#flaime

[foreststarflaime]

Day 7: Moon

The Moon Khopesh, dual blades made of the silvery light of the night wielded by my oc Silva Starfate, the Silver Crescent knight of the moon!

bonus tiiny little excerpt from the scene where she finds them from the first draft of the manuscript of the book she's from:

Despite their alien appearance, they felt familiar—no, not quite that…like home, perhaps? But no—simply right is the best way to describe it, I suppose. They felt right in her hands, and they fit there perfectly, as if they were made for her, sending an electric shiver of delight down her spine. While she held them wonderingly she felt alive again, alive as she hadn’t felt since the arrow that killed her. And as she pondered this the light of the stars and the moon grew bright in her mind’s eye, so bright it should have been blinding and yet wasn’t, so bright the light became as a thing liquid and flowed gloriously through her, through the veins of her arms and then through her hands and then into the hilts and finally pooling in the invisible mold of what should be and forging it into what is; the blades.

[flaim-ita]

Michinaga is so consistent. He grows but he doesn’t change. He believes that happiness is just living with the simple things needed to be happy like food. He knows the world isn’t about grand ideals but has assigned himself to the endless task of destroying the systems that cause suffering. He wants to care and never knows quite how.

“My wish is to crush selfish Riders like you” to “This is about those who hurt others for the sake of their own happiness”, he is the same, But he is kinder, and he is happier, and he is more mature.

[ghostinthetumbchine]

Not gonna lie, people who are whining about how trop does not potray a clean, straightforward complete good vs complete evil or that the bad guy is being "made" sympathetic (ridiculous claim when tolkien is the one who gave him this sympathetetic /freudian reason, all this series is doing is coloring in the blanks) make me feel like so many people read this story with their brains on vacation. Or didnt read it at all, at best just skimmed it and are only pretending to be tolkien fans when they're in reality peter jackson fans.

Because the "i would use this enourmous power on and over my surroundings with the intention to do good but it would not stop there" is repeated so many times, through so many characters and situations that it at some points feels like tolkien was trying to hit people over the head with it. And yet, someohow, to this day, so many miss it

[chancellorxofxtrash]

Curious about Decade Fairytale Bullshit

Not a lot is written in it but

“Sacrifices mean that you might not leave to look for a job elsewhere, because you need to look after your home, like Yusuke is doing,” Natsumi snapped. “Sacrifices do not mean sending people out for the forest to devour.” “Oh, but it does,” Her grandfather hummed. “Their sacrifices mean we stay safe. It’s an honor.” Natsumi did not agree. But her grandfather went missing one day - and Natsumi would dream about walking barefoot in the forest. She’d dream about calling out a name she couldn’t recall after waking up, and she’d dream of two hands covering her eyes. “Found you,” The being whispered into her ear, and then she woke up.

[iristial]

As a fellow Aruto fan sorry for contributing to the disk horse 😔. I love Keiwa for very much the same reasons as Aruto but holy fuck does the boy have some mental illness and personal issues to work through before he can become his best self. Nonetheless, I have hope for him!

Takahashi has this thing where his good boys are still allowed to be flawed and nuanced and hurt people in rather unique ways (they are allowed to be ANGRY and VENGEFUL when they are hurt) and it’s hard for fandom to accept the whole of this kind of character. I think it does a disservice to Keiwa to ignore his flaws as much as it does to act like he isn’t still Trying.

He pinned his hopes through twisted words of those using him on “make the goddess repent for her sins” and without that promised easy fix of course he wonders about the worth of playing Ace’s game.

The struggle us Aruto and now Keiwa fans go through 🤝 It's been chaotic these past few months, for sure >-<

I've never really perceived Keiwa to have Issues as I did with Aruto so I differ from you there, but I do agree that Takahashi good boys are ultimately human. They make bad choices and mistakes like anyone else. They can get stressed, hurt, vindictive, fall apart. We can't always expect them to withstand the pressure, and by expecting them to only make good choices, it makes it harder to allow room for error, to forgive, or believe someone deserves many chances. Yet they still push on to change and grow, whether they recognize it themselves or someone gives them the nudge they need to emerge from the darkness. So I also believe Keiwa will come around. Because sure, Keiwa hesitated, what with no mystical way to achieve the great ideal of world peace. But he decided on his own terms to protect what's left and focus on the present. Meaning he's always been trying, up to the day - even after - this questionable plotline happened. And if he never did, then why would Ace insist on believing in him? Supposedly granted his ideal world in the hopes that peace, not violence, will make him come around? That's the real push Keiwa needed. Now all that's left is how long it'll take for him to come back...and spare us the agony, as fruitful as it was at times xD

[thankyoumskobayashi]

@flaim-ita replied to your post:

He’s 12 According to the production blog he’s a minor who looks grown and it makes him instantly funnier to me

congrats to toei for making one twitch rule seem reasonable

[harmogandivas]

Waiting for symphogear live 2022 to be subbed and for me to download the bluray torents so I can cry again

[a-twistedheartslonging]

Hmm… do you have any thoughts on what the Ignihyde boys are in your nonhuman AU?

Considering how Idia is the petty boy anime version of Hades I think it would fit for them to be based on some kind of hellhounds in this situation, though not with the extra heads.

Though of course when I picture Idia as a dog in my head, I see this.

With how his hair is I picture him being on the fluffy side and matching his flaiming hair.

Of course, he would also have that flaming ear floof like Grim and loves to say he and Grim are twinsies. He's definitely the kind of dogs that shakes when anxious or scared and his tail is usually seen situated between his legs.

Perhaps I should make proper head canons on this in the future.

[whumptober]

Completionists of 2023 - 1/4

Thank you to everyone for filling out the completionist form - there were so, so many this year! Congratulations to all of you, you've done an amazing job! <3

So without further ado...

Please give a huge round of applause to the 2023 completionists!

Sen | @youphoriaot7 | youphoriaot7 on AO3

@redring91 | redring91 on AO3

Leyra | @lerya-fanfic | Leyra on AO3

Onyx | @onyxedskies | onyxedskies on AO3

Adam S | @tiamat-zx | TiamatZX on A03

Edd | @eddxxtzesz | eddxxtze on AO3

Bones | @the-fabulous-51 | vosian_nightmare on AO3

Kyanako | @kyanako5972

Multifandom08 | @multifandom08x | MultiFandom_08 on AO3

Tales of Edo | @talesofedo

Lex | @spritehouse | shortmc on AO3

@hithertoundreamtof23 | HithertoUndreamtOf on AO3

Aldrean Treu Peri | @aldreantreuperi | AldreanTreuPeri on AO3

MycroftRH | @mycroftrh | MycroftRH on AO3

DorsetGirl | @dorsetgirl1 | DorsetGirl on AO3

Ladybird | @blogger360ncislarules | OPSManager on AO3 | HettyRules on Quotev

@ajpendragon | ajpendragon on AO3

Merida | @murdadixon

@angsty-violet | HiddenViolet on AO3

@laffy-taffy-creations | Laffy_Taffy_C on AO3

Melissa Irene Burrowes | @fanficfox | MelissaIreneBurrowes on AO3 | MelissaIreneBurrowes on Wattpad

@atimeofyourlife | TimeOfYourLife on AO3

Whumpshots | @whumpshots

Shadowdancer | @therealrpalmas / @shadowdancer

Determinedwriter | @determinedwriter

Mod Asphodel | @thebnha-auhoard

Ollie | @evillittlebirdie | violinbthefire on AO3

Flaim | @flaim-ita | Jen425 on AO3

destinys_embrace | destinys__embrace on AO3

@splendidissimus

Acidiceye | @acidic-eye | Acideye on AO3

@stormxpadme | StormXPadme on AO3

Savebats | @savebatsfromscratch | SavebatsFromScratch on AO3

@astaldis | Molanna on AO3

@eternally-conflicted | eternallyconflicted on AO3

Moon | @moonlitva

Leigh | @dragonleighs | dragonleighson AO3

@habquchdu | HabQuchDu on AO3

Dewey | @honey-dewey | Honey_Dewey on AO3

Kitty | @mrmustachious | TheWeatherOutside on AO3 | TheWeatherOutside on fanfiction.net

Lynn!! | @justanotherinterneruser | AnotherInternetUser on AO3

@catwingsathena | CatWingsAthena on AO3

Ishara | @isharaneith

@adrift-in-thyme | Adrift_in_thyme on AO3

Kim | @sayitcanonlybeme | M1koo on AO3

Spring | @tachiharas-brother | advanced_fanatic on AO3

@h1myname1sv | himynameisv on AO3

@radarsteddybear

OrlanitaMariciaCanon | OrlanitaMariciaCanon on AO3

[Completionist Post 2] [Completionist Post 3] [Completionist Post 4]

[kamisama1kiss]

Kai and Cole with a non ninja s/o (I’m the guy that just sent the gender neutral thanks post but we should keep this g/n for everyone 💞) that works with the tech back at the monastery surprising them with a home cooked meal of their fave food after they return from a mission

…and maybe cuddles and video games after

I appreciate your request a lot 🫶 This was definitely more on the fluff side, which I believe we all need more of in life. 🧡

~~~

Flaims and Rocks { Supporting one another }

~Kai Smith~

° Arriving back at the monastery, tried from the mission, he was set out to go on alone since the others had either their own missions or something else.

° He was beat, but walking through the doors to see you again made his heart flame up rather fast.

° Stumbling a tiny in his steps whole making his way over, wrapping his arms around his lovers waist and placing a few feather soft kisses on the back of your neck.

° Would definitely say something in the lines of "Whatcha cooking good looking" with a smug grin on his face.

° Being told it was his favourite meal made him soften up, feeling lucky to have someone so sweet in his life.

° Sitting down at the kitchen island allowing you to do the last bits of preparations, watching you with nothing but admiration in his eyes.

° After eating happily together while chatting about the mission, your day, and / or just laughing with a great time.

° After he helped you clean up the dishes, he went to switch to a more comfortable outfit. Pulling you into his lap as a comfortable silence fell apun the two, hugging for who knows how long? You both fell asleep in the process like cuties.

~Cole Brookstone~

° Yet another mission to tire him out completely, taking a deep breath as he enters the monastery. Being greeted with all too familiar smell makes a goofy grin show in him.

° Waddling into the dining area to see his significant other placing down the last plate before turning to face him, now both smiling at one another.

° "You've been working very hard, and I wanted to surprise you." Flutter your lashes, and he is pudding for you and only you.

° Approaching something like "Thank you so much, I really appreciate it." Speaking as he gently kissed your hairline after he had walked closer to you.

° Sitting down to eat with a happy aura surrinding him even from a mile away, it could be seen. Sitting opposite of him to eat and talk happily about god knows what topics.

° After the most amazing meal, he would happily take the dishes for you! Telling you to wait by the TV for him when he is done cleaning and having changed into more casual clothes. Having been too hungry to even change before eating.

° Entering the TV room as he was plopped down next to you, giving your cheek a small peck before reaching for controls, "Wanna be my player two?"

° Playing games until the both of you passed out somehow on top of each other in a tangled mess. No one had the heart to wake the duo up.

~~~

Hope you all enjoyed!!♡

[akazzzaa]

here's somethin interesting: Kyojuro's twin sister! reader and akaza? w/ the flaiming hair & everything! how would it go?

Oooooo I like this! Bonus points for asking about Akaza (my love<33)

Summary- Akaza fights Kyojuro twin sister Honestly wanna write a part two

Genre- Angst// fluff?

Warnings- Mention of character death// Typical violence

The air was thick with tension as Kyojuro Rengoku's twin sister, Y/N, stood facing the powerful demon, Akaza. Her flame-like hair danced in the evening breeze, mirroring the intensity burning within her.

Akaza, the upper-ranked demon, tilted his head, intrigued by the appearance of another flame user and a female slayer. "Well, well, what do we have here? Another Rengoku, perhaps?"

Y/N eyes flared with determination. "I am Y/N, sister to Kyojuro Rengoku. I won't let you harm anyone else!"

The battle began, flames clashing against the demon. Y/N moved with the same grace and strength as her brother, fueled by the same unwavering spirit. Akaza, impressed by her skills, couldn't help but acknowledge the Rengoku bloodline. Although he doesn't hurt women, he'd just defend himself to see how long she could go.

"You're a formidable opponent, Y/N," Akaza remarked, his eyes gleaming with curiosity. "But do you truly believe you can defeat me?"

Y/N gritted her teeth, channelling the memories of her brother's teachings. "I fight for justice, for the lives you demons have taken. I won't let your tyranny continue!"

Akaza, though enjoying the challenge, couldn't help but be reminded of the fight between him and Kyojuro. The bond between the two grew strong until her brother died, not just as siblings but as warriors bound by the flames they wielded.

"You're different from the others," Akaza admitted, his tone no longer mocking. "There's a fire in you that I haven't seen before."

Y/N seized the opportunity, unleashing a powerful breathing technique she had mastered through years of training. The flames erupted, engulfing Akaza momentarily. Akaza stood, a mixture of surprise and respect in his eyes.

"You've grown stronger, Y/N," he acknowledged, a rare smile playing on his lips.

The battle ended with Y/N emerging victorious, but instead of the usual hatred between demon slayer and demon, there lingered a sense of mutual respect. Akaza, wounded but not defeated, vanished into the shadows, leaving Y/N standing amidst the fading embers of their clash. Akaza looked back to see her standing still. He would've easily beaten her but he cant bring himself to hurt her, but he was impressed of her strength. He doesn't compliment humans much.

As she looked to the horizon, Y/N whispered, "For you, Kyojuro. I'll carry on our family's legacy."

[foreststarflaime]

Day 19: Forest

Vinethorn, the sword wielded by my oc Foreststar (the dragon in my pfp) when in humanoid form! Its blade shows a real-time aerial view of Guardian Forest, one of their favorite haunts. The various gems on it allow different types of magical energy to be stored in them.

[flaim-ita]

So Toku is always hilarious to talk about but Geats has to be one of my favorites bc one sec I’m thinking about the thematic core of Geats being rooted in the dehumanization of the entertainment industry and how Geats successfully balanced fan expectations with fans who genuinely care and the pull of both executive influences and fan influences and the next moment I’m like “okay so in the among us round—”

[stranger-fanfiction-n-things]

CHAPTER 3: HOLLY, JOLLY

This is an Original Character fanfiction. All Stranger Things characters and content are owned by Netflix and The Duffer Brothers.

a/n: This was not how I expected this part to turn out. You know those moments when you just keep typing and writing? Anyways, introducing Ronnie. In reading Flight of Icarus, I pictured her character looking like Emmy Rossum, more so Fiona Gallagher-esque. Ronnie is Eddie's wingwoman.

Have you ever been with a boy and just don't think? Like you're so present in the moment with them, you don't know what you're doing or what's happening in the world around you? That's how Diana feels around Eddie.

Warnings: None.

Word Count: 3124

Masterlist

PART I || PART II || PART III

HAKWINS HIGH

I sit in my usual spot for first period, my books and stationery are set neatly on my desk as I wait for class to start. People begin to trickle in but there is no sign of Barb or Nancy. I didn’t wait for either of them outside the school or by our lockers like I usually do, instead I walk straight into school, straight to my locker to switch out my textbooks and straight to class. Despite being upset about what happened last night, I can’t help but glance at the door every time someone enters the classroom just in case it is Barb or Nancy. I chew my lip, tapping my pencil against my notebook. Class starts in two minutes and neither Nancy or Barb are in class. Part of me wonders if they both decided not to show up to school today. It’s not until Nancy rushes into class with flushed cheeks, I relax only a little. I avoid eye contact as she sits in her usual spot across from me. I can feel her looking at me but she doesn’t say anything. Instead, I hear her talk to Ally beside me. 

“Hey, Ally. Where’s Barb?” 

“Um shouldn’t you know?” 

“You haven’t seen her anywhere at all?” Nancy presses. 

I purse my lips. Why would Nancy ask that if Barb waited for her while she was upstairs with Steve? I turn my head slightly not trying to be too noticeable, but I’m not inconspicuous at all because I catch Nancy’s gaze for a second. Her lips twist into a perplexed frown as she looks at the empty seat beside her. I sit forward swallowing and glance at the door hoping Barb will walk in at any second, but as soon as Mr. Flaim enters the classroom and instructs us to take out Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness, I focus on the lesson.  

Nancy and I don’t have the same second period so I haven’t seen her since homeroom. Everyone is rushing to the cafeteria as usual; I pass by and from the hallway I have a clear view of Steve, Tommy H, and Carol. Steve wrinkles his nose at Carol who has her foot on the table. Tommy H is laughing, chewing with his mouth full of whatever food they are serving at the cafeteria today. I am surprised to see Nancy join them at the table. A knot of dismay forms in every muscle, it seems as I observe my best friend. She doesn’t look around for me or Barb, slipping comfortably beside Steve who smiles welcoming at her. I clutch my bag closer to my body and walk away ignoring the hollowness I feel inside. 

As I walk down the hall, I slow down approaching Barb’s locker. It doesn’t look like it’s been touched at all today. I also haven’t seen her at all this morning. I linger, rubbing my lips together. It’s unlike Barb to not turn up to school unless she was sick and last night was cold and with everything that happened with her finger…I rationalize but there is still an unsettling feeling in the pit of my stomach. I look at Barb’s locker one last time before walking away.

I approach my locker and put in my combination to open it. I rise on relevé to see deep into my locker and pull out my chemistry textbook and my lunch. I shove my lunch in my bag and hold the textbook in my hand. When I close my locker, I notice a head full of hair. Eddie and Ronnie stand by the lockers in the sophomore hallway, talking amongst themselves. Eddie’s back is to me, but I can see the same dark brown curly hair of Ronnie. I think Ronnie is pretty in a rocker girl type of way. She exudes a carefree, nonchalance that deep down I envy, in her black leather jacket and hoodie. I am wound up so tight it’s difficult for me to relax sometimes. 

I am surprised when she catches my eye and smiles, waving at me as she did two days ago in the school parking lot. Eddie turns around with a frown on his face wondering who she was waving at and catches my gaze. The lines on his forehead smoothens and is replaced with a look I can’t explain. I can never explain the looks Eddie gives me, only the feeling that it conveys in me. Butterflies. It’s like they wake up all of a sudden and I feel warm and tingly. Ronnie says something and grins walking past him. The look on Eddie’s face is replaced with horror. The butterflies in my stomach turn into moths fluttering wildly.

It takes me a split second to realize Ronnie is walking towards me. My mind screams at my legs to move, to at least meet her halfway, but they don’t and I am standing here like I’ve been caught. Which technically I was. Eddie quickly scurries behind her, curly hair flapping behind him. Ronnie of course reaches me before him. 

“Hi, I’m Ronnie,” she greets with a smile. Eddie stands beside her, looking out of breath despite the short distance. 

The way I have to tilt my head look at her is a little embarrassing. She’s even taller up close. Dark brown eyes look down at me. Not in a dominant way where I feel threatened. Though her height is intimidating. But in a way that shows me she’s interested. Interested in me. I blink feeling my brain short-circuit for a moment and pan down. Her hand is extended. Waiting. I take her hand, shaking it. Her hand is warm. Mine feel clammy and I want the ground to swallow me up. 

“H-Hi,” I stutter. “I’m Diana.” 

“I know,” she says and her smile widens. Ronnie doesn’t look at Eddie when she says this. It’s like he doesn’t exist. I have to fight not to acknowledge his presence. We let go of each other’s hand and I clutch my book close to my chest. “Eddie’s told me about you.”

“Jesus.” He mutters, looking away.

My eyebrows shoot up in astonishment. “Really?” 

“Absolutely.” 

“Oh.” I don’t know what to think or feel or say. The back of my neck feels hot. 

“And any close friend of Eddie’s is a friend of mines.” 

I blink. Not understanding what she means. Maybe I missed something because Eddie and I are not close friends. It makes me wonder what he has told her. I look at Eddie now and he seems like he’s a second away from bolting out the door. He’s fidgety and a little sweaty. 

“Sorry,” he says to me. “She was dropped on her head as a baby.”  

Ronnie flicks him on the nose and Eddie reaches to grab her wrist, but she’s too fast, taking a step back, putting her hands behind her back. She laughs at him and he sticks his tongue out at her. I giggle quietly, enjoying their antics. They truly did seem to have a brother/sister relationship. It reminded me of my relationship with Lucas. 

“I forgot something in my locker.” Ronnie says, eyes darting between Eddie and I. “I’ll see you in class, right?” She’s talking to Eddie now. 

“Of course, wouldn’t want to miss chemistry for the world.” 

Ronnie gives him a warning look, but smiles kindly at me. She waves again and walks away leaving Eddie and I alone. When Ronnie turns the hall, Eddie turns to me, scratching around his mouth. He gives me an apologetic smile. 

“Sorry, about that.” 

“Don’t be. Ronnie seems very nice.”

“When she wants to be,” he comments under his breath. Eddie looks at me again. “I’m guessing you didn’t get caught last night.” 

“No, I didn’t.” I shake my head. “Thank you so much again for driving me home. Really. I don’t know what I’d do if you didn’t.” 

“Just don’t walk home in the middle of the night. Please.” 

“I won’t.” 

“I’ll drive all over Hawkins looking for you if I have to.” I tilt my head at that, looking up at him. Eddie scrunches his nose, closing his eyes. “That sounded so much better in my head.” I giggle. Eddie chuckles softly, opening his eyes. His cheeks are slightly pink. “It’s just creepy when I say it out loud.”

I scrunch my nose. “A little,” I admit. “But I understand the sentiment.” 

Eddie doesn’t respond, eyes looking around him. I follow his gaze, wondering what he was looking at. He stands straight taking a step back. I don’t realize how close we were until he does. 

“Do you want to have lunch with me?” he asks, out of the blue. The question throws me in for a loop. Lunch with Eddie. I open my mouth, but close it. Something shifts in Eddie and he clears his throat. “You don’t have to if you don’t want to. You’re probably going to meet up with your friends in the cafeteria.” 

Friends. My best friend is sitting in the cafeteria with Steve, Tommy H and Carol. My other best friend isn’t in school today. I am alone. I think about my dream. The way I was screaming for help and no one bothered to look. I didn’t think about where I was going to eat lunch today, because usually it’s with Nancy and Barb, but now…I don’t have anyone. The change I feared would happen had already started. Maybe it’s time to stop resisting it. 

“Yes, I’ll have lunch with you.” 

Eddie’s jaw goes slack for a moment but he quickly closes his mouth and smiles, with dimples this time. “Okay, um…” he scratches the back of his neck. “My lunch is actually in the van, so.” 

“Okay,” I nod, pushing myself off my locker. Eddie follows my stride as we walk towards the door and out the school. 

The weather is surprisingly mild for the winter months. Eddie and I walk through the parking lot towards his large van. I can’t believe it’s been hours since I’ve sat inside. The past few days have been nothing but bizarre. 

“What I mean to say is,” Eddie says after a few minutes. I realize he’s correcting himself from earlier. “If you ever need a ride anywhere..." he doesn’t finish the sentence and I can tell he’s not going to. The sentiment is there and it shocks me. I’ve only known of Eddie for 24 hours and he’s already offering to give me a ride, so I’m not out late at night by myself again. 

I look up at him, but he’s looking at the ground. I turn my head back, looking in front of me. The moths, turn into butterflies. I bow my head down, fighting back a smile. We arrive at his van at the back of the parking lot and I walk to the passenger’s side opening the door just as Eddie opens the door to the driver’s side. I climb inside the car sitting in the passenger’s seat and close the door. When I look up, Eddie stares at me, paper bag in hand. It takes me a moment to realize, he never said he wanted to eat in his van. My hands fly to my mouth. 

“I am so sorry.” I gasp, opening the car door. I can’t believe I forgot my home training. Mom would freak out if she knew what I did. 

Eddie blinks out of his stupor shaking his head. “It’s okay,” he says, climbing into his car. He closes the door. “I wasn’t clear. We can eat in here, if you want. I don’t mind.” He sounds relieved. I close the passenger door cringing at my blunder. How did I not realize what I was doing? 

We sit in the car in silence neither of us moving or both of us waiting for the other to start. I’m suddenly hyperaware of his presence. Eddie and I look at each other and start to laugh. The awkwardness dissipates and we both get our paper bags. Turns out we both have sandwiches, mine is turkey and cheese, his, peanut butter and jelly. The silence is comfortable between us and I find myself enjoying it. The past two days have been a whirlwind of confusion, fear and change. It feels nice to just be with someone in silence without feeling the need to talk all the time or feel like I’m being judged for just existing. 

“I didn’t forget the song you recommended, by the way.” Eddie says, between chews. “I’ve added it to my list.”

“I haven’t forgotten yours either.”

Eddie crumbles the plastic bag in a ball dropping it in his paper bag. He pulls out a bag of pretzels. I smile, knowing I have pretzels in my bag as well. I take a bite out of my sandwich observing Eddie. His hair is less frizzy today and I wonder what changed in his hair routine. I gaze down at his clothes, like Ronnie, he’s wearing a black leather jacket and hoodie with jeans and black boots. I think about Ronnie and Eddie calling each other to coordinate their outfits of the day and smile. Eddie is careful opening the Ziplock, pulling out a handful of pretzels.

“If you ever want to go to Main Street Vinyl sometime,” He pops a pretzel in his mouth. “We can listen to music.” 

“You listen to vinyl?” 

Eddie finishes chewing nodding his head. “Always.” 

“My dad only listens to vinyl.” I say, opening my bottle of water. “Says records sound better.” 

“He’s right.” 

I shrug taking a sip of water. “It all sounds the same to me.” 

Eddie looks as if I insulted him. He shakes his head popping another couple of pretzels in his mouth. “Oh man,” he says, voice muffled. “I definitely need to take you to Main Street Vinyl.” 

“Okay.” 

I accept the invitation feigning nonchalance. I don’t look at him as I close my water bottle, setting it beside me and continue to eat my sandwich. My heart is actually beating so fast and I’m surprised I don’t miss my mouth while taking a bite. I can feel him looking at me and meet his gaze. He’s staring at me like he did back in school and when I practically jumped into his car like I owned it. Like he didn’t expect my answer. 

Eddie blinks. “Cool.” He says, his voice hoarse. Scarfing down salty pretzels can do that to a person. “Just um…let me know when you’re free and I can pick you up.” His shyness makes me shy as well. 

“O-okay.” I stutter, my confidence waning. 

Eddie clears his throat reaching for a water bottle in the drink compartment. He takes a long drink and I think he’s going to finish the whole bottle in one sitting, but he stops, putting on the lid. “I’ll introduce you to all the greats.” 

“Judas Priest, KISS, Metallica, Ozzy Osbourne.” I list the names of the people he covers with his band. 

Eddie smiles. “And more.” 

I arch my brow. “Like who?” 

He turns to me and squints playfully, leaning close. “It’s a secret.”  He says lowly. I giggle.   

“Why does vinyl sound better?” I ask. My Dad says it does too, but I never understood what he meant. 

Eddie thinks for a moment. “It sounds…warm,” he starts, looking out the windshield. “That’s the best word to describe it.” He looks at me again. “It’s rich and deep. You feel like you’re watching the artists perform live. Like you’re in the same room as them. It’ll make sense when we go to the record store.”

“You seem to know a lot about music.” 

“Not as much as you think.” 

“It’s more than I know.” I add. I play with the plastic bag in my lap. “I like listening to you talk about music. Your connection to it is…sweet. I can tell you really love it.” 

“Sweet?” 

“Endearing.” I correct. And cute. But I’ll never say that out loud. 

Eddie’s cheeks are pink. So cute. He smiles and his dimples poke out. Really cute. “Thank you.” He chuckles. I beam. 

Eddie leans back against the door, fully facing me. He looks up and down and size to side at my face like he did last night. It’s intense and I thank heavens my brown skin hides the flush in my cheeks. He tilts his head, studying me. 

“So, Candy Girl,” He teases. “Tell me about something you love. Tell me about dance.” 

I’m vibrating. Not the kind you feel when you’ve been sitting down too long. The type you feel when you’re excited and slightly overwhelmed. I have only felt this way before a performance. My time with Eddie though brief, hasn’t felt that way. I’m a shy person; a person of few words when I’m getting to know someone. My true self saved for my family and best friends, but with Eddie I talk. I want to talk. I talk a lot, about dance. The Nutcracker auditions, Mei Wong, rehearsals. I felt myself stepping outside my shell. It’s weird and slightly off-putting. Eddie listens, asking questions if he doesn’t understand. He even tells me what he’s thinking. The conversation flows effortlessly. With everything that has been happening, I’m glad Eddie is around, even if it’s just for a moment. 

“Diana!” 

I blink out of my thoughts and turn my head. Nancy is rushing towards me and I am no longer vibrating. Just my normal self. I feel myself stepping back into my shell and it’s discomforting to feel this way about my best friend. 

“Diana, have you seen Barb?” Nancy asks me outside. 

It’s the first time Nancy and I speak since last night. During English I was too busy highlighting and making notes to talk. I shake my head, holding my chemistry textbook close to my chest.  

“Not since last night.” 

“Didn’t Barb drive you home last night?” 

“No, Barb decided to stay.” I walked home.  

“She stayed?” 

Nancy’s surprise causes me to look at her fully for the first time today. I glare at her. “Yes, to make sure you didn’t do anything stupid.” 

“I didn’t see her when I left.” 

“What? What do you mean?” 

Nancy shakes her head. “I didn’t see her.” 

Something unsettling swarms in my stomach but I push it down, shrugging my shoulders. “Maybe…she’s home sick. It was cold last night.” 

“Yeah…” Nancy says, but she doesn’t sound too convinced.

The silence between us is awkward. The remnants of last night weighing heavy. I start to walk away hoping to walk to class before the lunch crowd tumbles in and I am caught in a storm of elbows and backpacks. 

NEXT -> PART III

[chancellorxofxtrash]

Decade ot4 for the poly shipping meme

Who’s the best gift giver? Do they go in on gifts or do it separately? 

I have a feeling Natsumi is the only one able to give normal gifts. Nothing Daiki gives is "normal". Whatever he gives ends up being unhinged.

When they would gift someone else, they would START to say oh yeah we can give them separately and then Daiki just point at whatever Natsumi is holding and go "that's from all of us"

2. Sleeping arrangements: Do they push the beds together? Who takes all of the blankets in bed? Who’s practically draped over the others? 

They do have one bed they can all cuddle in, but they also need their own space at times, so they can still sleep separately. Daiki is the blanket hog, Yusuke is draped over everyone

3. Who is always in the middle in triad cases? 

Not triad, but they shuffle around, really. Whoever needs more comfort ends up falling in the middle.

4. How do date nights look like? 

The older they get, the more time passes, the more all of them appreciate those quiet nights, when they are in the photo studio, bickering over who is eating whose food. Of course they can never stay still for long, because Tsukasa is HORRIBLE at being retired, but even Daiki appreciates these nights. Not that he'd admit it.

5. Do any members get jealous? How do they act when they do? 

HA. HAHAHAHA. DO THEY EVER. DAIKI LOOKING AT YOU ESPECIALLY. He might do some absolutely horrid shit like oh I don't know almost causing the apocalypse. Mayhaps. The others also can get their moments from time to time but Yusuke and Natsumi are more subdued about it, and Tsukasa just sulks. Daiki though.

6. Who asked who out? How was the first date(s)? 

Honestly I don't think any of them can agree on when they started dating and what counts as their first dates. Decade as a show is a long sequence of dates of different permutations. As far as Daiki's and Tsukasa's first date goes.... they don't talk about it

7. Who brings home stray pets and convinces the others to keep them? 

Yusuke.

Tsukasa occasionally collects Rider juniors. He says it's the same thing.

8. Who are the reckless ones that make Bad Decisions? Who are the sensible ones who follow after them to make sure they don’t die? 

Tsukasa. He would insist they are not Bad Decisions, but Decisions That Needed To Be Done. Doesn't mean he isn't full of regret at times. Everyone else always follows him.

9. Who’s the one who remembers everyone’s favorite orders at cafes/restaurants? 

All of them remember. Whether they are willing to use this knowledge is another matter entirely, and it depends on who is doing the remembering about whose order and whether they had a squabble or not

10. Would/do they have kids? Who are the Responsible Parents, who are the Cool Parents™ to the polywogs? 

HA. HAHAHA. HAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHHAHA.

You have to pry the headcanon of Michinaga being Tsukasa and Daiki's child from my cold dead hands, but they didn't get to parent him at all. If they would have parented him, or parenting other kid(s)...

They'd try. They'd try their best. Tsukasa and Daiki think they are the Cool Parents, but Yusuke is the most whipped. Natsumi has to be the most sensible, probably. They'd love those kids so much, and no length they wouldn't go to for them

But they are who they are, cosmic destinies trailing after them, and probably always lurking on the horizon. It would never be easy.

[fanmoose12]

Heyyyy,

It's been so long and just today I reread some of your fics and when i came to Friday, I'm in love. I know that we need a bit of a drabble from Levi's point of view. After reading Eny's She would never know the angst got to me and your fic cheered me up. Anyways, if you are up for a little drabble I'm looking forward for it

"Skipping again, eh, Ackerman?"

Shifting his gaze from the gorgeous view of a wide blue sky that the school rooftop provides him with, Levi turns to face the owner of the deep, strict but altogether an extremely poor imitation of Shadis' voice. Isabel cackles when she catches his eyes and skips towards him, dragging Furlan along.

Levi sighs, as his friends sit down on both sides of him, effectively sandwiching him between their bodies. Their warm and slightly stinking bodies - Isabel must have forced Furlan to play volleyball with her again. He wordlessly offers them both a cigarette - perhaps, that will mask the awful scent somewhat, and then takes one for himself too.

"No, but seriously," Furlan lights up his cigarette and passes the lighter back to Levi. "Why are you here? I thought you decided to stop skipping."

Levi makes a face. "Kenny decided that. And I won't lose much if I skip trig once or twice anyway."

"You're not worried that Shadis will tell your uncle about it?"

"That bald jerk will find a reason to shit on me one way or another."

In between clenched teeth that hold a cigarette, Furlan forces out a chuckle. "Are you talking about Kenny or Shadis?"

The frown on Levi's face turns into a wince. "Both," he mutters darkly.

"Hm, but you do skip less now," Isabel notes. "You've not missed a single biology or chemistry class since the beginning of the semester. I can't help but wonder," she draws out thoughtfully, with a grin that is a touch too mischievious for Levi's taste. "If the reason for it is the new addition to our class."

Levi's own cheeks betray him, start to heat up, but he stubbornly refuses to give in to the embaressment and let Isabel know that she hit the sore spot with precise accurasy.

"I don't know what you're talking about," he says, doing his best to make sure that his voice is as gruffy and deadpan as it is humanly possible.

But that's not enough to fool neither Furlan, nor Isabel anyway.

"Oh please," Furlan scoffs. "You don't miss a single class that you share with a new kid. And you're staring at her. A lot."

"I don't think I've ever seen you not looking at her," Isabel joins in. "Honestly, it's a bit creepy, Levi. You're lucky she's so oblivious to everything around her."

"I don't stare," Levi tries to defend himself, hiding his flaiming face by staring resolutely at the ground. He takes one drag of cigarette after another, hoping that it'd quell his nerves. "And I don't even know that kid's name."

"Really? So it's just a coincidance that all your notebooks are covered with little hearts with Hange written inside each and every one of them?"

Levi stutters, nearly choking on a cigarette. "What? I- I would never! I don't write her name, and I do not draw hearts!"

"Yet!" Isabel sing-songs, and, really, never before had Levi felt a more acute desire to throttle his own best (and only) friends.

"Assholes," he mutters sulkingly, refusing to meet their eyes. It would only give them more ammunition for teasing anyway. "I don't have a crush - or whatever it is that you think I have - on that stupid four-eyes. She's just so loud all the time, and it annoys me."

"Oh, so that's why you scowl at her friend so much? You give him such a death stare, I honestly think that one of these days Berner is going to piss himself."

Good, Levi thinks with a resentment he'll never admit to his friends. Berner is not so bad, not bad at all actually, of course he's a bit uptight and Levi's never really spoken with him, but he's one of the few kids in their school, who has never looked down on Levi or tried to call him names, and for that alone, Levi respects him, but the way he practically glued himself to four-eyes since the very first day she arrived at their school irks Levi to no end.

He's by her side all the damn time, they sit close to one another in classes, they eat together, they walk through the hallways side by side. Not that Levi cares, of course, he absolutely does not, but... it is annoying. What is so special about Berner that makes four-eyes hang out with him all the time?

"You know," Isabel murmurs softly, bumping her shoulder against his gently. "You can just go and talk to Hange. She seems friendly enough. And she can't be that picky if she hangs out with Berner of all people. You're way more fun than him, bro! On a good day, anyway."

Wow, Levi thinks with a click of his tongue, rude. But also, not strictly wrong.

"Yeah, you've gotta talk with her, dude!" Furlan agrees, clasping Levi on a back. "Make her notice you!"

"Already did that," Levi admits, squeezing the butt of cigarette between his fingers.

Isabel beams at the revelation. "Really? What did you do?"

"Hm... talked with her and stuff. Showed the way to the biology class."

"Wow! Good job!" Isabel praises, and Levi very nearly preens at it. "What did you say? Give her a compliment?"

"Told a witty joke?" Furlan asks, appearing maybe not as invested as Isabel, but genuinely curious and supportive as well.

"Asked her out on a date?" Isabel adds hopefully.

All the pride he felt at Isabel's approval vanishes, swept away by a huge way of mortification as Levi recalls his first real encounter with four-eyes.

"I... told her that her hearing is as shitty as her eyesight, and maybe... called her an idiot too."

"Levi!" Isabel slaps him on the arm. Hard. "What the hell? What were you thinking?"

Levi sighs, tousling his hair. "I wasn't."

"You kinda fucked it up, dude," Furlan says, voice laced with compassion.

"Yeah, you're lucky she didn't punch you in the face," Isabel remarks, not all sympathetic, but vexed instead. "I totally would have."

"But!" Furlan exclaims with a goofy smile on his face. "Not all hope is lost, my friend. If she didn't punch you and if she'll be willing to talk to you again, then you'll know for sure that she is super into you!"

"Or she's really nice," Levi counters detachedly.

"Well, now you got to do something nice to her," Isabel instructs, somehow managing to sound strict and encouraging at the same time. "Something grand and romantic, something that will make her swoon."

Levi tsks. Isabel makes it seem so easy. Something grand, romantic and that will make four-eyes swoon. As if he knows how to do any of those things. As if he's an expert in them.

Unfortunately, all Levi knows how to do is smoke, curse and skip classes. But, maybe, with the help of his friends - with Furlan's suaveness and Isabel's knowledge of pecularities of romantic relationship (that come mainly from shitty romance books but is already wastly more than Levi could ever know), maybe, he really can pull this off.

To stop just staring at four-eyes, and start speaking to her, perhaps even civilly. He just needs a little practice, and a great deal of luck.

But right now, Levi feels good about this, is hopeful. Embarrasing himself before his recently acquired crush is still miles better than listening to Shadis explain tangent and contangent in his croaky voice anyway.