#edit: I just don’t know that it would carry the same weight the official ending has

[incorrectbananafish]

I will literally never be happy again in this lifetime. I have been permanently maimed with no chance of even escaping this. There is nothing left for me in this world.

edit: there’s a speculation that MAPPA may make an alt ending (due to a strange edit they made to their official website) but we, especially us manga readers, know what really happened and no alt ending can erase this pain within us.

[daydreamingatnight209]

Hi everyone! I’m adding a new fandom to my list of writings so let me know if you watch the show! It’s called 9-1-1.

PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU WANT TO BE ADDED TO MY 9-1-1 TAGLIST.

Hope you enjoy! Feedback is always welcome ✨💕

“Welcome to the World”

Evan Buckley x Pregnant!Reader

CP - Cerebral palsy

Warnings - mentions of disability, (but can still read as a normal reader) angst, mentions of car accident and injury- all with a fluffy ending 💕

————————————

I remember the first day I met firefighter Evan Buckley.

It wasn’t exactly romantic and it certainly wasn’t what you would call normal either.

I was involved in a car accident. A driver ran a red light and hit me at tremendous speed.

“Hi there sweetheart, how we doing today? Can you move? ”

“If are we talking about my upper half only, then checks all around” I groan.

My head was pounding and I didn’t need anyone to tell me I probably have a large head laceration across my forehead.

“Okay okay, upper body movement is good. My name is Evan and we are going to get you out of here”

“I’m already partially paralysed, please don’t let me loose my legs”

Evan tried to hide is confusion.

“I have CP okay, I’m diplegic”

I tried to stop the tears as they slowly slipped down my face. Panic filled my chest.

“Hey hey, don’t cry we got you, we got you. Evan repeats in his attempt to calm me.

I nod, trying to focus but my vision becomes blurry.

“Help m-“ I whisper... right before I plunged into darkness.

I wasn’t aware of how long I was out but when I awoke I was bound to a hospital bed.

“My legs, my legs!” I shoot up but the pain that races through me puts me right back down again.

A whimper escapes.

“Your legs are fine, they are fine. Just rest”

I look to the left of me. I recognised that voice.

“Firefighter Evan” I greet him with a soft whisper.

He smiles in response.

I know it was a firefighters job to stop beyond the hospital doors and let the doctors do their job but that didn’t stop Buck. He came to see me everyday, attended my physiotherapy sessions and watched as I slowly recovered. It was a longer recovery then most but I was ever so grateful to be alive.

—————————————

It’s been almost 2 years since that day and everyday I’m happy to still be here. Happy with Evan and ... our soon to be born baby.

When I found out I knew I was supposed to be excited and happy. We had been trying after all. Yet instead, I felt stuck, sick and panicked.

What if my baby had the same disability I did. What if they had it worse. I knew what it was like growing up with hurdles to overcome and the attitudes of some people they would have to face.

Is that the life I want for my baby?

It took me weeks to build up the courage to tell Buck. When the words came out, I watched as his face lit up and happiness overcame him. It broke my heart to see it drop when he noticed that I didn’t feel the same.

“Hey baby, baby, what’s wrong?” He puts his hands on my knees and causes me to look up.

My voice cracked as I forced myself to admit the truth.

“I’m scared Buck. I’m really scared”

My bottom lip waivers.

“I don’t want them to have the life I had. The constant hospital visits, the surgeries, the feeling of not being like the rest...” I let it all out as silent tears dripped down my face.

Buck didn’t say anything for awhile and I felt the urge to apologise. This wasn’t the way I wanted the announcement to go.

I go to say sorry but Buck stops me.

“You have nothing to apologise for! I understand, I do, but you listen to me. You are going to be an amazing mum, you are strong and capable and this baby is going to be just as strong and just as capable no matter what life has in store for us. Look at Christopher, that little boy has CP but he’s thriving”

Buck gently wipes away my tears as I nod, letting my fears subside as he cradles me in his arms.

We were going to be a family...

——————————————

I was in the third trimester and I was tired. My ankles and feet were swollen and I wasn’t strong enough to carry the weight of my stomach without aid. I was officially on bed rest.

I rest my head against the mountain of pillows Buck had set up for me as he tucked me in.

“Do you have to go to work today?” I ask him trying not to yawn.

“Yeah, sorry darling” Buck kisses my temple.

“Are you sure you don’t want me to ring Carla or something. Keep an eye on you until I’m back?”

I shake my head.

“She will be with Christopher, I’ll be fine. Promise”

————————————————

When I said I’d be fine I expected it to be another normal day in this journey of ours. I didn’t expect to be giving birth but that’s exactly what ended up happening.

I only went in search for food when my water broke and I felt the panic rising in me. This wasn’t the plan! I need Buck, where is Buck?!

He wasn’t answering his phone and the pain was starting to build. I’ve never felt anything like it before.

As a last resort I tried ringing Athena. She answered. Thank the lord.

“Athena? Athena, thank goodness! I need Buck I need you to get Buck. Our boy is coming!” I cry out, groaning as I try to keep my emotions in check.

I don’t know how long I was waiting for my boyfriend but I don’t think I’ve ever been more relieved when the front door burst open.

“Where have you been!?” My voice was shaking, tears in my eyes.

“I’m sorry babe, major road collision. Athena told me you needed me. I used the truck to get here”

Eddie follows behind him as Buck rushes to the floor to be by my side.

“There is no time to get the hospital he’s on his way. Buck I’m only 36 weeks” I moan.

I wanted to scream. My body was aching.

“Hey hey look at me, look at me. You are gonna be just fine. Just keep pushing”

His voice was soothing and I forced myself to concentrate on his eyes.

His words reminded me of the day we met, the day he saved me from my car.

I sniffle and pushed. The screams I had held in came loose as I gripped Buck’s hand.

“That’s it, that’s it keep going” he encourages.

Eddie positioned himself to catch our boy as I gave one last push.

His wild cry’s bounced off the walls as he entered the world.

Buck chuckles with relief as he wipes the sweat from my forehead.

“He’s got some lungs on him!”

I join his giggles as Eddie wraps him up and places him on my chest. I did it. My wonderful creation here after nine long months.

“He’s beautiful” I whisper softly.

—————————————

We eventually made it to the hospital and got myself and the baby checked over.

100 percent healthy! No complications. I wanted to cry In relief.

I watched as Buck handled our boy as I used the time to rest. He sat and cradled his small figure as I slowly fell asleep.

By the time I woke again the whole 118 made there way down to our hospital room. I was still slightly drowsy but I was happy to see the firefighter family.

“How’s mum doing?” Bobby asks as I give him a wide smile.

Everyone surrounds the bed for photos and a look at our new edition to the 118 family.

I look down at my son as he sleeps.

Buck slips him into my arms as he stands beside me. He kisses me gently and gazes at his son.

“Everyone meet Oliver Buckley”

[huihuiheart]

Spiked - Minho

Part of @clandestine-lixie ‘s Smutmas Collab and a great excuse to get some more Minho on my page! 

Summary: It’s pretty much tradition at this point that Changbin spikes the eggnog at the annual Christmas party. What happens though when secrets slip through drunk lips and aren’t forgotten the next morning? At least not forgotten by the very person you confessed to. 

Pairing: Minho x F! Reader

Warnings: Drinking (not drunk when having sex), drunken confessions?, cursing, some angst in the beginning, smut, lovemaking, unprotected sex (stay safe kids), oral (f! receiving), lots of petnames, moments where Minho is kinda smug, lots of praise, it’s sugary sweet, mild sir kink for a moment, fingering, some playful teasing.

I sincerely apologize but I haven’t had time to edit this yet, so...please excuse any errors and stuff I’ll be getting to those when I have some time. I wrote over half of this today with a migraine so we’re working on fumes here. Also if something seems off I apologize, I’ve never celebrated the holidays before so I honestly don’t know what Christmas is like....sorry.

Word Count: 4,992

“Awe don’t tell me you’re already finished taking bets? I haven’t even got mine in on how long before Changbin tries to get us all drunk.” You tease the rambunctious group in the living room as you remove your shoes by the door. Christopher joining you a moment later to help you with your coat, hanging it up for you as he often did. 

“Hey, don’t look so glum. Felix was just getting to the interesting wagers now anyways. Bets of any kind are in Minho’s care this evening. Gifts for tomorrow morning under the tree as always.”  Chris caught you up with where the ever excitable boys had already impatiently gotten up to, before stepping away with your coat so you could join the others.

“So what did I just miss then? You know the topic that had you all in a giggle fit?” You raise a brow as you claim a spot in their circle, between Minho and Hyunjin.

“Oh we were just discussing the last bet. Not that you’d be able to participate anyways seeing how it was about you.” Jisung smirks wickedly until you match his gaze with your own that was just as devious, making him fold in an instant, or so you think, “Just betting on whether we thought you’d stay the night or not this year.”

“That’s not interesting though, I stay practically every year cause I’m too drunk to go home alone and none of you will take me.” You chuckle shaking you head, “ A better bet would be who will get drunk the fastest, my money’s on Hyunjin.” 

Minho took your bet money counting it out before the other boys made their wagers too, writing them all down as more and more bets danced through your group. Both those typical for the Christmas party and those unique to this year for whatever reason. Debates starting up over a few of them as they always did.

“No I’m telling you Y/N will be the first one to admit it. She always gets loose lipped when she drinks.” Jisung teases despite the validity of his statement, something you’ve proven true to them at more than just the previous Christmas parties. 

“Still who she likes is the secret she guards more than anything else, she’d have to be so shitfaced for that to come out it would be ridiculous!” Changbin counters, “ My money is on Felix, he was practically giving it away unprompted last year. It wouldn’t be too hard to get it out of him if we really tried.” 

“Maybe that’s just cause Y/N doesn’t trust some of you to keep your mouths shut.” Christopher shrugs as he takes a seat, though all eyes are on him not because of the motion, but because of his words. Giving away that you had already confessed your crush to at least one person in the room. 

“Wait. So you told him, but you didn’t tell me? What do we even gossip for? Let I’m lowkey offended right now.” Hyunjin whines used to being your partner in crime when it came to exchanging secrets about your group, even the things you’d never tell anyone else. Trusting the other to lock it down tighter than even their own secrets, even if you exploited that information at times. Like when Hyunjin conveniently ended up paired with his crush for every game of the spring break party.

“In my defense I was distraught and looking for you when it slipped. Chris was just the only one around, so he’s the one who got that information.” You counter knowing there wasn’t any taking it back at this point anyways, Hyunjin barely accepting your answer with a grumble. You were somewhat glad that it was the case though, he’d surely exploit the information tonight if he had it. In this case you should be safe, or so you thought before you noticed the subtle smirk on Christopher’s face before he glanced between you and the very crush you’d revealed to him....Minho.

“Hey, the boys sent me to see if you needed any help.” Minho steps into the kitchen watching as you moved to pull something out of the oven. Most of the food had already been prepped before you arrived so you offered to be the one to actually cook it. This being the fourth time in an hour and a half that Minho had been sent to check on you, each time he showed up besides you though he announced himself with those same words....the boys sent me. Them digging a little deeper into your heart whenever you’d hear them again. It implying that that he never actually chose to come to you of his own will, only coming to you since the boys told him to.

“I’m fine Minho. You can go back to the others.” Your words were sharper than you intended and it nearly made you wince, even if he didn’t return your feelings he was still your friend and you shouldn’t be so harsh to him. Sometimes your feelings managed to rear their ugly head before you could stop them though, something you’d feel regret for later

“Rose....your thorns are showing again.” Minho’s gentle voice says the familiar phrase as he moves to stand at your side. His nickname for you with a subtle announcement of the fact that your emotions were slipping out quicker than you often registered, something he always managed to stay calm through no matter how snappy you sometimes got, “I don’t know what riled you up, and I don’t have to. You should go take a minute to calm down though. I’ll watch the food.”

The way he spoke to you was enough to calm you down enough to regain your composure, but not wanting to be so close to him and unintentionally get worked up again you conceded. Slipping outside into the frigid air for a few moments to collect yourself before finding the others in the living room again, sitting besides Christopher now.

“The eggnog spiked yet?” You question with a soft sigh as you lean against his shoulder, causing him to chuckle and nod, “Good, cause I’m going to need a drink to make it through the night.”

“You drunk yet Y/N?” Changbin teases as he pours you another glass. Internally cursing him out, he knew damn well he put something stronger in the eggnog this year without any warning. Knowing that you and Felix at least would try to keep up with everyone else despite being two of the light weights of the group. The others in that category smart enough to stop before they could make a fool out of themselves, even accidentally.

“Not drunk enough to lose to Felix or spill any secrets yet, if that’s what you’re asking.” You call him out, brow quirking as if to challenge him to tease you again. The alcohol buzzing through your system making you more confident in challenging them, even if it slowed your wit slightly. 

“Nah just wondering if you’re drunk enough to at least confess you’re spending the night? Well officially anyways. We thought of a way to determine who you’re going to stay with tonight.” Changbin brings his own glass to his lips, hiding his smirk knowing that Christopher had come to him and Hyunjin with a plan to rig it so that you’d end up with Minho. 

“Fine, I’ll confess to that.” You chuckle not catching onto their schemes, “So how are we figuring it out then? What’s your big, genius plan?” 

The sarcastic way you’re carrying yourself makes Hyunjin snicker, leaning towards Christopher, “Oh if only she knew...” He shakes his head slightly before shaping up, to hide any suspicious acts from you, “Simple, you’re just drawing the name out of a hat. You know the deal though, you only get to pick once and that’s who you’re stuck with.”

“Yeah, I know the deal.” You sit up further waiting for them to bring the hat over, the liquid courage running through you making you feel really good about your odds. It was only a 1 in 8 chance that you’d end up picking Minho, you were most likely safe from your crush. Well the possibility of embarrassing yourself while alone with him anyways. Or so you thought until you managed to pull his name out of the hat.

“Well.....I guess I’m rooming with Minho tonight....”

"Alright I think that's enough for one night." Minho takes the glass from you before you can get it refilled yet again. You'd lost count three drinks ago, hoping you'd get passed out drunk instead of having to face him. Luck wasn't on your side this evening though as Minho still had his wits about him and he refused to let you do something dangerous to your health.

"But Minho, if I'm not drinking what am I going to do?" Your whine is only added to by the small subconscious pout adorning your drunk face.

"We've both had enough and are going to bed now. It's 4 fucking 37 in the morning and you know someone's gonna be waking is up too goddamn early hangover or not. So if you wanna drink something it'll be water on the way to bed." Minho insists moving to help your inebriated form up from your seat on the floor and towards his upstairs bedroom.

"You can use the bathroom, I put some clothes in their for you so you can sleep comfortably." Minho sits on th edge of his bed, pulling out his phone to scroll through seeming almost entirely disinterested as you wobble off to the bathroom. Not getting far though before you have to pull the door open with a blush, your shirt wedged half on with only one arm successfully out.

"M-Minho I got stuck, c-can you help me?" Your words held no room for any hidden implications, especially not when panicked tears started to well in your eyes.

"Hey, it'll be okay. I'm gonna help you and you'll be just fine." Minho coos trying to reassure you, not knowing your panic was partly due to having to face him like this. His warm hands gently in the way they helped untangle you from the shirt you'd somehow managed to get trapped in.

"There you go, all better. Now go get those warm clothes on and get in bed before the cold settles in too much." He insists gently wiping away the last of your tears before you returned to the bathroom.

Silence filled the space when you returned, saying nothing as you switched places with Minho. Sliding into the bed while he was in the bathroom. It wasn't like you'd never slept there before, staying with the boys frequently meant that you'd slept in all their beds at some point but never since your feelings for Minho had developed so much had you stayed in his. Never after you'd felt like you'd embarrassed yourself beyond repair in one evening either. Not realizing you were sniffling with a fresh batch of tears until Minho returned.

"Hey what's wrong rose? You've been upset all day. Please talk to me, we don't like when you're upset." Minho's brow furrows as he uses the paw of his sweater to gently wipe away the tears again.

"I-It's just so hard Minho. I don't know if I keep doing this." You feel exhausted from the alcohol, the excitement throughout the evening, and now an emotional breakdown too and yet you needed to get this off your chest or even that might not be enough to let you get rest tonight.

"What is? What's hard? What can't you do?" Minho asks feeling his heart bleed at your distress even if he was able to stay as calm as he was.

"L-Loving you...."

You had passed out nearly the moment those words had left your lips, but Minho couldn’t, not after your confession. It had been the last thing he’d seen coming after trying not to look desperate to you all day. Yet you’d confessed to him of all people and it weighed too heavily on his mind for the next two hours to even consider getting any sleep. Only getting maybe two hours in before an excited Jeongin bound in to try and wake you both up so everyone could come downstairs for Christmas. Though Minho ensured he never got to you before he shoved him out with hushing sound. Slipping down behind him to grab some water, coffee, and pain meds for when you’d wake up. Telling the boys you’d had a rough night, probably drank too much, and should be left alone to sleep as long as you needed. Not expecting you to already be shifting awake when he returned to the room. 

“Hey, you can sleep more if you want. It’s alright.” Minho gently brushes the hair out of your face as your eyes slowly blink open, leaning into the warmth of his touch without realizing, “I brought you meds and coffee if you’re felling hungover.”

You accept his help to sit up and take the meds, willing your fuzzy mind to clear enough to recall what happened the night before, “Minho...d-did I do anything last night? I-I can’t remember.”

Minho froze debating how he should answer that, he wanted to be honest with you, but after seeing how upset you were the night before he didn’t want to embarrass you at all, “W-Well, umm....”

“I-I said something didn’t I?” You could read his face for once, the calm demeanor gone and it telling you something had happened. The way his eyes widened at your question was enough to confirm what you thought as panic bubbled up and made your throat feel tight, “W-Whatever I said I didn’t-”

Minho cut you off by pressing his lips to yours quickly, feeling his own panic, “P-Please don’t say that you didn’t mean it. I think I would die if I lost the hope that you actually loved me back.”

The panic stopped almost instantly, feeling it dissipate as you processed his words, “L-Love you back?....Y-You mean you love me too? B-But you were acting like I was such a bother yesterday.”

Minho sits on the bed, pulling you into his arms before you could cry again, “I didn’t mean for it to come off that way. I-I just didn’t want to look desperate when I couldn’t think of a reason for you to love me too.” 

“You’re an idiot, I was literally like so obvious.” You whine softly and he chuckles though his focus seems to shift as his gaze falls to your lips, “You can kiss me again you know....a-after all we both just confessed so it would make sense to...”

Minho’s eyes flick back up to yours as a smirk forms on his face, but he makes no smart comment as he gives in to what both of you are wanting. Leaning in to kiss you again, less panicked this time as his lips softly meld with yours. Though the both of you were pouring too much emotion into it for it to become anything less than desperate. Now that you had each other you needed that more than air itself, it remaining sweet despite the way you both chased after each other as if afraid this would all disappear if you separated for any real stretch of time.  You feel the faintest trail as Minho’s hands move from holding you against his chest to cradling your head as he lays you back onto the bed. 

“If you want to take things slower then just say so. I-I just don’t want to let you go.” Minho’s voice comes out so light you wonder how you hear it over the beating of your own heart, especially with how it races when his lips press a fleeting trail down your jaw between his words. 

“Y-You don’t ever have to slow down Minho, I’ve wanted this.....wanted you for too long to do that now.” You insist with a low moan as his lips press a little firmer against a sweet spot on your neck.

Minho hums against your skin too caught up in you to care about words when he could show you how he felt better anyways. His hands gripping at your sides, thumbs rubbing soft circles as if he’s afraid he’ll break you by being too firm. So you decide to make a larger move, reaching to grip the hem of his sweater and pull it off him, letting your hands and eyes roam his newly exposed skin. The feel of his warm skin beneath your fingertips heating you up inside, the flame of desire flaring up faster than you would have thought possible if the person before you had been anyone other than Minho. Minho’s hands gripping yours before looking up at you for permission, hesitating even as you nod.

“You sure you won’t be too cold?” Minho’s fingers peak under the hem to rub gently at your skin beneath it.

“Well if I am then I guess you’ll just have to warm me up.” Your words seem to light the same fire in Minho as he doesn’t hesitate a second longer to his sweater off you. Hands running over your stomach to squeeze your breasts through the bra, leaning down to kiss you again.

“Guess I will.” Minho speaks against your lips, tone deepening as he lowers again moving to rid you of your bra as his lips trail towards your chest. You nipples pebbling slightly from the frigid air and his advances, but noticing the unpleasant chill that runs through you he presses against you more, letting his warmth radiate onto you. His warm mouth closing around your one nipple as his hand toys with and warms the other, switching between them with a new path of kisses to make sure they get equal attention.  Until he gets impatient to show his affections elsewhere and his mouth lowers while adding soft nips between kisses to reach the hem of the sweatpants he gave you to wear. His fingers nimble as they work on the tie, though he doesn’t do more than that until he has permission from you to pull them down and leave you in only your panties.

“Oh the thoughts I had while helping you get untangled from your shirt last night my flower, and to think now a few of them are becoming reality.” Minho places a kiss to your hip, as his hands gently spread your legs, loving the way he’s able to fluster you so easily, “I’ve been dying for a taste and you’re not making it any easier for me. May I?” 

The way he drags his thumb over the wet patch of your panties makes it hard to respond when you’re moaning and focused on that surge of pleasure, but the thought of getting something more urges you to form words, “Y-Yes please, I’ve been wanting to feel your mouth.”

“All you had to do was ask precious.” Minho gently blows against the wet patch making you squirm before kissing your thigh and slipping off your panties and lowering himself between your legs, placing the gentlest of kisses to your clit. The way you whine impatiently makes him chuckle against your core only making you squirm, his thumbs rubbing softly against your plush thighs as he grips them firmly to keep them open instead of impeding his work. He has no intent on tormenting you with teasing, not this morning anyways, but he still wants to savor the moment. The way he licks through your folds slow yet firm enough to spark delicious waves of pleasure through you, enough so that you can’t complain too much about his pace. Minho’s tongue and lips working everywhere to get every last drop of you that he can, while also focusing on your reactions to find what makes you feel the best. Knowing that his own patience will wear thin soon enough and he wants to know how to throw you over that sweet edge with more intensity than you thought possible, wanting to make all of you feel as amazing as his heart did upon hearing your confession. 

“M-Minho please, I want to feel all of you.” Desperation bleeds into your words and actions as you squirm against his grip, hips trying to roll against his mouth and it has his eyes darkening with a new surge of lust. Nearly giving into you pleas, but you’re his first priority and it has him pulling away slightly making you whimper.

“Shh pretty girl, shh.” Minho coos softly, grip loosening as he runs his hands over your thighs and hips trying to get you to relax some, “Calm down, don’t get so worked up. I’ll give you what you want, I promise. You just need to calm down so that I can get you ready for me. We’ve waited a long time I know, but you can be good and wait just a little longer can’t you?”

This time a simple nod isn’t enough for him as he’s a little firmer with you in this moment, pinching your thigh lightly as he demands your words, “Y-Yes sir, I can be good for you.”

Minho has to take a deep, shuttering breath when he hears the word sir fall from your lips so perfectly, now was not the time to lose control, not when he wanted to show you every emotion he’d had trapped inside for so long. Not when he knew there’d be plenty of time for that later. Yet, it does have him snap a little as he dives between your legs again with more purpose. Lips suckling and kissing your clit like his survival depended on it, eyes locked on your face as he feels your fingers weave into his hair. The soft tug you give has him moaning against your clit, only adding to that pleasure as he eases a finger in, though it’s not long before he’s able to add another. Curling them with each thrust in search of the spot that would have you trembling against him, thriving off the pleasure he’d able to feed you right now, nothing else in the world mattering more than your cries for him and the way you lose yourself to the sensations. He knows he’s found that spot, when you’re clenching around him, practically sucking his fingers in, thighs shaking as your edge hovers so close and yet just barely out of reach. 

“Minho, please I’m close. Please make me cum or give me your cock, I-I don’t know how much longer I can wait.” Your pleas sound magical to Minho, it being enough for him to give you what you want, speeding up his fingers as his tongue flicks against your clit as he brings it between his lips again. Willing to throw your over the edge for the first time, so that he can have you losing his own patience as your nails drag lightly over his shoulders. The was you fall apart beneath him is like a work of art, the most beautiful Minho has ever seen as he slips his fingers from your spasming core to gently lick over you and ride you through the pleasure until you come back to him. Kissing you briefly before licking his fingers clean while keeping his eyes locked on yours.

“You’re sweeter than I ever could have imagined my flower.” Minho hums in approval, his smirk almost showing more in his eyes than on his lips. You’re quick to respond though not wanting him to drag it out any longer.

“I bet we’d taste sweeter together, but there’s only one way to find that out now isn’t there?” You purr back as your fingers work to untie his sweatpants, gripping both them and his undergarments to impatiently push both down at once. Freeing his beautiful, hardened length to you finally. Not giving him to to ask for your permission before you rub his tip through your folds, leg locking around his waist to urge his hips closer. Your actions seem to be enough as he places his hands on either side of you, slowly pushing in and leaning in as he gives you a moment to adjust to him.

“You were awfully loud earlier flower, if you don’t quiet down then all the boys will know what we’ve been up to. Do you want that?” Minho’s question is somewhat serious, but it also holds a teasing to it as he’s proud of the fact that he can make you feel good enough to be so loud. You getting him back by rolling your hips against him and earning a groan from him. Hands slipping around his neck to tug him down and tease his lips with your own.

“Why don’t you shut me up then?” Your words are almost daring and they have him crashing his lips messily against yours as his own hips start to move against you. The patience between you both is gone as he finds a quick pace and yet he’s not manhandling or overly rough in his treatment, the erotic scene still one of passionate lovers. Baring their emotions to each other in the most desperate of ways despite not being able to handle a slow pace any longer. It being everything you could have asked for and more, right now you didn’t need the soft, slow lovemaking. You need this the desperate lovemaking, the kind that showed that Minho had been longing for you just as much as you’d been longing for him. The kind that showed that you were his now and that he would show you that in every way possible for as long as you would ask it of him. Where every move he made was to find what made you feel best, because you were what he most cared for in this world and where it was so much better than he could have imagined that he wasn’t sure if he could hold off. Though he was intent on your pleasure coming first as he angled himself to perfectly hit the spots he found brought you the most pleasure with each drag of his cock, thumb rubbing quick circles into your clit as his other hand tangled into your hair to keep your lips pressed against his. Taking in all of your moans as your pleasure explodes once more, the feeling of you cumming on his cock enough to send him spiraling into his own high as he moans into your mouth in response. Slowing his thrusts as he rides you both through your highs. Hands gently tracing shapes over your heated flesh, finding you glowing in the aftermath of your climax.

“Come on my flower, I’ll help you shower before we join the others.” Minho kisses your forehead softly before scooping you up to take you to the bathroom. Getting you in the steaming shower as quickly as he can so that you won’t have to face the cold while bare for too long and so that you two can be quick enough to be able to get some food in before the others ate everything. Not that he wouldn’t cook you up a good breakfast if it came down to it. Willing to shower you in all affections imaginable after what you both had just done. Though before long Minho had you both cleaned up and in warm fresh clothes, going down the stairs to join the others.

“Weren’t you wearing something different this morning?” Jisung questions Minho slyly as if they hadn’t all heard what you two had been up to earlier. Minho knew what he meant, but still didn’t give him the satisfaction.

“Yeah well I took a shower, so I put on something else.” Minho shrugs pulling out a seat for you, before taking his own so you two could eat breakfast as well.

“Oh did Y/N shower too? Her hair is all damp still.” Jisung innocently inquires taking a bite of his pancake trying to hide his smug expression. Minho gently moving your damp hair away from your bare skin so that it wouldn’t get too chilled.

“Well then you obviously know the answer.” Minho rolls his eyes adding his portion of whipped cream and other sweet toppings to your plate instead of his own.

“Hm I just find that interesting considering we only heard one shower running.” Jisung smirks at you both as the others snicker and chuckle, teasing you all through breakfast while exchanging knowing looks. 

The teasing had died down some later as you all gathered around to exchange gifts. Feeling your heart stutter as you hold Minho’s in your hands, the man seeming flustered as you go to open it. Finding a small necklace inside one that looked like a lifeline with a heart at the end, flipping it over to find his initials on the back besides yours. 

“So if things had been different this would have been when I confessed.” He admits in a soft whisper into your ear,  a blush adorning his cheeks so beautifully as you laugh softly.

“It’s alright I liked the way things turned out much better anyways.” Minho admits before the guys pretend to gag and whine at all the pda they were witnessing.

“Alright enough of the mushy stuff, you have to open mine next.” Hyunjin dramatically insists shoving his gift in front of you, a pretty envelope sitting on top and beckoning you to open the card first. Your attention immediately drawn to a special little note at the bottom...

PS. Minho’s name was the only one in that hat.

“Well guess I ruined your little plan huh?” You tease, flustering along with him as he presses a soft kiss to your cheek in front of everyone.

[toukatan]

I don't know if you've heard about this Beni, but some of the fans in the fandom on Twitter are harassing the staffs of MAPPA. Last week was the OST soundtrack, this week was the character designs, CGI, and every minor details. They reply hate tweets under the staffs' tweets, they tagged their accounts on their hate posts. It is infuriating and I am both embarassed and angry at these fans. And it's funny, because whenever I go to their profile to just block them, I found out that they are mostly new accounts (0 following!), troll accounts, which means they created THAT account for the sole purpose of spreading hate and bitching about MAPPA. It's insane how low can these people be! The lowest of the low form. It's okay to talk or post if they're disappointed but for the love of God, tagging and harassing the staffs is just SO disrespectful. I cannot stress enough how infuriated I am seeing them under the staff's accounts posts. They are absolutely an abomination to the fandom. I have to remind every manga readers that the anime IS made for anime audiences. We have the manga, that's our source material. Let the anime fans enjoy theirs. It's okay to give constructive criticisms but if fans are just complaining and whining and hating, one must learn how to shut the hell up.

I don't like aotwitter just because it's so toxic on so many levels, I just open it time to time whenever I want to see some updates to the official accounts. But to hell with these fans. This is why I enjoy Tumblr most especially YOUR community because the fans here are more chill and you don't tolerate if fans are being disrespectful. I absolutely love how you appreciate this new season and just really enjoying it. Maybe if they have the same perspective view as yours, maybe they'll see and appreciate all the MAPPA staffs has been doing.

hello anonie bean, ah yes unfortunately i have been informed about the type of activities that go on within the aotwt community and honestly i’m not surprised, just disappointed. i personally can’t speak for that community itself because it’s not my place, i’m not in it but i guess a little input on how i feel can’t hurt.

coming from someone that edits and has studied years of technological design, graphic design and visual communication to fine arts i understand how long of a process it takes to be proud and happy with your final product. i understand how much work, energy, time and effort is put into the final result. so i understand what kind of weight mappa is carrying upon their shoulders. especially with a deadline and the audience they cater to.

you have to put yourselves into the shoes of the animators. i can’t emphasise this enough. imagine being so excited to start this new project, putting countless hours, an enormous amount of hard work and fine tuning your product and finally being happy with it. only to get backlash on every single little thing you’ve done wrong from people who don’t even know, what it takes to do your job— yet they’re telling you how to do your job. that just doesn’t— no i can’t even, the audacity. imagine what it’s like to be told to go k yourself for animating something wrong, for removing something, for not using the right ost, etc. animators are humans, they’re not perfectly tuned machines. they have feelings just as much as a viewer, i can’t stress this enough. be careful with what you say. words leave marks. how would you feel if your own criticism that you use at them, was targeted at you instead? imagine the amount of stress they’re under, they’re only human just as much as we are.

constructive criticism is fine but i refuse to understand the concept of plain old slander. if you don’t like it— don’t watch it. simple as that. it’s their project, let them play around with it.

every other studio turned down aot but mappa studio didn’t, they chose to pick it up knowing how big this series is. appreciate them for just doing that alone— without them there wouldn’t be a final season. instead of complaining be grateful for what they’re doing and what we have left because one day, there isn’t going to be anymore attack on titan content.

mappa’s doing an amazing job with aot and honestly speaking they absolutely popped off and didn’t have to go off so hard but they did that— from animation to tiny little animation details, promotional art to even drafting concepts— chef’s kisses absolutely love them and their extraordinary team. they’re legends @ mappa you’re doing fking amazing sweetie— don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

the series is coming to an end soon, so instead of all that negativity, let’s just enjoy every second we have left with this spectacular storyline. from wit studio, to mappa studio to the man that created this phenomenal story, isayama himself— without them we wouldn’t be here. let’s make happy memories while we still can and appreciate what we have left 💗

[popcornbutterflymedia]

the teen show genre is back. that it had announced it’s grand return at such a time of deep uncertainty and unimaginable loss, especially for an entire generation of teenagers, is relief, respite, and a necessary and urgent gain. there is nothing but gratitude for this...for its intended audience and for those of us who will live vicariously through the lives of the kids, for those of us who will watch, and walk with the kids. for someone like me who longs to feel strongly about a story enough to write again.

despite my ‘desperate begging’ for the return of the youth oriented show. i did not picture this. in my defense, i did not know about this story at all. now, when i did learn the gist of the story, i did not expect much. it is, after all, a trope we’ve repeatedly seen in practically every language. in my defense, again, i would have found this show, and watched it anyway, in support of the network, probably be mildly entertained, slightly amused, and successfully distracted. and that would have been enough. i was bound to find this show, though during a deep dive into the youtube rabbit hole, chancing upon a japanese doll and an american cutie, realizing the creative team for this show is that creative team. my favorite creative team. i was sold.

i knew i was going to love this show enough to write. the question is, how? do i live tweet, take notes, and write a post for every episode, or do i live tweet take notes, listen, take notes and write one big post at the end of the series? judging by how much detail i know this team puts into a story in the form of metaphors, seeds, pay offs, connection and clues, clearly obvious in this first episode alone, this calls for an episodic post, for the peace of my own nerdy, detailed obsessed mind.

it is worth repeating that i haven’t read the book. this focuses on the series alone. no references, no comparison to its source material.

and it begins. oddly so.

first, a note on the casting: my attachment to a show is dependent on my attachment to the cast of the show. i spent the weeks and months leading up the pilot episode learning as much as i can about this refreshing cast of newbies. i’d been watching rise since it began, and so it wasn’t difficult to develop a soft spot for the five rise kids who are part of the show. as for the rest of the cast, their interviews and streams are all surprisingly impressive. i always like to say ‘walang patapon sa mga batang ito.’ none at all. they are all so special that i am in awe of how many gifted children are in one batch at one time, in time for a show like this. the teen show slot was vacant because it was waiting for these specific kids. 

everyone who was given moments on this episode made the most of their moments. episode one’s surprises were criza, who is a natural. i am just grateful naih was able to use all of criza’s kulit energy. gelo, i’ve known is funny, but it wasn’t until i saw him in character that i realized just how hysterical he is. i enjoyed his interaction with ysay, i am wondering if there is more of that. v no longer surprises. i find that she is incredibly underrated still. i love that girl. fictional life sometimes clouds my judgement, ever so slightly, but these mean girls, are the mean girls i would cheer for. i’ve just been enjoying the girls’ junket interviews so much that it is also a joy to watch them in character. aimee is spunky, sophie is incredibly poised. khloe is a joy to watch, and ash just fits in, dalia...i have never seen a girl with such strong presence and beauty since hopie. i have never enjoyed watching a local queen bee as much as i feel i would enjoy, and hate to watch kim. dalia is amusing to watch too, so there’s that. joao, you know i have always found reliable and competent. limer, i am just happy an actor like him is in a show as big as this. kaorys is my in on this show. they are favorites. i adore them. she registers well on camera, and rhys is music to my ears, and has such an animated, expressive face. i cannot wait to watch their subplot and write about them in detail. i am attached to these kids. i know they are going to be a joy to watch.

melizza, melizza deserves her own paragraph. i first paid attention to when she was answering those miss universe questions on rise, and my jaw literally dripped at how intelligent she is. that intelligence shines through in her portrayal of elle. she is self-aware, and aware of her co-stars in a scene. she is conscious of where she is in a scene. she does she is a realiable actress in that there is no fear that she will break character it doesn’t have to be her scene, but i cannot help but watch her. she isn’t a scene stealer, but she is always acting, always reacting. she gets the assignment: from speaking french to playing a nuanced mean girl whose meanness, is as she understands and plays elle, stems from fear, from being threatened. i actually love that. there is no real villain in this story, just kids navigating unfamiliar, ugly, strange feelings, with limited ways to express these feelings. melizza gets it. i said i am a melizza fan now. i mean it.

donny and belle individually: i had known of donny, watched him long enough to know him, and who his family is. since he started mostly on social media, this ate didn’t quite get the appeal. no offense, it’s just a generational thing. haha! when he started acting, he was like most greenhorns to me, appeal understandable, charming to an extent, but with still so much to learn. i missed his last acting stint before this show. i did not watch jpd.

belle is a going bulilit alum. that’s all i really need to know to trust the casting. i wasn’t a fan yet. i had no clue about the story so i did not know just how much weight the character carried, but by virtue of the fact that she’s been acting the longest out of the ensemble, i knew she knew what she would be doing. i knew the management knew what they were doing when they casted her. belle as the focal point of the story lends such an air of confidence that the story will be told well and that the necessary intimacies will be handled with care. belle’s ability to transform would make max’s arc effective. i did not watch jpd. i had heard about it.i had heard it was surprise. ‘the ending part...’ it was all too familiar: lizquen, circa 2012, must be love: ‘the ending...’

it was completely blind, complete trust.

their casting made me momentarily forget that there were multiple rounds of auditions, from which the each of the cast were carefully picked. it just seemed so random, that is, in context of say, kaori and rhys that could count kuya’s house as part of their shared history. so much of my acceptance of this new pairing depended on how much i trusted the team, and how i knew they worked. i then consumed any and all donbelle content i could find, which, at that time was painfully lacking. imagine the excitement when that first general assembly officially kicked off the hih junket, from then on, they started to grow on me. 

these are two calm, cool, collected kids, with a kulit side for sure, but they both take their sweet time. there is a formality and wide open space that was begging to be bridged with these two. there were times i would will myself to see it.  theirs isn’t an instant explosion of chemistry, but a sustained afterglow. once that was clear, the goal of sustaining this partnership for however long, how many other stories they can tell together, also became clearer.

it was the tv patrol interview by the lockers that had me sold. it was him joking that they were already married with three kids. it was the way he looked at her in that interview, the way he still does, with donbelle, it’s all the little, quiet things. i don’t know how to explain it, but if they were to jump into the emotional deep end together, i have no fear.

now, back to the beginning which i thought was strange. a recap of what i imagine is the entire first season, artistic as it may be, is one huge spoiler. i realized, this is based on a book. those who’ve read it obviously know what’s going to happen. such opening is meant to set the mood. it’s an invitation to emotionally invest. it’s safe to say, it accomplished those two goals, but i feel as though there is more to that opening. as someone who is clueless about the source material, it reassures that it doesn’t matter what we know, or don’t know, because this is less a story of ‘what?’ and more a story of ‘whys?’ and ‘hows?’this takes me back to the first general assembly when comparisons to the meteor garden, boys over flowers were brought up. i understand the comparisons, but now that the first episode has aired, i feel so strongly against it.  

this introductory montage is proof that it is not about the pieces of the story, but how the pieces are moved around to tell a story, to give us a fresh new perspective of a trope, starring stereotypical characters. the story is told in retrospect, with our lead looking back, taking all the pieces of the whole apart, rather than building the story as she goes along (which is incidentally how i like to take in stories).

the introductory montage is a device that allows a more expanded storytelling. the story is told from max’s point of view. it’s a story of how she sees things, this makes her an unreliable narrator due to her blind spots and clouded judgement. as the story goes along, the audience sees that it is not only max’s story, it is deib’s as well, and the rest of the characters’ stories, max only sees the bigger picture in retrospect. because i am such a nerd, imagine my kilig when i realize why that choice for an opening was made? i may have screamed.

notes, questions, favorite moments.

belle’s ‘sigurado,’ the first 4-5 notes of the hooked sprinkled throughout the episode.

on the road: the transition from max on the trike and deib, in his car rushing through a countryside road, if that was clean editing, i’d celebrate it...that the two people were on the same road at the same time travelling different directions is the most clever storytelling moment thus far. i love when seeds are planted and pay offs are grand. it was hardly a meet cute, but it was some intense head on collision. okay, i got it just then, the accident was a literal representation of their metaphorical colliding. it was a lot of things for her: irritation, wonder, disturbance, fascination, disruption. it was a complicated mix for him too, except clouded by the rush of having to be somewhere else other than that moment. charged. electric. spark. lightning that escaped him. (yup. more on that later).

this encounter begs the question: what was deib doing there? why was he in a rush?

the airport scene: ‘hinihintay ka na ng kapalaran mo.’ a beautiful verbal sign of things to come.

meeting daddy: it’s what uncertainty does to max that i find so disarming her fidgeting the heart shaped pendant close to her chest, summoning said heart for strength, and grace, counting on the assurance of its familiarity.

the car conversation with dad: still disarming. charming. curious. that the necklace from which hangs her heart shaped confidante was actually her dad’s gift to her mom. how heartwarming is the thought that the one thing that makes her feel close to her mom is actually from her dad who she is meeting for what i assume is the first time? i think it’s a beautiful irony.

the dinner table scene. the family dynamic it established. elle’s french, max wrestling with the chopsticks on the side.

sleepless max. her hidden vulnerability, and with whom that vulnerability finds comfort. who is babu?

max’s fist at the school entrance, and elle calling her out on it.

the cafeteria scene, and how that whole moment is the selling point of the story - brave max who does not care for the social rules of her new school standing up to the bully who happens to look the way he does. i won’t say she’s unaffected, but at that point  her view is clouded with the injustice she just witnessed, that is until they recognize each other. as a side note: ysay and lorde’s interaction made me smile.

the aftermath. max has now caught the attention of the whole school, she has caught the attention of the mean girls so much so that walking down the halls is social suicide. when aimee confronted her, (sophie did so well!) my eyes looked for elle’s eyes. there were layers upon layers of emotion there: shame, hesitation, confusion, fear, maybe anger, there was a flash of her wanting to connect too, or did i just imagine it?

the gym scene with all the boys. it’s probably my favorite...not really, but it’s the scene that gave me so much, the scene that proved to me that this is more than just a simple, one dimensional teen show. this one moment spawned so many fan theories online that i have yet to read. it’s interesting when we cross that bridge, but to me for now, it is from this point up to the debate that kind of turned the tables, and gave the story a sudden depth that’s unexpected. it made the audience pay attention to deib as well, that this is as much his story too. and on the aspect of change, in one interview (i can’t remember which one), i remember belle describing max as someone who wants to change the people around her, and through that, she is changed as well. i did not understand what she meant at that time, until this. and the debate.

the debate: i just love the debate, simply because i love words, but long-winded dialogue like that is risky especially on a show like this. i loved it. i loved the rhythm, poetry, and point of it. i love how layered it is. i loved how comfortable was delivering his lines. i did not cringe, which just means he has gotten better at this whole acting thing, and it’s always a joy to watch someone breakthrough. this moment was necessary as a springboard to the next scene, to show that the rivalry isn’t just a physical one, but a rivalry of the minds too. (i enjoyed that that was pointed out in one of the kumu lives)  this is also one of the scenes that proved what the introductory montage was trying to establish: that max is an unreliable narrator, that there are things she doesn’t see. i would say the tables have turned, and it has, but we also discovered that deib has always been the romantic, and max the realist. at that moment we know that max will be changed irrevocably. that ending took the wind out of me. that hurt, but it was thrilling too, made me excited for things to come.

 ‘love is like lightning.’ poor deib doesn’t know he has been struck by lightning, and is prone to the electricity of one. he doesn’t know it yet because of the gray sky gloom of his shattered heart.

the kiss is everything, it was shocking, kilig and all that, but in context of the story, it is more appealing more kilig to think of all the interactions that lead up to that accidental kiss, all the pent up tension in those interactions that is channeled into that meeting of lips. oh gosh! it just occurred to me, this kiss was predicated by such a verbose exchange just to prove a point, to win. it only took this kiss to shut both max and deib up. i would say there are no winners here. they are both losers to love. except. it’s still to early to call it, right?

in terms of the team up: implied as it is, this is what i mean when i say, i am unafraid for these two to go there, when necessary. there is such a safety i sense between donny and belle, in the way they care for each other. it’s beautiful.

to say that this show only promotes bullying to its young, impressionable target demographic, could not be more wrong. this show matters because it gives its characters (who are representative of today’s teen generation), complete arcs, and safe spaces for feelings no matter how ugly they are. it’s a show that allows teens to be teens, allows them to figure things out for themselves, a show that allows them to relate with one another, as they should. and the usual byproduct of emotional teens relating with one another is bullying. it’s not the best thing ever, but it is what it is. see, we can only pray and hope that the kids turn out to be good ones, but to expect kids to be perfect is out of the question. this is a work of fiction, of course there is a tinge of exaggeration. now, if you all are that bothered by the bullying, i hope there are adults watching with you. be kilig. have fun with the show, but always look deeper.

why do you think i needed three re-watches and few days for a post this long?

i am excited for the next episodes.

__

(if i think to add more, this will be edited).

[weirdponytail]

So does the plot line closely follow what’s happened in the original books? What’s the major differences between your version and books? (Besides the modern aspect, lol)

Oof, okay. This is gonna be hard to explain, mostly because my writing is usually ‘outside’ the plot and isn’t a chapter-by-chapter type rewrite or AU, but I’ll do my best. 

In short? When talking about the timeline we have in the original IC series, MIC is almost separate from IC after the first half of Book 1. The first major divergence is that Brom lives. Not only is Brom alive, but Glenwing survives the ambush. He loses an arm, but he’s very much alive and rejoins Arya with the spellcasters sent to protect Eragon and Saphira. 

EDIT: I felt I should add that a lot of the general plot points through Eldest remain the same. I’m still trying to figure out Brisingr and Inheritance though.

But let’s back up for a second and zoom way out. Get more general.

Starting at the Fall of the Riders: While Paolini’s official timeline has the Fall lasting about 4 years, with Arya being born a year before the final conflict, I’ve toyed with it a bit so that it lasts maybe 5 to 7ish years. I wanted the effect of the war to carry more weight in a way that is remembered and passed on through the shorter lived races. We don’t get much of grown human grandchildren in IC talking about how their grandparents fought alongside the Riders and elves in an attempt to preserve the Golden Age. Along with that, people alive (I’m talking in their 30s to 60s) in the books would likely have quite vivid memories of the Forsworn and their dragons terrorizing the world. And in truth, I wanted Arya to have some memories and impressions of her father and the differences between him and Islanzadí. 

I’ve also extended the time that the ‘books’ take place over. Paolini has Eragon, Eldest, Brisingr, and Inheritance taking place over a year. It’s honestly ridiculous, and I’m not going to soften that statement at all. So the timeline is extended. I hover around 5 years, but that occasionally feels like it would be longer considering how much slice of life and non-main-plot type writing I do. MIC has never really been about following the plot of IC but more about the effects of the conflict on the characters. It’s stuff we don’t get to see because the focus is usually on Eragon and Saphira and they’re just so rushed to end the war. 

Let’s see what else I can think of…. Ah, well, Brom eventually does tell Eragon about being his father. He kinda goes on a rage rant that Murtagh told Eragon he was Morzan’s son and grabs Eragon in front of that whole little meeting and tells him ofc Morzan isn’t his dad because ‘YOU’RE MY SON, DAMN IT!’ and yeah there’s some drama but it works out with a nice hug. 

Islanzadí doesn’t die in the final conflict, but is humbled in some way. She keeps the throne, and after a year of recovery where the council handles things and Arya helps them reintegrate into greater Alagaësia society without offending too many people and starting another war. Arya and Firnen join Eragon and Saphira after that. 

Speaking of those two Riders...with more time for development, and more time for Eragon to mature and Arya to heal, as well as both of them to properly get to know each other, I do plan on having Eragon and Arya start a relationship. There’s issues with it still, and I don’t write much about it because it’s still iffy at best for me (I’m aromantic and asexual so writing romance is always a little wonky, and I also kin MIC!Arya as somewhat-clueless-to-hints demiromantic/demisexual so that’s always interesting to work with…) but I feel the extended timeline could make it more realistic and healthy. 

Alright that’s all I have. It’s quite a bit, haha! I’ve mostly written MIC for more prequel type things, as well as kept my writing in the times of the first and second books, so the plot isn’t very well done. Hope you enjoy what I have though! :)

I’ve answered the part of your question about the plot/timeline, but not fully answered your question, really. Besides the ‘modern’ aspect, there’s SIGNIFICANT changes to characterization and personalities for lots of the characters. If you want more of that kind of explanation, feel free to make another ask (or I’ll just make a reblog extension for this one) and I’ll gladly go over what I have/know of my versions of the characters thus far! They kinda...make themselves sometimes when I write, so characters I haven’t written about often are less developed in MIC than I’d like.

[mystarmyangel]

[FULL TRANS] YoonA – The Big Issue Korea Issue #227 Interview

SNSD is a representative girl group that rewrote Korea’s music industry structure. As the center of the group that stood at the top for more than 10 years, it is not an easy thing to bear the burden of a celebrity. Carrying the weight of the name ‘SNSD YoonA’, YoonA is also consistently working hard be it acting, hosting or variety shows, even receiving positive comments like ‘I am watching because of trustable YoonA’. When you search YoonA, you will realize there are related terms such as ‘SNSD center’, ‘flower deer’, ‘smile’, lately there is also other related terms popping out such as ‘All-round worker of Hyori’s Homestay 2’, ‘Huge success of movie EXIT’ etc. Even though she looks like she can do anything, and everything looks easy for her, but in actual fact, YoonA will always train herself each time she tried new things so as to be able to do her very best. Looking back, what YoonA’s position is, is already meaningless as YoonA, is just the YoonA that we love.

Q: How do you spend your time after shooting for ‘EXIT’ ended? I took a really good rest. I tried things that I couldn’t try in the past due to work. Recently I have been making bread at home. Isn’t Dalgona Coffee very popular lately, but I did not feel like trying it because it seem like everyone are doing it, so I was thinking if there are anything else I can do, and I went to browse on YouTube and began to make bread. Actually, when I was in junior high, I took up 2 years of biscuit and bread making class for my special module. (Laughs) Because I made bread for 10 to 20 times every year, so the result turns out good just by following the recipe. The food that I made most are cookies, pizza bread, pecan pie and chiffon cakes etc., and I will share them with people around me. Ah, also I recently took a Chinese exam called HSKK and has passed the intermediate level, it is an exam that tests on the speaking ability. Initially I only want to know where my standard is, but fortunately I passed.

Q: You received awards at The Blue Dragon Film Awards, Buil Film Awards, Women in Film Korea Festival etc. with the movie ‘EXIT’ which attracts more than 9.4m moviegoers. Your first leading movie receives huge success. Looking back after a year has passed, what kind of meaning does ‘EXIT’ has for YoonA? Realistically looking, it is indeed a huge success for my first leading movie. I feel really blissful and thankful to receive so much love. It is definitely a project that I will never forget because of how much love I receive right from the start.

Q: Do you still keep in contact with the staffs after ‘EXIT’ ended? Yes, I did. We had a gathering during the end of last year, this year we intended to gather again but because of COVID-19, we have to maintain social distancing, so this gathering has yet to be able to fulfil. Also, everyone are busy with their individual filming so picking a time is not easy. Jo Jung Suk oppa recently also just wrapped up a drama filming, so when the time comes that the COVID-19 situation has become a lot better, we will be able to gather.

Q: In the movie, there are a lot of action scenes that requires body strength, but you did really well. YoonA is well known in SNSD to have excellent dancing skills, but do you workout or do body training often? I wanted to do it more often but has not been able to do. I really hope that I can consistently persist on working out. Currently I am doing Pilates, and also because I have been dancing regularly in the past, so they have become useful when it comes to using my body (for action scenes in the movie)

Q: It seem that occasionally you will do dance covers too right? Every year when I hold birthday party with fans, I will do dance covers as surprise stages for them.

Q: 30 May is coming soon; do you have any plans on how to spend your birthday? I have many work schedules. (Laughs) There is a schedule that I specially add for birthday. May suddenly got busier as my schedules started increasing with the thought of hoping that my fans would like it. (Laughs) Although I couldn’t hold a birthday party this year due to various circumstances, but I think there will be other ways for me and my fans to communicate. As it is the one day in a year that I can officially communicate my fans, I am really looking forward to it. Just like being the cover girl of ‘Big Issue’ is also a way of communicating with fans, so when I thought of what meaningful thing I can do, I came up with this suggestion to you all. It is gift for my fans.

Q: You have spent your 10s and 20s doing all sort of performances and participating in variety shows etc. as a member of SNSD. How do you picture your 13 years as a celebrity? I was really busy. It feels like time passed by really quickly. But when I looked back now, I will realistically realize that I have really received a lot of love. I have also notice that my mentality and values have also changed when I reached 30 years old. This is probably the process of becoming an adult. I began feeling light-hearted too. Recently my friends have been calling me ‘Benjamin’ just like the lead in the movie ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’. My time and that of my friends are completely opposite. (Laughs) My friends are currently all working, and busy living as the new students of the working society. On the contrary, I am busy when I was young, and right now I am beginning to have more free time. The feelings I felt in my youth, my friends are only feeling that now, and all the feelings I have in my daily life now are all a past experience for my friends.

Q: Are you satisfied with your life right now? Although my life right now is really good already, but I feel that my life next year will be even better. I am like this, always thinking that this year is better than last year, so compared to this year, the next year will be even better.

Q: For the edition of Big Issue that you will be gracing the cover, coincidentally there will be a birthday support by your fans that will be published in the same edition. Do you know this beforehand? Really? I didn’t know of it. There are a lot of people around me who knows ‘Big Issue’ so I thought it will be great to be on the cover, this is really great.

Q: Every year, your fans hold a lot of activities to celebrate your birthday, there are events like photo exhibition to feature YoonA over all this time and then donating the proceeds to charities, Chinese fans also built a school under YoonA’s name. I am really grateful to my fans, and I think doing all these are great. Even though I think it will be great too if I personally do it myself but seeing my fans who support me coming together to do good deeds under the ‘name of my fans’ and at the same time I can feel their love for me, I am really thankful. My fans have really beautiful hearts and they are really kind. They are sending out positive energy among them to live with a pretty heart.

Q: You are selected as a celebrity who does a lot of good deeds and who speaks well. Donating, supporting and volunteer works… recently you also donated to the fight against COVID-19. Is there any turning moment that results in your consistency in participating in social contribution works?Once you start doing good deeds, you will realize that many other things will come to your sight. Whenever concerning matters happen, I wanted to express my heart for all the things. As time passes, I will realize activities like this become a lot. I think that it is a little hard to continue in the beginning, but once you start, you will be able to look at things from multiple perspectives, so the next step will not be difficult. I often ponder on what I can do, ways that I can express my heart. Just like what everyone have been saying,  one should give as much as what you receive, it is a good thing, giving is more blissful than receiving. (Laughs)

Q: What new things are you trying these days? These days, the time I spent at home become a lot more, so I will often change the decorations in my house. Recently I am into DIY interior renovation, so I personally painted a side of wall in my house. It is really fun. I also change the layout of my furniture. Because I tried painting one side of the wall, I feel that it is not impossible to paint all of them, but on the other hand I feel that this is enough. I have successfully changed my mood.

Q: Everyone know that your next project is a JTBC drama called ‘Hush’ that is estimated to air in the latter half of the year. Can you tell us something about the role Jisoo that you will be playing in the drama? Jisoo will appear as a reporter in the drama, she has a righteous personality. In this aspect, she has something in common with Eui Joo in ‘EXIT’.

Q: Is YoonA also the righteous type? Well, rather than saying I am the righteous type, I think I am more of the loyal type. When SNSD members have individual activities, I will go down personally to cheer for them during the broadcast of music shows, and I also like to take care of the people around me. Although I did these things because I wanted to, but I often been called loyal because of these things.

Q: Because of ‘Hyori’s Homestay 2’, YoonA as an ordinary person has become well known for her carefree charms. Taking the initiative to get close to the guests, and how you treated people kindly have left a deep impression. I am originally shy by nature, but I changed a lot due to work. When I was young, I disliked it even when someone touched me after telling me ‘I will help to do your hair’, I am quiet and don’t really talk much, although I do get along very well with people I am already close with. So, I often hear things like I am hard to get close to or I look cold. But as I get to meet more people for the first time, and then getting along together, my personality changed a lot too. Although I am able to relax and chat with the guests on ‘Hyori’s Homestay 2’, but after watching the show, I did notice there are still some sense of awkwardness that happen because of moments where I was too shy and did not know what to do, but the others told me that they can’t tell, I feel amazed too.

Q: Your activities lately all receive positive comments. It seem like you are really an all-round celebrity that can do everything well. Even though it’s embarrassing to say it like this, but it really does seem like I have been doing all fields of work from the past to now. Hosting, singing, acting, variety shows I did all of them. I am not the type to always fix a goal and then make my moves, rather, I am the kind that will do my best in things that I can be satisfied with at any moment. I do not want to have regrets thinking that I should do better then when I look back in the future, so I will always want to do my very best. So, it seem like all these gradually come together to come out with many fruitful results. When I was young, I often have regrets towards many matters, and then I came to realize that it is impractical to feel regretful over things that I cannot change, so I will try my best now and my sense of satisfaction also increase.

Q: SNSD is a name that is still very influential. The other members are also active in different fields, what kind of meaning do the members have for you? They are people that I am always comfortable with no matter when. We met when we are in our 10s, we spent our 20s to 30s together, we walked together for the first half of our life. That are things that words can’t describe. There are people around us that are envious just by looking at us.  

Q: There are many hoobaes or fans that like you and pick you as their role model. Can you give some advice and encouragement to the females in their 10s and 20s? First of all, I am really thankful that people think of me like this. Whenever I heard people picking me as their role model, I want to meet him/her. It feels amazing to be thought of as a role model. Because I also had someone as my role model before, so I can understand how it feels. There are many things I wanted to say… because I am a celebrity you might feel that I am someone who is distant and probably think that I am living another kind of life, but I want to say is, actually I am very ordinary, I am also a normal person. I also wish that you guys will not think too deep and too much in all the matters, as you live, everyone will definitely have their own kind of problems, the worst scenario that you had in mind will not happen. But once you keep thinking, you will continue digging and getting stuck in it, so I hope that you all will reduce worrying thoughts like this.

Q: This is a really great advice. Please tell us your thoughts of working with Big Issue today, and on Big Issue’s upcoming 10th anniversary in July.  Congratulations on the 10th year anniversary. I feel that to be able to persist on one thing for 10 years is a great feat. This is also what SNSD heard when we celebrate our 10th year. I think that it is really very cool for one to maintain in one position for 10 years. I felt really happy to be able work together on the same year as Big Issue’s 10th anniversary, I hope that me gracing this edition’s cover can become the most unforgettable edition. (Laughs) I will continue supporting this magazine.  

Cr: Chinese Trans by 黄黄 & 初夏 (Limyoonabar) Eng Trans: mystarmyangel

[tsuncoon]

That mandatory nesting fic I write for every fanbase.

How many times do I have to write a fic about nesting before I am satisfied??

Anyway, GraGoh. Late term skekpregnancy.

Might have a pt 2, maybe. Tell me if you want that

Edit: so I ended up writing a second and third chapter! But be warned they are both nsfw! The fic is officially called Settle in and You can read the full story on AO3: here

---

UrGoh didn’t like how quiet it had been as of late. He was so use to his other half making a ruckus or talking up a storm that the lack of it feel like something was wrong.

Whenever he felt the unease creeping up his spine UrGoh would silence it by visiting his better half where he was hidden away deep in his nest.

He traveled slowly up the ramp that lead to his smoking nook. He hadn’t been allowed to smoke there since SkekGra had taken refuge, turning the lounge like hide out into a nest.

Many of Thras creatures nested when they were pregnant, so he wasn’t surprised SkekGra felt the same protective instinct.

He had finally made it to the top of the ramp, he used his cane to push the layers of fabric out of the doorway, shining some light into the little fort illuminating SkekGra’s face.

The Skeksis groaned and buried his eyes completely under the covers.

“Sorry" UrGoh whispered as he crawled in, letting the fabrics fall behind him, darkening the space once again. He laid down on the many fabrics that SkekGra had stolen from around their hide away, stretching out and wrapping his long body around the other.

SkekGra turned to face him, his arms slinked around the others torso, hugging him close.

“How… are you…. Feeling" UrGoh asked as he lovingly nuzzled his snout against SkekGra’s neck and under his chin.

“You already know” SkekGra sounded exhausted

“Hm.. still.. like to ask you" Urgoh had both arms wrapped lightly around SkekGra, rubbing up his back, trying to sooth those areas he knew were sore.

“bloated, sore, heavy..” SkekGra whined as he tried to adjust his body into a more comfortable position, but as far along as he was no position was comfortable.

“Shouldn’t…. Be.. long…now" Urgoh tried to comfort the other with his promises but it just ended up making SkekGra grunt impatiently

“you said that last week, I want it out now" now grumpy and restless SkekGra sat up, he could hear his bones crack as he moved his body.

“pa.ci..ents..” he said, intentionally very slowly. He knew he had retained all the patients in the split, so he would have to help his other with it.

UrGoh sat up with his mate, sneaking behind him so he could more easily reach his back. The blankets fell off SkekGra’s form, leaving him naked and his back exposed.

UrGoh put all of his hands on the others hips and his shoulders. His lower set worked their way up, while his upper set of hands worked down to meet in the middle. He carefully avoided SkekGra’s secondary set of arms that were still painfully maimed, twisted and tied together just as the Skeksis intended.

“You feel.. cold" UrGoh observed as he pressed his fingers deep into SkekGra’s aching muscles, rubbing them in circles to help ease the tension in his body. “The.. three brothers.. still shine.. come..lay in the sun.. with me" he felt SkekGra tense up more upon his request.

“I don’t like leaving the nest..”

That was normal. It was his safe space. Covered on all sides and above ground. There was no potential for any unexpected guests or surprise attacks.

“I.. will.. be… with you” Urgoh promised hand running down SkekGras arm, stopping at his hand and holding it. He crawled slowly our of their safe little hideaway, leading SkekGra out.

Poking his head out his eyes squinted as they adjusted to the light. He looked around their home, nothing looked amiss, and the pleading look Urgoh gave was too much to turn down.

SkekGra carefully crawled out on all fours his stomach hung low, nearly dragging on the floor before SkekGra lifted himself to standing position with a variety of grunts.

His lower back was aching from all the weight that hung on his front. With one hand on his stomach for support and the other in UrGohs grasp the couple made there way down to the outdoors.

SkekGra hated feeling so uneasy, if an enemy were to come, or worse another Skeksis he wasn’t sure what they’d do. He certainly didn’t expect his gentle UrGoh to put up much of a fight.

“You don’t have to.. worry” UrGoh felt SkekGra’s grip on his hand tighten, almost painfully so.

“I'm not!” SkekGra lied in defense

They had finally made it to the circles opening, SkekGra swore he was as slow as UrGoh now days.

The mystic was the first to go outside, inspecting the area around their safe haven before he beckoned for SkekGra to follow.

The Skeksis did, also looking around cautiously, but upon spotting his favorite basking perch he quickly forgot his paranoia and waddled to his rock. He sat down with a humph, immediately thankful for the release of pressure on his ankles and back.

The suns were so bright over head, it felt wondrous on his leathery skin. The warmth seeped into his body, warming him to the core. SkekGra closed his eyes, tilting his chin up to let the rays of light bathe him fully.

SkekGras hand wandered to his stomach. His young were much less active the last week, which initially worried him, but he could still feel slight movements as they adjusted in such a confined space. He cooed gently, hoping his voice would sooth and settle them.

“What do you imagine they will look like?” SkekGra asked, the possibilities seemed limitless

“Hmm you and I. I suppose" Urgoh looked at his mate who was deep in thought.

“… what if it’s an Urskek"

“I guess we will be raising an Urskek" UrGoh stayed positive, though such a possibility would complicate matters greatly, not that things have ever been simple for them.

“I don’t think I’ll make a good parent" he said anxiously as he rubbed his hand over his stomach.

“as wise… as you are, you are often wrong about your own nature” UrGoh put his hand on top of SkekGras. “…you will be an amazing parent”

SkekGra looked at him with adoration “you speak faster when you’re being sappy"

“…n…o…..I….” SkekGra glared at the other as he waited for his sentence to end “d…o …….nt”

“uggggh, so annoying" he whined while reclining his body on the rock. He laid on his side, curling into a ‘C’ shape around his stomach for protection.

He rests his eyes, trying to enjoy the sunshine before his instincts to run back into his nest and hide became too strong.

UrGoh sat close by, content to watch over the other while he relaxed. He had never been tempted to wander when in the company of SkekGra, he didn’t feel that he would ever find something that would make him feel so complete as SkekGra did.

He looked so peaceful when he slept, but the experience was short lived. As wind began to pick up, SkekGra took notice, his fur bristled up, lifting his head in attention and alarm.

“Time to.. go in" UrGoh offered, knowing his mate was looking for an out.

“Good idea" SkekGra sat up, not making it far before he felt UrGohs arm hoist him gently up. SkekGra blushed at the unexpected action.

“I will.. carry.. you" it hurt UrGohs back when SkekGra strained himself too much, so this was a happy in between where he could hold SkekGra close, and be pain free at the same time.

[spongeguyandlelouchvibridankia]

SpongeGuy Reviews Every Disney Sitcom!: Lizzie McGuire (1.2): “Picture Day”

 This is OFFICIALLY my favorite Disney sitcom! (sorry Stuck In The Middle and Good Luck Charlie, I still love you guys!)

We know what this is about, so let’s just get to the next episode!

SUMMERY:  Lizzie's parents makes her wear a unicorn sweater to school for picture day, that Lizzie does not like. Gordo wants to do a tough pose for his picture. Miranda wears the same outfit as Kate to get pictures. Matt has an unstudied test so he decides to fake sick.

COMEDY: 5 Out of 5

Like I said last time, this show’s strength is taking sitcom tropes and making them funny and relatable with quick fire editing, animation, cartoony humor, and a whole lot of genuine heart!

I really liked the jokes here too! Lot’s of weird stuff, great commentary on how complicated it is being a teen, and a lot of relatable humor too!

I don’t have much to say, it’s hard to explain why something is funny, way harder than something that isn’t funny. All I can say is that I liked it a lot! Easily the funniest sitcom episode from this channel!

CHARACTERS: 5 OUT OF 5

Characters however are easier to explain, and we have 4 great ones to help me explain why this episode worked so well!

So let’s start with the subplot characters, Matt and Jo (the little brother and the mom). We have here our typical “Fake Sickness” plot, with Jo thankfully knowing about it from the start and trying to get him 

Normally this would be the weak link of the episode, and while it holds no candle to the main plot in drama, it more than carries it’s own weight with its humor and fun, a lot thanks to a very clever decision: Keep it funny.

I know, I harp on a LOT about character decisions and conseqences and being an asshole and everything, but sometimes you don’t need a lesson or a character to grow, sometimes it can be fun! With no Liar revealed in any single way, all we get are the ever escalating antics between a mother trying to bore her son to a confession and a son refusing to back down and going all the way with the act until he truly is sick. There isn’t even really a payoff, he just stays sick while Jo feels bad. It’s like really looking into a small snippet of someone’s life!

AND I HAVEN’T EVEN STARTED TALKING ABOUT THE MAIN PLOT!

At first, it also seems mighty average (save for an entertaining and dated but in a good way convo between Lizzie and Miranda): It’s Picture Day, a day TV LOVES to make important, for some reason. But here, again, the surprisngly clever and real teenage writing works!

We have two principal characters in this one: Lizzie (who has an ugly sweater and is trying her damndest to find a solution since she wants to look pretty) and Gordo (who swims against the tide and refuses to take this seriously). A lot of great moments come from these two! Lizzie’s antics, slight hysteria,, understandable angst and great energy add a lot to what boils down to “Looking for a shirt” and Gordo’s 100% true dissection of “Looking pretty because they expect you to” is my pov, but GET THIS:

The show doesn’t choose a side. In fact, it embraces both.

Most teen shows would give you the age old adage of “Don’t worry about how you look, it doesn’t matter”. And while that rings true in many ways, one must remember that teenagers handle the world differently. Peer pressure, as Lizzie says, is pressure, and not a laughing matter. Even ignoring that, you will always judge yourself. We all judge ourselves, feel that we are ugly. In a weird way, having a nice picture could at least serve as a reminder that we can look pretty too.

But again, the episode chooses no side. It knows that Grodo is right about it being shallow, and that Lizzie is right about it still being important, at least to the ones getting their picture taken. So in the end, of course, Lizzie sacrifices her new dress (given to her by Gordo, who learned his part of the lesson) to save Miranda’s dress, and learns to like herself no matter how she looks, and Gordo, after losing out to peer pressure, learns that regardless of how right he is about something, it doesn’t mean it’s not important to someone else.

See why I put this one at number one? It’s both hilarious and well made!

STORY AND HEART: 5 Out of 5

I sort of summed up the story and heart above, so... Um... Yeah...

Was gud.

FINAL SCORE: 15 Out of 15

And would you look at that! Joining up with Best Fronds from Amphibia, we have our second perfect score and our first perfect sitcom score (Stuck In The Middle and Good Luck Charlie, I’m sorry, you guys are still great!)! Lizzie McGuire is gonna need some fight to lose it’s new number one spot!

Well, that depends on who’s next! It’s...

...Cory In The House.

HOLY SHIT

https://docs.google.com/document/d/100qHOP9aQ1AmKbrYuc--CQAP3LQnHfsS/edit

[bygosscarmine]

Guardian: The Great And Lonely God

or like any reasonable English-speaking fan would call it*

Goblin

*DramaBeans referred to it as The Lonely Shining Goblin, as usual tracking toward fandom needs with utter disregard for what official outlets say

an aesthete review

SPOILERS ABOUND BUT THERE IS NO CUT you know you’d scroll by without reading if you didn’t care anyway so it doesn’t matter

So. It feels like even longer ago that Goblin came out because there was so much lead-up hype, and also, a lot has happened in my life since January 2017. This is the first fresh Korean drama I’ve watched in possibly that long or longer. I picked it up in the last month or so because I’m studying Korean and wanted to reconnect with it in a more natural context. And I hadn’t forgotten that though there were issues in the story premise, and mixed reactions to it as it aired, I had wanted to see Gong Yoo in a drama like this really badly.

Looking at Gong Yoo’s filmography, I can see why I feel like he’s been in hardly any dramas. After Coffee Prince, which is one of the dramas that really sold me on Korean TV as particularly interesting) the only other project he’s done was Big. This was a drama that was also highly anticipated and panned by most of the reviewers I knew. I had loved him in Biscuit Teacher Star Candy the way one loves a particularly gifted actor in an early effort--he’s charismatic and pretty (and 26 though playing a teenager).

I’m sure preference comes into play with the weight of movies in his career, but also he’s a little less of a mutable person than some major players in drama. Try to imagine swapping him for Lee Dong Wook in roles, for instance. Lee Dong Wook can be playful or dead serious or just incredibly dumb, because in some ways he’s a clean slate. I’m not sure why this is true, but it enables him to move from secondary leads to lead and back again with a variety of characters.

Gong Yoo is in a class with Kim Sun-Ah or Hyun Bin: he can embody characters in ways that feel immediate and real, but there is a certain core to them that comes from his own person. It’s a strength, but one that requires a character to fit in a certain way.

The Goblin, fka Kim Shin, needs an acute actor who can carry off both the kind of inner intense conviction that would fuel a hero to the kind of death and rebirth the character suffers, as well as a softness and hopefulness that makes a love story work.

Even considering my bias, don’t think it’s too much to say Goblin works because of Gong Yoo's abilities in that regard.

While fantastic elements are fairly common in Korean dramas, getting a full-fledged fantasy that treats its fantastic elements with the sort of care a procedural would matters of law or a hospital drama would matters of medicine is not as wide-spread.

Goblin both creates a consistent world of fantasy and does not overdo answering questions. The important points are clear, the ambiguities are not plot-breaking. While in the case of what happens once the sword is pulled out, one of the rules does seem to be broken by the drama, for the most part, all promises are kept. I have my issues with Kim Shin continuing on in an immortal form when I think a normal human life span from here out could do (barring the fact that they force him to wait for another reincarnation) but this is me as a fantasy specialist critiquing a choice the writer made, not a point of the mythology not working.

The main sticking point of the drama for most critics is the age gap.

In a way, I’m not as bothered by age gaps when it comes to immortal beings--there’s not a huge difference between being 19 and 30 when your partner is 396, right?

I’m sure I’m not the first to say this, but the writer could have worked around this, and almost seems interested in doing so with the time-skip--only to have their second lifetime meeting also happen when she’s in high school.

I’m at a college right now and I’m 33 with a lot of classmates who are between 18 and 21. They are having adult relationships, but in real life I do give a look askance when the dude seems much older. And younger than 19 is really young.

If 29 was a fine time for them to be together in the end, with a much more intimate relationship, how long does Kim Shin wait the second time around?

Anyway, let the man die and come back as the same age, is what I’m trying to tell you.

Overall, the writing did a good job of allowing our heroine to be her age, and the romance to develop according to her pace. If there hadn’t been a second advent of her as a teenager in his life, with his years still running on ad infinitum, it would have seemed fine.

The fact that Ji Eun Tak, Goblin’s Bride, is a sort of classic Cinderella figure could have been an issue, too. However, I felt like she was given a lot of dimension so I rarely remembered that she was embodying a trope. Her clear memories and relationship with her mother help with that--she may live with uncaring relatives, but she has known herself to be loved and that centers her.

I also liked that her will was so important. In the back and forth between her and Kim Shin before it’s truly established that she is his destined bride, she gets to make choices about her relationship with him and while he withholds information a good deal of that is to allow her more choice.

This is a deployment of fate that feels full-bodied--the fate isn’t just something determined from the outside, even though we hear the voice of the gods in the actual narrative. Because of who these people are, they choose what has been predicted for them.

And the story is largely from her point of view, even as Kim Shin’s perspective and history shape so much of the plot. Her obsession with candles takes over the house Goblin and Reaper share, so at the end, Reaper has candles in his room. Her relationships are what center the story so much that the reminder that Deok Hwa doesn’t know her yet comes as a surprise before AND after the memory wipe. Everyone else connects in spokes around her--even Kim Shin and the Grim Reaper have to find their friendship footing around her status between them, where before they were just odd roommates.

What Ji Eun Tak wants is very important to this story, even when it is initially denied to her.

She is the only one who says no to the tea of forgetting, and gets no word of argument or explanation from her Reaper.

Altogether, I really enjoyed this show. Even the ending (which I had gotten vibes about that warned me of disappointment) which I didn’t love made sense in the logic of the rest of the story, including its failures.

It was a beautifully shot series, though with erratic editing in some of the chapters, and the intensity of the storyline carried off the high drama that might otherwise have turned maudlin.

If I were to watch it again, I’d be tempted to skip the last part of the last episode, leaving it in my mind that Kim Shin finally grew old, that by suffering his absence without memory was enough heroic suffering for Ji Eun Tak, and that when Reaper has done his duty and escorted Sunny into the afterlife they all come back together as childhood friends in a Reply 2079 reboot story.

...At the same time, the time inversions of the opening matching up with the first and last episode are pretty sweet, and I wouldn’t have missed that little bit of clever resonance just for a less messy headcanon version.

[monstersandmaw]

Deaf male tiefling x female reader (sfw) - Part Two

Edit which I’m including in all my works after plagiarism and theft has taken place: I do not give my consent for my works to be used, copied, published, or posted anywhere. They are copyrighted and belong to me.

I had the pleasure of revisiting this lovely tiefling and his partner for another ko-fi commission. If you'd like to remind yourself of Dairon, you can find the first ko-fi commission I did here, but you don't need to have read it to enjoy this floffy story for @alsoknownasmori​, who did some gorgeous art for me to work off, and the full version of their tiefling boy can be found in Part One!

Featuring: so much fluff, one nervous tiefling, one cheeky younger brother, one storm, and one pleasant surprise for the reader.

“Ruari should be here any minute,” Dairon said, keeping his gestures small as he signed, shoulders hunched, chewing on his lip.  

You ducked your head and then waved, and he caught your eye with a nervous, husky laugh and cocked his head curiously at you, white hair tied back off his handsome face.  

You frowned. “What’s the matter with you today? You’re all…” you let out an exasperated grunt, waving your hands slightly, and he sighed heavily and shook his head. His tail - always an indicator of his moods - was swishing back and forth like a cat’s with whatever was frustrating him, and he was jumping every time you went near him.  

Standing, you crossed the room to him and took his face gently in your hands, turning him away from the window and looking up into his beautiful, yellow eyes. “Dairon, I love you. You know that, don’t you?”

He swallowed thickly and nodded. He brought his hands up and crossed his arms over his chest, fists clenched, and in a way that he rarely did, he hissed the words ‘I love you’, in that near-silent, breathy way he occasionally had of articulating words when he signed. It sent a tingle up your spine, and you kissed him.  

A knock on the door announced the arrival of Dairon’s bouncy, cheeky, adorable younger brother, and you separated, signing quickly that he was here. Ruari was shorter than his brother, and looked more like an elf than a tiefling, though his skin was also blue, and he bore the same cervine antlers as his family. His, however, were the adorable little stumpy ones of a young stag, and where Dairon’s tail was like a cat’s in shape, Ruari’s was short as a deer’s, and even bore the little flash of white underneath.  

He embraced you warmly, careful not to jab you with his little antlers, and giggled softly in his little, husky tenor. “Good to see you again! Sorry I’m late.”

“Tell that to Dairon!” you chuckled back. “He’s been pacing the room like a werewolf before full moon. Can you talk to him? I don’t know what the hell is wrong with him lately…”

“Dunno. Not like him to stress. I’ll find out - don’t you worry.” He clapped you on the back and darted into the small, fire-lit living room.

The brothers embraced a moment later, and while you knew Sign, and had thought you were pretty adept, you watched in awe as the brothers began a rapid-fire back and forth, full of so much slang and short-hand that you couldn’t really follow. It had always been this way between them, and you had long ago resigned yourself to that fact. It was cute really, how close they were. Ruari seemed to be ribbing Dairon about something, and Dairon’s cheeks flushed a darker blue before he said, “I’ll tell you later.”

“No, you’ll tell me now!” Ruari signed back emphatically, hands slapping together. “C’mon, spill!”

“I’ll… go and make some tea,” you suggested, leaving the brothers to whatever it was, and Dairon flashed you a grateful smile and led his brother away into another part of the house.  

By the time you’d finished in the kitchen, they had clearly had whatever conversation they needed to have had, because they had moved on to discuss their twin sisters, Mhairi and Alys, by then. As you set down the mug of tea for Ruari, he looked up at you, eyes glittering, and then flashed a very dangerous and cheeky smile at his brother. Dairon, shot him a distinctly warning glance, but you didn’t press the issue.  

Dairon continued to act strangely for the next couple of weeks. Ruari popped in after work more frequently than he normally did, which, while you didn’t mind seeing him at all - quite the opposite in fact - was unusual to say the least. And suspicious. Something was definitely going on, and the brothers were plotting. What, exactly, you couldn’t fathom.  

One morning you woke, as you nearly always did, to find Dairon’s tail draped over your legs, the familiar, gentle weight of it a beautiful comfort as you rose from the fog of sleep. You blinked and turned your head to look at him to find that he was lying on his back with his yellow eyes open, staring at the ceiling. It wasn’t like him to be awake before you, and you frowned. His skin looked paler than usual, and a little frown of his own haunted the centre of his brows. You reached for his chest and ran your hand over his slim torso, making him jump slightly at the movement as he was jerked away from his private thoughts.

“You alright?” you asked, your signing a little sloppy so early, but his pretty lips curled into a soft smile and he nodded.  

“Just thinking,” he replied.  

“Expensive thoughts,” you grinned. “Gonna take me more than a penny to pay to hear them…”

He smiled, showing his canines, and he rolled over and cuddled you, burying his face at your neck, breathing in the scent of you and groaning softly as his tail coiled tightly around you. You stroked his white hair and let him stay there for as long as he needed. Finally, he pulled back and sat up. “Come with me today?” he said, hands dancing, almost fluttering nervously as he signed. “I want to do something. I… I want to take you somewhere.”

“Sure,” you smiled, wondering what could possibly have got him so nervous. “I’d love to.”

It was a bit of a trek, but you soon realised that he was taking you towards the lake. Bordered on all sides with thick pine trees, it was a peaceful, quiet place. The wind ruffled the surface into tiny waves, like goosebumps against the cold breath of the mountain winds, and you shivered slightly. Although it was officially spring now, the last sighs of winter still lingered up here in the mountains. It was breathtakingly beautiful though, and Dairon was in his element. His long, lean, slender legs strode confidently, determinedly, and his tail was, as always, curled around your waist as you walked side by side.  

A little white boat bobbed at the jetty, and when you tapped Dairon on the upper arm, he looked around at you and grinned.  

“We’re going boating?” you asked suspiciously.  

He nodded and tugged you along the shingle path that led down to the shore.  

Inside was a blanket and a hamper.  

“Dairon, what?” you asked, eyeing it. “What’s going on?”

He only grinned again, and, putting his surprising strength to good use, he simply picked you up off the jetty and set you down in the boat. It wobbled and rocked, and you dropped down onto the bench before you ended up in the lake. When he’d climbed gracefully in beside you, he put the red tartan blanket over your knees and opened the hamper.  

“Dairon, what is going on?” you giggled, baffled.

He didn’t cast off just yet, and he bowed his head, getting you to look down at the hamper. Inside was an assortment of all your favourite foods, a lovely bottle of white wine, and some fresh fruits that must have come from the special glass houses and must have cost a small fortune. “Just a treat… Dig in…” he said evasively before casting off and picking up the oars.  

You decided not to open the wine just yet, even though it was now well after midday following your lengthy hike. Instead, you got Dairon’s attention by tapping him on the knee. He seemed reluctant to meet your gaze at first; not rude, but shy. “What’s all this for, Dairon? How did you pull it off?”

“I had some help,” he said after pulling the oars in a little to free up his hands. “I’ll tell you when we get there…”

“Get there? Where are we going?”  

He pointed over his shoulder and you squinted.  

“I don’t see anything…”

“Useless human eyes,” he laughed. “You’ll just have to wait then.”

It was a long way across the lake, but Dairon was much stronger than he looked. The wind picked up about half way across, and while it helped shunt the boat along since it came from behind, it brought with it the scent of rain.  

“Shit,” he said, eyes going wide, hands leaving the oars momentarily to bring his left hand up, fist closed, and he stuck his right thumb into the space created by his curled fingers and removed it quickly. Shit. His whole body cursed too, his face expressing a mixture of frustration, fear, and mild panic.  

You looked over your shoulder at the way you’d come, and saw a thick curtain of rain sweeping down the valley at an alarming speed. It would be on you in minutes, and you were more than halfway across the lake by then, and there was absolutely no shelter.  

Dairon set his jaw and rowed hard. Of course, he couldn’t out-row the storm, and in no time you were huddled under the blanket with rain lashing your back. Dairon looked horrified and appalled and, honestly, furious with himself. “It’s fine,” you tried to tell him with half-frozen fingers, but he shook his head and grimaced. Ah, but he could be as stubborn as he was beautiful sometimes.  

Eventually you made it to the far shore, and Dairon helped you out, blinking rivulets of rain from his eyes as thunder rumbled over the mountains and lightning now forked through the late afternoon sky. Up a short track was a log cabin, and he led you there, carrying the hamper himself, gripping your hand in an iron grasp. He looked stiff and exhausted from the hard row, but he was wiry and fit and he never let anything slow him down. Not even a late spring thunderstorm.  

He opened the door with a key he pulled from his pocket, and ushered you in first, closing and latching it behind him against the storm. Your fingers were so cold you could barely sign, but you tried to reassure him that you were fine, just soaked and freezing. He said nothing as he got a fire going in the burner, and you looked around the cabin, finding a little bathroom tucked away in a corner and dumping the sodden blanket in the tin bath to deal with later. When you returned to the open living room, decorated with beautiful, colourful, woven rugs and cushions, you found Dairon standing by the fire, arms clasped tightly around his torso. He looked worried and vulnerable and, frankly, miserable.  

You drew close and snaked your arms around his sodden chest, and hugged him. It wasn’t pleasant - he was as cold and wet as you were - but you needed to reassure him.  

“This is a disaster,” he said, pulling back to free his hands.  

“It’s sweet, and I had a good time before we got soaked…” you said with a smile. “And we’re here now, there’s a fire, and we can dry off. It’s fine, Dairon… please, stop worrying so much. You’ve been acting so weirdly lately. You’ve got me worried!”

“I’m sorry,” he said, turning away. “Truly, I’m sorry. I’m doing this all wrong.” He looked back around at you and smiled when he saw the look on your face. “I love you,” he said. “Come on. Ruari will have left us some clothes here.”

“Ruari? This was his doing?”

Dairon shrugged. “I asked him to help.” When you shivered violently, he scowled. “Come on, let’s get out of these wet clothes.”

You waggled your eyebrows suggestively at him. “Going to warm me up too, are you?”

He smirked and snorted. “You know how I feel about sex before marriage,” he said.  

“Doesn’t have to be sex,” you grinned at him.  

His mood seemed to improve after that, but there was still something lingering in the background; an unarticulated tension in the way he spoke, a stiffness to his gestures that betrayed his unease.  

After dinner, with the rain still thrashing against the windows and the thunder crashing hard enough over the small cabin that you and Dairon could feel it, you looked at him and stood up from the little rustic table. You held your hand out to him and he let you lead him over to the hearthrug with a little, quizzical frown on his handsome face.  

You sat down cross-legged and tugged him playfully so that his knees buckled and once he was down, you flattened him on his back, mindful of the tiefling’s big, stag-like antlers, and kissed him.  

You rolled off him and sat beside him, legs out to one side, the heat of the fire warming the length of your body. “I love you, Dairon. I know this didn’t play out exactly the way you wanted, but I’ve had the best time. I love just being with you, whatever we’re doing.” You voiced the words as you signed them, knowing it would mess up the grammar of your Sign, but you didn’t care.  

Dairon froze and then sat up suddenly, eyes glinting faintly as the flames danced over your face, flickering and glimmering. He stared at you with an intensity that had been missing from them for weeks. He chewed his lip. “Wait here,” was all he said before he strode away to the little bedroom.  

When he returned, his tail was lashing behind him again, and he carried tangible tension in his shoulders, and was holding something behind his back.  

“Dairon?”

He smiled sweetly and motioned for you to stand up. He took one deep breath, and then sank onto one knee, resting a little, square box atop it so that he would have both hands free.  

Your eyes went wide, your lips parted, and your heartbeat began to race. “Oh my god, Dairon,” you breathed, not signing this time. It wasn’t exactly necessary though.

“Honestly, I had this whole romantic proposal out on the lake planned, but… well…” he cast his eyes towards the water-lashed window, and snorted. “That didn’t work out so well. I mean, we both nearly got pneumonia because of it, but…” He took deep breath and let it out slowly. He began with your name sign, which he’d given you all those years ago, and you watched with a pounding heart as he went on. “I thought it was a miracle when we met and you knew Sign, but then I got to know you and I think I fell in love with you in the space of that first week. You’re gentle and kind and funny and patient, and…”  

Dairon’s hands began to shake so hard he could barely formulate words. You held your breath as he nervously licked his lips and smiled up at you.  

“I wanted so much for this to be perfect. But… then I realised just now when you kissed me that I should just… ask. I want to be with you for the rest of my life - I know that without a doubt. So…” he took a huge gulp and then he held up the box, opening it to reveal a modest and beautiful ring, and smiled. “Will you marry me?”

Your hand moved to cover your mouth, and tears filled your eyes. You nodded and sobbed, “Yes!”  

Flinging yourself at him, you knocked the pair of you over backwards onto the hearth rug and clung to him. He laughed his hoarse, breathy laugh, and you nuzzled close to him.

It was a long time before either of you released the other from that embrace.

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[readerficsbyhyaku]

Blank Slate (Kazumichi Irie x Reader - Soulmate AU) Part 3

author’s note

This chapter is a bit longer than i expected, i kinda messed up my own chronology of the events but i hope it’s still okay. I really want to get to writing the next chapter too !

Today’s affair was about a man named Tsuchiya Kojo, who apparently committed suicide by jumping from his hotel room. He was there for therapy, since the wealthier part of the population preferred luxurious hotels to regular treatment centers. This time around, you weren’t with the team on-site, but you were in constant communication with them, as they investigated the room and saw the broken television, the locked doors and finally, the window that had been snapped off. You got to hear how Inspector Shindo identified there were some sorts of guards in front of the door, preventing Tsuchiya from getting out, from the footprints in the plush carpeting of the hallway. It wasn’t hard to guess that the deceased might not have been there of his own will, but rather detained.

You were in line with Kisaragi, who methodically said what clues they had found and what they were doing. The scenario got a bit erratic when Shindo almost jumped out of the hingeless window, barely caught by Ignatov. You felt that the Enforcer you were talking with did not understand fully the methods of the new Inspectors, but that she had decided to accept them. She was a stern, not very talkative individual, that had put very clear boundaries between her personal and professional life, not like Todoroki or Kazumichi. That did not mean the latter had no secrets, but Kisaragi had put up walls, and they were extremely tangible. It gave her an unreachable aura, which was why you had a bit of trouble keeping the conversation up with her, reminding her you were still listening to her by humming or saying “okay”.

When they were done at the hotel, you were asked to do a quick personality check on the gubernatorial candidates, Komiya Karina and “Herakles”. In the meantime, the Inspectors split up and went to interview the two potential suspects. While they were getting to their respective rendez-vous, you briefed the team about Komiya and Yakushiji.

Yakushiji Kosuke was an ex-fighter, partaking in human vs machine matches that were approved by Sybil. His motto was “a healthy mind in a healthy body”, and that was because he was genetically engineered to be a perfect athlete. Using eugenics, Yakushiji was supposed to have a set of perfect genes, thus making his Psycho-Pass clear.

Looking at the man, you also could conclude that he was the closest thing to a dumb but strong boy. He was a puppet, a front for his party to then do what they wanted, he was just there to sell a dream. “Therefore” you mused “I think his secretary or assistant will be the one to possess all the info, and they should be protective”. Considering the man’s past as an official fighter, you evocated the possibility of him having a strong sense of honor and responsibility as well as outwards enthusiasm, considering how well his Psycho-Pass fared. People that don’t worry for themselves are able to care for others.

Komiya, on the other hand, was the one holding the reins. She was a façade, but she also had a mind of her own. During the interview, there were chances that she wouldn’t hand over any info and that it would be her assistant that could possibly let something slip, but most likely because of body language. Komiya Karina was an idol, so she had mastered holding her attitude under pressure. It would be useless to try and pry information forcefully from her.

Shindo and Ignatov thanked you for your input and ended the call.

The interviews went pretty much as expected. You couldn’t go wrong with analyzing simple personality patterns like that, politicians were archetypes after all. It was just an issue of finding who they were, and who were they with. Looking at somebody’s entourage could tell you a good deal about that person, and professional contacts were no exceptions, especially when it was your assistant that you had to meet with on a day-to-day basis.

As the Inspectors and Enforcers came back to their offices, you received a message from Shion telling you there was a welcoming party for Shindo and Ignatov, held in the Enforcer’s lounge area. You tensed up a bit, the place holding some painful memories for you, but told the analyst you were coming for a few drinks anyways.

So much for not getting attached…

You had a bit of time before the party, so you decided to clean your room a bit, and take a shower. Since you had been working from your room, it was a bit messy and you were still in pajamas. Oops. The perks and downsides of working from home, you joked internally.

The hot water eased some of the tension accumulated by your definitely bad posture, and you felt refreshed and energized as you exited the bathroom in a cloud of steam. You dressed up in an oversized, soft knitted shirt, corduroy shorts, thighs, and fluffy cream-colored boots you never wore because they weren’t formal enough and you feared ruining them. Feeling decently pretty for an afterwork meeting, you turned off the lights to your flat and exited to the hall.

The lounge area was on the same floor as yours, since it was an Enforcer-only area. You had yet to meet any of your colleagues there, though… Probably because you spent most of your time inside, you were something of an hermit. As the door slid open in front of you, you could see that everybody was already there and chatting. Even Hinakawa looked like he was having a good time, once he got past his crippling shyness. You took a seat on the leather couch and poured yourself a drink, focusing on the tiny bubbles inside your glass. Taking a sip, you noticed Todoroki was looking a bit dejected next to you. He still had that grumpiness about him, but there was a tinge of sadness to his posture expression too. You didn’t know how to tackle the subject though, but you had an idea of how to get past his hardboiled shell.

“So, how did it go with Yakushiji ? Was he nice ?” you asked him with a smile. He looked back at you and sighed, nothing but fatigue gracing his features.

“I don’t like all this political stuff. The guy is being manipulated and his assistant held onto information like a vice” he grumbled.

“Yes but what about Herakles ? I’ve heard he was supposed to be a perfect athlete or something”

You felt Todoroki tense up a bit.

“Aren’t you supposed to already know what he’s like ? You were the one to brief us about him”

Ah, aggression. You were expecting it though.

“Yeah, but I could be wrong too. May I ask again : what is your opinion about him ?”

You were intent of peeling all the layers the gruff old man had, until he showed his true nature. You waited patiently for him to answer, taking another sip from your glass.

“I guess he was nice” he finally conceded “I think he felt something about what happened during the interview and wanted to cheer me up or whatnot…” his voice got lower on the last part.

“Outwards empathy, told ya !” you nudged him with a grin, and felt the older man loosen up a bit more.

“But what happened then ? Did somebody hit you ?” you asked again, ridding your voice of any mischief so that he understood you were listening to him.

There, you felt his shell about to crack as he rubbed the back of his head, ruffling his thinning grey-white hair. He stared at his almost empty glass, and without looking up he finally opened up.

“You must have heard of the Todoroki family; they try to breed “perfect” people by gene-editing”. You listened attentively, encouraging him silently to continue.

“My brother and father were there, they must have been affiliated to the eugenics campaign Yakushiji is leading. They resent me for not having perfect genes and they consider me a shame to their family”

You winced at the self-inflicted exclusion Todoroki voiced there. You were right about him hiding his pain and bitterness under a cynical and detached front.

“They reacted as I expected when they saw me, but Yakushiji encouraged me to love myself and other nonsense”

When he said that, you understood that Temma was, in some way, still the child accused by his parents and the rejection they inflicted him still hurt him deeply. The unconditional support Yakushiji had thrown at him had startled him, and he didn’t know how to process it other than retracting into his usual grumpy self. Considering his family’s objective, he was surely blamed solely for existing, and still carried that weight around.

“You should listen to him, Temma” you said while smiling, using his first name as a way to distinguish him from the ones that hurt him, the Todoroki. “You know, there is a saying that we aren’t born human but that we become human. That’s because the key to our evolution is learning and adapting. Our brains change at every stage of our life, and therefore our identities do too.”

He was looking at you, a little puzzled.

“That means it’s not too late to become someone you’re proud of. For yourself, I mean, not for anybody else.”

In the end, the only one person you have to bear with the most is yourself, so better make it agreeable.

Temma smiled, and even though his stare was still sad and thoughtful, you knew it had lifted some weight off his shoulders just talking about it with someone. Someone that listened to him and thought about his interests, not theirs.

It was getting a bit late, so you bid him goodbye and rose to your feet, only to stumble and wobble quite pitifully. Kazumichi, who had just lost his game of billiard, helped you restore your balance and asked

“You okay ? Do you want me to accompany you back to your room ?”

Fuck.

“It’s okay” you smiled while trying to repress your resounding heartbeats “It’s not far away and I just drank two glasses or something”

But as you took another step towards the stairs, the room started to sway and you almost fell to the ground.

“Yeah sure, now I’m definitely coming with you” he chuckled, lending you an arm so that you could rest on it.

Fuck fuck fuck.

The trip back to your room was pretty uneventful, you hadn’t lied when you told him it wasn’t too long a way back there. You didn’t know if you were getting hot because of the alcohol, or because Kazumichi was so close to you. You could hear your heart in your ears, and you wished he couldn’t feel your trembling hands. Or maybe he thought it was because you were intoxicated, and you were okay with that.

“So, isn’t it hard for you to be treated like a latent criminal? Even though your Crime Coefficient can’t be measured ?”

The guy hadn’t heard about tact it seemed. Luckily for him, you were in a good mood and a rather compliant person, so you obliged.

“Latent criminals haven’t done any crime either, so it would be unfair for everybody. But it’s not hard, no.”

You had reached your door and you wobbled to it, unclasping your hand from Kazumichi’s arm and then turned to face him again.

“I have no memories of what life is outside of here, so I don’t have any reference of how it is to be free.”

You felt his sadness wash over you.

“But really, I’m treated well, I can access anything I want or need, and Shion is pretty cool” you grinned.

“Thank you for accompanying me back to-“

You spinned on your heels and were about to open your door when you tripped – again. The sliding doors identified you and opened as you were falling, promising a painful reception on the back of your head. You braced for the impact when you felt a sharp tug on your shoulder. You opened your eyes and realized that Kazumichi had caught your hand in his, preventing you from smashing your skull on the hard floor of your doorway.

At the contact, you felt a jolt of electricity, heat rushed through your arm and nestled right under your heart, in your ribs, right where your soulmark was. His hand felt large and warm on yours, and your mind suddenly flashed with suggestions of them roaming your body, embracing you tightly. The idea of him was dizzying, and you struggled to keep your grasp on reality.

Blushing profusely, you apologized to him as he pulled you back up. You were making a fool of yourself but he didn’t seem to mind, or maybe notice.

Cocking his head to the side, he flashed you a dazzling grin and you couldn’t help but notice the tips of his ears were red.

“Be careful, okay ?”

“Yeah, thank you… I’m sorry, I really must’ve drunk too much” you joked lightly while passing the threshold of your flat and hearing the doors slide shut behind you.

When you were finally alone in your obscured entranceway, you fell to your knees and hid your reddening face in your hands.

“HE KNOWS”

[animebw]

Binge-Watching: Baccano, Episodes 1-3

And so we begin! In which the story of the story is just as important as the story itself, a million puzzle pieces tickle the imagination, and I fall in love with yet another fictional couple. Readers, this is gonna be a good one.

How We Tell the Story

As my long-time readers are probably aware, I’m a huge fan of storytelling about storytelling. I’m a sucker for fiction that breaks down and examines the mechanics of fiction itself, exploring why we tell stories in the way that we do and finding new and interesting ways to tell those stories. Gintama got to be my favorite anime of all time in large part because of how perfectly it understood its own meta and place in the broader popular culture, and Re:Zero earned my love for much the same reason. Bottom line, if you hand me a story that has something to say about storytelling itself, then you can consider me a pretty happy customer. And while it’s still a little too early to see if Baccano will have a similarly grand declaration at the end of its run, there’s no denying that its presentation has hooked me just the same. The entire opening scene is essentially an excuse for the writers to come right out and talk to us about the nature of the story they’re telling, and all the different considerations that went into telling it. Where should this story begin? What characters should we focus on the most ( ”He’s main character-ish.” “Ish?”) How does the meaning change depending on what order events are depicted in? It’s like watching my last two brain cells argue at 4 AM as I’m struggling over how to the next chapter. And it jumps into the story proper with one last winking nod from the narrator: ”There are as many stories as there are people to tell them.” It’s an indication that we’re about to leap into a twisting, turning narrative that’s going to rely on every last player to tell their side of the story to make sense of it. The question is, whose story will carry the most weight when all is said and done? I don’t know, but thanks to the confidence with which the question’s asked, I’m definitely excited to find out.

Pieces and Postcards

And with that basis laid, Baccano officially jumps into the main thrust of its narrative, piecing together a topsy-turvey gangland drama featuring a veritable rogue’s gallery of interlocking players and pieces. I imagine this is the kind of story with great re-watch value, as you get to see how all the pieces fit together once the bigger picture comes into show. But even my first time through, I can definitely say I’m having a blast watching the puzzle come together. With so many moving parts, it would be easy to get confused and lose your sense of direction in the mess, but Baccano’s got such a great sense of storytelling logic that you keep your balance every step of the way. It’s constantly checking to make sure you can re-orient yourself, coming back to big moments and taking a different track to show how the collision of two different game pieces affected both of their trajectories. Characters from all different groups interact and collide and weave a web of connections that we get to see from multiple angles, making for a constantly invigorating experience as each new springlock clicks into place and unlocks an entirely new area map to explore. And every time we return to the same event and take it in a different direction, it only increases the ease with which you can follow these interconnecting stories. It also helps that the fantastic OP (seriously, it is a bop) is constantly reminding you of all the important characters on the playing field, what their base personalities are, and what general connections they have to each other through choice editing and smart cinematography. The fact that I didn’t once find myself questioning the order of events for too long in a story this complex is a testament to how fucking good Baccano is at guiding your focus.

As for the story itself, there are already a lot of interesting pieces at play. I’ll admit, I wasn’t expecting the introduction of supernatural elements, but the way the immortality serum is naturally woven into our understanding of the world is really kind of brilliant. I love the way it feels like a time-reversing agent that rewinds the body to its pre-death state, making for some enjoyably gristly imagery and off-kilter wow moments. So far, we know Luck, Ladd, Isaac and that one kid are immortal, as well as the original inventor, but it’s not clear who else has the juice running through them, or where they all got it from. Ennis is connected to the inventor somehow, but her importance is yet to become clear. Meanwhile, there’s some sort of cult or mafia aiming to launch an attack to rescue the unknown Master Huey, some kids with mysterious face tattoos who are wanted for some reason, and everything revolves around a yet-undramatized blowout massacre about the great steam engine the Flying Pussyfoot, where all out disparate characters finally collide in the same location. Everything in this story is revolving around this event, and the way it builds tension by jumping between moments both leading up to and falling out from the attack without ever showing it in its entirety is brilliantly chilling. This is easily one of the best mystery shows I’ve seen in a while, perhaps the most engaging series of uncertainty and misdirection since freaking Higurashi all the way back at the start of this blog. And I look forward to seeing how all these disparate pieces finally explode in blood and fire.

Lunatics in Love

Thankfully, the wait to see how these pieces all fit together is never going to be boring, because Baccano’s other strength besides its fantastic Rashamon storytelling is one of the coolest senses of style ever. Every single frame and character interaction is dripping with style and panache, from the thick New Yakh accents drawled out by a stellar dub team to the slick-ass action complete with gruesome, punchy violence to stellar cinematography and framing that captures the intensity and swagger of every last scene. It’s the kind of cool-cat gangland saxophone party that makes you want to strut down Main Street in your best 1920s suit and call things :wicked pissah”, and the mere fact that I’m able to throw out this kind of lingo without immediately cringing out of existence is a testament to how flawlessly Baccano nails that feeling. It’s been a long time since I’ve experienced a story that was this good at this particular kind of attitude, and let me tell you, it is a gas. And it’s ably assisted by its eclectic cast of instantly memorable characters who all make incredibly striking impressions right off the bat. Even with how expansive and intertangled the cast is, they’re all well-written and memorable enough to stand out on their own, which contributes mightily to the aforementioned ball-juggling act this show’s got going on. Ladd’s murder boner makes for a deeply disturbing brute, while Luck’s quiet sense of justice has me intrigued to uncover what’s driving him. Jacuzzi’s an enjoyably pathetic loser, Dallas’s disappearance has me wondering who offed his arrogant ass and why, and Firo’s just straight-up badass. Get you a guy who’ll take down an alleyway full of goons without letting his hat ever touch the ground. God, I’m such a sucker for that particular trope.

But as good as these characters all are, the show is completely and utterly stolen by Isaac and Miria every time they’re on screen. Sweet. Buttery. CHRISTMAS. These two lunkheads are like living Loony Tunes, bursting through the show’s world with enough caffeinated dumbass energy and cartoonish sound effects to put Bugs Bunny to shame. And they’re amazing. I love every single second they’re on screen, every snappy gesture, that time they just casually bounce back and forth on a sideways hammock while hashing out important details. That one moment where Miria points out a flaw in Isaac’s reasoning and he just stands there with that same idiotic grin on his face for a good five seconds before instantly rolling with the punches? Good god, that lay me out on the floor like nobody’s business. And above all else, I love how utterly and sincerely enthusiastic they are. I love how much passion they have for life, how confident they are in the dumbass schemes they pull off and the stupid conclusions they reach ( ”So that means when you eat beef, you’re actually eating meat and vegetables!” ”Even though we’ve found nothing, that’s so inspIRING!”) I love how much they dote on each other like the star-struck psychotic lovebirds they are. I love how welcoming they are to anyone who they come across, instantly striking up boisterous conversations with total strangers that quickly descend into the most charming stupidity ever put to screen. I’m so goddamn in love with their love it’s ridiculous, and that’s not even counting the rush of hearing J. Michael Tatum’s beautiful buttery dulcet tones coming out of Isaac to complete the picture. Bottom line, this show is already fantastic, and these two lunatics are the perfect cherry on top of a delicious sundae. Consider me excited as fuck to see what else Baccano has in store.

Odds and Ends

-”The vice president doesn’t say anything about the possibility of him being the main character.” Oh man, I think I’m gonna love this.

-”Then how do you suppose Dallas fingered you?” Don’t make the joke don’t make the joke don’t make the

-So do these goons just wait outside the window fully armed to get announcements from the chief? Lol.

-Goddamn, that sunset train shot was beautiful and chilling. I think that was Luck’s voice... who is he trying to find?

-And they even have great fashion sense. Help

-Big-ass egg rolls for the win!

-”The RAIL CHASER!” FUCK

-”But my story isn’t quite as complicated as yours.” If you say so, Fuhrer King Bradley.

-I’m a sucker for the “Every inconspicuous person pulls out a gun at once” trope.

-”And then spend the rest of your life killing you slowly!” God dammit why are all the couples in this show insane

-”No excuse for carelessness!” *wheeze* GOD THEY’RE GREAT

-See, Nice, this is why you need to be specific with your gangland instructions.

-”Nonsense, there’s always room for desert!” Have I mentioned I love Miria?

-”How about Miria Moneybags?” “Yes, brilliant!” Is it possible to, like, marry a marriage? Just wondering.

And with that, we’re on our way! I can tell this is gonna be a fun-ass ride, and I look forward to sharing it with you all. See you next time!

[willowdove]

Zutara Meta: Rediscovered Forum edition

I was looking through messages on my old email and rediscovered this forum right here: https://www.fanfiction.net/topic/2507/16292543/1/why-is-Zutara-so-popular-I-mean-no-bashing-intended-just-want-to-know

You can read through the thread, imho I think it’s interesting to look at other people’s thoughts on the matter, but it is a hugely long and rather old thread so I thought I’d republish my own specific additions here.

My original post, 5 years ago:

It is pretty hard to get Zutara right without being all sappy and stupid and throwing the entire plot away. The way the 3rd season is constructed it wouldn't make any sense for Zutara to be together in canon itself. And that's a shame, since they are so perfect.

Yes, I am a 17 year old girl. No, I don't think that it's a good pairing because of the whole opposites attract or good girl/bad boy arguments you often hear. I think it's a good pairing because they understand each other. Zuko can appreciate the dark side of Katara, without judgement. Katara accepts the effects Zuko's horrible past has had on him. They are both dark, but more importantly, they both overcome it.

Personally, I don't like Kataang. Aang really is too young for Katara. But it's not about biological age, as so many people seem to think. It's about mental age. Aang is a kid, has been the entire series. Katara is a an adult. She is the one who understands the actual weight of the world and accepts responsibility for looking after everyone. As for Maiko, I just find Mai's romantic character to be forced.

My new post: 

Wow, rediscovering this forum is a trip.  Apparently I commented on this when I was 17.  I am now 22.  Anyway since I'm here I guess I'd like to elaborate on what I said previously.

When I said that Zuko understands and accepts Katara's dark side, I meant that he actually shares her powerful sense of justice and her relentlessness.  A lot of people consider his role in the Southern Raiders to be problematic because he "encourages" Katara to murder her mother's killer, but there is more nuance to it than that.  Zuko is the only one who relates to and attempts to rectify her need for closure in relation to the death of her mother.  Even Sokka, her brother, berates her for continuing to carry emotional pain and tells her she should just let it go.  He, and Aang and everyone else, tell her to forgive the man who murdered her mother, who, let's not forget, died in place of Katara herself in a Fire Nation bid at the ethnic cleansing of all Southern waterbenders.  Now, some might say he did deserve the death penalty for that war crime.  Personally I can't say whether he did or didn't.  What I can say is that it was vitally important for Katara to be able to pursue justice for what had been done to her.  She needed to be afforded a choice in the matter, and in the making of that choice, she was able to unburden herself.  And Zuko, who desperately wished for the same choice to be afforded to him in the case of his own missing mother, and who had been given the chance to face down his abuser and officially cut ties with his father the Fire Lord on the Day of Black Sun, knew that was what she needed and gave it to her.  In turn she showed him that it was possible to achieve closure by ending the cycle of violence and become stronger for doing that.

Zuko and Katara do have some personality traits that can make them clash.  They are both stubborn, quick to anger.  But their anger is a righteous anger, and one that could easily be directly towards the same target of injustice.  We have to remember, Zuko got his scar because he vehemently disapproved of using his untrained countrymen as bait in a suicidal tactic that was sure to incur an excess of causalities.  Katara famously refuses to turn her back on people who need her, whether it be her family, a boy she found in an iceberg, or villagers suffering from pollution in their river.  

One of the best things about Zutara, in my opinion, is the way that they challenge each other to become better people.  In the period of their relationship that was adversarial they had to train hard in order to be able to match the other's combat abilities.  But beyond that they challenged each other to find the humanity in their opponents on the other side of the war, and ultimately to overcome cultural biases they held towards themselves and towards each other.  And when they did come together as friends and allies, they worked together seamlessly. You need only to look at their bending scenes together to see just how well they understand and anticipate each other.  That's why Zuko asked Katara to come with him to challenge Azula out of everyone in the group, because out of everyone he had established the deepest bond with her; he trusted her implicitly and completely.

Now that I'm older I can say that Aang can and does make a lot more mature decisions than I gave him credit for, but I still feel that he was first and foremost a child at heart.  His character conflict stemmed from that- from the dichotomy between his desire to be an uncomplicated child and the responsibilities of his office of the Avatar.

Meanwhile Katara, who absolutely was not an adult (lol 17 yr old me), took on maternal responsibilities from the age of 5 on and her personality reflected that.  She did struggle to reclaim some of that childhood levity and fun, but that wasn't her primary conflict.  Her primary conflict was between honoring her culture and traditions and following her inner moral compass.  She was expected to drive Aang out of the village to protect them but instead she chose to travel with him and save him from danger.  She was expected to only become a healer through the constraint of gender norms but instead she chose to become a warrior AND a healer.  She was expected to learn and practice bloodbending from Hama to preserve the Southern style but she rejected it as amoral.  She was expected to hate and destroy all things Fire Nation but she put a stop to Jet's plans to flood a Fire Nation village, she helped the polluted village, and she came to understand and respect Zuko.  Hers is an internal conflict that closely mirrors Zuko's, who struggles for most of the narrative to unlearn Fire Nation propoganda and understand the harm colonialism and war have brought to the world, and to unlearn lessons about what constitutes good and worth that his father imposed on him.  

Some people on this thread have commented that Katara would not be "cut out" for being royalty or taking on the political role of the Fire Lady, but I have to thoroughly disagree.  Katara would take that office by storm, making sure that policies were being enacted fairly in the best interest of all nations and people of every economic class, and overseeing countless, massive humanitarian projects.  Honestly it's a shame that in canon she retreated into her role as a mom and a healer when those were only ASPECTS of Katara's personality.  As the wife of the Avatar, daughter/sister to the Chief of the Southern Water Tribe (you know Sokka succeeded that office), and a master waterbender and a legendary war hero in her own right, there is NO WAY AT ALL she would have rested on her laurels when she could have been so much more involved in the ultimate shaping of the post-war world.  But I digress.  

In conclusion Zuko and Katara are much more similar than they are different.  The ways that they are opposite are only superficial, and ultimately as a team they represent an unstoppable force of moral good.  They understand and bolster each other in ways the other characters can't or are unwilling to, but they also hold each other accountable and don't put each other on a pedestal.  I honestly have never seen how people could say these two characters "brought out the worst in each other", because actually they inspired each other to change for the better.

[unimpressedperson]

ishin-denshin

(I found that picture in @seoulicons . Thank you for posting that)

Genre: Fluff, Angst

Warnings: I mentioned Expensive Girl and sex, so yeah, nothing here is pure. Also, there are mentions of self-harm, so please, if it’s triggering tell me and I’ll change it :) Your mental health should always come first :)

Pairing: Min Yoongi x @emerson-moonchild, Min Yoongi x Reader

Word Counting: 6.2k

Synopsis: Min Yoongi and Emerson had a profound connection, so deep and supernatural that not even themselves understood it. However, nothing is pure bliss and flowers, when everything seems wrong and the connecting fades with time, then their love shall be proven with no otherwise.

A/N: Hey Em!! It’s finally here! I finished your oneshot + poem. Yes!! I mentioned The Chaos Club and paired them with BTS, but tried not to focus on them. Even though it finished with over SIX THOUSAND WORDS, I had to stop myself and not include random and unnecessary stuff, like interactions between characters without the starring roles presence (Yoongi and Emerson). Oh, before I continue, I changed the band’s name, it’s shitty, but I even wrote one verse of ‘Clarividencia’ (the BTL song mentioned). Hope it’s good! You deserve the best Em, or should I begin calling you ‘cutie pie’? Lol Sorry for my bad grammar and hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing :)

- x - x - x -

Min Yoongi took a long sip on his coffee, dark and, ironically, sugar-free. He enjoyed small ironies and always drank from them, maybe it worked as fuel to his personality. Despite from the cute face and artistic name, Yoongi enjoyed how people were amazed about the personality flashed: rebel, serious, sarcastic, a human with a stone cold heart pumping blood and rage to his organs.

Well, that's how outsiders saw him, reality was insanely different. Emerson knew it, she dig down so deep in Yoongi's emotions, finding a butter heart with so much love stored. Whilst drinking tea from a ridiculously adorned cup, she analyzed his soft expressions and occasional wrinkling nose whenever the bitterness hit his taste buds.

– Tea is just leaf juice, you know, right? - Yoongi asked, not glaring straight at Emerson.

– So what? It's delicious. - Emerson answered, taking a long and loud sip from the salmon and cream coloured cup, raising her pinky. - Coffee is just juice from beans. Water is juice from ice cubes.

– You are so british sometimes. - The man said and turned to look at Emerson, grinning slightly at her cuteness and rosy cheeks.

– Well, my identity backs you up on that. I'm british, living in London, drinking tea in a british coffee shop, listening to british news on television, presented by a british journalist, graduated in a british university, working for a british television broadcast channel. You are the foreigner here, love. - She said serious, but smiling, fingers stuck around the cup, steam warming her face.

– I know. Everything is so british. Even our songs are getting british. - Yoongi said and finished his cup of coffee with a short sip. - Yesterday Taehyung sang with british accent, even the verses in korean. We were surprised and Namjoon almost collapsed cuz one of the words sounded like 'yadong', which is porn in korean.

– I'm surprised one of your songs never mentioned 'yadong', since it's a rock band with pretty explicit musics. - She giggled remembering the first time Yoongi allowed her to listen 'Expensive Girl', their first song that exploded in SoundCloud, and as soon as Bangtan Lads made a career outside Korea, the track was deleted, only officially existing in personal files from every member.

– Don't you throw 'Expensive Girl' at me, it was Jin and Namjoon's idea to release it. - Yoongi said and raised one of his eyebrows slightly.

They were sitting on a table close to the window, sun shining bright outside, breaking through the typical whitish smoke accumulated all over London's atmosphere. The cafè was one of those overrated places, charging abusive prices for a cup of plain coffee, walls painted in a very dirty shade of cream, matching the fancy cups (the owner would never admit it, but Emerson knew they were bought in Walmart, part of a special edition paying homage to Duke William and Duchess Kate wedding), wooden floor well polished, and secondhand machines.

– Why do we insist in coming here anyways? There is nothing special or marvelously tasty, and the prices are salty, even for my rich ass. - Yoongi said, listening the annoying creek sound from the old, and possibly thriftshopped, brown chair.

– Because it's small, quiet and mainly because your fans won't flash boobs outside the window, since they would never imagine rockstar Min Yoongi having a coffee with his girlfriend in a place like that. - Emerson said, staring the street along with Yoongi.

– Yeah, that day we went to Starbucks was insane. Who would imagine someone is actually willing to lift the blouse and get arrested in exchange of an autograph? - Yoongi said and chuckled.

– That day was intense and weird. Her boobs were beautiful, though. Round and symmetrical. Your face tattooed on the nipples also looked good. - Emerson said and smirked in a dorky way, leading Yoongi to chuckle even louder. - Who would ever guess that your nose has the exact shape of a nipple? The fan was a genius, we got to admit.

Yoongi left all the weight from his upper body heavy on the chair back, staring at the ceiling and inhaling deeply, exhaling and repeating. He swallowed a puddle of spit pooling on his tongue and looked back at Emerson, finishing her tea with a short sip and folding back the napkin.

– Fame is so good sometimes. Don't take me wrong, I love making music, being rich and travelling around the globe, but the occasional harassment bothers a lot. - Yoongi said tapping his fingers on the table.

Emerson reached his arm and caressed lightly the skin covered with a sweatshirt. Yoongi inclined to the side, laying his head on table, feeling his girlfriend's fingers petting his black hair. Sometimes words weren't required, silence had a lot to say, loud, actions could hold even more significance.

– I love you, cutie pie. - Yoongi mumbled, cheeks squeezed against the wood, but words still bright and clear.

– I love you too, Yoongles. - Emerson replied, still feeling his smooth wires against her skin. Soft touches coming from both sides.

Whoever saw Min Yoongi up spitting on a microphone, saying raw words about political struggles, sex, mental health, life and a few songs based on stories, possibly thought of him as a rough person. No one would ever imagine his soft side, everyone always glanced over and focused on Suga, not Yoongi. The opposition between personality shown and stage name enchanted and intrigued.

Yoongi only allowed a few people to witness his actual personality.

Opening up and letting someone unknown in his personal space, oh it always represented a problem to Yoongi. A lonely soul that hardly had friends, only close to a few people. Bangtan Lads represented friendship and family.

Namjoon, Hoseok, Jungkook, Seokjin, Jimin and Taehyung flew from Korea to England with him after achieving worldwide success, for the sake of their fame moving to a place rather connected to alternative rock sounded as a clever change. Seven korean boys, carrying a bag with worn-out clothes, instruments and golden discs. Simplicity and luxe. Millions of fans, artists and new faces, yet Yoongi only felt truly comfortable around his bandmates.

After a few months living in England, conceding daily interviews and working like horses in new musics, Yoongi decided to try and join a dating app. Hoseok met a few women through Tinder, but happily found Taylor, friends with benefits at first, but a few months later his girlfriend. Witnessing one of the lads glad in a relationship inspired Yoongi, he even paid for Tinder Gold, regretting immensely after two dates and realizing sex could be good, but lacked connections. He needed to connect with that person, deeply to a point where her heartbeat felt like music.

Lonely and slowly giving up, Yoongi felt his heart flutter when Emerson appeared like a butterfly on his eventful yet boring life. Emerson emerged from a calm life working as music critic for Rolling Stones, to the love of Yoongi’s life and his main inspiration.

Everything began when Emerson went to work and received the task of interviewing a korean band. Apparently someone was sick and everyone else had more important stuff to do. She accepted and decided to use the original agenda, adding a few questions and studying every member.

Those who believe would say it was love at first sight, a connection between souls. Not even a word flew across the room, but Yoongi felt butterflies on his stomach and heart beating faster. For a single moment, he even considered the idea of end having a heart attack, because in years no one ever made him feel like that. Emerson lost words and suddenly, there were only Emerson and Yoongi in a room, not the whole Bangtan Lads.

That same day they had dinner together. Chatted, danced and traded cellphone numbers. Instead of going back to his place, Emerson took him to her home and they watched a movie.

For the first time in a almost a whole year living in England, Min Yoongi felt a connection.

- x - x - x -

– I swear that Zeus’s nutsack is the best position ever. - Namjoon said and threw the notebook in Jungkook’s direction, watching him grab it and read all lyrics written down.

– And why should we sing about that? - Seokjin asked raising one eyebrow, expression deadly serious, grabbing his can of Coca-Cola and sipping from the white straw. - I love doggy style, but would never write a whole goddamn song about it.

– I agree with Jin, the world doesn’t need to know what you and Bárbara are up to. I never wanted to know. - Taehyung said and nodded in Jin’s direction, whilst curling a lock of brown hair on his fingertip. - Honestly, I think you need vacations, your ideas are getting cornier, hornier and grossier.

– Let the man live, you guys! - Hoseok said and took the notebook off Jungkook’s hand, being punched in return. - I don’t even know how the fuck is Zeus’s Nutsack, but if our smartpants wants to write about his experience, allow him to do so. - He gazed down at the lyrics on his hands and chuckled. - Sorry Joon, but this time I’m with Tae and Jin, I won’t sing it.

– Please guys! We are an alternative rock band who has three songs about sex, we need something to bring sexy back during the concerts or fans will feel bored. It’s been two tours since Jimin showed his abs during ‘Clarividencia’ for the last time. People are commenting on Twitter. - Namjoon said and pouted.

– Let’s vote. It’s a democracy, isn’t it? - Yoongi asked, emerging from his big and fluff chair and bending down, his upper body supported by the elbows firmly planted on his skinny thighs. - I vote to burn that shit and never mention it again.

Everyone in the studio laughed, except for Namjoon, he shrunk on his spot and turned the page, sketching and randomly drawing circles, looking for inspiration in something other than intercourse. Yoongi watched everyone leave the studio and sat beside him.

– Remember when we first recorded a full-length album and korean managers wanted us to become a pop? They saw potential in every single one of us, but wanted a profitable artist. - Yoongi laid his head on Namjoon's shoulder. - Thankfully we took our content and moved to an indie recording studio. Can you possibly imagine us as Bangtan Sonyeondan? BTS not BTL? We discussed the idea, and the first sketch of success wasn't the right one. Maybe that song is like BTS, a bit more of thought and time may turn it into BTL.

– Are you saying that I should focus less on the movements itself? The song is pretty explicit, so should I use better metaphors? - Namjoon asked, still not looking at Yoongi, but the older man saw a sparkle run through his eyes, like a lightbulb shining with new ideas flowing through his synapses.

– We can work on it later, right now I want to prepare a surprise to Emerson. Can you believe we've been together for 5 years already?

– Yeah, half a decade. - Namjoon said, sighing deeply. - What do you have in mind?

– I'm gonna propose. - Yoongi smiled, a gummy grin with feelings running off the edge. - I've been planning it for two years now. When we completed our third anniversary, Emerson wrote a post on her personal Tumblr about our relationship, mentioning a few situations and funny moments from day to day. That same day I wanted to make a song, but it's easy, within hours I could finish a masterpiece and the effort would be almost none, so I decided to step up my game a little and began writing a book. Poems about her, our partnership, my feelings, everything.

– It's really thoughtful of you, Yoongs. - Namjoon wrote a few random lines on his notebook and turned to look at his friend. - And some folks still dare to claim you are not a romantic guy.

In fact, not even Yoongi saw himself as someone surfing on romance, usually writing about politics and books. Focusing in feelings and matters related to relationship never appealed. He became responsible for most tracks talking about issues of immigrating from Korea to England, emphasizing that fame changed how they saw him, but xenephobia still existed. Bangtan Lads received a Grammy Nomination for ‘Golden Borders’, a whole album shoving in people’s ears how shittily they treated immigrants, but still wished from heart to live in USA.

Using ‘Golden Borders’ as the soundtrack, Emerson made researches and released a documentary about immigrants, showing the ridiculous racism and highlighting double-standards in how right-wing parties treated foreigners victims of war and those just running from economic crisis, but still wealthy. She also reported how politicians like Donald Trump vertiginously changed the meaning of “immigrants”, not differing someone legal from the illegals.

Yoongi was possibly the proudest boyfriend ever accompaining his significant other during the premiere of ‘Invisible: The Truth on Immigrating’. Emerson invited a few famous people who immigrated from their home-countries, along with “common” folks.

Maybe he wasn’t the most romantic boyfriend ever, but still knew how to encourage Emerson. During their relationship, Yoongi convinced her of writing two books, one script for a movie, produce two documentaries and demand her own column on Rolling Stones site. Whilst she inspired and gave ideas to two albums which earned them four Grammy Awards, abetted him into trying something solo, and produce for different artists aside from BTL.

Even though both of them worked massively with media, Emerson and Yoongi never thought about conceding interviews as a couple. Daily invitations for appearances in shows together popped up on their e-mails, but without discussing it they already knew the answer: No.

When asked the reason, Emerson and Yoongi agreed to keep their personal life, well, private. They already shared a few cute moments on Instagram and Tumblr. Why would someone want to dig more into the relationship? Snooping isn't good.

- x - x - x -

– In conclusion. Communism wasn't planned for over populated countries, or planets. - Jade said and chopped in two the turkey sandwich she was holding, taking a bite from one half of it.

Emerson shrugged her shoulders and nodded, agreeing with Jade. Accompanied by Shmailah and Zariah, they were waiting for the reunion with some other journalists from Rolling Stones. The weekly meeting for coming up with ideas to articles, reportages and new ideas for photoshoots to use in scheduled interviews, was about to happen, but only a few professionals were already there.

Usually, the boss bought some goodies to complement and cheer every meeting, but that day in question had food and sandwiches provided by a new diner across the street. They were lolling on burgers, sandwiches and chips, also milkshakes and cherry fizzy drinks.

– My article about nigerian culinary is going smooth. - Zariah said and took a sip from the vanilla milkshake in front of her. - That restaurant I contacted to ask for primary informations, the old lady sent me fried yams. I’m totally sending her a Christmas card and gift, and candy canes for her grandchildren.

– Great! It's so nice when someone values our work and spoils us with small, yet adorable gifts. - Emerson said and dipped one chip in the ketchup sauce. She was sitting curled up, knees touching her chest, not very excited. - By the way, mine about Bollywood is almost done, but I need some new informations. Can you help me, Shims?

– It's not right to assume I know a lot about Bollywood, only based on my bangladeshi heritage… But yes I’m a fucking Bollywood nerd and would love to help. - Shmailah grinned perversely, caressing Emerson's cheek with love, noticing that she seemed a little down lately. - What's up, Em? You don't seem very happy, not even surrounded by your best friends and a whole lot of free junk food.

The parallel conversation between Zariah and Jade quit, suddenly all three pairs of eyes were gazing at Emerson, who felt her cheeks getting warmer. She took another chip and started talking, whilst shaking the potato around, like a wand, before taking a bite and continuing.

– I don't think Yoongi loves me anymore. - She sniffed, swallowing the growing knot in her throat with chips. - We've been together for five years now, but in the last few months he's been a little distant. I know, I know, Yoongi sometimes loses himself inside his own brain, but not distant like that. Far, you know? We used to be so connected, now that connection seems a little faded.

– Oh Emerson. I don't see that happening, ever. - Jade said, bending over the table to grab her fries-less hand. - Yoongi seems so passionate about you. Whenever we go out in group, he only has eyes for you. Like, when Yoongi notices you barely had the opportunity to speak, he always tries to bring you into the conversation. Jimin already witnessed your boyfriend getting distracted and spend several minutes staring at his lockscreen, which is you.

– Totally agree with Jade. Not even dead Yoongi would stop loving you, he would probably find his way back into our spiritual plan only to make sure you are aware of his love. - Shmailah said, watching a shy tear run down Emerson's rosy cheek

– It's so complicated. In the past two months he spent days without showing up at our place, and not caring to tell where he is. Whenever he is around though, the office's chair receives most attention, since Yoongi locks himself there and if I try to get in, he scouts me outside saying it's something related to work. - Emerson tried to swallow the knot again, but now not even milkshake worked, and she sobbed. - Why couldn't I see if it is about work? When he was recording and producing his solo mixtape, I slept on the studio's couch for four days straight, trying to support him. I'd never do anything to ruin whatever he has been working on. We had coffee today at a cafè, but the experience felt so shallow. Small, verging insignificant, talk.

– I’m so sorry to hear that, baby. What if he’s been working in something for you? Like a gift and doesn’t want you to see and spoil the surprise? - Jade asked, raising one eyebrow. - You shouldn’t conclude always the worse, sometimes it is just something you can’t put immediately put together. Consider it and give time to time.

The conversation silenced in the moment everyone else invited to the meeting showed up. Seven other journalists gathered, including the boss, whose appeared holding another tray full of cookies and cupcakes.

– For what it seems like, that diner also has bakery goodies. - Jackie, also know as The Boss, said pushing the tray up on table. - I love so fucking much my job. Whoever don’t can totally stand up and leave, more cupcakes and chips for me, há!

- x - x - x -

Emerson had no time to think about her situation with Yoongi during the afternoon. Work consumed every disposable piece of brain cell, fulfulling a whole week of articles for her column and completing one reportage about self-made millionaires.

However, after leaving the building and heading home, the empty apartment made her shatter out and cry, sobbing and feeling a sudden urge to destroy something. Not only a random object like a glass cup, but something stiffier and harder to fix, like herself. In years working, dating Yoongi and being friends with so many great people, she never felt that need again, honestly, considering the idea of hurting her own body sounded weirdly appealing, after so much improvement, going back felt like a failure.

Maybe the past years left her brain so occupied with every new information, that negative thoughts had no actual space, a little tab in the corner that was muted by Yoongi’s voice. Now, without his presence and strong connection, Emerson silenced all other tabs, only listening to the one where haters were loud, depression and self-harm spoke freely.

Years of self-improvement faded within a pinch, a thin drop of blood coming from her thigh stained the beige pants, and Emerson left the small, yet painful, piece of skin go from between her long nails.

Weak and sobbing, she reunited all forces and stood up from the front door, walking slowly in bedroom’s direction, wishing only to lay down, curl up inbetween the duvets and sleep, ignoring any bad temptations, observing them disappear along with conscience.

Old monsters, some she saw as teenage ghosts, showed up. Emerson felt stupid for harming herself over such a small reason. Independent woman, smart, successful, amazing close friends, and yet the major breakdown in years was happening because of a man. What kind of mean joke could that be?

She wished so hard to pull herself together again, living happily and not getting to precipitated conclusions over small situations. That's it, maybe she was only overreacting. What if she is not? What if the connection between them is, indeed, fading? What if? What? What?

What was their mistake?

What was her mistake?

Was there a mistake?

Cruel trick her own brain was playing. Blackjack with sanity. Poker with happiness. What did she had to bet? Of course, Emerson conquered a lot in years, how much of that could she lose? Golden Globe? Literature prizes? All had her name embedded in wood. Friendships? Weekly night-outs proved that their bond didn't change within years. Why then only Yoongi seemed to slip through her fingers? The only thing she would miss the most, fading like smoke on the water.

Sometimes, the smartest, strongest, toughest people can go through menaces with delight and peace. Though, their inner monsters exist, and can seem small for whoever witnesses from outside, but a spider is a huge matter to a fly. Struggles and fears, perspective changes them.

Judging someone's feelings and fright isn't up to us.

- x - x - x -

That night Yoongi meant to crash down at the studio, but Namjoon showed up close to midnight, accompanied by his girlfriend, a small and chubby woman with wild brown hair, and also followed by Jimin and Jade, Jin and DiLayla. Their Instagram revealed that everyone had dinner, sponsored by a fancy restaurant trading food for audience.

– Why is everyone here grating me with the grace of your presence? Is there a party happening in my studio and I'm not invited? - Yoongi asked sarcastically, saving the new poem written before anyone could ruin it.

– Cut it out, Yoongi. - Jade said taking her thick beige coat off, leaving it on the black couch. - Don't you think you've been spending way too much time working? Stuck in your office or studio?

Her tone seemed mysterious, as if she meant something more than what was actually voiced. Yoongi felt intrigued watching everyone getting comfortable. Were they intervening?

– What is that? An intervention? I don't do drugs. - Yoongi joked, only him laughing, everyone else seemed morosed.

– See Yoongs, we were having dinner and suddenly Emerson became a subject of discussion. - Jin spoke trying to look chill, but very tense. - Jade mentioned that Emerson has been feeling a bit… Ignored lately. Bárbara and DiLayla agreed...

– Let me speak, love. - DiLayla touched Jin's shoulder and stood up. - Emerson mentioned to us that you’ve been working way too much, even at home, and she thinks you don't love her anymore. Basically, she feels like your connection is slowly vanishing.

– Namjoon told us what you've been planning for proposing to her, and honestly, I will take note and use a few of your ideas someday. - Jimin gave a side grin to Jade, watching how she blushed and continued. - But maybe, just maybe, you focused so much on something to her, that kind of forgot her? Not literally, we know you love Emerson with every beat of your heart, your maeum [마음, something like feelings], but you know, you can't starve a man before feeding him…

– What? Emerson is feeling neglected? - Yoongi asked, chocked and feeling his heart breaking.

Yoongi turned the chair around when tears verged to fall, not wanting to face his friends whilst crying. Jin, Jimin and Namjoon only saw him emotionally shattered in two situations. Feeling raw and vulnerable always made him uncomfortable, mainly being stared by people he had no intimacy, like his friends’s girlfriends, they were cool, but not close enough to watch him with guards down.

The young man hated this aspect of him. He despised how inadvertently his mind let things pass without noticing, facts around that could vastly affect his life, personal or professional. Having Emerson always picking up on him about unhealthy habits made it easier to don't die after spending three days living off hard liquor and olives, and overworking.

He wasn't someone mindless, or easily distracted, but Emerson helped him to focus in more than one thing at once, like working, but still resting enough, or channeling the best from every situation. Hiding something from her, avoided the warnings. Without realizing, Yoongi evicted his girlfriend from working aspects of him.

Maybe Jimin was right. He focused so much in doing something for Emerson, that he forgot to live with Emerson.

Goddamn it, Yoongi!

Namjoon looked around and politely asked everyone to leave the studio for a moment. He pulled a chair and sat beside Yoongi, caressing his trembling shoulder.

– I don't think I ever saw you crying over something so simple to solve. - Namjoon whispered, still petting his friend's shoulder. - You know nothing is lost and what to do is actually easy. The solution may ruin a huge surprise, but it is going to soothe a small injure caused by itself.

– What if Emerson has been considering to break up? Oh fuck, Joon! What if I ruined it all? - Yoongi used his sleeves to dry off his tears. - What if everything is so lost that not even all poems I wrote could fix it?

– See, a few weeks ago me and Barbs were talking about couples that gathered together along the past years. - Namjoon said and stopped caressing Yoongi's shoulder. - First, Hoseok and Taylor, then you and Emerson, Jade and Jimin, Di and Jin, me and her, Zariah and Jungkook, and Shims with Tae. I think we created an equilibrium in universe. Everyone is such a great and right match that if at some point one these couples break up, a new Big Bang would happen, cuz the mutual decision could ruin the universal balance.

“I'm not being far-fetched, I swear in the name of Stephen Hawking. - Namjoon spoke and made a cross in his chest. - Sometimes a long-term relationship can go through challenges. Two different people sharing a life of experience cannot live without occasional fights, bickering or arguing. We are human, even the most rational ones can be stubborn. All you have to do is insist. Although, it seems like Emerson loves you as much as you love her, so the only struggle here is distance.”

– You are right, but I’m still feeling like a sucker. - Yoongi snuffled, cleaning the coryza from his runny nose. - But as Emerson already told me, I should learn from my mistakes, then use it on an inspirational song, making my fans wander on what actually gave me the idea to it. - He grinned passionately and turned his cellphone screen on, staring at the lockscreen: a stunning picture of Emerson in Japan, smiling, using a flower crown and surrounded by cherry blossoms. - I love her so much.

Next thing processed by cameras around the building was a very hurry Yoongi grabbing his stuff, leaving a group of friends behind. A determined face, quick steps and then driving fast through the parking lot, tyres screaming like Robert Plant in the beginning of ‘Immigration Song’.

- x - x - x -

Emerson woke up in a startle after hearing the front door banging loudly. Still sleepy, she had no energy to stand up and check what was happening. Sleep whilst crying is exhausting, you wake up psychologically weary. After a few minutes and heavy steps, she heard someone calling her name, more specifically, Yoongi calling chanting her name.

She stood up, bringing one of the duvets along, and walked to the room, where Yoongi was crouched down, sitting on his calfs, typing something on the laptop he settled on the coffee table. When the man side glanced Emerson, he got up on his feet and hugged her, feeling his heart shatter with the small, yet present, dot of blood staining her beige pants.

– I’m so sorry. Forgive me, please… - Yoongi whispered, trying not to cry again, not before actually accomplishing his new goal for the night. Also, his mind was worried about the blood on her leg. - Did you hurt yourself, baby? Oh fuck, did you?

– Why? What did you do? - Emerson questioned feeling his arms around her, resisting before letting the duvet down and hugging him back. - I pinched myself a little too hard, but I swear it wasn't serious. Sorry...

– I was distant and absent from your life, and now you are convinced I don’t love you anymore. - He swallowed the knot on his throat, still trying not to cry. - It’s so dumb, because the only thing I love more than you is my music, but you are the inspiration for my work, so you are my music… And I made you hurt yourself.

– No, please Yoongles, it was a small relapse. Not worth of a fuzz. It won't happen again. - She felt his uneven heart beat against her ear, touching his chest. - Who told you that? Who told you how I was feeling? - Her arms quit hugging him, a tension running through both bodies.

– I don’t know, today I was finishing a project for you in my studio and Namjoon, Jin and Jimin showed up, they were accompained by their girlfriends. They told me how you were feeling and made me realize how far I’ve been, and how cold I acted earlier. - He seemed uncomfortable revealing his sources of information, but the truth would end up appearing anyways.

– Wait a second… - Emerson dried the single tear left running down her cheek and stared Yoongi. - Have you been working in something for me? Like, a surprise? A gift?

Yoongi shrugged his shoulders and nodded. His mind was hazy and the urge to just kneel and propose to Emerson without previous background was slowly taking over his guts. He couldn’t predict her reaction, since every brain cell were occupied on finding the right words. Fortunately, the woman grinned shyly and blushed, gazing down on the laptop.

They sat down in front of the open laptop, his arms around her shoulders. Yoongi sighed and pressed the ‘enter’ key, watching Power Point opening and a clear book cover appeared, mint coloured like his hair.

The book Yoongi worked for two years was almost ready. Whilst looking for good names and aesthetics a japanese word loomed from his pre-teenage memories: ishin-denshin (以心伝心) and his book title fitted like a glove. A compilation of poems and the last one, in Yoongi’s humble oppinion, the most majestic one was named after the piece itself. He planned on proposing whilst reading to Emerson.

– You asked me nothing, but I feel the need to explain what’s in front of you. - Yoongi cleared his throat, watching Emerson’s eyes scanning the screen. - My gift for our fifth anniversary was a book. I’ve been planning it for two years now, and in the last two or three months I reached the final details, which were cover and last poem. I never allowed you to see it, because I wanted it to be a surprise. I guess old habits never die, because during the time spent working on that book, I isolated myself from you and gave a wrong impression. Sorry.

– It's so beautiful, even though I don't even know what the title means. - Emerson said and sobbed, smiling through tears. - If the whole book is in japanese, then it would be good if you taught me how to read.

– Oh, cutie pie. I love you so much. - Yoongi snorted and kissed the top of Emerson's head, whose felt so loved, more than she felt in months. - It's, indeed, in japanese. Ishin-denshin, it's a kind of interpersonal communication, unspoken, but the understanding is still mutual. Something like, heart transmits what mind thinks. That word was a trend back in my pre-teenage years, never thought I would use it.

Emerson turned to look Yoongi. His eyes were watering, but no tears falling. She smiled, happily and kissed him. In months, they kissed plenty of times, but none of them had the same meaning as this one. It wasn't sexy or teasingly, if we are going to be honest, the kiss was salty with tears and, well, coryza. Emerson and Yoongi were slowly reconnecting.

The kiss stopped when their lungs claimed for air. After a few smooches, they got back to stare the screen.

– I love you so much, Yoongles. - Emerson felt a magnetic force making her back look for support on his chest, diminishing the space between them. - I know it's dumb, but I firmly believe we are soulmates, there is a supernatural connection between us, and considering the idea of losing you… it made me so desperate and sad. I know I would keep living, but my soul would never feel completed again.

– I know baby, I feel the same way, but instead of voicing my feelings, why don't you read a few poems I wrote? -Yoongi leaned and wrapped one of his arms around her shoulders again, smiling passionately whilst seeing skinny knees touching the chest, covered by a fluff light pink sweatshirt with ‘Treat People With Kindness’ written in a plain white font. He remembered the day they bought the piece of clothing after a Harry Styles concert in London. What a fun night, hanging around with him after the event. As Yoongi said earlier, being famous has its perks.

Emerson felt immersed in deep feelings, some of them not even voiced during their relationship. Yoongi wrote small poems about every aspect of her: from her cute moles, to how he loved petting her hair before sleeping, or how her voice was sweet like honey and face cute as a mochi. Everything, he wrote inspired by moments they shared, like the trip to Japan during spring, or New Year’s Eve in China. The first time Emerson tried kim chi and how her nose puckered when the spicy taste finally hit her taste buds. When she first attended to Bangtan Lads concert and fanchanted along with ARMYs, taking a few of them to backstage. Travelling to Brazil and messaging Bárbara instead of using Google Translator.

They lived so many precious moments together. Yoongi made sure over 100 of them became art through emotional poems.

The last one, named ‘Ishin-denshin’. She took a deep breathe, still sobbing with happy tears running down her face. The silence only broken by occasional snorts and chuckles. However, Yoongi was getting more tense, staring at her eyes.

Ishin-denshin

Once upon a time in the far land of England

A woman gave birth to love impersonated in flesh, blood and gold

No one knew how important she was and how lucky they were

Until chaos from Korea arrived and trapped her in maeum.

Connections can cross the border of space and time

Voices and signs

Touches and sights

You and me, hands holding tight.

Love is a matter of ishi-denshin

Ability to communicate from mind to heart

Open up on a gaze

Not a sound to be heard from mouth.

Thankfully chaos and peace mingle and complete each other

Yin and Yang united by their differences

Perfecting what was already sculpted with dust and water

Remodeling and always improving, resulting in brand new peculiarities.

Love and connections are the result of fighting

Nothing good comes easy

Nothing easy is good

Once you find balance, universe rewards you with love.

Continents separated us for most part of our days on earth

Wandering uneven, looking for the half that best fit our soul

Happily odds were and allowed what resulted in balance

Only imagining myself without you, even my brain in plain conscience feels afoul.

Don’t you dare saying you are not good enough

Cutie pie, you are unique like flakes of snow

Every drop has its own shape

Unique, you never see two looking the same.

My heartbeat is in sync with yours

Slow like when we sleep

Or when we kiss after a long period apart, tumbling in ribcage, rhythm vigorous

I thank everyday for finding my soulmate in a sweetheart like you.

Stay for as long as you want

I feel lucky only by having in my life as a constant

Luckily it won’t change much

When I finally make you a Min like me, everything mine will be ours.

When Emerson finished reading ‘Ishin-denshin’, Yoongi didn’t quite gave her time to think broader and stood up, pulling the woman together. Standing side by side, he kneeled in front of Emerson and proclaimed, among tears and sobs, holding one hand whilst looking for something in his back pocket.

– Emerson, after all those words you’ve read, would you give me the honour of becoming my Mrs.Min?

– The only possible answer is yes.

- x - x - x -

P:S I purple you <3

[thorongil82]

Silver Rings for a Web of Love - Chapter 1

Summary: After having to deal with every little thing that could have gone wrong; the breaking of the Avengers in the Civil War, Rhodey's injuries, the coming of Thanos, The Infinity War, The Decimation, returning the fallen to the land of the living, and battling Secretary Ross and the United Nations over amending the Sokovia Accords, finally Tony Stark has earned time for a break. Finally the world seems to be peaceful enough for a wedding that he knows is long overdue. Finally, he can marry Pepper Potts and all the Avengers are invited. Though a certain Spiderling's life may not be quite the way he would like it to be. 

Yes, he may still be the masked hero of Queens that the majority of the public adores. Yes, he may be studying in NYU in engineering and chemistry. Yes, he may be sharing an apartment with his best friend, Ned Leeds. But, when it comes to a certain snarky, frizzy haired girl who'd been observing him since high school, things haven't gone quite as smoothly as his heart so desperately hopes it had. Maybe a couple of weeks away can change that …

Chapter: 1/?

Words: 3601

A/N: So, I kinda ended up having this idea while writing the next chapter for Every Waking Nightmare. And, because I was a little stagnant in working on that, I moved onto this to help keep some creative juices flowing. Just, some quick information: 

First, this is set both after Endgame and after Far From Home, though admittedly I don't know when FFH will be. But, as they still seem to be in high school there, this should definitely be afterwards. Secondly, even though it will have a lot of other characters and it is a Stark Wedding AU, this is much more a Spideychelle fic than anything else. Thirdly, this'll run in an AU where everyone returns after Endgame, regardless of if they were taken out by The Decimation or killed in the lead up to it. Characters that died before Infinity War, I'm still tossing up on. Fourthly, there may be some stuff later on that may require trigger warnings. If there are, I'll let you know beforehand. 

Finally, and I apologise for the long note to begin, I'm going to try something a bit new with this. My thought was to open each chapter with a quote relating to the theme, and a song/video that I listened to whilst writing the chapter out. Would be good to here your thoughts on it. Anyway, that's enough from me. Onwards!

As a quick note for the Tumblr readers, I’m posting this on both AO3 and Tumblr. Trying something new. As such, there may be slight edits to accompany the change, but otherwise things should stay the same. There’s a link on my blog to the AO3 version if you prefer that, because I still don’t know if the linking issue has been fixed yet or not. 

Chapter 1 - An Invitation Plus One

Song of the Chapter: Interstate Love Song - Stone Temple Pilots

"Immature love says: 'I love you because I need you.' Mature Love says: 'I need you because I love you."

~ Erich Fromm

It wasn't every day that Peter got to travel to the Avengers compound. Sure, Mr. Stark had been trying to get more in contact with him, to make him a much more integral part of the team, but his classes at NYU would, at times, get in the way. Plus he could never abandon his duties to the people of New York. When he had first turned down joining the Avengers, he had wanted to keep close to the ground. Build up his experience. Look out for the little guy. Still try to live the life a kid like he was should have been able to.

Of course, a big purple alien decided to throw a big wrench in that plan. Or, rather, a giant spaceship. And a large golden gauntlet.

He knew he didn't have to go and help. But he had to. What else was he supposed to do? There was a giant spaceship shaped like a spinning donut in the sky. He had to make sure that his classmates didn't get hurt. And, obviously, the best thing his mind could come up with was to leap out of a moving bus with just his mask on and swing away after a distraction from Ned – he'll thank whatever deity he needs to for the fact that Ned was as surprised as he was – to go and stop the invaders. So, he got to reunite with and fight alongside Iron Man, meet a couple of wizards and a levitating cloak, and fight against and with a group of aliens. It could have been a power team. Maybe it should have been. Dr. Strange had looked into the future. He saw the one way that we could win. The plan was set. They had Thanos beaten. Mr. Stark was so close to taking off the gauntlet. He himself was so close. But the other human, Starlord, he had to go and lose control. It didn't make sense at the time. Everyone nearly died. Thanos nearly killed Mr. Stark. Strange gave up his stone. And then half the universe just disappeared. One by one they faded away. And, damn his senses, he felt it coming before it happened. It had felt horrible. Every fibre of his being screaming and tearing away, with nothing that he could do. Actually fading away caused no pain. Maybe it was because of how panicky he had been once he figured out what his instincts were howling at him. However, he still felt a lot of pain when it took hold. The fading, that wasn't it. The others that were dusted said that it just didn't feel like anything. They deduced that it was his healing factor working overtime to try and keep himself together. It had been so much that it nearly killed him a second time when the remaining Avengers succeeded in defeating Thanos and bringing everyone back to life. Mr. Strange magically transported The Guardians and them both back to Earth from Titan. Everything was finally over. The Avengers were, for the most part, back together again, with some new recruits; aliens, wizards, two humans that have travelled through the stars, and a high school student.

After the conflict, the public had, for the most part, rallied behind the Rouge Avengers, and the long fight to rectify the Accords fairly could carefully begin. The Rouge Avengers were pardoned, against the urges of Secretary Ross, and the others were invited to officially join the group. Everyone except Spider-Man, because everyone; the Avengers, the Rouges, the new recruits, and the few outside the superhero cohort still intricately involved, agreed that it would be a very bad idea for the world to find out his secret identity while he was still just a kid. So it was that Peter unofficially became an Avenger, and still is. The world still doesn't know who lies underneath the red-and-blue spandex, or whatever other suit is required for the job. And as far as everyone else knows, Peter Parker goes to the Avengers compound as Tony Stark's part-time assistant. Which isn't exactly a lie – he does do a fair amount of inventing and engineering for Stark Industries, alongside helping with some upgrades for Avengers gear. And, as far as he's aware, that is why he is being driven through the gates and up the driveway of the compound right now.

“You good, kid?” comes the voice of Happy Hogan from the driver's seat. Despite the years, he hasn't changed a lot from what Peter has seen. He still travels everywhere in a suit and hasn't observably aged. However, from his conversations and reports, Peter has noticed how he seems to have softened a little.

“Yeah. Why do you ask?”

“You're just … oddly quiet,” he answers as the car pulls up to the front of the complex.

“I'm just thinking about stuff. Things I can do during spring break,” Peter explains, lying through his teeth for the second part.

“Ah huh ...” Happy nods. For what it's worth to Peter, it doesn't seem like he's noticed the lie he told. Though, Happy was never one to wear his emotions on his sleeve, unless it was either stress or anger.

“I'm not carrying your bag, kid,” Happy says as he turns around, breaking Peter out of his train of thought. Looking around, he could see the car had stopped a while ago.

“Oh, uh … yeah, right,” Peter stammers, his hand quickly snaking to rub the back of his neck. “Thanks, Happy.”

Happy gives him a nod as the spiderling grabs the backpack beside him and slings it over his shoulder before dashing out of the vehicle. Striding out and climbing up the stairway, Peter arrives inside the sparkling clean foyer.

“Hello, Peter,” greeted the soothing feminine voice of F.R.I.D.A.Y. from above.

“Hey, Friday.”

“You're here early.”

“Yeah, Mr. Stark asked me to come in today instead of tomorrow,” Peter replied as he began walking through the complex.

“The boss has been alerted of your arrival. He's on his way down.”

“Thanks, Fri.”

Peter Parker continued his walk through the complex, passing multiple suits and artefacts from previous battles that were no longer in use; such as the dilapidated remains of several Iron Man suits including the battered and scarred mask of the first nanotech suit, a few pieces of weaponry out of War Machine's arsenal, Captain America's strike suit, sketches and designs of suits for several of the Avengers, and a jet-black hooded outfit and mask with blood orange and golden outlines, metallic gauntlets and a sleek katana that no one had bothered to tell the young Parker who it belonged to. It was while his gaze lingered on the more menacing outfit that the nearby elevator opened up, from within which Tony Stark strode out.

“Ah, there you are, kid,” the playboy billionaire says with a smile as he walks out of the elevator, snapping Peter out of his trance.

“Hey, Mr. Stark.”

“You know you can call me Tony, right?” he questions as he puts an arm round the young Parker and leads him into the elevator.

“Yeah,” Peter admits, shifting his weight from side to side as the elevator doors slide shut in front of them. “Force of habit.”

“Well, at least you were raised polite. School going alright? I've still got pull at MIT if you want to change-”

“It's fine, Mr. Sta- I mean, Tony,” the young adult catches himself, shaking his head slightly at his mistake. “No problems.”

“You sure?” Tony asks as he shifts his gaze down to his assistant.

“Yep. Work's all finished. Had an exam today. I'm pretty sure it went alright. Just got one more tomorrow and then-”

“Spring break, right?”

Peter nods.

“Ah, spring break, such fond memories … Lots of parties, plenty of girls …”

“Really?”

“Well I assume so,” Tony says with a shrug. “I was rich and a ladies man, but I also drank like a sailor. My memory isn't what it once was.”

“But you're one of the smartest people in the world!”

“Nah, everyone's starting to catch up,” Tony says, waving his hand as if to dismiss Peter's previous statement. “And a couple seem to be passing me by already – yourself included.”

“I wouldn't say that,” Peter chuckles embarrassingly, his hand snaking round his neck once again.

“So, you got any plans?”

“Uh, no … not really,” Peter replies as the elevator doors open, the billionaire and the spiderling walking through the shiny corridor towards Mr. Stark's personal laboratory.

“Really? Nothing? A good guy like you?”

Peter shakes his head.

“No parties? No girls? No heavy drinking?”

“No sir,” Peter answers, getting a grimace from the cocky philanthropist.

“That formality probably has something to do with it,” Tony mutters as they enter his lab.

Peter's face lights up as the room bursts into light, illuminating all the equipment, prototypes, particles, shiny metal and machinery thrown all over the place. He dashes over to the large pearl-white workbench in the centre of the room, his feet sliding along the polished floor as he comes to a stop. As soon as his hands press down on the work surface, the top dilutes to a dark cobalt-blue before sparking to life, an electric-blue hologram projecting upwards from the surface and shifting to form a large intricate design that appeared to be blueprints for a new type of Iron Man suit.

“So, what are we working on today, Mr- uh … Tony?” the young Parker inquires as his eyes dance with the light of the projection, remembering to catch himself on the name.

“First things first,” Tony interjects, sauntering slowly to the bench and waving a hand through the air, swiping the design back down into the table. He then reaches into his suit pocket and pulls out an envelope, handing it to Peter. “This is for you.”

Peter takes the envelope with an inquisitive look and opens it, pulling out a small folded page with a flowery pattern adorning the border. Unfolding it, he begins to read the words:

Mr. Peter Parker

You are cordially invited by

Tony Stark and Pepper Potts

to celebrate their union in holy matrimony. 

“W-Wait,” Peter exclaims, his eyes going wide. “This is for your wedding!”

“That's right,” Tony bluntly answers, shrugging his suit jacket off his shoulders before tossing it through the air, a coat hanger descending from the ceiling and catching it somewhat roughly before elevating back up into the roof.

“Bu- Wha- Why am I-” Peter stammers, his mind and mouth both currently being completely unable to form a simple sentence. His disbelieving laugh dies as he looks up at the smirking face of his mentor. “Th-This can't be right.”

“And why's that?”

“Well, I mean, why would I be invited?”

“Hmm, let's see here … Uh, you're part of the team, you help me out in here plenty of times, I have a certain amount of care for you that goes well beyond what most people could even dream of ...” Mr. Stark lists off, counting off each point on his fingers.

“That can't be … Is that true?”

“Don't interrupt me, I wasn't finished,” Tony says, holding up a hand. “Now, where was I?”

“The Care Bear Protocol,” F.R.I.D.A.Y. answers from above.

“Wait, Care Bear Protocol?!” Peter exclaims, eyes shooting towards Tony Stark.

“Unimportant details,” he responds, waving away the young Parker's many unspoken questions both figuratively and literally as one of his hands sails through the air in front of him.

“Oh god,” Peter groans, a hand flying up to hide his shame as his face quickly heats up in embarrassment.

“You're smart, respectable, polite,” Tony continues listing, as if the previous interruption hadn't happened, “Everyone on the team loves having you around, you brighten everyone's day, you're a hero to the people and you're probably the best out of all of us. So, yes, you're invited.”

Peter hesitantly looks back at the invitation, taking in the information.

“So, this is why you wanted me here today?”

“Yep. Pepper and I are leaving tomorrow after we finish up with some meetings.”

“The wedding's in a fortnight, though,” Peter observes, reading from the invitation and looking up with a puzzled expression.

“We could do with a break beforehand,” Tony explains, crossing his arms over the reactor in his chest. “Won't really have too much time for a honeymoon afterwards, so might as well get it over with beforehand with the team.”

Peter goes to open his mouth, but is cut off as Mr. Stark adds, “And yes, that includes you.”

“Cool! But … I've got an exam tomorrow. I can't just leave tomorrow.”

“Check the envelope.”

Peter takes another look inside the envelope and pulls out two plane tickets, boarding passes and small cards similar to the ID scanners that everyone uses in the newly re-bought and re-furnished Stark Tower. Looking at the plane tickets, Peter noted the departure time for 0800 hours on Saturday; the day after tomorrow.

“You're not the only one who can't get there straight away,” Tony explains. “Some are still getting there mid-week. I'd already checked in with NYU about when your exams were and planned around it.”

“Um … Mr. Stark?” Peter says, looking back up at his mentor.

“That name's not going to go away, is it?” Tony sighs, causing Peter's eyes to widen at his comment.

“Uh … probably not,” Peter answers guiltily.

“Don't worry, kid,” Tony says with a smile, bringing a smile to his student. “What is it?”

“Why are there two of all these?”

“Oh, well that's because everyone can bring someone along, and you've been put down for a 'plus one',” Mr. Stark clarifies.

“But I don't think I'll be able to bring anyone.”

“Really? No one?”

“Well, May's going to be away in Hawaii for another wedding, and Ned's going on a holiday with his family and his girlfriend.”

“What about that girl you hang around?”

“Michelle? No! Nonononono!” Peter frantically utters, vehemently shaking his head. “That would not be a good idea.”

“Why not?” Tony asks, eyebrows raising up in surprise. “I thought you guys were pretty close.”

“We are- were. It's … uh … It's not great …”

“What happened? You always use to spew your guts about every little thing about her. It got pretty annoying.”

“Um … you remember what happened in Europe?” Tony nods. “Well … we were kinda supposed to go on a date …”

“Wait, you were supposed to go on a date, or you were kinda going on a date?”

“We were going on a date … kinda.”

Tony sighs and shakes his head, but motions for the kid to continue.

“Well … we were going to be going to a carnival, but I was running a little late. On the way, one of Beck's goons tricked me and I ended up fighting Beck. By the time I had him webbed up, I was super late and she was so frustrated at me. She just screamed and shouted at me at the hotel and then didn't speak to me for the next three months.”

“Did you tell her why you missed it?” Tony asks. Peter drops his gaze to the floor and shakes his head, sinking into a nearby chair. Tony sighs and goes up to the youth, clapping a hand down on his fallen shoulder. “Well, that would have been a start. It could've helped her understand-”

“No! No, I … I can't tell her,” Peter states, his hands fumbling in the air in front of him. “I-I … I just can't.”

“Kid, all relationships are built on trust-”

“You don't understand: I can't tell her because she doesn't know I'm Spider-Man!” Peter declares, looking up at Tony Stark. “I … I never told her.”

“Why wouldn't you tell her?”

“I didn't want her to be hurt. I-If more people keep finding out who I am, then they'll be in danger. Vulture threatened to hurt everyone and Mysterio used his knowledge to distract me and lure me away.”

“We can take care of-”

“It's not the same. The Avengers can take care of each other. May, Ned, MJ … I-If someone like that comes after them …”

“It's alright, kid. Nothing's going to happen to them,” Tony assures as he crouches down in front of Peter, rubbing the younger man's legs as his eyes seem to stare off into space. His breathing quickens and becomes shorter as the panic starts to set in. “Hey, look at me. Peter.”

Peter slowly lifts his head to look at his mentor's eyes.

“Follow my breathing, okay?”

The young adult nods and follows as Tony starts with a normal paced breath, waiting for Peter's to drop down and meet it before carefully slowing it down until the young Parker had calmed down.

“All good, kid?”

Peter swallows and nods in response.

“Do you want my advice?”

Peter nods again.

“Okay. If you want to fix things between the two of you, my suggestion is that you tell her.”

“But I-”

“Don't interrupt,” Mr. Stark says abruptly, causing Peter to shut his mouth. “Do you still like her?”

“It's … It's complicated.”

“Kid, it's a yes or no question.”

“Well … Yes,” Peter admits, running a hand through his short curls. “But, it's not that easy.”

“Sure it is,” Stark responds with a shrug. “Three simple words: I am Spider-Man. Nice and short. Just like when I announced myself.”

“No, it's not,” Peter disputes. “I can't. I can't bring her into this world. If … If someone finds out, and she gets hurt … I just can't loose her again. I wouldn't be able to live with myself if she's hurt because of me.”

“You realise you're saying this to a guy who's about to get married, right?”

“I-I didn't mean-”

“Look, kid,” Tony interjects, clearing his throat, “I know how you feel. It took me years to work up the courage to ask Pepper to marry me. And even then, it kept getting put off because of all these people that think they're powerful enough to rule the world. Or the galaxy. Or … whatever. Point is, in that time I realised something. It wouldn't matter how she felt about me, or whether we were together or not. So long as I cared about her, she would be in danger. People kept targeting her to get to me. Didn't matter what stage our relationship was in. So, if I was the one that was keeping her in danger, then I would do whatever it takes to make sure she's safe.”

“Also,” he continues as Peter opens his mouth, “if you want to be happy in life, then your better off being with the people you love. It'll hurt you to keep them at a distance, and it can hurt them too if they don't know why you're pushing them away.”

“So, what should I do?”

“Try to patch things up. I'm assuming you guys are at least in a civil acquaintanceship?”

“Yeah, I guess,” Peter answers glumly. “There are times were it seems friendly, and times where it still seems like she hates my guts. Then again, she is pretty dry and standoff-ish to everyone anyway, so that might just be her being who she is.”

“Then ask her to come. Tell her you're Spider-Man and bring her along.”

“Just like that? Hi, just thought I'd let you know I'm Spider-Man. Do you want to come to a wedding? I can't do that!”

“Fine, pick your moment. But I still want you to invite her.”

“And how do I explain that we'll be staying with The Avengers?”

“Why wouldn't The Avengers be there?”

“It's not that. It's just … what perfectly normal reason would there be for me to be there?”

“Well, if she-”

“One that doesn't involve me telling her I'm Spider-Man,” Peter cuts off Tony Stark, resulting in a glare from his mentor.

“Eh, we'll get there when we get there.”

“That's not really the kind of answer I was looking for.”

“Well, you keep wanting to make it difficult.”

“This is not going to go well,” Peter groans and drops his head into his hands before running them through his hair.

Tony sighs and stands up, walking over to the bench. He taps a couple of times on the surface, causing the bench-top to flash blue, before pinching the air and dragging upwards, springing up the holographic blueprints from earlier.

“How about we have a look at this?” Tony suggests as he folds his arms over his chest, getting Peter to look back up at him. “It'll help get your mind off your troubles, and get your head in gear for your exams tomorrow.”

Peter pushes himself out of his chair and stands next to Mr. Stark.

“Sure, but … um … I already planned to go to May's afterwards for dinner. I said I'd be there by 7.”

“What time is it now, Fri?” Tony asks, his eyes focusing on the designs.

“2:13,” the AI answers from above.

“Ah, we've got plenty of time,” Mr. Stark says, unfolding one of his arms and resting it on Peter's shoulder. “Hell, we'll probably have this all finished well before then.”

His arms shoot out to the holograms and brush a couple of designs aside before focusing in on the reactor and energy couplets and bringing his hands out wide, zooming into the design.

“How about we focus here first?”

A/N: So, there we go. First one out of the way. A shorter chapter than what I typically write, but probably about right for an introduction. Things may get longer. 

I'd like to hear your thoughts on the chapter. Suggestions, criticisms, ideas, all of that is welcome. In particular, I don't necessarily have a complete idea for events that they will all do before the wedding, so if there's anything in particular you want to see, whether it be an event, a face-off, or a particular relationship development event, please feel free to let me know and I'll see what I can do.

The next chapter will be uploaded as it's written. So, until then, adios.