#i support this!! i'd rather never been born thank you very much

[goldenpinof]

right, just kinda like we did not consent to be born

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

So, I been curious and I wonder if you have answers; how strong is Idia? I know physically that a new born kitten could woop him, while technology wise not even the master control could stand against him, but what about magic wise? And where does he stand in comparison to the other dorm heads? I know in ch 6 he was strong as heck but isn't that mainly because he was getting energy from the blots?

(Thank you for your time)

Mmm, well... I don't think "magic strength" alone accounts for how good of a mage someone is. You could have all the power in the world but could be a terrible mage just because of how you use it (like if you lack control), or perhaps because you can only cast a few powerful spells before you blow through your energy reserves. All spells are also not made equal; there are defensive spells, offensive spells, healing spells, and more! Because of all that, it's hard for us to really quantify how "strong" a mage is, because really each mage seems to specialize in their own skillsets. It's not "which class is the strongest?" but rather "which class fits your preferred play style?" For this reason, I'm not going to be formally ranking the dorm leaders but instead will point out their strengths and weaknesses.

As Idia points out in book 6:

Riddle has an artificially large magic pool because he started his magical training from a young age. He is capable of casting strong spells and favors offense, but also has low physical stamina and tires easily (from blot accumulation) because he tries to brute-force. His mental state is also said to be heavily impacted by external factors.

Leona can cast spells quickly and effortlessly; his magic pool is described to be "huge", but we don't know how this really relates to the other problem children in terms of scale. He also seems to boast precision, as he can "tailor" his defensive spells' strength to counter his opponents. Because of how efficient Leona is, he barely accumulates unnecessary blot. Stress does not have much effect on how fast he produces blot, but intense emotions do cause a significant spike in him. Additionally, Leona is skilled in flight due to playing magift/spelldrive.

Azul is a relatively slow spellcaster but makes up for that with precision and access to a variety of spells. He watches the flow of a battle, keeps cool, and then plays support/heals as needed. Idia also notes that while Azul can cast many different spells, Azul also does not have a large enough magic pool to support them and so has to be more careful about what and when he uses his magic.

Vil is very stable across the board and is quite resilient to blot. Stress does not have a huge effect on him, but the blot does seem to stick around for longer because of his larger magic pool. Something else to keep in mind is that Vil excels in making potions, which is another form of magic.

Please keep in mind that these refer to mainly COMBAT scenarios, which are not the only cases in which you would use magic... so this isn't an entirely accurate assessment; it's just the most convenient assessment since the game blatantly lays the comparisons out for us. Let's now piece together what we know of the remaining dorm leaders based on lore we have:

Kalim does not strike me as someone who has a particularly large pool of magic (it's never commented on, nor shown). I'd place him at around normal until otherwise refuted by the canon. We know he's not particularly proficient in his studies, as he just barely scrapes by in classes with intense help from Jamil. This may not always translate to poor performance in practical settings, but we also have no standout moments of Kalim pulling off impressive spells or being a notable mage. He also doesn't seem to be aware of the practical or strategic uses for his own UM unless others in his immediate vicinity are in need of large amounts of water. It's possible that he's incredibly powerful, but lacks awareness of how to best utilize his magic.

Malleus is stated in the lore to be one of the top 5 mages in the WORLD. He uses magic on a daily basis and barely blinks an eye to when he does amazing feats like STOPPING TIME ITSELF. Book 7 also reveals to us a hypothesis that fae might have access to an essentially limitless reserve of magic because they pull that magic from nature itself. I'd say that this definitively places Malleus at the top of the "magical power" hierarchy--there was never any doubt about that, the problem just comes in trying to sort everyone else under him.

And then there's Idia, whom we don't really see performing magic much by himself. No, he prefers to tinker with his computer parts which, technically, can count as magic since technomancy is the combination of technology and magic. (Does Ortho count as something resulting from Idia's "magic power"??) It's hard to say.

If I had to guess, I would think Idia is another stable user like Vil but is also highly volatile like Riddle (due to his guilt and grief being the main source of trauma). Idia HAS to cast spells or input magic into his devices because of his curse; if he does not accumulate blot, there's nothing for his curse to dine on... so it'll dine on his own magic instead, which can be detrimental to his health and wellbeing. (This is why the Shrouds are perfect candidates to work at STYX and research blot. All the blot present in STYX HQ fuels them and feeds their curses.) This implies Idia has to have output, and consistent output at that. More blot present in the immediate area may be able to power him up more and allow him to cast more spells/cast spells more frequently, but that's again highly dependent on his environment. Idia has the "flexibility" that the other dorm leaders lack, which can be a curse or a blessing given the scenario. Make of that what you will!

[significant-narratives]

as a mitch scholar is mitch a mirrorball or a this is me trying?

anon, thank you for your patience!! i have been turning this ask around in my mind since the day i got it... i am so honoured you would come to me of all people for mitch scholarship i hope i was able to do your ask justice 🫡

the tl;dr -- gut reaction is to say 'mirrorball', but ultimately 'this is me trying' is, i think, a better fit for mitch (at least, through my own lens).

more in depth musings below the cut (fair warning a lot of this is just me rambling aimlessly)

i'd start by saying i think that mirrorball and this is me trying (timt) do share a fair amount of overlap in terms of the themes they touch on (identity, abandonment issues, fear of losing your shine/potential, wistful longing), and because of that, i think you could make a strong argument for either song.

you could probably make an argument that mirrorball fits more when mitch was a rookie, to an extent.

for example, if we take the opening verse of mirrorball:

I want you to know I'm a mirrorball I'll show you every version of yourself tonight I'll get you out on the floor Shimmering beautiful And when I break it's in a million pieces

well that's mitchell 'swiss army knife' marner for you... makes his linemates better, makes the pk better, makes our pp look functional. team has a problem? send in the mouse.

but here's where the mirrorball narrative starts to not work quite as well, i think:

I want you to know I'm a mirrorball I can change everything about me to fit in

how do i explain this... this implies a level of persona building that mitch doesn't have, imo? from everything we've seen as fans, and what we've heard from coaches, friends, teammates past and present etc, mitch is very much himself all the time. even when it doesn't necessarily serve him well (see: his relationship w/ the press).

moreover, mirrorball is a song that grapples with this idea of how to keep someone's attention and affections by changing yourself -- 'i've never been a natural'. i would argue that mitch is a natural. he has that inherent starlike quality to him and his game that -- while definitely bolstered by years of hard work -- is also, an inherent part of who he is. he's weaving spells on ice. making magic out of thin air.

i think patty put it best during his leaf to leaf with mitch:

mitch: if there was one piece of advice you'd like me for me to remember for the rest of my career, what would it be? [...] patrick: for you, i would just realize how good you are. i don't know if you realize how good you are, are going to be.

how good you are. are going to be. mitch was always going to be a star, i think. now whether or not he can handle the weight that comes with burning that bright... well.

which brings us to timt:

I've been having a hard time adjusting I had the shiniest wheels, now they're rusting I didn't know if you'd care if I came back I have a lot of regrets about that Pulled the car off the road to the lookout Could've followed my fears all the way down

mitch was born and raised in toronto, and this city demands a lot from him. he's our hometown hero and somewhere along the way, that stopped being a blessing and turned into a bit of a curse.

there's a lot of pressure on this core to deliver toronto to the promised land. for mitch, this pressure is made worse by the fact that a significant portion of the fanbase is still mad over his last contract (how dare he not take a hometown discount + his contract negotiations were rather... public) + he faces a lot of criticism for his game 'not translating' in the playoffs (despite the fact that. the stats don't support this i don't believe?).

like. he had the shiniest wheels now they're rusting! would you even care if he came back! (also also. 'followed my fears all the way down' ... him sitting in that penalty box trying not to cry as he watched their playoff hopes exploded... yikes yikes yikes)

And my words shoot to kill when I'm mad I have a lot of regrets about that I was so ahead of the curve, the curve became a sphere Fell behind on my classmates, and I ended up here

that aries moon babyyy. he's blunt he's got big opinions he is squeaking at the refs and yapping on the bench! honestly crazy to me that mitch's undiganosed-adhd-coded ass ended up with two of the most patient people on earth for teammates.

'i was so ahead of the curve / the curve became a sphere' he was shattering records as a rookie! he was a star prospect! and now the ontario hockey uncles and the media are trying to put shambles in his brain!

And it's hard to be at a party when I feel like an open wound It's hard to be anywhere these days when all I want is you You're a flashback in a film reel on the one screen in my town

this is verse is about 1634. no i won't elaborate.

And I just wanted you to know That this is me trying (And maybe I don't quite know what to say) I just wanted you to know That this is me trying At least I'm trying

and here we are at perhaps the most central part of this song. i want you to know that i'm trying. and this is truly a key part of the mitch marner thesis.

he's always going to give it one more shot. and maybe this time he'll manage to make it right. he can't be any other version of himself but who he is, but he's here. and he's trying. he's wearing his heart on his sleeve. he's hugging carlton the bear during warmups and flipping pucks at kids over the glass. he still wears the pink bracelet hayden gave him. he's drawing smiley faces on his gloves and cellying 'like an idiot [...] like i'm back in juniors'. they hate him for his inherent whimsy and unbreakable spirit but truly where would we be without mitch marner.

[thotsforvillainrights]

So hyped you opened asks again Ive missed you so much 😭💕

Could I request headcanons of Redestro with a kid who has a similar quirk to his, but its caused by anxiety/fear instead of stress?

And once again, happy birthday!!! 🎉

(Thank you so much! I feel like you have a direct link to my thoughts because I've been craving some soft dad content with this man for a few days now...)

~Dad!Redestro~

headcanon|scenario|imagine|match-up

-I'd like to think he lists becoming a loving husband and father as the number one accomplishment on his list of life...well that and establishing the MLA and Detnerat but that's a different story. From the very moment his boy was born/adopted, he was fully dedicated to them. I'd even say long beforehand when the child was just an idea, he was all in.

-He's a very dedicated father. He's there for every little preschool event and each and every up or down in his son's life. He's got so much love and wisdom to give to his child. That's why when they head to kindergarten and experience their quirk developing for the first time, he's the one that beats you to the school. No kidding. He doesn't get a driver for the day either. He takes himself straight there.

-As it would turn out, your child unfortunately developed their quirk (or meta ability) on their first day of kindergarten. It's identical to Rikiya but the circumstances in this case have caused it to activate due to him apparently being anxious about everything surrounding him. It can be something akin to stress but more so along the lines of fear really. Rikiya is at his side in a moment, lifting him up and nuzzling him into his chest while keeping a careful eye on the ever growing stress marks he's developed on the side of his neck rather than his forehead. You sign the paperwork to check him out of school and make it home in 30 minutes flat.

-Throughout the evening you try to keep a close eye on your son but mostly you remain to the sideline, watching intently as Rikiya handles the situation. Due to him having a similar quirk, you decided he should be the main person to handle the situation.

-And he does.

-It's a beautiful site to see, watching him calmly and patiently talk to a panicked toddler. It takes some time but you finally see him chip away at the imaginary wall surrounding your son. The marks start to subside but never fully disappear as they remain on your son's neck...just like his father. Rikiya pulls his son close and explains the way burden works. He offers to help train it to keep it in line, but mostly he offers his full support and love to the child. It's certainly a lot of information and pressure for a 5 year old to take in after just one day but you can see the small spark of determination burning in his eyes as he balls up his tiny chubby fists.

-Day by day he regains his confidence as he does his best to train his quirk while simultaneously navigating anxiety at such a young age. And with every single step of the the way you can guarantee to see Rikiya right by his side, guiding him ahead.

[magicalgirlagency]

*Note: there may be bad English due to the writer horrible language skills. You have been warned

Wondaria is such a wonderful place...

F*ck Earth, can I somehow move into Wondaria? I'll gladly sold all my belongings to do that. Heck, I'll even sold my blood and kidney so I can get there.

Wishful thoughts aside, you are a very cultured human from what I've seen on this blog. Good anime taste, nice analyzing abilities - I've never realized how f*cking ableist YuYuYu is, how absolutely and disgustingly misogynistic Symphogear and Nanoha are with it sexulisation of freaking children, how Kill La Kill is just a horrible show that sexualize minors yet somehow got such a huge Fanbase behind it, etc... MGA, you've no idea how happy I was to found your blog. There aren't any other tumblr blog that have a similar, i dunno, Vibe/energy to yours. Hell, there aren't much stories I've found that have a similar CONCEPT to Wondaria.

This is like, the most EPIC fix-it au that might have ever existed IMO. Seriously, because you save the YuYuYu girls, you saved Minowa Gin -my sweet child - and reunite her with her friends (why Tougou-san and not Sumi Washio though...). Then you save the gems from having to continue to live under the rules of the Space Crystal Nazis Diamonds. And then you saved Izuku and his classmates from the apocalyptic hellhole that his home has become. Mate, are you an Angel for these unfortunate characters!? Because god damn you're like their greatest saviour.

Honestly, I really hope that someone, anyone, would be inspired by Wondaria and then went out to create their own Solarpunk Eutopia where they also save characters who suffered in stories. For some f*cking reasons, this is the only instance I've known about an Eutopian world for fictional characters. Shouldn't there be more of these world? Considering how much sh*tty, grimdark, edgy and "mature" shows have popped up nowadays. I'd love to write a fix-it au as well, but I highly doubt that it would be readable at all (I'm just horrible at writing and characters making).

...Have you ever thought of making a book series based on Wondaria? Just wanna ask, I'm rather curious.

Oh, please! It ain't THAT great, you're exaggerating! I only did what any disenchanted but passionate fan would do in such scenarios!

I don't think of myself as an "angel" nor a "savior", because 90% of the characters that I rescue are more than capable to fend for themselves; what they really need is support. They need something or someone to help them to provide them clarity so they can map out their futures with little-to-no trouble.

I am a firm believer that there are no bad ideas, only bad executions. All of these series, their characters, the lore and the worlds that they live in, are absolutely brimming with gigantic amounts of potential...

...but unfortunately, it's all thrown in the trash because of incompetent writers and showrunners, who have 0% of passion and care, falling into outdated clichés and are only concerned about gaining profit. I'm even not mad, just disappointed.

As for the book thing, I really don't have the intention of expanding this story outside Tumblr, because of copyright issues and Cringe Culture bullies. Wondaria was born as a self-indulgent coping method for me to practice my writing and vent my frustrations towards mediocre and horrible series.

However, I am planning on making another MG series that doesn't depend on a pre-existing series for its survival, but still serves its purpose of a whimsical female-driven power fantasy in the future...

But anyways, many many thanks again for the compliments!

[izzytompkins]

***TW: Infertility***

.

.

.

Me 2 years ago vs. me last week. 2 years ago, my Dr confirmed I'd never have another child. I've always dealt with infertility, I had 5 pregnancies & only have 1 living child. But I was never ready for it to be final. I'd never tried to get pregnant after my last child was born, I was content with my son.

My partner I met 5 years ago & I tho, we never tried to NOT get pregnant. I told him it probably wouldn't happen without help, but we let it go 3 years with just "Well if it does, then it's meant to be." I told him on the first date "Hey, so the kids thing probably, I can't. So that's something you need to know. If you really want more, I'm not the one." And he said well together we have 2, so I think that's fine." After 3 years, I just needed to know if it was a possibility. The Dr. told me, "Look, you can GET pregnant , with help. You can't carry it to term. It will, at best, be a premature birth, & at worst, kill you. I'm not telling you what to do, but I'm advising you not to pursue this." So I came home & was like, so this is the deal. And that was that. My partner wasn't willing to risk my life, & I am thankful for someone who cares so deeply about ME, not just the kids. I thought I'd dealt with it. It's been 2 years & a vasectomy. He got fixed in case he dates someone else (we're not exclusive), or in the wild event a swimmer actually connected with an egg, even tho neither scenario has ever happened in the years we've been paired. He just was like, "If it's not you, it's no one." Which is a whole other level of commitment, I think.

But this year 4 ppl I've known have had babies (well 3, 4th is due in the new year), and we are peers. Like same age range. And I am really feeling my feelings. I haven't even been able to go meet the 2 that live here. I've just "been busy." Which isn't a whole lie but it's not the whole truth. I haven't even held a baby since my cousin had her daughter 6 years ago. I just...can't. I would really love to, but I've just pulled back into my bubble. Having pre-teens keeps me pretty busy, & I didn't have any friends with young kids that live close so I think I just didn't have a chance to confront the finality of it. But holding someone else's baby, being Aunty again, it's almost like ripping open a wound that's never even healed properly. I don't know if it will. And that's just where I'm at.

I hate being the friend that just "is busy." But like how do I even put it into words. I'm busy, because if I'm not then I don't know how to deal with this hole in me. I talk about it in therapy, a lot. It's helped. But it's still there. I just wanted it to be "meant to be." because my partner is an amazing dad. He's everything a partner should endeavor to be for someone, & supports me so much. I wanted that experience for us, very much. And I am a lot angry, but mostly sad, that we're not going to have that part of parenting or relationships. And being around people with fresh babies makes that pain so much more deeply felt. I just wish it was ok to talk about with ppl without it being awkward. I hate being a problem. I'd rather just isolate myself. Which is also a problem 🤣

2 years. I got old. 😒

12.09.23

[uenodivision]

ARB Birthday Special: Aranai Norikoru

~~ June 21st ~~

"I'd rather be hated for who I am than be loved for who I'm not."

Login Lines:

*Sighs* "Okay, last package for the day, thank God. Let's see... this is one's addressed to... me? ...What the hell? Is this someone's idea of a joke or something?"

"...Wait? It says... 'Happy Birthday?' ...Oh crap! Today is my birthday, isn't it?! How the hell could I forget that? Especially since I'm now freakin' 21!"

Voice Lines:

*Sighs* "Sheesh, I'm used to having people know me and cheer for me, but they always tend to go overboard on my birthday. Kind of ironic since I'm more used to being hated and disliked than adored."

"Man, I'm 21 years old. ...I can scarcely believe it. Honestly though, I don't really feel any different than I did back when I was 20 or 19. Only thing that's different now is that I'm legally an adult, which is both good and bad depending on how you look at it. I know the f'ing pigs are happy..."

"My friends and homegirls bought me some sake for my birthday. It's actually a name-brand kind, not like the kind I drink at the bar almost every night. I'm almost tempted not to drink it. ...Psyche! I can't wait to down this baby later on!"

"You know, I did some research on what's so special about the 21st of June. Aside from having the same day of birth as that army guy from fucking Yokohama, the 21st is typically known as 'Summer Solstice'. Apparently, some cultures celebrate it cause it's the beginning of Summer or something like that. I don't really get it, but... well, I guess it's nice to be born on the same day as a season."

"I'm 21 years old. ...Man, no matter how much I say it, it's still hard to believe. I mean, like I said before, nothing really changes now that I'm older. Age, to me, is nothing but a number. You're only as young or old as you feel. ...I wish I could believe that 'cause I'm 21 and still in f'ing high school for crying out loud."

"Shisuta, you don't have to get me anything, really. I'm just glad to know you. ...Yes, it's been a... blessing to know you too. You've treated me better than most people and have always supported me no matter what. I truly am grateful for that, so thanks. Yes, I love you too."

"So... what exactly did you get me? ...Bracelets? And they have...? ...Oh. Wow. They... they look awesome, Shisuta. You got the idea from Sayaka from Saitama? I guess that's why they look familiar. ...You wanna try them on? ...Yes, you make up the other part of my heart. Thank you. Thank you very much... Mom."

"...Okay Boss-Lady, let's see it. ...What, you think I'm not prepared for you to give me a gift that doesn't have some sort of ulterior motive behind it? Well, sorry to say, but I'm ready this time. ...Yeah, yeah. I may be 21, but don't think that changes anything. I'll still create mayhem and mishap just to give you more work!"

"Fine, fine! Let's see it already. ...A... phone mount for my bike? So that I can take and send calls while I'm driving? ...No offense, but aren't you the one who always lectures me about calling and driving when I'm on the road? I mean, I'll still use it, but if I get into an accident cause I'm taking a call, we'll all know who to blame. ...Yeah, I love you too, Auntie."

Shisuta Lines:

"Happy Birthday, Aranai! It's so hard to believe that you're actually 21 years old! It seemed only yesterday that we met each other! Oh, how time flies by! But you're growing into a mature, beautiful, young lady. And I couldn't be any prouder. You know I'm always going to support and love you regardless of who you are. Never forget that, my dear."

"Now then, please accept this gift I bought you! Normally, I don't care for store-bought gifts, but Sayaka-san recommended these since she gave similar bracelets to Kureha-chan for her birthday. I hope you enjoy them. ...Oh, Aranai-chan! Thank you! You make up part of my heart as well! And that will never change, no matter what! I love you very much, my child."

Kisouna Lines:

"Happy birthday, Aranai. ...What? That's all you have to say after I took time to come all this way here to congratulate you on making it to the age of 21, which, by the way, is the legal age at which you can now be tried and prosecuted as an adult? Ugh, of course you'd do something like that, you little miscreant. If that's how you wish to act, then I'll gladly return this gift I purchased for you."

"Hmph, that's better. Here, this didn't come cheap, so you'd best appreciate it. Yes, it's a phone mount for that terror on two wheels you're always driving around on. You mentioned before how you have trouble talking while you're driving, so I thought to give you this. ...You're right, I did say that. But seeing as how you break the law on a daily basis, I figure what's one more law going to hurt? ...Ha, you? Get into an accident? I should be so lucky."

[septixtrash]

Payback and Retribution Pt 2

Pairing: Soldier Boy x Supe!Reader

Warnings: language, mentions of death, mentions of gore (very little), mentions of drugs, depression

Word Count: 1.2k

Summary: You finally meet The Boys.

A/N: I'm so sorry it took me so long to publish this, my app I use to write deleted my original file so I had to rewrite it all over again. I haven't said what powers the reader has because it's a secret for the next chapter! Hope everyone enjoys this, I'm so thankful for all the support on Part 1! ❤️

Taglist: @spnwoman @veronicawritesstuff @atrxdxs @globetrotter28 @bronze-metal @deanwinchesterwifesstuff @buckybarnes-1917 @octobers-snow @faithm120601 @siospins2 @liuope @bxwitched @itsdesiree86 @epiphany-of-a-madwoman @bxrbiewrites @caffeinefueledfangirl @secretdreamlandmentality

“You must be well fucked in the head, agreeing to this…” Butcher tells you as you follow them both down to the parking garage.

He's right…

You walk right up to a beat up van, reaching for the handle. Butcher grabs your shoulder, scoffing. “Oi, just 'cause we're wanted doesn't mean we drive shitty cars…”

“That ain't mine.” He clicks a car alarm and points the opposite direction. “She is.”

“No fucking way…” You run up to an old black 87 Cadillac Brougham. It's in good condition too…

“I always wanted one! Vought wouldn't let us drive ourselves, had to have someone else drive for us. Ugh.”

Hughie grins. “I thought the same thing. He really looks like he owns a van!”

“Fuck off. Get in the car so we can fucking leave.” Butcher hops in the driver seat, Hughie sitting next to him.

You barely have time to climb in before he speeds off… dickhead.

“You didn't know the truth, did you?” Hughie turns around in his seat. “Before we came?”

You shake your head. “If I'd known sooner, they'd already be dead.”

It's still hard for you to wrap your head around the thought of it all… Ben's alive. Your own team betrayed you. Vought was behind everything and you'd been blindsided. It somehow hurts more, knowing that you’d been set up, that you’d been lied to. You think it would've been easier if you never found out the truth. Because through all the heartbreak, the tears, the endless nights high off your ass, desperately trying to savor the memories of him, it all meant nothing in the end.

As much as you'd rather be out hunting them all down, you knew you had to find Ben first. It wouldn't be right, getting revenge without him…

Hughie looks up at you, “I know how you feel… in a way at least.”

You raise an eyebrow, “and how's that?”

“A-Train killed my girlfriend Robin. Ran right through her… We were on the sidewalk, she took one foot off it, and then… then she was gone. The only pieces of her left were her arms that I held. He kept running, said he couldn't stop. He didn't bother apologizing, he lied to the media and Vought covered it up. They tried to buy my silence, but I-I couldn't take the money. It didn't feel right, being quiet about what happened. Why should I keep silent when he doesn't suffer any consequences. Butcher found me soon after…”

Poor kid. “I’m sorry… No wonder why you hate supes.”

You wonder what's Butcher's story…

“Don't be. Not all supes are like that, you know. You were always one of my favorites?”

You laugh. “Seriously, me? Why?”

“You weren't born a supe. You know what it's like being ordinary. You fought for the little guys, showed us that anyone can be a hero. I remember my Dad playing your old films, I used to want to be just like you…”

Your ears turn red. “T-thanks kid.”

You never felt you deserved to be a supe. To be called a hero. You just did what you felt right and helped others, because that's who you were, even before taking Compound V.

Maybe that's where it all went wrong, signing up for Vought's experimental program. At the time, it seemed like a good idea. You were young and needed the money, you were already struggling to make enough to get by. They offered a good hefty paycheck to those willing to try a serum they were working on. Of course you said yes, what a fucking mistake that was…

Pain, unlike anything else you'd ever felt. The serum rushing through your veins made it feel like you were dying. At first you thought you were.

They didn't tell you that most of the other subjects died. Their bodies rejected the serum. You somehow were lucky.

You got powers, but they came at a cost…

Vought made you their superhero. Dressed you up in latex and spandex and made you part of Payback, the first official supe team.

You thought you were fighting for freedom, but you were only fighting for a corporation.

You killed whoever they asked, saved whoever they wanted, all for ratings. That's all that mattered. How well the public responded to you.

You had it all, the fame, the drugs, the freedom…

You put on a face in front of the cameras, made it look like everything was fine, but in reality you were breaking inside. You'd never been so stressed before becoming a supe, but Ben, he made it look easy.

Maybe that's why you fell for him. He didn't have to put on an act, he was truly himself on and off the camera. He didn't care what anyone thought and that's what drew you to him. He taught you that you how be yourself again. But no one knew that…

Butcher turns around facing you. “Oi, we're here.”

You exit the vehicle and follow closely behind Butcher. He leads you all to a industrial looking building. Climbing the staircase, he stops in front of a door and unlocks it.

Stepping in, you have three pairs of eyes following you.

The place definitely didn't read: ‘We're wanted criminals.’ It was almost like an office, something you didn't expect from someone like Billy Butcher.

You face towards the only other woman in the room, a woman with long black hair.

“Hi!” You wave at her. “Nice to see Butcher has a woman on his team, I can already feel the testorone building in the room."

The woman uses sign language, signing hello.

Hughie laughs, Butcher just rolls his eyes. A man with a buzzcut stands up, “She doesn't talk. Her name's Kimiko. I'm Frenchie."

"Couldn't of guessed with your accent..."

The other man in the room turns away from you, grunts rolling his eyes. "Can we just hurry this up?"

“Who are you?” you ask, curious as to why the man clearly didn't like you being here.

“That's M.M.” Frenchie looks over at him. “He's got issues with Soldier Boy.”

Soldier Boy wasn't a good person. Everyone knew that. But he was only good to you.

There was so many things Ben didn't tell you; dark things he wasn't proud of.

Butcher pulls you from your thoughts. “Now that everyones here, let's go over the plan.”

You take a seat on the couch next to Kimiko.

“Your boy’s in Russia. We have a favor to our source, kill a target. Kimiko and Frenchie are already keyed in that. Once they're finished we'll be given the location.”

Kimiko pouts, signing something to Frenchie. He shakes his head at her then shrugs.

“You don't know where he is?!”

You should've known things weren't fully fledged out, but you expected a little more especially when these people were widely known supe killers.

“Oi, calm down will ya?” Butcher shouts.

Hughie looks away, rubbing his neck. There's a lot of tension in the room...

You face Butcher. “Who’s your source?” You rub your temples, sighing.

“Russian mobster, Little Nina. Frenchie here used to have a thing for her, now he owes her a favor. She told us if he does this for her, she'll tell us where the facility is.”

There has to be more than he's letting on… “What's the catch? Surely it can't be that easy, what's the favor she want?”

Frenchie speaks up, “She needs someone killed. But not by me…” he faces Kimiko who frowns. “Kimiko is the only who can do it.”

“Why her? No offense…”

“Because she's a supe like you. Little Nina knows that Kimiko doesn't want to do it, that's exactly why. She's doing it to get to me,” He sighs.

You get up from your place on the couch, rolling your shoulders, cracking your neck. “Well, when do we leave?”

[atlasscrumpit]

Bucky x reader

Illness

Being cooped up in a mansion wasn't all fun and games.

But I suppose other people had it much worse.

My husband provided me with the best doctors and cooks that I needed. He was on business trips a lot, I was very ill and he would make sure I was taken care of by the best people.

Today the doctor said I was well enough to go for a stroll, I was beyond happy. I slowly made my way downstairs and outside closing my eyes as the sun shone on my face, the warmth making me smile.

I opened my eyes once more to see a man chopping up wood.

"Hello." I said walking forward as he looked up and wiped his forehead.

"My lady." He said bowing a little making me chuckle.

"You don't need to be so formal when my husband isn't around, don't worry I won't fire you." I joked making him smile.

"How rude of me, my name is James." He said as I smiled.

"It's lovely to meet you. I'm Y/N, as you would know. Did my husband recently hire you?" I enquired as he put his axe down.

"He did, I've only been working for a week. The maids told me you were ill, you look bright today." He said making me smile softly.

"Well, the doctor cleared me for a stroll around the gardens so I'm very excited. Would you care to join me?" I asked as he looked at me in shock.

"I know it's an odd request I know, I just get rather lonely. The only people I talk to are doctors and maids." I admitted seeing a small smile on his face.

"I'd be happy to accompany you." He said wiping his hands on his shirt and walking forward.

We began down the path towards the gardens as I breathed in the fresh air.

"Forgive me if I'm being rude, but may I ask what you're ill with?" James said making me turn to him and smile.

"Well, the doctors actually don't know. They're absolutely baffled by my condition." I explained as he nodded in response.

"It must get quite boring being in bed most days." He commented making me chuckle softly.

"It does, most definitely. I've tried to keep myself busy by writing. Although it's hard to find inspiration when all I see is my bedroom." I replied smiling a little as we continued.

James must have seen that I was beginning to struggle so he hooked his arm under mine to support me.

"Thank you, James." I replied making him smile in return.

"Please, my friends call me Bucky." He replied making me smile softly, I hadn't felt this at ease in a long time.

The doctors and nurses were nice but I was always just their patient.

It had been a long time since I had a friend.

"Well, then Bucky, it's lovely to meet you." I replied as we continued into the gardens.

I unlinked my arms and walked over to the fountains to sit down.

"So, Bucky. Why don't you tell me a little bit about yourself." I requested as he sat beside me on the fountain.

"Not too much to tell, born into a farming family, went off to war, came back and realised I needed a job. So, I started travelling around to find jobs, then I found my way here and your husband graciously offered me a job and somewhere to live." He said while I smiled and listened to him.

"Is your family still alive?" I questioned as he smiled fondly.

"Yeah, they're still going well. I get letters here and there, mainly from my sister. How about you, other than your husband, do you have family?" He asked as my smile faded slowly.

"I just had my father, but when he died obviously I couldn't take over his money. It went to my uncle and I needed to find a husband, that's when I met my further husband, got married and got sick. It might be selfish to say but I'm glad I'm here being treated here and not somewhere on the streets." I replied watching Bucky listen.

"Pardon me if I'm being rude but do you plan on having a family of your own?" Bucky asked as I looked back at him.

"No, I've never been one to want a family with children. My body can't have children and my husband never wanted children so it was the perfect fit." I replied before I heard a noise and looked up to see the doctor.

"Y/N, I've been looking for you everywhere. You have to get back inside." He said as you sighed softly.

"But it's such a beautiful day out, the sun heals doesn't it?" I retorted making him roll his eyes.

"Back to bed." He said as I sighed and looked at Bucky.

"It was an absolute pleasure to meet you, Bucky. I hope to see you again soon." I said as he returned my smile.

"I'll be looking forward to it."

—

Once I Was back in bed the doctor came over with a needle containing a blue coloured liquid, usually the ones he gave me didn't have a colour.

"What are you giving me?" I questioned as he grabbed my arm a little too rough.

"You don't need to worry about that." He said before quickly injecting it into my arm.

I didn't even have tie to react before I had passed out cold.

—

Three weeks had passed and Bucky hadn't seen me again.

He saw a nurse coming out of the house and quickly rushed up to her.

"Excuse me, is the lady of the house alright? I have's seen her around for a long time." He said as she looked at him in fear.

"Well, the doctor said her condition worsened. She can't even get out of bed, the doctor is out today so she's sleeping." She replied as Bucky nodded.

"Okay, thank you." He replied before she left, he quickly snuck into the house and kept around until he got upstairs to see me lying lifeless on my bed, with various needles in my arms.

Something didn't feel right for him, he went up to the bed side table to see one of the needles and read the label.

He almost passed out just seeing the word.

"Oh no." He whispered, according to this label the liquid inside of this vile and inside my veins was a very dangerous and illegal sedative, one he had learnt about in hydra.

He quickly pulled it out of your arm and began getting everything off of me before he heard the click of a gun.

"If I were you I wound step away from my patient." A voice growled as he turned around to see the doctor.

"This stuff will kill her, she isn't sick at all. You're making her sick." Bucky growled standing up to face the doctor.

"I'm just following the instructions of her husband, who pays me very well to keep quiet." He replied as Bucky glared up him, while the doctor talked he reached behind him and grabbed the needle that was on the table.

He leapt forward and tackled the doctor, quickly injecting the strong sedative into his veins.

"Bucky?" He heard a voice whispered as I looked up to see him above my bed.

"Y/N, I'll explain later. But right now I need to get you out of here."

[little-fairy-forest]

Bakugou parenting headcanons

Bakugou x fem!reader, domestic, fluff

He loves his kids, yes plural. He thought we was only going to want one...but after his first was born, he needed more

He knew you had your own parenting style, which he respected, but he also had his own

Katsuki was seen more of the "discipline" parent rather then the "cuddles" parent

He tries to put on a tough front for his kids, e.g. no means no, but if they ask nicely he might comply

He tried his hardest to make your babies first words "dada" but all the kids said for months was "mama" >:(

He makes sure his kids get the most nutrition he can give them, if he can make it they're gonna get it rather then buy it.

You want crisps? (Chips) he will make them himself, you want Mc Donald's? No we have organic burgers at home...

He is very strict when it comes to routine. No funny business at bedtime. Nope, unless they ask for a story about his hero work, then he has to boast and brag about how cool of a dad/hero he is :)

Hero merch from his friends is allowed in moderation, why would you want a Chargebolt lamp when you can have a Dynamight one?

When it comes to naming his kids, he isn't set on a list of names he wants, sure if you have a few go for it or even in your native language is fine (once katsuki can pronounce them) he's all for it,

Nicknames however? Honestly they're brutal- e.g. his middle child was reaching for a bottle of bubble solution and it fell onto them,leaving them to have sore eyes for a while, giving them the nick name "bubbles"

The youngest has become Katsuki's sous chef, always eating whatever is on their plate, never questioning it. If dad made it it's good.

"Can we cook chicken like beef? Like raw in the middle?" They question pointing to the chicken katsuki is cutting up "no- never eat chicken that's fuckin' raw alright? You'll be sick"

Katsuki will protect his kids from the public as much as he can, but the kids do love making silly faces at the paparazzi :)

Sunday morning cuddles are the best thing, after 5am though, but waking up to his sleeping wife holding their youngest on her chest as his eldest is cuddled beside him and their middle in between them all melts his heart!

Best wardrobe, look with his parents being fashion designers they will have the latest kids fashion trends

He baught them a trampoline to help get rid of all their energy before bedtime, he has been seen to bounce on it aswell- shhh

Biggest supporter of his kids, if they want to do a sport or hobby, he's at every match he can be at, if they want to do something but they aren't confident enough, Katsuki will give a whole list of reasons why they are good enough and more!

I can see him turning a little softer as his kids grow older, the protective side is always there. He wants them to know they can go to him for anything, relationship problems, friendship problems, life questions etc..

His favourite thing is to sit on the couch watching his little shits loving children play together as you sit beside him chatting about your day, why? Because he is the only one to see this, no media insite

Would he do a reality show? Maybe in the future when his kids are older and can understand what's going on, honestly it would be very funny

Did he cry when his youngest graduated...no duh he was just sweating...no they were not tears!

Over all Bakugou would make one hell of a dad, better the Midoriya apparently

Thank you for reading!

If you liked these I'd love to read some of yours! :) my inbox is always open for a chat!

[shameonmeeguiltypleasure]

Seducing Mr Bridgerton Chapter 4 Progress update:

Hello everyone! I am currently a little on the intoxicated side, but I just had to let you all know chapter 4 is finally flowing!!!!!!

I'm so happy, I could cry from relief, excitement etc. I really thought I wouldn't make the deadline I set myself. But I'm so glad I didn't give up and kept pushing myself to keep working on it. I have..... Two? I think, alt/deleted scenes that are of no use so I thought I'd share it with you all on Tumblr.

The official chapter 4 is going in a direction I honestly didn't plan. It was as if that's what my version of the characters wanted to take things and so.... That's where it went.

I'm very excited to post the chapter in three days time. Of only so I can see who else agrees with me 😂

Anyway, .enjoy and thank you very much for the continued support 💕💕

Chapter Four: Alt/Deleted Scene 1 :

Between the ages of six and nine – Eloise rather fancied the idea of ruling the world. She had done the research and strategy for it too. But eventually, she realised that society was not ready for a world of her making. It would take far too long and see her courting death much too closely and she had her family to protect. So, she made the wise decision to temper her dream and settle for fighting the oppression of women’s rights in what little ways she could.

But she never forgot the many strategies she’d created to dominate her enemies. And for her unfortunate brothers, who tended to forget her once-upon-a-dream, Eloise never hesitated to use her learned methods against them when seeking vengeance. Still steaming with anger over her quarrel with Colin during breakfast, Eloise was mentally sorting through her options. It was nearing lunch and she still had yet to settle on a decision. Should she rage into a mental war or a physical altercation? To what extent did she wish to see him suffer? And for how long?

“Grr! The problem with brilliance… far too many options…” she muttered before scooping more of her soup.

She ignored Hyacinth’s pointed groaning and avoided her mother’s stare.

“Eloise. Surely you’ve calmed down by now, you’re twenty-eight.” Violet Bridgerton sighed. “I had hoped you’re vengeful plotting would have stopped by now”

Hyacinth scoffed. “In what world Mama?” she asked with a shake of her head.

“Hush you, don’t think I’d forgotten that you’d broken a plate to get your siblings to stop.”

Hyacinth sat up with indignant disbelief. “I had no choice! Consider this, would you rather a broken plate or a bloody son?”

“Hyacinth!” Violet scolded, but while her youngest apologized her expression showed no regret.

“Don’t defend him, Mama! If you had witnessed his actions yourself, you’d be just as insulted and angered as I am.” Eloise sharply voiced.

Hyacinth rather thought she could see the fire in her sister’s eyes. Violet hesitated to sip at her tea at seeing Eloise’s temper. Her second-born daughter had always been passionate and feisty, but much like Colin, her true temper tantrums were hard to weather.

“What on earth could he have said that’s pushed you to this point?” she absently wondered.

“He called her, and I quote: ‘ an ignorant child with no understanding of true hardship and pain.’ Do you see now why I had no choice, Mama?” Hyacinth announced with a solemn demeanour that was almost comical. But Violet was too stunned to comment. Eloise, however, was not and the reminder of Colin’s angrily spoken words infuriated her even further.

“Can you believe his audacity Mama!? To call me childish when it is him who turns tail and runs away from commitments,” Hyacinth opened her mouth to comment but a sharp look from Violet had her hastily keeping her words to herself. Eloise was too busy venting her rage to notice. And she might have continued for longer if not for the arrival of her Viscount brother and his family.

“I’m sorry but what the devil are you yelling about?” Anthony interrupted with a concerned frown.

“ANTHONY!” Hyacinth cried with joy before jumping from her seat and rushing to hug him tight. The youngest Bridgerton turned to the side to cover her whispering lips and quickly informed the oldest Bridgerton of the situation.

“Eloise and Colin are fighting. I had to break a plate to stop the bloodshed. As you can see, Eloise is still raging.” Hyacinth hastily spoke. When the Viscount’s eyes widened with understanding, the tension Hyacinth had been ignoring eased and her brother returned her hug with a tight squeeze.

“Well done, Hyacinth. Do me a favour and see that my sons don’t go antagonising their little sister like their idiot Uncle.” Anthony warmly encouraged. Hyacinth happily abandoned the company of her older siblings in favour of her adorable nephews and niece. As she did, she couldn’t help but be thankful for Anthony’s timely arrival. No part of her felt any sympathy for whatever retribution Colin might suffer, as she thought he rightly deserved it.

********

Anthony had prepared himself for a rather chaotic day. For whatever reason, his sons had insisted they spend the day following after him. And while he loved his children with every ounce of his being, he worried about being able to balance his workload while minding his sons. Edmund and Miles were nine and seven. And having helped raise his seven younger siblings, Anthony vividly remembered the unpredictable wildness children were capable of.

Apparently, at thirty-three and twenty-eight, Colin and Eloise were still capable of being such chaotic hellions.

“Colin said what?” Anthony repeated. 

“How rude!” Kate added with disapproval from her seat beside him.

After convincing Eloise to explain the situation to the both of them so they may help, her temper seemed to cool. Anthony knew Eloise’s cool temper was nothing to feel relief over. As Benedict once accurately described, Eloise was the water to Colin’s fire and when incensed with each other, she was an icy tornado to his fiery inferno.

“And he did not mention anything about the cause of his moody disposition?” Kate questioned.

Anthony glanced at his wife and could tell she was entertained by the dramatic nature of his siblings. Feeling righteously assured, Eloise responded exuberantly to Kate’s consoling inquires. It was clear Eloise felt as if she was in the right. Anthony would argue both his siblings shared the blame for their ridiculous quarrel. He was dragged out of his musing when Eloise said something most intriguing.

“I’d excused his brooding demeanour after last night’s party, but this morning was far too much,” Eloise added with a huff. Anthony laughed which gained him the attention of both women.

“I’m sorry, but did you just describe our brother as brooding?” Anthony repeated with another chuckle.

“It is the only word fit to use.” Eloise hissed.

“Yes, but this is Colin. In what world would he be described as brooding? He’s no dark hero in the making, Eloise. Call him the temperamental idiot he is and leave it at that.” Anthony said while still feeling amused.

“Although hard to imagine, aren’t you a little too confident about your brother’s character? He has been travelling for so long, perhaps his experiences across the oceans have changed him?” Kate voiced thoughtfully.

Her suggestion caused both Anthony and Eloise to frown with disagreement. What experiences could Colin possibly come across to prompt him down the route of a dark brooding hero? Anthony sighed and looked at his wife with a sympathetic sort of smile.

“I love you, but surely you give Colin too much credit. As impulsive and thoughtless as my brother can be, his is a character that’s not easily swayed.”

Kate arched a brow in taunt and Anthony clenched his fist to stop himself from wanting to kiss her.

“Men can be swayed.” She announced with a knowing smirk on her lips.

Anthony swallowed and cleared his throat pointedly to change the topic. “Regardless, something is obviously plaguing him. Do you remember anything specific occurring after last night?” he prompted.

Eloise’s frown deepened before she spoke out with obvious frustration. “Nothing! Beyond Lady Danbury’s challenge and the talk of Penelope’s dare to suspect her, there was nothing else!”

“Ah…” the Viscount and Viscountess said in unison.

Eloise straightened and peered at the sudden knowing in Kate’s expression as well as Anthony’s furrowed brow. “What? What is it? You know something I don’t, so tell me now.” She pestered like a bloodhound who’d caught the scent of prey.

Kate sipped at her tea and gave an easy wave to show her thoughts were nothing of importance. But Anthony was too busy contemplating the wonderings in his mind about Lady Whistledown and his brother. Perhaps it was the hunt for Lady Whistledown that’s got him so out of sorts?

“Why would Colin care for Lady Whistledown?” Eloise demanded.

Anthony blinked, having not realized he’d spoken his musing out loud. Faced with his wife’s intrigued and expectant stare, as well as Eloise’s demanding glare, he had no choice but to answer.

“He’s not exactly fond of the gossip of the ton, and her writings about him have… annoyed him over the years.” Anthony carefully explained.

He carefully observed Eloise’s reaction to his words. He suddenly remembered the earlier years following Whistledown’s debut and Eloise’s obsession with discovering her identity. At some point, she seemed to lose interest in her hunt, but Anthony had been too relieved over the matter to question it. Now, his worries for his sister returned with full force.

“You’re not Lady Whistledown, are you?” he decided to check.

The groan of disappointment from his wife and the annoying disbelief from his sister was completely unwarranted. Eloise levelled a sarcastic grin towards him and spoke in a tone one would use while gutting fish.

“Anthony, if I were Lady Whistledown, I would not waste precious ink and time in writing about my idiot brother. Nor would I ever use adjectives such as ‘charming’ to describe him.”

“Exactly as I thought.” He nodded. But the look in Eloise’s eyes made him suspicious. He could visibly see the cogs in her brain turning with thought.

[peanut-butter-parkerxx]

comfort

Peter just wants to lay down with you but there's something that kinda makes him uncomfortable and you try to confront him about it...

Pairing: Peter Parker x fem!reader

Status: dating

Warning: mentions of bra's

Y/n's POV

I was laying on peters bed liking the tiktoks that I thought were funny and saving the ones I wanna do for later when Peter suddenly opens the door mumbling a few incoherent words then I can tell he sensed me since he looked up so quickly, eyes wide open and a small smile, getting bigger by the second, appeared on his lips.

"Babyyyyyy" he quickly took his shoes and jacket off and flopped on the bed his head resting on my stomach while his arms hugged my lower belly.

"Oof" I laughed since he basically jumped on me, he looked up resting his chin on my stomach

"I'm sorry did I hurt you y/n/n?" He whispered voice as soft as butter

"No it didn't hurt, it was just unexpected" I smiled playing with his soft hair "come closer, I wanna hug you" I made grabby hands and he just laughed, resting his head on my chest now, hugging my waist his legs were between mine so I crossed them around his middle and wrapped my arms around his neck kissing his head once in a while

He shifted a couple of times, making me think he's just trying to get comfortable so I ignored it, but he shifted again and silently huffed. He gave in for a few minutes then lifted his head up again to peck my lips and lay next to me.

I got very confused coz usually I'd have to make him move but he's never done this before, it made me kinda sad to be honest. Did I do something wrong? Omg do I smell bad? Does my shirt smell bad?

At first I didn't say anything since he looked unbothered and I was anything but that, I mean if you think about it, would you like your boyfriend to randomly stop cuddling you for no reason and just lay beside you? Is he mad at me?

Our cuddles would last for hours! And this one didn't even last for 10 minutes! I turned around seeing him looking at his phone with his left hand and his other is draped around my waist

"So what do you wanna order, babe?" He looked up his brown eyes hopeful for food

"Oh uh" so he's not mad at me? "W-Whatever you w-want" I silently cursed at myself for being nervous, now he'll get suspicious. And in fact he did.

"Oookay? You okay bubba?" He tilted his head? Caressing my cheek for a moment before setting his gaze on his phone again to order some food

"Yeah yeah I'm fine, it's jus- nothing no I'm fine" He nodded slowly not really convinced but let it go, for now. He laid on his side, his right hand supporting his body, leaned in and kissed me. As a way to make sure that I'm not mad at him or anything. I obviously kissed back not wanting to seem more suspicious than I already was.

He pulled away smiling, his eyes adoring my face. I would be a psycho if I didn't smile from that look.

"Ok well I'll go set up the ingredients so we can make brownies after, sounds good?" I only nodded still smiling. But that didn't convince him so he started kissing my forehead down to my nose to my lips a couple times making me laugh.

"Ok ok! We're gonna make brownies" i verbally agreed this time. He nodded happily and left the room, all the doubt I had were long gone.

The food arrived to our luck and we stuffed our face with the delicious hot meal, Peter also got my favorite drink AND were about to make brownies so to say I was happy was an understatement.

"OOOH GIRL YOU'RE SHINING" I was mixing the brownie batter swaying my hips to the song 'classic' by MKTO, while Peter took my spatula and used it as a microphone running around the kitchen singing his heart out

"LIKE THE FIFTH AVENUE DIAMONDDD" he pointed at me and I laughed "AND THEY DONT MAKE YOU LIKE THEY USED TO, YOURE NEVER GOING OUT OF STYLEEE" he shook his head as if he's confirming the lyrics and we continued on well, I continued on finishing the brownies

but Peter did make an effort, he sprayed the pan and sprinkled the chocolate chips. And he said and I quote he did "the most important parts for making a brownie"

"I WANNA THRILL YOU LIKE MICHEAL" he made the thriller dance moves while sprinkling the chocolate chips "I WANNA KISS YOU LIKE PRINCE" he turned around trapping me between him and the counter behind me, grabbed me by the back of my neck and kissed me until the chorus came in. And i couldn't contain my laughter by the sudden energy my boyfriend got from the food.

"YOURE OVER MY HEAD, IM OUTTA MY MIND. THINKIN' I WAS BORN AT THE WRONG TIME" he suddenly pulled away belting the rest of the song "BABY YOURE SO CLASSIC" we both sung together after he stopped me from putting the pan in the oven claiming its 'too dangerous' and he doesn't want me to get hurt, i mean can you blame him? I'm a totally clutz.

"Ok so why don't we watch something while we're waiting for the brownies?" He suggested putting on the timer.

"Sure" I suddenly jumped on his back (but he still caught me) waiting for him to go to the living room. He laughed at the sudden clinginess (he lovedddd it) and walked out of the kitchen. "TO INFINITY AND BEYONDDDD" he shouted sprinting to the living room. And I squealed from the sudden movement.

"Take the remote, babe" he turned so I can take the remote from the shelf.

"Got it" then flopped us on the couch, causing us to laughed. The jump made me cuddle him as the big spoon while his back rested in my front as the little spoon. At first everything was okay, the first 10 minutes of our favorite show was watched at peace but then the shifting began again. Am I making him uncomfortable?

"Babe, what's wrong? You've been doing this everytime we're cuddling today?" I asked him, so done with the feeling I'm getting.

"Uhhh" but to my luck...

*dinggg*

the oven dinged alerting us that the brownies' finished "oh looks like our brownies are done I-I-I'll go get them!" He rushed to the kitchen and I huffed in annoyance.

The rest of the night went smoothly, but I still had the pang of guilt in my heart. I wanted to know what wrong. so enough is enough, I turned my attention away from series to my boyfriend.

"Pete?" He somehow sensed the hurt in my voice and immediately turned to my side cupping my cheeks

"Baby what wrong?" His eyes scanned my face

"N-Nothing it's just- am I uncomfortable?" I didn't know what to say but hopefully he got the message

"W-what? Why would you say that?" The tv was long gone now he caressed my checks with his thumb trying to soothe the tension

"Well, everytime we've been cuddling you'd shift away, I don't wanna sound clingy or anything but y-you've never done that before" suddenly feeling ashamed and embarrassed by question, I couldn't even look at him in the eye. His eyes widened in shock and his face was full of guilt

"Baby it's nothing I swear, you did nothing wrong. He pulled me in so I could sit on his lap, his hands caressed my jaw slightly admiring my features.

"Then what happened?" My voice croaked not believing him by the second.

"Well it's jus-" his cheeks suddenly became darker, the heat risen to the tip of his ears and on his neck. I was confused to why he suddenly got all flustered.

"Pete it's fine, you can tell me" I rested my forearm on his shoulders slightly touching the small hairs that are on the nape of his neck.

"N-no it's just uh ur b-bra is uncomfortable so I just decided to sleep next to y-you inste-ad" he squeaked out, eyes closing from embarrassment. Wait- what?

"What?" A small smile crept on my face, and my mind suddenly pieced everything together, the material of my shirt is rather thin, he hugged my stomach first then I told him to come closer, he shifted a couple times due to the wiring! Oh my god how could I be so stupid?

"Y-Your b-bra, there's nothing wrong with it and I don't want you to feel uncomfortable or anything it's just, I didn't know they put metal on a piece of clothing?" He tilted his head confused.

"Yeah" I nodded laughing "well there's like a wiring around my chest like under my boobs" I showed him the area from his shirt. And I could tell he got even more flustered when I said 'boobs' coz his posture immediately stiffened again.

"We can talk about it pete it's fine, it's normal to communicate in what make you uncomfortable, in fact it's important!" I assured him

"Well I just thought you'd get more comfortable if you were wearing it and if I say something you'd have to take it off or something" he looked down at his lap, I could not believe this boy, he'd think I'd purposely wear a bra even if I didn't have to?

"Believe me, if I didn't have to wear this 'thing' I wouldn't, it's hurts so much at the end of the day since the wiring basically suffocates you" his eyes shot up immediately when he heard 'hurt' and tilted his head.

"Then why would you wear it if it hurts you?" Now it was my turn to get flustered

"Uhh well I just thought maybe you'd get uncomfortable" I nervously laughed

"No no Baby I want you to be nothing but comfortable around me, you don't have to wear you're bra infront of me or when we're hanging out. I looked at him lovingly, proud of how he handled the situation, respectfully and kindly. I leaned in so our lips could briefly touch and mumbled a

"Thanks Pete"

"You're welcome" he replied "now please kiss me" I laughed at his eagerness but Peter didn't have any of it and smashed our lips together.

"Wanna get ready for bed?" He slowly pulled away but right after the words left his mouth he kissed me again

"Yes" we finally pulled away, for real this time. And went or his bedroom. I was already wearing sweats and the thin t-shirt so I was ready to go. Peter came out of the bathroom now in his flannel sweats and a grey t-shirt flopping on the bed and taking me with him. I squealed trying to stop the fall but obviously failing. I stood up again trying to find my bag causing Peter to whine.

"Baaaaabe where are you going?" He whined

"Taking off my bra so we can cuddle, I missed our cuddles since you couldn't give me any today" I fake pouted, taking the bra off and putting it in my backpack. Peter cheeks turned red again turning his head immediately after looking at my laced black bra.

"You okay there hun?" I smirked at his flustered state

"Y-yeah everything's great" he shook his head and grabbed me again, turning us around so he can lay on my stomach

"Better?" I whispered my hands immediately going to his luscious curls.

"Much" he kissed the exposed part of my stomach and covered both of our bodies with his duvet. "I love you" he closed his eyes sighing in content

"I love you too" I replied although I'm not sure he listened since immediately after he talked I heard little snores from him. Finally closing my eyes feeling nothing, but pure happiness.

Idk what this is but I thought of it yesterday and decided to try and make it come to life 😂 tell me ur thoughts! And if u have any requests my inbox is always open :)

Have a wonderful morning/afternoon/evening/night!

-quacksonlover

[astrojoy]

GET TO KNOW ME

BIRTH

AGE: 19

DOB: October 16th 2003

BIRTHCARDS: Death + The Emperor

FAV NUMBER: 16 (Reason below)

LIFE PATH - 4

NATAL INFO

PSYCHIC SKILLS

🧡 Visions (common)

🧡 Hearing spirits + noise (common)

🧡 Feeling spirits energy + physically (common)

🧡 Precognition (more uncommon for me, I'm getting better tho! :D)

🧡 Smelling ghost scents (only happened like twice in my life? XD

🧡 Astral travelling

🧡 Astral Projecting

🧡 Coming in contact with angels + Spirits through the astral

🧡 Energy "maneuvering"? (Idk what I'd call it)

PERSONALITY TYPE

💚 INFJ

💚 Emotional

💚 Nurturing

💚 Passive

💚 Aloof/Daydreaming tendencies

💚 Naive at times

💚 Introvert at heart/Ambivert in public

AURA

Inner layer - White

Outter layer - Yellow, Turqoize

FAVORITE COLOR

Orange - it's nostalgic for some reason

White, Grey and Black are all gorgeous too - White reminds me of comfort, grey reminds me of fog (love it), black reminds me of a mysterious void that can be explored

SOUL

From what I was shown, it's a bright white and I saw gold slivers floating around in a wispy kind of way

MY COUNTRY

💙 North America // United States

HOBBIES

💜 Drawing

💜 YouTube!

💜 Listening to music

💜 Researching astrology charts

💜 Researching body graphs

💜 Tarot

💜 Practicing Psychic abilities

💜 Studying Psychology

💜 Daydreaming + Meditating

💜 Chilling in nature

DREAM CAREER

It's changing a lot rn so here's my current list I'm thinking on :')

💖 Psychic investigator

💖 Psychic Medium

💖 Criminal Investigator

Random Facts List

❤ I dislike school

🧡 I love spreading joy in life

💛 On here my name is "Joy" ofc ☺

💚 Salmon is yummy 😩🐟

💙 Heterosexual + panromantic

💜 Love aesthetics

💖 Favorite Clothing Style - Everything. I've been told I have a dark classy style as well as overall colorful and eccentric. Currently hhavean eccentric style

❤ He/Him -- She/Her // I cross dress sometimes and don't feel like a particular gender so yeah ;-;

🧡 I enjoy candle-lit vibes, autumn/fall, it's all so calming

💚 Untraditional beliefs. I also really dislike people forcing theirs on others

💙 Close friends have described me as "mysterious" in general which honestly baffles me because I think I'm quite open with them. Thanks alot Sun in the 12th 🙄

💜 Comedy heals me the most. If I feel sad, just show me comedy I can relate to. I enjoy laughing

💖 Terrified of rollercoasters

❤ I love the idea of travelling

🧡 Cooking is fun!

💚 I don't want kids however I would rather adopt a child than have one myself. I love kids so much though as well as animals, I just love taking care and being a supporting character for them!

💙 Very philosophical

💜 I love dark humor. I don't get offended easily

💖 My favorite animal is a fox

❤ I look for deep connections rather than quick

🧡 Fog is my favorite type of weather. Besides it's beauty, it's density hides me away from the world. It feels like a dream of seclusion. It's comforting

💚 Terrified of the ocean. I don't mind being in the edge/shallow water

💙 My favorite mythical creature is a dragon (I love elves too tho)

💜 Me and my brothers were all scheduled to be born on the 16th day of different months (October for me) (June for the eldest) (January for the youngest) however me and my older brother were born on the 16th, my younger brother got taken out on June 28th for safety reasons (he grew up normally dw). Something I have noticed is the number 16 seems to be lucky for me in some way. Therefore I call it my favorite number

💖 Throughout highschool I was an honors student in English while Math was my foe. I SUCK at math. Never show me your formulas because I will just forget or mix them up 🧎‍

Thank you and farewell! ~ ♡

[bored-storyteller]

Re-posted, because everyone hates Ruven, even tumblr

Hi Anon! Thank you so much for asking about Ruven! I love him so much you know!

I tell you, this is the basic information that I wrote, usually I never say too much more (for example the whole question about his "disease") because I prefer that he is slowly known in roleplays or stories. If anyone wants to interact with him (roleplay or not) or if you want me to publish some stories about him let me know, I'd be happy. Very few people really know him.

Original Character Profile

Image

(when I have time I will make a full graphics card, I promise)

General information

Name: Ruven Nightclock

Age: 27 years old

Height: 1.83 m

Birthday: October 12th

Profession: Doctor

Favorite food: Custard tart and milk tea

Description:

Ruven is a distinguished man, a perfect gentleman we would say. Classy, well-mannered and full of culture to offer.

His deep voice is quiet and delicate, he never really needs to raise it, he perfectly knows how to manage his words to express his emotions.

He will always greet you with a gentle smile and a slight nod, and he will never fail to respect you as long as you don't give him a reason.

Sure, he might seem perfect, but people aren't always comfortable with him. Whenever he meets someone new, that someone might get the feeling that Ruven wants something from them, that he is trying to find something, that he is suspicious and probing. In truth he has no interest other than to satiate his curiosity, and if it is pointed out to him he will have no problem admitting it.

He is not a sneaky man and despite this merit or defect, he will know how to stay within his limits when it comes to the intimacy of others. Well, but if you want to make him a confidence you will see the same light that you will see in the pure eyes of a wagging puppy come in his one clear eye .

He might also be scary, especially if he talks about medicine. He doesn’t have many problems in describing even rather bloody scenes without realizing that these could offend the sensitivity of others. From time to time he might even propose to try some new "experimental medicine", but don't worry, he is not a sadist, he would never do anything that would jeopardize someone's health.

However, his knowledge goes well beyond the medical field, and if by chance you happen to visit his office, you will be able to see what great culture those sturdy dark wood bookcases, that shiny desk of his and practically every corner of the room contain. if you make him love you enough, he could also show you his collection of maps and globes.

History:

Ruven belongs to a world different from ours, but which basically reminds us of past eras that some remember with fear, others with nostalgia.

If in our world technology has taken hold, there it was not necessary, and mechanics governs the technique supported by what we could generically define magic, or rather some kind of alchemy always and in any case studied under a scientific criterion.

Ruven was born in a small provincial village in the state of Lyroran, but after the premature death of his parents, which occurred before he could have a clear memory of them, he grew up in the capital, Ceneraria, under the affectionate gaze of his wealthy paternal grandfather who for first he guides his beloved nephew on the path of knowledge.

His strong curiosity manifests itself from the earliest years of his life, and this passion of him leads him once he grows up to have a brilliant academic career in medicine that will result in his beloved profession as a doctor in the populous city.

He is currently a very respected and in demand doctor, he is esteemed for his great skills and in-depth knowledge that go beyond the scientific field.

You must know that there are several worlds. It is a difficult concept to explain and perhaps even Ruven would not know how to do it well, but know that they exist, each developed in a different way and with different characteristics, but basically all with a beating heart similar to the others.

Now, some worlds are perfectly aware of other realities, and are aware that if you want they are perfectly achievable, but the price to pay is said to be extremely dangerous, although no one has ever really found out what it really is. Crossing the threshold between worlds is an arduous undertaking and absolutely forbidden in the world of Ruven.

Yet, how can someone as hungry for knowledge as our doctor not attempt at least once to cross a new world? If it had only been once ... instead he became more and more refined in details and technique, and one day - good or bad - taking a step in his studio, he suddenly found himself in a golden light, and his feet a moment afterwards they rested on the fresh dew-soaked grass of an unknown land.

And since that day, Ruven has become able to travel between worlds, coming and going as he pleases. Of course, at first it was difficult, it was funny to see the dear doctor so awkward, but now, oh, who can stop his curiosity?

Still, the price has been paid. Something strange happened to his body. His right eye was completely disfigured; there is no longer an iris or pupil, and the skin all around him has taken on unhealthy gray and yellowish shades. But the most worrying thing is that this dubious disease has not had the slightest consequence, beyond appearance. No pain, no visual impairment despite the fact that there is no longer any pupil in which light can pass. I mean, it's hard to worry when you don't feel any pain, right? Or maybe Ruven is just sinning negligence, pretending not to see so as not to lose the treasure he found.

Yet, he is gradually realizing it, of how every now and then he misses his memory, of how he finds himself in places where he does not remember well how he got there, or of how, sometimes, he wakes up with a strange bloody metallic taste on the tongue. But that's the only thing his curiosity is afraid to investigate.

Relationship:

Biri: is a very small golden dragon and basically Ruven's pet. He is barely larger than a hand and he often and willingly perches on his master's shoulder or under his long raven hair. Biri's left wing is a mechanical wing, it was made by Ruven when he saved the little one from a storm.

Biri is an affectionate and cuddly pet, even if at first it might be a bit suspicious.

Celesia: Celesia is Ruven's providential young assistant. She looks at him with deep admiration, and although there are only six years between the two of them, the girl sees the doctor as an extremely more mature man than she is.

According to Ruven, she is a very intelligent and competent girl, he trusts her and leaves her to run the studio when he is away. Celesia will become an excellent doctor herself.

Zaafir (another main Oc of mine): Zaafir is a vampire who lives in our world and has existed since the time of ancient Egypt. He is friends with Ruven and they both share a deep love of knowledge, albeit for different reasons. There is an outstanding pact between them.

Family members: The death of his paternal grandfather was for Ruven the greatest pain in his life. Despite this, he is grateful to have been able to enjoy his presence and his guidance until adulthood.

He has practically no memory of his parents even if he respects their memory and loves them with the sweetness of which a child is capable. His very profession is a legacy he learned from his father.

Ruven's family is still alive with his maternal grandmother who, according to her grandson, is still in great shape despite her venerable age. She lives in a provincial town outside Ceneraria where she lives in her little house among her perfumed flowers and her cats, her nephew does not fail to visit her every time he has a break from his commitments.

Another mention perhaps a little more important than the others should be made to his aunt Nadja, his father's younger sister who was only ten years old when Ruven was born. The tragic death of her older brother in a tragic accident had left her tremendously shaken especially because she had already lost her mother, so she became very attached to her grandson who basically grew up with her as if he were a younger brother.

[by-kilian]

hi! Im a huge fan of LDBS and your haikyuu fics and ive been binging them ever since last week. Not only that, i read your asks posts also and it seems to me you’re a good advisor so if you dont mind, can i ask you for some? I’ve been stuck in a rut lately which isn’t me at all. I’ve been doing my best ever since i was born (and yes im highly competitive and it’s an all or nothing for me when it comes to work and all) but i always find myself on the losing side. Tbh, i feel like im doing my best and it’s still not enough to get where i want to be. Not like i want to blame other people because of it, but i really feel bad about myself and thought of quitting what i love to do.

Aw hi, thank you so much for reading and supporting! Also sure thing. I really appreciate you asking and being considerate first. ❤️That's very kind of you. I'll answer under the cut.

Your ask is a bit vague (which is fine! You do not need to divulge personal details to me and I actually ask that everyone use their discretion when talking to me just because I value your privacies 😅) so I'm not sure what you're talking about in regards to being on the losing side or what you are being competitive with, exactly, as well as what you want to quit.

I can be a bit of a perfectionist and I see that in you, too. At least your wording because you said it's all or nothing for you sometimes (big perfectionist flags) and you also want to always do your best but it never feels like enough. You show a lot of self-awareness, and I can see that you want to make a change or at least reclaim some sense of control. I see you and hear you! I had to work through this mindset in therapy and honestly, it can still be tough. What I have learned is that the only person who sets those impossibly high standards and expectations for us to reach is ourselves. We tell ourselves we "should" be at this level, and even if we get to that level, sometimes it's never enough (harking back to what you said about all or nothing / it not being enough to get to where you want to be), leaving us to always be unsatisfied while we continue to set super high goals for ourselves to reach.

Rather than giving you advice flat out, I think I'd rather ask you a few questions. Like, what might your life look like if you were to release those expectations you've set for yourself? What do you think would happen if you were to never release those expectations? How would you feel if you knew you could "fail" without any consequences? And if you do fail or should you "fail" (as we all do as humans), what might that teach you about yourself? How can you meet yourself where you are today, tomorrow, and in the future with grace and compassion and understanding regarding your goals/yourself? Also shit 😂: what might it look like to ALLOW yourself to just be stuck in a rut? How might you work through this, and if there is no working through this--what might you discover in this period of "stagnation"?

What I have learned from being a perfectionist is we are impossibly hard on ourselves. Literally no one can critique us that bad because we already did it or we're going to do it worse than they ever could so they can just move aside, we know what we're doing 🤣. And I can only say from my own personal experience is that living life like this is really restrictive. There is no freedom. There is no wiggle room. Because in our minds we *have* to meet our own expectations otherwise world ending (not literally but it feels like that for us), and that's no way to live life. Or rather, it can be a way to live life but it's a very hard life to live. And life is hard enough, so why add to that if you don't have to?

I can't answer those earlier questions for you, only you can do that for yourself. But I will end with this--if you answer all of those questions and you still feel like you want to quit, quit. There is nothing more powerful than taking matters into your own hands and walking away from things that no longer serve you (even if you love it). You may also find that in quitting, you are released from those super tough expectations you've set for yourself. You might even go back to whatever it is you quit, months later or a year later, and find that you *still* love it, but now you can engage with it or in it without all of those really impossible standards you put on yourself.

There is no right answer to this or wrong answer. It's just your answers. And that's perfectly okay, remember that.

Additionally, it's constant work to work through these kinds of mindsets. On a personal note, I still actually struggle with this. I constantly correct myself when I hear myself saying, "I should do this, should do that," because that is perfectionist talk. The reality is I don't have to do shit but exist. That is meaningful enough in and of itself 😂, but it is really hard to remember sometimes. Show yourself some grace and compassion. Really. It sounds like you need a big old hug from yourself to yourself. So give that to yourself, literally and metaphorically, however you see fit. I hope this helps you, and I'm sending you a big old hug on my end, too. ❤️

[promiscuous-jalapeno]

Happy Blogiversary! I'm grateful for all the content you've shared with us! And thank you for being here ♥️ If you're still taking requests, I'd like to ask for Silence - a fable or The Man of the Crowd (from the poe prompts) for Jinpachi from SLBP. Feel free to skip this if you don't want to do it, but thank you very much if you do :) Have a great day!

Thank you so much, dear! (´｡• ᵕ •｡`) ♡ I would be more than happy to! Jinpachi is a fav I love him so much! Also, this really got away from me omg. This is not a drabble, it turned into a one-shot haha. 

────────────────

{Nezu Jinpachi}

│The Man of the Crowd│following, curiosity, fascination

────────────────

     It had only been a bit of harmless self-indulgence. That’s what he had told himself. Yet he knew indulgences, albeit even harmless ones, were not suited to shinobi. Jinpachi was unaccustomed to acting of his own accord as he had oft of late, and even in the slivers of downtime, he couldn’t come up with plausible reasoning behind his actions. Aside from the obvious–he had, for the first time, been captivated. 

     She had twisted her ankle in town when first they met, a heavy basket of daikon and various vegetables toppling into the street. He had gotten her permission before wrapping the delicate thing in a strip of white cloth. And her hand was so small as it slid into his for support. Soft. Is this what a woman’s hand feels like?  Later, he’d ponder if perhaps only hers could feel that way against his skin. 

     “Thank you, I’m sorry to trouble you,” she apologized, and Jinpachi had not missed the wince as she stood. Nor the way the sun’s rays illuminated her face as she looked up to him with a smile. It made his heart knot in his throat. 

     But he was an expert at hiding even this. He was practiced. He was calm. The unreadable expression so many had deemed aloof would come at his benefit, after all. 

     “It’s nothing. But can you walk?” 

     “My restaurant isn’t far from here, I can manage,” she hobbled. 

     Jinpachi’s face pulled from stoic to troubled frown. “If it’s not far, then allow me to assist you.” 

     “I couldn’t possi-” 

     “Forgive me,” Jinpachi interjected. He had already extracted the basket from her grasp and was now wrapping an arm around her waist in support. 

     He couldn’t help but notice the beautiful blush on her face when they finally made it inside the establishment, and she had a hard time making eye contact after he placed her at a vacant table. Had he done something uncouth? 

     He had only touched her enough to be of help, he frowned pensively. Yet she continued to stumble over her words. The more she attempted to conceal her flushed face the more desperate he grew to see it. It’s not as if he had never seen a woman’s blush before, however. Women fell over themselves for a chance to blush at his Lord. But this…this was different. She was different. Somehow. 

     Despite his protests for her rest, she cooked for him in gratitude. And when he ate at his usual rapid pace she laughed. Oh, heaven. She laughed! And the sound sent him choking on a mouthful of rice. 

     “I’m sorry,” she finished laughing. The melody faded into her light pants like the sound of rustling leaves carried off on autumn wind. “That was rude of me, wasn’t it.” 

     “No, I’m…often told my eating habits are strange.” Among other things, he thought, shifting his gaze uncomfortably. No matter how many times he’d heard the remarks about his peculiar stoicism or the speed at which he ate, there was simply no changing the habits of one such as a shinobi. That did not, however, make him less self-conscious in the present moment. 

     “I’m not laughing because I think it’s strange,” she corrected. “I laughed because, in a shocked sort of way, it made me happy.” 

     Happy? Now who was the strange one, he thought. This was the first time anyone had regarded him with normalcy. Aside from Nobuyuki, that is. But Nobuyuki was far from normal, himself. The confusion must have registered on his face, and she explained while pouring more tea. 

     “You ever feel like you were just born to do something?” 

     Yes. He gave a nod.

     “Well, that’s cooking for me. My father left this restaurant before he died. I guess in that sense, I would have ended up a cook either way, but…I’m lucky to love what I do every day. Seeing people enjoy my food like you just did, well, it gives me great pride. So yeah, I was happy to see you eat so quickly.” 

     “Is that so…I’m sorry about your father.” 

     “It’s alright,” she sighed wistfully, “his memory lives on in the recipes, at least. Would you like some more?” 

     Yes. He gave a nod.

──────

     That night he couldn’t forget her. What if she fell in town again? Trouble always seemed to follow women as kind as she. And what’s more, the whole reason they had come to Kyoto was to track thieves fleeing Sanada lands. What if she had been accosted while mindlessly thinking about recipes? 

     What if they happened upon her restaurant and caused trouble? The blame would be his, in his failure to apprehend. Yes, he had a duty. Yes, he decided. Maybe he had better check on her once more. 

     Out of sight, he watched her day. Her early morning service prep and the elegant way she tied her sleeves back, hands of grace chopping vegetables into uniform bits while she hummed to herself. 

     He watched her the day after. And the day after that. 

     The way she lit up the town when out went shopping for ingredients. Jinpachi couldn’t help but smile at the charming way she held up each bit of produce for inspection. She was a curious one, indeed. He didn’t know what she was looking for. 

     She’d sniff and poke and weigh two against each other in her hands, quirking an eyebrow with pensive concentration. He couldn’t understand what drove her to care at such lengths over a simple onion or radish, but oddly enough, that made it all the more endearing to watch. 

     He felt a twinge in his chest when a young grocer stepped a little too close to her one afternoon. 

     “A discount again? But there’s nothing wrong with these…I couldn’t accept, I’d feel like I was taking advantage of you,” she kindly protested.

     “Don’t be silly! Look, I’m stopping by your restaurant after I close up shop here. If you’re still feeling guilty you can always treat me to some sake, on the house,” he grinned. “Even better if you decide to share it with me.” 

     This guy…there was no mistaking that tone and what he was implying. Jinpachi’s lips pressed into a thin line…Using a favor as leverage against her. He wanted to tell him as much, but meddling was never his forte. 

     Besides, what if she was actually interested in his company? The thought turned his stomach. Still, such an underhanded tactic…he waited until she left and settled for hurling a hearty pebble at his head. Cocky smile growing on his face when the man yelped, rubbing the wound and looking up at the sky in confusion. 

     And the man did show up that evening as promised, but she paid him no more mind than any other customer. She smiled as she did for everyone else. She poured only when necessary. And though his eyes were trained on her, she seemed fixated on stealing glances at the door. 

──────

     Her path to and from shopping had a few rough spots. Thieves and gamblers and drunks loitering around. The usual. Too dangerous to be left alone, surely. But nothing he could not handle in a day. Those that couldn’t be verbally threatened away were subdued so easily he hadn’t the need to use weapons at all. 

     “You’re back awfully fast!” he heard her mother exclaim. 

     “It’s the craziest thing,” she huffed, placing the heavy produce on the counter before throwing her hands on her hips, “all of the shortcuts home have been practically empty lately.” 

      “Now that you mention, the crime around here seems to have gone down. I wonder what’s going on?” 

     “I don’t know, but whatever it is I hope it stays this way,” she laughed. 

     Jinpachi smiled. 

──────

     When visiting her father’s grave she was surprised to see a bundle of fresh vibrant flowers already placed. Curiously she picked them up to examine them, looking around for a sign of anyone else on the lonesome hill. The only answer a silent swift breeze. 

──────

     The day he saw her eyeing a peach a little too long, he couldn’t resist buying it. Finding a way to slip near her in the crowd and toss it at the top of her basket. The surprised noise she made when she arrived home and discovered it was gift enough for him. And the pleasured ‘Mmm’ she made when she bit into the juicy thing, even more so. She looked around curiously, clutching it between her palms like a treasure. 

──────

     It was best this way. He was comfortable in this. Ever the invisible hand from the shadows. He needn’t glory nor recognition for his deeds, these small moments were enough. But it never occurred to him that he might simply be frightened at the idea of anything else. 

     Not until this night, when she had closed up and sat alone, her family all gone to sleep. A single bright lantern and her gaze fixed at the door. He wondered what she was thinking, her cheek resting in her palm as she sighed. Maybe she was having trouble sleeping. Or was she was ill?  He hoped she wasn’t. 

     But then he watched her reach into her sleeve and retrieve something in a balled fist. He wasn’t thinking anything, then. Time slowed. Finger by dainty finger she unfurled. Eyes trained down she untangled a familiar white strip of cloth with care. 

     He was thinking everything, then. 

     Eyes wide and heart racing he left as fast as he could manage. It couldn’t be. He’d imagined it. Surely, he did. It was something else. It didn’t matter, either way...he wasn’t staying in Kyoto. 

     “You’re rather late again.” Nobuyuki’s brush stilled before he placed it on the writing desk. His face was illuminated by dancing lantern light. 

     “Forgive me,” was all Jinpachi replied. He had been concentrating on the evening of his breath. Shutting the shoji behind him, he quietly took a seat against the wall. If he spoke now, Nobuyuki would surely catch on that something was amiss. He was far too clever for anyone’s good.  

     “Jinpachi.” 

     Oh no. “Yes, My Lord.” He knew that tone. 

     “Who is she?” 

     Oh no…How? “She?” 

     Nobuyuki smiled. “Your thoughts are preoccupied, you arrive late almost every evening. And you apprehended the bandits days ago…or did you think I would not find out?” 

     “I…” It was not as if he was purposefully hiding that fact. Though, he had told himself he might have missed one somewhere. That one had gotten away. That they needed to stay a little longer, to be sure. Absolutely sure. Perhaps it was all just a selfish excuse after all. Suddenly, he felt terrible. 

     “Come now,” Nobuyuki laughed lightly, shrugging it off, “no need to look like a child caught sneaking sweets. I was beginning to think I’d never get to see this side of you, old friend.” His face fell into a more serious expression, and he picked up the brush once more. Making one last point before turning back to his work. “But we depart for Ueda in two days’ time. I trust you know what I mean by that.” 

     Yes. He nodded. “By your will.” 

──────

     If she did not remember him, it would be just as well. And why would she? He was quiet and near impossible to understand. They had only met once. If he walked in and she gave him the usual empty courtesies, he would drink he tea and leave quietly. 

     Had what he seen the night before truly been a mirage built from exhaustion and buried hopes, that would be alright. But if she did remember him, then maybe…No. It was not likely. 

     The town was painted in scarlet when he finally had the restaurant in his sights. He’d faced death countless times over. He’d been surrounded by enemies, sword to sword with foe’s in battle, yet nothing gave his heart chase like parting that noren and stepping inside the mouth of fate. 

     “Jinpachi!” she beamed immediately. The face he had grown to love cheerily peeked out from the back room. He could swear she practically skipped to him from the kitchen. “I was…hoping I’d see you again.”