#hes a big intimidating gruff guy but he loves his kids <3< /div> Explore tagged Tumblr posts

[leopardsealz]

large man alert

[witchthewriter]

𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐦 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐢𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐊𝐨̈𝐧𝐢𝐠

⤷ gender neutral, ambiguous race, and any size reader. Requests are open, thank you for reading!  

a/n: not a poly relationship - I just decided to have them both in one post. Let me know if you want more xx Also I went through the tags for these guys and there is nothing but SMUT. So I wanted some sweet sfw headcanons for the boys

Warnings: swearing, nsfw included (no one under 18 please).

ᴹᵃˢᵗᵉʳˡᶤˢᵗ | ᴹᵃˢᵗᵉʳˡᶤˢᵗ ᴵᴵ

𝑺𝑭𝑾🌿

INTJ

Ravenclaw

Neutral Good

Scorpio Sun, Capricorn Moon, Virgo Rising

𝐒𝐢𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐲/𝐆𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐭

・This man is fucking dangerous behind the wheel. And although he is a hot-head occasionally, it isn't when he's driving.

・Simon knows he's shit, so when people honk at him, give him the finger - he just stone-faces it. Let's them berate him because really, he doesn't fucking care.

・However he has lost his licence a few times ... and so you told him he could be your &lt;3 passenger princess <3

・Simon wasn't amused ...

・Very much the protective type, verging on possessive. Not in an abusive way, but he wants everyone to know that you're his. So when anyone flirts with you - or even when they're a little too nice, his jealousy consumes him.

・Scary dog privledges, with and without the mask. This man is intimidating as fuck.

・6'4, wide shoulders and big hands, so it doesn't matter how you look, how tall you are etc - Simon is bigger, taller and stronger.

・Yes he can be a hardass, but when he loves someone, that roughness is somewhat smoothened out. He'd hate to hurt your feelings.

・He only wears his mask to hide his identity; he takes it off when missions are done.

・And when he's home, he rarely wears it.

・Absolutely HATES being jump-scared. And his reflexes take over (you've learnt from the first and last time)

・This goes with random kisses as well, sometimes you just have to make yourself known before touching Simon

・He isn't huge into PDA, but when outside he will gladly hold your hand, bump his shoulder into yours when you make a crappy dad joke.

・The biggest misconception is that he's cold. Well, at work - obviously he is. But at home, with you, he has so much warmth. A lot of life.

・He has great banter. Absolutely has both of you laughing your asses off.

・Calls you "love," "sweetheart," (all in his gruff, chiselled brit accent). And when you're alone, he calls you names like "my love," "hun," "sweet cheeks."

・You're slowly learning about Simon's past, which he shares little by little.

・Too much information and he's scared you might feel overwhelmed and leave him

・There's some deep trauma there, but the army has therapists and everyone gets checked out before they're deemed mentally healthy enough.

・He does want kids, but only after he's done with the military. He would hate to be an absent father in any way. And he wouldn't want you to have that full responsibility.

・A lot of people characterise him as this traumatised man who can barely look after himself. But that is far, faaaaar from the truth. He's very competent. And he eats a LOT. But he also works out (to keep in shape, he actually hates the gym) (also he doesn't expect you to do anything of that stuff. He loves you for you.)

・I also have this headcanon that Ghost/Riley would love Metallica, Slipknot, Black Sabbath etc. It's one of the things that calm him down. However, if he's had an overwhelming day, he needs no noise whatsoever.

𝑹𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔

Teases Them (You) x About To End Them (Ghost)

The Moon and His Star

𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒄 𝑷𝒍𝒐𝒕 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆

Opposites Attract

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆 𝑺𝒐𝒏𝒈

Say Yes To Heaven by Lana Del Rey

Arsonist's Lullabye by Hozier

Enter Sandman by Metallica

𝑁𝑆𝐹𝑊 🔞 No one under the age of 18 past this point, I bloody mean it. 

・There's almost like two sides of your s/o. The Ghost side, where the mask stays on, and he's rough, possessive, dominant. And then the Simon side, where he likes soft touches and when you gently stroke his face

・You've both discovered that Simon likes it when you wear his mask, gloves - nothing else - and touch yourself.

・Even with your cum juices on the mask, and gloves, he'll still wear them to work.

・It's the only kinky thing he brings with him while on deployment. You did want to take a naked polaroid for him but he didn't trust the other guys not to somehow see it.

・He likes keeping you as separate from army life as much as possible. Because you feel like home, and it gives him hope.

・Ghost loves taming your bratty side. He's short, demanding and can shut you up with one look.

"Keep on actin' like that, and see what happens."

・Of course you keep acting up, and when you get home, you pay for it tenfold.

・Ghost's hands are as big as a paddle, and when he has you over his knee, ass up in the air. He doesn't hesitate in leaving red marks (all consensual. He wouldn't do anything without having a conversation before hand).

𝑺𝑭𝑾🌿

ISTP

Hufflepuff

Chaotic Good

Aries Sun, Aquarius Moon, Leo Rising

𝐊𝐨̈𝐧𝐢𝐠

・A 6'10 king, who suffers from social anxiety but has this soft, silly side that he loves showing you and only you (I will take no criticisms on his height. It is LAW. My law.)

・Because of his anxiety, social aspects of life are much harder than work. He's highly skilled in combat, and has a lot of confidence in his abilities to accomplish missions.

・However, when you tried to speak to him, all he could do was stutter.

・You allowed him to get the words out, but he was an absolute mess afterwards and went to go train.

・But this didn't deter you in the slightest. Hell, you had been trying to muster the courage to speak to him for weeks...

・It took a while for Konig to open up about his past, especially his adolescence.

・He's told you the jist of it, but there's details that you don't push him on.

・One of your favourite pastimes together is going to bakeries and eating the most delicious pastries.

・When you're feeling down, or there's something to celebrate, there's no cake but pastries instead

・Doesn't mind animals, but understands that when he's away you will get a bit lonely. So you surprised him by getting a pair of kittens!

・You showed him over video chat, one white kitten and one black.

"I haven't chosen names for them yet, but I thought maybe you could have some input?"

"Schatz! The kittens are cute but you have scratch marks all over your arms!"

"They're very playful!" And then you leant closer to the camera and whispered, "I leave scratches on your back ..." And with an innocent look on your face, you watched as Konig shivered.

・Likes to put you on his lap when he's cleaning weapons, or getting the marks out of his mask or shoes. Okay honestly, he just wants you on his lap all the time. Whatever excuse he can come up with - he'll goddamn use it

・Absolutely loves Kate Bush and Stevie Nicks. He thinks they have such a beautiful sound that you can find him with headphones on, swaying in the bedroom, silently in his feels

・All your pet names are in Austrian/German:

"Schatz", meaning 'treasure'.

"Maus," meaning 'mouse.'

"Liebling" meaning 'darling.'

"Hase" meaning 'bunny'.

"Liebe" meaning 'love.'

𝑹𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔

Always Bringing Them Rocks They Think They Would Like (You) x Keeps The Rocks (Konig)

The Gomez & Morticia Adams

I Don’t Know What I’m Doing But At Least I’m Alive, Right? (You) x You’re Doing Great, Sweetie (Konig)

𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒄 𝑷𝒍𝒐𝒕 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆

Hidden Identity & Forced Proximity

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆 𝑺𝒐𝒏𝒈

Running Up That Hill by Kate Bush

The Chain by Stevie Nicks

Dance of the Druids by Bear McCreary (he loves movie scores as well. It's one of his fascinations).

𝑁𝑆𝐹𝑊 🔞 No one under the age of 18 past this point, makes me feel weird if you read it.

・Konig is a bit awkward at first with the sexual interactions you guys have. He does have anxiety, but also, the build up of sexual tension had been going on for months.

・All he had during that time was his hands and the memories of how you looked, the way your eyes met his then flicked downward - almost like you had x-ray vision.

・There was no denying the heat.

・So when you first hooked up it was a fumbling mess of grunting, clothes ripping and fast hands trying to touch and grab at any bare piece of flesh.

・You did have a shocking revelation that first time however. Because this man's cock is not only thick, veiny but nearly 9 inches when he's hard.

・That first time wasn't a true first time as the look on your face told Konig everything - you weren't ready for that part of him ... just yet.

・Loves when you ride his thigh; they're absolutely huge. Just muscled and bulky and the first time you saw them (without the uniform) you audibly gasped.

・His body is absolutely divine

・Like it had been sculpted by the gods. Large biceps, long legs, small waist, large shoulders. His hands wrap your neck perfectly.

・You feel so safe with him.

・And you have to remind him that, because sometimes he worries he could hurt you without meaning to.

"I'm a grown up, Konig. I can handle myself."

"So when are you going to let me fuck you?"

"mmm... I think I still have to get used to that. Maybe we can do fingers first..." (his fingers are ... fucking huge).

[sleepyone2three]

1. Uta, as long as she isn't trying to trap everyone, it could make for a super fun show. And I don't need the stress of getting kicked out because of Brook asking to see people's panties.

2. I guess Zoro's bill since Luffy could eat an entire town's worth of food. But more than likely, it's gonna end up with me either washing dishes or trying to skip out on the bill because I'm broke 💔

3. I don't know much about Killer at this point since I'm still pre-timeskip, so I'm tempted to say him out of pure curiosity towards his character. I'm also more of a homey recipe type of person and Killer gives off that vibe. Plus, I hear he likes spaghetti, so we can compare recipes.

4. Roger because at least he won't crush the phone just trying to hold it.

5. Rayleigh. Going drinking with Shanks probably means partying all night with the whole crew, and I'm not much of a drinker in the first place, nor am I good with large groups of people. Just sharing a drink and chatting at Shakky's doesn't sound bad though.

6. Originally, I was going to say Nami. But the more I think about it, the more I realize Perona would be a dope shopping buddy. We both like cure things so we could go look at plushies somewhere and then loiter in hot topic. Plus, I'm less likely to be relegated as the bag carrier if Kumacy is still around 👌

7. Ask Smoker for the day off. Small talk is already painful enough, but awkward small talk is the absolute worst. Besides, Smoker seems tough and gruff, but he obviously cares about his people. Might be intimidating as hell, but the worst I'd expect in that situation is a gruff.

8. I've only known Bepo for Sabadoy Island, but I love this guy already. Let's have a nice chill time and make Law something to hopefully help with his sleep schedule. I do wonder about the implications of a bear building a teddy bear, though.

9. I actually just skipped my 10-year high school reunion, so going to someone else's sounds kinda fun.

10. I haven't actually met either of these characters, but I have read/heard enough about them to know either option isn't great. I guess I'll choose to marry Big Mom though. At least then I can adopt her kids and try to show them what a loving parental figure actually looks like.

11. Chick flicks with Koby for dayyyyys.

12. Drake. I'm currently still in Impel Down story wise and haven't gotten a chance to really meet Marco for more than a couple seconds. Plus, I'm standing by my current thought process of him being a high-ranking marine turned pirate is just shorthand for dino boy with a heart of gold until the series proves me otherwise.

13. Kidd. Boa wouldn't like me because I'm a man and I have a feeling Kidd would pick an outfit better suited for passing as masculine.

14. GTA with Ace. I'll get him out of town before Marineford can happen 🥲

15. Brush Buggy's hair. It's just so beautiful, you know this man uses only the finest products to maintain those luscious locks.

16. Gimme those extra limbs Robin, just think of how much faster prep work in the kitchen will go!

17. First, I need to know why Crocodile needs help with that when he can literally control the stuff at will. Sounds like somebody is just being an ass to be an ass 😒 But I'll go with cleaning as I have a couple of fragile items that are irreplaceable and I don't wanna play at that.

18. Shop with Franky, no doubt. He would have us build the coolest stuff you've ever seen!

19. I haven't met either of these characters, but I'll beta-read.

20. If you knead me, I'll be making puns with Thatch.

This Or That

Just a silly game I thought I'd make for people. Basicly I have written a bunch of 'would you rather' and feel free to reblog this with your answers, I am super interested in reading! Silly and fluffy ones.

Go to a concert with Brook or Uta

Pay Luffy’s food bill or Zoro’s bar tab

Cook with Sanji or Killer

Teach Whitebeard or Roger how to use a smartphone

Go drinking with Rayleigh or Shanks

Go shopping with Nami or Perona

Make awkward small talk in an elevator with Mihawk or ask Smoker for a day off

Go to build a bear with Chopper or Bepo

Be Shachi’s plus one to a wedding or Penguins date to a school reunion 

Marry Big Mom or be adopted by Kaido

Watch a chick flick with Coby or horror with Shirahoshi

Paint Marco’s nails in phoenix form or Drakes toenails in dinosaur mode

Let Kid or Boa give you a  total makeover

Comit GTA with Ace or arson with Sabo

Do Hawkins eyebrows or brush Buggy’s hair

Have Law borrow your heart or have Robin give you extra limbs

Let Corazon help you move house including breakable things or clean the sand out of all Sir Crocodiles shoes

Art class with Usopp as teacher or shop with Franky as teacher

Have to tell izou he’s wrong or beta-read Deuce

Listen to an hour of bread puns and jokes from Thatch or Barto fanboying over Strawhats for an hour. [He’d be screaming and crying and pulling his hair out]

[selinakidreams]

here’s a lil something for baku (and you) to enjoy on his birthday <3 all apart of the bakugo birthday bash hosted by the lovely @jodrawssmut @phasmwrites @katsukikitten @bakugotrashpanda @lady-bakuhoe @ramen-rambles ! !! thank you guys so much for letting me be apart of this <3

pairing: (established relationship) QUIRKLESS AU kiribaku x fem! reader

word count: 3k+

warnings: alcohol consumption but sober sex, oral (f receiving), mentions of throat fucking, mentions of spit roasting, lots of mentions of spit <3 (and exactly one spit into a mouth), very light degradation, praise

a/n: this is my first time writing with three characters kdjdkdk it’s way out of my comfort zone and I only had 6 days to write it,, but I did it!! trust me I wanted to write more but I actually wanted to make it to baku’s birthday so !! don’t be mad at the endiiiiiiinnnngggg <3

The jazz wafted throughout the empty bar; your silk dress falling from the edge of your seat. It has been a slow night for the bar. You leaned your head into your hand, elbow keeping you sturdy as you swirled the drink around it’s glass cup. 

Your friend's party became a bit too feral for your taste, but you kept your word and stayed as long as you could for the sole purpose of seeing her smile, but then they showed up and you saw yourself out. 

The dim lighting made your eyes droopy with no action to keep your brain going, so you take another swig of your drink before swiveling in your chair to face the other side of the bar. 

Floor to ceiling windows greeted you, giving you the perfect overlook to the twinkling city lights below. It was incredible how your friend could afford a room in this hotel for her party. 

You noticed a movement in the corner of your eye; someone had entered the bar. 

You turn back to face all the expensive drinks displayed on the shelf, the perfect excuse to catch a quick glimpse at him. The contrast of his hair against everything else in the room almost made your eyes pop out of their sockets. 

Platinum blonde hair tufted out like an explosion, a satin red shirt that danced with the warm light of the room, black slacks and from what you could tell, some expensive ass shoes. Too dressy just to be here for some drinks.

Wanting to see more but not willing to fully stare at the man, you signed and waited until it seemed like he got settled on the bar stool before saying, “Is it your party that’s on this floor? It seems like quite the... experience.” 

Your voice came out smooth and velvety to bakugo’s ears, not that he would ever admit it. He scoffed before taking a second to look at the stranger who was daring to talk to him. His first thought settled in his mind and accepted it, almost prompting for silence- waiting to see if you would push to talk to him again.

From what you could tell, he was scanning you up and down. He opened his mouth to say something; his pink plush lips looking extremely inviting as they began to mouth something.

No sound came out for the next few seconds, showing he decided to keep his thoughts to himself. He closed his mouth and took out a phone from his pocket, the screen illuminated his face as he began typing something out. 

With this newfound light, his features became even more alluring- which couldn't be said for most people. Perfect porcelain skin, his profile pointed and devilishly handsome.

He’s well aware that he still held your attention, so when he slid his phone back in his pocket, he responded to your previous question, “yea, that’s the one. I’d rather stick it out instead of hearing them complain about me not going to my own party  for the rest of the week.”

By the end of his sentence, he had a glass of something amber in his hand that seemed to look a lot like whiskey. He didn’t spare you another glance but you could tell he expected to hear a response.

You hummed, slightly nodding your head, “The party I had to go to is upstairs and it’s… a lot. They're all just talking about expensive this and designer that and I couldn't listen to another word so I had to get out of there…” you trailed off at his silence. Noting that the conversation wasn’t going anywhere, you introduced yourself in hopes to continue interacting with him. You knew his type, and you knew in some way, he was going to surprise you. 

“Bakugo Katsuki.” He said in turn.

You slowly nodded before posing another question.

“So Bakugo, not really a party goer?” You attempt to ask, only to get a huff in return.

“not one for small talk either, i see?” You add at the end.

Another few quiet moments go by before he responds

“If I was a party goer, I’d be at my own party wouldn’t I?” He quipped back and your eyebrows shot up as you raised your hands in defense. 

“Well hey, I dunno ! For all I know you could have had a really rough night and this specific bar could be your saving grace. Could possibly use this night to drown your sorrows away behind a whole bottle of what… whiskey?” You say, ushering to his drink before turning to face your own, knowing he probably didn’t like being pegged as such.

“but you wouldn’t do that. You’re a strong man who knows what to do when things get bad, huh?” you continue, sprinkling praise to his dignity. He seemed like the type to prioritize that.

He didn’t do or say much in terms of a response but a small smile grew on your lips seeing how his body suddenly released a bit of the physical tension that was winding up.

You moved a few seats closer to him. If he didn’t like it, he hadn’t said anything. 

“So-'' Interrupted before you could continue the line of questions, Bakugo surprised you by asking, “you think you’re better than your friends? Leaving them and comin’ here to drink alone?” his voice coming out gruff and low.

“No, not one bit. I was the one who planned the whole thing for my friend, it’s just unfortunate that she had to invite all those people who aren’t all that nice to her. I can’t stand them. I’ve told them off more than I can count, but they just brush me off. A group of bullies is one thing, but a group of people who pretends to be friends with you then talks behind your back is another.`` 

Bakugo was quiet, not by astonishment or anger; he seemed to be expressionless as he piped up, “fake people are some of the uglies nobodies out there.”

You turn to look at him before sipping your drink and moving a seat closer. This time Bakugo glanced your way but continued to stay silent. 

“You ever beat someone up?” you ask, resting your chin on your palm, tilting your head towards him.

Your second surprise that night, he chuckled. It was soft, the complete opposite to the demeanor he'd been holding.

“Why? You want me to go in there and beat a few of those assholes up?” his eyes were relaxed by this point, no longer sharp and heavily guarded.

“Only because they don't believe I'm intimidating enough.”

“Maybe because you're not.”

You fake gasped, bringing your other hand up to your heart. “Excuse me sir but I'll have you know that I can be quite the fighter.”

“We’ll see about that.”

You hadn’t realized you got so close to Bakugo until you heard the footsteps nearing you both.  When a handsome voice called out bakugo’s name, you slightly jumped. Putting as much space between the two of you as possible, you looked to the source of the voice. 

Handsome would be an understatement. 

With red bangs that framed his sharp toothy smile perfectly and the rest of his hair tied back in a messy ponytail, this man looked a bit taller than Bakugo with a much warmer aura... but radiated the same type of... manliness. 

“Bakugo, I just got your text- Mina has been dragging me everywhere to make sure your party’s going well. Is this her?” the handsome man asked, a slight indistinguishable gleam flashes in his eye when he looks over to you.

“Yeah, ‘nd i wanna leave now.” he almost pouted before looking over to you. 

“You comin’?” 

Your gaze snapped between the two men, only slightly putting two and two together. 

Red hair spoke up, “He probably didn't explain it well but I'm his boyfriend, Kirishima Eijiro!” he held out his hand cheerfully, listening to your introduction. 

“Not to sound too forward or to make you uncomfortable... but do you wanna come home with us? He texted me earlier saying that there was this hottie in a silk dress and… well…” he trailed off licking his bottom lip as his wandering gaze slowly shifted hungrier, “he wasn't kidding.”

There was a lot happening at once but all that you were thinking was that these two hot men wanted you, and the happy buzz that was coursing through your system couldnt object the offer, so with a quick nod of your head, you were handed a water bottle, guided off of the stool, and into the back of the next taxi they could hail. 

The ride was filled with wandering hands and mischievous looks. Kirishima was whispering naughty promises in Bakugo’s ear that you couldn't quite hear, while your attention focused on the big palm that was making its way to the most heated part of your body. The quick inhales that the blonde took went straight to your core, making you incredibly excited for what the night had to offer. 

As soon as the door swung open, lips were on lips and clothes were coming off. The rush to get to the bedroom was heated and messy but once you all entered the room, there was an intense shift that even you couldn't predict. 

Kirishima spoke first, “So what does my birthday boy want? Does he want to fuck or be fucked?”

With a suck at his teeth, Bakugo knew if he didn’t give an answer soon he’d be met with-

“Better hurry up handsome, or I might just choose for you…” Kirishima hummed, bright crimson eyes hopping on over to meet your gaze, “better yet…”

He was by your side in mere seconds. His huge figure towering over yours, you almost flinched when his bulky fingers grazed up your arm. 

“What if you chose for him?” He purred in your ear loud enough so Bakugo’s ruby eyes found yours. Your name rolled off the red-haired man’s tongue like sweet honey, “go ahead, what do you think he would want more?”

Your gaze flickered between them, you couldn’t tell one or the other’s preferences but if they wanted to use you, they could. 

“How about… Eijiro… you could fuck my throat and Katsuki… could fuck whatever hole he wants?” You ask, the question raising an octave out of uncertainty. 

Kirishima raises an eyebrow towards the man of the hour, slightly amused and completely aroused. 

Bakugo is already smirking,“Atta girl, knows exactly what to say.” 

Kirishima starts to kiss your neck as Bakugo stands in front of you, occupying your lips for the first time that night. 

With one arm wrapped around your waist, he seemed to have rubbed on his boyfriend's bulge before reaching for the zipper of your dress. In turn, the feeling of the Eijiro’s bulge humped your back. 

Whether it was your dress hitting the floor or Katsuki’s tongue slipping in your mouth didn't matter, a sharp gasp escaped your lips, causing Kirishima to chuckle and whisper, “get on the bed, princess.” while Bakugo pulls away from you, a string of spit keeps you connected.

With your gaze lustly hazy, you dreamily make your way to the bed, but not without a little show. Before splaying yourself out on the mattress, you stretch out- almost in the child's pose of yoga except you add a deep arch in your back for the sole purpose of showing off your pretty seamless thong. 

As you reposition yourself, you glance over to the side to find that both men are now only in restricting briefs, eyes glued to your figure, both palming themselves over their boxers. 

Eyes half massed and back flat on the bed, you begin to pout, feeling almost bare without anyone’s hands on you. 

As if on cue, they began to make their way over to you, looking oh so hungry. 

You immediately sat up and swiped your tongue over your bottom lip, pulsating at the prospect of having two seemingly thick dicks at once… but they were still in their boxers. Why?

“Ya have to ask nicely in order to get a treat, you ungrateful slut.” Bakugo growled before taking your jaw in his hand, squishing your cheeks with his fingers. 

“Better yet, beg.” he said with a coldness that heated your core and had your eyes going wide.

Whimpering when he let go, you kept your innocent doe eyes as two sets of starved eyes stared down at you.

“W-wanna get fucked, please. Wanna feel both of you everywhere…” you say as you reach both hands out to palm the silhouette of their bulges. “Please…?” 

There was a “christ” that was muttered out before you were pushed back on the bed by Bakugo, then kirishima manhandled you so that your neck was supported by the edge of the bed, your head mostly hanging off.

Even in the midst of the binding tension, Kirishima didn't hesitate to instruct Bakugo to put a pillow under your hips, the blonde eagerly following through with the demand. 

“How’dyou want Katsuki to prep you, baby? He’s skillful in every sense but he really enjoys using his mouth.” 

The bed shifted and before you could string a thought together, you looked down and lost all ability to think. The sight in front of you was downright sinful. A smirk was pulling at the left corner of his lips as he sunk closer to your clothed pussy, his red gaze now a deep wicked crimson as he watched for your reaction.

You didn't have much time to analyze before a thick hand laced through your hair and ushered your view back to the red head’s now exposed cock. You gulped. 

Not incredibly long, a moderate size but with a juicy girth, Kirishima’s cock had a thick vein trailing up his underside. 

If you could make heart eyes, you're sure that you'd be doing them by now. 

Focused on paying attention to his pretty pink weeping tip, you felt your panties being pushed to the side. As tempting as it was to look down, you kept your sights set on the task at hand. Licking and kissing his cock, mixing your saliva with his precum, you earned a guttural groan from the big man above you, encouraging you to do more, please him more- until a warm muscle was met with your sopping core, causing a high gasp of a vibration to hit Kirishima’s head. 

Your mind stopped reeling for a second- it stopped doing anything to be frank. Your hips mindlessly thrust up in attempts to get more of Bakugo’s mouth. He chuckled against you in response.  

Moans bounced off the walls the deeper you guys got with each arousing movement; slurps coming from your’s and Bakugo’s mouth were the loudest noises in the room- that was until you moved down to pay the much needed attention to Kirishima’s balls. He couldn't seem to take it when you began sucking and fondling, moaning about how full he looked. He let out an obscene whine that you couldn’t believe came from him but when Bakugo pulled his lips from around your clit, you followed the noise with a similar one.

Unlike Kirishima who had stayed still, you tried to push Bakugo’s face back down out of lack of patience. Somewhere along the lines, the dominating rolls have switched, but you couldn't really find it in yourself to trace back to when that happened.

 “You really are a fighter, huh?” he chuckled out before adding, “quit whining shitty hair, you’ll get to fuck her throat once I’m done eating.” 

And with that, he dove right back in, causing you to clench around nothing yet and arch your back to get impossibly closer. In turn, your gaze caught the big desperate pleading eyes looking down at you, nearly begging you to do something... 

You were so dizzy with pleasure that you murmured  a mindless, “I didn't forget about you Eijiro.”,  before using your hands to guide his cockhead back into your mouth to coat it in your saliva then pulling off and spreading it down the rest of his length. He bit his lip and let out a cute “mmph!”, which went straight to your abused core. Wanting to hear more, you began to pump his shaft with your messy fist. 

With everything going on, you didn’t realize how built up you were. At an astounding rate, your climax crashed over you, making you shriek against Kirishima's dick as you attempted to cage Bakugo’s head in with your thighs. What pushed you even further was the death grip Katsuki had on your thighs and the sinful sounds he was making while lapping away at your juices. 

Your hands shot from Kirishima’s cock down to grip Bakugo’s hair, freeing your mouth to pant out breathy praises and a whiney “Katsuki!”.

“Fuck,” Bakugo groaned as he came up from your pelvis once you’ve relaxed, whipping your juices from off of his chin with the back of his hand. 

“Kiri, c’mere, you gotta try this,” he said before pulling his boyfriend in for a kiss over your slumped body. Watching their lips meet and seeing Kirishima’s tongue slip into his lover’s mouth sent a dull throb to your core, even moreso when Kirishima sighed into the kiss while his cock twitched upwards, close to your face. 

When they pulled away, Bakugo gave one more little peck to Kirishima before looking down at you with a mischievous grin. You mentally gather yourself and sit up, already ready to be told what to do next.

“Open up, sweet cheeks.”

You did as you were told with your tongue out on display, unintentionally closing your eyes as a sweet little “aaah” came out on instinct. 

The spit hit your tongue dead on and you had to refrain from automatically swallowing. 

A low whisper about how good you were to Katsuki pulled him out of his daze, his eyes darting away from the new wetness on your tongue. 

“Swallow, slut.” and so you did.

“You're right Kiri, she is such a good girl…  Are you ready to get fucked stupid as your prize?” was the last thing you remember before both of them did exactly that.

[senchoubutter]

Twisted Wonderland Guys As Kpop Songs I Listen To Too Much + Why

i’ma just say it now, i primarily listen to girl groups since I cover songs and they are in my range and i find them fun to cover most so expect a lot of those.

All songs are linked!!

Scarabia

Jamil

- Lucifer by SHINee || First and foremost I can see him performing this, easily. Aside from that, the song is tasty and classic. Jamil is a smart attractive man that is incredibly talented despite flying under the radar. People know of him but don’t take note until they know him, similarly to this song. It goes hard and you’ve probs heard it mentioned but you haven’t experienced until you played it at 3 am, screaming your heart out. Get to know Jamil and he ain’t just “some guy”

Kalim

- Um Oh Ah Yeh by MAMAMOO || This song reminds me of the 90s/2000s and there’s something about Kalim that also does that for me. Maybe it’s the not a care in the world disposition. I can see and feel in the second verse’s rap, Kalim’s warm smile. I can imagine him grabbing my hand, telling me to chin up. The choruses make me think of simpler times. Finally, Kalim seems like he’s always having a good time just like this song

Ignihyde

Ortho

- Candy Pop by TWICE (yes i know its jp) || This song always puts me in a good mood. It makes me feel warm inside and like everything will work out. When I see Ortho, I feel the need to protect him but also can’t help but feel like everything will be okay. Something about him brings a happy, warm peace to my heart that reminds me to just take a moment and find the good in life. The peppy beat of it just makes me think about how he almost always is smiling!

Idia

- Fairy of Shampoo by TOMORROW X TOGETHER || the song starts an I feel as if I’ve awoken floating in the deep sea, but i’m not scared. I feel at peace and as if I’ve been here before. The song tastes like iced tea and feels like nostalgia. When I look at Idia I see my past self and even present self. I’m afraid, I want to hide. The feelings the verses gives me reminds me of laying in bed, curled up in a jacket that hides my whole body, similarly to Idia’s. The song and Idia’s character call out to a nostalgic but soft side to a distant past I can’t recall. I want to stay with them until I can remember

Savanaclaw

Leona

- gogobebe by MAMAMOO || It’s got a lazy but sexy sound that Leona emboides. When the song picks up in the choruses it’s like it takes over your body, drowning the listener in an ocean of sensuality and playful teasing. It’s got a lil edge though too that caters to the gruff “fuck off” expression he has. I see the noise Hwasa makes at the end as the wanton but confused noise fans make as the man leaves, tail swinging after teasing them

Ruggie 

- BAAM by Momoland || BAAM has such a sassy hyped up beat that screams a bitch that gets shit done, owns who they are, and lives life having fun. And it embodies everything I feel upon seeing Ruggie's smug smile. Even the rap bit during the second chorus has the sass and done-ness of “Leona-san! Get up!!”

Jack

- Bomb by AleXa || This song kicks your ass and so does Jack. Don’t for four seconds think he won’t beat the shit outta ya for underestimating him, similarly to AleXa and her music. The energy and the “I’ll show you” vibes remind me of this big dweeb. I would fear this man but turn to love him much like how I felt about this song as it was this artist’s first song. How do I say they just embody each other in my opinion lol

Pomefiore

Vil

- DUN DUN by Everglow || The sass. This song screams THAT BITCH, just like Vil’s everything. The way he carries himself is personified in this song. The power the song holds reminds me of his unique magic and how intense it is. Finally, the slower bridge is mythical and light as if giving the listener a feeling like they are walking on air and plays to the softer and more feminine side of Vil

Rook

- FINGERTIP by GFriend || Everything about this song is exciting. It’s suspenseful and alluring. If this song was a person, I could clear as day see it winking, whispering “chase me.” And that is exactly Rook’s brand of teasing and games. He’s a hunter but he’s got a charming aura to him still. This song wraps both of those things into it. The dance break is Rook’s darker senses personified. Umji’s lil “OW!” is he’s cute lil remarks in french, throwing you off now and then. But by the end of the song, you’re used to them and adore them

Epel

- Crossroads by GFriend || This song feels like a long lost friend that visits you in dreams. You can practically reach out to them but just as you do, you wake up. But you’re determined. That alone reminds me of Epel’s character as a whole. He doesn’t let his cute appearance push aside his wants and needs to be this tough guy. He, like Yuju’s strong vocals at the last chorus, presses on, determined each time he gets knocked down

Diasomnia

Lilia

- Deja Vu by Dreamcatcher || Maybe I’m biased cause I’ve covered this but this song is breathtaking. The melody speaks of a long road and the fight to keep on which I feel rings true for Lilia. We don’t know his true age but it’s clear he’s been around for quite a wild and the pain he’s probably gone through is unspeakable. He has stories galore and so much experience in life. I feel this song encapsulates a lot of what can only be speculated about him

Silver

- Crème Brûlée by GFriend || the soft, sweet song is addictive and cutesy. I feel Silver gets written off or ignored often, similarly to this song on the album. Sure he may not be god or a bad bad bitch, but he has his own warmth to him. Like this song, Silver makes me wanna curl up under a tree on an August evening and just take in life, making sure to breathe for once, releasing unnecessary tension and stress.

Sebek

- Black Dress by CLC || Sebek is very interesting to me and when he blushes, my whole heart stops for a second. It’s similar to how when they build up to the chorus‘s first Black Dress and the music stops for like a split second. Sebek isn’t my favorite but isn’t my least favorite. I like him more than some though, I’d say. I’d say the same goes for this song. I love CLC, this isn’t my top song of theirs but I still like it a lot. There’s something uniform about the beat that resounds with Sebek as getting shit done in mind also. Sometimes a song just makes you think of a character and you can’t perfectly explain it

Malleus

- Pretty Savage by BLACKPINK || Yes i know t’s only recently come out as i post this, but this bad boy on replay. The beat isn’t crazy upbeat but it’s interesting. Malleus intidimates me in general cause of his aura, and while I love this song a lot rn, it was very intimidating at first. It still has some “don’t come near me” energy. The slower bridge bit calls to his stoic expression, melodic and pretty

Heartslabyul

Cater

- ICY by ITZY || I’ll be honest both Cater as well as this song were things I thought at first were just meh, okay. But as time went on both grew on me. Now that’s not the only reason though I associate this with him. The, no pun intended, ice shattering sound of the song gives me friendly popular girl that seems to be buds with 80% of the school. This is the very vibe Cater always gives me. He wants to just have a good, happy life. Also the song is a “so what? I’m hot. Get over it.” vibe like Cater

Ace

- Drama by TOMORROW X TOGETHER || Ace reminds me the guy you fall in love with in high school and you no it’s not going to last but you let yourself get taken away with. Drama feels like a soundtrack of every fun adventure Ace goes on, no matter the trouble that he may get on. It’s fun beat just brings me back to skipping school, running to my car and trying to sneak away without getting caught. The thought of Ace at my side, would shoot my adrenaline through the roof just like the high note of the song

Deuce

- God’s Menu by Stray Kids || Deuce is just ready to go swinging and that’s exactly what this song is. Elbows up and out, head down, swinging without a clue. The intensity and fire of it speaks to that fire in him. Meanwhile the prechoruses are soft and pleasant almost like it’s not the same song, alluding to that cute lil smile he has got

Trey

- REALLY REALLY by WINNER || Similarly to Ace, this song reminds me of a guy you fall for, but in college rather than high school. Everything about the song and Trey just feels right. The choruses hold your hand and fits perfectly in yours. They know what to say to make everything okay. It may not last, but you sure hope it does and will love them like it will. And while Trey isn’t my number one boy, those are the exact feelings I have about him too. Finally, the rap part reminds me of Trey’s more sadistic side, it bites and you may not think it fits entirely but the more familiar you get with them, the more both fit and you don’t mind it entirely

Riddle

- Wonderland by ATEEZ || The demanding nature of the song makes me think of Riddle immediately. It’s intense and doesn’t mess around; it wants what it wants. Riddle is a rule based person and this song is rather militaristic aesthetically. The bridge though, is so regal and breathtaking. It could stop time. Riddle, despite the kind of guy he is, is the same way. The power he holds is impressive and admirable. This description may seem kinda like I’m shitting on him and see him solely as a rule boy, but like this song, I have made respect for him and wouldn’t want to cross him

Octavinelle

Azul

- Love Battery by Hong Jin Young but performed by LOONA on Immortal Songs || This arrangement of the song has a certain magic to it that I melt in. At the very beginning as the build up singing ‘dangsineun’ i feel like I’m being submerged in a wave, reaching to shake Azul’s hand, signing a contract. The choruses remind me of his smile, how distant but inviting it is. Daring me to fall for him. The dance break bridge reminds me of the intense eyes behind those glasses

Jade

- Love Shot by EXO || This song and Jade are both things I am fearful of but greatly intrigued by. They share a scary beat and energy that says I fear you more when you’re smiling. Please stop slowly walking towards me, you’re scaring me. But at the very same time, the choruses keep me around like how pretty I find this twin. The combo of put together, intellectual friend but could kill easily and without remorse sends shivers down my spine if I think about it for too long. The chorus of this song make me shake my shoulders that suppress a shiver each time

Floyd

- WEE WOO by Pristin || I love both Floyd and WEE WOO. The song is the feeling you get going 85 down the highway. Both song and Floyd, get me excited. They feel like the weekend. That feeling of coming home Friday during high school, tossing your bookbag down, and getting ready to hang out with your best friend. It’s a relieving and exciting feeling. It’s a peppy beat that bites during the harmonies a bit. Just like Floyd. Peppy, fun, but ain’t afraid to take a lil nibble

[billyhardgrove]

(3) The Girl in Ridgewell - b.h

A/N: I’m so sorry for how long this next part has taken for me to write. Uni has been a hectic and I’ve had such little time to write bit finally finally here’s the next part of The Girl in Ridgewell. I’m really going to try and start updating once a week because I still really like this idea, but please just be patient with me. Love you xx

** ALSO THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR OVER 2000 FOLLOWERS!! I FEEL LIKE I DON’T DESERVE YOU ALL BECAUSE I’M SO INACTIVE BUT I’M GOING TO TRY AND GET BETTER AND I’M GOING TO WRITE ANOTHER ONE SHOT WHICH WILL BE DEDICATED TO ALL 2000 OF YOU SO KEEP YOUR EYES OUT FOR THAT XX

THE GIRL IN RIDGEWELL | masterlist

Pairing: Billy & Reader

Word Count: 3.1k approx.

Warning: Swearing, smoking

Summary: Hawkins becomes unbearable and Billy wants out, but a couple towns over he stumbles upon a timid girl and all she wants is a can of coke.

[ PREVIOUS PART ]  || [ NEXT PART ]

-

The water bounced off the pavement, as Y/N brought her arms above her head; a feeble attempt to keep her hair dry. But after a short minute, she found it pointless, her arms falling limply to her side. The can of coke she got from Billy still swung in her hand as she walked. Where to exactly? She still had no idea. Ever since Billy had driven off, she just walked in the direction he drove – it wasn’t as though there was a lot of ways she could go; the town was only one street long.

Soon the sidewalk turned to gravel and dirt once more as she found herself walking along the road. But the further she walked, the more the heavens seemed to open up, thunder grumbling along the horizon as lightning interrupted, igniting the sky with fire. Y/N could feel her throat begin to tickle, her arms begin to shiver, her body begin to fall into exhaustion as she risked falling ill. Though she didn’t really care.  But she couldn’t stand the cold, and again she scolded herself to be so dumb as to leave the house without a jacket.

It wasn’t as though she had enough time to grab it though, she thought. All she wanted at that time was to escape, to get away from that house as quickly as possible so making sure she brought a coat was the furthest priority in her head.

Looking up from her muddy boots, she looked ahead, a spark of hope lighting in her heart as she caught the Motel sign flashing vacancies. She didn’t have any money, but even hovering in the lobby until the storm passed was her best option.

So, picking up her pace to a light jog, her arms wrapped around her body as she made her way to the motel. But it was when she was walking through the parking lot that she felt her stomach sink as she caught sight of it: a blue Camaro.

You had to be joking.

She had just gotten rid of the boy and the uncomfortable tension that seemed to linger between the two of them. Sure, it was nice of him to give her a lift, but from the swift mood change between the start of the ride to the end, Y/N had decided she didn’t like Billy. There was just something about him that didn’t sit right with her. Maybe it was the fact that he was rude, cocky and seemed like a complete asshole. Maybe it was the fact that he evidently had gotten into a fight just for the ‘shits’ of it, it seemed, or the fact that she got the impression that Billy was expecting something sexual to be given back to him for him giving her a lift (if the way his eyes raked her body was anything to go by).  All in all, he was not someone she wanted to be associated with.

But Y/N was so cold, and the storm didn’t seem like it would cease any time soon so if she had to suffer more awkwardness in the chance that she bumped into the mullet-wearing boy again, she admitted it was the lesser of two evils. But realistically, she was sure she wouldn’t be seeing him again for he had probably got himself a room.

Except when she walked into the entrance way, who was it bent over the front desk, his voice low and charming, but Billy fucking Hargrove.

Great.

Y/N stopped in the doorway, dripping onto the stained carpet as her hair draped around and stuck to her face. Billy didn’t notice her until the lady at the front desk’s attention had been stolen from him and given to Y/N, her face pulling in slight annoyance at the way the girl was soaking the carpet she stood on.

Turning to see what the woman was looking at, as soon as Billy’s eyes had fallen on her, they rolled to the back of his head.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Billy mumbled under his breath. He had only just gotten away from the girl. Clearly the distaste to be encountering each other again was mutual.

Y/N merely rolled her eyes, ignoring him, part of her not wanting to agitate the boy. There was just something about him she felt had a short fuse, as though he could blow up at any wrong motion or response.

Billy didn’t acknowledge her any more than that, instead returning his attention to the lady at the desk as he continued to try convince her to let him stay in a room for $15 instead of the requested $25. But to his dismay – and strike to the ego – she wasn’t having any of it no matter what charming tactics he placed on her.

“No. It’s $25 or get out.” She replied sternly, her head nodding towards the door to where Y/N still stood. Slowly the girl started to step towards the pair, noticing how the exchange was turning sour as Billy’s shoulders squared and an angry frown was held to his face.

“If you let me give you the $15 now, I’ll get you the $10 tomorrow.” Billy tried to negotiate but the lady refused.

“Out.”

“You fucking listen-“

“Here.” Y/N cut in, now standing next to where Billy was and noticing how the boy appeared forceful. Clearly, she had interrupted at the right time for she feared Billy may have gotten aggressive if the way his hands were clenched into tight fists was anything to go by. Y/N had a ten dollar bill in her hand, offering it to the woman. She stared at it for a moment, then to Billy before finally snatching it from Y/N’s hand.

All the meanwhile, Billy’s eyes had turned and narrowed to the girl, and Y/N could feel herself want to squirm being under his gaze once more.

He could at least be grateful, she thought but didn’t dare say.

“I thought you didn’t have any money.” He snarled, not bothering to hide his irritation or acknowledge the kind gesture she did for him. But perhaps Billy was a little suspicious of her. The girl had made such a big deal back at the shop about how she didn’t have enough money for the coke and yet she had money all along? It didn’t add up. Not that Billy cared though.

“I didn’t want to break a note. Thought I could convince the guy to give it to me for cheap.” Y/N replied quietly, giving Billy a casual shrug. Y/N did have a couple of coins but just not enough for the coke alone. And Billy continued to look at her, his hard expression unchanging. Though he couldn’t deny that her words may have caught him off guard, expecting her to say she had picked it up off the ground. But no. Perhaps this girl had more to her than he first thought. Her admittance wasn’t of something that big or impressive but tactical and from the impression that Billy had gathered from her – that being that she was timid and weak – he could honestly say he would’ve never expected the girl to try and con a man into giving her a drink. Maybe Y/N had a little something more to her than Billy thought.

“Right…” Billy merely muttered, sounding almost bored. He then snatched the room key that was being waved impatiently in front of his face from the lady behind the desk. Turning on his heel he began to walk away, but upon noticing that there were no footsteps following him, he shouted out. “So are we sharing this room or what?”

-

The nicotine held him trapped to the line, hooked to the habit as he inhaled deeply, the toxic poison filling his lungs with pleasure only to be bellowed back out in a cloud of white smoke. Billy lay on the double bed, one of his hands held under his head that rested on the pillow while the other removed the cigarette accessorising his lips.

And Y/N remained standing awkwardly by the door, uncertain of what to do, of how to act. She was intimidated of course, for the tanned California God that lay before her still made her feel on edge.

She was starting to regret that minor amount of confidence she had back at the reception when she handed over the little money she had left. It had been impulsive, but – at the time – Y/N figured what was the harm. She was exhausted, soaked and freezing, and mostly desperate. So she saw an opportunity of shelter for the night and took it, even if it meant sharing that shelter with someone she wasn’t particularly fond of.

Again, emphasis on ‘at the time’, for now part of her almost felt like she would rather spend the night curled up outside in the storm than spend the next however many hours feeling uneasy and making a completely fool of herself in front of Billy.

“Are you going to just stand there the whole night, staring at me like a fucking creep?” His gruff voice pulled Y/N from her thoughts, and she coughed awkwardly, not exactly realising that she had been staring at the boy for a weird amount of time.

“Oh, uh, s-sorry.” She stammered out, shuffling uncomfortably on the spot while her gaze was immediately claimed by the floor.

Billy just let out a nasty taunting laugh, and she could feel those dangerous eyes on her once more but she didn’t dare meet them. And she couldn’t tell if it was due to his attention being directed to her or the fact that she still wore her drenched clothes, but goosebumps prickled her skin as shivers possessed her body.

Bringing her hands up to rub at her arms, she mumbled out; “I think I’m just going to grab a shower…”

Billy didn’t respond, simply because he didn’t care to as he continued to blow white clouds from his nose and lips.

So walking into the small bathroom, Y/N closed the door gently behind her before quickly stripping from her soaking wet clothes. Turning the shower on, she thanked God there was hot water as she felt it glide over her, her skin prickling in goosebumps all over again but this time at the relief of heat. Washing her hair and body, when she pulled the shower curtain back she was met with her own variation of white clouds, the steam from the shower fogging up the room from floor to ceiling. Wrapping a towel around her, it was then she was met with her first problem; she had no change of clothes.

It would be stupid to put her damp clothes back on but she had nothing else to wear. Picking up her wet clothes from the floor, there was just no way she could face putting them back on her body. She supposed she could place them over the radiator for a short while before getting changed back into them but that then left her with only the towel to cover her. God, why did she get herself into these situations? Now would the ideal time for her to have her own room, but of course those weren’t the cards she had been dealt. Instead she shared a room with Billy and she just knew of the snide comments he would make.

But what other choice did she have?

So, making sure her towel was wrapped tightly around her, so as there was absolutely no chance of it slipping off, she picked up her clothes once more before walking out of the bathroom and back into the bedroom.

Soon enough she felt the ever-growing-familiar feeling of Billy’s eyes watching her every move, but again, she made the effort to avoid looking at him at all costs. Walking over to the window to where the radiator was positioned beneath, she carefully lay her clothes on the heater, again grateful that the radiator was actually on.

And with every movement she made, Billy followed. His lazy eyes gazed through the smoke, trailing along her body from behind. While they drew up along her calves and thighs, then along her torso which was hidden by that small towel, he couldn’t help but pull his lower lip between his teeth for a moment.

It was a fucking shame that the girl was so weird and awkward because there was no denying she had a sexy body, Billy thought. But then again, it seemed like this was the only girl that he’d be interacting with tonight so why not play his cards a little and see if there was any room for fucking. It’s not like he was going to see the girl again after tonight so really the personality wasn’t a massive factor into whether he should fuck her or not. She’s gorgeous, there’s no denying it, so she’s the perfect candidate to add another notch to Billy’s belt.

So Billy sat upright on the bed, just as Y/N turned back around from putting her clothes on the radiator, her arms wrapping around herself once more, this time to stop any chance of the towel flashing her.

“I, uh… I didn’t bring a spare pair of clothes, so I just have to wait until they dry.” She told Billy, her eyes still never glancing to him as she pointed out the reason as to why she was only wearing a towel, even though she knew he most likely didn’t give two shits.

Billy still said nothing. Truth be told, he had a spare set of his own clothes in the trunk of his car – always handy when spending the night with a girl – but he wasn’t going to bother offering them to the girl, not when it would just be adding layers to the outcome he wanted. Why make it more difficult for himself? A towel was probably the easiest thing to remove from a girl anyway.

Billy just stared at Y/N with hooded eyes, smoke from his cigarette snaking slowly from his lips as he just watched her. It was one of his ‘moves’, if you like. It normally made the girl he wanted to blush at the fact his attention was on her for so long, probably ‘boosting the little self-esteem she had’, he claimed. Except for it to work, the girl had to be looking at him. And Y/N was very much avoiding his gaze.

For fuck sake.

So standing from the bed, Billy tauntingly walked over to where the girl stood, her wet hair hanging around her face. He stopped so as he was right in front of her as the overwhelming smell of smoke suffocated her nostrils. Lifting her head finally so as she looked at the boy, a confused look graced her features, confusion as to why he was suddenly stood so close to her, closer than she liked, if she was being honest.

His mischievous ocean eyes invaded hers, unblinking as he brought his cigarette back to his lips before exhaling the smoke through his nostrils.

It was then he spoke. “Want one?” But of course his tone was tainted with mockery for he knew the answer before she began to shake her head no. “Have you ever even had one, Y/N?” His voice was so deep, to the point she feared it rattled her bones. That smirk stretched across his lips as she shook her head once more in denial. “Hm, why does that not surprise me?” He was so close to her now, his mouth close to her ear as his eyes looked to see her expression.

She felt so helpless yet captivated, but embarrassed yet sought. Bile clogged her throat as she gulped in uncertainty and nervousness, but her cheeks flushed red and this strange feeling enlightened her stomach. It was confusing, like Billy had her under this trance from how close he was, almost as though he was flirting with her, seducing her, yet his words would’ve suggested anything but. Yet, maybe that was just the way Billy worked. Was he seducing her? God, how did her mind manage to become so boggled and hazy in such a short space of time?

Bringing his cigarette to his lips once more, he then chuckled darkly. “Are you a virgin, Y/N?” And she nearly choked at the sudden bluntness of the invasive question. But Billy simply ignored her, continuing. “If I had to guess, I’d say you were. I can tell from the way you’re so nervous around me, princess; the way you keep holding your breath anytime I lean into you.” Y/N didn’t even mean to do it, but as she exhaled as soon as he said that, she felt her cheeks flush once more having not realised she had been doing just that. His voice was like silk, infusing her ears with his suggestive words, almost like he was brainwashing her into being under his control. “The way you try to avoid looking at me because you don’t know what to do; the way your cheeks keep blushing redder and redder with every, single, thing, I say.” He chuckled once more, the sound resonating against her ear drum. And, God, why did it seem to add more fuel to whatever was lighting in Y/N’s stomach? Why couldn’t she stop herself from acting the way she did? “You’re a virgin, aren’t you, Y/N?”

God, was he arrogant.

The girl remained still, not moving a single muscle, not even flinching when she felt his finger tuck under her chin and cause her to tilt her head up so as her eyes had no option but to look at his. And from how close he was, Y/N could see her completely flustered reflection in his irises while his gaze looked deep into hers, as though he could see every secret she ever kept, as though he was invading and exposing every ounce of her being. But she thanked God it wasn’t possible.

“But I won’t lie, I don’t know how you’ve stayed innocent for so long. I don’t know how anyone hasn’t fucked you yet.” His lips almost ghosted over hers as she still remained paralysed in his presence. His hot breath danced across Y/N’s cheeks as Billy played her like a fiddle. “You’re fucking gorgeous, princess.”

And it was as though he was a magnet, his lips calling for hers as she felt her cheeks heat up this time out of flattery. It was as though it was all a part of Billy’s game, as though he would make the girl feel so insecure in herself, as though she was inferior to him before completely twisting it around, as though when he finally gave her some form of flattery, it would make her want him more than ever in fear that he wouldn’t ever give the girl a compliment like that again, so she should take it while she could.

And her mind yelled at her, screamed at her, screeched at her as her body betrayed her; Y/N’s lips pressed against his.

-

NEXT PART

Tag list: @leyla676 @thatpunkmaximoff @lufthexe @ephmrl-love @steveharrigntons @baebee35 @secretlyactivated @blissfulbilly @joebob15274 @delqcour @httpray

(I really hope I haven’t forgotten anybody!! If you wanted to be added message me HERE)

[izenderson]

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

****

Part 6

It wasn't long until I heard that familiar scrape of the door. I turned around actually edited to see him again, "Back so soon Deku?"

A gruff unfamiliar voice answered back, "Nope," He smiled with crooked teeth, "Today it's me and my boys. That little kid messed up so he's receiving a punishment right now." He chuckled and two more large guys walked into the room.

I backed up against the wall feeling the hostility grow in the room. I needed my quirk. I held my hands out towards them only emitting small sparks. Please. Please, please, please work for me. "DAMMIT. DON'T YOU COME ANY CLOSER." I hoped my face looked intimidating even though I was panicking.

"Aw, the little toy looks scared but he's got a little fire in him." He took what looked to be only a step but crossed the room before I could react. Super-speed? Damn, I can't outrun these guys even if they left the door open. "Do you hear it little one? Your friends scream as he's being punished?" He waved at the two guys behind him and they went to work in the corner of the room doing... something.

The guy in front of me tried to grab me but I twisted away. Then gave him a hard right hook to his jaw. Even with his super-speed, I managed to somehow make contact. He reeled back grabbing his face and looked up at me furious. I made a mad dash for the door.

I got out of the door and then I heard it. "WHEN THIS IS DONE I WILL KILL ALL OF YOU. FUCK OFF DON'T YOU DARE COME-" then his horrifying screams of agony.

They rang down the hall and to my ears driving me mad, "DEKU!"

The screaming stopped suddenly, "KACCHAN! YOU HAVE TO-"

"I'M COMING!" I ran down the hall in the direction of the screams but I didn't make it far. The guy from the room finally caught his breath. He grabbed my arm but too bad for him as it was hot in the hallway. I activated my quirk and would've blown his whole fucking arm off if he didn't let go.

I kept running down the hallway and passed a staircase going up. The guy behind me laughed, "Escape or save your little boyfriend. Hard decision."

"Tsk. DEKU I'M COMING." I left the staircase and kept going down the hall using my quirk to help me move faster. I don't know why that super-speed guy wasn't chasing me but it gave me an uneasy feeling.

The door that Deku was behind wasn't locked but I busted it down anyways. Blowing the hinges right off the door. Then I saw him. Tied up to the ceiling by his wrists and feet chained to the ground, spread out like a starfish. He raised his head slowly tears staining his face and blood trailing down his arms and legs. The biggest gash was on his chest, it was in the shape of a K. Then I noticed the other scrapes were all letters as well.

K-a-c-c-h-a-n.

They carved my name into his body. These sadistic fucks! "Deku I'm going to get you down!"

"B-behind you. Kacchan!" And I felt it a small prick in my neck. My pulse racing I turned to blow the idiot who got close to me away but my quirk wasn't working. I panicked and instead kicked the guy.

He wasn't big like the others but instead was scrawny and wearing a blood-splattered lab coat. Deku's blood. It was all over him. "You- you... DIE!" I kicked him hard and he flew back. He didn't get up right away but I was going to kill him for what he did. I ran over to him and got on top of him punching the life outta this small man. "DIE! DIE! DIE!"

"Kacchan..." I didn't hear him in my fury, "KACCHAN!" I whirled around to him eyes wide, "He's dead Kacchan."

I looked down at the bloody mess I made and it hit me. There are going to be repercussions. Shit. I got up and tried to get Deku down. He looked so small up there like that. It didn't feel right. His eyes started to drift closed, "Hey! keep those eyes open you, damn nerd! I'm going to get you down!"

He opened his eyes and cracked a small smile, "Thank you." He sighed and looked over at the door. Shit the other guys.

I turned around and saw all three of them, "You should've run when you had the chance. There's no way you can take us all on even with that amazing quirk." They advanced and I stood in front of Deku protectively. "Aw, he's protecting his little boyfriend. News flash he doesn't love you kid. You should just give up now."

"He's not my boyfriend."

"What was that little one?" They were only a couple of feet from me now.

"HE'S NOT MY BOYFRIEND!" I threw another right hook but he simply grabbed my hand and laughed.

"Just be glad that I have strict instructions from the boss not to hurt you. That green-haired kid made a deal that in return of you never being hurt he'd take anything doubled. HA. He's stupid but tough." He grabbed my face and before I knew it he was back in my room, "Count yourself lucky. Usually, I'd beat you for escaping but now," He ran back to the door, "Well you know."

He closed the door and it locked itself back into that unmovable state, "GODDAMMIT! GET BACK HERE! I-I'll..." Damn, what can I do? I had the opportunity and my quirk didn't even work. What the hell did I get injected with anyways? Ugh. I hope he's gonna be okay so I can ask him. Those other guys aren't as nice.

I hope he's going to be okay. Then my heart hit my stomach, "I killed that guy." Oh god, he's going to get that backlash. But he already looked so beat and bloody. I crouched in the middle of the room and grabbed my hair. I was panicking. They were going to kill him cause I killed that doctor. I killed him and all he's done is care for me.

"DAMMIT!" I hit the ground, "Dammit. Dammit! DAMMIT!" I'm never going to see him again. The last image I'll ever have is a bloodied and beaten Izuku. What were his last words? Oh god, he thanked me. He said thank you even knowing that he was going to perish for what I did.

When did he become so kind and caring? Why didn't I treat him better?

Next

[lokilickedme]

(Okay, I’m going to do this in probably 3 parts because it’s long)

So The Department sorta happened because I wanted to get back into a regular weekly-updating online fic because, frankly, two reasons:

1) I’m worn out/exhausted/a bit burned out from working on novels and very little of anything else for the last year and a half, and

2) I crave/need the instant validation of the comment section at AO3, which you don’t get when you write a book :/

So I called a break, put away my manuscripts for a couple months, and am just indulging in some fun writing for a little while.  And since I wanted something new (sorry WIPs, your time will come again) this is what we ended up with.

I don’t remember exactly what made me go with the police department premise.  The potential for assholery and rampant egomania, most likely?  Well, you know I love that shit when it hides something slightly more noble underneath...and I think I wanted a big ensemble cast because I just adore the dynamics that can occur in groups of disparate personalities who have known each other for a long time.  That way they interact when they know each others’ secrets and there’s that one person new to the group who isn’t in on any of the jokes?  Good stuff right there.

I do remember that the first ideas for this story came to me during the Professor Jeff’s Super Science Show at the library (yeah your guess is as good as mine on that but it happens literally every time).  But if I’m being honest, I’d say it probably had more to do with Benny Hill than anything.  I have this bad habit of sitting on the couch with my laptop on my knees, headphones on, head back, inventing scenes in my head that go along with whatever music I’m listening to.  I’ve got this one insane playlist full of goofy tunes my 7-year old has requested for staging Thomas The Tank Engine crash scenes (don’t ask) and on this particular night that’s what I was listening to because why not.  On that playlist is a 30-minute loop of the Benny Hill Theme.  And all I could see in my head was a foot chase on ice and snow between a female officer, an out of shape Chief of police, a giraffe-legged office assistant, and a probably methed-up wannabe criminal who didn’t actually do anything major but was running anyway because he was bored.  It struck me funny and I toyed with the idea of sticking it into something I already had started, because I do love me some chaotic slapstick.

So the next day I’m driving the boys home from the Super Science Show and I’ve been playing around with it in my head again, and it’s taking shape into something that I know I’m going to have to work with.  We pass the Pupuseria Virolena Salvadoran restaurant downtown, and I start laughing because I’m suddenly hearing David Tennant trying to say that in his Scottish accent.

On the spot I named him Hawk and made him Captain.  And now we have one of our characters, and by the time we pull up in our driveway ten minutes later I’ve got stuff needing to be written down right now.

(the rest is under the cut for length)

Chapter 1 - Prologue - Your Boatload of Bad Decisions Has Left The Harbor

I was so anxious to get into the story but it needed an introduction, or else Greta being in this podunk town wouldn’t have any weight.  So we’re introduced to our heroine, who isn’t so much a heroine as just a decent if slightly too self confident special division officer who had some bad luck.  It’s not elaborated on yet in the story, though it’s heavily referenced multiple times that she disobeyed an order and made the decision to continue a high speed pursuit that had been called off by her superior officer, the above-mentioned Captain Hawkins, whom Greta has something of a relationship with (yeah they’re screwing, what of it).  And in the wake of that decision, Greta’s partner is killed and she’s brought up on charges, suspended, ordered to counseling, and finally shipped off to a small town in Minnesota so she can keep working while her final fate is decided by an investigative committee back in LA.

The opening chase scene was written from things I learned when I was a kid and my dad did vehicle tweaks for the Fort Worth police department from his auto shop.  The officers used to hang out drinking Cokes and telling stories while dad made (possibly illegal) modifications to their cars.  I was there a lot, sitting under his work bench with my books and pencils, listening to everything and remembering it all.  And I thought it was so damn cool.  So here we are.  What else was I gonna do with that information?  Might as well put it to use if it’s gonna be taking up real estate in my head for all these years.

For the record, I really liked Greta’s partner Joe and hated to kill him - but we needed a catalyst, and the cheerful best friend who sings Italian arias during chases while joyfully blasting out windshields is always gonna be the loser in the goner lottery.  For once the male hero dies to further the female lead’s storyline.

Heh, take that Marvel.

Anyway, sorry Joe.  There will be more about you in later chapters, so...gone but not forgotten.

Chapter 2 - Minnewhatever

This part starts out with the last bit of backstory we need to proceed.  Hawk sending Greta off to Minnesota, a place whose name she never does remember or say correctly.  She doesn’t figure she’s actually going to be there long enough to bother learning it, but Hawk informs her that her exile is likely to last at least a year, and he gives her very little reassurance that she won’t be serving every minute of her sentence.

Greta’s feeling a little betrayed here.  She and Hawk have been sort of a thing for a while, friends and colleagues and lovers, but he’s washing his hands of the entire situation and she’s left angry and a bit bereft.  But she still figures he’ll do something to get her out of it, if she’s patient and behaves herself in the new place.

Fast forward to day one in Weemeetwa.  While drowning her aggravation in a bottle of the good stuff, Greta meets her first new acquaintance and decides to just go with the cranky fuck-it attitude that she’s been harboring since the incident, gets shitfaced, and goes home with the guy.  This might have been a dual-purpose shag; Greta’s still feeling betrayed and abandoned by Hawk, so it’s a screw-you that he’ll never find out about - but that doesn’t stop it from feeling good in a vengeful sort of way.  Plus it’s cold and she’s alone and the guy - Andy, a tall sweet longhaired cutiepie with an Irish accent - is all too willing to buy her a drink and take her home for some cuddles.

In the morning Greta wakes up in a strange place full of groaning regret and ends up giving Andy a ride to the station.  She doesn’t count on seeing him again, so there’s no breath wasted on goodbyes.

Chapter 3 -  A Logging Truck, A Mountain, and A Blonde Walk Into A Bar

Now we meet most of the department.  Creeley, a gruff roughhouser with a rude streak forty miles wide, Sarah, the only other female in the department and possibly the only person alive who can keep the boys under control, Kevin, the quiet dispatch agent with an impressive mountain impersonation skill, and finally (for the moment) Chief, the slightly too good-looking and highly put-upon boss of them all.

I knew I wanted Tom Hiddleston to play Chief Tommy Davis.  This is Kong Skull Island-era Hiddleston crossed with The Night Manager, with a handful of extra pounds around the middle and a frustrated sigh that goes on forever.  He’s meant to be an ex hockey player who was waylaid on his way to the major leagues, so he’s strong and sturdy, but an injury benched him years ago and a career in small-town law enforcement has put him a bit to pasture.  Middle aged, somewhere between 40 and 45.  He’s got some stuff in his past but he’s happy now, for the most part, just living his life watching over the town.

Jason Momoa is Bobby Creeley, for obvious reasons.  I knew I wanted a rowdy, rude, loudmouthed team member that’s always crossing everyone, but who everyone knows will be there no matter what if anything goes down.  He’s instantly Greta’s nemesis from the moment she walks in the door.  Gigantic and shaggy with a permanently amused nature and a fear of literally nothing, he’s simultaneously everyone’s best friend and worst enemy.

Sarah Lancashire has been finding her way into a lot of my fics lately as side characters, so it’s no surprise she ended up here as Sarah Pearl.  Steely, tough, and highly immune to the idiocy around her, Sarah is the worn out voice of common sense that the department is running perilously short on.  She’s also my first and foremost girl crush, and I’ll admit right now that I wrote an AU ending almost immediately that involved Sarah and Greta ending up together.  It would be natural to assume Sarah would fall into the default role of mom to the group, but there’s a whole lot of oh hell nope wrapped around that trope.  She would set them all on fire if anyone would let her have some matches, but Chief made a rule against that a long damn time ago.

Dave Bautista has been hanging around the back door of my muse stable for the longest, just minding his own business and waiting his turn, but I never really had any place to stick him.  Well Drax, your time has come baby.  I chose him to play Kevin Saylor based on his GoTG scene in which he tries to convince the crew he’s invisible.  And that’s Kevin, in a nutshell.  Huge and intimidating but quiet and intensely matter-of-fact in manner, he’s in charge of dispatch and immediately inspires Greta’s hatred of using the radio.

My first (and really only) faceclaim for Greta Morley was Zoe Saldana, but I waffled briefly for a couple of weeks, trying to cater to a few readers who told me they wanted to imagine themselves in the role.  I planned to stick with that, and I tried, I promise I did.  But every time Greta opened her mouth I heard Zoe, and by the time she went on her less than fleet-footed pursuit of Wilson with the longsuffering Andy by her side, she was locked in.  Greta’s harboring some serious regret and raw emotional wounds from her not too distant past, and some time out in the American Midwest should be a much needed recovery sabbatical.  Should be.  But isn’t gonna.

Speaking of Andy...Andrew Hozier-Byrne was and is the only person I ever considered for the role of Andy Burns.  Too tall, too clumsy, too cute, too sweet, just a whole bunch of too everything - he was perfect for the role and I may or may not have written it exclusively for him.  Okay yeah, I wrote it exclusively for him.  Andy’s the local cryptid, nobody really knows a lot about him.  He may or may not be a drug dealer.  He may or may not be officially employed by the police department.  He may or may not be Irish or hypoglycemic or a blackout drunk or as goofy as he seems.  Nobody really knows, and to be honest nobody really cares, because if you need it done Andy can do it...if he can remember you asked him to do it.

So Greta has arrived, for better or for worse.  Cree immediately starts in with the sexist remarks and butchering her name, a favor she returns by embarking on what will become a neverending trail of obliterated mis-renderings of the town’s name.  Creeley and Kevin kick off another of many running gags by arguing over whether or not anyone knew she was coming, and before things can get too stupid, Chief makes his first appearance.

And now things start to get interesting.

To be continued at chapter 4, Randy Andy and The Chief of Weemeetwa

@whatevervivie

[obtusemedia]

The best songs of the 2010s: #100-76

Happy 2020! Now that the previous decade has finally finished, it’s time to commemorate the 2010s. The decade in which I grew from an awkward teen to an awkward adult. And a decade with a ton of great music. Let’s dive right in: these are my 100 favorite songs of the 2010s.

#100: “Monopoly” by Danny Brown (2011)

Danny Brown is so delightfully grimy. He’s like a cartoon sewer rat come to life, rapping about pills and making hilariously crude jokes. In an anti-drug PSA, he’d be the sketchy weirdo trying to get a kid hooked on bath salts or whatever. And for a quick shot of his non-replicable style, it’s hard to do better than “Monopoly.”

Rapping over a glitchy, menacing beat with his trademark squawk, Brown lands oddball punchline after oddball punchline. In a span of less than 3 minutes, he threatens to defecate on your tape (and he has to clarify that too — “No, literally, shit all on your mixtape”), compares himself to Ferris Bueller sipping wine coolers and then closes his track by describing a woman’s vagina as “smellin’ like cool ranch Doritos.” And that last insult is the perfect distillation of Brown: the Adult Swim of rap. But much smarter than that would imply.

#99: “Shutdown” by Skepta (2015)

At the 2015 BRIT Awards, Kanye West performed “All Day” with a massive crowd of grime artists on stage, all in black, with flamethrowers shooting fire into the sky. 

Four days after the performance, Skepta — one of the artists on stage with Kanye — released “Shutdown.” It’s a much more fitting song for the intimidating, energized and proudly British crowd of MCs than a middling Kanye non-album cut.

“Shutdown” is the kind of song a rapper releases when they’re at the peak of their powers. Skepta was absolutely at that point in 2015, and so his finest single sounds like a coronation. His gruff delivery isn’t too loud, but it’s firm and confident. He knew he was the best MC in Britain, and “Shutdown” cemented that status.

#98: “Amor Fati” by Washed Out (2011)

Washed Out was one of the brightest voices in the turn-of-the-decade chillwave movement, and with cuts like “Amor Fati,” it’s not hard to see why. 

The big single off his debut, “Amor Fati” gives you a similar sensation as taking a shower: Pure bliss and warmth cascade around you. It’s a bit repetitive, but the song is clearly meant to set a mood more than anything else, so that’s excusable. If you need an entry point into chillwave, you can’t do much better than this.

#97: “Los Ageless” by St. Vincent (2017)

St. Vincent’s trajectory this decade took her from an art-pop weirdo who collaborates with David Byrne to a more mainstream art-pop weirdo who collaborates with Taylor Swift. But in that process, Annie Clark was able to pull her sharpest hooks out and put them in use in deceptively dark songs like “Los Ageless.”

With its sleek new wave production from Jack Antonoff, “Los Ageless” could’ve easily fit on most pop records. But Clark’s atonal, shrill guitar bursts and increasingly disturbing lyrics differentiate it. The song’s themes gradually shift from “lol Los Angeles is fake and plastic” to something more tragic. The desperate (in a good way) chorus says it all: “How could anybody have you and lose you/And not lose their minds too?”

#96: “I Like It” by Enrique Iglesias feat. Pitbull (2010)

I’m aware how ridiculous putting “I Like It” — a disposable, trashy club pop hit most people might not remember — on this list. Admitting I that I love this song probably guarantees that I’ll never get a job at Pitchfork.

But then those fuzzy, cheap synths come crashing in. And Enrique Iglesias sings his sleazy come-ons in an auto-tune slurry. And Pitbull delivers a gloriously ridiculous, very-2010 verse that references both the Tiger Woods cheating scandal AND the Obamas (along with gratuitous Spanish and a Miami shoutout). And then there’s the final touch: a prominent sample of Lionel Richie’s cheeseball classic “All Night Long.” It’s too much to resist.

What can I say? “I Like It” hits all the pleasure centers (including nostalgia, seeing as it came out in the middle of my high school tenure) in my brain. It’s a beautifully stupid, hedonistic highlight of the 2009-12 pop golden age.

#95: “The Wire” by HAIM (2013)

Retro-pop standard bearers HAIM had plenty of great singles this decade. But one of their first, the groovy breakup anthem “The Wire,” is still their best.

Unlike many most breakup anthems, which tend to be wildly emotional, “The Wire” is matter-of-fact. The relationship simply isn’t working, and it’s time to end it. That’s that. You’re going to be okay.

The verging-on-curt lyrics mixed with the Haim sisters’ groovy early ‘80s rhythm makes for a pop jam that’s perfect for any “It’s not you, it’s me” moment in your life.

#94: “Helena Beat” by Foster The People (2011)

I know they represent the mainstream selling-out moment of the magical late-’00s MGMT/Passion Pit/Phoenix moment, but I have a soft spot for Foster The People. Their debut album, Torches, might not have much indie cred, but it’s all-killer-no-filler and stuffed with monster hooks. And despite “Pumped Up Kicks” being the big hit, I’ve always preferred the album’s opening track, “Helena Beat.”

With its shuffling disco beat and Mark Foster’s piercing falsetto, “Helena Beat” is likely about as close as alt-rock ever got to the Bee Gees. The lyrics, which tackle addiction, are much darker than “Staying Alive,” but it’s got a similar sense of propulsion.

And let’s not forget — Foster wrote jingles before starting a band, so he can get melodies stuck in your head. And once you’ve heard “Helena Beat,” good luck getting it unstuck.

#93: “Redbone” by Childish Gambino (2016)

“Redbone” might be the smoothest R&B cut on this list. Which is why the song’s sense of dread and paranoia makes it stand out. 

Donald Glover’s scratchy, passionate falsetto isn’t conventionally pretty, but it works well while singing about some unknown boogieman who’s “creeping.” That’s why “Redbone” was a perfect fit for Get Out, because of its lurking dread underneath the comfortable exterior. This is the song that cemented Glover as being a true renaissance man, rather than an actor with a weird musical side project.

(of course, this still isn’t Glover’s greatest musical contribution — that would be the iconic “Troy and Abed in the Morning” jingle. Especially the night variant.)

#92: “Do You” by Spoon (2014)

Spoon has been America’s most consistently great rock band for the past two decade now. Even calling them “consistent” is practically a cliché.

So all you need to know about “Do You” is that it’s another solid Spoon song in a vast catalog of Spoon songs. Lead singer Britt Daniel is still effortlessly cool, the guitar-driven groove is simple and it all goes down easy. By 2014, Spoon had nothing left to prove, except how long they could keep up their streak.

#91: “I’m Not Part of Me” by Cloud Nothings (2014)

Cloud Nothings’ finest moment is four and a half minutes of pure angst and crunchy guitars. Squint hard enough, and “I’m Not Part of Me” is one of the closest approximations to ‘90s alt-rock. And while the Ohio band isn’t necessarily reinventing the wheel here, refining what made past music so great can be just as effective.

#90: “Hello” by Adele (2015)

Despite only releasing two albums this decade, Adele casts a major shadow over the 2010s. Although I find both those records to be a little on the bland side, there’s a reason she was/is a juggernaut. And the example of her prowess is “Hello.”

“Hello” has everything you’d want in an Adele song: It’s about not getting over a breakup, a very relatable topic, and Adele gets to show off her cannon of a voice. But it also has a secret weapon compared to other Adele ballads: ‘80s power-ballad production! The bombastic chorus has more in common with Heart’s “Alone” than any of Adele’s previous hits, and it’s a perfect accompaniment to one of the decade’s most melodramatic singles.

#89: “Slumlord” by Neon Indian (2015)

Despite putting out two essentially perfect albums this decade, Neon Indian’s mastermind, Alan Palomo, doesn’t really have that one mind-melting single. Yes, “Polish Girl” was a decent-sized indie hit, but it’s nowhere near his best.

But “Slumlord” comes damn close to perfection. It’s not quite as heavy on the melted-VCR aesthetic of other songs on Palomo’s best album, Vega INTL. Night School, but it makes up for that with an irrepressible ‘80s techno groove. “Slumlord” is one of those songs that could ride its beat forever — and it kind of does, with the “Slumlord’s Re-lease” coda following it on the album. It’s a nocturnal synthpop jam that even those allergic to keyboards couldn’t resist.

#88: “The Bay” by Metronomy (2011)

While most synth-weilding indie acts were trying to ape MGMT’s high-pitched fever dreams in the early ‘10s, Metronomy decided on a different, sleeker path with their 2011 album The English Riviera. That album’s best single, “The Bay,” is an immaculate blend of silky smooth yacht rock and nervy, tense new wave. Those two opposite styles shouldn’t work together, but Metronomy managed to pull it off regardless, creating the perfect beach anthem for awkward hipster Brits.

#87: “bad guy” by Billie Eilish (2019)

I expect the 17-year-old Eilish will likely be remembered more as an icon of the 2020s than the 2010s, as she has a long and promising career ahead of her. It’s like how Lady Gaga is much more of a figure of this decade, despite her earliest hits arriving in 2009. But “bad guy” — the kind of left-field, innovative pop single that signals a new era — came out in 2019. And it’s too damn weird, catchy and just plain fun to leave off this list.

#86: “Latch” by Disclosure feat. Sam Smith (2012)

It’s a bummer that Sam Smith turned out to be such a bore, because “Latch” — his introduction to the world — is pure electricity. 

Smith and fellow Brits Disclosure, who provide the pulsating, sensual production, were a dream team on “Latch.” All Disclosure needed to do was give Smith plenty of room to unleash his golden pipes, complete with a few futuristic touches. Smith delivered on his end, proving his worth as one of the best vocalists for conveying drama on the dancefloor.

#85: “Need You Now” by Cut Copy (2011)

No, it’s not a cover of the Lady Antebellum hit of the same name. 

There were plenty of ‘80s-inspired epic synthpop bangers this decade; some groups made their entire careers off of them. But what sets Cut Copy’s “Need You Now” above the rest is its sense of patience. It’s an incredibly slow burner, building the tension with a thumping beat and calm vocals until it all explodes with a dazzling climax nearly 5 minutes in. Af that moment, the Aussies fulfill their promise with a euphoric release of synths and thundering drums. 

It’s not a complicated concept for a song, but Cut Copy executed it perfectly.

#84: “The Mother We Share” by CHVRCHES (2013)

Glasgow new wave trio CHVRCHES never really lived up to their promising 2013 debut album, which opened with the anthemic “The Mother We Share.” But man, what a way to start a career.

"The Mother We Share” is all icy synths and furious drum machines, the sounds bouncing off each other like a hall of mirrors. And lead singer Lauren Mayberry’s quiet but confident vocals add the necessary human touch, conveying a tragic feel to the song’s triumphant chorus.

#83: “Night Shift” by Lucy Dacus (2018)

One of the most ferocious, biting breakup songs of the decade, “Night Shift” is a showcase for Lucy Dacus’ vivid storytelling. The Virginia singer-songwriter spends the first half the song setting the scene of a crappy ex trying to halfway make amends, while Dacus’ character holds herself back from lashing out. She saves the visceral emotion for the second half, when the grungy guitars kick in and Dacus lets out a wounded howl, proudly stating that “I’ll never see you again/If I can help it.” “Night Shift” is a tour de force of indie rock songwriting that rewards patience.

#82: “Round and Round” by Ariel Pink (2010)

Much of indie-rock trickster Ariel Pink is a little too jokey and off-putting for my taste. But on his defining single “Round and Round,” he sprinkled in just the right touch of weirdness into a song that otherwise could’ve been a massive easy-listening hit in 1980.

The quirks throughout “Round and Round” — the woozy, off-kilter production, the lyrics that seemingly make no sense, Pink answering his phone in the middle of the song — are enjoyable. But the song’s true strength is in its chorus: a sudden punch of roller-disco AM-lite harmonies that cut through all the song’s oddities. It’s a double-shot of warmth and nostalgic beauty that feels comfortingly familiar, yet still thrilling.

Pink seemed to know the chorus was the key to “Round and Round,” as he makes the listener wait nearly two minutes for it. But its inevitable release is a truly magical moment.

#81: “4th of July, Philadelphia (SANDY)” by Cymbals Eat Guitars (2016)

Heavily referencing an early Bruce Springsteen classic in the title of a song that sounds nothing like Springsteen is quite the flex. But New Jersey indie-rockers Cymbals Eat Guitars pulled it off regardless.

“4th of July” is a clanging, anthemic scuzz-rock track about going through an existential crisis in the middle of Independence Day. While everyone else is making plans for the holiday, lead singer and guitarist Joseph D’Agostino is howling away, “HOW MANY UNIVERSES AM I ALIVE AND DEAD IN?!?” It’s one of the hardest-rocking mental breakdowns put on record this decade.

#80: “I Like It” by Cardi B, Bad Bunny and J Balvin (2018)

Rapping over extremely-obvious samples has been a time-honored tradition in hip-hop, from the Beastie Boys trading verses over The Beatles to Puff Daddy jacking the chorus from one ‘80s hit and the beat from another in the same song.

But Cardi B, and reggaeton superstars Bad Bunny and J Balvin sampling the boogaloo classic “I Like It Like That” was an inspired choice. The trio’s verses are all delicious fun, whether they’re bragging about eating halal in a Lamborghini or referencing a classic Lady Gaga hit.

But that sample, combined with a trap beat and Cardi’s swaggering charisma powering the chorus, is what makes “I Like It” a classic.

#79: “Sign of the Times” by Harry Styles (2017)

Most former boy band members aim for a grown-and-sexy pop anthem once they go solo, whether its Jordan Knight, Justin Timberlake or Zayn Malik. But the standout member of the 2010s’ standout boy band, Harry Styles, chose took a sharp left turn into melodramatic classic rock instead. And it was a brilliant decision.

"Sign of the Times” is about as close to a classic Beatles or Queen power ballad we got this decade, with its clanging Western guitars, lush strings and thundering drum fills. Styles doesn’t have Freddie Mercury’s gravity-defying vocals, but his immense charisma powers the song anyways. It’s not 100% clear what “Sign of the Times” is about, but with its cinematic scope and cryptic lyrics, it’s likely about the apocalypse. And there’s not many superior songs to cry to while the bombs fall.

#78: “Dancing On My Own” by Robyn (2010)

The ultimate crying-on-the-dancefloor anthem, “Dancing On My Own” has already become a standard.

But Swedish alt-pop icon Robyn’s combination of icy synths and heartbroken, jealous lyrics can’t be replicated. Just ask Calum Scott, who slowed down the track into mushy, piano-ballad goop. Yikes.

What makes “Dancing On My Own” brilliant is its resiliency. It’s not a mopey song — Robyn is defiantly still grooving despite her crushed feelings. It’s a siren call for all those who have been hurt and know the only proper way to work out their emotions through cathartic dancing.

#77: “Trap Queen” by Fetty Wap (2015)

“Trap Queen” is an incredibly fun hip-hop banger, but I don’t think I can extoll its virtues quite as well as Fetty Wap’s hype man at the end of the track. So I’ll let him speak:

“YOU HEAR MY BOY SOUNDIN’ LIKE A ZILLION BUCKS ON THE TRACK?! I GOT WHATEVER ON MY BOY!!”

Amen. It’s a real shame Fetty wasn’t able to keep his momentum rolling past a big 2015, but at least we’ll always have the magic dying-walrus energy of “Trap Queen.” HEY WHAT’S UP HELLOOOOO

#75: “R U Mine?” by Arctic Monkeys (2012)

"R U Mine?” offers Arctic Monkeys fans the best of both worlds. On one hand, you have their AM-era slinky swagger. But it also retains the furious rock-n-roll energy of their early days.

Alex Turner sounds like a smooth-talkin’ cowboy here, but the music is anything but smooth. It hits like a semi-truck, with a calvary-charge guitar riff and so many thunderous drum fills you’d think you were listening to the E Street Band.

[ikesenmotonari]

yay that ikesen oc thing. she’s a multifandom oc but hey im not creative so i might as well JAM her into another universe lets go lads

idk who to tag but if u have an ikesen oc go for it i wanna know bout em!!!

i was tagged by @nyktoon-ikemenlove thank you sweetheart!!!

Age? Height?

“Hi! I’m Melody Wyverne, but my friends if I had any would call me Mel, Mells… that fun stuff! I’m nineteen and I’m five foot two!”

She’s petite, on the curvy side. She’s 5′2″, or 155 cm; she is only nineteen and wants to go home. lmao

What’s your fashion like? [Time travelers – pre & post-wormhole!]

“Er, pre time-jump I was a fan of sleeveless hoodies and high-waisted jeans. I didn’t go out much, so I dressed comfortably. Now I wear kimono and hakama… it’s pretty. I sure hope it didn’t trouble people too much to make these…!“

The top one is an older doodle. thonk emojis

Where are you from?

“I’m from Canada, actually. I lived alone for a bit then my dad reached out to me and asked me if I’d like to spend some time with him in Japan. So uh, I just wanted to talk to him again and thought this would be a good way for me to intern somewhere… it might as well be his business right? Then the storm thing.“

Her mom is French, her dad is English. She’s got a ridiculously high IQ level and no social skills whatsoever, so she knows most Japanese and speaks it pretty okay despite her North American kind of accent. Is that a thing? thonks

Feudal era – pros and/ or cons?

“There are pros?!“ She’s not very happy being surrounded by blood and death…

Pros? Cool clothes. Cons? HAVE YOU MET THESE PEOPLE?!

If you’re not in your homeland/time, do you want to go home?

“Gosh. Absolutely.“

What’s your home life like?

“Well, I’ll run you through a usual day! Ah… well, I’d eat something, then play with my cat, talk to Avery for a bit, then… yeah I’d spend the rest of it at the garage, just working on my projects! It’s… I like working. It’s not healthy, and I’ve been told… but it’s nice, you know?“

Melody doesn’t go outside.

She scarcely leaves her property and the only close friends she has is a cat and a cyborg (a man with no arms). Her parents split years ago and she wasn’t properly socialized as a kid. Being raised as a certified genius? It’s… lonely. She doesn’t know how it’s affected her, but being thrown back in time is forcing her to look at things differently.

You just got your dream job! What is it? / Or, what’s your line of work?

“I’m a programmer on the side, but first and foremost, I make prosthesis for people. I have a background in medicine and engineering I suppose…”

Any other hobbies or skills? Do you use them / how do you use them in the Sengoku period?

“Not really… I can barely take care of myself as is, haha! Erm. I can’t use my skills much at all in this era. Other than some simple automatons, there’s also guns I can piece apart, but I’m more hesitant with those… all I can do is use my expertise in biology I guess. There’s a lot of injuries going around, and I’m glad I’m not completely useless.“

Where is your base of operations? Azuchi Castle? Kasugayama Castle? A pirate ship? Running all over the woods or in a secret monastery? Some other cool place?

“I woke up in a forest near Azuchi and stayed in a neutral tea house for a while before Lord Masamune pretty much dragged me to the castle. So I stayed there for a few months, and the warlords grew on me, but… I… got kidnapped. So I guess my base of operations is a pirate ship.”

Oh?

“…I don’t like it. Don’t get me started on their captain…”

How do you feel about killing and violence?

“I just wish there’s another way past it all. I don’t think I’ll ever understand the logic behind killing someone. I… I’m a doctor. Not a murderer.”

Have you learned to fight? If so, what’s your weapon and/or fighting style of choice?

“Nope, actually. But there’s some good guys on board that might be willing to teach me! At least, I hope so. The only thing I’m leaning towards are guns, unfortunately, but they’re the closest thing to a modern mechanism I can get. Eep… I don’t know how to fight! I don’t want to!”

What are you fighting for?

“Um, my life?!“ It changes. Eventually. ;3

What are your feelings about authority?

“As long as they’re not bullies? Fine.” She pauses. “Lord Nobunaga was different though. I didn’t understand him fully, but he doesn’t really make fun of me or anything. He’s just curious I guess. I don’t tend to question authority unlike some pirates.”

How do you handle someone invading your personal space?

“I just get really uncomfortable and back away if I can. I can’t bring myself to yell at people unless they’ve seriously whittled down on my patience. I didn’t know I had it in me, actually… huh.“

…do you invade people’s personal space?

“Ha…. haha! Yeah, sometimes. I get nosy okay? I didn’t even know what personal space was until I was eleven!”

Are you more open, or more reserved? Are you secretive?

“Avery says I’m an open book. I have nothing to hide, no secrets to keep. There’s not much that happened to me before, so I guess I’m some kind of blank slate? Gee, that sounds so harsh…”

Is this the first time you’ve been truly in love?

 “Love? Have you spoken to these people?”

Eventually? Yeah. Yeah this is her first time.

What’s your style as a lover? (interpret this as innocently or not-innocently as you please ;) )

She’s sweet, affectionate and balanced. She knows when to handle time with her partner and time working on whatever independent activities. Though she’s quite a dense person overall and won’t realize if she’s even fallen for someone, she deeply and wholeheartedly trusts them. It takes a while for her to know this.

Also, she’s 99% submissive and slightly masochistic. As well as a rope bunny.

What are your favorite ways for someone to show you love?

Touches, fleeting ones. Tight hugs, any kind of embrace. Show her something unconditional, undivided. She’s been isolated for so long she convinced herself she won’t have someone to love, so she carries on merrily alone, not knowing how deprived she is of human contact. Hmm.

Take her on an adventure. Bring her out of her comfort zone. Show her what the world could be like… you’ll change her.

Do you use a petname or endearments for your lover(s)?

Not really, she would give nicknames if she could! She already says things like ‘honey’ and ‘dear’, but nothing too mushy unless it becomes super playful and joking.

How do you feel about…

Nobunaga? “He’s such a complicated warlord… I don’t know if I’ll ever understand him. But he’s shown some really keen interest in me. Is it because I’m a Westerner? Either way, Lord Nobunaga scared me and he still does. But after spending months in the castle and talking to him, he’s not actually as mean as I thought he was. I don’t know why he laughs at me though! I guess the things I do seem really silly to him!”

Hideyoshi? “Oh he’s super nice. He taught me how to make tea when mister Mitsunari and I put way too much leaves in. He tends to scold me for staying up though, but I can’t help my insomnia without my pills! It’s really comforting to know that Lord Hideyoshi is looking out for me though. The things he does reminds me of how Avery takes care of me, so I guess he’s like a big brother? Heehee.”

Masamune? “He was the one who brought me to Azuchi castle, and boy is he wild! His energy shocked me honestly, it’s like he never runs out of it. He’s so cool though! He kinda scared me too, and I’m pretty sure he can stab me once told to, but he’s been really playful. I didn’t know I’d have so much fun in Azuchi thanks to him. And he makes amazing food! Though he should stop bugging me to eat three meals a day…”

Ieyasu? “Aw man, I wish I can talk to him without him speedwalking away or trying to avoid me! He’s reading stuff about medicine, right? I’d like to know what he’s learning. It’s no doubt super different from modern medicine. I try to talk to him sometimes but Lord Ieyasu’s always busy… was it something I said?”

You know that question about invading personal space? Melody leans in to peer over at his books sometimes. She’s a bit too friendly to his liking.

Mitsunari? “I relate to him a lot. He’s really friendly and sometimes I’d spend my free time reading with him. Time goes by so fast though and either Lord Hideyoshi or Lord Ieyasu would step in to tell us we’ve missed dinner…”

Literally. They are so alike. They got along swell.

Mitsuhide? “S-Scary… have you heard of those rumors about him? I mean, in person he’s okay, but he’s just tall and intimidating to me. He did take me out to the marketplace once and show me around, which… well, nevermind. I guess he’s nice. Apparently Lord Hideyoshi told him to stop teasing me, but I don’t recall being teased?”

She’s dense. 

Shingen? “Big man. Very tall, and… I think he was flirting with me. Whatever it was, he’s… really.. erm, polite and all, and I met him along with Yukimura and Sasuke at the forest tea house before I was taken to Azuchi. I don’t know him too well, but with what Lord Nobunaga told me, he must be a strong warlord…”

Kenshin? “I never met the guy. With a title like the ‘God of War’, I don’t think I want to…!” Fear.

Yukimura? “He’s… he’s kind of… what’s the word, gruff, isn’t he? I met him along with Shingen and I guess it’s a good quality to be honest and stuff. I think we got off on the wrong foot.”

She spilled tea on him. You can imagine the rest. Sasuke came in clutch.

Sasuke? “He’s super great. I wish I had more time to talk to him! He kinda saw right through my attempt to hide the fact that I’m from the future and he gave me helpful advice on fitting in and staying under the radar. Eep, sorry I got dragged to the castle, Sasuke! We can talk about astrophysics another time…! Seriously, I’m so grateful to him. Without his advice I’d probably be in big trouble.”

Kennyo? “He went near the tea house once and was feeding the fish in the koi pond. He’s scary, but… he’s nice. I served him tea and some dumplings. I had no idea he hated Lord Nobunaga so much…”

Motonari? “Ugh… infuriating. I didn’t know I could be so angry at someone before I met this guy. The nerve he has, to kidnap me in broad daylight, spit on Azuchi defenses, and then use me as his impromptu surgeon for the high seas! Hmph. … I… I don’t know. The more time I spend with him, I feel like I’m not going anywhere - you know, I try to get along, I really do, but I think he’s keeping me away? Like, he just tends to stay shallow with people. As annoying as he can get… I want to know why. He’s shown how playful he could be, and his crew loves him. He gives me the same vibes as Lord Nobunaga, actually… intimidating, but I want to know more about him.”

Any other friends/notables?

“I have a friend named Avery and he’s awesome! He took care of me ever since I was eleven, he was twenty-one at the time and now he’s thirty. He’s like a dad to me. Oh, and this isn’t too important, but he has metal arms. I made those! Er, the updated ones, actually. Just to make sure they’re functioning like real arms and all. The prototypes were made by my mom and he was severely injured, so the surgery took a while. He and I grew really close after my parents’ divorce. He lives a few blocks down, and he has eight dogs. Don’t ask ME why, you should ask HIM. … I miss him. I hope he’s okay.”

She also has a cat named Charlie. He’s a grey ragdoll. That’s… that’s about it.

hooray for my shallow motonari headcanons with trust issues

[ratralsis]

Week 3 from the last class

Week 3 was the big one -- I had to write 5 short (as in, 300 words) essays. They all had prompts like this:

"You are going to refer to Part C - Obstacles and come up with a scene that puts pressure on your main character's moral weakness."

So that was the "Pressure" scene. The others were "Intimidation," "Challenging," "Afraid," and "Worst Nightmare," and, gotta be honest, I feel like they're pretty self-explanatory, you know?

So, because I was struggling to come up with somebody to write about for the first one, the "pressure" scene," I decided to go with Kevin Roldan and Katia Ligru, who you may remember as the blue orc lady I painted early last year. One problem: I actually already used Kevin Stiles and his girlfriend Marigold Spade in an earlier project. I don't love that I used characters I'd already made, but I was up front with the instructor about it and said that I was really just using them as stock characters in the stories I was writing. As in, I needed a character with a certain set of attributes, I already had one, so I used them.

So I renamed the second Kevin to "Roland" to avoid getting him mixed up with the first one. "Roland" is just an anagram of "Roldan." No deeper meaning to it. By a shocking coincidence, Roland is also the first name of the guy who founded this writing school, so, uh, WHOOPS. Nobody called me on it, though, so it was... well, it was fine, I guess!

Anyway. Here's the set of five things I wrote for week three, haha. Without the commentary, it'd be just under 1500 words! With all of this extra stuff I've thrown in, it's closer to 2900, so... sorry, I guess!

I posted some of these individually already, but some of them are new!

PRESSURE

Roland waved for the innkeeper as he and Katia came back in from the rain, and asked for a couple of towels. Katia went straight for the little girl sitting on a stool at the bar, knelt, and put her hands on the child's shoulders.

"Don't worry," she said, her gruff voice soft. "We took care of them. Nobody's going to hurt you."

The girl only shivered. Roland tapped Katia on the shoulder. She stood, and he went up on his toes to whisper in her ear. "Katia, honey, maybe it's different with orcs, but human children tend not to feel reassured by anyone dripping rainwater and blood."

Katia glanced down. "Orc children wouldn't, either," she agreed, taking the towel Roland offered her.

"Forgive my friend," Roland said, smiling and taking Katia's place in front of the child. "You are safe, though. What's your name? Why were those guys after you?"

"Isabella," said the girl, eyes wide. "And they work for the slavers."

"Aw, geez," Roland moaned. "Where's your family?"

"It was just me and dad," she said, "and they killed him."

Roland closed his eyes for a moment, then stepped back to Katia's side. "What do we do about... this?" He whispered.

Katia crossed her arms and looked at the trembling girl. "We take her home with us," she said. "She's our responsibility now."

"Putting aside the logistical and moral problems with claiming an orphaned child we found on the road," Roland said, teeth clenched, "absolutely not. I only meant for right now."

Katia's sigh rumbled in her chest. "Isabella sleeps in our room tonight," she announced. "We'll look for a longer-term solution tomorrow."

"But we're on a mission!" Roland hissed.

Katia looked down at him. "Maybe it's different with humans," she growled, "but orcs care about children."

-----

I like this scene, but it was pointed out to me that it's unclear if Isabella is a human or orc child. She's meant to be human. As usual, there also isn't much of a physical description of each character. Roland and Katia were both involved in a fight against people who were threatening to take Isabella, but Roland knew to at least try to clean himself off before talking to the kid. Katia goes full-on mother bear and rushes to the kid to make sure that they're okay, while Roland genuinely doesn't care about any kind of follow-up.

INTIMIDATION

Roland's eyes darted rapidly around the study. Bookshelves and tapestries lined the walls, and the enormous solitary desk was covered in various books and documents. The dark stones of the walls, where visible, were so well-polished they gleamed. The rug covering the floor was the most elaborate he'd ever seen.

"Too late to run now, eh?" Roland asked, his mouth dry. "Why's he seeing a couple of nobodies like us, anyway?"

"It doesn't matter," Katia said, slowly scanning the room. "I am being given a task directly from the emperor."

"Your emperor," Roland corrected.

Katia smirked. "If he wanted you dead, you wouldn't be in here."

Roland ran his fingers along the wall between two bookshelves. "Maybe he just wants to know which side you're on before he executes us both," he said, searching for anything hidden.

Katia put a hand on an expensive-looking chair, but did not sit. "The war is over. We lost. That you fought on the human side matters only to you."

"Yeah, a hell of a lot," Roland mumbled, focusing on a promising seam between two blocks.

"This is my chance to find purpose again," she said.

Roland sighed. "I was doing fine without one."

"You care so little for your life, why worry that it may end today?" She asked.

Roland gave up on the wall and walked back to Katia. "Look, I know what you're trying to say, but what I'm worried about is specifically how he might kill me."

The door behind the desk swung open. Roland gulped and stood at attention. The emperor of the orcs, his white robe simple but beautiful, entered the room. He said something Roland could not understand.

"What'd he say?" Roland asked Katia out the side of his mouth. She elbowed him in the ribs.

-----

Feedback from the instructor included the extremely good point that Roland should have continued searching for a way out up to the last second. Him giving up like this might be something he'd do, but it's more fun for the reader, and more characterful, if I turn up his emotions to 11 and make him frantically searching until the moment the door swings open.

It's also unclear exactly what the war was. There was a war between humans and orcs, and the humans won it. Katia's "we lost" is meant to refer to the orcs losing, but also that the orcs are willing to accept human help because there aren't hard feelings towards individual human soldiers. Roland, having fought for the human side, is terrified of facing the ultimate enemy he had been fighting against because he worries that this dude might pull off some elaborate and painful revenge scheme.

CHALLENGING

"You know these are suicide missions, right?" Roland asked. He dropped his things on the floor and sat on the bed. Though not a short man, he felt like a child on the orcish furniture. He massaged his ribs under their bandages, noting the tan lines on his wrists from his leather armor. "Dying for your emperor is still dying. How many little tasks do you plan on doing for him?"

"We've only finished one." Katia said, sitting across from him. A powerfully-built orc, the chair suited her larger frame perfectly. She tied back her light hair, unslung her axe, and began sharpening it. "Leave if you want. I have to keep going."

"Don't you get it?" He asked. "Fine, us humans won the war. But my home? Family? All gone! I spent ten years living alone in the woods. I spent my thirtieth birthday skinning a deer!"

She said nothing. Her eyes, deep orange against her blue-white skin, pierced his.

He ran his hands over his hair. "You come along, hired muscle working for outlaws. An ex-soldier with nothing, like me. You want a new purpose in life? Sure, I'll help! Not like I had other plans!"

He stood up. "We get dragged through hell, and you want to go again?"

She stood as well, towering over him. "If you're so scared, why are you still here?"

"Because I'm in love with you!" He shouted.

Silence filled the room.

"I love you, Katia," he whispered, putting his arms around her and resting his head against her collarbone.

She slowly returned the embrace. "Then marry me," she said.

He gulped. "What?"

"Tomorrow, before we leave, so there are no regrets should the worst come to pass. I want you with me, however long we have."

"I'll... go buy the rings."

-----

Writing the descriptions like "deep orange against her blue-white skin" was painful to me, but I tried to cram as much as I could into this. This time, maybe I could have dropped some of that to make it clearer what Roland wants: to stay with Katia, whether she goes on a second mission for the emperor or not. He'd just rather she chose to abandon the mission.

This is basically the backstory of the two characters, but I don't love just blurting it out as dialogue. It's also useful in pointing out that they're both roughly thirty years old. It would also have been nice to show more of Katia's demeanor and her emotional state to make it clear that she loves Roland just as much as she loves him.

AFRAID

Roland blinked awake, inhaled, and gasped with pain. He looked around frantically, the only light coming from the moon and the flickering campfire nearby. A blanket was covering him.

"Don't move," Katia whispered, drawn by the sound. He was unused to seeing her, or any orc, this way. Had he been in less pain, he might have found the juxtaposition of her gleaming tusks and worried expression amusing.

He lifted the blanket with his uninjured left arm and saw the bloody bandages around his torso. "Looks bad," he said, his mouth dry. "Think I'll make it?"

"I don't know," she said. "I cleaned your wounds and stopped the bleeding, but if they reopen or get worse, I may be unable to save you. Drink this." She lifted his head with one large hand and held a metal cup of water to his lips with the other. He drank.

"We won?" He asked.

"Yeah," she said, nodding.

She started back toward the fire, and he reached out to stop her. She took his hand in hers, their wedding rings touching. "I'm sorry," he said. "I can't even imagine you laid out like this."

She shook her head. "Look," she said, lifting her shirt with her free hand. She pointed to a wide, jagged scar below her ribcage. "A human with a spear gave me this. I fell and was left for dead."

"I would be, from that," Roland admitted. "Were you scared?"

"Are you?" She asked.

"More than I've ever been."

"So was I."

"I don't want to die," he whispered, feeling drowsy. "Not until we're done with this adventuring life. We'll get a house in some quiet town, start a family. Raise some half-orc babies together. Die old in our bed."

"Sure," Katia said, blinking away tears. "Sounds nice."

-----

This is my personal favorite because Roland used to not care whether he lived or died, and, upon facing imminent death, realizes that his love for Katia is enough to make him want to keep living as long as he possibly can. The original idea for this scene was to have it take place immediately after a battle, with a knife still sticking out of his chest or stomach, and Katia telling him point-blank that removing the knife would definitely cause him to lose a lot of blood and possibly die. Roland would have then known he had a limited chance to tell her his feelings. I changed my mind when I looked into first aid for puncture wounds and found only advice for actual medics or for keeping people stable long enough to get to a hospital, and neither of those applied here.

Part of Katia's backstory always included her having suffered apparently mortal injuries and just plain not dying. The scar on her stomach has a matching twin on her back from where she was run all the way through, and there's another over her heart from someone with a dagger trying to do her in. She's absolutely a better fighter than Roland, but she's still faced death many times.

As always, the usual feedback was given that I didn't explain Katia's feelings enough or what might have happened previously, like what kind of battle they'd been in.

WORST NIGHTMARE

"I'll take the first watch," Katia said, leaving Roland and Melissa alone in the small tent.

"Finally, we're alone," Melissa murmured, putting her arms around Roland's neck.

"Hold on," Roland said, scooting backwards. He didn't make it far before his back was against the canvas wall. "I think you have the wrong idea."

"Let's enjoy ourselves for now," Melissa said. "Before I have to spend half the night next to that." She gestured with her head to where Katia was standing outside.

"That?" Roland asked. "Listen, first, I'm too old for you. I'm thirty-two, and you're what, nineteen?"

"Twenty," she said. "And I'm only paying you to take me one town over. After that, I'll never see you again."

"Also, I'm married!" Roland said. "To the woman ten feet away."

Melissa pulled away from him. "You married an orc? Why?" She asked.

"Why?" He furrowed his brow, confused. "Because we love each other."

"Can orcs feel love?" She asked.

"Of course!" Roland said. "Katia's got the same feelings as anyone, she's just bad at talking about them."

"Wait, so you and her..." She trailed off. "How does that work? She's so... tall and muscly."

Roland shook his head. "I'm not having this conversation. Good night." He turned away and laid down.

"Come on, now I'm curious," she said, leaning towards him. "What's she look like under all that leather and fur she's wearing? Do her tusks get in the way when you kiss? Does she have the same parts as a human? Is her skin the same color blue all over?" Her eyes widened. "What color is she down there?"

"I shouldn't have to explain why those questions are wildly inappropriate," Roland said, tugging his blanket over himself. "Tomorrow I'm going to pretend this conversation was all a bad dream."

-----

If I could do this one again, I'd change it to remove the part where Melissa tries to sleep with Roland entirely and skip straight to her worrying about sleeping next to a big gross orc that probably snores and smells bad. Roland would protest, point out that he's married to that orc, and we'd go from there. It's funny to have a pretty (maybe? She's not described) girl throw herself at him, but that's all it is. It doesn't earn Roland any Good Guy Points to have him refuse to cheat on his wife. The reader can assume that he is faithful to her without being explicitly shown that he actively resists temptation from other women. It would have freed up precious words to describe the scenario: "'I'll take the first watch,' Katia said, bending her statuesque frame to leave the tent and briefly allowing the evening's cool air to blow in. Roland and Melissa were alone." That kind of thing.

Originally, Melissa's questions got more explicit: she asked whether or not Katia could even feel it when they had sex. Roland argued that the height difference (about five inches) between him and Katia was not any bigger than the height difference between him and Melissa, just in the opposite direction. I removed it because I thought it was funnier to have Roland refuse to even imply anything about his sex life.

Melissa also asked why he would love Katia, and Roland said that it was because, after ten years of isolation, Katia made him care about living again. Melissa pointed out that this sounded more like a drowning man grabbing onto the first rope he found than like love, and that he'd surely be happier with a human woman. I would have liked to include some form of questioning the legitimacy of Roland's feelings and not only Katia's, but it, too, was cut for space, and that's probably okay.

The most important thing was to show that Melissa is being very casual about her racism towards Katia. She's not seeing Katia as a person equal to herself or Roland. Katia's a monster and a curiosity. It's easy to draw parallels to real-world racism, but I wanted to make it seem even more dehumanizing, like Melissa thinks that Roland has been committing bestiality. Roland's "nightmare," then, is realizing that his marriage to Katia has affected his relationship with human society.

[beneathmyboughs]

30 Facts: Yuji Matsumoto Edition!

Since this is a new kid coming in like, halfway through, here have some facts!

1. Yuji Matsumoto does in fact identify as male, and at this point can no longer use the nonbinary bathrooms. Tough luck, boi.

2. When he talks, his hands gesture much more dramatically than is merited, and his facial expression and tone of voice may not always match up especially when he’s trying to be chipper. This comes from ages of manipulating Piney’s expressions by hand and voice, without his real face coming into play. He gets embarrassed when it’s pointed out, and tucks his hands away.

3. If Yuji tucks his hands on or near his face, he’s feeling vulnerable and more specifically threatened. A good tell for if you want to see if he’s going to start closing up clamlike.

4. Some quick fast food facts:

Fav Meal: Udon

Fav drink: Green Tea (I’d say matcha but n a h, he likes the cheap stuff)

Fav snack: Soy sauce flavored rice crackers

Fav desert: Custard Pudding

Fav festival food: Kakigori (sweet) and Yakisoba (savory)

5. Thrifty doesn’t even BEGIN to describe this guy. Everything is reused and reused and reused, and DIY is common enough with him. Expect him to let out a noise of terror at any wasted items.

6. Yuji considers fast food like Mcdonalds (which is honestly a tad more expensive in Japan) to be ‘friday night treat’ material.  If you took him to even a nice-ish alehouse he might die on the spot.

7. In universe, Yuji’s hair is a normal shade of hair as opposed to dyed--it would translate over best as ‘black with a greenish tint’. 

8. Short list of weird things Yuji cannot stand: Firecrackers, Elvis, Falco from Star Fox, tattoos and sauce packets (this also goes for bagged food. “It’s so SLIMY”). 

9. Short list of weird things Yuji actually likes: hard candy (he’ll hoard them, and take anyone’s ‘green flavors’ if they don’t want them. Oh gee, wonder why he’d want G R E E N dryad squad), coffee caked on the inside of mugs, hair (on the head that is--he thinks it’s beautiful, and completely natural so near anyone can have it), cockroaches (slugs too, general crawlies--they don’t bug him, ehehe).

10. Yuji will occasionally reach for something or type on his phone, then do something weird as hell with his hands like try to use the sides or scrunch his fingers for no good reason and overshoot his objective. An inside look at how he held things with gloves it seems. Similarly, sometimes he walks weird and overshoots his footing--those big shoes are likely to blame.

11. If you ever walk in on Yuji alone, you better expect there’s SOMETHING set up to make noise or otherwise alert in his nearby area. Wooden lids suspended in the crack of the door, temporarily ductaping a door shut, ect...by this point it’s not even worth keeping a secret, this man temporarily booby traps any area he’s in by himself. Remains of the cleanup or the direct results of a trap have probably been experienced by most of the kids here.

12. He is...still not wearing pants, much of the time. The boxers mainly. As of this past trial though, sometimes he can be seen wearing jeans when he’s out in rougher areas like the woods or something. Still no shoes though. He double layers those socks though...? This is sad.

13. He’ll freeze up if you try to ask him for a personal preference. Like, candy or cookies better? Favorite color? Ect. He goes deer in the headlights. 

On that note,  Yuji’'s spent a lot of time soaking things up from the mascot environment he worked in--even during that time he was going from hotel to hotel and accepting whatever bits and pieces he found. This means he couldn’t tell you what kind of music he likes, but he could sing you the entirety of the latest Hatsune Miku concert from heart. Not that he WOULD but...

14. If people trash their food before they finish their plate, people who stick around might catch him fish it out of the trash and either finish it off or cook it into something new. Yuji, swear to God.

15. Yuji considers his experiences as Piney the experiences and actions of a separate person and dislikes the idea that specifically he reflects on Piney; rather than consider him a character he played he considers Piney ‘their own separate and genuine tree.’ He still has every memory he made as Piney of course--which makes it weird when he can relay his experiences dining at Michelin star restaurants but gets intimidated by an Applebees.

16. Oh boy. Yuji and...electronics. He’s not....a hermit? As in, he knows most of this stuff he’s not genuinely pastoral...but this man does not know how to work a snapchat. In fact he’s never so much as fiddled with any apps but the notebook and photo app. Overwatch is literally the only viddygame he knows how to play, and he does so nigh religiously now that the Overwatch Club introduced it to him. 

17. Hypothetically, once Yuji got over his confused feelings for Starbucks, the green tea lattes and their iced equals would be a revelation. And while he’d eat anything he got, he wouldn’t be particularly fond of any of the foods on offer sans the Madeline cakes and Hawaiian Bagel. 

18. Sometimes he just starts crying. Like, not loudly, and not show stopping, but sometimes he just starts getting his sniffle on. More often than not, this is a good sign though; happy group activities are the worst offender for this.

19. Yuji’s favorite hang outs, should you need to find him anywhere specific, are the Adventure Park (he even has some Gabu Gabu merch now!), the Ramen Shop (fixed it up and restocked so it’s ready for business) and the Home Ec room (Overwatch and, as of Chapter 8, weird...fanfiction. Do not look for his on computer account.). Please don’t note that to him though--he’ll spook and try to change up his patterns.  

20. Yuji is actually not a bad singer! If you can drag him into a karaoke situation, catch him pullin out his voice claim! 

21. Apparently now that he’s out of suit, he’s more willing to share a few trade secrets. For example, according to him he was the only one of the mascots who was manned by only one ‘friend’, and most of the others had interchangeable buddies specialized in whatever the mascot needed to do for the variety show episode. This was everything from cooking to acrobatics to even ex soldiers for extreme stuntman activity. Apparently out of pity or respect, some of these guys gave the tree some variety lessons to help make life a little easier for him.

22. Yuji’s real birthday is actually on May 4th. This is the same day as Japanese Arbor day, as well as the same birthday as the famous fictional detective, Shinichi Kudo.

23. As Ryouji respawned with his own non-blood splattered necklace, Yuji has the original blood splattered one still. Now he’s no longer in suit though he wears it around his neck and tucked under his shirt collar rather than on his far less protected wrist. 

24. Yuji’s terrible about gaining crushes on people quickly and holding onto them for a long time. His list (with varying intensity) for this crew has been:

- Ryouji (big time)

- Charmayne (big time)

- Ebull

- Hanako

- Tomoka (for .5 seconds at a time)

- Madoka (on first impressions alone)

- Kazuko (if not full blown at LEAST on the rise)

There is also the moderate threat of Tadashi joining this list, and an honorable mention for Ailani who was never crushed on but WAS friend-crushed on (wanting to be her friend) and Ryan who is not crushed on but HAS caused some stupid sexy flanders moments for the guy (some unbidden dokis). 

Yuji makes a point of crushing, even loving, very unobtrusively though--it’s perfectly possible to remain friends with him even if he’s crushing on you and never have it Become Business. So no worries or obligations there!

25. For the ‘super Japanese foods’, Yuji’s very on board for eating eel, squid, seaweed, mentaiko, ikura, and even natto and as far as sanshouo (rarely, he feels a little bad about it but it does remind him of Spirited Away). However, he won’t touch Horse meat, ume and takoyaki (the last one not for the flavor, but for a moral respect for the octopus. He’ll have hotdog substitute though!) 

26. Yuji has a soft spot for french bakeries. For a lot of his time living by his seams in Ikebukuro, steals from the French style bakeries dumpsters were by far the best meals. He feels like he personally owes them a lot, even if Udon will forever be his true love.

27. If you’re new to Japan and want to try all the holes in the wall without running into anything illicit, Yuji’s pretty handy to bring along for the ride. He can sniff out the difference between a “snack bar” and a yakuza run “Snaku Bar” by sign font alone and fear alone. More than anything though he knows Ikebukuro specifically, especially close to the train station, like the back of his hand. 

28. This guy has an odd little kind of ‘eclectic spiritualism’ that mixes standard casual Buddist and Shinto stuff with some personal rituals, magical thinking and fascination with fantastical energies like Japanese Youkai and Western Tarot. More than anything though, this is a very casual system that focuses on a strict and hands on calculated version of Karma. Give and take, pay your literal dues, receive fortune and punishment as you earn it. 

This has contributed to ‘totem collecting’ from what he can find to represent the dead students, feeling that holding them safe will in turn grant safety to them in the afterlife--or now, outside of the sim. As Piney he was never allowed to admit to endorsing nor holding a religion, so now while he won’t go parading it around it isn’t so much a secret anymore.   

29. Yuji’s verbal tone is a sliding scale. The more nervous he gets the more youthful he sounds, at his worst off channeling Scooby Doo’s Shaggy with full voice crack and warble. You can tell he’s at his most stable when he stops fidgeting, plants his feet and starts calling people ‘kid.’ At that point he’s got a near gruff tone that sounds a tad Adachi-esque. His middleground is like, a disgruntled and fashion blind version of Vincent from Catherine, about. 

30. HIS favorite mascot? Either Purin the Dog from Saniro or Funashi. Purin is a good design he’s personally weak towards, but Funashi is an inspiration. He’d say “With that expressive waist hoop and the thin cloth making it easy to move around, that must be one hell of a fun set up to play with.” 

[gonchuits-blog]

Chapter 1

Brian was jolted awake by a sudden booming, accompanied the feeling of being shaken up and down.  All of his muscles tensed up at once, disoriented by where he was.  “Sorry kid”, a voice sounded out to his left.  Brian turned his head to see a gruff individual in the driver seat. He was wearing a black overcoat, and had a mess of brown hair on his head.  The man reclined in his seat, one hand on the steering wheel.  “Yeah, it’s kinda hard to avoid bumps and holes in this type of place.” Brian looked forward, out the front windshield to see a sprawling desert plateau littered with brown rocks and various cracks spread throughout.  A few patches of plant life could be seen growing in various places, allowing Brian a quick glance before zooming past.  In the distance, a large silver structure could faintly be seen.  

“Eh, it’s probably for the best anyway,” the man continued “I mean, you don’t want to be drowsy for your big mission right?”  Brian adjusted himself, relaxing his muscles and reclining in the passenger’s seat of the black SUV.  

He responded “Yeah, I guess I was just so anxious last night I sort of forgot to give myself enough time to sleep”

“Ha! Yeah, I can relate pal. I’ve had my fair share of long nights. Well, let’s just hope you can get yourself some coffee before you have to send off.”

“Well, I’m pretty sure I don’t need to worry a whole lot about today in particular.  I’m not really in charge of the launch.  I think that’s another…  Wait, I probably shouldn’t be telling you all this.”

“Bud, don’t you worry your little head.  I’ve already driven 2 other schmucks before you, and they didn’t shy away from spilling their guts to me.  Besides, my brother is a part of the engineering team.  If there were any catastrophic secrets to be hiding, he woulda told me by now.

“Well, I’ll keep it brief.  I honestly don’t know much about the launch or how we’re going to get there, but I know that a space-time anomaly was somewhere just outside our solar system a couple months ago.  We are going on a mission to find out more about it.  That’s all I know.  I was told that each team member was only told the portion of the mission that they needed to know.  My part is to observe and record the properties of the anomaly.  I know nothing about the ship or how the heck we’re going to get all the way out there.”

“Hm, sounds neat. Nothing to my fancy, in all honesty. Never really been a fan of space. I’m fine with having gravity and air down here on Earth.

Hey, by the way, I don’t think we’ve formally introduced each other yet.  The name’s Julian, Jules for short.”  He turned his head a bit and gave a glancing grin to Brian.  “Oh, uh my names Brian, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I wasn’t sure if Mr. Dash wanted us exchanging names so I kept quiet.”  Another brief silence filled the car.  

As Brian began to wriggle a bit in his seat, Jules broke the silence “Hey, don’t let that big lug intimidate you, he’s a great guy!  I mean, he got you, me and my brother a job doing what we love.  I like driving, you like space, I can tell, and my brother likes science garbage.  Having met him myself, the boss is really nice; maybe a bit rough around the edges, but at his core he’s just a guy with a lot of money that likes science.  Don’t think any more into it.”

“Then, why doesn’t anyone know his real name?” Everyone who worked for Mr. Dash knew he never revealed his real name.  He gained the nickname from his employees, making the observation that any documentation involving his name uses ‘—‘ in place of a real name.  Eventually the joke cemented itself as a proper name in his mind, and he named his enterprise based on it.  Sure enough, the sign on the metal structure began to come into clear view.  The letters Dash Innovators could be seen in the distance, slightly obscured by heat waves emanating off the ground.

“Who knows? I personally think it’s to dodge the government.  He has all these over-the-top science projects going on, I’m betting the government would have him on some watchlist if they could pin him down.  Plus, I bet there are a bunch of regulations he can avoid by claiming to be an ‘anonymous donor’ rather than the head of a scientific empire.”

Brian sat in his seat, thinking about the mystery himself.  Staring at the chrome green letters in the distance, he resolved it to be unimportant.  

“Well, it seems our time together is drawing to a close,” Jules said, “Sorry again from waking you from your beauty rest.  I mean, you don’t look too worse for wear to me.  I’m sure you’ll be fine.”

“Yeah, I sure hope so. Now that you mention it, I was having a pretty weird dream before…”  The car slowly rolled to a stop in front of the large metal structure.  A large double door sat in the center of the front facing wall, with 3 guards in suits standing outside.  Brian was surprised that it had appeared so suddenly without him noticing.  “Oh!” he exclaimed, “I guess we’re out of time.  Whatever, I can tell you about it when I get back.”  He opened the door and stepped out, shutting the door behind him. Jules rolled down the window, saying “Sure thing pal!  It was good talking to you.  This job would be dull if I didn’t have anyone to chat with.  Tell my little bro Greg I said hi, and have fun in space!”  The window rolled up and the car pulled away. Giving one last wave, Brian took a deep breath, toward the ominous metal structure and walked inside.

Beginning

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[jewishsunshine-cats]

Haikyuu!! Review

INTRO: The one that started it all. This show worked a darn miracle. It did in 24 episodes what growing up in a family of boys and football failed at. It got me to voluntarily watch a televised sporting event. And not only that, I was yelling at the screen because I actually knew what was going on. And if that doesn’t speak volumes on the quality of storytelling and attention to detail in the show, I don’t know what does.

BOTTOM LINE FOR THOSE WITH TIME CONSTRAINTS OR SHORT ATTENTION SPANS: Whether you are looking for a show to dip your feet into the sports anime genre or you are a seasoned watcher looking for your next fix, this is for you.

Whether you are a volleyball player/watcher already or are vaguely aware that the point of the game is essentially a complicated version of “don’t let the balloon touch the floor” you played as a kid, this show is also for you.

If you dream of adopting 72 Japanese volleyball children, this is also for you.

SPOILER LEVEL: Light, be prepared for lots of character love but nothing that will spoil anything specific

EPISODES VIEWED AT TIME OF REVIEW: 60

QUICK SUMMARY: Everyone dreams of that one moment. The one moment that will change your life. For elementary schooler Hinata Shouyo, that moment comes when he happens to see a Karasuno High School volleyball match. As someone who has always been athletic but small for his age, a game where height and power is crucial has never been on his radar but as he watches he can’t help but notice Karasuno’s ace spiker, a boy nicknamed the Tiny Giant as at 18 y/o he stands at only 5’7! A fact that none of the boy’s teammates seem to care about as toss after toss and point after point are given to the Tiny Giant with total confidence.            As if all the possibilities are suddenly opened to him, Hinata dreams of going to Karasuno to become the next ace. Those dreams take a knock his last year of middle school when he immediately loses (read: has the floor wiped with him) in the first round of his one and only tournament game against a setter named Kageyama Tobio, nicknamed the King of The Court. Hinata vows to beat him in his quest to become the next Tiny Giant but what happens when a few months later on his first day of high school Hinata realizes that the amazingly talented but cold, demanding, harsh King of The Court is his new teammate?

STORY: The thing I love most about sports anime is that there usually aren’t “bad guys.” There are rivals and fellow competitors but they are not portrayed as the typical antagonists. There is an understanding that all the characters want the same thing and to get that it means someone has to lose but that doesn’t in any way put them in the wrong. This opens up the story to not only the primary protagonist Hinata and the rest of the Karasuno team but all the teams. We see them train together, help each other, and advance each other.         Also, in this series in particular, another thing I love so much is that there are no “typical jock” stereotypes. What you have are athletes. You see them train, work hard, fail, cry, learn from their mistakes and grow as players and as teammates.

CHARACTERS (This gonna be a long’un. I said 72 children, remember?)

HINATA SHOUYO: In the court Hinata is, in many ways, the underdog. This is his first year not only for Karasuno but on any team, he has the least experience, the least amount of proper training, and first comes across as a one trick pony. But does that stop him? Not even a little. He works until he can’t stand, understands his shortcomings and tries to improve, and goes out of his way to support his fellow teammates (even ones that aren’t his favorite people).           Off the court…This child. This beautiful ray of sunshine and orange hair. He is one of those characters you wish truly existed because we all need one in our life. Hinata does not understand the words “unapproachable” or “social outcast.” Both on Karasuno’s team and other teams Hinata goes out of his way to make friends with those most people ignore or even make fun of. And it has absolutely nothing to do with pity or even a sign of kindness. He does it simply because he wants to, because all people are people and potential friends. And if we were all a little more like that, the world might be a better place.

One more thing I want to mention about my favorite child is his body image. Guys, especially those involved in sports, can have body image issues just as easily as girls can. Now, Hinata dreams not only of playing high school volleyball on a national level and after that probably even into college level but he wants to be a spiker. Not a libero, the position a little kinder to those on the smaller side, but a spiker. And at fifteen, this child is only 5’4. Does he get a little jealous of those taller than him? Sure. Does he sometimes feel intimidated by those bigger than him? Again, sure. But does that negatively affect his own body image? Not at all. Even though, like all humans, he wishes certain things were different about his body but at the end of the day he totally accepts his body as it is. There is nothing “wrong” with his body. It’s never really focused on but admitted quite clearly and I think that’s a great message to everyone.

KAGEYAMA TOBIO: The secondary protagonist and not at all what you expect after meeting him in episode one. Even his nickname King of The Court does not come from what you think it does. He is hard to understand, hard to get to know, doesn’t really go out of his way to makes friends but is extremely talented on the court; even called a “genius setter.” In short, in every possible way, he is the opposite of Hinata. And that gives us a lot of tension and a lot of comedy, especially in the first season. But as we start to see him through Hinata’s eyes we see there’s a lot more to grumpy “Bakayama” than just an amazing setter.           As far as character growth, in season one I’d say Kageyama gets the most of it. We see him opening up, accepting help, even offering help to his new teammates. We also see little glimpses of the inner cinnamon roll under all the grumpy and resting bitch face. But I can’t really go into detail without any spoilers.

KARASUNO 1st YEARS: There are 2 more freshmen who join the volleyball team the same time as Hinata and Kageyama. I put them together for the sake of space and because unlike the previous two, these two have been a set since at least middle school.               Tsukishima Kei is a middle blocker. He is smart but not obvious about it. So cool and collected it’s hard to tell if he is having fun during games. He’s also the biggest salt lick you’ve ever met, with a special put down or sarcastic comment for anyone he’s ever met. He gets the most growth in season 2 and 3 so I can’t go into a lot of detail without spoiling anything but I will say that he gets a lot of the best lines and that, again, there’s a lot more to him than meets the eye. There may or may not be some sugar mixed in with the salt but there’s definitely depth and curry powder.                 Yamaguchi Tadashi is Tsukishima’s only friend going into high school. He is gentler, supportive, more obviously hard working than his counterpart. But in no way does that make him weak or a pushover. When Tsukishima goes too far or is being a drama queen, he has no trouble calling him out on it. We see him grow the most in season 2, especially in terms of a player and it’s like being a proud parent.

KARASUNO 2nd YEARS: Again, some grouping for the sake of space here. Ennoshita Chikara is a wing spiker who is in training to be the next captain after the 3rd years graduate. This is kind of a big deal as the kid is quiet and quite happy to be in the background. He even almost quit volleyball because he wanted to stay home and just be lazy (and if that ain’t the most relatable reasoning I don’t know what is). He doesn’t get a whole lot of screen time but you cheer for him all the same.              Tanaka Ryunosuke and Nishinoya Yuu. These two. Their bromance gives me friendship goals. For reals. Tanaka is a wing spiker with a shaved head, gruff face, gruff voice, but loyal soul. Even though he “doesn’t like anyone at first” he takes the initiative to take both Hinata and Kageyama under his wing and try to help them figure out this whole “teamwork” thing. If anyone goes after him, his sister, or one of his teammates you better watch out cause as the attack dog of the team he doesn’t take offense lying down.              If Tanaka is the attack dog, Nishinoya is the guard dog. One of the best liberos in the district, Noya is the only person on the team shorter than Hinata (5’2!). But he also has the biggest personality, blowing in like a hurricane and taking his spot as the resident wild child. But this wild child is also the most reliable one out of the first and second years. He is the player everyone counts on, is a good senpai, and always has a smile and a thumbs up. He is also my other favorite child.

KARASUNO 3rd YEARS: Oh, my heart. Each team has a slightly different structural dynamic and Karasuno’s is definitely a family with a Dadchi, Sugamama, and everyone’s favorite uncle Azumane Asahi. Sawamura Daichi is team captain, wing spiker/defense specialist, and resident dad of the team. He has a sense of authority and has no problems disciplining his children when need to but loves his team and is the kind of leader anyone would want taking them as far as they can go.            Sugawara Koshi is the team mother, without a doubt. He is always there to take care of all his teammates but is also a reliable player. He has been the starter setter for the past year but that all comes into question when Kageyama comes on the scene.             Azumane Asahi is the current ace spiker, is the biggest player on the team, could probably pass for a college student and is the biggest bundle of nerves you’ve ever met. He is insecure and is very susceptible to bouts of negativity, especially when he feels like the weight of the world is on his shoulders. But there’s more backbone in there then you’d think.

We get introduced to a lot of different teams throughout the first 3 seasons but there are three I want to talk about here.

AOBAJOSAI: Here we have familiar faces, at least to Kageyama. This was the school he tried to get into but failed. This is the school where his volleyball senpai and a few of his former teammates went. But there is no good memories for our grumpy setter to be found here. But there is the local likable asshole Oikawa Tooru and his sassy filter/ babysitter Iwaizumi Hajime.

NEKOMA: Karasuno’s lifetime rival and home to everyone’s favorite sinnamon roll/half of everyone’s favorite sinship Kuroo Tetsuro, as well as a very tall Russian cat Haiba Lev, a baby lion Yamamoto Taketora, and a setter with serious social anxiety Kozume Kenma. This is the first time we see friendships between teams and we see them even willing to help each other even if it makes their own victory harder.

FUKURODANI: Home of my other, other favorite child and the other half of everyone’s favorite sinship, Bokuto Kotaro. He is a bundle of loud, lovable energy who also has a tendency for some mondo mood swings, much to the chagrin of his long-suffering setter Akaashi Keiji. The team actually has protocols to adjust for these mood swings and I just find that hilarious.

MUSIC: I honestly can’t decide which opening and ending I like the best because they are all awesome. High energy and just the kind of thing to get you pumped before a game. The artists for the endings vary but most of the openings are sung by jpop group SPYAIR.

ANIMATION: When off the court or when in times of lower tension, we see little character details that most animation would forget; characters taking out earrings when playing, different color hair roots, characters with different sizes of hands and minute facial expressions. When on the court, the best way to describe the animation is “high octane.” It’s harsher lines, deeper shadows, and big movements.

FOR PARENTS, BABY-SITTERS, OLDER SIBLINGS, OR YOU BLESSED CREATURES WHO MONITOR YOURSELVES

AGE: 12+

FOR: A couple of the characters, I’m looking at you Tanaka and Kageyama, tend to swear when angry or irritated (in the sub version anyway, don’t know about the dub). Otherwise, good to go.

FINAL THOUGHTS: This show will always have a special place in my heart, both because of the lovable characters but also the way it secretly brings you into the sport. It gives you enough info to follow without feeling like you are getting a lecture. You may even, like me, find yourself looking up more into on your own simply because you now love the game as much as your newly adopted children.