed]

Shameless

Warning ⚠️; internalized homophobia, Homelander is his own warning, toxic relationship, abusive relationship, fluff. 🔞

Pairing; Bottom!Homelander/Top!Male!Reader

Summary; John and you are two opposites. He is a comedian and a liar, you are bluntly honest and direct. He cares about his image, you don't. He is ashamed of your relationship while you are shameless.

~~~~~~~~~~~

You sat on the sofa sipping at your drink, eyes staring at John with amusement. Still in his costume, your lover walked in circle while biting his nail. He looked ridiculous in your eyes. All those fake muscles and the cape were too much. He looked always better naked, natural, and not so fake.

- “You are going to get yourself dizzy, my love. Just get out of those ridiculous clothes and come sit with me.” You said, waving your hand to show his costume. “We have so little time together, I would prefer having you by my side than whatever you are doing right now.”

John stared at you, eyes glowing red and you just laughed at him. You weren't scared, never was, because John couldn't kill you. No one could. It was part of your power, your curse, but in a moment like this, it was a blessing. Watching your lover get worked up for nothing was funny.

- “How can you laugh in such a situation?” John asked, voice hissing at you as you rolled your eyes. “Its a disaster! I cannot be seen like… like…”

- “Like the man you truly are?” You finished his sentence, sighing. “John, no one cares about that picture. Everyone will call it fake and those who don't, well who cares? Just discredit them and forget about it.”

John said nothing and looked away, his eyes back to normal. You shook your head as he kept walking around the room, trying to find a solution. You didn't understand him. Why come to you when you couldn't help when you were the source of this situation? Well, you weren't fully responsible. It wasn't you who had decided to kiss on a rooftop where anyone could see, that had been John.

And now there was a picture of you two kissing, your hands squeezing Homelander’s ass, circulating around the internet. It was, for you, hilarious. For John? The end of the world was happening.

- “Can't you stop being overly dramatic for five minutes?” You asked, harsher than you wanted.

You gasped in surprise as the back of your head hit the floor, hard, making you see stars. John had pined you down after knocking over the sofa and sat on you. You shivered, licking your lips as you plunged your gaze into his glowing one.

- “And can't you take it seriously for once? Don't you realize how serious the situation is for me? I am supposed to be perfect with no weaknesses and I can not be seen like that with another man.” John spat, his hand grabbing your chin painfully tight.

- “But you are not perfect John and you'll never be!” You replied with a sneer.

It was the wrong answer because next thing you knew John punched you and pain exploded in your jaw. Blood splashed all over your lover and you as your jaw hit the wall and fell onto the ground. From anger, John expression turned to horror as he realized what he had done. From amused, you became enraged.

You didn't gave John any chance and kicked him in the chest, sending the sup flying against the ceiling. You watched your lover fall loudly on the ground as you got up, spilling blood all over the place. You closed your eyes, pain swallowing you up as nerves, bones and everything else slowly regrew. Tears slowly rolled down your cheeks as you felt like your lower jaw was burning in the fiery pits of Hell.

You heard John begging, swearing he didn't mean to hurt you like that and you didn't care. What mattered was how he still did it.

You opened your eyes staring angrily at the hero still lying on the ground. You walked up to him and saw John tensing and closing on himself before you grabbed the man by the collar. Without a word, you back-slapped like he was a bitch, splitting open his lip before grabbing his jaw like he did to you. You leaned down until your nose brushed his.

- “Listen here you pathetic excuse of a man; you are nothing. You are not a hero, you are not perfect and you are not an inspiration. The only thing you are is a childish man who can't take no for an answer and can't live without the approval of the world.” Your words hit home as you saw tears building up in John’s eyes and you sneered again. “You are pathetic. Truly pathetic. The world loves the fake image of you and would turn on you at the first opportunity. Their love is conditional unlike mine and yet you chose those worms over me. I who had always been here for you no matter what. I who helped you bond with your bastard son and helped you when no one wanted to. I bloodied my hands for you! And after everything that how you thank me?”

Venom filled your words as you stared at your lover. John was silently crying and looked away, not daring to look at you. You felt betrayed, and humiliated. You did so much for that man child and he turned against you so easily. You didn't want to see him anymore, wanted him gone from your sight.

- “Think about it John. Who will take care of you when you are old and your body is betraying you? Who will be there for you when the world cheer for a younger and more attractive hero? Them? Your so-called fans? No. They won't, but I would have.” You said, turning your back to him as you walked away. “Now get out.”

- “I’m sorry! I didn't…” John tried but stopped as you turned your head, eyes filled with anger.

- “GET OUT.” You snarled.

And just like that John was gone. A soft breeze caressed your face after he flew away. Sighing, you cleaned the room and threw away your jaw. The pain still lingered and you massaged your chin before sighing. You hated fighting with John like that, but recently it was every other day. The more time passed the more he became unhinged and impulsive. You could barely recognize the man who sought love and attention, the man who melted under your hands at night seemed gone.

It was late that night when John came back. He didn't call, didn't text. He just showed up. You were in bed reading a book in the light of a candle when you heard your front door opening. Only John had a spare so you knew it was him.

He didn't come up directly and you ignored him. You were still angry at his stunt and, frankly, didn't wish to see him. Not right now, not tomorrow. But there he was, walking into your home as if it was his.

After a few minutes, you heard John walking up the stairs and coming toward your room. You didn't look up when he entered nor when he called your name with a timid and soft voice. Instead you clenched your book harder.

- “I thought I told you to get the fuck out of my house, John. What are you doing here?” You asked, voice cold as you turned the page of your book.

Your lover didn't answer. Instead, John approached the bed and put down a mix of things; a gift basket filled with your favorite snacks and drinks and another full of books. Sighing, you closed your book and turned your attention on John.

There he stood in civilian clothes and his head low. His eyes were still red and puffy from crying. Had you not been angry at him you would have hugged John. But you were still pissed off.

- “I am so sorry for what I did and said.” John whispered, looking away as he sat on the edge of the mattress. “I have no excuses and you are right. You've always been there for me and you didn't deserve any of this, but I did.”

You could see tears in his eyes and the sight was almost pitiful. Of course, John couldn't live up with what he did and would regret his actions. You didn't. The brat had deserved your words and hands.

- “I don't want… I can not lose you…” John whispered so low that you barely heard it.

You sighed and leaned back against your pillows, crossing your arms and studying him. John was clearly remorseful and you knew he had his lesson, for now at least. Shaking your head you gently tapped the mattress next to you and John didn't wait to lay down. He wrapped his arms around you and nuzzled his face against your chest. You brushed his blond hair with your fingers, heart almost getting softer as you saw how happy he was now.

- “You are losing me, John. I don't know what the fuck is going on with you, but stop it. I don't have the patience to deal with your childish tantrum just because a picture of us leaked on the internet. We are celebrities, it's going to keep happening.” You said and your lover held you tighter. “Hush now. I forgive you this time, but I might not give you another chance.”

John nodded and didn't let go. You kept brushing his hair and let your fingers down his neck. He was cold, colder than normal and you could feel his heartbeat racing. He was scared and terrified which pleased you. Maybe he wouldn't go against you anymore, maybe he would stop thinking he could do as he wished.

After all, he was your pet, yours to use as you wished and you couldn't have a bad dog by your side. As much as you loved John, you didn't want him if he was to lose his mind and become a liability. But at that moment he looked so small and delicate in your arms, almost broken and you couldn't resist him.

You smiled as you felt his body relax against you as he slowly fell asleep. Maybe you could use his fear and remorse against him. Maybe you could force him to come clean about your relationship. Not now, the fight was still too fresh but soon enough he might give in. And once you were out to the world, John would truly be yours entirely.

[nosyrobin]

“𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 𝐅𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐇: 𝐀 𝐉𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐑𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐞!”

TT!Robin x Superboy!Reader

Summary: When a young teen news reporter wanted to privately interview you after you save a people from a crashing building. Robin can’t help but get a “little” jealous seeing his boyfriend get rubbed on by the reporter.

Note|| maybe ooc for Robin?

Superboy flew in with quickness. He used his speed to stop debris falling on the pedestrians, even going as far to punch some into pieces that won’t cause no harm to any one.

The titans came in at the time when superboy saved a nearby reporter, she seemed fairly young to be a full one. As superboy picked her up bridal style and flew, he didn’t notice the loving gaze she gave him. Superboy sets her down far away and flys again back. Robin swings from his grapple hook by the super who landed on the ground. “Superboy! What’s the status?” Robin says standing by the boy looking around. “There’s a girl trapped under something.” The super immediately gets to the action.

Y/N carefully pulled all the pieces of stone and metal, he sees the girl and smiles softly. “Hey there…” the little girl sniffles, holding an American girl doll. Superboy picked up the girl and flew off, he carefully used his hearing to see where the mother could be. Shortly after that, superboy found the mother and gave the daughter safely to her.

Robin stayed a little after the rest of the team went back to the tower. Y/N was certainly surrounded by people thanking him for helping and saving them. Robin smiled as he stood by the super. “I’m glad you’re on the team superboy.” Y/N smiled warmly, his hand rested in the boy wonder’s shoulder.

“I’m glad too partner!” Before Robin can tell you both that you have to leave. The reporter you saved appears next to you with a smile. Robin raised a brow while you were shock by her sudden presence. You didn’t even hear her heartbeat next to you. “Superboy! I’m Helena Snow, reporter for jump city school and news.” You turn your head confused. “You don’t seem like one..you seem like my age?” Helena rolled her eyes. “Oh cmonnn, anyone can get a job at any age above 13. Or is the boy of steel that naive?” She immediately pulled out a notebook.

“Uhmmm…” you didn’t know what to say, but you could feel the glare of Robin at the back of your head. Sweat dropping at your secretive boyfriend, you focus back to Helena who smiled up at you. “Okay, so superboy, what’s it’s like working for the titans?” Y/N smile as Helena wrote what he had to say. “Well, Robin’s an amazing leader very good! I’m glad we have another alien on our team, starfire is very compassionate. Beast boy is amazing! He’s good at shape shifting at the right time, and he’s an amazing comedian in my tastes. Cyborg, he’s a cool dude. He’s half robot but he’s all the half we need on our team.”

“Woah! So passionate, so charming of you and your words!” Helena smiled, but her smile dropped seeing a gloomy Robin behind the super. Robin’s eyes were clearly trained on the reporter. Helena smirked at this, sensing something going on between the two heroes. “Say, that does the S stand for on your hero costume?” Helena started to touch the super’s chest. Y/N tensed as Robin was internally screaming seeing that girl’s hand rub up all over his boyfriend.

“Uh, on my father’s and my planet. The S stands for hope. Though here it’s just an S.” Y/N takes the girl’s hand off his chest. Now Robin was standing right beside the superboy who seemed to sense the negative energy.

“Okay last question..” Robin glared harder at the female. You felt tension between the two as Helena tilted her head teasingly at Robin before putting her attention at you. “Is the boy of steel single?” Now that was Robin’s breaking point. He pushed you behind him, he was not playing games. “He’s not answering that. That’s personal business, and I would like to say Mrs. Snow, I think he’s had enough of your questions.” Robin’s voice was stern and low as Helena smirked at this.

Helena tilted her head before speaking. “So, you’re jealous?” Is it bad to say Robin almost used the unisex hammer of justice on the reporter? The super had to grab the enraged boy wonder who tried to claw at the reporter. “Let me go!” He chanted as the superboy then lifted off into the air. “Bye Mrs. Snow!” Y/N says before flying. “Who does she think she is, huh?!” Y/N sighed at the angry Robin who ranted to himself personally at this moment.

“Dick. Calm down babe, she was just trying to get under your skin. She probably suspected we’re dating by the way you were glaring. Which is true.” Dick seemed to calm down when you used his name, his real name. He frowned, realizing he had indeed lose his cool. He was trained to not show much emotions, but he couldn’t help just when it was about his boyfriend. “I should’ve controlled my emotions…” Y/N hummed at what dick was saying. “But you couldn’t, i don’t blame you honey. I would’ve done the same if a boy or girl even dared touched you.” Y/N chuckled, it made dick chuckle as well.

“But even if that reporter chick submits a paper about us dating. It doesn’t mean the world is gonna stop dick. It’s gonna keep going, just like our love. So don’t think much about it, okay?” Dick smiled looking up at you. “You’re so cheesy. But okay.” The super smiled at his boyfriend.

“So Robin, you’re calm now? Not gonna use the hammer of unisex on me or whatever it’s called?” Robin laughed, but kept a smug look. “Only if superboy just flies away at the right time and not stay behind for a reporter to try at him.” Y/N smiled. “On it.”

“But I can’t help but say….you’re so cute when you’re jealous babe.” Y/N says kissing Robin’s head. Robin’s glaring pout face falter with a small frown and a flustered face. “Stopp..” Robin whines trying to break out of the hold of the kryptonian. Y/N only bellowed a laugh as he flys away to the tower holding his delicate bird.

[buck-star]

His cookie | R.D

>> You're not the best baker, neither is Ransom. Luckily it doesn't matter because you're his favortie cookie anyway. <<

Pairing: BestFriend!Ransom Drysdale x BestFriend!Fem!Reader

Wordcount: 1.157 Words

Warnings: fluff, idiots in love, some allusion of sexual wording, petnames [princess, cookie]

Authors Note: Christmas themed oneshot, since | haven't written for Ransom in a while, here he is, our knitted hoodie cookie monster. Divider made by me.

Events: December Daze Challenge [baking together but neither know what you're doing l @the-slumberparty], Fluffy Winter Event [Best Friends to lovers | baking]

Masterlist | Ransom Drysdale Masterlist

“Ran, no— no, that— no,” you mumble, trying to hide your smile when Ransom holds up the butter. Or at least half of it, because he just dropped the other half in the eggs. “That doesn’t work like that now. They said three eggs—“

You hold up the book of recipes, showing it to Ransom so he can see the exact amount of ingredients you should add. Your finger slides over the side, pointing to where it’s written down. Your best friend leans over the counter to read where your finger lays, shaking his head slightly.

He’s still using half of the butter in his hands, grumbling. “But it also said butter and flour!” Ransom turns his head to look into the bowl with the eggs, flour, and half of the butter.

The two of you should definitely ask someone to help you or even make the cookies so you only had to eat them. But Ransom and you are both sure that you can make them yourself, maybe with some practice, but it should work to make some easy baking tasks.

“No— Yes, but no. It says that we need butter and flour, but first we need the eggs and—“ Ransom interrupts you when he smashes the butter down on the kitchen counter.

“Punch them.” He smirks, looking into the bowl where the flour is already mixed with the eggs and half of the butter. “Guess we need to pick out the eggs— or the flour and the butter?”

“We do not punch eggs, Ran,” you laugh, your stomach already hurting from all the laughing with your best friend. Maybe you’re not the best baker, but you could work as a comedian. Maybe as a comedian who bakes cookies or tries to bake them and mixes the ingredients before the egg is in its perfect shape. “They just need to be—“

“Hard. You know— I know other things that could be covered in white stuff and could be hard, too. You can cover it in flour and butter, but that would be messy,” Ransom explains, nodding down at his crotch. You chuckle and roll your eyes playfully at him.

“Now, be serious; we have to get the eggs fluffy, foamy, whatever you want to call it. You have to be able to take the bowl, hold it above your head, and turn it around without the egg spilling anywhere,” you say, walking around the corner to stand next to Ransom.

He grins at you, one of his calloused hands reaching out to pull the bowl closer, looking at the ingredients. For a moment he looks thoughtful, like he’s considering the options you have to make the egg fluffy, but knowing it doesn’t work with the other stuff in it already.

“So, how about we just throw it away and make the dough again or we buy cookies?” Ransom suggests, his blue eyes moving from the bowl with the ingredients to you. He studies you for a moment before his gaze slides back to the bowl. When you just look at him with a smirk on your lips, he grumbles and shakes his head. “What? You want me to separate the flour and butter instead?”

You laugh softly; the thought of him sitting down with bowls and trying to seperate just the flour, just the eggs, and the butter was pretty funny. Especially considering that the flour and eggs are already pretty mixed together. “As funny and entertaining as that would be, I think we should just try and make the dough without the eggs being like they want them. It should turn into dough and cookies anyway, I guess.”

“I love you, but I don't trust you with that anymore,” Ransom mumbles under his breath. He then nods and sighs softly, turning around to stand with his back against the counter. He looks thoughtful for a moment before his eyes roam over your face once again. “Okay, let's try to turn those not fluffy eggs into dough.”

With a soft chuckle, you nod toward the bowl, and Ransom growls low in his throat. He looks at you with narrowed eyes, but when you don't budge, he growls once again, rolling up the sleeves of his knitted sweater. He slowly reveals his muscular forearms with the prominent veins running along them.

“Drooling, aren't you, cookie? That's why you want me to touch this disgusting, slippery stuff here,” he says before kneading the ingredients to turn them into dough. You add a few more things every now and then, letting Ransom knead it the whole time while he mutters how wet and disgusting it feels to have the egg stuck around his fingers.

After a while, the two of you manage to get the dough done; it's finally in the oven, and you sit with your back against the counter to watch them growing in the warmth. In your hands you have a hot chocolate, or two, because Ransom is currently looking through some of the counters.

“What are you looking for?” You ask with a chuckle, watching your best friend intensely. He shakes his head, looking through another counter before he finds what he’s looking for. He turns back to you, hiding whatever it is behind his back while he sits down next to you in front of the oven.

“Close your eyes,” he mumbles, waiting for you to do as he says. You lean forward, placing the cups in front of you between your slightly spread legs, and close your eyes, turning your face toward him. “Now, open up, princess.”

You part your lips, listening to Ransom fumbling with some wrapping paper. A soft giggle escapes your lips as he sighs heavily. “Need help to open it?”

“No, now open up,” he says with a chuckle, bringing something to your lips. Before you have it completely in your mouth, you already know what it is — Ransom's favorite cookies. He pushes it halfway between your lips, bringing two of his fingers underneath your chin to lift it up and make you press your lips together.

Before you can say anything else, you feel Ransom's warm breath against your soft skin, and you. His lips are only inches away from yours as he brings his lips around the other half of the cookie.

“Wanted to do that for so long already, cookie,” he mumbles, biting as carefully as he can into the cookie until it's breaking and he can press his lips against yours. A soft sigh falls from your lips as you bring your hands around his neck to pull him closer. “Wanted to wait until our cookies were ready but couldn't focus on anything but you and your lips on mine, my princess. You're the sweetest, cookie.”

His lips press against yours once again, the cookies forgotten, because nothing tastes as sweet as you, and he would rather stop eating his cookies than stop kissing you.

Taglist: @rogersbarber @loki-laufeyson68 @etherealdisneyvillainness @winterschildren8 @pono-pura-vida @kimmie113080 @sergeantbarnessdoll @sebastianstanisahotmf @mercurial-chuckles @holylulusworld @randomawesomeperson102 @looking1016 @multiversefanfics @blackhawkfanatic @armystay89 add yourself.

[thegnomelord]

With all these M!reader courting (and practically rizzing up everyone) in their own hybrid way, imagine poor Ghost, he's like toothless, doesn't know how tf to court someone of say, even his own species because he was once human

And with that rant about all the absurd ways of courting, what would he call as his own?

Would he give gifts like Gaz and Price? A piece to remember them by?

I doubt he'd be the physical type like cuddly ol soap who loves to scent,

He's practically a shadow (literally and figuratively) and I feel like the best he can do is stare and slowly blink like a cat (and let's be honest most of the time we don't see his eye) so he might even just act like a stalker and watch from afar, not much of a scent even on him if he's near, even when in the midst of battle

So what can he do then? I feel like going to Price is his best bet and when he tries to scent something like Soap it smells like nothing

I feel like he'd beat himself up on it

(Also fucking love your courting works, I've been eating that shit up its become a hyperfixation)

- ☕️ Anon

I reckon that staring would be less of a wraith thing and more of a Simon thing. Because like, wraiths don't reproduce, they're made not born. So poor Simon just has to try to use the knowledge he had before he died.

CW:NSFW subbot ghost, topdom reader, rough and quick

He likes you.

Just like he's a Riley, just like the sky is blue, his affection for you is one of the few truths of the world he doesn't question. Only problem — he doesn't know how to tell you. You're not human and neither is he, not anymore, but he's woefully unprepared when it comes to you, doesn't know if he's supposed to go about it as a wraith or as a man.

He tries; Simon's phone is full of open tabs containing every piece of information about your species, trying to find grains of truth in the contradicting mess of words. He's memorized how you like your morning coffee down to the last flake of sugar, watching your face carefully when you trudge to the communal kitchen to find your mug steaming and everything laid out near it. He knows your schedule inside out, always a few minutes earlier in the gym when you come in, offering to spot you, his dark eyes roaming over your sweat covered skin. His gaze is always flickering to you, regardless of what you're doing or where you are — watching, guarding, making sure the world doesn't take away that spark like it did with Simon Riley.

But you fail to notice it, him. Or maybe you do but don't care. Don't see him as anything but your teammate, like you should, like he should. God, what is he even doing trying to fucking woo you like some lovestruck Victorian gent. . .

Simon feels like banging his head against the wall.

Maybe then something in his imperceptibly rotten skull will come loose, tumble around in what's left of his brain like a snowball rolling down a hill to form an avalanche, or at least a vestige of a good thought; an idea, something he could use to get out of this rut.

He doesn't go to Price for advice. The old dragon finds him, knows him long enough to figure out when Simon's up to his throat in shite. Price sits down next to him as they watch you and Gaz spar, "Alright, spit it out." Price hums as he lights his cigar.

Simon's lips form a thin line beneath his mask, his fingers gripping the meat of his arm to keep his form stable. His eyes don't stray from you, cataloging every trail of sweat as it rolls down your skin, watching your muscles flex beneath your skin as you throw a punch, making a mental note to show you the mistakes you make in private and—

His shoulders fall, "'m fucked." The words escape him like he'd been punched in the gut.

Price gives him the side eye, looking him up and down. "Doesn't look like you enjoyed it."

"Hah." Simon says in a dry tone. "Always a comedian captain."

Price chuckles, wing spreading out to bump against his shoulder. "Jokes aside," he lets out a small puff of smoke, "You could just tell 'im."

Simon's eyes narrow, "What, not going to suggest I go find some obscure shite ta gift him?" If he could find some concrete information about your species courting habits he would have done so by now, would have happily torn up Heaven and Hell looking for whatever would make you look at him the same way Price looks at Kyle.

"No," Price rolls his eyes, standing up and stretching. "Just go talk to 'im you bloody muppet, going to creep him out if you keep staring like that." He nods his head towards you.

Simon's head is a dark sea of thoughts as he spars with you, tries to make it seem like nothing's wrong but you catch on quick; he's distracted, falling for moves he'd once chastised you for pulling, the edges of his form crackling like the static of a tv, shadowy smoke rising from his blackened arms as he throws a punch that goes wide.

He grunts as you knock him to the ground, your hands on his shoulders to pin him down. "You alright?" You ask, your brows furrowed. "You're not fighting like you usually do."

You can barely see his dark eyes narrow, his body still beneath yours. "I'm fine." He growls out, tries to ignore how the warmth of your body against his makes him feel, nibbling on his nerves like a craving for a drug he can't have.

"Uhuh," You hum, a little confused why he's letting you pin him down so long. "Come on Ghost, you're not getting soft on me are you?" With a huff you attempt to pull away, knowing you couldn't force words out of his mouth.

The sudden lack of your warmth is what forces his body to move before his mind does, shadows shooting out to grab you before congealing back into his arm, pulling you down so his lips can crash on yours.

You grunt into his mouth from the surprise, your eyes wide with surprise. Simon's frozen heart cracks just a bit when you don't respond, only to melt when you finally kiss him back. Your lips feel like heaven against his, Simon's eyes shutting and long tongue slipping into your mouth.

You choke a bit, pulling back to catch your breath, your eyes widening as Simon's long tongue slips back into his mouth. "Fucking hell Simon." You pant,

"Got a whole bag of tricks." Simon says, his throat dry. "I-" He begins to say, thoughts running on how to tell you he wants you but no words coming out, something clogging his throat like molasses.

"Yeah," You grin, the lights overhead casting a halo around your head. "I know." Tipping your head down you catch his lips again, your kiss deep and rough, Simon's teeth digging into your lip until it bleeds, your sharp fangs nipping his tongue, blood mixing in your mouths, arousal starting to course through your veins.

Simon's hands grope your ass, pulling your crotch down on his so your cocks can rub together. Simon greedily swallows your groan, his arms starting to fizzle, shadowy smoke wrapping around you to keep you close as his hand sneaks down to undo your belts, fishing out your cocks.

"Christ," You groan and pant into his mouth, grabbing hold of both of your cocks and rocking your hips into his, pleasure buzzing up your spine.

"Don't bring 'im in here." Simon growls and throws an arm around your neck, demanding your attention with a kiss, longue tongue pushing half way down your throat and hips bucking up to rub his cock against yours. "Just us here."

You moan against his lips and fuck, if that isn't the prettiest sound he's ever heard, his mind clouding over with pleasure and before either one of you knows it Simon's cumming, pulling you down with him, your combined cum painting both of your stomachs.

It takes a few moments for Simon to catch his breath, his pupils blows wide as he stares up at you. "Shite." He breathes out, boneless beneath you.

You grin, "You can say that again." and you lean down to kiss him again.

[heavilysaltedbagel]

What a way to show off everyone's strengths as comedians and writers, too. Brennan, Katie, and Raph have distinct voices in their work that are largely informed and made unique by their own personalities. This makes them ideal first tier Bingo subjects/victims, due to their voices being distinct and distinctly different from one another.

(I wrote a way more thorough analysis of the structure and cast choices made for this episode. Whoops. More under the cut.)

At the Second level, we have Rekha, Trapp, and Lily. Unlike the first three, these three are all excellent at stepping back and prompting others. Brennan points out the Trapp is an excellent straight man. On Dirty Laundry, Lily consistently will listen and wait to send out little jabs that cut through the bits to keep things fresh. Rekha is a quick thinker and will oftentimes make a joke about how proud she is of a dumb joke, thereby simultaneously making a joke and joking about the joke. It's great.

Tier one Bingo players all have a tendency to commit and commit hard to what they do and say, to their own characters and schemes, whereas tier 2 takes one step back and will often times react to either their own jokes or take a broader look at what others have said. They are, to me, the clearest candidates for the jester in the king's court. Additionally, they all clearly have a fiendish streak that made them (a) perfect candidates to torture the first three and (b) ideal Bingo subjects/victims for the third tier of Bingo players.

At the Third tier, Jess, Tao, and Carolyn do not typically take on front-and-center stage characters. Tao I would categorize as a gracious dork. On Game Changer, he plays up his 'weaknesses' for laughs, or (in the case of Secret Samta) takes advantage of his weaknesses in order to pull the rug out from under everyone. I could say the same for Jess, which you can see clearly in the very first episode of game changer. Jess is also able to do and say otherwise embarrassing things with complete confidence. Carolyn is the only person on the third tier who I haven't seen very much of, but she's hot and funny so what else do you need?

Anyways, the third tier folk are all so incredibly deliberate about their choices and what they do and say. They take a look at all of the dominoes before deciding where exactly it is best to knock them down. This makes them well suited for their roles as prompters for what is presumed to be REAL LIFE. (i.e. the second tier are not aware that they are just as subject to Sam's mind games and the first tier. Their prompts all have to seem natural). Jess, Tao, and Carolyn are fantastically well suited to this. They are all willing to put themselves and others through awkward situations that are adjacent to real life scenarios, all for the bit. And they do it spectacularly.

In this way, not only is the show structured with tier one as set up, tier two as build up, and tier three as punch line, but also each cast of comedians within each tier is perfectly suited for that structure of joke. Brennan, Katie, and Raph are excellent at committing hard to a scenario (the set up). Trapp, Reha, and Lily are fantastic at building up tension and fleshing out that scenario (the build up). And Jess, Tao, and Carolyn were brilliant at subverting in the third act (the punchline).

I'd also like to point out that there's a relationship here with increasing material at each tier as well. All the first tier has to work with is the bingo game and what Sam gives them as prompts and encouragement. They fill in the rest with their character. The second tier thinks they have all of the material and therefore dismiss otherwise strange circumstances (Rekha on the apple box, the um actually box, Lily putting her foot up on the table). The third tier actually does have all of the material, and that material includes their own bingo games, everything that tier 2 is doing, and everything that tier 2 is reacting to on the game changer set.

Anyways, whoops wrote an essay.

TLDR: Gamechanger Bingo does an awesome job at showing off everyone's different skills in comedy. It's excellent. I love it.

[shares-a-vest]

@flufftober Spring Edition Day 2: Banter, Joking, Fun

wc: 650 | Rated: T | cw: None

Tags: Dad-Jokes, Steddie Dads, Steve Harrington Loves Eddie Munson

‘Eddie Munson vs. Multi-Generational Penguin Jokes’

Eddie hums with relief as he pulls the lever on Steve’s recliner and eases himself back. A sense of relief washes over him, the pain in his lower back finally alleviating as he stretches out as far as the chair can go.

“Yes,” he hisses, closing his eyes as he palms around the side table for the latest copy of People, and readies himself for a quiet afternoon of reading.

Joanie is playing in her room and Steve is... well...

Doing something that doesn’t require hogging the squishy comfort of the recliner and allows Eddie the privacy of perusing a gossip rag free from teasing barbs.

He locates the magazine and opens his eyes, flicking to a story about Bruce Springsteen’s handsomeness and tight jeans. If he holds the magazine up to cover his face completely, he might even stay camouflaged enough that even the cats won’t bother him.

Eddie side-eyes the fridge, regretting not indulging in a cold one when his magazine knock-knocks towards him, the punched paper crinkling and warping despite his hands stiffening (and cramping) with a steel-like grip in a feeble attempt to save The Boss’s face.

He straightens up at a snail’s pace – enough to peer over the top of his magazine without completely giving up his comfort.

And sure enough, the magazine-crinkling, interrupting culprit is Joanie, smiling all too sweet in her sunshine yellow summer jumpsuit.

“Can I help you?” he asks, eyes narrowing with suspicion.

Joanie tilts her head to the side, her sweet smile curling into something mischievous, her eyes glistening in a way that leaves Eddie shuddering at the thought he is in fact, looking in the goddamn mirror.

“Can I tell you a joke?” she says more than asks as she clasps her hands behind her back and rocks on her bare heels.

Her cheeks flush and yep – Eddie thinks he might know where this is going...

He leans on his elbow and cranes his neck to listen out for the person who surely put Joanie up to this, all the while keeping a close watch on his daughter. His eyes narrow as he catches a whispered chiding being directed at one of the cats, followed up with a shuffling that sure as hell sounds like Steve’s old man slippers scuffing on the floorboards.

“Fine,” he replies, settling back down to turn his full attention to the resident comedian, adding a huff for good measure.

Joanie grins, too pleased with herself and Eddie gulps. He won’t be able to keep up this uninterested ruse much longer if the little bean before him is going to continue looking that adorable.

“Ummm… Where do… penguins…” she begins, tearing her big eyes away as she musters up everything she can to recall the joke, twirling a lock of hair around her finger as she recites, “Where do penguins go to the movies?”

Eddie tosses the magazine aside to free himself up enough to fold his arms, desperate to stifle a whimper as he pea-brain takes him back to exactly where he had heard this one before.

“Wouldn’t have a clue,” he blurts out, lying.

“The dive-in!” Joanie beams, jumping with her arms wide open at the punchline.

She chuckles away through a toothy grin that quickly fades into a frown.

“Who told ya that one?” Eddie asks, knowing the answer.

Steve first told him this joke years ago, back in Hawkins when they first started kinda-sorta-not not dating and they went to the drive-in two towns over. Back when Eddie realised the Harrington Charm also involved many lame jokes that worked a little too well on him.

“No one,” she shrugs, turning to the hall.

They both look up to find Steve poking his head out from Joanie’s room.

“He didn’t laugh!” Joanie all but screams.

“What!” Steve replies in disbelief, stepping out into the open, “But that one’s a classic.”

[haikyu-mp4]

This time I'm asking for Fukunaga with Illusion. One of my favorite songs.

Now playing... Illusion

word count; 1011 – f!reader, for my 1D x Haikyu event

Going to a comedy show wasn’t necessarily within your idea of a perfect date, but going there with your actual date would have at least made it okay. Instead, you’re sitting alone in the audience, waiting for the comedian to come on stage any minute with an empty seat beside you. With your boyfriend’s track record, you should have known this would be no different.

You tried to enjoy the experience as the show started. However, no matter how funny this Fukunaga was, your bad mood was so evident on your face. Now and then, he’d get a laugh out of you, but you were on high alert when he started an advice session.

Some people asked him to interpret their dreams, while others asked him if their lactose intolerance was worth giving up chocolate milk. As he moved to your side of the stands, the way he looked at you twice gave you a brief warning before he spoke directly to you through the microphone. It didn’t register as a double take in your mind, but that’s probably because it wasn’t the first time he noticed you that night.

“What’s got such a beautiful girl hanging her head over here?” Fukunaga asked, tilting his ear towards you to ensure he could hear your answer.

You cleared your throat, looking to the side and seeing that most of the crowd were looking at you, expectantly. “I uh- I was going on a date with my boyfriend.”

Fukunaga bent down to jump off the small stage and walk over to you, but his eyes were locked on the empty seat beside you, and he held out his hand as if for a handshake. “I’ve never seen such realistic ghosting, man. Good job!” he joked, suddenly coming to a stop and looking at you when no one grabbed his hand. “He’s not very polite.”

You chuckled under your breath, somewhat bitterly. “He didn’t come.”

“Leave him! Dump him!!” came from the crowd, several women stepping up to have your back. Fukunaga’s reaction resembled a scared cat for a second before he laughed and waved his free hand as he walked back on stage.

“Hey, I’m the one giving advice!” he scolded jokingly before looking at you. He took a deep breath and shook his head. “My instinct is saying you should dump him and leave him.“ Some people laughed as he seemed to have taken their advice for his own.

You looked down, twiddling your thumbs. “He’s not that bad.”

“Exactly what every woman wants, I’ve heard.” Fukunaga pretended to twirl some hair around his finger and turned to the rest of the audience. “He should be tall, aaand not that bad!” Everyone laughed and you couldn’t help but join them. “Forget bad boys or nice guys, not that bad is all the rage.”

From there, another comment from the audience made the show keep flowing, and you could finally breathe a little. You looked at Fukunaga just a bit more starry-eyed now, actually managing to enjoy his jokes because a group of strangers had very clearly supported you in your case.

And it might have been your imagination, just an illusion when you felt like he glanced at you more often when saying his punch lines. It made you smile a little brighter, and laugh a little louder.

Then, all too soon, the show was over. The stage lights dimmed and the harsh reality of the ceiling lights woke you up from your delusions. You had let him use you for a good joke, and then you actually imagined anything he said was anything more than jokes. Illusions presented to the audience to enchant them.

When you walked outside, you took a deep breath and closed your eyes. Not only had your stomach fluttered with butterflies because of a man you didn’t know, but you had also not realised that if your boyfriend wasn’t answering his phone, he also wouldn’t come to pick you up.

Glancing at the clock, you also concluded that there wouldn’t be another bus until at least an hour from now, and started your long walk home. “Wait up!”

You automatically did, looking to the side where the comedian from the show slowed to match your pace. “Hi,” you greeted, a bit cautious as you glanced around to make sure you could see some other people.

“Hey,” he replied, tucking his hands in his pocket, a slight reassurance of his innocent intentions.

“You’re hilarious, I enjoyed your show,” you said, smiling at him in a way that made his neck flush.

“Thank you, I’m happy to hear.” He seemed to hesitate for a moment. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to seem creepy approaching you like this, but I really meant it. About your boyfriend.”

You turned a bit to look over your shoulder, wondering if the audience were all walking behind you, suspenseful as they waited for the joke. “I assumed that was just for the show.”

“The jokes were, sure,” he admitted, shrugging his shoulders. “But that doesn’t make the advice any less real. You’re way too pretty to go on dates without a date.”

That did make you laugh a little again. You almost couldn’t believe you had done that. “My relationship is the biggest joke I have,” you said, happy when he seemed to enjoy your humour. “I suppose you can’t be my date for your next show?” You pursed your lips the second you said it, wondering how that could slip from your lips so easily.

To your relief, he laughed. “The date would have to be before or after, hypothetically. But I promise I’ll show up,” he said and your laughs mixed into the excitement of something better.

Now the red flush spread to his ears and temples, while sneaking something out of his pocket. He handed you a little card, four of hearts, with his name and number scribbled on it.

“Let me know that you get home safe, will you?”

You read his name off the card and smiled softly. “Okay, Shohei.”

dearest @cottonlemonade and her brilliant mind helped me with this idea<3

masterlist

[mint-ty]

Jere is actually an amazing stand-up comedian. He does one thing that so many actual stand-up comedians can't do - he never punches down 💚

(yes I'm still thinking about that vintage kä article)

[amazeyphaedra]

I've been thinking about FHJY recently and one thing I can't stop coming back to is how the bad kids (and kinda the intrepid heroes) haven't processed that they're not low status anymore. It's a bit like Zelda said in c2 to Gorgug where she is frustrated with him because he hasn't processed that he's extremely popular and is still stuck in the "backpack kid" mindset and can't understand how some of the stuff he does makes her feel insecure. The party as a collective hasn't moved past this self perception of being the "plucky loser freshman fighting back against the school!" not realizing that they're now not only extremely popular and influential both in and out of school, but are also upperclassmen.

Partly it's because it's a show made by comedians and will always have a comedic undertone in some respects but in freshman year when they were making jabs at people like ragh and penelope they were very low social status freshman and it was very much a punching up type deal. It's like in the MisMag holiday special where the magical misfits go really hard on Axelby thinking of him as part of the messed up wizarding world and end up just being unnecessarily cruel to him and feel bad about it. When they have that mentality of being kinda snarky to everyone they're sometimes just being bullies. During junior year they still think they're always punching up and don't realize they're now just punching down.

I feel like it's especially prominent with their first interaction with Kipperlily. Obviously as outside viewers and the IH as players knowing this is a story and the tone of the scenes we can infer from context clues that with the narrative foils in the rat grinders being set up that Kipperlily is most likely an antagonist. In universe though, Kipperlily has done literally nothing to be mean or antagonistic towards them to their knowledge at that point and Kristen immediately says that her name sounds stupid and decides to run for class president out of spite purely because they decided she seems a little stuck up. They're still in the mindset of thinking they're like freshman being sassy to the popular senior but in reality they're just verbally berating another kid with basically no provocation other than KLCK just having a funny name and being kinda type A.

[shuxiii]

Love at first web— Hanni Pham x reader

synopsis: Hanni desperate for a hit news was ready to do anything to have a brief interview with the one and only friendly neighborhood spider-man. Yet it didn't seem like an easy task when you're swinging out of reach of her, so she does the ordeal.

Note: is my obsession getting obvious for the Australian-Vietnamese girl now because i think its getting chronic each day

��️🕸️🕸️🕸️🕸️🕸️🕸️

''Hanni, you can't just do whatever you want without facing the repercussions,'' Minji, my long-time best friend and my boss.

''I can make it up to, i can—''

''Hanni, you've caused too much problem and it's causing harm to our resources; why don't you focus on less challenging news?'' Minji says ''well like um,, oh! like that protest against—''

I was too driven by my thoughts to even care to listen to her rantings, I couldn't bear to be held back I've dedicated my life to journalism, just a few rough patches won't stop me.

I need to think, i need something big. something that will give me back Minji's trust in my work, I look at the little spider on the wall hanging on its web quietly weaving its spider web, and it hits me.

''so like i was saying han—''

''I can talk to Spider-girl'' I say.

Minji takes a pause and stares at me perplexed.

''What?''

''i can get an interview with spider-girl themselves,'' I suggest hesitantly. and that didn't go unnoticed by Minji.

''really? how exactly?'' she asked.

crap. think of something.

''well, i have contacts that will get me through spider-girl myself,'' I lie ''so if you just let me do this, just once I'll make it up for those mistakes.''

''Hanni—'' I gaze at Minji's conflicted thoughts, she knows me well. she knows i don't just give up. and eventually, she sighs.

''fine, but if i don't get any progress by the end of the week, you're halted with any bigger works.''

I jumped in triumph, hugging Minji tightly.

''okay don't get ahead of yourself, you still owe me an interview with a superhero'' she giggles.

i rejoiced too soon, now i was in a cornered wall.

lying was easy, but making it real was difficult

Let's be real how exactly will I get a hold of a human swinging from buildings to buildings like it's a normal Monday morning.

It was deemed so impossible but what do I have to lose? Yeah, my job. Exactly.

If I don't get this interview, then I’ll question myself if I was ever suited for journalism, I don't care if it takes a train to stop me, I'm getting that spider.

I knew exactly how to get their attention. It's simple put myself in to trouble.

🕸️ 🕸️ 🕸️ 🕸️ 🕸️

And as smart yet stupid as i was, i decided to get mugged in an alleyway.

It was easy, carry an expensive-looking bag while appearing naive and vulnerable. You’ll have all the eyes of every burglar you get in Manhattan.

I go down a dark alleyway, hearing faint and slow footsteps behind me, and as I reach the end of the street, I glance back to see two buff males wearing balaclava masks approaching me.

And, like every comedian's punch line, they speak their six legendary lines.

“Give us all you have, miss”

And of course I try to stall.

“I don't have anything with me,” I say.

I heard a scoff at the other guy much more shorter than the other one.

“Then what's in your bag?” He says “Nothing?” He laughs.

I take a step back and with every step they inch closer. Yet no signs of that famous red suit spider.

The consequences of my impulsive choices has started to bite back at me, and the fear has started to set in.

“C’mon miss, you don't want to make this harder than it already is” the taller one says.

He grips on my wrist, tight enough to make me wince.

“Let go of me!” I try to push away his hand but he was twice as big as me, and it didn't budge at all.

raspy laughs echoed through the dark alleyway, and he grips me tighter.

“This one's a fighter eh?” He smiles, putting his face closer to mine, smelling the horrible stench of cigarettes and alcohol.

“My, I couldn't take a good look at you but aren't you a little too pretty to be here? He says “We definitely hit the jackpot.”

I look back at him in disgust. And even though I tried to hide my dread, I felt confined and terrified more than I ever had before.

“Why don't you entertain us huh?” He grins with a gleam of darkness in his eyes.

I felt tears drop against my cheeks as i imagine the worst to come.

I close my eyes in fear.

“Hey jerry help me here” he says.

Yet the silence was only heard.

“Jerry!” He yells louder “ are you fucking deaf?”

“What the fuck!”

I open my eyes to see the shorter guy webbed against the wall, muffling.

"Hey now, that's not very chivalrous of you," the one and only says as the guy collides with the wall in the blink of an eye.

A loud thud was heard, as the burglar falls inside the steel wheelie bin.

And just like that the two burglars were webbed and knocked out.

I stood there in both fear and relief.

Suddenly she went up to me placing both her hands against my cheeks,

“Hanni? Are you okay?!” She says with quaver in her voice, like she was scared.

“Are you hurt, did he hurt you?” She gently brushes the part of my wrist the guy gripped.

“Yeah—I’m okay,” I say yet the shake in my voice said otherwise.

She looks at me and suddenly her lenses became bigger, like she just registered what she said.

And I gaze back at her, my benevolent savior, perhaps momentarily questioning the disparities between her identities.

“Wait…Hanni?” i say.

We stare at each other in awkward silence.

“Wait—how do you know my name?” I ask.

“What—I mean no—uh” she stutters “I’ve seen you in new reports! You’re quite a renowned reporter…hahaha”

“Anyway,” she coughs “What are you doing here? Don't you know it's not safe being out so late?”

Yeah what was I doing here? Right. Getting myself in trouble to get an interview from you.

“I was going home but these guys followed me and led me to an alleyway” I lie.

“Uh huh,” she pauses, slightly unconvinced “Well um I better get going”

As she was about to swing out my sight, i grab hold of her wrist.

“Wait!” I shriek.

She looks back at me before looking at my hands holding her wrist.

I quickly let go.

“Um—I was wondering if I could get an interview from you?” I ask, hopeful.

“Uh,” she says “Look, I’m a little busy with my fans at the moment aka my enemies you know? I don't think—“

“It won't take a minute” I pleaded.

“I'm not sure…” she scratches her nape.

“If you don't, well I’ll have to keep putting myself in trouble” i blurt out.

“Keep putting yourself in trouble?” She ask “did you—did you put yourself in trouble, to talk to me?” Did

I seriously don't know when to keep my mouth shut, do I?

“Don't you know how utterly dangerous that is?” She inches closer to me “You could hurt yourself or—or even worst!”

i felt like a kid again scolded by their parents except it was a superhero giving me an earing lecture.

“There are so many ways but you decide the most reckless one?” She continues “what if I’m not here when you get hurt?

She was meters away from me and one push was all it needed, maybe if the mask was removed it would have been.

She awkwardly blinks and freezes, noticing the gap between us.

She stiffly backs away from me. Shes one awkward hero.

“Sorry totally forgot personal space existed” she stutters.

“You’re just like someone I know” I say, giggling.

“What?” She asks, taken aback.

“You’re just like someone I know, her names Yn.” I tell her “She’s always nagging about these kinds of stuff.”

I smile at the thought.

“Really, are they cute? She ask “I m-mean like are they hot, or pretty maybe cute, maybe all of the above?”

I look at her, laughing.

“What—did I say something wrong?”

“No”

“Then why are you laughing?”

“Its just a little odd for a superhero to ask such question,” I say.

“Oh, Im sorry—“

“Yeah, they’re cute.”

“What.”

“I said they’re cute.”

“Oh wow—uh so um,” she says “so do you like them?”

I hesitate and smiled at her.

“Yeah, I like her.”

"Like—like them?" She glances back at me, and even with the mask covering her eyes, I can tell she was looking at me intently.

Something about her gaze that hid behind that mask felt so recognizable, almost as if it was a recurring gaze I would see, but I couldn't place my finger on it.

"Why does it seem like you're the one interviewing here?" I ask, smiling back. "How about if you let me interview you, I'll answer all your questions."

She pauses for a moment, considering the deal. And I give her the best beseeching eyes, something I would never do but if it takes a cute girl to allure a man, then I’ll do everything it takes to get a sweet yes.

But this is a hero, a person who has gone through many things I don’t think being seductive would work but it won't hurt to tease, won't it?

“Do you want me to kiss you?” I say, teasingly “Does a kiss seal the deal?”

“W-What?!” She stammers “did the guy hit your head ?”

“Haha very funny one, no he didn’t,” I say, “ it’s just taking you so long to answer, and you aren't denying the kiss, I won't mind either, you have my consent.”

She stays quiet, and i took a few step closer to her.

Her lenses widen as she puts her hands in defense.

“Okay, I-I agree you don't need to do that!” She sputters.

I squeal in excitement, hugging her. I'm not sure whether I'm hallucinating, but the way her body fits in my hold, it had this familiarity to it. it felt like I've hugged her before like I was grown to it, it felt like I was in the arms of someone I love.

“That kiss was just a joke if you didn't get the memo” I chuckle as I let go of the embrace, but the feeling stayed against my skin.

“Y-Yeah i knew it was a joke” she crosses her arms between her chest.

“Well then, how about we meet on the rooftop of the Daily Bugle? Tomorrow, sounds great?”

“Um yeah sure sure, grool” she says.

Grool? Who says that these days.

“Alright” i laugh.

She timidly shoots me a quick wave as she backs away from me still looking back at me.

“Y-Yeah,” she says “see you later”

''Wait! Look ou—'' I winced as she stumbled backward after hitting her head against the steel pole.

“Are you okay?”

“I did that intentionally,” she says “ and it didn't hurt at all”

''right.''

Before she decides to leave completely, she says something that makes my heart feel soft to this day.

“And Han, please don’t do this again,” she says “I don’t want you to be hurt.”

A nickname only I knew who would always call me and suddenly the same familiarity started to dwell on me again, and the questions that lingered in my head started to be answered.

It all became clear.