#i'm not going to be able to defend him if he wins OR loses this tournament

[jasminepaolini]

the way that dallas has been every casper ruud tournament stereotype on steroids:

a very favorable draw (against a field that, on paper, does not present much of a threat to him)

first round opponent (giron, who was the highest-ranked unseeded opponent casper could have drawn) withdraws at the last minute and casper plays a lucky loser instead

top seeds see themselves out, somehow making his very favorable draw now laughably favorable

gets a QF retirement

guaranteed not to face a single Top 50 player until the final; unless the other finalist is tommy paul, he'll not have faced a single player in the Top 20

all that's left is for him to lose the final anyway even though he should be going in as the heavy favorite

[ferrstappen]

Max the wag: are we the drama? l Max Verstappen Imagine

happy note: hello my loviessssss! How are you all? It feels like it’s been an eternity and I am so so happy to be back to writing and interacting with your great and incredible asks and everything <3 and I know I said this was supposed to be ready by Monday or so? but I started an internship and it's been harder than expected, but I'm getting the hang of it so be prepared for more works to come!

Probably tomorrow I’ll be posting a list of all the requests I’m incredibly behind but that way you know I got them and are on my mind and will be written <3 I also don’t know if you like the idea of starting a tag list? Please please let me know, babes <3 

ALSO I got an incredible request of the Max the wag series involving our boy Yuki AND I LOVED IT SO MUCH so it’s absolutely happening!

YOU CAND FIND THE MAX THE WAG SERIES HERE

summary: For the first time, Max and you find yourselves on the other end of the gossip.

Hungary Grand Prix, 2023.

Max wasn’t feeling like himself.

The car upgrades were supposed to be great, not to make him struggle and happy a shitty day, which meant shitty questions, passive aggressive press conference trying to not look so annoyed, but it didn’t help that the press was painstakingly working to get the worst angles with furrowed eyebrows and waving off strangers trying to aggressively approach him.

Of course, it didn’t help you weren’t there to hold his hand walking around the paddock, forcing his blue eyes to focus on your calming smile and the inevitable lovestruck expression plastered on his face. 

And yes, he was letting out the fact he didn’t leave Monaco in the best of terms. He’d grown accustomed to you tagging along to most races, but when you informed him you wouldn’t be able to make it to the last two races before summer break he didn’t take it the best way. 

Yes, Max understood you were needed at your job and deadlines were way more difficult to meet with changing time zones, bumpy flights and noisy paddocks and hospitalities, but it didn’t change the fact that he needed you and his selfish self really needed you cheering for him, even if you’d seen him win enough times already. 

In conclusion, it was safe to say he didn’t really feel like putting on a genuine smile or goof around with interviewers who’d ask the same questions while Christian tells him off for looking unapproachable. 

The only thing that turned the corners of his mouth was a WhatsApp attachment from you, Jimmy and Sassy sleeping with the F1 channel on full display on the TV. 

It wasn’t long until Twitter and Instagram fan accounts came to the conclusion you weren’t there with Max, creating a small discussion with some people arguing that it didn’t make sense you’d tagged along to places like Baku or Melbourne and not go to a race less far away and arguably one of the most popular tracks of the season, while other people defended you saying you had your own life apart from being Max’s girlfriend, you had a job, conferences to attend amongst other things, so it was ridiculous to expect you to be there for every race, no matter how much you loved Max. 

You don’t know whether it was the fact you didn’t post a story on Instagram celebrating Max’s win or the fact Max hadn’t been his best self, struggling with the car, losing control over the tiniest thing and just losing focus overall the fuel for some fans to start speculating about the status of your relationship.

User1: why hasn’t y/n  posted something about max?? she always does when she’s not with him

User2: something’s sus 

User3: no pls I cant handle another July break up

User4: max deserves someone who shows up for him! He arguably had the most difficult weekend of the season and she’s mia 

            User5: she’s always there for him and has a right to have her own life grow the hell up!

Belgian Grand Prix, 2023

Last race before summer break meant most people on the paddock were a turmoil of emotions between the desire for the weekend to be completely over and wishing to do the best possible job before the break.

Max convinced himself he was coming into the weekend relaxed, knowing he’d have to put his best strategies, talent and focus for Spa, but a few free weeks were right around the corner so he could recharge with you, staying in bed for the entire morning before getting up to get ready to go out, maybe arriving back to the apartment drunk and giggly only to regret everything during the morning, but with the knowledge you were going to do the exact same.

He was facetiming you when he came across lots of fans wanting his attention, asking for pictures, until someone asked for you and Max pretended he didn’t listen, not wanting to answer things about his relationship, and the woman that asked wasn’t even sharp enough to catch your face on full display on his screen. 

Had Max known the chaos it would ensue not answering the simple question about you, maybe he’d reconsider, especially since Lando and him jumped from the paddock to a helicopter waiting to take them to the closing night of Tomorrowland where Martin Garrix was closing the last weekend.

User1: *attached video* pls pls you HAVE to see the discomfort on max face when someone asked him about y/n something is not right with parents

            User2: we all know he never speaks about her thoo, im keeping my hopes up!!!!

User4: I’m calling break up and good cuz I never liked her always acted like she was too good for the f1 world and never communicated w fans

            User3: that’s called being reserved moron!!1 you don’t see other wags taking pics with fans except maybe lily bc she’s a pro golfer!!!

You were sitting on your bed when Victoria sent a thread on Twitter (or X? or Threads? it’s confusing) pointing at every proof and detail about your supposed break up, ironically asking if you had something to inform the family since Max hadn’t said anything. 

With widened eyes and unable to contain the urge to see what people were saying about Max and you, two hours later you were still reading gossip sites and didn’t even hear the door of the penthouse opening with both Sassy and Jimmy running away from the feet of the bed. 

“Is this the welcome I get?” Max’s voice announced his arrival, catching you by surprise and throwing the phone in the air. 

“Fuck, Max! You scared the shit out of me, I hate you!” You laughed, finally realizing he was right in front of you and kneeling on the bed to attach your arms around his neck, allowing Max to grab you by the thighs and spin you around while you left small kisses on his cheeks.

“What were you reading? You looked very focused,” Max carefully placed you back on the mattress before throwing his body and groaning at the feeling of his muscles relaxing.

“Did you know we broke up?” You questioned your boyfriend whose blue eyes opened as much as they could, eyebrows raised and slightly moving his head in confusion. 

Max was confused but still demanded an answer on what was going on as he watched the corners of your mouth lifting and quiet giggles leaving them. 

“Look, it’s full of theories because I didn’t attend the last races and after you went with Lando to watch Martin, some fans started drawing their own conclusions!”

“Are they insane? Speculating about other people’s love lives is so rude, and just because I didn’t answer a question about you which I never do? People are crazy!” Max exclaimed on an irritated tone, but quickly caught your eyes, making him realize the people commenting were doing the exact same thing as you, just on a larger scale. 

“Baby, I think this time we are the drama…” You stated before the bedroom became quiet.

It was just Max and you staring at each other, recalling every time you eavesdropped a conversation that clearly wasn’t meant for either of you to hear, or discussed different theories on who had cheated, who had broken up with whom, why some partners were so young or looked almost identical. 

“Schatz, I am not going to lie,” Max started with a frown and serious face before continuing. “I am very proud of us” After letting it out Max started laughing, his cheeks flushing and placing his hand over his mouth to try to stifle the sounds. 

“Baby, this definitely means we made it!”

It was bound to happen, you were meant to eventually become a source of spectacle if you enjoyed gossiping about other people’s lives so much. 

After laughing to the brink of tears, Max kissed your lips; softly, slowly and sensually, making it hard to separate but he stared right into your eyes and asked you in all seriousness: “Should we feed the gossip? Wouldn’t it be fun?”

[leighsartworks216]

A Waltz Of Blades And Blood

Sylus x gn!Reader

I'm not happy with it but I'm so tired of trying to get it to work the way I want it to

Based on this post

Warnings: sparring/fighting, blood, injuries, minor knifeplay, mild/implied sexual content, kissing, no smut

Word Count: 1,235 (so close 😭)

Main Masterlist

Love and Deepspace Masterlist

AO3

Tag List Form (Psst fill this out to be tagged in fics)

Sylus doesn’t immediately enter the ring when you go to train today. Instead, you watch as he goes to a weapon rack against the wall and grabs out a couple of knives. He’s smirking at your wide-eyed look as he holds one by the blade for you to take.

“We’re using knives today?” You take it and turn it over in your hand. It feels strange in your grip. You’d trained with guns, swords, claymores, even with a bow, but never had you dealt with a knife like this. The blade gleams threateningly in the overhead lighting.

“Not everyone is going to try shooting you in a tough situation,” he says. He lifts the rope and climbs onto the stage. You follow behind. “If, say, a mugger tries to threaten you and steal your money, you should know how to defend yourself.”

He holds his hands up in a fighting stance. You quirk an eyebrow at him. “Shouldn’t you be teaching me how to disarm first, if that’s your concern?”

He smirks. “A kitten should know how to use its claws first.”

You frown as you mimic his stance. It’s the same one used for the boxing regime he put you through, only altered by your hold on the knife.

“Try to stab me.”

You huff. You know you won’t be able to, but the idea of drawing blood with these is… unsettling, at best. Your only solace is found in the knowledge that he can heal himself.

You try to slash at his arm, but he steps to the side and pushes your wrist away, creating an opening to strike at your chest. His knife stops before it can pierce you, resting sideways against your stomach, with the flat side against your workout shirt.

“Not bad, kitten. Follow through every motion. If your knife gets stuck because you don’t keep up the momentum, you’ll be vulnerable to attacks until you get it back.”

The subsequent training sessions go much the same way. He deflects or avoids your attack, taps you where you’d be hit in such an instance, and gives you advice. You manage to get a cut or two in, but he wipes the blood away and the mark is gone entirely. When you do, he’s quick to praise you, pushing aside how shitty it makes you feel in favor of encouraging you to catch him again.

-

The next day, he grabs the knives again. “You did well yesterday, kitten. Let’s up the stakes, shall we?” He plays with the knife in his hand as you get up on the stage. “No more training wheels. A real sparring match.”

You look down over the ropes at him like he’s crazy. “First person stabbed loses?”

“What’s the matter?” He walks up to the ropes, smirking up at you with a wicked gleam in his eye. “Afraid of getting scratched?”

You narrow your eyes at him. “How about first person to get pinned down loses? Our internal organs are at less personal risk that way.”

He chuckles. “Alright, I accept.”

-

The fight isn’t easy. You both land blows on each other, punching and slicing to defend and take down. Your arms mirror his, covered in knicks and cuts. You have a cut on your right cheek, where you’d stabbed him during your first encounter with the big boss of the N109 Zone.

It’s like a dance. You strike, he blocks. He strikes, you dodge. Blood litters the floor. Glittering little droplets that smear as you step over them. A captivating waltz of blades and blood. He could easily overpower you and force you to the ground, but it’s like he’s toying with you, playing a game to see if you can figure out how to use his weak spots against him. And you’re determined to win.

You strike and he grabs your arm, using the momentum to swing it back at you. You block it with your other arm, both of your faces close as you try to keep the knife away from your neck.

You shove against him hard, enough to create a small gap. You hook your ankle around his and pull his leg out from under him, almost turning his body into a lever, with his core as the fulcrum. He doesn’t let go of you as he falls back onto the ground.

Heavy panting fills the air as the dance comes to a still. You straddle his hips, leaning over him as you pin his shoulder to the ground. Both of your blades are against the other’s throat. You can feel the cold steel brush against your flushed skin, the sharp edge teasing the idea of breaking flesh as you swallow.

He smiles up at you, but his eyes can’t seem to stay on yours for long. They trail along your cheek, watching the blood that drips down to your jaw. His hand gently ghosts the edge of the knife along your skin to catch the stray drop. Then his eyes find their way to your mouth. They’re hypnotized by your parted lips as you try to catch your breath.

His knife leaves your skin. It clatters to the side. But you feel his hand as he drags it along your bleeding arm to hold your wrist, keeping you from removing the blade from his own throat. You can feel your weight shift as he flips you, kneeling between your legs with the knife still held against his neck. His other hand is by your head, holding himself up.

He leans down against the knife. You try to pull it away, but his hand tightens slightly around your wrist, keeping it in place. His face is mere centimeters away. You can feel his breath ghosting your face as you stare up at him.

“So close, kitten…” he whispers. His lips hover just above yours. Your breath hitches in your throat. He smirks. “We didn’t agree on a prize for the winner… but I think you’ll agree to these terms.”

He kisses you deeply, nose pressing against your cheek as he claims his prize. The knife sinks into the skin at his neck. A rivulet of blood slides down the flat of the blade and drips against your skin. You gasp at the sensation as the droplets slither down the side of your neck, leaving chills in its wake.

Sylus swallows the sound eagerly, growling into your mouth in return as he finally releases your wrist. The knife clatters to the side as carelessly with the other one. You grab the back of his neck and pull him in closer. Still holding himself up, his free hand finds yours and interlaces your fingers together against the floor.

When it feels like you can’t breathe anymore, like all the air from your lungs has been sucked out and your ribs ache, he begins kissing along your cheek. You hiss when his lips seek out the cut. He follows the old trail of blood to your jaw, lips becoming pink as he kisses it away.

You tilt your chin up by pure instinct as he moves lower, kissing along the right side of your neck, before making his way to the left side. His hot tongue glides suddenly along your throat, cleaning his blood off of you. When he speaks, it’s with his lips pressed to your skin.

“Let’s get you cleaned up, sweetie.”

[ifellintothestyx]

The funny thing about JC defenders is that they always try to argue that JC refusing to cover the Wens and side with WWX was the correct political move. In the short term, perhaps, but in the long term, that was proven wrong in the books themselves.

(It's even funnier thinking that correct political moves exist in a bullshit political system that blatantly serves only the gentry, is held together by hearsay and rumors, and has no actual system of laws that can serve as a basis to accuse, judge, or punish someone.)

So how was JC's refusal to side with WWX and the Wens considered the "correct political move"? Reasons include that the Jiang sect was still recovering from the war, that going against the Jins would result in another war that would end in major losses on the Jiang sect's side, and that the Wens weren't and shouldn't have been a priority for JC at all.

Let's clear a few things up. The Jiang clan was not the only clan recovering, so were the Nies and the Lans. In the aftermath of the war, it's not explicitly stated how well the other sects were doing, so we couldn't really tell if the Jiangs were worse off than the other three. It could be noted, however, that the Jins retained much of their wealth and influence, so much so that Jin Guangyao was able to take the position of Chief Cultivator with little to no opposition. The main point, though, is that at that moment in the aftermath of the war, we could not easily assume the Jiangs were the worst off, as the other three sects also lost many disciples in the war, and we didn't really know how much the other sects recovered.

For the second reason, if a major war somehow did happen again, this time Jiangs vs everyone else, everyone else would lose. WWX's presence single-handedly helped them win the war against the Wens. A war between the Jiangs and the jianghu would be based on numbers, which reflects the war between the Wens and the jianghu. The Wens had more disciples, and no matter how many LWJs or NMJs you got up your sleeve, numbers make a big difference in war. That's why WWX's skills were a critical part in winning: he is a one-man army of thousands. He could easily make up for the gap in numbers. That's why the Jins kept trying to get rid of him—they were nervous about so much power belonging to only one faction: the Jiangs. JGS couldn't exactly claim his desired role as Chief Cultivator if a younger, smarter, and more powerful individual was still around to keep him in check.

Finally, we get to the part of why I'm making this long-ass post on a caffeine-driven rage. See, the point of trying to stop a powerful faction from committing atrocities is to stop them from thinking they can do it whenever they like. The Jins were given a pass to do whatever the hell they wanted to a small, outcasted faction (the Wens), and they proceeded to take that pass as a pass for everything else. Nobody stopped them from torturing the Wens, so what's stopping them from allowing a mass murderer like XY to run wild in an attempt to create their own WWX? Definitely not NMJ, hahaha, because, y'know, the hypocrites in the gentry have already decided that whatever the Jins do is alright so long as it's not their problem. An exterminated clan isn't their priority. So, what was stopping XY from going out and doing it again to SL's sect? Absolutely nothing! Because the Jins could cover it up and no one could say a word despite how suspicious it was, because hey, remember what happened to the last guy that spoke up against the Jins?

Calling out the Jins on their crimes against the Wens, who were elderly and children save for WQ and WN (who JC owed his damn life and core to), would have created a precedent of not allowing massive crimes to slide under the radar. But because the opposite happened, because nobody fucking realized that apathy and selfishness don't fucking help in the long run, two sects were exterminated because JGS and JGY were basically given an "okay, fine, just keep that bullshit away from us". That's not actual justice. That's not "morally grey". Allowing people in power to trample over others just because it doesn't affect you personally is not sustainable, because what happens when it's you they've decided to trample over? Are you going to complain? Are you going to look to others for help, when you personally couldn't be bothered to offer your hand to those who suffered? When the reason the people trampling over you gained that power is because you allowed it?

The unopposed killing of WWX and the Wens led to the political climate that allowed the massacres of two sects because the Jins were trying to protect and satisfy their pet project. It led to the murder of NMJ because JGS/JGY wanted to keep people from checking their power. If JC couldn't find it in his heart to be sympathetic to the Wens, fine, but at the very least, he should have considered the potential harm in rolling over and giving a political faction too much power.

[gravedwe11er]

The @keferon mecha AU texaid continues living rent-free in my head, and I just had to write more for them! It was very much unexpected, but I can't say I'm complaining. Timeline wise, it comes after the first half of part one

Cw: mostly just typical Vortex things

One day after his terrifying trip with Vortex, Felix has another encounter with the dangerous mech and a tentative accord is struck.

Felix walks out of the meeting room after three harrowing, shouting-filled hours, feeling hopeless, anxious, and more exhausted than he’s ever been before in his entire life. And what a feat that is, considering he went through medical school during an actual alien apocalypse, not to mention going on an involuntary joyride in a murderous mech just yesterday.

God dammit.

Leaning against the nearest wall, Felix puts his head in his hands and counts to ten.

He’s being reassigned – Felix Adler, newest member of the mecha pilot corps, effective immediately. Tomorrow, he’s to report to the base’s quartermaster at five am sharp, so he can get fitted for a pilot’s uniform and be shoved back into Vortex whenever the next attack comes. The thing’s longest surviving pilot he knows of lasted a whopping six weeks before bleeding out in her seat, courtesy of her severed hands – and that’s disregarding all the other injuries to mind and body he and his colleagues had to treat before her eventual death.

God fucking dammit.

Technically, he could just resign. Could always pack his bags and leave, but – the military paid for his med school. There’s a mandatory eight-year period of service or they’ll make him pay it all back, with an interest rate high enough to make even a loan shark stumble. Short of winning the lottery, there’s no way he’d be able to get his hands on that sort of money in his entire lifetime.

That aside, he wouldn’t be doing his life expectancy any favors by leaving anyway. Most hospitals these days are at least semi-mobile, which means hard cots, cold MRE’s and frequent shuffling around to various affected zones. Not to mention, as beastly as the quintessons look, they’re much smarter than any animal - meaning they’ve learned to recognize hospitals for the prime targets they are and attack accordingly.

Given his luck, he’d end up being flattened by a quint within the year, spending his last moments miserable, tired, and in more debt than gambling addict on a year-long losing streak. It’s the whole reason he fought so hard for this posting in the first place – if you’re going to be working in a medbay, might as well do so where there’s a whole hangar full of mecha to defend you when you need it.

Which leads him right back to where he started. No place to run. A likely death on the front lines, one way or another.

Well. At least the food here is warm.

With an odd numbness creeping into his fingertips, he slowly starts making his way to his quarters, only to remember- right, he doesn’t even get to keep that part of his previous life. He’s being moved in to where the other pilots live, much closer to the hangar than his previous little shoebox of a living space was. Wouldn’t want him to be late for his next date with the malicious death machine, apparently.

Turning on his heels, Felix only makes it a few more steps before something in his head just- snaps. Suddenly, the foggy emptiness of before is chased away by an angry sort of determination, and he changes course yet again, heading instead for the nearest sanitation closet. Grabbing his usual Vortex-duty cleaning supplies, he stomps his way to the hangar.

They want send him back into that thing? Fine. Fine, he’ll be command’s latest sacrificial lamb, but if he’s going to die in that cockpit, he refuses to do so while sitting in other people’s bodily fluids.

The thought buoys him for all of five minutes until he’s standing on the catwalk facing Vortex, at which all his previous bravado evaporates back into a familiar dread. A shiver passes over his skin, the cold lance of anxiety nearly freezing him in his tracks. Still, he breathes through it, forcing himself to take the final few steps needed to stand at the cockpit entrance.

His hand reaches for the opening button- which proves unnecessary, as the crimson glass immediately slides up of its own volition. Blinking, he slowly lowers his hand again.

Hm, he supposes that’s as much of an invitation as he’s going to get. Doesn’t mean he won’t be getting mauled if he goes in, but- it’s a good sign.

Last chance to back out.

“Just here to clean a bit,” he calls out into the cockpit, feeling incredibly stupid talking to empty air, before stepping cautiously inside. Nobody’s bothered to clean up since yesterday, which means the last dead pilot’s blood still stains the small space, turning the floor brown and crusty. The stale air reeks of iron and decay, mixed with the stench of bleach. The sharp, heavy gaze of Vortex’s internal cameras digs into his back, making his hair stand on ends.

All in all, not a very comforting atmosphere.

Felix flinches when the lights suddenly flicker on, bathing the cockpit in red as the screen closes behind him with a resounding click. “I’ll try to be quick about it,” he says, eyes flickering around the small space, “so please don’t-“

A flare of light from behind gives him pause, and Felix turns to find words now written across the mech’s main screen.

AW, WHY NOT STICK AROUND?

GOT SOMEWHERE MORE IMPORTANT TO BE?

Felix huffs, a bit of sharpness creeping into his words despite his racing heart. “I do, actually. Mostly because of you, if you have to know.” Getting to his knees, he puts down his cleaning bucket and starts pulling on a fresh pair of latex gloves, keeping an eye on the screen all the while.

DON’T SULK BABY, YOU KNOW YOU HAD FUN~

“Wh- fun?” he almost yells, indignant. “I don’t know what gave you that idea, but-“

YOU LIKED SEEING THEM TAKEN APART

GETTING TO DIG AROUND IN ALL THEIR SQUISHY INSIDES

Felix freezes at that, one hand halfway to the bucket, followed by a full-body flinch once he sees the next set of works that scroll across the crimson screen.

SO MUCH BETTER THAN THOSE SAD LITTLE SCRAPS IN THE LAB, YEAH?

What the- “How the hell do you know about that?” he wheezes out incredulously. While the medical team eventually found out about the incident that led to his vortex-duty punishment, he could have sworn that it hasn’t carried as far as the pilots. Then, how could he have-

WATCHED YOU ON THE CAMERAS : )

YOU FUCKING SUCK AT BEING SNEAKY, BY THE WAY

LIKE, WOW

Sitting down on the filthy floor with a grimace, Felix closes his eyes, suddenly feeling very, very tired. “Thanks. I’ve noticed,” he sighs out, giving himself a few moments to process.

Vortex is right, in a way. While the experience was mostly awful, what with him being pretty sure he would die that day, Felix has to admit that seeing the quints properly, getting even a glimpse of their physiology up close was horrifyingly fascinating. They’ve long been a mystery he wants desperately to solve, a puzzle to figure out - He wants to see them with his own eyes, to take them apart piece by piece until he knows everything there is to know.

And Vortex seems well aware of it, too, because of course he can mess with the cameras, why not. He’s known all along, apparently, and it had, what- caught his interest? Is that why he strongarmed Felix into ‘piloting’ him in the first place?

He raises his head, intending to ask about it, but his eye is caught by a new string of text across the glass before he can get the words out.

WE CAN BOTH GET WHAT WE WANT OUT OF THIS

Shelving the thought for a later date, he gives Vortex’s screen a considering look, heart racing in his chest. “I’m listening,” he says, cautious.

YOU WANNA DIG AROUND INSIDE THE SQUIDDIES

AND I WANT YOU

WIN-WIN

With a raised brow, Felix scoffs. “Right. And how do I know you’re telling the truth? How do I know you’re not just going to kill me the next time I put that helmet on?”

YOU DON’T

; )

God dammit. Well, he should have expected that, really.

Still, it’s something to work with. Vortex clearly wants him around, whether it be for his medical knowledge or just his entertainment value, which means that, at least for now, he wants Felix alive. There’s no guarantee he won’t change his mind in the future, and Felix is very much aware that alive is not the same as unharmed, but-

It’s a start.

He could still leave. Pack his bags, accept his dishonorable discharge and his mountain of debt, apply at the nearest hospital and never look back. He’d never have to step foot into Vortex again.

But he’d never get to see another quint up close, not unless it was seconds away from smashing him into paste. Never find out what the primary brain looks like, how the mechanical parts merge so seamlessly with alien flesh. Never get to splay one open and tear its secrets from its body, like muscle from bone.

“Alright then,” he finally answers, and fervently hopes it’s the right choice.

Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed! More coming soon! And huge thanks to @jayden-writes and @showstopper35 for their help and support!

[suitov]

The anti-Komahina copypasta of all time pt 2/4

[We're still going, gays. When we left off, Hajime was contemplating his true waifu.]

16. Forced Hand holding In these few scenes Nagito gets physical with Hajime. He begins to touch Hajime's hand without permission and then gets suprised, when Hajime wants him to let go off his hand. [src]

17. "Love" Confession You all believe Nagito confessed his love to Hajime in this single scene. Now, I did my research and apparently he attempted to confess, but didn't manage to in the japanese version. Probably because he's aware of Hajime's heterosexuality+ [src]

[Video: original here. Clip is of the ending to Nagito's fifth free time event. Nagito: "Please, don't forget... From the bottom of my heart... I am truly in love with the hope that sleeps inside you."]

+or maybe he was too shy. What's even worse is that he ultilizes hope for expressing his forbidden love to a hetero guy. [src]

18.Friendship Complex Friendship Complexes frequently happen between same sex couples(mostly men). When a guy catches romantic feelings for another man can often lead to friendship complexes because the brain can sometimes lose the heterosexual nerve cell or the hetero heart cell [src]

In Nagito's case I'd say friendship Complex is not the case, because it's the decisison he made. He is a homosexual who curses men hearts. (It's my psychological analysis) [src]

19. Nagito's reason to get Chiaki executed Nagito maybe secretly despised Chiaki in the game, because she was always flirty with Hajime and Nagito got jealous, that she achieved to win Hajime's heart+ [src]

+and receives a lot more love from the others than he ever gained love from his parents. Not only did he choose Chiaki to murder him, because she's the traitor but also because of jealousy. That's why I'm saying. This guy wants to be Chiaki that bad bruh! [src]

20.Nagito bullying Hajime So are you Yaoi shippers ignoring the fact, that your favorite character bullied the MC, acting like a jerk towards Hajime after he found out he's a reverse course student and almost got him executed, by trolling around? [src]

+ Now his fanbase is going to defend him making up excuses "Noooo that's his way of showing his lovely dovely affection to his "husband". [src]

21. Questionable freetime events So we have Nagito accuse Hajime of harassing him with a present: Gag ball. It's meant to shut him the hell up for being too annyoing and he totally changes the meaning of it. It's seriously getting on my nerves how he needs to homofy everything. [src]

22. Nagito's Lying disease In chapter 3, Nagito comes down with the lying disease and acted as dramatic as I expected. He then demands Hajime to leave him alone+ [src]

I'm aware he's telling the opposite and wants Hajime to stay, but here is where the freakness starts and Hajime's disinterest and discomfort shows. Our hetero MC makes the right decision and leaves the antagonist sick at the hospital with no single soul soul left except Mikan+ [src]

who shouldn't have to feel forced to take care of scum like him. The lying disease might have been a possibility for Nagito to spend more time with his rival alone. If Hajime hadn't left the hospital, maybe it could have been the end for the poor MC+ [src]

+who would have been entirely under the influence of Nagito's homoerotic feelings. [src]

Nagito immitating Chiaki The antagonist wants to be in Chiaki's shoes sooo bad bruh. A theory of mine is that Chiaki told Nagito when they were "friends" about her crush she has on the reverse course student before. Since Hajime and him have met already (Hajime as Izuru)+ [src]

+you know, I assume that evil bastard thought of a plan to brainwash the hetero Main character with homosexual desires. [src]

24. Pregnancy Another theory of mine is, that Nagito wishes for Hajime to breed him, so they can make a baby together, but Nagito, who is male isn't able to. It's not possible for the male gender to produce babies, because they don't have an uterus. (Common knowledge) [src]

25. Official Art interpretation [src]

26. Forcing Homosexuality Both Mika and Nagito have something in common. They both force their homosexuality on the main characters, who are like 100% hetero and have their crushes on beautiful females. Both of them like to seduce/manipulate their love interests with femininity. [src]

28.Awareness/Shot through the heart. In Island Mode during Shot through the heart, we learn that Nagito gets all scared and pale of Hajime hating him, because he's aware Hajime despises him and there is no way it will ever change. [src]

[Video: original here. Clip is of Nagito's Shot through the Heart event. Hajime: (That voice just now. Is that... Is that Nagito's inner thoughts?) Nagito: "So I'm all alone with Hajime, huh… What should I talk about today…? All I want to do is… Entertain Hajime… But I guess being verbally abused by him wouldn't be so bad. Ah, but…if I say anything weirder than this… He'd probably hate me… I don't really want that… Ahh, why is this so difficult…!?" At this point, the dialogue loops and the player fast-forwards through it, stopping to shoot "Negate" at the words "hate me", causing Hajime to say his "No, that's wrong" voice clip.]

+Does this guy fr believe Hajime is going to end up liking him the way he will always love his girlfriend Chiaki. Now be for real! [src]

The End of my thread. I'd like to thank everyone who took their time to read this very long thread of mine. I hope everyone understands now how toxic the realtionship is between them and refuse to ship them NOW. If you have any questions regarding my thread. [src]

If you have any questions regarding my thread. Ask me under the comment-section. To clarify, I've worked HOURS on this thread and I better not see anyone comment. "You played the game with your eyes shut blah blah blah" [src]

One day I would love to have a conversation with the 2 creators of Danganronpa @kazkodaka and @SpikeChunsoft_e to discuss my theories and analysis with the both of them, wondering if all of them turned out to be true. Furthermore, I'd be happy for some positive feedback. [src]

So I still find a few people judge me for my thread, claiming I'm delulu. Just letting you all know, I was given a literature stipendium last year and the teacher praised me for always being detailed and factual enough, when writing essays . [src]

[This is the end of mrpoopoofart's thread. For context and completeness, I'll include a grab of his Twitter profile.]

(not satire)

I can also recommend visiting the original links to enjoy the comments and the author's replies.

But wait! There's...?

[Can it be? Seven months later, GOKUPOO IS BACK WITH PART 3???]

[isacksteban]

First Kiss (Race 7)

A strollonso AU where 18 year old rookie Lance Stroll falls helplessly in love with the notoriously mean world champion. (1.2k words, no warnings) [@v3lnys @biancathecool] {This is short, sorry 😭 I'm seeing a pattern of me ending chapters with Strollonso hugging so if u get sick of it uhhhh idc i love it theyre so soft}

last part - masterlist - next part

Lance was in a great mood, coming into the paddock with Nico but quickly being taken away by Fernando.

They'd talked a lot since the older mans home Grand Prix, texting almost constantly and calling so Fernando could ramble about anything and everything (coming close to disclosing undisclosed renault information a few times)

"How are you?" He asked, turning to look at Lance while dragging him away from the paddock

"We were just texting, Nando" Lance laughed, shaking his head at Fernando as they came to a stop

"I missed your voice" The Spaniard hummed, looking up at Lance

"Yeah, yeah. You were just on the phone complaining to me about how Renault is changing their colour scheme next year." Lance didn't mind it, he liked talking to Fernando. It seemed like ever since Fernando won in Spain they'd just been getting closer every day

"That's besides the point!" Fernando laughed, waving his hand as he brushed it off "Do you feel good about today? First time in monaco for Racing Point"

"I do, I've raced here a few times so I know I'll be quick to get a hang of it in a Formula One car" Their conversations just seemed to flow, both of them listening closely to the other

"Planning to look pretty in pink on the podium?" The shorter man teased, elbowing Lance slightly as their hands fell apart

"On that highest step, yeah" Lance flashed Fernando a grin, playfully challenging the Spaniard

"The day I lose to you I will buy the moon in your honour"

They both laughed, Lance taking it as a joke but Fernando was seriously wondering if he could do that

Qualifying went by quick, as soon as he got to the pitlane Fernando ran up to him

"Lancito, what was your time?"

"Uh, 1:14:08"

"De veras?" His eyes lit up, Lance not understanding but going along "Lancito, you're p2"

Now he understood, this time he was the one to hug Fernando, practically smothering the shorter man

"Wait-" He pulled back, hands on Fernandos shoulders "You're-"

"Am p1, of course"

Lance smiled widely, his teeth exposed as he became excited for both him and Fernando

Lance was sat in the Racing Point garage, worrying about whethet or not he'd actually be able to keep his spot.

"Lancito!" A voice called, getting Lance's attention straight away. Fernando had just finished speaking with people from his team so now he could talk to Lance "Nervous?" He asked, Lance making his way to the Spaniard

"Of course not, you should be" Lance smiled, nudging the older man

"Am horrified" Fernando said, a serious look on his face that quickly turned into a small smile as the two looked at eachother, a laugh escaping his lips

Lance hit his shoulder lightly "Hey! This is no joke, I might make a crazy comeback and win the championship"

"Ah, yes, of course, Lancito" Fernando nodded, both of them knowing it wasn't possible but neither caring enough to be logical, they hadn't thought the two of them having a front row start was possible either but here they are

"Don't run into my car to sabotage me, okay? I need my rookie year championship"

"Of course, I'll let you have a head start, mi sol"

"Good!"

They were all lined up, Lances eyes glued to the lights in front of him, watching as they turned on one by one then stepping on the gas as they shut off.

Fernando kept the lead, not to anyones surprise. Lance managed to defend against Kimi who was trying to pass, building a 2 second gap between them and just over a second between him and Fernando.

On lap 23 he managed to pass Fernando, his hands shaking as he gripped his steering wheel, pushing his car as far as it could go. He led for a little over a lap before Fernando took it back, he wasn't too worried since there were still over 50 laps for him to take it back.

On lap 50 he started having problems.

"Brad, what's going on? Something feels off." He radioed in, having to shout over the noise of the track

"We aren't sure, Lance, just keep pushing. Fernando is .8 seconds ahead."

Lance nodded, knowing Brad couldn't see him but too determined to be in first again to think. The only thing on his mind was a podium.

Four laps later his hopes were squashed, his engine practically exploding behind him as he was forced to pull off to the side, half is car still on the track as they called out a safety car

"FUCK" He shouted, slamming his hands on the wheel. He felt his heart beating, he could hear it in his ears, how fast it was going, how much hope he had just a lap prior and now he was pulled off to the side with black smoke engulfing his car.

He got out quickly, moving closer to the barrier as he waited to be picked up. He felt as if he could cry. He had another great chance and it was ruined again. He felt like he couldn't win, like no matter what he was destined to just never get a podium. Every time he even thought about it his car would decide he didn't deserve it.

He was stuck in the garage debriefing for what felt like hours, Brad unsure why this kept happening, all he knew was Lance was sick of it. The teenager was getting restless, he wanted to show his skill, show people he's not just a billionares son but a brilliant driver. It didn't seem possible with the car he was given.

"I just- I'm so sick of it, I keep having any chance of succeeding torn away from me, I just want to do good. Why can't I just do good? Why can't i succeed?" He spoke quick, nails digging into his palm as he felt himself get more and more worked up over it, he wasn't sure why the DNF's were getting to him more, he knew he could do good, he'd done good, but the car would always give up before he could solidify his results.

Fernando left the podium, walking past the Renault garage and straight to Racing Point where he saw the Canadian sitting on a counter towards the side.

As soon as he saw Fernando he got up, going to him quickly. He didn't say anything, the Spaniard just opened his arms and Lance sunk into them, somehow always managing to feel small in the older mans embrace.

"You did good, am so proud, Lancito." He whispered, a hand finding its way to the boys head, stroking his long hair as he tried to make him feel better

Lance didn't speak, he just inhaled, taking in the scent of the world champion as he hid his face in his neck, not bothering to care about the crowds eyes and cameras on them. All that mattered was Fernando was there, his Fernando was there.

[yellowhollyhock]

I feel like both Don and Raph could have helped Leo during his ptsd arc. Raph would be the only one who understands Leo’s anger and Don would understand almost getting everyone killed in his cased killed cuz of SAINW.

super sweet idea! I think it's true that they both would be able to relate to him in different ways, and it makes sense they'd try to reach him on those grounds. To be honest, I think that's exactly what would make it difficult for them to help--or well, not by necessity, but what did make it difficult for them to help

Anyways you gave me an excuse to overanalyze Don's reaction to Leo's ptsd arc, and while I'm here I'm doing Raph and Mikey as well

Okay let's talk about Donny. I've thought about this one a lot. We don't ever canonically see him dealing with what he saw in that alternate universe, other than immediately after when he hugs Mikey and Raph. But we can imagine. He's already someone who puts a lot of pressure on himself (ie Underground City). Now the big threat that's been weighing so heavy on him for so long, the thing that he went to the future and saw there was no way to beat except to sacrifice themselves, is gone.

He can finally rest.

And I do feel like that's the attitude we see. He's eager to take out some aggression on the PDs when they show up at the farmhouse, but it's not Obsessive Mode Donatello. Compared to how we know he gets when he thinks something is his fault or that someone needs him help, he Chillin. Also he immediately develops a crush on Jhanna. I mean that's just one reading, but as a lesbo recovering from severe emotional repression I think I know the face of a traumatized soul seeking solace in the idea of a future and falling too hard too fast for Stronk Smort Gorl as soon as she gives him a bit of attention, not that I, ahem, have uh, direct experience or anything

Anyway

I think he's making a very deliberate choice to stop taking things so seriously--to be a kid for the little bit of time he has left to be a kid. To cling on tightly to his relationships with his brothers above all else, because he knows (and likely has it fresh in his mind) he could lose them. Goofing off with Mikey isn't a distraction, it's a priority.

And then Leo is doubling down on being child soldiers. To Donny, all that work they did was to escape that life. Taking down the Shredder should mean, from his pov, they now get to focus on just living, building themselves a little corner of the world they can just stay in and be happy.

I had a breakdown of multiple episodes demonstrating this but my app crashed and it all got deleted so just trust me ok

Big important example though: Dragons Rising. Yes, Donny understands the mission, he'll play his part to get it done, but even more pressing is to make sure he preserves the light in Mikey's eyes. Now that the Shredder is dealt with that's the next thing on his checklist to make sure that future never happens. They put on silly disguises. He wears a mustache and does an old man voice.

Then Leo doesn't see the exact results he wanted from a planned mission and chews them out for treating it like a game. I can imagine how much that remark would sting for Donny specifically, assuming his brothers know about what happened in that alternate dimension. (do you think old man Leo, listening to this sixteen-year-old insisting that they should go after Shredder again, this time they would win, ever said something, even very gently, to the effect of 'be careful Donny, this isn't a game?' y-yeah me neither)

You can hear his barely contained frustration when he defends himself and the others with, "Leo, we did the best we could."

Which is ultimately what will help Leo. That's the exact mantra that brings him through the battle with himself. But he's not hearing it from Don; to him in that moment it just sounds like an excuse. And Donny, who is also a hurting traumatized teenager, very likely doesn't appreciate his hard-earned wisdom being dismissed as childish and lazy.

Now on to Raph: he talks explicitly throughout Leo's arc about how he can see himself in it, and out of everyone, I feel like we see him most directly trying to help. He's sticking right by his side, supporting his ideas, training harder when Leo asks him to train harder. Back to Dragons Rising: in stark contrast to Donny's almost scolding comfort, Raph waits until Leo leaves and then:

"I hate to say it, but Leo's right."

Everything Leo is saying and doing makes perfect sense to Raph--as far as he's concerned, where it goes wrong is when it gets too extreme. 'Yes we do need to take this more seriously, but he shouldn't yell at us.' 'Okay training more and harder is a good idea, but how much more and harder?' He gets needing to blow off steam--he watches Leo face the rat king, and holds back (which is not an easy thing for him to do) because he thinks Leo needs to work this out of his system.

After all, that's what Raph's always done. Step outside, get some air, find someone to take it out on who deserves it so that he doesn't take it out on his brothers. But you know what else Raph is always doing when he does that?

Finding someone to help.

And that's super healthy and really healing. But it's something he does naturally because he likes to, I don't know if he's connected it with helping to manage his temper (it's easy for us to see because we're watching it, but he's living it. Hard to notice patterns when you're in the middle of them).

Anyway, blowing off steam doesn't work for Leo. Every time he faces something down on his own just further reinforces to him that he's the only one taking this seriously, and he absolutely has to be perfect in order for his family to be safe.

I think a lot about Raph, seeing Leo get mad enough to hurt Master Splinter, and then watching him be sent away. From his teenage perspective, wouldn't it feel like Leo is being punished? Wouldn't he wonder about how far he's allowed to push things, how close he might have come in the past to being sent overseas? I think Leo really needed the time for himself and understood that to some extent. He probably felt it was a just punishment as well, but I think he realized Splinter was doing what was best for him. After all, he asked for his training to go to the next level. And he doesn't want to make another mistake like that.

But for Raph? I don't think he can imagine a worse punishment than being separated from his family, especially if he just hurt one of them. That moment between Leo and Splinter had to remind him a lot of himself and Mikey. Imagine how he would've felt if the answer to that had been, 'I can't train you anymore, go to Japan to meet a man you've never heard of who will teach you how to control your temper.'

Also later on when he realizes how much it did actually help and wasn't meant to be punitive, that absolutely would twist into 'why were Leo's problems that important but mine never were.'

So why isn't Leo receptive to Raph's help? Well he is. But his goal isn't to heal. He thinks he's doing the right thing by spiraling further and further. Leo would have sucked up Raph's loyalty not unlike what Shredder did to Karai. Obviously not to the same extreme, but he would keep expecting Raph to be right behind him and work towards his goals, and Raph would've kept thinking that the Leo he knew, an undeniably down to earth Decent Guy, was still in there and would be back if he just held out and stuck around. Raph is not hard and fast with rules, he'd make allowances for his brother who is clearly going through some things. And Leo would have just kept pushing.

Wow that got dark

Anyway

They love each other very much, and ultimately, the fact that Raph did stick it out for so long was likely a big help to Leo. He just wasn't able to see it for what it was until he first shifted his priority to achieving peace within himself, instead of trying to fix the rest of the world. And I do think when he gets back, he'll remember how Raph stuck by him even when he was being very difficult. Because he really did, more than anyone.

As for Mikey, he and Leo have plenty of differences, but they've always been on the same page about one thing: the greater good.

I think Mikey sees Leo doubling down and assumes it's similar to the last time they defeated Shredder: City at War. During that time, Leo and Mikey were the ones who wanted to go out and fix the mess the city was in, stay involved in gang politics. Raph and Splinter were staunchly against it, and Donny went to support and protect the others, with him and Mikey both frequently trying to gently rein Leo in (not something they normally have to do).

Mikey sees it all happening again. Leo feels responsible for the city's safety, doesn't want to rest on their laurels, going into hyper-vigilance after a big victory as an overcorrection from overconfidence.

So Mikey leans just as hard into confidence. He's skipping on training, doubling down on the jokes, anything he can to get Leo to lighten up, or, when that doesn't work, avoid Leo whenever he can. No one likes to be constantly criticized. Just like Donny, he gets defensive: they are doing good for the city, they will keep on winning. After all, he's already a superhero, and a Battle Nexus Champion.

It makes a lot of sense he starts bragging about that again--seeking comfort from the past when the present offers none--and is unfortunate for him that Raph and Donny are just as exhausted as he is from the micro management and constant negativity, and do not take the bragging well at all.

It's also something that ends up helping Leo a lot. Directs all that energy and rage towards a goal, helps him look outside of himself by focusing on helping Mikey, balances the guilt of perceived failures (of himself and of his family) with a simple clear-cut victory. And Mikey knows it helped, he gets to see Leo being closer to himself again. It feels like he's close to a much more important victory, so he keeps pressing. He tries talking more positively about Leo, because positive words mean so much to him and are what's been missing in their home.

It helps some. It might've helped more directly after the inciting event. Either way, it's not a solution. Outside praise has never been enough for Leo, if he's decided he's not where he should be he's gonna keep pushing himself until he achieves it.

And this time 'it' is the assured safety of his family, something he honestly hasn't ever experienced before, and as far as he's concerned, takes more than all of them combined have to give

Overall, yeah I do think both Raph and Donny would've had some useful wisdom to share if 1) anyone had noticed and asked 2) they were able to separate the coping/survival skills they used to deal with their traumas from The Way Everyone Should Deal with Hard Things (big ask from teenagers--as far as they're concerned what they've been through so far is how life works).

Those conversations could've been a big help, although I don't think any amount of family talks would solve things. Leo needed the in-show equivalent of professional help. He needed time away from his family, too, so he could see more clearly what he was doing to them and himself.

I also do think all three of them will have cause to think back later on Splinter's comments that they had healed, but Leo hadn't. I get what Splinter meant by this, Leo's response was maladaptive and even immediately dangerous, but my guy, nobody's okay just a couple months after a traumatic event like that. No not even with meditation, no not even if they are laughing and playing video games. Especially considering how much those boys had already been through. Not to mention the added trauma of Leo 1) having such a drastic personality change that manifested largely as aggression towards them, and 2) being sent away. but that's probably a whole other post lsbfksjs

[1425fivefive]

wait, is the fic you're writing the abo norstappen or is it another project? can you share a little snippet or it's in a very early phase still? i'm really excited to read whatever you're writing :,)

it is for the norstappen omegaverse fic! it's in an "early" stage in that i have the entire plot planned out but only like 3k written (i think it'll probably clock in around 10k). but yes, you can have a snippet (below the cut) 💕

Two weeks after Brazil, Lando wakes up soaked in sweat, limbs tangled in wet sheets. 

His skin’s burning, his head’s foggy, and his stomach won’t stop cramping. He wants nothing more than to stay in bed all day—lights off, blinds closed, covers up to his neck. 

But he feels fucking disgusting, clammy and overheated. The room stinks, sweet and overripe. Like a peach left out on a counter too long. Every bit of him feels sticky, his clothes clinging to his skin.

He feels a bit like he does before a rut, honestly. 

But his next rut isn’t scheduled until January and he’s been good about taking his suppressants. Even when he’s been shit at everything else, he’s been good at that at least. Nothing worse than losing a championship solely because an unexpected rut takes you out of a race. 

Lando tries not to think about the fact that he didn’t have a rut the last time he’d gone off his suppressants. That he hasn’t been able to form a knot in months.

After an hour of laying in his own sweat, he finally forces himself to roll out of bed. He stumbles to the shower, praying the spray of hot water will make him feel more like a person. 

The shower helps a bit. His body wash drowns out the weird smell, at least, and the water washes away the stickiness between his thighs. 

He tells himself whatever’s happening is just the thirty-six hours he spent awake after the race, reliving every stupid fucking mistake he made—every slide through a corner, every half-hearted attempt to defend, every shit strategy call he made from the cockpit—finally catching up with him. A delayed reaction to the weeks of stress he’s been putting his body through. Barely sleeping, forgetting to eat, spending every moment he’s not in the car on his phone, reading all the shit people say about him. About how he’s never been a real contender for the championship. How anyone who backed him was delusional for thinking he could take on Max. How it’s a joke, thinking someone with his shit mentality could ever win the championship. 

The horrible bit is, privately, Lando sometimes thinks they’re right.

After the shower, he climbs into the guest bed, too anxious to go back to his own bedroom, confront the wet sheets and too-sweet scent in the air, process what he knows they might mean.

[loveislandthegame]

thoughts on todays volume ! well…i can’t say it was uneventful

i enjoyed the podium challenge! i wouldn’t say it was “fun to play” because the entire thing was on rails, but it gave us some reasonable drama. plus MC actually got some wins for once, rather than automatically losing for the sake of a diamond option

next up is some random date, it was mostly just eavesdropping on other couples, and then we have a dance off ??😭 anyways, i danced with lisbeth, it was very cute

then we have spin the bottle! jesse chose to kiss MC and obviously i went all in

for the diamond option, you actually can pick tristan (and interestingly enough, he has hearts. i'm starting to think he really is the enemies to lovers route 💀💀💀) i just couldn’t resist the mess

but then i was considering a replay, because choosing him means i probably won't be able to kiss lisbeth—

sike ! she points the bottle right at MC and we kiss her too. anyways, this was the most fun i’ve had in the villa by far (with that being said, after the results of this volume i might actually replay to choose lisbeth for the diamond scene 😭)

i was dreading whatever gesture hayden had planned for MC, but at the very last second lisbeth swoops in 🎉 unfortunately that means i have to read dialogue about "the LI i'm forced to be with being sad about being turned down" for the one millionth time. i wish female LIs (or slowburns in general) could be a choice early on instead of forcing us into these awkward situations (even if we can't be coupled up for storyline reasons, FB could have one of the girls talk to MC about romantic gestures, give us some "if someone here did a gesture for me, i'd love if it was..." type of dialogue, and then have every LI to choose from. it's not that hard luv)

anyways, lisbeth also has some dialogue about how i also chose her for the hot tub date and the hideaway, i thought that was a cool detail! (and it’s nice to not get treated like you’re automatically on a hoe route as a wlw player, that was one of my biggest complaints with the 2 previous seasons)

we go to the treehouse and catch franki kissing tristan, i would say “clap if you care” but it’s all gonna go downhill from here, so…👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

we go back to the rest of lisbeth’s gesture: looking at the constellations, and it was so adorable ! however, i should’ve known that the line about the pleiades was foreshadowing what happens next

side note before it all kicks off, the new outfits in this volume were giving me life ! putting "goth PLEASEEEEE" in every FB survey question about clothes finally paid off

next up, we got some season 5 energy with everyone dogpiling MC. common sense and critical thinking completely out the window. mind you, everybody that was in the dressing room saw franki steal MC’s perfume. mind you, my MC doesn’t even wear lipstick. mind you, our own LI defends us and somehow we still get dumped (UPDATE: i said tristan didn’t vote for MC but he actually did when i replayed. maybe it’s a glitch, maybe i’m illiterate, maybe it's maybelline) before we go, lisbeth tells MC that she'll wait for her. then we got some season 6 energy with “dumped MC actually being sent to casa” …or coming back to the main villa as a casa girl 🤷🏽

but more importantly, we got dumped for two whole weeks ??? that’s pretty much years in love island terms, im sure our LIs managed to stay loyal but i have no idea how they’d do that without getting dumped (i could see lisbeth and jesse staying together in a friend couple, but idk about hayden/ethan/milo) can't wait for all the "pay gems to learn about what happened" scenes 🙄

speaking of gem scenes, the way i thought the option to open the door was gonna be for one of our LIs 😭 i already said this in my last post, but i have unlimited gems and i still feel robbed. in the game i ended up forgiving franki, just because there wasn’t an option to throw hands (and i do agree with the option that ideally, tristan would’ve been dumped instead lol) but i definitely do not forgive her, choosing to walk after letting MC take the fall is some of the most pathetic bullshit i've ever seen (so what was the point of throwing MC under the bus, you bozo !!!)

overall... what on earth !? i'm gagged, mainly because i cannot believe my prediction of MC getting dumped was correct. granted, we’re gonna be returning, but this is so unserious 😭 i'm sure the game won’t let us be more than mildly upset with the islanders who got us dumped, but trust and believe my MC will be burning that villa down when she returns.

(in case you're wondering, i'm still gonna romance tristan...because i live for the drama and his route will probably be "uncharted territory." in other words, i don't think a single person is gonna be romancing him after this shit, & i'm curious to see what it's like. he's 100% not my endgame tho 💀 i prefer sweetie pie LIs . jesse and lisbeth all the way)

[spectersgirl]

Hi love! I’m not entirely sure how you feel about angst (I’m not the biggest fan of it myself) but I had this idea of Harvey making his usual morally grey decisions and reader getting upset with him about it but with like a super fluffy ending because I need that. ♥️

I do like a bit of angst from time to time, this I can do! I'd love to be able to go more into detail on specifics of cases or what would happen as a punishment but unfortunately, my only legal knowledge comes from the show, sooo this is the best I can do :) I hope you like it!!

Faith in Me

Harvey Specter x Reader

-------

"Harvey, this is wrong and you know it!"

"Whose side are you on here? I'm doing my job, Y/N. You know as well as I do that Hopkins doesn't deserve to go to jail for this! He's innocent. It's total bullshit! I find this document and this whole thing goes away."

"Whose side am I on?! Harvey of course I'm on your side, I'm your wife! Of course I know he doesn't deserve to go away for this, but this isn't the right way to do it."

"Y/N, I don't have time for this. I know you don't like this and neither do I, but it's what I have to do to win this goddamn thing. It's a bluff, and it's gonna work."

Harvey was defending a long-time client who was accused of corporate fraud. He knew this client wasn't guilty, the accuser had been shady the whole way through, and you believed Harvey but this wasn't sitting right with you. You were terrified of the consequences Harvey's actions could cause.

You now stood from the couch in your and Harvey's shared home, pacing through your living room.

"You're manufacturing evidence! Harvey, what if they find out. Do you understand what that means? What this could do to you? To us?" Tears threatened to fall from your eyes now. You both loved and hated the fact that Harvey was willing to fight to the death for what he believed in. It's what made him an incredible lawyer, and an incredible protector as your husband, but it scared the shit out of you when he was willing to cross lines and commit crimes to get what he needed.

He didn't respond. He only sat, watching you carefully, deciding what to say next.

Harvey knew from the first case he'd taken after you joined the firm how you felt about his grey areas and the lines he crossed, and until he met you he never thought twice about doing it. He absolutely hated disappointing you, but he hated losing cases, too. He knew his client deserved to win, but he had to cut a deal to keep this guy out of jail, and he knew the only way to get one was to 'find' this document.

When he finally spoke, he was quieter.

"You know I know what could happen. I'm telling you it won't. I need to do what I do. Please, just have faith in me." His voice wavered, and that was all it took for you to break down. Tears streamed down your cheeks and burned in your throat as you spoke.

"Harvey, I will always have faith in you, I love you. I always will. But I couldn't live with myself if I didn't at least try to talk you out of this and something happened to you because nobody else had the nerve to tell you that this is a bad idea."

Harvey stood now. He held out as long as get could, but he couldn't handle seeing you like that any longer. He pulled you into his arms and rubbed your back soothingly.

"I know this is hard for you. I'm sorry. It's gonna be okay." He whispered, kissing the top of your head.

"Promise me." You said quietly.

He pulled back, taking you at arm's length and looking deep into your eyes.

"Y/N, I promise. And you know I don't make promises I can't keep."

"Okay. Then if this is what you have to do, I'm behind you."

He searches your face for any signs of hesitation and for the first time tonight, since he told you his plan, he didn't find one.

"You trust me?" He asked earnestly.

"If I didn't trust you, I wouldn't have married you." you replied, a small smile appearing on your face.

It was Harvey's turn to smile now.

"Thank you." he whispered, wiping the tears from your face and leaning down to kiss you.

The kiss was full of relief. He felt lighter than he had all day. Not because he'd won the argument, but that he still had your faith in him.

[kabloswrld]

FANFIC IDEA

Idk I feel like I been going crazy over this idea ( plus my love for Cody Rhodes growing each day ) ALSO I'm not gifted enough to make this a reality so if anyone is willing to make it I would be so happy

- I was envisioning this as a plus size reader ( maybe black too but I might be pushing it 😓)

But I don't really see a lot of plus size wrestlers reader so 🤷🏾‍♀️🫣

ALSO PLEASE MAKE THIS A SERIES 🛐 begging

IF CONFUSING OR HAVE QUESTIONS PLEASE ASK I DID WRITE THIS AT 4am SOOO YEA

So imma like bullet point it so it's easier for writers to add or take away stuff but this is like the main plot idea(s) I had in mind

Cody and reader have been seen backstage getting close by triple h, getting the idea of a love storyline. So he tested it out by having reader and Cody do a promo (them flirting but like bickering kinda idk) with it getting positive reactions

Triple h asking Cody and reader their thoughts on the idea with both Cody and reader like idk but quickly agreeing to it anyways

They do a couple promos, ringside etc picking up on hints of them getting closer and closer and starting or care for each other on a deeper level ( i want to say that Cody falls in love first but reader starts to quickly after not being as revealing in it as Cody is but reader is more subtle with it )

But it all comes to a head when Rhea picks up on reader and Cody's closeness challenging her to a match ( I want to say that reader as already been butting heads with Rhea ) the match being that if Rhea won reader won't be able to interfere with anything that has to do with judgement day and Cody and his group ( Seth,Sami, jey and Randy ) and if reader does then they can't go for the women's world championship until after wrestlemania.

Reader would lose the fight. But Cody wouldn't know about the stipulation UNTIL Cody had a match with Dominic with Rhea coming out to jump Cody ( causing a DQ ) with reader watching nothing knowing what do it ( a manger would remind user of the stipulation but reader doesn't care if it meant helping Cody and protecting him from a possible injury) so reader goes out there ( maybe with a chair or something) defending Cody, checking on him calling for help.

It won't be until a week ( or more then a week up to y'all ) that Cody would find out about the stipulation when Cody and reader win a match against Rhea and Dominic. Both Cody and reader are heading up the ramp when Rhea is handed a mic as she tells Cody about the stipulation rubbing it in readers face.

Cody he walks off mad, upset, he felt like it was his fault. He wasn't strong enough so you had to go out there to save him and cost you your chance. Reader catches up with him basically telling him that it wasn't his fault and that it was their decision and he shouldn't feel that way and how they hate when he's mad at them. ( I had the idea of Rhea joking calling Cody reader's boyfriend and Cody mentions it and reader plays dumb confusing Cody )

Causing Cody to be in his head it would be until he's in the locker room with Sami, jey, Seth and Randy did they talk to him asking what's up and Cody is like "do yall think reader actually likes me???" And they're like "ofc!!!" With Randy ( who wasn't really speaking comes out of nowhere) "dude she throw away her chance for the championship for you🙄"

OKAY IM YAPPING BUT LIKE. Maybe they get Naomi and bianca involved on how to ask reader out and well the rest is up to y'all I would to see this as a series !!

[strayrumia]

Road to Relationship (Ch. 3)

lee know x fem!reader

Synopsis: [Y/N] and Minho have been best friends since childhood. The two have never talked about the possibility of a romantic relationship between them, but then again, why risk losing a friendship? As they continue their college years, [Y/N] starts to take interests in the guys around her. Unbeknownst to [Y/n], her best friend may actually take that risk the more she goes after guys who don't really deserve her. - or - [Y/N] starts to crush on other guys, but Minho doesn't like the idea of other guys being beside her romantically but him.

Follow these best friends as they navigate their feelings for one another!

Genre(s): fluff, best friends to lovers, angst, love triangles Other tags: jealous/possessive minho, bts side story, fake texts au, semi-social media au + written Content Warning(s): swearing, suggestive themes, mention(s) of forgetting to eat/take care of yourself -> will be updated every chapter!

You stood nervously outside of the AYCE restaurant that Chan had told you about. Although he gave you that suggestion a few days ago that you should do a group hangout with Jungkook and your own respective friends to make things more comfortable for you, you decided last minute that it'd be best to keep this a small session just between you two. You didn't want to act as if you were both friends right away so you initiated a lunch between you two which, to your luck, Jungkook had agreed to!

You dressed pretty but casual and wore light make-up. After all, as much as you wanted to look nice for him, you didn't want to scare him away and go all out on this one hangout. You looked over the menu of the restaurant when you heard a masculine voice call your name, prompting you to turn to the source.

There he is, Jeon Jungkook, in all his handsome glory.

Although he dressed in a simple black graphic hoodie, ripped jeans, and some branded shoes, had his hair slightly parted, he still looked as good as ever. It was hard not to stare at such an attractive man, but you made sure your gaze didn't linger for long.

After quick small talk, you both entered the restaurant and eventually sat at your table, letting the server prepare your table with side dishes. You were able to converse with Jungkook as you ordered and ate, and ultimately, it felt as if it was a normal, natural hangout. 'Things are going pretty well so far!' You thought happily to yourself as you bit into a freshly cooked piece of brisket.

"So, [Y/N], the project... do you really believe that it's better to date an acquaintance over your best friend?" The question itself was so unexpected, it made you nearly choke on the meat you were in the process of chewing.

Jungkook must've noticed your subtle reaction because he immediately waved his hand in front of him apologetically. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean it in a bad way. If you believe that, that's okay! I was just curious because the way you defended your piece that day was amazing. It felt as if you experienced something that encouraged the side is all... b-but you don't have to answer if it's too uncomfortable for you!"

You thought back to that day where you both had the debate. You remembered how much you wanted to win the debate, but at the end, you reflected more than anything from the points Jungkook had countered with.

"You'd be with someone you've known your whole life, the one who knows you well enough that they wouldn't betray your trust."

"Oh, but you mentioned that your best friend is essentially your other half. The idea is still likely, is it not?"

"Then the only things you're worried about are the fears of losing your close friend due to romantic interest and rejection."

"Well, I had what I thought was a relationship a little while ago. It was with someone who I used to consider really close to me. To spare you the details, they were someone who didn't treat me as well as I thought I did... and now we're no longer friends." You replied, unfortunately remembering the person you were with. You quickly looked up to him with an uneasy smile as you continued. "Don't worry about me, Jungkook! Honestly, it was for the best we're no longer together nor are we friends. After all, that person was a walking red flag! Haha..."

Jungkook listened silently and attentively as he watched you with a worried expression. "Anyway, I don't miss the person as much as I used to back then. If anything, I just think of it sadly because of the pain I went through, but now I know what I should've been looking for right?"

"Someone who you don't know so you don't have to feel attached?" he answered immediately. You sadly looked at him with a smile and nodded.

"Yes. Why should I try for someone close to me ever again? That person was a close friend of mine who I eventually caught feelings for. I don't want to feel that again - no, I don't want to risk it again. I don't want to take the chance of getting with a friend just to lose them all over again. I don't think I can take that risk..."

You thought about your close friends, especially the ones you've turned to as of lately.

Chan's a great friend as always and you're more than open to ever being in a relationship with him, but unfortunately as much as he would be someone you would trust, you aren't attracted to him. You can't deny that he is an attractive and kind man but you also just don't have the romantic feelings for him. He's been a big brother to you for as long as you can remember. Speaking of Chan, you usually spent time with him alongside Minho and your two other mutuals. Felix was definitely a sweetie and you've definitely thought about him in that way before, but you've always saw him gamed with him that you just enjoyed your mutual bonding with a gaming buddy. Minho and -

"Thank you for opening up to me, [Y/n]. I know doing that must be really hard to do, especially since we're not really that close - actually, that might've been easier if you saw me as a stranger, heh. What you're feeling is completely valid and I don't blame you for thinking that way. You must've been through a lot to get to where you are."

Jeon Jungkook, man. You just can't help how much you admire this man. How can such a being be real? Despite being complete strangers even though you've had mutual classes together, he never made you feel judged or anything. He's definitely a kind guy, inside and out.

"But you know, life is pretty short, but we're also really young. That experience you've had must've been a really bad one, but the world is big. Life itself has a lot of risks, it's just up to you to take them or even fight for what you want." He's right. When your situationship ended, you didn't want to put up a fight, but nor did they even try. You had already learned that there was no point in trying for someone who wouldn't give you the same effort back. You knew it, you would only fight for someone who would fight for you back, unlike that partner. "Plus, there's definitely someone out there who'll understand you and treat you the way you deserve to be treated. Who knows? Maybe you've already met them and you just don't know it."

"I don't know about that. Besides... what if you're ever interested in pursuing someone that might not be entirely a stranger? Like you've seen them enough to know their name and face, but now it's just up to you to take the chance and learn who they really are. " You said that with the intention to counter his statement, but when the words left your mouth, you immediately remembered the situation you're in. You're eating KBBQ with your groupmate- your crush. The very person you were nervous about having this lunch with. 'Wow, this guy really is good...' He was able to make conversations with you so naturally that you forgot you were trying to get to know him for your group project.

"I don't think I'd want to get with a stranger. It's better for me to get to know someone. Once we're friends and become closer, then I'll be able to tell what kind of person they are. That's why for me, I'd rather go for someone who's already within my circle of friends."

Feeling your chances get broken down was an understatement. It took you a lot of courage to even ask out the guy to this lunch, but knowing you have to become closer friends with him to even become a potential option to date? You were hoping to just be lucky with a few more dates before he might have a similar spark with you, but to know that you as an acquaintance has no chance until you worked for it? Honestly, it felt like a challenge - one you weren't sure you wanted to take, but Jungkook was someone you thought might be an exception. After all, it felt as if the time was right when you've learned Jungkook was in your same class again. If you couldn't befriend him the first time, then maybe this is the time to do so now.

Before you could respond to his answer, you got a text from your roommate. You were lucky to have a good friend as a roommate because you were able to save the troubles from the horror stories you've heard about when finding roommates for an apartment. You had earlier asked her if she can pick you up once your lunch was over since you had decided to take public transportation to get to the restaurant in order to save money and gas. Unfortunately in this case, she had just texted you that she was unable to pick you up as something came up in her extracurricular.

You looked up at Jungkook who resumed eating the last of his portions and shook your head mentally. There was no way you were going to ask him to give you a ride home. You would feel bad for having him to do so, but you also did not want this to be the way to leave things off with him on your first ever hangout.

The only one who was free today that you could recall was Minho. With that, you immediately shot him a text.

As you two finished your round of meat, you were able to divert the conversation so that you got to learn a bit more about Jungkook. You learned that he was currently a Graphic Design major, but was looking into doing architecture more despite his love for drawing. He was also doing sports on the side as a hobby. He talked about his hobbies with so much love and passion, you couldn't stop your cheeks from hurting from how much it made you happy to hear him gush.

Eventually the two of you had finished eating, split the bill and had just exited the restaurant when you saw Minho standing outside his car, leaning against it while he scrolled through his phone waiting for you. You also couldn't help but notice how many people walked by and often stopped and stared at him. It made something in you churn a little inside, but it quickly went away when Minho looked up and saw you, a smile replaced his handsome yet intimidating expression.

"Minho! Thanks for coming to get me! I appreciate you so much-" You exclaimed, immediately running towards him with your arms out so that you can embrace your best friend in gratitude. He returned your embrace while patting your head gently.

"Yeah, yeah, it's fine. At least you're safe with me now. Let's go now." he said, gently separating you two as he gestured to the car.

You nodded in return as you exchanged 'thank you's' and 'goodbyes' to Jungkook, when you paused and remembered your earlier conversation with him. His feelings towards being comfortable in his own circle of friends was just as valid as yours, but for some reason the challenge of pursuing him like that left you unsure yet you couldn't exactly pinpoint why. One thing for sure is that you listened to his words of advice to you very clearly and you wanted to return some back to him.

"Maybe just as you're telling me to be more open to the people around me, maybe I want to tell you to be more open to the strangers or acquaintances you come across."

Jungkook blinked, taken aback, and chuckled in response as he regained his composure. "Is this for the project or for me, [Y/n]?"

"Probably both, but I'll leave that up to your imagination." You said with a playful grin as you got into Minho's car. You got settled in his passenger seat and buckled up when you looked out the window and noticed the two were exchanging a conversation of their own. You smiled unknowingly as you were unable to hear what they were saying but happy to know that Minho was able to see his fellow club member and let them have their own talk for a bit. You went on your phone until Minho got back into the driver seat, got settled, and started to drive.

Before he could even say a word, you immediately told him how the lunch went and the conversations you've had that you could remember, but temporarily omitted the talk you've had about your situationship to Jungkook and his reply in return. You felt that you could tell him about it at a later time, but he should hear the happier, fun things of the lunch.

"Oh! I forgot you guys already knew each other from the beginning, I'm sorry you guys weren't able to chat longer earlier." You recalled the information you learned from Jungkook and felt guilt upon not bringing up Minho at all to him. You knew Minho and Jungkook knew each other, yet you were unable to mention your relationship to Minho so that you could have a mutual conversation about him. He was essentially the bridge between you two!

"It's fine, [Y/n], we see each other all the time because of Dance Club. Don't worry. Besides," he replied, a small smile, yet questioningly cocky, turning his lips. "I told him about all he needed to know."

The expression made you confused but you shrugged it off, assuming he probably was playfully tricking him about something related to Dance Club. You didn't think about it long as he started a new topic with you that immediately took your attention, leaving your initial confusion forgotten.

To be continued...

<- Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 (You are Here) | Chapter 4 ->

Profiles | Masterlist | Prologue

TAGLIST: nappynapnaps jisuperboard kaiyaba navyyyyyys-dumb chaosbell rylea08 thing89

[numbuh-72]

"Rescued Savior Aftermath" - Fanfiction

A nice little conclusion to our fun little comic with @artsygirl0315

Decided to do a small fic due to inspiration by the lovely @kandykatz

While Phoebe started to count down from 10, Alice could only growl and stare at her with shock and surprised. The fact that Alice's tentacles were sliced through...she could only think of one thing that could've done such....Spirit Steel.

Alice: "Ngggh...Y-you are still weak mentally though! I-I could easily take you down right now and-- Gnh?!"

Before Alice could even think about attacking, she felt some...unusual presence...or...presences. She looks deep into Phoebe's eyes and notices two spirits were giving the lesbian tomboy strength to stand up and defend Gianna. This made Alice even more mad and begins to float up in the air.

Alice: "Grrrr....fine...you win this one. Besides, it'll at the least please me that your leader will throw a fit at you for leaving your post...

Phoebe: "...Yeah...he will...but deep down, I would rather not lose another close friend...and....neither would "They"...

Alice growls and soon disappears into black smoke, leaving the two girls alone. Gianna tries to get up but felt too weak. She could only tear up and even give Phoebe a small smile....feeling the reassurance in person. Phoebe turns around and runs up to Gianna, scared and worried. She carefully puts her weapon down, staring into Gianna's eyes.

Phoebe: "Gianna...I.."

Before she could utter a word, Gianna uses her last strength and hugs Phoebe as tight as she could. It was quiet for a couple moments until....she started to cry? Phoebe hears Gianna crying and...even teared up herself....knowing well why Gianna was letting it out. After a few moments, Phoebe started to speak up.

Phoebe: "....Is this what you've been doing the whole time you went missing? Dealing with this demon girl...?"

Gianna could only nod in silence.

Gianna: "...Yes. I didn't say anything to Numbuh 362 or anyone because I know that...everyone's been having a hard time and...I...felt like...I was alone..."

Phoebe's expression slowly grew into a worried look as she continued to listen to Gianna.

Gianna: "Everyone has just...fell apart....Carol has been feeling guilty.....Aiden has been in denial...Renya is just...completely gone....I...."

Gianna shakes a bit, clutching her fists and all of a sudden yells;

Gianna: "...I JUST WANT THINGS TO GO BACK TO NORMAL!"

That is when Gianna cries again, covering her face. Now she was feeling herself go backwards, thinking she was doing well in accepting "Their" deaths. However....that wasn't the case for the most part.

Gianna: "I...was only trying to be the light at the end of the tunnel for all of our friends....after all...I...promised..."Them"...to..do...suchhh....."

It wasn't long until Gianna fell unconscious in Phoebe's arms from the crying and blood loss. Without a second thought, Phoebe picks up Gianna and contacts Jeremiah to have medical supplies ready and be brought to their location. Not long after, he managed to arrive and becomes shocked at the sight of Gianna's state. He immediately works with Phoebe to bandaged up Gianna. Jeremiah pulls out his communicator, about to contact Moonbase to come and pick up Gianna....but Phoebe stops him from doing such.

Jeremiah: "...But, we need to get her real medical attention! She's really hurt..!"

Phoebe: "I know, but...I fear that if we do....she might be on lockdown and won't be able to leave base...ever. After all....she did break a lot of rules since day one.."

Jeremiah: "Then what do you think we should do? You know Tyler won't be allowing us to bring anyone into our base..."

Phoebe: "...We can do our best to tend to her at her own house."

Jeremiah: "...."

Phoebe: "As far as how...I'm unsure, but for now, she has her robot companion....I think her name is...R.I.T.A. What we can do is send her over medical supplies and packages so that way Gianna can be mended properly....somehow."

Jeremiah: "...Will it work though? What if Tyler finds out?"

Phoebe: "....He won't. He will think that these are just parts we are sending to Moonbase like usual."

Jeremiah: "Well...ok then. If you say so..."

With a new plan in motion, the two tended Gianna and got on the ship to take her back to her house. Once they rested her on the bed, they two exchanged looks and left a care package on Gianna's nightstand. Within a few hours, Gianna wakes up in pain and realizes she was in her room. She looks outside and realized it was night time. It wasn't long until her robot companion R.I.T.A. awoke and approached Gianna with the package. When Gianna opened the package, she first pulls out a small letter from both Jeremiah and Phoebe. After reading their letter, she soon pulls out the medical stuff and some...bonus stuff from the two. She could only smile softly and tears fall from her face. She looks out the window and up at the moon....

Meanwhile back at Sector PHP, Phoebe and Jeremiah were outside of their treehouse, watching the night sky as well. Although....Phoebe was pondering something Gianna had said to her before fainting. Jeremiah notices her and tilts his head.

Jeremiah: "...Phoebe..? What's up?"

Phoebe: "Mm....something was...different about Gianna..and what she said to me before passing out....something about keeping a promise."

Jeremiah: "A promise?"

Phoebe: "...Yeah...but...I'll need to ask her once we are....I guess stable enough to know...."

Jeremiah: "Hmm...well, that time better be soon....before Tyler finds out what we are doing...I mean...we did get a scolding from him earlier..."

Phoebe: "....."

Jeremiah: "I'm...gonna try and go to bed...see you in the morning..."

Jeremiah then leaves Phoebe all alone outside, as she continues to ponder the though of who Gianna was talking about....She looks at the sky one last time before going inside herself. Hopefully when the time comes, she can get answers from Gianna and figure out why she was disobeying orders from the start....

END OF STORY

Carol and Aiden belong to @kandykatz

Renya belongs to @numbuhinfinitys

I wanted to do comic again, but sadly haven't had energy to do such--

So wanted to give fanfic writing a shot! Hopefully this was something good to read! Plus it's like 1 AM here so now Imma rest- lol

[yellowkitkieran]

To Have and to Heal (Part 14)

Masterlist

Read part 1 here

Word Count: 2.8k

Summary: Single working dad Martin Odegaard is navigating the ups and downs of parenthood all on his own, and he’s struggling. That’s not to mention football, life and... love?

Martin should be focused on today's match. In less than two hours, he'll be out on the pitch to captain his side. He needs clarity. He needs precision. He needs to stop thinking about you. 

But everywhere he looks, he's reminded of you. He can't bring himself to delete the dozens of photos on his phone or the messages you've sent him. The note you stuck in his duffle one day still hangs in his cubby, shoved between the shelf and the back wall. Martin aches worse now than being plowed over by a defender. How is he expected to lead when he is a husk of who he's meant to be? 

Martin runs a hand through his hair. At no point did he expect to become this attached, to have his mood so dependent on another person. He doesn’t like it, not at all. 

"Mate, you giving this talk or am I?" Kieran's Scottish accent grates on Martin's ears for no good reason. Kieran has been doing that quite a bit lately; he talks quietly about the woman he’s started seeing, and is careful to avoid doing so in Martin’s presence, but it still stings. At least someone on his squad is happy. 

Though grateful for the offer, Martin shakes his head. Team talks ahead of games are his responsibility, and he'll be damned if he misses it because you dumped him. Heartbreak aside, he needs to be the captain his team needs him to be.

So, Martin clamors to his feet. He forces his shaking legs to work, to remain steady, whilst his mind works through the fog surrounding it. Each step he takes towards the center of the sparsely decorated away dressing room feels like he is wading through waist-high molasses. But Martin has always been a fighter, and today is no different. 

“Facing anyone away from home is tough," Martin starts a minute later. He sounds more confident than he feels, which he is grateful for. "Nothing we haven't won before, though. Their fans are harsh but we are strong. We've faced worse and come away with three points. I'm not saying this will be a cakewalk." Martin observes the faces of his teammates, noting which seem hesitant and which are hungry. There's fewer of the former thankfully, which bodes well for their chances. 

"This will be both a physical and mental game. We haven't been challenged like this in over a month. Our last fixtures have been easy wins. No frills, nothing fancy- go back to your roots, the basics. Let's show our gunners what they traveled all this way for!"

Though far more brief than his usual, Martin's words have the desired effect regardless. The lads all clap and cheer, raring to go. Slipping into his matchday headspace is easier now that his teammates are here to lift him up. 

Not that it matters- ten minutes into the match Martin knows they’re done for. Sevilla batters Martin's side, raking them across the coals. A 3-0 loss away in the Champion's League isn't exactly a morale booster. The changing room is quiet after the final whistle blows. Arteta doesn't bother to give any sort of speech. The gaffer lets the silence speak for his disappointment, which somehow hurts more than if he had screamed at them for hours. Martin himself is too caught up in his head; his loose passing led to the goal that sealed their fate tonight, and that's not something he'll forgive himself for any time soon. 

On the ride from the stadium to the airport, Martin turns his phone over in his hand. In a perfect world, you would be at his house comforting Atla right now. The two of you would be cuddled up on his sofa, Atla probably insisting on being wrapped up in the duvet off Martin’s bed- that’s always her favorite on match day. 

The worst thing about an away loss is knowing that Atla’s nanny, bless her heart, won’t be able to keep Atla from crying. She hates seeing Arsenal lose, especially when it’s in the Champion’s League. Her poor nanny is probably frantically attempting to soothe her, though Martin is certain Atla won't calm down until he is home early tomorrow. 

If Martin is sure of anything, it’s that he needs to get his mind off of his lackluster performance. Because if he fixates on it, he’ll be lost in his head for who knows how long. Martin, as the face of his team, needs to be focused on the bigger picture. Arsenal still tops their group, regardless of tonight’s result; though even that knowledge cannot lift his heart enough. 

Messaging you might possibly be the worst idea he's ever had. He convinces himself to tuck his phone away until he's on the plane. There, crammed between the window and a snoozing Aaron, he can no longer resist temptation. Martin connects to the onboard wifi and pulls up your contact. 

He shouldn't. 

It's a bad idea, right? 

Fuck it. 

I miss you. If I asked if you're free tomorrow night what would you say?

Delivered at 21:53. Martin stares at the screen until his eyes grow heavy. The 'no new messages' in the app hangs over his head. When Martin falls asleep against his will, he dreams of titans tumbling from their mountainous perches, crushed under the weight of unmet expectations. 

*********

Leaving Martin's message unread is an exercise in restraint. Your fingers itch to click on it for multiple reasons, not the least of which is genuine curiosity. You know it starts with 'I miss you' and includes some sort of question, though you have no idea what he'd be asking. Maybe he wants the kit he gave you back, but he's too afraid to ask outright. 

Whatever it is, it doesn't matter. It's Monday, which means your students are your focus, not your personal life. Throwing yourself into work has never been a problem; you find small tasks to keep you busy when your students are working quietly in groups. Things like testing whiteboard markers, sharpening pencils, organizing bookshelves. Anything that keeps you busy and on your feet is acceptable at this point. Motion means distraction, and distraction means you don't think about your phone sitting in your bag. 

Your prep period comes and goes without incident, as you plan your entire week of lessons in the hour-long session. Your best friend is absent today, meaning she thankfully doesn't barge in to bother you about your day with Martin. Thank the stars, because you aren't sure you could have that conversation without a breakdown. At least you only have a few more hours until the final bell rings, and then you only need to get through after school care before you can flop on your sofa with a container of ice cream. 

Your stomach ties itself in knots as you set up the gymnasium like you normally do. Coloring pages are laid out on the plastic picnic table, footballs are scattered around a child-sized goal, and snacks are set out for kids to grab as they come in. You keep yourself as busy as possible whilst they arrive. You recognize Atla’s laugh rising above her friend’s voices and force yourself to remain seated. After successfully avoiding speaking to Atla for nearly an hour, a glance at the clock confirms your fear: her guardian is late for pick up.

"Hey, Atla," you murmur, crouching down to her level and keeping your voice light. You're fully aware of how she bristles when you speak, her little shoulders going rigid. "Is your papa picking you up today?"

"I don't know." Atla turns her head slightly away, a frown tugging at the corners of her mouth. It isn’t her responsibility to know who is meant to pick her up, but if you can avoid calling Martin to clarify…

You sigh through your nose while offering the child a smile, "do you remember him saying anything about pick up today? If someone different was coming by, maybe your uncle Kieran?"

Atla shrugs, continuing to color her cotton candy bunny. She sighs, purposely not offering you a pencil like she normally does. You know why, of course. You can’t exactly blame her for being frosty. 

Rationalizing with children is no simple feat. It isn't your place to sit down and explain to Atla what dating is, and why it isn't a sin for Martin to be dating her teacher. She's a toddler, and in her mind her mum will be coming back. Her mum would be devastated to find Martin with someone else, and that's all that matters to Atla. 

Instead of talking, you communicate in Atla's language. You pick up a purple pencil on your own and leaf through the printouts until you find one of a frog, then set about coloring it in. Atla pauses, clearly curious about your design, and watches you with bright blue eyes. You let her, wanting to repair the relationship you have with her above all else. It doesn't matter that your heart aches when you look at her and see Martin's features in her delicate face; she is a student and you love her the same as the rest.

You draw bright polka dots across the frog, determined to communicate in an easy, stress free way. Atla is an artist and as such, regardless of her age, her mind is soothed by creativity. You allow yourself to relax as Atla shows no signs of rejecting your companionship. You are all too aware of her eyes on you, following each streak of color you lay onto the page. It is an effort to remain quiet, letting the soft music playing from your desk across the room fill the silence. 

Finally, Atla squeaks out a question- "why were you kissing my papa?"

You mull the question over for a minute. You could lie, try and convince her that she had made it up. That would not be fair to anyone, especially Atla. No, the truth is best, especially because she will find out sooner or later. "Because I care about your papa very much. He means a lot to me, and that’s how I wanted to show him."

"You do?" Atla pauses to look up at you. “But I care about my friends a lot. I don’t kiss them! Papa said that’s only for people you love.” You afford her your undivided attention, setting your pencil down and sliding the page aside. Conscious of your body language, you refrain from crossing your arms to avoid closing yourself off. You have to be careful with what you say; the last thing you want is to admit your feelings to Martin’s tiny daughter. 

"Yes, I do. I care about your papa. You know how sometimes in films, when the princess is really sad, the prince comes along and cheers her right up? That's what your papa is for me." 

Atla's brow furrows like she's trying to picture it. She then sorts through the stack of coloring pages and pulls out one of Ariel and Eric, tapping the half-scribbled sheet, "like princess Ariel and her prince?"

You nod, thankful for her understanding. "Exactly. And I care about your papa so much that I'd let a sea witch take my voice," you lean over and pretend to grab at Atla, imitating stealing her voice from her throat like in the film. You continue when a delighted giggle fills the room, "and use it for her own plans. I'd be quiet my whole life if it meant I could be around your papa."

"I like when you talk. I don't want a sea witch to steal your voice." 

"Well then I'll just have to protect it won't I? Can't have you getting upset!" You playfully tap Atla's nose, earning you another giggle. Her wide smile has her dimples on full display, a sight which you admit you’ve missed almost as much as her pa’s.

Martin clears his throat from across the gym. That funny feeling in your stomach reappears with a vengeance. 

“Pa? Pa!” Atla's head turns and she immediately clamors over to him, her knee knocking the table in her haste to get up. Pencils roll to the ground and you bend to pick them up, forcing yourself to keep your eyes on your task and not on Martin. So studious are you that you refuse to look up even when a pair of black trainers edge into your view, followed closely by a pair of tiny white ones. 

“Hello,” Martin murmurs. Your entire body tenses at the sound of his voice. You haven't realized how viscerally you've missed it until you hear it. 

“Hello Mr. Ødegaard.” 

Martin doesn't speak just then. He doesn't need to; the title you've used says more than a thousand words ever could. 

Square one. 

“I apologize for being late. Training ran long,” Martin says with perfect formality. Gone is the hint of flirting you had come to expect. There are no traces of fondness. Instead his words are punctuated by an undercurrent of mourning. 

“It’s not a problem. Don't fret about it. Atla’s bag is on the coat hook- these are hers from today.” When you stand to hand over the drawings, you train your eyes on the crest on Martin's chest. You refuse to glance any higher. If you do, you know you won't be able to control yourself. One glance at his eyes and you'll crumble, and you cannot allow yourself to be so selfish. 

“Atla, grab your things please.” 

“Yes, pa.” Atla's little footsteps ring through the gymnasium, piercing in the silence. You and Martin both remain frozen, as your feet are glued to the polished wood beneath your feet. Your heart is an ocean in your ears. It pounds on your ribcage, begging and pleading to be set loose. Your fingers twitch at your side, joints aching to reach for him. You crave the familiarity of his lips, the burn that washed over you with each tiny kiss you shared. 

“You got my message the other day, right?”

“Oh- yes I saw something from you. I didn't read it though. Just got so busy, I must have forgotten.” Your stomach flips when Martin's posture slumps ever so slightly. You nearly reach out to comfort him but stop yourself at the last moment. 

“Right, of course.” Martin shifts on his feet, glancing at Atla quietly stacking cones. “I was trying to ask if you had some free time this week. Thought maybe we could do something.” 

You think back on the conversation you just had with Atla. Though she is incredibly mature for her age, you still don't feel right about having anything other than a professional relationship with Martin. “Mar I'm sorry, I can't-”

“Of course, I understand. Just thought I'd try one more time.” Martin smiles softly. The gesture does not reach his eyes. Martin looks so unlike himself, so timid and small, that you scarcely recognize him. “Atla, are you ready søta? It's time we get home, uncle Kieran is coming by to steal your chicken nuggets. We have to get there first or there won't be any left for you!”

“I told uncle Key those were mine!” Atla screeches, stomping over to Martin and grabbing his hand. “Come on pa! We have to go!” 

Neither father nor daughter glance at you as they make their way out. You remain rooted to the spot long after Atla's laughter fades. Cleaning up and locking the door upon your exit are the result of simply going through the motions. Muscle memory takes you home, barely remembering snips of the drive. 

The emptiness in your heart remains long after you have sunk yourself in a warm bath, wine glass in hand. Not red, never a red anymore, because you cannot stand the color. Even a deep merlot reminds you of him, of sharing that bottle in front of his fireplace the first night he’d invited you inside to chat. Neither of you had wanted to leave, though you reminded him that you had to be up early in the morning. 

The pinkish washcloth you run over your arms was once a vibrant cherry red. Even that stings more than you care to admit. More wine, another glass, anything to stave off the tears threatening to fall. Why did you have to say yes to that first date? Why did you cross that line, blurring the boundary between professional and personal?

It takes one more glass of wine before you find yourself reaching for your phone, splattering soapy suds across the tile.

Could we talk? 

[wrestlingisfake]

Wrestle Dynasty preview

Half of this card is effectively a spoiler for last night's show, so watch out for spoilers.

Also, I thought this show was going to overlap with AEW Collision, but it looks like Collision airs 8-10pm EST, and the Wrestle Dynasty pre-show starts at 10pm EST. So unless AEW does a big overrun, it's fine!

Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Ricochet - Sabre is defending the IWGP world title. On November 4, both Shota Umino and Ricochet challenged Sabre for the belt. Last night, Zack took care of Shota, and now it's Ricochet's turn. Ricochet grew up in Paducah; I'm guessing this is the first time anyone from Kentucky has ever headlined the Tokyo Dome.

Cagematch lists seven singles bouts between these two, between 2013 and 2017. Sabre leads the series with four wins, but Ricochet won their last three encounters. Of course, that was all before Sabre joined NJPW full-time, and Ricochet signed with WWE. Both men are older and wiser today, but the fundamentals of the matchup haven't changed--it's a noodly grapply guy versus a speedy flippy guy.

Over in AEW, Ricochet has been trying real hard to be a contemptible jackass, to the point that fans pelted him with toilet paper in the Hammerstein Ballroom. It's not clear if the New Japan crowd will be as hostile to him. (For example, Konosuke Takeshita would get booed in the US just for bringing Don Callis out with him, but last night nobody in Japan seemed to mind.) I'm curious if Ricochet will try to work as a heel, or if he'll just go whichever way the crowd leads him.

It would be remarkable if Sabre drops the title tonight, less than 24 hours after crushing Umino's dreams. But I just don't see it happening. Putting the IWGP world belt on an AEW guy is a cool idea, but they just did it last year with Jon Moxley, and Ricochet is no Jon Moxley. I expect Sabre to retain here, and take the world title to San Jose against Hechicero, and Osaka against (presumably) Hirooki Goto.

Gabe Kidd vs. Kenny Omega - Kidd is the STRONG men's champion, but the title isn't on the line in this match. This is Omega's first match since December 5, 2023; ten days after that, he announced he had been hospitalized for diverticulitis.

To hype his in-ring return, Kenny did a media tour in Japan a couple of months ago. In an interview he was asked about up-and-coming NJPW wrestlers and namedropped "Greg Kidd." Gabe's whole character is being a fucking psycho with a short fuse, so you can imagine how well he took that. When Omega appeared on the November 4, show, they staged a backstage fight with Kidd, and at that point you knew this match had to happen.

Omega is a big draw for New Japan, and knows how to build himself up as a "final boss" type that shouldn't lose. That being said, Kidd reacts to everything like a soccer hooligan with rabies after you cut him off in traffic, and that energy is enough to make me think he can punch above his weight against anyone. Like, Kenny is going to do his big Final Fantasy entrance and show of his finesse and Gabe is going to fucking throw a chair at his mouth.

The fun thing with Kidd is that, even when his psycho brawling seems to be overwhelming his opponent, his rage and pride work against him, and he makes mistakes that cost him the match. If he ever learns to control that, he'll be unstoppable, but we're years away from that happening. Ordinarily I'd say Omega would be able to weather the storm for a surefire victory. But if Kidd hits Omega RIGHT IN THE DIVERTICULITIS~! (and they've made it clear that will happen), then there's a logical way for Kenny to put Gabe over. As far as I'm concerned, this match is too close to call.

Yota Tsuji vs. Jack Perry - Tsuji won the IWGP global title last night, so this is his first defense. This match was made weeks ago, when Perry laid out Tsuji on November 8. I guess Perry is mad that he didn't win the New Japan Cup, and Tsuji did? Or maybe Jack sees Tsuji as the kind of smiling popular babyface that he used to try to be. It probably doesn't matter.

Perry has been absent from AEW ever since he lost the TNT championship. It is implied, but not directly stated, that he has joined his cohorts Matt and Nick Jackson in hiding, "working from home" to avoid a run-in with Jon Moxley's Death Riders. This match might give us some insight into what's next for the little guy, but I sort of doubt it.

Giving Perry the win wouldn't be a bad thing, except Tsuji literally just won the title, after two years of half-assed stop-start pushes. I need Yota to just win for a few months, dammit. Even though Jack's whole deal is spoiling everything, I choose to believe this will be like the scene in Jurassic Park where they feed the goat to the T. rex.

Matt Jackson & Nick Jackson vs. Great-O-Khan & Jeff Cobb vs. Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi - This is a three-way tag team match for the vacant IWGP heavyweight tag team title. So each team gets a corner, and only two men can legally be in the ring. Anyone from any team can tag one of the legal men to get into the match. The first man to score a pinfall or submission on any opponent will win the match and the title for his team.

Weeks ago, the Young Bucks (Matt and Nick) declared their intention to win the tag title on this show. At the time, it wasn't even clear who they'd be challenging for the title, since World Tag League was still in progress, and everybody expected the winners of that tournament to challenge for O-Khan and HENARE for the title on January 4. Then New Japan just announced O-Khan & HENARE vs. the Bucks on this show, as if World Tag League and Wrestle Kingdom were irrelevant.

Then Henare was injured, so the champs had to pull out of the tournament and vacate the belts. Naito and Hiromu won World Tag League and decided not to challenge for the tag title at all, I guess? So we ended up with O-Khan and a mystery partner versus the Bucks. Then, less than 24 hours before this match, Khan revealed Cobb as his partner, and challenged Naito and Hiromu to join the match and make it a three-way. Okay? Why didn't they just make it a three-way last month? I don't understand.

If any AEW talent on this show is going to win a New Japan title tonight, I think the Bucks make the most sense. I like O-Khan and Cobb but there's no reason to think they're so special that they need to win this match; I'm not even sure why they're here expect to get them on the show. Naito and Hiromu would be fun as the tag champs, but if that was the plan they sure tried real hard to act like nobody came up with that plan until the last minute. So I have no idea who the favorites are in this one. Welp, when in doubt, pick the Bucks to win.

Konosuke Takeshita vs. Tomohiro Ishii - Ishii is challenging for the NEVER title and the AEW international championship. For weeks the build to this weekend has been Takeshita vs. Shingo Takagi, winner take all, on January 4, and then the winner goes on to defend against Ishii. I like Ishii a lot, but having him waiting for two top champions to fight over which one gets to fight him seems odd. Clearly the goal was for Takeshita to fight two heavy-hitting mean guys, one right after the other, but they couldn't just say that without giving away the outcome of the Takagi match. This should be fun, but there's no way Ishii is going to beat Takeshita.

Shota Umino vs. Claudio Castagnoli - Jon Moxley sent a video in to New Japan, where he explained that Claudio was coming to this show to send Shota a "message." Reading between the lines, Mox mentored Umino for years in New Japan, but now Mox is a supervillain in AEW, so it stands to reason he's pissed that Umino is a babyface that wouldn't approve of Mox's war on "complacency." The bottom line is that Castagnoli is here to beat the fuck out of Shota. Umino has been working through an ankle injury and he's 24 hours removed from a huge loss to Zack Sabre. He'll be dead meat if he doesn't pull himself together, and I'm not confident that he can.

It feels like the long-term direction is to set up Moxley vs. Umino, but if they don't want to do it here, in the Tokyo Dome, I can't believe they're going to do it any time soon. It's conceivable that Claudio will "convince" Shota to see things Mox's way and align with the Death Riders. But the safer bet is that Shota will remember his principles and valiantly defeat the bad guy for all the kids out there.

David Finlay vs. Brody King - Brody called out Finlay weeks ago, before we knew this wasn't going to be an IWGP global title match. Without the belt this feels like it's just sort of there, although I like both guys and I love the idea of them savagely beating the piss out of each other. Now that Finlay has put over Yota Tsuji, there's less of a need to protect him, so King might just be able to put him away and send him further into a downward spiral. On the other hand, if Finlay was going to lose here, I think AEW would have sent a bigger name to beat him. I think this could go either way.

Mercedes Mone vs. Mina Shirakawa - This is a double title match. Shirakawa is defending the RevPro British women's title, which was unified with the Queen of Southside title in 2023, so that's why she carries two belts for one championship. Mone is putting the STRONG women's title on the line, but the AEW TBS title is not involved. Basically, if Mercedes wins she gets all of the belts, but if Mina wins she will only get one of Mone's belts.

Mercedes has been on a roll lately with two great bouts against Kris Statlander, and an even better match against Hazuki. I figure there's no reason this match can't be on that level. Then again, being the third match on the main card works against them--I can't picture the bookers giving them 20-30 minutes to steal the show. I could see this match going either way, but my gut says it's about time for Mone to drop some of her hardware, and there may never be a better place to do it than in the Tokyo Dome.

Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Katsuyori Shibata - This match was made last night, when Shibata did a run-in to save Tanahashi from the House of Torture. Twenty years ago, Tana, Shibata, and Shinsuke Nakamura were dubbed the "New Musketeers," and they lived up to the hype by leading New Japan into its glory years. Now Tana is kicking off his retirement tour, and Shibata wants one last match.

If people act like they thought they'd never see this match again, that's because they almost didn't. During a 2017 match, Shibata suffered a nearly fatal hematoma in his brain due to his brutal headbutts. His career looked to be over, but he returned for a pair of exhibition grappling matches in late 2021 and early 2022. In the second match, he appeared to go into business for himself and demanded a normal match, and I'm still not sure if that was just part of the show. Either way, it seemed like New Japan benched Shibata, and it felt like he had to go to AEW/ROH to resume even a part-time in-ring career.

This is the kind of match where sentiment is more important than who should go over. I could see Tana putting over the guy who's not retiring, or Shibata doing the honors so Tana can celebrate with the crowd. It really makes no difference what they do here.

Lucha gauntlet match - This is supposed to be an eight-man gauntlet, so two men will start the match and each additional man will enter at one-minute intervals. The match can end before all the participants have entered, but I'm guessing it won't. All we know about the participants is that four will be from the NJPW roster, and four will be coming in from CMLL. Dave Meltzer reported that most of the top names in CMLL are booked in Mexico, and only a handful of key guys would be available for this match. So I guess maybe Hechicero might be here, but it seems far more likely that we're getting four NJPW midcarders and four CMLL midcarders.

This match clearly exists to give us a hot opener for the main card, and to justify putting the CMLL logo on the advertising. Other than that, nothing about the match matters. I think a CMLL guy should win, but that's hard to say for sure when I don't even know who's in the match.

Dustin Rhodes & Sammy Guevara vs. SHO & Yoshinobu Kanemaru - This is scheduled as the second kickoff match. The Sons of Texas (Rhodes and Guevara) are defending the ROH tag team title. This is Sammy's first match in the Tokyo Dome; Dustin was last here in 1993, about six months before Sammy was born. Sho and Nobu are obviously in this match to put the champs over.

Athena vs. Willow Nightingale vs. Persephone vs. Momo Watanabe - This is set to be the opening match in the kickoff. This is a four-way match, and the final of the International Women's Cup tournament. Whoever scores the first pinfall or submission over any opponent will win the match. Athena's ROH women's world championship is not at stake.

The winner will earn a title shot, apparently for any women's championship available in New Japan, AEW, CMLL, Stardom, ROH, and maybe RevPro for all I know. I'd say Athena is the heavy favorite, but I don't know what she needs with a title shot. Willow would be my pick, although that's without knowing much about Watanabe or Persephone. So I expect this match to surprise me one way or another.