#he's great this season and that's very fitting and surely intentional of course

[oveliagirlhaditright]

Some thoughts on The Chosen season four episode four:

I really appreciated how Peter and John tried to be there for Thomas.

Philip trying to teach Matthew how to cut a pomegranate, and it turning into chaos as the disciples fought about the proper way to do so, was so them.

I'm ecstatic to see Eden smiling again.

The scene between Jesus, Little James, and Thaddeus was great.

Matthew and Peter's interactions are so fun.

Gaius is wonderful in every single way.

The "you don't understand what you're asking" scene was everything I wanted it to be.

And I loved the ending with Gaius hugging Jesus.

[vocallywritten]

The conversation around Luke Newton in the Bridgerton fandom really makes me uncomfortable. Like, it is shitty to talk about Nicola Coughlan's body, and it is also shitty to talk about Luke Newton's body, but no one really talks about the body shaming Luke N has gotten basically since season 2. Don't get me wrong, I'm really glad to see people not putting up with comments on Nicola's body and embracing her as the lead. I think that's good and also what she deserves as a person.

However, it seems to me that a lot of the people who are loud about making sure Nicola isn't body shamed are not only silent about the same thing when it happens to Luke, but some of them actively participate in body shaming him. It's kind of gone under the radar and not really talked much about, but Nicola refused to undergo a body transformation for Penelope. I think that was the right choice and I really respect it. But Luke Newton DID go through a body transformation for his character, and the way people talked about it the entire time was so nasty.

At first, when he had a little fluff on him during season 2 (he wasn't even fat he had just clearly gained a little weight which is fine and normal and wardrobe on the show did him no favors, presumably to play into the "Bridgerton Lead Glow Up") but when he was announced as the season 3 lead, I REMEMBER all the people throwing fits online because they didn't think he was attractive enough to be the lead. That they just couldn't see him in a romantic or sex scene because of how he looked.

Of course there were people who wanted to defend him by telling everyone to "just wait for that Bridgerton Glow Up" and I'm sure their hearts were in the right place. There's even a good point in there, which is that the show will purposely nerf the attractiveness of its actors so that the contrast is more impressive. That the writing and acting also made Colin and Penelope seem very young and so they didn't have a presence onscreen as a Romantic Lead that could carry a sex scene, but that was intentional on the show's part, and the writing and acting could EARN that onscreen presence for the characters.

But what it really ended up sounding like was , "no it's okay guys, because Luke Newton may not be hot now, but he will be! And then it will be okay that he's the season 3 lead, because they'll make him attractive enough." And that's such a shitty message.

Then season 3 dropped and all of a sudden people can't stop talking about how hot Luke Newton is ALL OF A SUDDEN 🙄 . It's in interviews, it's all over the internet. "That Bridgerton Glow Up!" They talked about it to HIS FACE like they were so blown away at how attractive he actually is. Which I don't think is the compliment they seemed to think it is. Luke Newton seemed to take that all in good humor in the interviews though so maybe it didn't bother him. But it bothered me, okay?

Beyond the Bridgerton Glow Up talk, Luke Newton's body transformation really went under remarked. He did a couple of interviews for men's magazines about getting in shape, but by and large, the fact that it happened wasn't really a big topic of conversation. I am of two minds on this. On one hand, I think that's actually great to let people's bodies change without having any kind of intense scrutiny about it, and I do think this highlights the double standard when it comes to men vs women having body changes in the public eye. Women are heavily scrutinized, while men have a lot more leeway. If Nicola had decided to lose weight for the role, I guarantee you 80% of all her questions on the press tour would have been about her weight loss and how she did it. Not really so for Luke. On the other hand, I think there is this weird almost entitlement the audience feels to seeing a certain type of male body on film? Especially in a sex scene. So I kind of wonder if a part of the silence on Luke's body change stems from that. Like, "of course he lost weight and started going to the gym more to prepare for the role. He's a leading man!" Like it's just such an ingrained expectation now that people don't even question the fact that they expect it?

Although there is one aspect of Luke's body transformation that people really fixated on and I think even beyond the fat shaming, this felt the grossest to me. And that's the plastic surgery speculations.

Now I have no idea if Luke Newton got plastic surgery or not, and I really don't care either way. He's come out in interviews saying he didn't, and I think that should be the end of that. But the way that people immediately started ripping into him when season 3 dropped because of these plastic surgery speculations made me despair for humanity. People said such awful things, and a lot of it was so *personal*, attacking Luke as a person and his abilities as an actor because they thought he had work done. Like even if he did, why do you care so much? Plastic surgery is basically an industry standard at this point, and so many people bullied this man about how he looked for so long that I would understand if he did! If he did get plastic surgery, that wouldn't then mean that anyone gets a free pass for talking bad about him. You could make the argument that plastic surgery sets an unrealistic standard, especially if you are open about your change in diet and exercise, and attribute only those things to how different you look, but I think that's a systematic problem, and not one you're going to solve by shaming one actor you *think* might be doing it.

At the end of the day, Luke Newton would have been great in his role if he looked like he did in season 3 or season 2. He didn't NEED to change his physical appearance to be worthy of a role he had already been cast in years ago. I doubt very much his performance would have changed, even if he physically stayed the same. It's not bad that he underwent a physical transformation, and I think no one has any right to tell him what he should and shouldn't do with his body. My ultimate point is that I wish people would stop acting like actors need to fit a certain mold to be good at their jobs, or to be worthy of respect. Body shaming Luke is as detrimental to the cause as body shaming Nicola. Stop acting like it's good to stand up for one person, only to turn around and body shame someone else just because you don't like them. It only tells me that you actually do care what people look like, but you're willing to overlook physical "flaws" in a person if you like them. Which is not good actually!

In conclusion, leave Luke Newton alone you absolute freaks.

[ellestra]

Even the Evil Witch loved her son

The moment I realised the song was just something Nicky made with the help of his mum (Agathe truly is the source of all Witch lore, isn't she?) it all started falling into place. I knew what was going to happen to that first witch who asked her about The Road because this is exactly what she was trying to do at the beginning. Just provoke the witches to blast her with their power so she could steal it.

The montage still helped to understand what Agatha knew and when she knew it. And since she knew The Witches Road was never real she also knew there was some very powerful magic involved when it actually appeared. Reality altering one. So of course she figured out who Billy was. It only took a while because when she last met him he wasn't real. But maybe that made him the realest to Agatha because he made himself real.

And of course that what makes Rio so aggravated. She is cycle of life and he is not part of it. Made of magic and never really born and can't truly die. And then he take William Kaplan's death away from her too. And one more kid too. Boys die sometimes and Death doesn't like when they also continue to live. But for Agatha this is exactly the kind of "fuck you" she wanted to give to Rio.

I love that the show didn't try to make Agatha a good person. This wasn't a redemption story. She hasn't changed. She doesn't care about other people. She kills other witches and doesn't even bother to remember normal people (neither Sharon Davis nor Tommy's names stick to her mind). She just has this one weak spot because she loved unconditionally and selflessly once. And Billy kind of fits into that hole. Even if she hates showing him that.

She resents him because he survived when Nicholas couldn't. Because he is just as his mother who defeated and bound her and actually has power to hurt her. And because her son was exact opposite - she didn't use any magic to make him and that's all that Billy was.

But she cares because Billy is everything Agatha wanted her son to be when he grew up. And because she sees herself in him. Someone who was cursed with power so great it ends up hurting those around him even when he doesn't mean it. Someone who was failed by his own mother because she didn't understand what she created. And just like her he doesn't give up. He fights to live when all the odds are stocked against him. Even if that means death.

I still am not sure what planting that dandelion seed was supposed to accomplish. Except for being a metaphor on Nicky's ephemeral life gone too soon. But I loved Rio telling her the truth Lillia understood - you can't escape death. It will always come, it's only a question of time. No matter if it's just a few short years or centuries. In the end Agatha understood it too and went to the other side. Where she no longer has to worry about Death following her. She has her rebirth as something new.

Agatha once offered Wanda to be her teacher but there was too many possible double crosses in that offer. And Wanda couldn't admit to herself she was a bad guy too. I loved that the season kept reminding us how horrific what she did to people of Westview was. Good intention is what read to hell is paved with.

That this level of power is not something that can be wielded safely. Believing you have full control over it is the fastest way to lose it. And it so easy to justify to yourself that you only did what was necessary. That you didn't mean it. And it's OK. And then it's so hard to stop. Wanda almost didn't.

Billy already knows what it means to kill his own coven for a made up story. Just because he wanted it to be real so much. And maybe it is better to learn on other people's mistakes. Even if your teacher is the Evil Witch.

[clonebrainrot]

So I came across an article it was basically Dave Filoni talking about how he does endings

The important quote is

I think that in some ways you want each season to have a feeling of an ending. But in a lot of what I’ve done, I don’t like hard endings”

And this is very true. Look at Rebels, the clone wars and to a lesser extent the bad batch. Although I think a wholly separate post can be made a very long one on Dave’s influence and or lack thereof on the bad batch. It definitely fits into no hard endings.

But I also think you need a hard ending eventually. Sure you could theoretically keep making things with the characters, but eventually I as the creator of stories like to end them. Due to my poor writing skills I have never written my fanfiction down, but while I was younger say between the ages of 8-15 I would verbally tell my friends my stories. The point is. While I am not a writer I have been known to tell a good story. And eventually any good story needs an ending.

But Star Wars currently thrives off the no hard endings rule. Because they always return to the characters.

It’s why I think I have continued to get more and more disappointed with Ahsoka’s continuing story. There were times you could have had great endings for the character such as Twilight of the apprentice.

Hell a hard ending doesn’t even need to be death. Take the bad batch as an example. While the no hard ending rule definitely applies to characters such as Omega, Echo, Rex, Emerie. It does feel like the ending we got for Crosshair, Wrecker and Hunter was the hardest ending we have gotten in Star Wars in a long time. And I am completely happy with that fact.

A story needs an end. Now of course this is my opinion, but if you keep doing soft endings you’ll eventually get to the point in a decade or two where you grow tired of the character and just stop following it up.

Hard endings are important for a story because it means it’s done.

Now I have a feeling many of you may disagree with me. I want to stress though I am not saying soft endings are bad. I liked the bad batch and TCW and rebels. All three shows have soft endings. I am saying following a show up with another soft ending after another soft ending. And then never doing a hard ending is a bad idea. Because eventually you run out of the story and you just end it forever on a soft ending. And that in itself isn’t satisfying. It’s why I personally prefer shorter fanfiction. Or completed fanfiction.

Doesn’t mean I won’t read long stories. I do. But a part of me gets bummed when there is no ending because a creative abandoned it. In the Ahsoka movie Dave has a fantastic opportunity to do a hard ending. Do I think he’ll take it? All signs point to no.

Again this may just be me. But my point here is I do think you should have a general hard ending in mind for characters and plots. And I honestly don’t think Filoni does. Because he likes playing with the characters so much. Maybe he’ll prove me wrong.

Maybe this is why I like the ending of Revenge of the Sith so much. Because while it isn’t a hard ending. In many ways it is a hard ending for those characters. Padme dies. Anakin for all intents and purposes dies and the man Obi Wan was is buried deep down. It’s a hard ending for who those characters are.

Just my two cents.

Also this doesn’t reflect my opinion on spinoffs. I think that’s a wholly different debate.

So I think soft endings are fine as long as you do have a hard ending in mind eventually.

[liam-an-siorc]

BBC Ghosts as sharks part 1

In time line order of course

Robin: now the obvious awnser is Greenland shark so Greenland shark because they are the oldest living shark and also they are close relatives of dogfish and he sometimes acts like a dog

Humphrey: I am thinking angle sharks because they kind of hide away ehich he unintentionally dose with him being a head qnd a body separate (sometimes intentional) and also he js really nice so the name fits but

Mary: I had like 50 different opinions for her but I learnt there’s a shark called the nervous shark so I’m so sorry Mary but she’s getting that

Kitty: obviously !! A lemon shark they are always looking like they are smiling which she is and also they choose there favourite diver and they go to it every time and get jealous if other sharks go over which is kitty with Alison Edit: there is actually no scientific evidence behind that but it’s now it appears so I’m keeping it

Thomas: I'm trying to think of a dramatic shark goblin sharks certainly look dramatic they are described as mysterious and unique which he is sort of but was also thinking dusky shark because they travelled so so far to have there baby's qnd that that now metophore he dose so much love letters and poems for people he is In love with so yk that's a bit of a stretch but sharks just armt poets I love both the options so I’ll do both or either

Fanny/lady button: I'm thinking great white I know they are called great white but they have gray and she was the grey lady so yeah also the great white shark is one of them kind of misunderstood guys like I think she is she seems like she's just being horrible for no reason but she's not she's also a person with feelings and all that (im mot saying great white sharks can't be dangerous they can be careful but they are not visous beasts who want to hurt people just cause either)

The Caption: Hammerhead shark.. major spoilers for season 5 make sure you have seen all sesone 5 before you read please! hammerhead sharks can't handle any stress they may die neither can he he get stress alot and is not good with it he died from a stress induced heart attack so hammer head (Sorry)

Pat: Nurse shark: nurse sharks are one of the more friendly sharks and he’s very very friendly they are just cool little guys floating around having a good time, the also usually in groups and he loves his family and his ghosts family also for being a scout leader you do need some nurse like skills like first aid CPR so I think the name fits

Julian: so I wasn't sure for him and I asked someone and they said a carpet shark because they are ugly and bottem feeders which I don’t think they are ugly but yeah the bottem feeder thing is a different thing in sharks the it is in politics obviously but the words the same so I’m going to give him a ornate wobbegong.

I will post drawing of these over the next while and part two when I get to that

[ekacucumber]

Ninjagotober 2023

by @alastair-1205

╔ ⏤⏤⏤⏤⏤ ╝❀╚ ⏤⏤⏤⏤⏤ ╗

❀ Prompt: Villain

❀ Main characters: Yumi(OC), Sensei Garmadon, Kai, Jay, Cole, Lloyd, Zane, Pixal

❀ Timeline: Between seasons 4 and 5

❀ Summary: Yumi decides to gift every person in Ninjago the eternal happiness... As the Dream Master, she gets her own definition.

❀ Word count: 1526

╚ ⏤⏤⏤⏤⏤╔ ❀ ╗⏤⏤⏤⏤⏤ ╝

"You're doing very well, Yumi!" Garmadon's smile blinds her, but she doesn't mind, too happy to hear this compliment. "It's great you're getting more control of the Dream element."

"But, Master..." Yumi interrupts. "I'm still bothered by nightmares where you're gone, and I don't know what to do... They feel so real... And so painful..."

She sighs heavily. These nightmares have become her second life, and that hurts.

"Well, I think it's your last test from the Dream," Garmadon replies with kind smile. "You should choose which world you belong."

Yumi looks carefully at Sensei's face, and the feeling of hope lifts her spirit. If she has to fight nightmare, pain and suffering so everybody can live peacefully, free from sorrows and violence... She wiil do her best.

"So, what do you choose?"

"I choose eternal happiness."

*＊✿❀⏤⏤⏤⏤⏤⏤⏤⏤⏤⏤❀✿＊*

Kai goes through the traning course, punching, kicking dummies and shooting them with fireballs. However, the last strike misses. He turns off the mechanism with a tired sigh.

"How's it going?" Yumi suddenly appears behind his back.

"AAAAH!" Kai screams and almost jumps away. "Ugh... You can't sneak and scare people like that!"

"Sorry." She smiles calmly. "So, how's your training?"

Kai looks at dummies and shrugs it off. "Eh, as usual..."

"But you look tired," Yumi notices.

"Maybe I've lost my fit a bit, but that's okay, I can deal with it." Girl stares at Kai, so intently that he starts to worry about it. "Um, what? Is something wrong with my hair?"

"No, I just think I can help you," she smiles again.

"You?" Kai raises his eyebrow in confusion. "I thought you didn't like combat training."

"Oh, I don't need to fight you. I've learnt a new technique to strengthen you," Yumi stretches out her hand. "Do you want to give it a try?"

"Hm... Sure, why not!" Kai gets kind of interested in her progress, so he gives a hand.

Yumi closes her eyes, and Kai feels how the energy fills his body. Weariness leaves him, he feels completely fresh and renewed. The Red Ninja makes a hit in the air and release a burst of fire, the strongest he's ever seen.

"Wow! What a feeling!" he laughs and destroys the annoying dummy on his way. "I've never felt so energetic!"

"Hey, can you be quiet?! I'm trying to-" Jay, who came out to complain, breaks off in mid-sentence, amazed. "Woah, that's so cool! How are you doing that?"

Yumi turns to him with the same calm smile.

"Do you want to try this technique of mine too?"

*＊✿❀⏤⏤⏤⏤⏤⏤⏤⏤⏤⏤❀✿＊*

As Cole closes the fridge door and turns back, he almost drops his portion of snacks out of surprise.

"Hi, Cole," Yumi doesn't even move, smiling calmly.

"Oof, Yumi... How have you got here so quietly?"

"I've learnt some stealth recently."

"That's... That's good to hear," Cole smiles, however, he feels something weird. "Hey, I can't help but notice that you look better... I mean, you finally seem chill again as you were, well, before all the events."

Yumi remains silent and staring.

"... I'm sorry, did it sound bad?" Cole can't even read her expression. "I mean, I'm glad you're fine now. Not stressed or something like that."

"Thank you," Yumi replies. "I'm happy to hear it."

"Cool... Cool."

Cole grabs a snack and eats it, but doesn't get satisfaction.

"Something's wrong?" girl immediately asks.

"Eh, it's just not the same..." Cole sighs with frustration. "It's a hard time for Chen's Noodle House so their food is... So tasteless. Skylor promised to fix that, but for now I have to deal with-"

"Let me help you," Yumi interrupts and stretches out her hand closer to Cole's face. "My new ability will help you to feel the whole spectrum of tastes and even more."

"Uh, what? When have you learnt this trick?" Cole slightly moves away from her hand.

"That doesn't matter, friend. Kai and Jay have already tested it... And they're happy. Don't be afraid, let me help you."

"Okay... But only this time."

*＊✿❀⏤⏤⏤⏤⏤⏤⏤⏤⏤⏤❀✿＊*

"Hey, Yumi, have you called me?" Lloyd enters the room and sees Yumi who leans on a sofa back. She looks at him with relaxed smile.

"I want to talk with you," she replies and makes a gesture to come closer. Lloyd makes a few steps and then notices Kai, Jay and Cole sleeping on the sofa.

"Huh... That's strange of them to sleep in the middle of the day," the Green Ninja notes.

"They've got tired of training so they're taking a nap now," Yumi slightly pats Cole's head. "Look, you know I had hard times... Everything was a mess..."

Lloyd looks carefully at Yumi as she talks. Something disturbs him, something surreal in details of her appearance. She let her hair down, though she always ties it up in two buns. There's no sign of bags under eyes, but it's too early for them to completely disappear. Her movements are very slow, and her eyes don't look at Lloyd... Yumi looks through him, right into his soul.

"But a miracle happened... I saw him."

"Who?.." Lloyd asks in confusion.

"Sensei Garmadon. Our mentor. Your father."

Yumi smiles, and an uncanny feeling strikes Lloyd.

"W-what?.. You must be joking, this is nonsense..." he mumbles.

"This is real, Lloyd!" Yumi sounds excited. "I meet your father in my dreams! My element has finally started to help me! And this way... Garmadon taught me how to control dreams!"

Lloyd sees a tone of craziness in her look.

"Look at our friends, Lloyd! They're happy thanks to Dream! Isn't it wonderful? These new abilities are amazing!"

Lloyd takes a step away, scared of Yumi.

"But you put them to sleep... How long have they been sleeping?!"

"An hour... Or two... Or five..." Yumi counts, getting closer to Lloyd. "But does it matter? They're happy! They're in the best world of all where all their dreams come true! And you can join them, you can finally see your father and never lose him again..."

"Yumi, that's not the way! You're crazy, come to your senses!"

"Oh, Lloyd..."

Yumi smiles and reaches for him. Lloyd tries to get away, but the Dream Master grabs his head and blinds him with her glowing pink eyes.

"I will help you reach the eternal happiness."

*＊✿❀⏤⏤⏤⏤⏤⏤⏤⏤⏤⏤❀✿＊*

The Titanium Dragon flies above Ninjago City. Zane returns home from a mission. Looking down, he notices that city is... Dormant. The streets are covered in pink mist, and people are asleep on sidewalks, in cars, in their offices. Fortunately, there's no sight of car accidents.

"Pixal, can you analyze this fog?"

"I can't find any information in the database. But, I have to say, it seems to have the same structure as Yumi's elemental power. If I were you, I would hurry."

The dragon speeds up, and Zane gets home in a few minutes. Now it's clear for him that the source of fog is here. He walks through the rooms past the sleeping Nya, Master Wu, Misako... Everybody is asleep. Zane moves crosscurrent and finally reaches the source — Yumi. She floats in the lotus position, surrounded by sleeping ninja. As she pats Lloyd's head, her hand absorbs green sparkles of energy.

"You returned..." Yumi speaks slowly.

The Dream Master straightens her legs and floats closer. Zane gets an opportunity to look at her carefully, and her new appearance scares him. Yumi is wearing a dark-pink kimono with flower patterns, its sleeves and skirt slightly flatter. Yumi's hair float like in the water, and antlers made of cherry branches bloom on her head, filling the room with petals.

"What have you done?.." Zane asks quietly in disbelief. How have everything got out of hand so quickly?

"I... Sent them to a better world." Yumi smiles and looks right through Zane's heart with her eyes closed.

"You put them to sleep."

"The Dream Realm is the best home for these tired souls. It's always been."

"But they can't sleep forever. Yhey must wake up!" Zane insists, but Yumi just shrugs.

"You don't understand. You must join them and see. I will be your guide, Zane, you deserve joining the world of satisfaction..."

She reaches out to touch, but nindroid keeps the distance.

"I'm sorry to say it, but it's the wrong way, Yumi. Running from reality isn't a solution."

"The real world is cruel, violent and sorrowful. The Dream Realm gives them eternal happiness. There's nothing wrong, it's the only way to save Ninjago..."

"No!" Zane interrupts. "You can't choose for others. All you give them is the illusion of happiness, when they can experience real feelings in reality."

Yumi remains silent for a moment.

"You're being stubborn... You're afraid. If you can't believe me..." The Dream Master opens her eyes that turned pink. "Then I will show you the truth."

Yumi dashes to Zane and grabs him by shoulders. He struggles to free himself but fails. The Dream Master looks straight into his eyes.

"You're a nindroid, of course you think differently. But that's not a problem... You see dreams too. You're just like humans... And you deserve the eternal happiness too."

[flickerintwilights]

let me preface this by saying that I’m sure someone will come around with a better take or a much better way of saying a similar one, because as I write this I’m mainly running on frustration and spite, and even though I’ve cooled down significantly since the initial watch (believe me lmao) there’s always a chance someone will explain it in a new way that paints the ending in a much better light. but for now I want to get out my salty take on this.

(this is, specifically, about the ending. the finale episode as a whole I’m not salting about.)

the ending is, to start, unresolved. I know people are probably countering this kind of statement by saying that Ahsoka is likely going to get a season 2, so it’s Fine actually, but that isn’t my problem. I’m not really concerned with whether it gets a season 2 or not in regards to this, because my issue is with how the ending is presented, and how in and of itself it doesn’t seem to think it needs a season 2.

we’re saying “of course it does”, because it is unresolved! we know it is! Ahsoka and Sabine are still on Peridea, any arc for Baylan and Shin fell off of a cliff and they end the series/season just being vaguely There also on Peridea, Thrawn has obviously returned but I’m not entirely certain that won’t be resolved in a movie, and Ezra came back but we haven’t seen a true resolution/aftermath for that (yet). There are loose ends. but the finale ends on a hopeful note, on what it clearly wants us to feel is a happy ending.

Ezra is back, but Ahsoka and Sabine are stuck on Peridea in the far-off galaxy, in a reversal of their places in the beginning of the show. Huyang too. Hera doesn’t mention them when Ezra gets back. there’s not even a hanging “Where are they?”. nothing. it is all presented as good, fitting; both Ahsoka and Sabine are apparently satisfied with where they are.

AHSOKA: Ezra is where he needs to be. And so are we. It’s time to move on.

and they smile and walk down to the happy village, while Anakin looks on with a smile on his face. cut to black.

but why are they happy about this? why is Anakin happy about this? just… why. it’s all so fucking inconsistent, downright backtracking on the development from previous episodes, specifically 4 and 5.

parallel to start off:

[Ahsoka takes her lightsaber hilt from her hip, and Baylan responds by doing the same.] BAYLAN: How inevitable. […] BAYLAN: It didn’t need to come to this. But you know no other way. (ep. 4) THRAWN: There’ll be no negotiating with the apprentice of Anakin Skywalker. (ep. 8)

already in ep. 8, Thrawn is making statements so similar to Baylan’s that it has to be an intentional choice, since both are fundamentally ramming the same thing in:

BAYLAN: Your legacy, like your master’s, is one of death and destruction. (ep. 4) AHSOKA: But my part of that legacy is one of death and war. ANAKIN: But you’re more than that. Because I’m more than that. (ep. 5)

death and destruction. Ahsoka’s fear and misbelief that she’s not more than that — that her past defines her, just as Anakin’s mistakes do. that Baylan is right. this fear is what’s holding her back, and the truth — that she is more — is what Anakin is trying to show her in episode 5. and if we go by “I choose to live” and Ahsoka the White etc, he succeeds.

so she’s developed! she’s realized that she isn’t just death and destruction, she’s more! Anakin agrees with this! great, wonderful. episode 8 seems to be taking this up again by having Thrawn tell her very similar things to Baylan, cool, hmm.

THRAWN: I know you because I knew your master. I concluded your strategies would be similar. One wonders just how similar you might become. Perhaps this is where a ronin such as you belongs. (ep. 8)

and then nothing changes. he says his line, meanwhile Ahsoka looks angry and tense but we aren’t actually Told anything specific about how she’s feeling or how she might potentially resolve this new conflict. it’s him trying to dig into her fears, but we never see her get to refute his statement, not to him or Sabine or even Huyang, and not to herself.

no. instead, Thrawn leaves, and Ahsoka and Sabine and Huyang are the ones left behind — but aside from a brief moment of shock, they’re fine. great, even. “perhaps this is where a ronin such as you belongs”, Thrawn says menacingly, and from what the show is telling us — yep. he’s right. hopeful music is playing, she’s smiling, this is apparently meant to be some kind of happy ending for her. therefore: she does, in fact, ‘belong’ here, and there is no need for her (and Sabine, and Huyang) to be brought back to their own galaxy.

and if Thrawn — the antagonist, in the show named for her — is right about that, is he also right that she’s “a ronin”? that she’s just like her master, so much so that he doesn’t even need to know her so long as he knows him? that all the ways she’d been shown to have learned and grown, they all meant nothing, because he’s stating the same shit that she was afraid of and no one says any different? that she will never be more than her past?

the ‘happy ending’ certainly doesn’t say no.

[doubledyke]

One thing I dislike in season 5 is how the characters are often dumbed down just to fit, for the plot sake. The kids, in particular, seem to reach a point where Eddy can literally come up with any lie or scam (the forever-summer scam, the mole mutants, the booster shot day, the egghead Ed, a new kid Carl) and the kids will immediately buy completely without a question (even Kevin of all people). In earlier seasons, as gullible as the kids could be, they still kept a skepticism degree and were quicker to recognize something as a poorly manufactured scam (at least some of them).

So, of course, all the characters sound so out-of-character in season 5 (except maybe the Kankers)...

yeah i agree to some extent. i'm always hesitant to criticize s5 cuz like, who tf am i? i don't know much about the behind the scenes, etc., etc.. but i agree that it is very different in a lot of ways that stand out. if you view the differences in characterization as intentional, it's kind of interesting.

eddy is absolutely off the rails and is at his most volatile in s5. even his laugh is more villainous lmao. i liked kevin lordi's comment that he seems depressed as hell later on in the series. makes sense to me, i mean we see how he struggles in school, and how he gets treated there. you can't just leave when things get bad, either. i gotta say, i feel like they ramped up the eddy torture p*rn in s5. i might be biased though.

edd is also utterly unhinged. viewing the gradual changes in him as intentional (aka me over analyzing), i see that he's reached PEAK neuroticism. the guy is about to snap and eventually does in bps. frankly, i find him unbearable but it's all character growth in my mind. school is a source of stress for him as well, but for different reasons. also, he and eddy are a lot nastier to each other in this season.

with ed, i'm not really sure what angle to come at it from. if i stick by what i said before, then his over the top oafishness is likely a result of hardcore dissociating. maybe he ALSO really hates school and so his brain just shuts down. literally. you could also theorize that he took one too many bumps on the head (just kidding).

realistically though i think he's the easiest source of comedic relief for what is, after all, a kids' show. perhaps it became a bit of a crutch while they created some really great character driven episodes.

like fistful of ed, too smart for his own ed, cleanliness is next to edness, and, pick an ed. lots of edd focused episodes in s5.

to your specific point, i guess i see what you mean. but i've always wondered why the kids would fall for anything eddy does after like s2 lmao. s5 isn't the first time we learn that the cul-de-sac kids aren't very bright. they do all have moments of skepticism, and yes, especially kevin. in see no ed, he's shown to be borderline paranoid about the eds which is goddamn hilarious to me. but most of the time they'll all be skeptical at first, yet still end up taking the bait and acting shocked.

(by the way: kevin deserved sooooo much worse than what happened in this won't hurt an ed - which was ultimately nothing. eddy ended up being the one getting hurt at the end of the episode.

kevin is ruthless and flat out cruel to eddy. he's the definition of a bully. he's shown to be pretty normal toward everyone else in the neighborhood, including ed and edd when they interact one on one. with eddy, he has this abnormal and unhealthy hatred for the kid. it's really funny.)

in pick an ed, edd says its obvious that 'carl' is just eddy in disguise. eddy looks worried until ed falls for it. to me that implies that eddy thinks the kids are dumb as a bag of hammers. and he was right!

my thing with eddy is, don't hate the player, hate the game. it's hard for me to feel bad for someone who gets "scammed" or pranked over and over. if kevin wanted to, he could be the hero of the cul-de-sac and put an end to the scams by simply sharing his over-abundance of jawbreakers with the eds. but he's a dick, so he doesn't. the kids are also to blame not just for being such easy marks, but for never leaving jawbreakers for the eds when kevin shares with them. eddy's biggest mistake was waiting around long enough after getting paid for them to catch on.

summary: i used to also view s5 as a "dip in quality" until i saw a post where someone argued that the changes could and should be viewed as character growth/development over flanderization. both things can be true! and there are plenty of REALLY good, fun episodes and moments in the season.

[docholligay]

You know, I have seen a lot of anime openings at this point and time in my life, just by the very nature of what it is I do with my time, and still the Utena opener, all these years later, remains one of my favorites.

Not just "Oh this is a banger" that itself wouldn't be enough to make me rate something like this so highly--I love the opening theme song to Attack on Titan and I won't even WATCH the anime--but in terms of both the song and the imagery both SERVING the anime in a way I think openers mostly don't.

I'm working from translation obviously, but the song repeats this notion of cycles*, directly references things that happen in the anime, and I'm not sure if it was ever en vogue for the song to be written for an anime--I mean, it might still be en vogue now--but this one either very clearly was, or Ikuhara liked it so much that he bent the anime to fit the song (this seems less likely to me) And I'm not sure I can think of another anime opening song I personally have seen that ties so directly into the anime itself.

And the images in the opener! The constant pulling apart, the destruction of the castle, the way Anthy is the one who hands the rose to Utena, Utena SPINNING ALONE at the end, without at all spoiling it for us, you go back to watching it after having seen the anime and go "Oh shit! Yeah, it basically told us a bunch of stuff that was going to happen" I mean I was deep in it even before I finished the anime I was making up THEORIES based on it.

I think the only other opener I remember that feels so related to the show itself was 'School-Live' (great show) and I would argue even it didn't take it as far as Utena--School-Live was reacting to the show, not predicting it--and other than that I can't think of any anime off the top of my head that's had an opener that felt so deeply tied into the show itself.

ANYWAY UTENA

*I will, to the end of my days, take a certain amount of issue with using 'revolution' as a translation for 'things that go around' when something like cycles, eras, seasons, depending on what it's meant for, IN GENERAL, works better, because in English we don't just have meanings, we have IMPLICATIONS. (Other languages of course do as well but I'm talking about English here) Revolution can of course mean "A turn of the earth or whatever" but that's not the common usage of revolution, and here I might go so far as to say that the wordplay is slightly intentional both to throw us off track and to highlight that what Anthy ends up doing in the end IS a kind of revolution in the more classic sense, but like, Pluto? That should not be translated as "soldier of revolution" if what you're going for is, you know, actual understanding. Send hate mail to: Doc Holligay, PO box 1621 Billings, MT USA

[rawwkfingers]

Logopolis

One thing I've really come to enjoy from watching Classic is the way its allowed me to recontextualize events in New. This serial singlehandedly made me more on board with both the Flux and the bigeneration and it honestly baffles me that RTD didnt put that connection into The Giggle, even in passing, to help pave the way for his idea

I know WHY he didnt, because he enjoys his happy headcanon that every Doctor got a happy ending. But since thats not in the show and thus not canon (yet) I'm choosing to believe that the bigeneration was a result of time almost eroding in the Flux, akin to the Watcher's presence due to entropy here

To be fair, I'm putting a lot of headcanon of my own here since the Watcher is just not explained. I dont even know if I'd have been able to draw that conclusion if I didnt have the bigeneration as a reference point. I do think this was the writers intentions with the Watcher, just poorly explained like a lot of the science of this serial was

In general, the writing was a little all over the place this serial. Tegan is simultaneously really well written, she has an immediate energy in every scene, while also feeling slapped together. Her total non-reaction to being swept off to a new planet beyond "I'm gonna be late for work" gave me whiplash but her reaction to her aunts death was great (tho that has more to do with Fielding's acting than the writing)

The Logopolis stuff was also poorly explained until we were given a crumb of "they keep the universe together" and the Doctor's decision to fix the chameleon circuit feels like it came out of nowhere

This was not perfect

However, I did like it a lot, mainly because of the various interactions with the Master. His teamup with the Doctor was great, with the Doctor's awareness this is how he dies palpable

And then the juxtaposition of them working together with Nyssa's realization her entire planet is destroyed, because of the Master (who is wearing her father's face!!!) Again, with the context of New Who, it really brings to question just how complicit the Doctor is in all the various war crimes the Master has committed

In a way, this all is a perfect farewell for the Fourth Doctor. His era had some of the strongest writing in the entire series (Ark, Genesis, Pyramids, City) while also some of the worst (Talons, Leisure Hive, Deadly Assassin.) Having a story with confusing lore but strong character work is very fitting

Baker really was great, but there was something about him that always prevented me from LOVING him the way I do Pertwee. Part of that is that I'm not a huge fan of Baker as a person, but I think the other part of that was the way the show moved away from the explicit political stories that I loved so much. I'm sure the worldbuilding stuff that the era was so focused on was fascinating for contemporary viewers, but as a newer fan I either already knew it or it'd been retconned and wasnt enjoyable

His energy was contagious though and I loved the way he brought a levity and joy to the show while also taking the serious scenes with complete seriousness. I remember reading that he agonized over making sure to do Genesis justice because it was such a strong script

His last season started off weak, but ended strong

1. The Keeper of Traken. Just a really, really strong serial on top of introducing Nyssa, who I love and would die for

2. Full Circle. Ever since his introduction where I compared Adric to Atreyu, I've loved the character so of course his first story is this high

3. State of Decay. As much as I love this serial for helping shift the way I view Classic as a whole, its actual plot is fairly standard which prevents it from being higher

4. Logopolis. All the character work is great, all the technobabble isnt

5. Warriors' Gate. I feel like Romana deserved better than the departure she for

6. Meglos. I just find it a little stale and boring, nothing bad but nothing good

7. The Leisure Hive. It was a fun concept but the absolutely horrific editing makes it unwatchable

The companions of this era are all amazing so it'll be hard ranking them but

1. Sarah Jane Smith. There was never going to be any other choice here ofc, she's the face of Classic Who companions for a reason. She steals every scene she's in I love her

2. K9. One of the rare instances where the silly mascot character is truly incredible. Every scene he was in was fantastic and I want one of my own

3. Romana II. Cute and charming snd immensely lovable. Every time she was on screen I wanted more of her

4. Romana I. I loved Mary Tamm's portrayal, she always gave the Doctor as much sass as he gave her and the way she always carried herself as aloof from it all was amazing. But the chemistry of Ward and Baker is unmatched

5. Leela. It pains me SO much putting her this low but she was always the type of character who I loved in spite of her writing rather than because of it. She never had any of the truly GREAT stories the others did

6. Harry. He's the only companion of this era I actively disliked I'm sorry

[finethingswellworn]

Thinking about Crowley. Thinking about Crowley and the Job business and "our side," and accountability,and THAT ENDING and how it all fits together.

So, I've already spilled my thoughts on the Job episode. I know. But it's been spinning around in my head since I watched it. I think it might be my favorite bit in S2. And it will never stop being fascinating to me.

Today, I want to focus on Crowley's feelings at the end of it.

I do believe that this is one of the first little inklings, the first seeds of hope, that Crowley has regarding Aziraphale.

We see in season 1 that he's disgusted that Aziraphale could attempt to justify the flood. This, to Crowley, is a morally reprehensible action and the fact that Aziraphale even pretends to be alright with it makes him almost lose respect for Aziraphale. At the very least it makes him severely uncomfortable and we see this in their first few interactions afterward with Job. Crowley is bitter and angry because of what is being done to Job and his family and angry and bitter at Aziraphale, too.

At this point, I don't think Crowley has any hope of being on the same side as Aziraphale.

All that changes when Aziraphale lies to heaven. Of course, he does it for Crowley, to cover his demonic reputation. Word certainly can't be allowed to spread that Crowley isn't as wicked as he likes people to believe. It would get him into a great deal of trouble.

Even more importantly to Crowley, though, the lie confirms what Crowley has long suspected and secretly hoped for: that Aziraphale is more moral than his fellow angels. Not that he's necessarily more angelic, to be clear. He's not. This is when we see Aziraphale first consume human food, something every other angel in heaven has absolutely no desire to do, after all.

No, it's because Aziraphale doesn't lie just for Crowley. He primarily lies for Job and his family. He lies to save them. He lies because it's the right thing to do. He lies because he's an angel who can only go along with heaven as far as he can. And he can't possibly justify the needless misery for the sake of a bet.

So, I think that Crowley thinks Aziraphale is more deserving, in Crowley's mind anyway, of Angel as a title, as something more than a sarcastic jibe, but said instead with genuine fondness.

Because the thing about Crowley is, much as he's loathed to admit it, he adores that Aziraphale is so dedicated to being an angel. Not that he's aligned with heaven mind. He hates that. But he adores Aziraphale's commitment to really truly wanting to do good in the world.

That's why he laughs at the thought of Aziraphale falling, why he can't allow him to fall, even if Aziraphale technically thwarted the will of the Almighty.

So Crowley thinks: "He'll get there in the end. He's too good to go along with heaven for ever. He'll see what they truly are eventually. And I'll wait. I have eternity to wait. And then we can be Us. I've just got to wait and see."

And he does.

Now, the ending.

Gabriel pops off to the stars. Earth, to Gabriel, is a mildly interesting curiosity. Sure, it's fun and all, but when it comes down to it, he's totally fine with leaving it behind for other things.

Aziraphale is not.

Even when he goes to heaven, he does so with the intent of making change because he loves Earth so much.

We talk a lot in the fandom about Crowley feeling unworthy of heaven. The more times I watch, however, the more I realize that he doesn't feel unworthy at all. No, he thinks heaven is unworthy of, not only himself, but especially Aziraphale.

So, from Crowley's point of view, he's waited ever so patiently, thousands and thousands of years, for Aziraphale to finally realize that the two of them are better than heaven or hell, that he, Aziraphale, is better.

He's sure Aziraphale loves him now. They're on their side. He's all set to define the relationship because, deep down, there's a part of him that's sick of waiting, that wants to know exactly where he stands. He's just seen an angel and a demon run off together and he thinks he wants that, too...

Then, Aziraphale drops the bomb on him.

We, like Crowley, know what heaven's plans are. We know they're orchestrating the Second-Coming. But Crowley has no idea what the Metatron told Aziraphale. Or, more importantly, what he left out until the very last possible moment when it was far too late for Aziraphale to object and back out.

What it comes down to for Crowley is this: he admires and loves Aziraphale for his goodness and sense of justice. Ever since Job, he's watched him grapple with moral quandaries and learn from his mistakes. but... BUT...

Crowley can't and won't respect Aziraphale's decision if he thinks what Aziraphale is doing is wrong. And I think Crowley believes the Metatron told him what the plan was which would mean that Aziraphale has agreed to go along with it. And there simply can't be an "our side" for Crowley under those circumstances.

Yes, they still love each other. Very much. More than anything or anyone in the universe.

At the end of the day, though, they're not like every other angel and demon. They could never be G and B. and forget their responsibilities to the world and humanity. In fact, I don't think they would love or respect each other nearly as much if they did, because neither of them want the other to change who they are fundamentally. They care too much about each other and about Earth for that. They are too good at holding each other accountable.

And this is what it has all been about, hasn't it? Crowley holding Aziraphale accountable throughout the centuries. Aziraphale doing the same for Crowley.

That's what Job was about. And the grave digging episode. That's what the ending was about. That's what love is about, sometimes, and it's a nightmarish, painful thing to have to do, but something they do time and time again for each other.

The Ineffables are interesting for so many reasons, but that's one of the big ones.

[erodasfishtacos]

Not Your Charity Case

prompt: Harry is a frat boy - who doesn’t need sympathy from anyone. He makes Y/N feel a sense of home when they’re together. But is Harry just like every stereotypical frat boy?

word count: 6.2k 

warnings: minor violence, language, deaf!harry, smutttt

other: when Harry is talking to Y/N or any other characters - it is to be noted that he is signing. When Y/N talks to Harry - she is also always signing

Let me know if you’d want to see anything else from this verse:)

+++

You were rushed - you really shouldn’t stop at the local coffee shop for a sugary, delicious mocha chip frappuccino.

Despite what people say, professors are much more lax and carefree in college.

It was about two weeks into the new semester, - your third here- and the seasons were changing - becoming autumn.

Chilled breezes, falling leaves, and vivid colors of nature made you happy.

When you arrive in line, there are two people ahead of you. A girl currently in front of the cashier and a tall male with a red and black flannel on behind her- typing away on his phone.

When she moves to the left, the broad man steps forward. His snapback facing backwards, brown curls dancing around his neck. You can’t help but notice how tall and lean he is, shoulders broad and straight.

You definitely haven’t seen him before on campus. You’d remember.

From what you can see, he shows the young girl behind the counter the screen of his phone without saying anything at all.

The raven-haired girl’s face pinches in annoyance. “We don’t accept orders like that. You need to tell me what you want.”

You’re a little surprised by both the rude cashier but also the man who doesn’t respond right away.

He attempts to show her his phone again but she shakes her head - annoyed.

You become interested in the situation when I watch him sign, a few gestures before pointing to his ears. In the most obvious form of saying “I can’t hear.”

The clueless girl gives him a blank look, “Listen, there’s a line. I don’t have time for this.”

You hoped you weren’t overstepping your boundaries when you slide up next to him, tapping him on his shoulder to get his attention.

It is a bit startling how gorgeous the boy is. He was tanned with bright green-eyes and a defined jawline that was currently clenched in frustration.

You sign, “What are you trying to order?”

He studies you for a second with hesitance before his long slim fingers begin to move, slowly as if he thinks you may be inexperienced in the form of language.

He replies, “Large coffee with a little cream and two sugars.”

You squeeze in front of him, “It is not only rude but illegal to not serve based on disabilities. Refusing an order from a deaf person isn’t moral or acceptable.”

The girl has enough decency to mumble an apology and turned bright pink, “Sorry, he doesn’t look deaf. “You roll your eyes - how can you tell that someone is deaf based on solely appearance? This girls a fucking idiot, you think.

You repeat his order to her, along with yours - sliding your debit card towards her and give her your name for the order.

The man trails behind you to the small waiting area. “Thank you,” he signs simply. You nod and return the pleasantry. The. hand him his steaming hot coffee.

“Thank you again. I’m going to be late to class, so I have to go,” he tells me, seeming a little out of place signing with a stranger.

“Go ahead, I’ll see you around.” It was the first time in a long time you’ve signed to anyone outside your family.

+++

Sipping your drink as you are only five minutes late and the class hasn’t even started yet. The man you just helped was sat in the back of the classroom, unloading his laptop.

With a little bravery, you wriggle your way through and plop into the wooden chair easily. Letting your backpack fall to the ground. Curly looks over at you with a frown, he signs, “Why are you sitting next to me?”

You blush, “I don’t know? Thought it’d be good to have someone to talk to.”

His hands are tense as he replies, “I’m not a charity case, so you can leave me alone.”

“Never said you were,” you huff when you tell him. Not appreciating how rude he was being. Signing had its own tones and expressions so to speak. For example, when someone is happy their signs and movements are different than when they’re sad or frustrated.

Harry seems to be the latter. You wrestle out your laptop to the PowerPoint that was going to be discussed today in class. You noticed Harry stared very intently at the professor to read his lips and expression.

You was surprised he didn’t have an interpreter with him but you’re sure he got special accommodations elsewhere. Even though that was absolutely none of your business.

His shoulders are tensed and he makes sure your arms don’t brush like you have cooties for the entire two hours. The nameless boy is up and out of his seat as soon as the professor shuts off the projector and turns on the lights - signaling class to be over.

Well fuck him then.

***

You don’t make the mistake to sit next him again. But that doesn’t mean you could ogle his strong muscular back and big hands.

It wasn’t your place to care but you felt twinges in your tummy when you noticed him struggling to keep up with the fast-speed class on certain days.

You were in the large, rustic library that smelled of old books and damp wallpaper. It was dead silent as people furiously studied or worked on papers due.

As you paced the shelves, you could not find the book you needed for your American Literature class. Fuck the Dewey Decimal System.

Part-time uni students probably just stuffed returned books in any open space they saw fit. But you need this book in particular, a discussion board post due by midnight and it was currently eight-thirty. They had ran out of copies at the on-campus bookstore.

After a valiant effort, you trudge up to the checkout counter. A little sign reads, “ring me if no ones here!”

You impatiently ring the silver bell. But no one comes. You give whoever is working a minute or two but nothing. Another ring it is.

Silence. No one. Of fucking course, luck is not on your side tonight.

You dramatically clunk your head onto the high counter top in front of you - groaning at the fact you may fail the assignment.

A tentative pat on your shoulder makes you snap your head up. To see the boy you’ve been constantly avoiding standing behind the checkout desk.

“Are you okay?” He asks. He had a name-tag on - Harry. He honestly looked a bit out of place. Harry appeared to be a frat boy. He was still had a boyish air about him but an intensity that was unmatchable.

He didn’t look like he would work in the library. He looked like...well he looked like he would be a beer pong referee or something.

You couldn’t see below his torso but he had a plain black snapback on and a vintage Elton John concert tee. A cross necklace dangling over the worn shirt.

You smile, embarrassed, but reply, “Just being dramatic. I can’t find a book and I was waiting here.”

There’s mirth in his eyes when he points to the bell,”Did you ring the bell?”

Your brows furrow, “I did.”

“Well I can’t hear it, I’m deaf,” he deadpans with a straight face and a dry sense of humor.

You roll your eyes, laughing nervously, “I didn’t know you were working!”

“What do you need?”

He helps you locate the book in two minutes flat before checking you out and you rushing home to finish the homework.

You felt bad ignoring your little sister’s FaceTime calls but you promised to call her back tomorrow. 

***

Though once again, you hadn’t interacted with Harry since last week - you constantly found yourself studying his stoic profile or fast moving fingers.

You would never befriend Harry because you feel bad for him - like he presumed. You enjoyed American Sign Language and it actually made you feel back at home.

You’re little sister was born completely deaf. She was much younger than you - eight years old. Fifteen years apart to be exact. You learned the language along with her and your parents.

When you were at home and your sister was there - you guys tried to only sign so she didn’t feel left out. So Harry felt like home - a little despite his completely off-putting demeanor. It made you a little bit more persistent than with any other frat boy.

***

The bulletin board in your advisor’s office caught your eyes. None of the little tabs ripped off in interest.

‘Student with ASL experience and above a 3.5 GPA needed for tutoring sessions - twice weekly. $16 dollars an hour.’

After your meeting, you tugged the little scrap of paper off and tuck it into your pocket. You couldn’t know for sure if it was Harry but you didn’t know of any other deaf students in the program.

You say ‘fuck it’ and type out an email to the advisor of academic affairs and accommodations to throw your hat in the ring.

***

You don’t hear back for three days - nearly forgetting about it in the mean time. Your eyes scan quickly over the email to grant you the position. They include contact information for no other than Harry Styles.

After psyching yourself out a little and a few paces across your kitchen tiles - you text him.

Hey! I’m your new assigned tutor. Would you like to set up a time and place? As well as what kind of help you’re looking for.

The reply text comes shortly after

Hello, thank you very much. I am just in need of hearing ears. I am deaf and have a hard time keeping up with the my professor. I have begun recording the lectures in hope that you can sign then to me.

Sure thing. That won’t be a problem!

I live in Alpha Sigma on 3rd street. I have my own room. I’d rather not have the tutoring session in public. However, if that makes you uncomfortable - we can figure something out.

You take a minute to debate. You understand why this would be a task too loud for the library and why he’d want privacy. You didn’t feel like I’d be uncomfortable with him.

I saw twice a week so does Tuesday and Thursday at seven work?

Sounds great. Thank you again x

Did he know it was me? Was he expecting it to me?

***

He was definitely not expecting you. You automatically knew that by the way his friendly smile dissipated into a frown when he opened the door for you.

You attempted to look nice today without trying too hard. A loose crop top with the university’s name, a pair of tight black leggings, bulky white socks bunched at your ankles, and white sneakers. Very 80’s.

You try to keep your composure, “Hi Harry, I’m going to be your tutor.”

He slowly nods at you, huffing out a breathe of irritation before inviting you into the frat house.

You’d only been here once or twice for a party so you had no idea what the house actually looked like when there weren’t bodies and booze everywhere.

He’s walking you past a group of boys playing FIFA on the flatscreen in the living room, white claws open everywhere.

“Y/N! Hey babe!” You look over to see Niall - one of your good friends from your part-time job at the bookstore - trotting over to you guys.

The blonde pulls you into an overexcited hug. He reminded you of a cuddly, soft puppy dog most of the time.

“Are you Harry’s little tutor?” Niall coos, leaning over to pinch Harry’s cheek. 

Harry- who was observing the conversation, focusing in on our lips, immediately bats his friend away. A small scowl forming on his face.

It automatically turns into a playful brawl where Niall tugs Harry into headlock. But he has no strength on the brunette.

Harry turns out of it quickly and pushes Niall to the ground. He straddles his stomach and begins to jokingly pinch and slap at him.

Niall hisses, “Ouch! You motherfucker! Big oaf!”

Then you don’t know why you find this endearing but Niall signs the word, “uncle” a few times to signal he’s accepted his lost.

The fact that they wrestle so much that Niall learned to sign how to give up made you giggle more than it should.

Harry crawls off of him, running a hand through his messy curls, his face a little flushed.

“I’ll talk to you later!” You tell Niall as your trailing behind Harry up a flight of stairs.

His room is extremely neat. A fluffy navy comfort decorated his bed with a few photos of flowers and nature on his wall. A tidy desk tucked away in the corner that had all of his school work loaded on top of it.

He chooses to sit in his desk chair, motioning for you to perch on his bed. You look at him expectantly when he pulls out the tape recorder and sets it on the surface.

He pulls his laptop into his lap and begins signing, “I need you to transcribe the lecture for me so I can follow it. We can skip through the bits where he is rambling or off topic.”

You nod, letting him know to begin whenever he’s ready. He presses the side button and the recording starts but it super unclear and garbled.

“Did you record this from your seat?” You ask, the professors words nearly inaudible and fuzzy.

“Yes.”

“You need to bring it to the front of the room. Ask Dr. Morrison  to lay it on his desk before class. I can’t hear anything but static and mumbles,” You tell him.

He laughs and shakes his head. His movements rough and angry, “Of course its fucked up. I get you as my tutor and then the recorder is shit.”

You glare at him, offended as you haven’t done anything to this boy. “Excuse me? I’ve literally been trying to help since I’ve meet you. What is your fucking issue?”

“I’m not a charity case! I don’t need you to feel bad for me. I’m not helpless! You’re probably just a silly little girl who took ASL in high school because it was cool and trendy. Go back to focusing on psych.”

“Fuck you, Harry,” Your gestures getting sharper and your face sour, “You know nothing about me so don’t act like you do. I don’t feel bad for you or think that you’re helpless.” You put up a hand and tell him to not talk.

“I was just being nice because I thought you were handsome and at first, seemed friendly. It turns out you’re just like every douchebag frat boy I’ve met. What a disappointment,” You chuckle, swinging your bag on your shoulder and storm out of the room without another look.

***

The cafe was jammed packed - it was Waffle Wednesday. You had said waffles in your tray and were about to plop down on a stool when you hear your name being called.

“C’mere, come sit with us!” He hollers over the commotion of the crowd. Niall.

You’re about to decline when some dude slips behind you and snags the stool. Shit.

A bit unwillingly you slide into the booth next to Niall, cracking open your sparkling water. “Mates, this is Y/N, we work at the store together and she’s Harry’s tutor,” he tells them. “Y/N, this is Liam and Louis.”

“Hello,” you try your best to come off as friendly even though you can feel Harry’s glare on the side of your face. You ended up falling to easy conversation with the boys. Niall has a very limited ASL vocabulary but tries.

The boys are also trying to talk slower and more pronounced so Harry can watch and understand. A couple of times he taps Niall on the wrist to repeat what was going on.

Your phone begins buzzing and you apologize for the interruption. It’s your little sister, Mazie, FaceTiming.

You answer the phone with a frown, signing “Aren’t you suppose to be in school?”

Mazie looks upset, eyes a little watery. She gestures back, “I left early. I’m sick.”

“Are you really sick or where you getting bullied again?” You asks her.

Your sister hesitates before sniffling, “You already know. I hate my school.” 

Mazie has had other children bully her for her disability since she started preschool and it as still happening in fourth grade.

“What can I do to help?” You frown, never wanting to see your baby sister cry.

You chat for a few minutes to help her calm down. When the phone call ends, you don’t realize that all the boys were watching you in interest. Harry in particular, keeps his focus on you with a wrinkled forehead.

“My sister’s deaf,” You tell them. The whole time you’ve been sitting with them you’ve been signing and verbally speaking to help everyone be able to be included in the conversation.

“That’s sick!” Louis says, smacking Harry’s arm. “Just like our lad Harry.” 

Harry grumbles when Louis shakes him a little. It seems like the boys loved to physically interact with Harry which was endearing.

Harry allows him to for a moment before he flicks his cheek hard and laughs when Louis flinches. The conversation goes back to normal.

***

Harry jogs up to you after your group shares farewells and a few punches. You pointedly ignore him as you trek to the class you two have together so it’s not like he can’t walk this way too.

“Please, wait,” Harry asks. He walks in front of you.

“What do you want?” You huff, keeping my glare firm and directed alley at him.

“I’m sorry. I made the wrong assumption.”

“You made a lot of wrong assumptions. The fact that you think of me so lowly is sad. I’ve been nothing but nice,” You try not to focus on his large palms that curve over the caps of your shoulders.

“I’m not very trusting of people.”

You snort rather unattractively, “No kidding”

“Can we please start over?” He asks, stepping back to give you space. He didn’t realize how close he’d been standing to you until your hair wisps across his nose.

“One more chance, Styles.”

Harry lays a hand on your upper arm and squeeze lightly before signing the simple gesture of ‘thank you.’

***

It turns out Harry is very handsy and physically affectionate. It wasn’t creepy though or something that ever made you feel uncomfortable.

You were still tutoring him but you hung around the frat with Harry nearly everyday. The days you just wanted to lay in bed resulted in a grumpy FaceTime from Harry.

Harry once stated during a tutoring session, “It is easier for me to show how I’m feeling with touch than words. If I ever make you uncomfortable - please tell me and I will stop.”

You smile slyly at his words that sounded more like a question, asking if he can touch you. “I guess I’ll let you feel me up every now in again.”

He giggles and looks down wolfishly - like an entertaining thought is dancing around in his mind.

You tuck your finger under his chin to gaze at you. “In all seriousness, I give you my consent to show your feelings with physical touch. I trust you and know you won’t do anything to make me uncomfortable.”

The curly-haired brunette smiles happily, his hand cupping the side of your neck and brushing over your pulse point.

He hadn’t touched you here before and it seems like it was his first goal to do so once he got permission. You can’t help but take in a deep gasp of air. You prayed he didn’t notice but by the small lift of his lips he did.

The simple touch made a flame of arousal swirl in your lower stomach. You felt like you were about to start sweating.

“Anyways,” You clear your throat and snatch back up the recorder. It now had better quality after Harry listened to you about placement.

***

The frat house was ridiculously full of drunk college students. Everybody on the dance floor was sweaty and sticky with a variety of different substances.

Niall had invited you - so you were searching about for him. Pushing through the crowd and nobody was able to hear you say ‘excuse me.’

You finally found fresh air in the backyard where beer pong and cornhole were set up. Niall was tossing his ball across the table, trying to splash in Liam’s red solo cups.

Harry was sitting on a cushioned patio chair, watching the game commence. Maybe he was a beer pong referee after all. 

He looked so fucking good tonight. He had a yellow snapback taming his curls - backwards of course. A black Rage Against the Machine shirt and his signature black skinny jeans. **

You made eye contact and were about to wave when a girl plopped down in the seat across from him.

Awkwardly you turn away, greeting the other boys and taking a seat in a lawn chair to watch them start their third round of the game.

Your eyes keep darting over to Harry who is staring blankly at the girl. She starts stroking his biceps and tracing across the tattoos like they belong to her.

Harry is attempting to let her know he’s not interested. His signs uselessly as she’s staring at his lips and not hands.

You’re moving before you know it, without another thought, you squeeze in between the two - separating them. You dramatically slide into his lap, funnily enough one strong arm wrapping happily around your middle.

The pretty blonde pouts out her lips, “Is he your boyfriend?”

Before you’re able to reply, Harry signs the obvious signal for ‘yes’ to the girl. Then rudely makes the shooing gesture. She’s up with a huff and stomping back towards the house.

Harry turns you sideways on his lap so that you two can see each other’s hands, “You saved me.”

“You’re just such a stud, have to protect you,” You joke - but not really.

He raising his eyebrows and smiles, “You were jealous.” It was a statement not a question.

You blush wildly, avoiding eye contact which you know he hates. He hates anytime you cut off ways of communication.

Harry taps your lips until you look up at him, “it’s really fucking sexy when you are.” A perk of sign language. He could dirty talk just about anywhere and mostly no one would ever know.

His thumb drags on your full bottom lip, signing clumsily with one hand so you had to use context clues to piece it together “Don’t think I forgot when you called me handsome a few months ago.”

“I don’t remember, doesn’t sound like me,” You boldly lie, snickering and nipping at the top of his thumb

His eyes become a shade darker when your teeth meet his skin. He presses his thumb further in until it’s in-between your teeth. The moment is broken when Niall screams, “Styles! You’re up next!”

**

You and Harry become separated after you spent nearly two hours watching all these drunk boys play beer pong. Harry was ridiculously good at the game and only had to drink two cups from the table.

You had wandered back into the house where the party had died down. There were only a handful of stragglers left but mostly just the fraternity brothers and their close friends.

With a fresh alcoholic seltzer in your hand - you didn’t trust open bottles at parties like this - you gaze at Harry through the back window.

Harry was being jumped by Liam and Niall. He was snarling playfully as Liam toppled them all over into the grass. Niall tries to stand up but Harry’s hand wraps around his ankle and makes him fall right back on his bum with a girlish squeal.

Niall leans over to give Harry a wet-willy but Liam manages to throw a plastic cup directly at Niall’s forehead. Harry and the other boys dissolve in childish giggles. Faces red from laughter and liquor. You feel a smile painted fondly on your lips from watching them.

“Hey, Y/N right?” A voice interrupts from behind.

You spin to face a guy you barely recognize from a previous class you shared. You smile nonetheless, “Hi...”

“Jake, Jake from Social Constructs and Society last semester.”

“Oh yeah, that’s right,” You smile and allow him to talk your ear off because you struggle to say ‘no.’ He was fine, nothing special, typical business major who thought he was hot shit because his daddy owned a golf course he wanted to take you to.

It was a normal conversation until his voice gets lower as if he’s trying to be more seductive, “Want to head to a room with me?” He nods towards the staircase.

You chuckle in disbelief at his bold and forward question. “No thank you, I’m good.” You really had eyes for one person right now and he was currently cussing out Niall in sign language in the backyard before tackling him once again to the ground.

“C’mon, I can really show you a good time,” He persuades persistently, stepping into your space - causing your nervousness to spike.

“I said - no thank you,”You bite out, starting to feel scared when he blocks your way out of the kitchen and presses himself against you and the counter.

“You’re really something gorgeous, you know?” He asks, ignoring my struggles to get away from him.

“Stop touching me!” You scream, hoping Niall or one of the boys would hear your wail. He puts a hand up to your mouth to muffle you but that only results in you biting him.

“Fucking bitch!” He cries out, pulling his hand back and winding up to either punch or slap you right in the face. You prepare for the impact.

Then in a blink off an eye, it becomes a blur, a muscular figure is crashing into Jake with full force and knocking him straight into the linoleum floor with a loud crash.

It’s Harry. Broad shoulders and thick but lean tattooed biceps. He’s standing over the harasser and drops on top of him. It shouldn’t look as graceful and tactful as it does.

You’d never seen anything like this from Harry before. Once you really got to know him - he was a gentle giant who liked romantic comedies, soft blankets, and vanilla cupcakes with rainbow sprinkles.

Harry’s fist is repeatedly connecting with the dark-haired boy’s jaw with full force. The only noise is from Jake as Harry is dead silent but his eyes zeroed in on the target.

When blood begins gushing from the man’s nose - Niall and Liam decide it times to physically pull Harry up. Harry had a slight red mark on his jaw when Jake had managed one punch before being defeated quickly.

Harry signs to Niall, “Tell him.”

Niall places his foot on the dude’s chest to keep him down, “My mate wants to let you know if you touch her again we’re not going to pull him off and he’ll gladly beat you to a fucking pulp.”

Jake groans, clutching his nose to stop the bleeding, “Fuckin’ asshole.” 

You were still blown away as you watch Harry’s heaving chest as he glares down at the boy. His fist clenched and knuckle bloody and swollen. Harry’s attention turns towards you. His furious expression melts into worry. You can read his face so clearly. He’s afraid he’s scared you off.

It was hard to believe you had this drop dead gorgeous frat boy defending you past midnight on a Friday night. A boy who didn’t need to hear but just to see you needed help to step in.

All your desires and lusts after the man in front of you burst like a rubber-band and the urge to have him felt uncontrollable. “Take me upstairs,” you demand quickly, arousal creeping up your spine.

He doesn’t understand you’re extremely turned on. Instead he looks like a kicked dog who’s about to get in trouble again.

Nevertheless, he takes your hand and maneuvers out of the kitchen and up the stairs until his bedroom door is closed.

Harry lips are turned down unhappily as he begins, “I’m sorry, love. I...” he pauses a moment before continuing. “I just wanted to make sure you were safe. I hope you don’t think less of me.”

You look him dead in the eye and sign, “Kiss me.”

He blinks slowly at you like he just hallucinate the gestures.

So you repeat your motions, slow and with intent, “Kiss me, touch me, do something.” No more time is wasted as he is stepping in front of you and cupping your face in his hands.

Without any hesitation now, he pressing a bruising kiss to your lips - taking your bottom one between his and sucking.

Your hands are immediately tugging at the hem of his vintage shirt, pulling apart to bring it over his head. Dark ink decorates his torso, for some reason something you weren’t expecting. A butterfly on his abdomen, two fern branches, tattoos on his side.

Harry chuckles, “This is new to me.”

Your eyes go wide and you sign, “You’re a virgin?”

Harry snorts and rolls his eyes before telling you, “God no. I mean I’ve never been able to really communicate during sex.”

Then before You can speak, he cuts in a bit frantically, “I’ve always gotten consent - not like that. I mean-“ You cut him off with a kiss - knowing he would never do anything you didn’t want.

You wanted everything from him.

“If you’d believe it, I like a bit of dirty talk when I fuck - but no one understands what I’m saying,” He tries to crack a joke but for some reason seems insecure and nervous.

“Hey,” You take his chin so he shyly meets your eye, “I can’t wait to hear it - you’ve already made me so wet.” His eyes light up like a kid on Christmas.

“You’re such a good girl,” he signs before tugging off your shirt and instantly finding your lips again. His hands are skillful as they unclasp your bra without any struggle and tosses it.

You tugs a bit as his hair to show your enjoyment as his tongue finds your nipple - lapping before taking it between his teeth. As good as it feels, you want him to feel even better.

You push him back until he’s sitting in the edge of the bed, legs spread and hands behind him on either side holding him up. Jaw clenched with arousal and restraint.

He’s pressed against the zipper of his jeans. And all you wanted to do was see him in all of his glory. You’re quick to undo the button and determined to get the finicky zipper down as well.

His fingers come beneath your chin until you’re looking at his sparkling eyes, a look of lust made his lids a little droopier and his mouth slack from heavy-breathing.

“Are you sure you want to? You don’t have to - I want to eat your pussy either way, pet,” He signs, leaning in for a slow, wet kiss.

You sign back with a pout, “Shut the fuck up.” He huffs out a laugh, letting go of your chin and wrapping a hand in your hair to keep it out of your face.

As soon as he’s helping you wriggle his briefs and jeans down his narrow hips, you’re met with the prettiest cock you’ve ever seen.

When you make eye contact with Harry, he raises a eyebrow and grins cockily, “Is it nice enough for your liking, love?”

You nod breathlessly - wasting no more time before ducking down to take him to your mouth, a slight burning in your throat from how big he is.

His hands keep ahold of your hair, thumbs pressed against your temples as you bob down his length with sloppy, warm licks.

Harry’s moaning as you pop off to kiss and suck at the underside of him, hands coming to cup and roll his balls. It is a few moments later when he taps your cheek to get your attention, one hand leaving his hair to sign that he’s close.

Your mouth speeds up, wanting to give him all the pleasure you could. Your hand coming to stroke at what couldn’t fit in your mouth, pumping quickly.

Before you know it, Harry’s rutting his hips upwards and coming with a long, deep moan from the rumbles of his chest. He’s pulling you up into his lap, pressing appreciative kisses to your cheeks and jawline.

Big hands palming at your breasts before slipping down into your leggings, brushing softly over your mound. 

You whine and hitch forward to grind against his palm as soon as he cups you. He smiles widely at your desperation, pressing the heel of his palm harder against you to create more pressure.

You were already so wet and turned on that it wasn’t going to take much. The ball of your climax was burning low in your tummy. However, you wanted him to taste you like he said he would.

You sign, “I’m close. Please, I want your mouth on me.”

With that, he’s flipping you until you’re laid out on the bed. His hands tugging off your leggings and underwear with no further ado. “Holy shit,” He gestures, gazing all over your body and not stopping on one spot for too long.

“What?” You ask, fishing for the compliments you know he’s about to shower you in.

“You’ve got such a pretty pussy,” he signs, dimples popping in his cheeks and a curious finger traces your entrance before dipping in.

You lightly kick at his stomach, “Get on me.” He pouts, crooking his finger against your spot before pulling it out. Fucking tease.

Then his face is disappearing between your spread thighs and a strong lick is delivered from your clit all the way down to your bum.

Since he can’t hear you, you grabs handfuls off his hair. Tugging at the roots, scratching your nails into his scalp to let him know how good he is. So fucking good.

When you accidentally buck your hips hard against his mouth, you curse and run a apologetic hand through the locks. He doesn’t look up at you but lift a hand and signs, “Again.”

You absolutely whine, begging to ride him with determination - climax on the brink. He hums causing vibrations on the sensitive nerves. With that, your hips are meeting his tongue and you’re coming. His face dampening with your release - happy as a clam when he pops back up.

You can’t remember the sign for condom, so you sign, “Protection?” Harry understands right away, rustling through the drawer until he finds a stray packets, “It’s been awhile.”

“Same,” You gestures - watching as he slides it down his length and crawls overtop of you. He was pink and swollen - having to be a bit sensitive from just coming a little while ago.

“Ready, love?” He asks, pressing soft kisses to your jawline. You nod, reaching down to guide him in.

And you weren’t lying, it had been a while and he was big. The stretch wasn’t uncomfortable, just a lot. But his wet, open-mouth kisses made you stay grounded.

Harry’s moans were absolutely obscene as he slide all the way in before stopping to give you a moment. His arms strong, holding himself over you. The cold metal of his necklaces brushing against your tight nipples.

When you have him the okay, he begin giving you deep, hard strokes on each thrust. His noises so loud they had to be able to hear them downstairs. They were deep and low - rumbling in his chest with pleasure.

Then his hand is coming to your throat. For a wild moment you thought he was going to choke you but instead he rest it lightly, palm flat.

It takes you a moment - then it hits you.

Holy fuck. He is feeling the vibrations of your moans - erupting from your vocal cords. Feeling out the movement from your throat so he can feel how much you’re enjoying it.

You should be embarrassed but you can’t find it in you when you come again right on the spot. His fingertips nudging into the skin to feel the intensity as it wracks through you.

When you’re done riding out your orgasm, he reaches for the headboard behind you with his other hand, gripping it tightly as he begins to pound in with all his strength.

The bedframe is hitting the wall so loud that the whole house must be able to hear it. Hitting with every directed thrust until his mouth is dropping down into a long, timbred moan and he’s coming.

---

Later, when the two are you have settled for the night in the warmth of his bed. Harry seems a little nervous, once again. It takes him a moment to meet your eyes and brushes a strand of hair off your forehead.

“What is it?” You ask, tucked into his side. His body so solid and comforting.

“It’s corny,” Harry frowns, eyebrows furrowing as his eyes flash across your face.

“Tell me,” You insist, bringing his hand to your lips to kiss his fingertips.

“I feel like you were made for me. Like...we were meant to be together,” Harry signs, hesitant to share his thoughts. But it doesn’t scare you away. You can’t help but agree.

“I think so too,” You reply before pressing another kiss to his puffy pink lips.

[ask-whumptown]

helllo. fourtown. hope jesse's birthday was a good day and that he got everything he's ever wanted ever heart hands

now i do have another question teehee!!

we see you all in your regular outfits, jesse's vest, robaire's button down (button up?), z's tank top, etc. .. but what do you all tend to wear outside of your professional life? would love to know how you all would describe ur own (or ur fellow members!) styles are like :D

much love, hope you guys are doing ok especially the t man over there!! heart hands :]

star :D

Jesse smiles. "Hey Star, I appreciate the kind wishes."

"We spoiled him, don't worry." Robaire winks, and gives you a thumbs up.

"I'm so glad you asked, because I've been dying to talk about fashion with someone." Aaron T.'s eyes are wide with excitement, and he bounces a few times on the couch. "Off camera, I'm pretty big on layering still. Cardigans, flannels, sweaters tied in literally every way a sweater could be tied, I love using stuff like that to add colour, dimension, texture, or shape to an outfit!"

"You've won him over." Aaron Z. smiles fondly.

"Of course, you know that I'm always wearing hats, and ball caps are my signature, but when I get to wear what I want I like to mix it up a bit. Especially beanies."

"He'll wear winter clothes in the summer if you let him, or summer clothes in the winter," Jesse says.

"Clothing has no season if you try hard enough."

"That's-"

"Z. is also really fashionable," Taeyoung interrupts, "think like, boxy but in the a good way."

"He easily spends the longest time putting outfits together." Robaire nods. "And they always look great, he plays with proportions really well."

"I like to be intentional with my outfits." Aaron Z. seems almost embarrassed by it. "My go to is probably a well-fit pair of jeans, a statement shirt, and sunglasses."

"Tiny sunglasses," Aaron T. puts in, "the ones that are very obviously not helping with the sun. He has three pairs and at least one is with him at all times."

He shrugs. "I like how they frame my face."

"His collection of button ups rivals Jesse's." Taeyoung grins.

"Oh God, yeah." Aaron T. nods with extra emphasis. "Button ups, polo shirts, dress pants, that's Jesse."

"I don't think he owns one pair of pants that doesn't have belt loops."

Jesse blinks. "That's... a really strange thing for you to notice."

"I opened his closet once, he keeps his belts front and center on a display," Aaron T. snitches.

"I only dress like that if I have somewhere to be, if we're practicing-"

"Practicing doesn't count, that's not style." Taeyoung crosses his arms. "That's like saying you wear pyjamas to sleep."

"When he dresses casually, he dresses like he's going camping," Aaron Z. says, "he's got just as many sweaters and sweatshirts as he's got button ups."

"Robaire's fashion strays pretty far from his stage looks." Aaron T. changes the subject before Jesse can find something to complain about. "I mean, even before we got those specific looks, his stage outfits were always very tight."

"I don't mind tight clothing." Robaire waves both hands. "Or any clothing that, uh, shows things off, but I'm definitely more comfortable in it when I'm onstage."

"He has like, five pairs of the exact same light wash jeans." Jesse says to you, before turning to point at Robaire. "You have a problem."

"I gravitate towards lighter colours, for sure. Pastels especially."

"Knit sweaters, necklaces, loose t-shirts, that's Robaire." Taeyoung squeezes his arm. "But you can always trust him to have the best shoes, hands down."

Aaron T. sinks back into the couch. "God, yes, Robaire has the best collection of shoes, and none of us can borrow any cause his feet are-"

"Do not finish that sentence." Aaron Z. glares.

"I think my fashion is probably the most casual," Taeyoung says, "I don't dress up very often, even if we go out as a group."

"He wears a lot of grey," Robaire explains, "lots of athletic-wear, sweats, tank tops, graphic tees, hoodies, he's always comfortable."

"If we're going to like, a nice restaurant or something, I'll wear something nicer! I have a pair of black dress pants that I adore, and like, I don't know, other nice things, those guys just care way more than I do." Taeyoung giggles. "And I say that with much love."

"His sense of style? Top notch," Aaron T. says, "he could probably join the stylist team and nobody would bat an eye."

He flushes. "T."

"So, yeah." Jesse eyes you curiously. "That's what we wear offstage, and when we're not at official events or anything."

"Thanks for asking Star!" Taeyoung waves.

At your concern, Aaron T. chuckles nervously. "Me? I'm okay!"

Jesse glances at him, then at you, then at Taeyoung, and then sighs. "Heart hands."

"Heart hands!" Aaron T. makes the gesture. Jesse does too.

"Yay!" Delighted, Taeyoung joins in. "Heart hands."

[kidcooper02]

OK IM PUTTING THESE ALL TOGETHER TO EXPRESS MY OWN THOUGHTS ON BART N JAIME IN SEASON 2 AND EXPLORE EACH ANON'S THOUGHTS (They're lovingly numbered and color coded ❤)

This is like a goddamn essay I'll present the information and tell my thoughts at the end.

Anon 1 brings up the point of Bart telling Jaime about his involvement with the Reach invasion. And the phrasing Bart uses is very guilt trippy and unfair to Jaime, despite Bart having the baggage to back it.

And I agree with it being a fucked up thing to do! And I want to preface that this isn't like, "how dare they!" Kind of a thing. Its incredibly interesting plot wise and character wise for Bart and I love it a lot. Characters doing gray things is my favorite. Anyway, in terms of their friendship, this isn't a great start lmao. I see it as Bart thinking this is a logical step in the plan. Calling attention to the problem, no sugarcoating, and let's get this shit done. If it hurts his feelings a bit, not his problem. Of course, Jaime had more going on than just that, he hadn't even had Scarab a full year and Tye goes missing. It just piled on Jaime. So yeah, fucked up move but I don't hate it.

Anon 2 brings up how Bart continues to mess with Jaime it seems. Its not really a time to be cheeky Bart, but he does anyway. Which does hurt Jaime, you can see it on his face.

Again, fucked up but I like it. That moment, definitely felt more intentional than the last one. Couldn't have chosen a worst time tho. Its not like Bart WANTS to make him feel bad, hes just not being careful with his words. And that's just a Bart thing, not really a "I'm doing this specifically to Jaime."

Anon 3 brings their perspective on the duality of their relationship in season 2 and how their friendship doesn't just come out of nowhere and where it leads us later.

And this is a fantastic discussion, because its true. Its very easy to get wrapped up in Bart's passive aggressive attitude towards Jaime, especially because for a long time the most vocal the fandom didn't acknowledge it. But you also have to remember that, he still wanted to make sure Jaime was OK whenever there was a battle. If it was half motivated by future saving reasons, so be it. But for as much as there's passive aggressive Bart, there's also Bart who just cares about his teammate. And Jaime, despite being low energy and mostly being exasperated with Bart, does appreciate him. I mentioned this last time and anon 3 mentioned that right now, Jaime is kind of alone in his thoughts. Tye doesn't know he's a hero AND he's gone. Jaime has all sorts of anxieties about Scarab and Bart's intel only pushes him even more away from the others. Is that slight manipulation to lead him to Bart? Yes. Is it a terrible thing? Not entirely.

They're casual. Jaime likes his desert self portrait, Bart seems genuinely worried for him on the Reach ship. Is it a super deep relationship, no its too soon, but there is a foundation.

I still believe their friendship starts off with not the right intentions, but that doesn't make their ENTIRE relationship bad. And I like how anon 3 describes it with "complex" and that its OK that it starts off in this way.

My problem is majority fandom treatment for the longest time in not exploring these nuances in their relationship and simplifying down to the point that they're both ooc. Bart is not just a goofy idiot with personal space problems and Jaime isn't his handler. Growing up seeing content as season 2 was coming out and after, that was how it seemed people chose to explore their relationship (again this is because the fandom wanted a new birdflash, so they tried to fit Bart and Jaime in a mold not made for them. Birdflash also gets some bad interpretation but not near what happened with bl u/e pl us/ e i think).

I DON'T REALLY KNOW IF MY THOUGHTS ARE COMING OUT RIGHT? BASICALLY I AGREE WITH ALL 3 ANONS ON SOME LEVEL. BART N JAIME'S FRIENDSHIP HAS A LOT OF COMPLEXITIES THATS ITS IMPORTANT NOT TO GO ON EITHER EXTREMITY OF "BART SECRETLY HATES JAIME" AND "THEY WERE BESTIES OF ALL TIME ALWAYS." (I THINK THEY HAVE AN INTERESTING RELATIONSHIP TO EXPLORE THEM BECOMING FRIENDS, BUT I STILL PERSONALLY DO NOT SEE ROMANTIC INCLINATION)

I hope I got everything out right? I adore Bart and Jaime as two separate characters and they're fantastic to explore. And I want to thank all these anons I've gotten recently to allow me to explore these 2 more in depth. Very interesting conversation to be had all around!

[uglytsumugi12]

shine▲polyhedric tri-lights 【ep 3】

♢ characters: natsume, sora, tsumugi, madara

♢ season: winter

― ☆ ―

〈 Ten minutes later 〉

Madara: Waiter! One hot coffee, please!

Phew. Winter has been cold these days. A warm drink is just what you need to survive the cold, isn't it? ♪

Tsumugi: Thank you for coming, Mikejima-kun. 

I had no idea you were nearby. Thanks to that though, that saves us the trouble of organizing a meeting ♪

Madara: Mhm. I didn't expect to be called in the middle of coming back home from shopping, either.

The end of last year has been so busy for me, I was trying to fully enjoy the few spare time I had.

Of course, I bought gifts for my roommates as well. Sora-san, I know it is a bit early¹, but I'd appreciate it if you accept this gift ♪

Sora: Ooh, warming socks!! Thank you so much!

Madara: Mhm. I thought they would fit you. Besides, you can never have too many pairs of socks.

Sora: HiHi~♪ You're right! Sora will definitely put them on tomorrow ♪

Tsumugi: Fufu. See, Natsume-kun? It was a good idea to call Mikejima-kun over, wasn't it?

Natsume: I'm not going to fall for his obvious bribERY.

Madara: Natsume-san. You're really bitter to me sometimes. You should try and trust me some more, y'know? ♪

Natsume: ...I will only do the bare minIMUM.

I meAN... Your relationship with Cospro has deepened thanks to Double FaCE, hasn't IT? I don't think you are in a position to be trusTED.

Madara: Hey now, don't be ridiculous. This is only a big misunderstanding.

I may belong to both MaM and Double Face, but my fundamental work remains in New Di. That's why I immediately went to Switch's rescue from their difficult situation ☆

Natsume: ...Just what exactly are you real intentiONS...

WeLL, we called you here for a reaSON, so I'll leave it thERE².

More importaNTLY. Did Senpai tell you about the situaTION?

Madara: That he did. It's about a tie-up between a sports company and Switch, right?

He told me you guys needed advice from me, since I have experience when it comes to sports clubs.

I'm not sure if my advice will be of any help, but if you have anything to ask me, please don't hesitate!

Tsumugi: Anything can be of great help. Well then, there's something I'd like to ask right away.

The company told us they "didn't want magic or fantasy, but something more realistic that makes us shine and about improving ourselves".

What would be an efficient way to express "making oneself shine and improve oneself"?

Madara: Hmm... Improving and making oneself shine, huh? Now that's one difficult demand.

Sora: Indeed. This is quite a problem for us, isn't it~?

Natsume: Just what exactly happened to you anyWAY? Your speech got even more careless than usuAL, is it because of that overseas festival you went TO?

Madara: Personally, I believe in the saying that goes "when in Rome, do as the Romans do"³. I am simply trying to match my attitude with theirs by copying their mannerisms.

Natsume: In other woRDS, you have no idea what you're doING.

Madara: Well, I guess that's one way to see it.

However, festivals aren't only about logic. Just like in live performances, in the end, theory is only a small part of them. It's mostly about the emotions you'll feel.

I think in order to shake up an audience's feelings, you have to dive right into the action.  It's by putting your blood and sweat into your hard work that you'll be able to catch someone's heart.

Tsumugi: I see....~ So that means we'll have to be working hard⁴ when doing sports, right?

Speaking about sports, since we are in winter... How about a marathon or something of the sort?

Natsume: HuH? Why a maratHON?

Tsumugi: Hehe. I am actually very good at long-distance running ♪

I guess steadiness is something that suits me~. Last time I ran a marathon, I was surprised that I was in a good state at the end. 

This is called "runner's high"⁵ right? One time, I finished at the top of a race, but I collapsed right after and had to be taken to the infirmary... Though, I'm pretty confident in my running ♪

Natsume: What kind of old-fashioned olympics mindset is THIS... If you don't speak up when you're hurting, what's the point tHEN? Modern education should be defeATED.

And honesTLY, if you want to work up a swEAT, regular lessons are more than enough alrEADY.

If you run outside in this weaTHER, you might catch a cOLD.

Madara: Oooh?... Natsume-san, do you perhaps dislike physical exercising? 

Sora: HuHu~. Shisho~ is much more of an indoor person, so that can't be helped ♪

Natsume: UgH.... You TOO, SoRA..?

I am simply not a very competitive persON. That doesn't mean I hate exerciSING.

It's not good to categorize people like thAT, SoRA. Switch's whole goal is to make everyone haPPY, with no discrimination whatsoeVER.

Tsumugi: Right right! And if you have confidence in yourself, then this challenge—

Natsume: Die.

Tsumugi: -! Gh?!!-

Madara: Oohoh~ Now that was a nice blow.

Natsume-san. No matter how reluctant you are on this, there is no real choice in the end.

Improving oneself through sports— that's what this whole thing is about. If you don't face up to it, I think it might damage Switch's reputation.

Natsume: Of course I'm ready to face it UP. HoweVER, there are many other sports that can be enjoyed without reaching the point of exhausting yoursELF⁶.

For examPLE—

...HmM. How about we go with ice skatING?

Sora: Ice skating....!!

— 1- the term used here is "flying" literally, but it means like doing sth before the arranged period of time, here b4 madara could give those gifts to his other roommates yk 2- here the term used is quite literally "grumbling/complaining or lecturing so ig natsume is doing some self realization LMAO 3- this saying means that when u live in a place, u should follow its customs and habits--same goes for the new places u visit as well 4- madara & tsumugi are actually using a term more similar to "letting sweat pour down", as in working hard yk it just sounded weird in english sos 5- in case u didnt know this is a feeling of euphoria that u feel after a strong physical effort, like all the adrenaline rushing in but it generally ends with rly strong tiredness 6- i guess here the term used is comfortable, leisurely... so i wanted to adapt it better I HOPE IT MAKES SENSE

― ☆ ― ♢ previous chapter ♢ next chapter

✦ masterlist

[jackrrabbit]

cuffing season /// Ushijima x f!Reader (18+)

Summary: [Shiratorizawa fanweek day 5—Firsts] You convince your boyfriend to try something new in the bedroom, but as it turns out, old habits die hard.

A/N: Heard it was Shiratorizawa week 👀 technically I did originally post this on day 5, but I had to repost bc of tag issues, whoops :P Let’s pray it works this time!! edit: apparently it’s still not listed in the tags :<

The song that I mention is Bruno Major’s Old Fashioned (although it doesn’t fit the tone of this fic in the least).

Tags/warnings: mild bondage, size kink, rough sex!!!, marking (bruises/hickeys/etc.), power play/power exchange, reader tries & fails to dom Mr. Ushijima 😳, all characters are adults

Look, Ushijima’s a great boyfriend. Perfect, almost. Sure, he may not be the most expressive guy, but you’ve been dating him long enough that you’re able to pick up on the little gestures that tell you that he cares about you—the way he presses his face into your hair when you hug him after you’ve been apart for a while; his hands stroking circles into your skin when you fall asleep in bed next to him; all of it. He’s everything you could possibly look for in a man, except for one not-so-little issue:

The sex.

Because Ushijima, your sweet, wonderful boyfriend, who kisses you so gently it’s like he thinks you’ll fall apart if he’s not infinitely careful with you, is for some reason incapable of exercising the same degree of restraint (or any restraint at all) when you’re in bed together. When it comes to sex, your boyfriend is a fucking animal. And you’re not really sure how much more you can handle.

Maybe your concerns would seem petty from an outsider’s perspective. It’s not like Ushijima doesn’t take ‘no’ for an answer, and it’s not like you don’t want to have sex. You’re attracted to him, of course you are! Almost 76 inches and 190 pounds of pure muscle, a body that looks like Michelangelo could have carved it from marble, and that beautifully solemn expression that had you salivating over him from the stands before you even knew his name? You want to have sex with him, you’re just fairly certain you can’t, not when it always ends up with you completely and utterly wrecked, so spent you don’t even have the strength to lift your hips off the mattress so he can wipe his cum off your thighs.

Look, anyone in your position would feel the same way. It’s awful and you’ll never admit it to him, but you almost broke up with him after the first time you two fucked. You knew going in that it wouldn’t be easy—the man radiates big dick energy and boy did he deliver—but it was just too much.

That first time had started off so innocuously, with you inviting him to your place for a nightcap after your sixth date. You’d set candles and put on your romantic sex playlist for a nice backdrop to let him hold you in his lap and make out—how the hell had you gone from that to having him rut you into the mattress, your belly pressed into the sheets and ass arched up so he could pound into you so forcefully that your rickety bed smacked into the wall hard enough to rattle the furniture with every movement, and you couldn’t even hear it over the sound of your own moaning? You hadn’t changed the playlist, and it felt downright obscene to listen to Bruno Major croon about love and courtship while Ushijima fucked into you like he was trying to carve the shape of his cock into your pussy.

You’d had to call in sick the next day because you could barely walk. The bruises from where he held your hips had taken weeks to fade, and by that time he’d already given you new ones. To his credit, Ushijima felt bad when he saw the evidence of how rough he’d been and he promised to take it easy on you next time…but after a few more rounds of mind-numbingly savage sex you learned that the man apparently doesn’t know what ‘take it easy’ means.

To be fair, at least some of it is your fault. You really shouldn’t have offered to go on the pill as a three-month anniversary present to him. At least before, he had to give you a break while he changed condoms after he came; now he has no reason to hesitate, instead going for round two (and sometimes round three) without pulling out. You never thought you’d see superhuman stamina as a bad thing, but…

“You don’t get it! It’s like getting fucked by a stallion. I need to plan to have three days to recover whenever I take him home with me,” you whined to your friends over cocktails when they told you you shouldn’t complain about a good thing—after all, Ushijima is just as committed to your pleasure as he is to his own, and there’s never been an occasion where he didn’t get you off before fucking you himself (probably at least a little because there’s no way in hell you’d be relaxed enough to take him otherwise).

“Can’t you just tell him to go slower?” one of your friends asked. “If he doesn’t listen to you, then that’s fucked up and you need to dump him.”

“It’s not that he doesn’t listen. If I tell him to stop, he stops,” you sighed, stirring your drink with the straw and watching the decorative sprig of mint fall under the surface to be overtaken by a chip of ice. “It’s like he can’t go slower. He’s not adjustable—it’s either crazy brutal or nothing, and then neither of us get what we want. Like a vibrator you can’t turn off the highest level. I don’t even think he realizes in the moment how intense it is for me.”

“Aren’t you ever on top? You can set the pace.”

“I’ve tried, but Ushi just—“ you made a gripping motion with your hands and mimicked raising something up and setting it down vigorously— “like, bounces me.”

One of them raised an eyebrow and then her eyes widened. She turned to your other friend and the two of them whispered to each other for a bit, then shifted back to you. “Tie him up,” she said with the air of an elder imparting sage knowledge, and your other friend nodded.

“Oh, come on.” You rolled your eyes.

“I’m serious. Guys usually love it when girls are in control, you just need to take the initiative. Get him tied down and then you can show him exactly how you like it. Let him feel like he’s at your mercy for once.”

The idea had seemed unthinkable at the time, but you hadn’t been able to forget it—which is why after weeks of contemplation, hours of research, and a single extremely awkward trip to a sex shop, you’re now crouching over Ushijima’s naked chest, wrapping a leather cuff around one of his wrists.

“Are you sure that this is something you want to do?” Ushijima asks in that weighty baritone that makes you shiver with need. He doesn’t pull away, but he eyes your actions warily as you thread the chain of the cuffs around a rung in the center of your headboard and reach over to do the other side.

“…Yes,” you tell him, a little less firmly than you would have liked, and you lick your lips to try to make up for how suddenly dry your mouth is. “Anyway, isn’t that my line? We don’t have to do the cuffs if you don’t want to. I won’t force you.”

“It’s alright. You and I both know you couldn’t force me, (Y/N).” Dark eyes pin you down and it’s incredibly unfair how much power he has over you even when he’s the one chained to the bed.

Ushijima’s right, obviously—if he didn’t want to be exactly where he is right now, he wouldn’t be. You’re sure as hell not strong enough to force him to do anything he doesn’t want to, but he didn’t have to say it like that.

“Okay then…good,” you reply, adjusting the straps of the cuffs to accommodate for how stupidly thick his wrists are. When you’re satisfied that they won’t chafe but he can’t get out of them without your help, you sit back next to his chest and admire your handiwork. Ushijima lays on his back, naked, relaxed, even with his arms stretched up to your headboard and cuffed there. He looks good, mouthwateringly good, and you’re ready to get your hands on him when you remember there’s something you need to get straight first. “Wait, before we—before I do anything, remember— what do you say if you want me to stop?”

“…Vanilla,” Ushijima says, reciting the safeword you decided on when you were hammering out details, although the look in his half-lidded eyes is telling you very clearly that he has no intention of needing to use it.

Privately you agree, but everything you’ve read on the kink blogs you’ve been trolling for research tells you that a responsible adult doesn’t put cuffs on their partner without deciding on a safeword first, and you’re determined to do this by the book. “Good boy,” you say, and the diminutive feels awkward in your mouth until you see Ushijima’s reaction—the flash in his eyes, a minuscule hitch in his breathing next to you, and the scrape of metal against wood as he gives a light pull at the cuffs.

With everything safe and accounted for, you give a final tug to the chain to ensure it’s secure, then inch back and swing one leg over the broad expanse of his chest so you’re straddling his abdomen (and he’s so damn big that there’s a twinge of soreness in your thighs just from sitting on top of him). Fuck, he looks good like this, all spread out and pinned underneath you, so masculine and bulky that you’re feeling your pussy get wet just from watching him watching you.

It’s not often you get to appreciate him like this—usually you’re too focused on not losing your mind from how deeply he’s fucking you—so you savor it, massaging his shoulders and sliding your fingers down his sides, tracing the smooth skin with a feather-light touch and then dipping to kiss under his jaw. Feeling more than a little devious, you let your teeth graze over the thin skin at the base of his neck and with your chest pressed into his, it’s not hard to feel his sharp intake of breath.

“The marks...my teammates will notice.”

“Maybe I should stop, then,” you murmur against his skin, lifting up just enough to brush over his nipples. He stiffens, and once again you hear him tugging at the cuffs.

“…Don’t. I want them to see,” Ushijima says, and once you have his permission you don’t waste any time in latching your mouth to his skin and sucking. It’s been ages since you’ve given anyone a hickey. Usually you’re the one marked up like a teenager after Ushijima has his way with you, so this is a nice change of pace, especially when you can feel him flexing underneath you.

Well, kissing is nice…but you’re getting impatient and you know he is too. Once you’re satisfied that your hickeys are going to show up nice and bright red around his neck like a collar, you sit back, walking your hands back on his chest, stroking over his abdomen and giving a little roll of your ass on top of him. Ushijima’s hips twitch—unconsciously, you wonder?—and he glares at you in a way that tells you in no uncertain terms to hurry up and let him fuck you.

And damn it, something about that look has you feeling weak. Needy. Obedient. But this time you’re supposed to be in charge, so you smirk and lift your hips, pulling your body back so his cock is nestled between your legs, not quite touching your pussy. He’s already hard—no surprises there, considering how intently he’s watching you as you mess with him—but you only take a second to stroke his cock up and down before shifting up so he can see you slick your fingers up in your own pussy.

“(Y/N)…” Ushijima’s voice is low, annoyed, and he looks hungry. But you’re so amazed at how wet you are under your own fingers that you don’t bother to pay attention to him shifting his position under you to try to get stimulation. Your juices are literally slicking up your own thighs, just from chaining up your boyfriend and teasing him a little? You should have done this a long time ago.

You push two fingers into your pussy and pump them a few times, making sure to angle your hips so Ushijima can see them go in and out. The stretch is almost uncomfortable for a second and you wince a little before schooling your expression, knowing you’re about to have something a lot bigger than two fingers stretching you open. Ushijima catches it though, and he frowns, trying to sit up before remembering the cuffs that are holding him back. “Let me—let me do it for you—“

“No, stay down,” you say quickly, using your other hand to push him back into the mattress while you continue to touch yourself. Ushijima lets you (and there’s no doubt in your mind that he is letting you), but his eyes narrow as he zeroes in on the way your fingers are glistening with your own pussy juices.

God, you’re—you’re supposed to be in control, aren’t you? So then you shouldn’t be feeling like this, eyes drifting closed as you fuck yourself on your fingers, letting your lower knuckles rub against your clit while you try to curl them to rub against your g-spot. Ushijima’s been spoiling you…you can’t remember the last time you’ve had to do this yourself, and as you feel the tension building up slowly you catch yourself wishing it were him fingering you instead.

His fingers are just so thick. And long, and so rough. You bite your lip thinking about the way he does it when he preps you to take his cock, mashing his palm into your clit, petting along inside you and scissoring his fingers and… “Mmh,” you hum, holding back a real moan for Ushijima’s sake.

There’s another click of the chain sliding over the headboard wood and it reminds you that he’s right there, you could just uncuff him and he could touch you and fill you up with those thick fingers, make you cum, make you cry. But the urge to seek your own pleasure is outweighed by the image he’s making as he looks at you, his expression almost angry in its intensity now that he’s watching you do this to yourself and he has no way to get his hands on you.

“Ahh—“ you whine, letting a real whimper out at the thought of what you’re doing to him. “Ushi, Ushi, do you wanna touch? Wanna touch me?”

His head ducks into a hasty nod and his jaw clenches at the strain of having to ask for what he wants instead of just taking it like usual.

The longer you touch yourself, the closer you’re getting…but you don’t want to cum, not just yet. You draw your fingers out of your dripping cunt and open them up in a V, showing off the juices that connect them, the evidence of how wet you are for him. “Mmm, I don’t think so. I think there’s something else I want in me instead.”

And then you’re reaching to the side for the lube, squeezing a healthy dollop into your palm and then wrapping your hand around Ushiijma’s cock. And—fuck, he’s big. Sure, you’ve had sex with him plenty, but no matter how often you take him, you never stop feeling absolutely torn up after. A tingle of trepidation races up your spine at the thought of riding him like this—can you even put it in by yourself?

Even just looking at it is intimidating. He’s painfully hard, cock flushed red and bobbing up against his lower stomach every time you let it go, and, Jesus, how is it even possible that this thing would fit inside you? When you wrap your hand around him your fingers don’t touch; he must be thicker around than your own wrist.

Halfway. That’ll going to be your goal tonight, to take him halfway. And even that…is going to be a stretch.

The anxiety must show on your face because once again you’ve got Ushijima straining at the cuffs. “(Y/N)—“ he spits as you stroke him up, nudging your palm against the tip. “(Y/N), you need to finish first. Let me make you cum.”

“No, this time I want to—I’m gonna cum on your cock,” you say, adjusting your position so you’re kneeling above him, the head of his cock sliding between your lips. “Gonna cum on your big cock, Ushi, okay?”

His cock jumps in your hand at the provocation. He’s glaring at you, but he’s also leaking precum, the sticky fluid mixing with the lubricant. You give Ushijima a moment to say the safeword if he really doesn’t want you to, and when he stays quiet you raise yourself up a little more and line the head of his cock up with your weeping slit. You hold your pussy lips open with your fingers, easing your thighs down and pressing the head into you and—

“Oh—oh—oh, fuck, oh fuck, Ushi—“ you stutter out helplessly.

It’s been almost two weeks since he last fucked you. One week, six days and about three hours, and at the moment this measure of time seems unreasonably important because it’s been almost two weeks since you last let Ushijima split you in half with his ridiculously huge cock.

You’re not ready, should’ve prepped more, should’ve let him make you cum like he said—fuck, it feels like you’re losing your virginity—and the mixture of dismay and relief that spills over you when the thick swell of his head pushes past that tight ring of muscle is almost nauseating.

The tip? Seriously, just the fucking tip, and you’re already delirious, shaking, your thighs quivering on either side of his. It’s taking all of your strength to keep from going slack—but you know if you do, his whole cock is going to slide up into you and even thinking about that has your cunt clenching and unclenching around what you’re able to fit inside.

“Do you need help?” Despite the strain in Ushijima’s voice at being teased like this, there’s an undercurrent of amusement. He clearly doesn’t have faith in your ability to take him deeper by yourself.

It’s this—this quiet arrogance, this belief that he knows what’s best for you and he’s the only one who can give it to you—that gives you the guts to convince yourself to lower yourself down onto his his cock until you’re literally gasping for air. It fucking hurts, but you’re not going to give him the satisfaction of hearing you say it; instead, you brace your hands against the stiff muscle of his chest and try to focus on the way his cockhead is pressing into your g-spot.

Halfway…he’s gotta be at least halfway in, right? You sneak a glance up at him and bite back a curse at the look on his face, serious as ever, so focused on the place where your pussy is reluctantly eating up his cock that you feel your insides tense up around him again.

You don’t even know how it’s possible for you to get tighter around him but somehow you must be able to, because you hear Ushijima grunt underneath you, and his muscles contract under your palms as he tries again to sit up. When he can’t, he hisses in frustration. “Move…now. Or I won’t be able to control myself.”

Funny, aren’t you supposed to be the one controlling him? But it sure as hell doesn’t feel that way when you’re barely able to stay upright just from trying to ride his cock. You nod desperately, chin jutting up and down like a bobblehead, and lift your hips up off his cock until just the tip is left inside. When you push yourself back down you can’t help whimpering at the feeling of him stretching you, sliding up into you, that stiff, wet cockhead dragging over your g-spot.

By now the pain has faded into an uncomfortable stretch, like leaning too heavily into a foreign pose in yoga, enough that you’re able to feel the arousal building in the pit of your belly and hold onto it as you rock your hips up and down him. The pace is slow—almost too slow; you marvel at yourself for wanting it faster—and there’s a fair amount of Ushijima’s cock that you’re not able to take, but this is really all you can handle.

“Mmm, Ushi, fuck, you’re so big, so big and hard inside me, feels so good on your cock—“ you moan, knowing you sound less like the dominant partner in this position and more like you’re teasing him, pushing his limits.

Ushijima’s breathing is heavy. Labored. He’s trying to hold himself back. “(Y/N), deeper—take me deeper, now.”

Part of your brain vaguely recognizes that he isn’t supposed to be giving the orders here, but you’re too drunk on the feeling of fucking yourself on his cock to complain, so you lower your hips and try, but it feels like you’re just too weak to do it yourself. “Ushi please, it’s too much, too big, I can’t, please—“

And your pleading must sound like an invitation, because his eyes flash and you feel him shifting the position of his legs behind you—and then he bucks his hips up and his cock sinks into your cunt, pushing up into your gooey insides until the head is pressing into the tight opening of your cervix.

“Ahn—?” you squeal, startled. What? He—what? Fuck, it’s deep, it’s so deep, you can’t hold yourself up so you flop downward, holding onto his shoulders for dear life, “ohhh Ushi pleasepleaseplease” and you barely hear yourself over the lubed-up slap of his pelvis against your skin.

Fuck, it feels like he’s knocking the breath out of you. Feels like you can’t fucking breathe like his cock isn’t just pushing against your stomach but your lungs too, can’t breathe so you bear down on his shoulders try to hold yourself up try to let yourself adjust but—

Ushijima’s in control now.

Not that he ever wasn’t, you’d think if you were capable of thinking except you’re not because as you try to situate yourself make yourself relax around that monster cock filling you up, he’s not giving you a moment to catch your breath, instead thrusting up into you at his usual breakneck pace. Apparently he doesn’t need to use his hands to make you bounce—you’re not even moving yourself now, just trying to hold still as his hips slam his cock inside you again and again and again, and again, rubbing up against that sweet spot in your pussy so quickly that you think you might go crazy from it.

“Nngh, so tight,” he growls, and you can tell from the way the words are choked out that he’s gritting his teeth. You almost want to roll your eyes—of course you’re tight, anyone would feel tight around him—but it feels like if you do your eyes might roll back in your head so you don’t.

Jesus fuck, you can’t even understand how long it’s been but you do know that it’s absurd for you to want to cum already, only the thick mass of his cock pushing into you is somehow hitting all the right buttons, just like it always does. Even if it’s rough you want more. By now you’re trying to meet his thrusts, rolling your hips in time with him fucking you open, doing your best to participate but really it’s all you can do to even stay still with how roughly he’s fucking you. “Ushi, fuck, so deep, wanna cum I wanna cum please let me cum—“

“Touch yourself,” he commands breathlessly because he’s still tied to the headboard and he can’t do it, and you barely have the strength to pick one of your hands up off of where you’re scratching into his shoulder and pull it down to rub at your clit.

It’s not enough and you whimper desperately, you don’t want your own fingers, you want Ushijima’s, you want him to touch you. You’re probably saying it out loud by now, begging him to put his hands on you—his eyes widen and then the sound of the metal cuff chain grating over wood reaches you—you can see the skin of his wrists get lighter from lack of blood flow, he’s pulling at the cuffs, pulling too hard, he’s going to hurt himself, you have to stop him—and then you hear a snap.

Aw, shit. The bed.

The thought comes in a singular moment of clarity as you watch the rung Ushijima’s chained to separate itself from the rest of the headboard, splintering, the nail that held it in place looking pathetically flimsy next to the veins bulging in his arms as he slides the chain away from it. He flexes his hands, forming fists and then unclenching them to restore the interrupted blood flow, and then you’ve only got a second to prepare yourself before he’s upright, dragging your hips up to meet his.

“Ushi, Ushi, Ushi, I want, please, I want you,” you beg, but you didn’t really have to because you’re pretty sure there’s no force on Earth that could stop him from holding you up so he can fuck down into you with a ferocity that could be mistaken for anger if you weren’t certain it was really lust.

The entire bed is creaking and rocking against the force of his movement, but you don’t really have the headspace to worry about more property damage considering he’s got you supporting yourself on the mattress on your back and shoulders, your spine curled up so he can kneel and still have your hips aligned with his, your legs dangling bonelessly on either side of him.

Fuck. Holy fuck. You open your mouth but words don’t come out, only a choked whimper, but if you could speak you’d be saying yesyesyesyesyes, touch me.

Despite your inability to speak, Ushijima picks up on what you need and then along with his cock carving its way in and out of you you’re getting the feeling of his fingers padding over your clit. Rough and callused, not gentle, nothing like the way you touched yourself earlier, but you’re starting to realize you don’t mind the aggression. In fact, it’s good, it’s so good, so good you’re gonna cum.

You’re gonna cum.

A long, drawn-out whine is spilling out of your lips before you can stop it; you wrap your hand over your own mouth out of shame or maybe courtesy to your neighbors (although by now they’ve probably invested in earplugs after listening to you squeal like a pig on Ushijima’s cock dozens of times in the past). Still, as your climax rocks through you shove your thumb between your teeth to bite down on it, but the sharp pain is nothing compared to the pleasure.

“Ushiiiii—“ you sob around your own fingers. Your spine arches—or rather, you try to arch your back but you can’t, not with Ushijima’s full body weight pressing into you and keeping you pinned to the mattress.

It hurts, it feels good, you’re seeing stars, you’re hearing Ushijima snarl as your pussy tightens up and convulses on his cock. His one-handed grip on your ass gets painfully tight as he abandons whatever pretense of restraint he had left and pumps his cock into you so hard and fast you’re pretty sure the headboard isn’t going to be the only thing broken, but you don’t fucking care because you’re cumming, you’re cumming, you’re cumming so hard you think you black out for a second, holy fuck.

It’s only when you hear Ushijima’s panting breath and feel him pulling your hand away from your mouth that you regain your grip on reality. “You’re bleeding,” he says, holding your hand up and inspecting the shallow indentations your teeth made on your thumb.

“…You broke my bed,” you reply tiredly once you’ve gotten in a lungful of air, what feels like the first full breath you’ve been able to take since he put his cock inside you.

“I’m sorry,” Ushijima tells you, although he doesn’t look particularly sorry.

You roll your eyes. “Did you cum?”

“Yes. When you did.” Without him holding you up there’s nothing to prevent you from sliding down off his softening (but still unfairly impressive) cock. You’re certainly not strong enough to keep yourself in position.

Even if he hadn’t confirmed it, you’d still be able to feel the familiar heat of his semen plastering your insides, and once your still-sensitive pussy is exposed to the cool air your inner muscles squeeze involuntarily but hard enough to force some of his cum out—you sense it, hot and thick, dripping out of your pussy to smear against your thighs. “Can we take a bath?” you ask, knowing you’ll barely be able to walk over to the bathroom, much less stand under the shower unassisted.

Ushijima nods and moves off the bed. “I can carry you,” he adds when you try to stand up and your knees almost give out before you flop back onto the mattress.

At this angle, with you sitting and him standing in front, it’s difficult not to see that despite cumming literally less than two minutes ago, he’s already getting stiff again. Jesus, is he even human? After how hard you just came, the thought of letting him fuck you again is giving you something stronger than butterflies, but you look up at him and offer anyway. “Wait, do you…um, want to go for another round?”

Ushijima’s gaze meets yours and then travels over your body underneath him. You must look like a mess—sweaty, hair all fucked up and tangled, body still shaking with the aftershocks of your climax and barely able to sit comfortably on your aching pussy—and you guess he sees how jittery (nervous?) you feel because for the first time since your relationship started, he shakes his head to turn down an offer of sex. “No, I’ll take care of it. Let’s clean up first.”

“Okay,” you sigh, releasing a breath you didn’t realize you were holding and raising your arms to let him pick you up.

“(Y/N).”

When Ushijima doesn’t move to carry you, you frown. “Hm?”

“The cuffs.”

Oh, right. The black leather is wrapped around both of his wrists, chain still intact. Apparently these cuffs are stronger than your headboard. Good quality. Too bad they’re going in the trash. You make quick work of the release and then undo the straps carefully, massaging over the light pink marks on your boyfriend’s wrists once they’re free.

“Sorry, did it hurt you? I didn’t mean to—I mean, I just wanted…” You trail off, feeling infinitely embarrassed that despite all your claims of dominating him, he still ended up with the upper hand, cuffs or no cuffs. And you liked submitting to him. There’s no denying that.

“It didn’t. And…I enjoyed having you on top,” Ushijima tells you, lifting you effortlessly into a princess-carry now that his arms are free.

“Yeah right. We’re never using those again,” you scoff, tucking your head into his chest as he carries you to the bathroom. “My boss is going to get mad that I keep taking sick days every time I have sex with you. I’m just going to throw the cuffs out.”

From your position, so close to him, you can barely see the upward quirk of his mouth that would be as good as laughter for anyone else. “Don’t get rid of them. I think…next time, I would like to have you wearing them, (Y/N).”

Well, fuck.