#if I have even one more classmate tell me about how great the military is and how they pay historians with MA’s rlly well

[heterophobique]

It’s soooo weird going to a uni that focuses on military and war history like biiiitch I hate it here for real

[nexo-cuffs88]

Army vs. Navy

After a long break, there is finally a new story. I hope you like it.

Coach: "Come on, Matthew, take this Navy guy down! You can do it!"

You have your opponent under you. He fights you as best he can, but you are stronger, better, an army wrestler. It's your first fight today and it's against a Navy guy. The Army and Navy have a long standing rivalry in wrestling and you can't let a Navy wrestler beat you in your first match. So you do your best to dominate your opponent, as you will do with all of your other opponents in this tournament, and bring Army another victory. And then it happens, your opponent makes a mistake. You grab him under the shoulders and throw him onto his back.

*whistle*

The fight is over.

Matthew: *At the end I score some more points, hopefully it's enough for the win.*

You take off your headgear and go to the referee. Your opponent follows you. The referee grabs your arm and yanks it in the air.

Matthew: *Yes, won! I can do this!*

The Navy wrestler approaches you.

Navy: "Good fight. Good luck."

Matthew: "Thanks, you too."

You shake hands. He turns around and leaves. You can't resist and look at his ass. His beautiful navy blue wrestling singlet sets the scene perfectly. You have the feeling that the Navy team's singlets always fit perfectly, they have no flaws and you can see every muscle of the wrestlers. You realize when you think about the Navy Team singlets that you are getting a borner. The tight material of the singlet hugs everything, including your dick. You look down at yourself and see that you are completely hard and you also see a stain.

Matthew: *Man, is that what I think it is? I thought I would have gotten it under control by now.*

You decide to go to the locker room to wash out the stain before anyone notices. Once in the locker room, you make sure you are alone. You go into the bathroom and take off your singlet. You stand naked in front of the mirror and wash out your singlet. The Army does not allow it's wrestlers to wear anything as underwear under their singlet when wrestling. Not even a jockstrap. They think underwear restricts movement while wrestling. You also believe that the Navy team also has such rules. Otherwise their singlets wouldn't fit so well. You are finished and go to the dryer to dry your singlet. Then you put it back on and go outside. You pull your left strap over your shoulder when you hear a voice behind you.

???: "Matthew, is that you?"

You turn around. It's Spencer, an old classmate and apparently a Navy wrestler.

Matthew: "Hey Spencer, how's it going. We haven't seen each other for ages. I didn't realize you were in the military and on the Navy wrestling team."

Spencer: "I can say the same for you. I wrestled at least in high school and college, so it's obvious that I'll continue to wrestle. But you used to just watch. Apparently your obsession with wrestling singlet's was so great that you took up wrestling."

Matthew: "But, what? How?"

Spencer: "Why are you so surprised? Did you think I wouldn't notice? You always said you were interested in wrestling, but the truth is you only paid attention to the singlet's. Come on, when we were talking, you couldn't not look at my cock and ass. Now don't act like it's the worst secret? You can see it even now or can you explain to me why you have a stain on your crotch?"

Matthew: "Is that all? Did you stalk me just to confront me about it?"

Spencer: "Oh no, of course not. If I wanted to, I could have confronted you in college."

Matthew: "Then what do you want?"

Spencer: "I want to tell you a secret."

Matthew: "What are you doing? Why would you do that?"

Spencer: "Think about it, I know a secret about you and that's why I want to give you one back. It's about your last fight. I saw you checking out your opponent. You love watching us Navy wrestlers in our singlets."

Matthew: "That's... That's not... Not true!"

Spencer: "Oh yes, you do! And do you know why I know that? Because it's intentional. Our coach has the ability to turn men into wrestling singles. That's why they always look too good. They're not normal singlets, they're all singlet obsessed guys, like you. And they have an aura that attracts other obsessed guys, so we're always finding new candidates to become our singlets."

He smiles at you.

Matthew: "What nonsense, there's no such thing!!! You're crazy!"

Spencer: "Are you sure, Matthew? Would you like to try it out? Coach gave me some of his power to transform you. I still need a new singlet and you're the best person for it. Trust me, you'll love it."

He holds his hand in your direction and you see a light shining. You feel so weak. You try to hold onto a locker, but a force pulls you down and you see your skin slowly turning blue.

Spencer: "And Matthew, do you still think it won't work?"

You can no longer speak and your eyes go black. The next thing you know, Spencer is holding you up.

Spencer: "Wow, Matthew, you look so nice. It will be an honor to wear you."

He lays you down on the bench and takes off his own singlet. He's actually wearing nothing but underwear. He picks you up and climbs into you with his legs.

Spencer: "Don't worry, you can still feel, see, taste, smell and hear everything that's going on around you, but you can't speak anymore and moving, well, that's going to be difficult for you too."

He pulls you over his cock and ass and puts your straps over his shoulders. You notice where your face is placed.

Spencer: "How do you feel? How do you feel about my cock in your mouth? That's why we never get crotch marks like you just did. The singlets absorb all bodily fluids, including my precum. Let's try it out right now. My match is coming up and you will support me. Not that you have any other choice. Navy will win, not Army."

He walks back out of the locker room with you. The referee approaches Spencer.

Referee: "Hey, have you seen Matthew? He's gone into the locker room."

Spencer: "Yes, he had an emergency and had to leave. I should tell his coach."

Referee: "That's a shame. He had a good chance of winning."

Matthew: *That's not true, what are you doing?*

You try to shout. But the only thing you can do is move a little.

Spencer: "Oh Matthew, why are you so restless? Don't you like your new shape? Whatever. I can feel that you're getting upset. You're just tickling my muscles and well, my cock and I don't think you want to know what happens if you take it too far. So be a good singlet and calm down."

He goes to your coach and tells him that you had to leave.

Coach: "Good, thanks for the information. Good luck with your match."

He walks to the mat and waits for his opponent. The match begins and Spencer immediately attacks his opponent and manages to lay on top of him.

You feel his cock penetrating his opponent's ass. He rubs his cock along it and you feel his precum dripping into your mouth. The match continues and he starts to sweat. You feel and smell everything. It's an overwhelming feeling. Spender grabs his opponent and brings him down. Now he lies on top of him and tries to push his shoulders to the ground. His opponent's mouth touches Spencer's nipples and you feel all the movements of his mouth.

He manages to push his opponent's shoulders to the floor. The match is over. Both get up and the referee takes Spencer's hand. He has won.

He goes back into the changing room and stands in front of the mirror. This is the first time you can really see yourself on Spencer's body. You look totally hot. It's what you've always observed.

Spencer: "Hey Matthew, we won. Thanks to you, I had enough power to beat my opponent. Maybe I'll keep you as my permanent singlet. You're going to have a lot of fun being my singlet. I promise you. You won't have the chance to become human again without my coach's powers anyway. Let's start right away. I'll use you all day today and I won't even take your off. You're mine now."

You try desperately to free yourself, but no chance.

Spencer: "Oh... don't do that, Matthew... don't, oh."

He shoots a huge load of cum into your mouth. You take it all in, every last drop. It's such a strange and amazing feeling at the same time that it leaves you in a daze.

Spencer: "I told you. You should know how hard you are after winning a match. How do you like my sperm? Good, isn't it? And don't you see a single stain on my entire singlet. Isn't that what you've always wanted? To be fucked in the mouth by a real man while wearing a singlet? I'd say that's even better for you. Trust me, you're in the best situation you could have been in your whole life, you just don't know it yet. But don't worry, after another load or two of my cum in your mouth, you'll know it too. Come on, the day is still long and I've got a few more Machtes ahead of me and who knows, if I win, I can shoot a bigger load in you tonight. I'm looking forward to it and I'm sure you are too."

You're moving again, you don't know if you want to, but there's something inside you that can't wait. Maybe Spencer really is right and you will enjoy it. Only time will tell, and a lot of cum.

Spencer: "I knew you liked it. Come on, the next match is waiting."

[blackhearted1]

~~~~ Grit ~~~~

A MHA OG FanFic that is a female reader insert.

This fic will touch on incredibly sensitive subjects and I will put warnings beforehand, as such this is 18+ and Minors DNI.

Grit is ongoing and I originally posted this on AO3, I don't post much online so bear with me this is honestly the first big thing I'm doing on Tumblr.... I do hope you enjoy amd comments are always welcome. I have many other fics with other characters as well so if interested please let me know. But now.... here is the first Chapter.

This series will involve multiple mentions of PTSD, rape/sexual assault, graphic depictions of violence, blood, gore, language, smut, self harm/ mutilation and multiple other sensitive topics, Reader Discretion is always advised.

~~~~

Ch 1: A Rough Introduction

Its the third year for Midoriya and his classmates at UA, he heard rumors from All Might that there will be a special exchange student from America to join them this year. The news has spread like wildfire because this is rare that this happens. Uraraka runs to Midoriya with Kaminari, Kirishima and Mina, waving they run to Deku who has Todoroki approaching as well as Bakugo.

" Hey Midoriya did you hear the news?" Kaminari asks.

" About the new exchange sudent? Yah I don't know why but I'm excited." Midoriya nods.

" I wonder what kind of Quirk they will have, I have never met an American yet I wonder what they are like?" Mina ponders.

Ojiro and Hagakure approach and wave at their friends, Hagakure runs to them and is shouting with excitement.

" Guys I saw some official looking cars turn back where Ojiro and I were walking, they had American flags on them!" Hagakure tells them.

" Really cool! Also multiple?" Kirishima asks.

" Great its some governor's pampered kid or some shit like that." Bakugo groans.

" Well how do you know?" Ojiro asks.

" Multiple cars means that the ones they aren't in are full of security." Bakugo sighs.

" I guess you're right but we don't know that yet." Kirishima shrugs.

" Hey there they are, look they are out of the car." Kaminari points out.

They look and see a girl, she has her uniform on and is standing in front of large men in uniform.

" Those patches, they are definitely from the Military, they look to be Navy." Midoriya comments.

" Woah her family is military then?" Uraraka asks.

" It's a safe bet to make until we know more about her." Todoroki nods.

The man in the front salutes her, the girl returns the salute and the men get in the car and leave. She returns to normal and turns heel to walk inside, they look and see she has on super compressed weights on her wrists and ankles along with a belt around her hips.

" Man those things are heavy, she has on at least 220 kilograms." Ojiro points out.

" Man she is training already?" Mina looks in shock.

" We should go say hi." Hagakure suggests.

" Uh she looks pretty pissed off maybe we should wait." Kirishima suggests.

As they say that they see other third years approach her, they start to harass the new girl but she doesn't even pay attention to them.

" Heh typical American, thinking they are too good for us." One of the kids sneer.

The girl doesn't even respond even when they are attacking her verbally, she just walks inside and the group just take a sigh of relief.

" Man I thought for sure there would be a fight." Kaminari takes a breath.

" Heh, she is well trained." Bakugo smirks.

" Well let's head to class and get ready for the day." Midoriya nods.

The class head inside and in the class they see the girl with Iida, they are having a conversation that seems to be going well. The girl walks away and they go up to Iida who smiles at his friends presence.

" Hello everyone! I can't wait to get back into the dorms with everyone this year. Have you met our new exchange student?" Iida asks.

" Not yet no, she seemed pretty cold when we saw her earlier." Uraraka shakes her head.

" She is a little aloof but I believe she is actually nice." Iida comments.

" Well we can speak to her during lunch then, that way it's a more relaxed setting." Mina smiles.

" Yah that is a great idea." Kaminari agrees.

" But for now everyone take your seats it is time for class!" Iida commands.

Everyone takes their seat while Present Mic and Mr. Aizawa walk in, they see the class is ready and begin.

" Good morning, as you all can see we have a new student with us, they are an exchange student from the United States." Mr. Aizawa starts the class.

" Yah please welcome ---- Drakos!" Present Mic introduces.

Everyone looks at ---- who is just silent and glares up at the teachers, she doesn't seem to want to speak.

" Well come up here and say a few things about yourself." Present Mic tells her.

" I would rather not...." ---- shakes her head.

" Aw come on we would love to get to know you, you are the first American we have met!" Kirishima smiles.

---- sighs and stands up, in a militaristic way she walks to the front and stays silent for a moment. Looking at Present Mic and glaring at him, she looks back at the class and takes a breath.

" I am Lieutenant Commander Drakos, I was enlisted very early into the United States Navy because of my quirks. I became the rising star of the Navy and was part of the Seals. I have a kill count that would make All for One even blush and I am here because I was forced to...." ---- simply states.

The entire class looks green around the gills when they hear all this, they look in shock at the teachers.

" She is joking right?" Kaminari nervously laughs.

" No she is quite serious, ---- is considered one of the deadliest assets the military has." Mr. Aizawa replies.

" Then why have her here?!" Mineta flips out.

" It is a matter of national security not only on the side of the United States but for us here in Japan. We have been trusted with her care and education, while she is here she will stay in the dorms with you all." Mr. Aizawa calms.

---- sits back in her seat and just stays silent, the class goes on like normal and they continue on until lunch. The class heads to lunch and they notice ---- seated already, she has her own bento and starts to eat, Uraraka, Kirishima, Midoriya and a bunch of her class come to her table and sit with her. She just peacefully eats and enjoys her food quietly.

" Hey ---- after this you wanna hang out after school in the Dorms?" Uraraka asks.

" I have a strict workout schedule I need to abide by." ---- replies.

" Cool we can work out together!" Kirishima grins.

" You wont be able to keep up, I have my Commander coming after and I will be going through the usual training I went through when I first went into boot camp." ---- tells him.

" Well we can give it a shot." Iida nods.

" Fine just don't be rude to Commander Stark." ---- sighs out.

The same kids from earlier walk by and sneer at ----, she ignores them and just continues to eat.

" Heh well if it isn't the American Trash, what were the schools not good enough for you there?" A girl teases.

---- continues to keep her cool, she just eats her hardboiled egg and ignores the noise. The girl and her friends are irritated she isn't doing anything, the girl smacks her chopsticks out of her hand. The lunch room is silent as they look at ---- just staying still.

" Back off now!" Todoroki yells at the group.

---- gets up and stands in front of the group, she just calmly looks at the group and glares at them all.

" I don't even need to use my Quirks to beat you." ---- smirks.

" You will eat those words!" The girl yells at her.

The group barrage ---- with their strong Quirks but she simply dodges each one with ease. All this and she still has her weights on her limbs, she is quick to use her head and she skull smashes each attacker. Each one falls to the ground in pain, they groan and whimper as ---- cracks her neck.

" I will eat later...." ---- comments as she puts her food away and grabs her chopsticks.

Walking out while the lunch room is in silence, they all go back to their seats and the room just eats.

" Man.... she took them out with only her head, she had her hands behind her back the entire time." Kaminari murmurs.

" Heh, idiots got what they deserved." Bakugo laughs.

" Man being with her is going to be difficult, she comes from such a structured world." Mina sighs.

" Well soon we will learn more about her through the Quirk assessments tomorrow." Todoroki comments as he eats.

" Yah she is in a new environment let's give her space." Midoriya nods.

The classes finish the day out and the class begins to leave, they don't see Brooke anywhere and head back to the dorm work out center after school. There they hear yelling of multiple people, Todoroki, Kirishima and the others walk into the weight room and see ---- pushes up two guys on her back as she is in a push up position. She is holding halfway and is covered in bruises, a man towers over her and has his arms crossed.

" Were you picking fights?!" The man yells.

" Sir no sir!" ---- replies.

" We got a call saying you were seen picking fights with multiple students!" The man yells.

" I only act in self defense sir!" ---- chokes out.

" Look at you Lieutenant! Giving up already?!" He yells more.

" Never sir!" She growls.

" Now wait just a minute!" Todoroki yells.

" Excuse me who are you?!" The man yells.

" No who are you?! You are here torturing our classmate!" Kirishima yells back.

" Stay out of this!" ---- yells.

" Men get up, Drakos get your ass up, you are doing the pool exercise." The man commands.

" Yes sir Commander Stark." ---- nods.

The men get up and walk away to the pool area, ---- struggles to get up but stumbles upright. Todoroki runs to help but she puts her hand up and stops him, she walks to the pool and her classmates follow and watch on helplessly.

" Final exercise of the day, after all this you arent using your Quirk to heal up, you will keep this pain as a lesson." Commander Stark tells her.

" Yes sir!" ---- stands at attention.

The two other men tie her hands and feet, the Commander throws a knife and a mask with snorkel.

" Get the mask on and get yourself free and you can go." Commander Stark tells ---- before he shoves her in the pool.

" Commander Stark but how can she survive that!? She is wounded!" Iida asks.

" What you don't know about Lieutenant Commander Drakos is she was a full fledged Navy Seal at the age of 10, she was crafted and molded into the ultimate killing machine. Her duel Quirks make her perfectly adapted as one of the deadliest people on this planet. Her kill count is something to behold, but she is here under classified circumstances and that is all you need to know." Commander Stark tells them.

They watch as ---- grabs the knife with her mouth and uses it to cut her wrists free, she grabs the snorkel and mask and finishes cutting the ropes off her ankles. Pain fills her body but she swims up and takes a gasp of air, ---- pulls herself up out of the pool and breathes heavy.

" You have slowed down, do better Drakos." Commander Stark warns.

" Sir.... yes sir...." ---- nods.

The men leave and her classmates rush to her side, ---- is too tired to complain to them and feels someone help her up. She sees its Todoroki and just glares at him, holding her side ---- winces.

" ---- why let them do this to you?!" Uraraka asks.

" You look like hell." Tokoyami tells her.

" It is what I know, I grew up this way.... no one here can understand that...." ---- sighs as she walks away to the unisex locker room.

Heading to the tubs she gets a bunch of ice and starts the water, her bruised body trembles in pain. Stopping the water she lowers her body into the water, she wishes she can heal her body but she is under direct orders not to as punishment.

Todoroki walks in and sees her, he wasn't aware she went in here. He walks over to her and sits next to her, ---- looks at him and just looks away. He can see she is in pain still and wants to help her.

" Can I get you something for the pain?" He asks.

" I'm fine...." ---- breathes out.

He watches her breathing pattern and sees it is off, ---- coughs and blood comes up he looks in horror and holds her up before she slips down into the water.

" Damn it you have a punctured lung, you need help." Todoroki tells her.

He pulls her from the water and holds her in his arms, she stops him and he watches as her ribcage starts to shift. After a few moments it stops and her breathing is normal.

" I fixed it.... just get me to my room...." ---- demands weakly.

Todoroki rushes to her room and opens it up, he sees medals, uniforms and pictures everywhere along with collections of places she has been. He grabs a towel nearby and wraps her in it, she is sat down on a chair and he kneels in front of her. ---- dries off and looks exhausted, she goes over to a dresser and grabs sweat pants and a tank top. Todoroki turns immediately and waits for her to be finished, ---- finds it amusing he is this embarrassed being around a girl changing. ---- finishes and shuffles to her bed, Todoroki turns and helps her in bed. She doesn't protest, she only wants to sleep, her heavy eyes look at him.

" You remind me of my eldest brother Touya.... I'm worried for you." Shoto tells her.

" I am fine...." ---- just shrugs off his concern.

The pair are silent for a while, ---- looks at Shoto standing there with a concerned look. He looks away from her and towards the wall in deep thought, ---- clears her throat.

" What was Touya like?" ---- asks him.

" He was stubborn but never gave up, I miss him so much, so does Natsuo and my sister Fuyumi took it harder. He was told by my father that his quirk was too much for his body to handle, he never listened and wanted to be a Hero so bad.... in his anguish and ceaseless training his quirk spiraled out of control...." Shoto tells her.

" I am so sorry...." ---- sympathizes.

" All that was left of him was a piece of his lower jaw, his quirk burnt him to ash, he was so kind and loving to everyone and he wanted to be the best.... I miss him." Shoto continues.

" I'm sorry for your loss, I know the feeling all too well...." ---- nods.

" Someday I'll show you his shrine, it's very beautiful.... but you need rest, we can talk more later." Shoto tells ----.

" Ok.... I'll see you later." ---- nods and passes out from exhaustion.

Todoroki looks at her for a moment, her dark brown hair and slightly tan skin are rather pretty. Todoroki pulls the covers over her shoulder and tucks her in. He leaves her room and heads down to his friends, they turn and look at him and see his soaked clothing.

" Where have you been man?" Kaminari asks him.

" Making sure ---- got to her room, she is resting now." Todoroki explains.

" Is she ok?" Aoyama asks concerned.

" She is resting peacefully currently, she most likely wont be up for a while." Todoroki nods.

The rest of the class don't pry about her and just go about the rest of their day until the Quirk assessments tomorrow.

Its the end of the next school day and both Class 1A and 1B are brought to the training center, they see a person in a Hero costume standing with Mr. Aizawa, Present Mic and Ectoplasm. The outfit is sleek and looks like something for water combat, it is dark on the back and a little lighter in the front of the costume. The boots of the person are reminiscent of Selkies boots with the fins, they have gloves on with nanotech webbing between the fingers. The faceplate completely obscures who it is, they all stand at attention and wait for the teachers to speak.

" Hello everyone, you are probably wondering what is going on here and why I asked you to wear your outfits. Well next to us is Hydra, or you may know her as ----. This is her outfit she wore on active duty and is perfectly crafted to suit hers Quirks." Mr. Aizawa explains.

" Quirks?!" Tetsutetsu asks loudly.

" Yes similar to Shoto Todoroki ---- has duel Quirks, your jobs are to figure out what they are. One is more obvious then the other, she will be fighting you all." Mr. Aizawa nods.

" You can't be serious, all 41 of us verses her?" Shinso scoffs.

" Let's get this over with...." ---- sighs.

Stepping forward ---- undoes her weight belt around her waist, she removes her wrist weights and her leg weights as well. She tosses them all to the side and they make a large crater to the side, the students look in shock.

" Woah how much weight was that?!" Kirishima asks in shock.

" 454 kilograms, I'm ready to start." ---- sighs.

" The rules are simple, you each have a zip tie set of cuffs, you need to catch her to win, while she has to capture every single one of you. Should be easy right? Once captured you cant break the cuff you are out!" Present Mic explains.

" There is no way she can win, we have 41 unique and powerful Quirks on our side." Midoriya comments.

The teachers go above the training grounds and sit up in the rafters, the students watch ---- for a moment and see how calm she is.

" LET'S GET HER!" Tetsutetsu yells out.

" Wait that's not a good idea!" Kirishima yells to class 1B.

---- puts her arms out and focuses, the pipes in the facility burst and she quickly floods the arena. She manages to make the depth a little over 10 meters, all the other students have taken to high ground and see ---- is nowhere to be found.

" Shoji, Koda, Jiro, find her!" Midoriya tells them.

" Right!" They reply.

Using their Quirks they look for her but look in shock, they can't find her and can't sense her.

" I.... I can't hear her! Her heartbeat should be as clear as day but.... there is no heartbeat!" Jiro tell the others.

In a flash ---- breaches the water and grabs Jiro, the pair disappear in the water and everyone looks in horror.

" Jiro!" Some of them yell.

Jiro resurfaces with her hands bound, Ectoplasm quickly uses a clone to retrieve her. ---- quickly does the same to Shoji and Koda and captures them as well, the students back away from the water and try to think of a plan.

" Well what now Deku?!" Bakugo yells.

" I'm not sure yet, she is taking out our scouts to make sure we cant find her with ease. She can clearly control her heartbeat and pause it so she is not detected, she can obviously control water so that is one of her Quirks, the other we were told isn't obvious which means until she activates it we may not know what it is until we see it up close. But with ---- that is dangerous, she is clearly strong physically on her own. But her Quirks paired with her physical capabilities and her elite combat prowess make her a top tier threat." Midoriya explains.

" We need to get our strongest to attack in close combat." Sato recommends.

" It could work, Tetsutetsu, Kirishima draw her out but stay close so she is forced to confront you both." Midoriya suggests.

" You got it!" They shout in unison.

The pair go to a large plateau that is above water and wait, soon ---- flies out of the water and lands on the other side where they are standing.

" I'll charge first ok?" Tetsutetsu tells his friend.

" Right I'll be right behind you." Kirishima nods.

Tetsutetsu starts the charge, he hardens his body and charges at her, ---- rushes at Tetsutetsu and collides with him. Tetsutetsu is launched into a wall and groans, his metal shell cracked and he holds his head. They look and see ----, they look in shock when they see armor surrounding her arm that punched Tetsutetsu.

" What the hell is that?!" Mineta yells.

Shoto's eyes open wide and he realizes he has seen this already in a way, he remembers when she healed herself from the broken rib and punctured lung. Her ribcage repaired itself and her lung mended.

---- sees Kirishima charge next, ---- guards as Kirishima crashes against her. Kirishima pushes against her but recoils back in pain, they look and see bloody spikes erupt from her chest. Kirishima backs up and they watch as the armor on her arm absorbs back into her body along with the spikes on her chest. Her costume then heals from the damage she inflicted on it and everything is back to normal.

" Kirishima! Tetsutetsu! Get back!" Shoto yells.

" What the hell is that Quirk?!" Tetsutetsu growls.

" Tetsutetsu are you ok?" Kendo asks.

" Yah she hits like a truck." He holds his head.

" I saw this ability up close yesterday, she repaired her broken rib and punctured lung. I didn't think anything of it first but now I know, her other Quirk let's her control her body on a God like scale." Shoto explains.

" Correct Shoto.... my second Quirk is Cell Manipulation, my body can survive the most extreme heat and cold. I can survive sub freezing temperatures naked by modifying my skin cells to be frostbite proof and I can move and create new fat cells so I can put layers under my skin in key areas. I can survive the hottest deserts by extracting the water in the same fat cells and lipids, I can survive with no water for months and even make it so I don't get sunburnt. One of my greatest tricks is what you saw just now, I can create and manipulate my bones with ease." ---- explains.

" She is the ultimate survivalist." Iida gasps.

" What do you mean create bone?!" Midoriya asks.

" The human body has 205 bones, with me that number is much more negotiable. As I was speaking I made a new weapon just now...." ---- sighs out and grabs behind her.

They watch ---- bend forward and they see bone sticking out of her neck, ---- pulls out her spine and it forms spikes. Wielding it around the new weapon straightens and then acts like a whip at whim. Using her new weapon she grabs Tetsutetsu and dives in the water with him, a moment later he is bound and a clone grabs him.

" Todoroki freeze the water and see if you can stop her movements." Kendo suggests.

Todoroki nods and using his ice abilities he freezes the entire pool ---- created, Todoroki stops and they see no movement.

" I think that got her." Mina comments.

The sound of Ice cracking is heard, quickly the arena floods again the current sweeps up everyone and ---- is quick to bind everyone. She misses Todoroki who is above all the water, ---- drains the water from the arena and everyone is ok. She sees Todoroki land and come after her, ---- is quick to counter him and uses her spine blade against him.

" Come quietly Todoroki." ---- tells him.

" And miss out on this little dance we are in? You are a worthy challenge!" He smirks.

Shoto and ---- fight in close proximity and both grab a capture zip tie and capture one wrist from the other. Shoto and ---- stop fighting and breathe heavy, looking at their wrists they look up at the teachers.

" Uh Aizawa is this a tie or?" Present Mic asks.

" They both captured eachother so this will be called a stalemate." Mr. Aizawa tells them.

All the students are released and they walk over to ---- and Shoto, they cut the binds off and ---- stretches out.

" How did you hide from us like that that was incredible." Jiro asks.

" For short periods of time I can stop my pulse and heart while I move around, it's stressful on my body so I only do it for two minutes at most. My bones are the stars of my little trick though...." ---- explains.

Holding her arms out she creates bone blades that come out of the top of her forearm. Sucking them back into her body she takes her left forearm and breaks it over her knee. Everyone looks in horror at the broken limb.

" Relax it doesn't hurt that bad, watch I instantly heal my broken bones.... deep wounds hell I can even reattach my limbs." ---- extends a bone blade out.

---- cuts her right arm off at the elbow, the others look in horror and some retch. Mineta and Aoyama pass out but ---- grabs her arm and puts it back, they watch her Quirk in action as the arm flawlessly reattaches to her body.

" That Quirk is so powerful, having a duel Quirk makes you extremely powerful." Iida comments.

" It's not without it's issues, with my background and what I have seen.... my PTSD weakens me and I fear my Quirk can harm those around me, so I limit myself.... it also causes my PTSD to get worse if I'm not careful. My duel Quirks require me to see everything in front of me, I need to know where every piece is on the board and I need to know what each is capable of. I do not tolerate failure even on my end.... failure leads to death and I will have no more of that." ---- explains.

" Wait so you can go insane?" Kirishima asks sympathetically.

" No need to make it sound like I'll go off my rocker, but yah.... war is hell and I may be the same age as you all roughly but you kids don't have the mental constitution to deal with what I have seen. The world is a putrid place full of evil, you all need to get your ass's in gear and learn how to deal with the horrors you will face out there. Because if you don't you will never hack it as Hero's." ---- coldly tells them.

" Wait but you are going to be a Hero too what makes you act like you are any different from us?" Kendo asks.

" I'm not a Hero, I'm just a person doing the things I need to do, the things I have done don't classify me as a Hero.... I'm far from it in fact. I walk in the darkness so that others may see the light.... I'm going back to the dorms." ---- sighs out.

---- heads the dorms and the others just sigh out after that ordeal. Shoto watches ---- hold her head as she leaves, her shoulders are hunched and she seems troubled.

" Can you believe her?! She acts all high and mighty then leaves like a jerk." Kamakiri scoffs.

" Shut up loser that's our classmate." Bakugo snaps at him.

" She captured your dumbass too." Kamakiri laughs.

" Everyone shut up...." Shoto sighs out and leaves as well.

Shoto leaves and eventually catches up to ---- who is silent, Shoto says nothing and just walks back with her. ---- eyes slide over to him without turning her head, she looks straight forward and just sighs at his presence.

" You are clearly different from the others...." ---- comments.

" What do you mean?" Shoto asks.

" You were able to slip from my grip while I was able to grab the others, can't tell if I'm irritated or impressed." ---- grumbles.

" Are you always this mad?" Shoto asks her.

" Are you and the others always this intrusive?" ---- groans.

" S-sorry.... I saw you leave and you looked like you were having an issue mentally or emotionally.... just wanted to make sure my friend is ok." Shoto apologizes.

---- stops and looks at Shoto for a while, her gaze seems irritated but she is simply thinking about what he said. Her brow relaxes and she takes a deep breath before cracking her neck.

" Know what a bomb body is? Had some unpleasant memories and scents flood my senses earlier.... don't know what caused them though...." ---- comments.

" No what are those?" Shoto asks.

" Good.... trust me forget I said anything Todoroki...." ---- sighs and leaves him standing there.

---- leaves and Shoto goes back to the dorms with the others, he keeps thinking about what she said and it makes him overly curious as he is sitting with the others. Shoto pulls out his phone and searches up what a Bomb Body is, the images flash on his screen and he drops his phone. The others look over and see the horror on his face as he covers his mouth and retches. Kirishima grabs his phone and reacts the same way and looks in horror.

" Dude what the hell why are you looking at this?!" Kirishima asks him.

" I wanted to know what ---- was talking about, I asked her what was wrong and she said she had haunting memories about them come back.... I asked her what she meant but she said forget it and its good I don't know." Shoto explains.

" Jesus.... it says here kids are the better targets for these procedures.... what the hell is this?! Some messed up fucks actually do this to people?!" Bakugo yells.

" It says here that Bomb Bodies or Human Bombs can either be alive or dead, they are used by terrorist groups to harm civilians.... oh my.... ---- said she had flashbacks of these?" Momo asks.

" Yah.... no wonder she has walls up around her emotions." Shoto nods.

" Well we shouldn't say anything to her we don't need to trigger any negative feelings with her." Midoriya suggests.

---- walks into the room and Mineta sees her, she goes to the kitchen and grabs a juice and a glass for herself.

" Hey ---- what's the deal with Bomb Bodies?" Mineta asks.

Everyone looks in horror not knowing she walked in quietly, her eyes go wide and she doesn't blink. The glass drops from her hand and shatters, she begins to retch and bolts after Mineta. Her eyes have the intent to kill which gets Sero to grab her, the tape begins to give way and he quickly tapes more to her. The guys grab on to the tape and hold on for dear life. Shoto goes in front of her and holds her body back, they struggle to hold her still as she continues to go after Mineta.

" Momo can you make something to stop her?!" Midoriya asks.

" Here I got this!" She nods and pulls out a rag and bottle she has made.

Putting the contents of the bottle on the cloth she puts it over ---- nose and mouth. ---- begins to stumble, she begins to grumble and get dizzy.

" I'll kill you.... just like you killed.... Abdullah...." She slurs as she passes out.

" Abdullah? Who is Abdullah?" Kaminari asks.

" Not sure, but we need to get Mr. Aizawa immediately." Midoriya shrugs.

" I'll bring her to her room." Shoto tells them.

Sero removes the tape and Shoto brings her to her room again, Momo walks into her room with a heart monitor she made. They hook it up to ---- and Momo sits on the bed next to her.

" I did this to her so I am responsible for making sure she is ok, I'll be here with her until she wakes up ok?" Momo tells him.

" Of course, message us when she is awake." Shoto nods.

Walking back to the others he helps clean up the mess and things calm down, Sero helps seeing as it was his Quirk that was used to bind her. Everyone goes into their own routine and the dorm is once again quiet.

~~~~

(Let's see who you end up with 😏)

If you have made it here I really do appreciate it, I'm not the most outgoing person so this was stressful to post. I can do requests aside from this so if interested let me know, I can do inserts/ reader inserts of characters you like. If anything I have a wild imagination lol. Also I have no clue what I'm doing on this site in terms of posting so if you have tips.... I will love you forever ❤️.

Thank you so much and I will post more

[marvinforyou]

Dear Marvin.

I saw the question you asked Mr. Gaiman. That was smart, asking a public figure you know lots of people trust.

Be more careful with random strangers on the internet like me. Many people do mean well, or at least don't mean any harm! But you just can't be sure. So take what I and any stranger says with a grain of salt.

That said, I'm DMing you because your plea to Neil Gaiman tugged at my heart, and I wish I could help. Being a teen is never easy, and if you have any kind of humanity, it's harder to feel hopeful when current events are... distressing.

I don't know what's making you scared, but I remember feeling hopeless and afraid as a teen during the Cold War.

It turns out, the very year I was most afraid, when a classmate's father came from the Pentagon to tell our social studies class about Mutually Assured Destruction, the nuclear war we kids weren't supposed to worry about even though it could kill us at any second almost DID happen. Twice.

In September 1983, one Lt. Colonel Stanislav Petrov heard the warning sirens at his station in Soviet air defense telling him that US nuclear missiles were launching. One. And then another. And then another. Five intercontinental missiles, incoming.

According to his orders, he should have notified his superiors and prepared a retaliatory nuclear strike. He didn't. Something felt off. Why start armageddon with only five missiles? It was a false alarm.

A few months later, there was an even bigger scare. In November 1983, the US and its NATO allies were holding a huge joint military exercise, Able Archer, practicing how they'd respond to a Soviet attack. Unfortunately the USSR didn't believe it was an exercise and thought they were mustering for WWIII. They prepared accordingly, including loading live nukes onto squadrons of planes for air strikes. Top military and government officials debated whether to strike before the west could launch its attack, or what constituted provocation. The US Air Force's Lt. Gen. Leonard Perroots saw these preparations, including the nuclear-armed squadrons, but opted not to respond. This time he, and probably many others making small but crucial decisions, kept us from falling over the cliff of nuclear annihilation.

Afterwards, when it became clear to both sides the exercise had nearly triggered WWIII, Reagan and his Soviet counterpart Andropov began to hammer out lines of communication to avoid such misunderstandings happening again. The Cold War began to thaw.

I'm telling you this history lesson which I've learned myself only in the past ten years. Back then, it felt hopeless. I was convinced the world was on a one-way course to a nuclear apocalypse, and I wouldn't live to see 30.

 A lot of terrible things have happened since then, like AIDS, the Rwandan Genocide, 9/11, and the US invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan. But also, so many good things. The World Wide Web. Seeing the face of Pluto, and learning it has a heart The birth of a lot of great people, including you.

No matter how bad things are, there will always be some people who look at crap choices when the time comes and say, "HELL no, I am not doing that" or"Let's see if we can make this better." There's not always That One Person at the right place and time, and people can't always succeed, but they try often enough that there is always hope.

And there's something else. Teens have gone through some pretty harrowing times in human history. That's not to belittle your fear or depression or any of the challenges you face — we're all different, and hard is hard — but to say that if other ordinary, imperfect, confused, hormonal teens dealing with family drama and stress and periods and mental health issues got through wars and plagues and riots and all the other crazy stuff that's happened on this planet— they made it, so there is hope for any of us.

And you have one tool they didn't in the palm of your hand. You have the power to reach out to other people far away, to ask questions, to seek answers, to make connections, and to affect people... maybe just for a moment with a word or thought, maybe in more lasting ways. You can make a difference. Or you may find people who understand, at least a little.

There is hope in that, too.

Thank you, Marvin, for inspiring me to think about hope.

I hope I haven't scared you with this huge wall of text, or this essay on hope in uncertain times.

Take it if it helps. Or close the window and walk away.

— Ellen

Thank you so so much for this (and the psa about stranger danger) it feels so incredibly scary to exist and live on this floating space rock we call home but to see so many people reach out and offer advice and differing perspectives gives me some sort of hope for at least a short future. I'm scared for a lot of reasons, I see my rights and the rights of my friends being taken away at every turn, I see genocide happening daily, I see myself not knowing who I am or who I want to be. seeing older generations talk about their experiences and learning from them is incredibly helpful and I hope more people can benefit from this ask like I have. Thank you Ellen for sharing your story. Things have always been bad but things could get better and I think that's what matters most. I'm still incredibly terrified for the future but this has given me some small shred of hope.

-Marvin

[linaselandbasil]

I uuuuhhhh- had a dream.

So, when I'm dreaming I usually know that I'm dreaming because I pay very close attention to my surroundings at all times and I can tell when things are off. Knowing this about me, it's pretty surprising that I didn't notice it was a dream, since I was on a military mission (I would never contribute to any government, im better than that) that my classmate Tibor dearest was the captain of and Valkyon was literally there in the flesh. I was like, yes, this is normal! Absolutely nothing wrong! (I never dream of things that aren't real, for the record. It's usually real people like my friends and sometimes celebrities, and we do pretty normal stuff. Sometimes, I get a bad dream where I get progressively more fearful and anxious because of the bad vibes, but I hadn't had a real nightmare in years)

Anyway, what's even funnier than this setup is that I fully intended to give him sloppy in this unholy alligator filled swamp and I went: wait, what would Kassvin think? (Kassvin has clearly stated that he's okay with Valkyon fucking around since he's just hip like that) And Valkyon said: Don't humor yourself, everyone knows you're Kassvin.

He read me to filth. I was shooketh. He read me so hard I almost woke up, I couldn't process that! And you know what I love about this? I KNOW EVERYONE KNOWS! I even make fun of myself for it, yet my subconscious still thought I needed this! 💀💀💀

Anyway, this swamp was literally my parents living room (I've spent the majority of the last 3 days there because the electricity was down for a few hours and mom got hooked on the witcher Netflix series. We've been watching four episodes a day since) and I was supposed to be like... not a marine, because as it was pointed out, I was not wearing green but black. I told my classmate that I was not pleased to not only not get to wear my favorite color but also be the only one to not wear my favorite color. And then I said I would really like to not be the only one who's also not in camouflage because whatever we're fighting will murk me first. He disregarded my woe and said that he's completely okay with wearing the black gear. That piece of shit was wearing his green hoodie he wears to school! (I have a simmilar one, I think it's a really good look on him.... he hates my guts but I think he's really cool 😭) I'm the only person who's not in green... great!

So anyway, we make "camp". I'm on the couch, alone, Valkyon and the NPC's are in the kitchen and Tibor dearest is at the dinner table. Mind you, the whole room is a swamp, floor is lava style. Like when you play pretend as a kid but you can't go outside because it's a blizzard or something so you have to make do with the confines of the tidy indoors. Anyway, I busied myself with trying to sort half eaten pastries into nylon bags but I couldn't because my brain was already busy rendering like seven people and the fog particle effect. (There was a legit smoke machine somewhere in the background, it looked like when people are exploring a different planet in retro movies but like the ceiling lamp was on 💀) I think that was when the alligator appeared and I was not dressed for some reason. The alligator was manifested out of existence because I think I was planning to beat the ever loving fuck out of that hissing piece of fat reptilian shit, but it just disappeared and I thought: I'm going to bunk with my boyfriend, this is not a safe environment for a baby person such as myself.

Valkyon was like: baby boy. *non threatening hug initiation pose* Then we had to all gather together in front of the tv for an announcement that I didn't pay attention to. I was getting suspicious at this point because I noticed that the walls went missing and it kind of made me think about what fucking business my parents living room furniture had being in Florida in the first place. I started looking around for clues and I noticed that it was really quiet for how the vegetation looked. Tropical plants suggest that there's a lot of resources to support abundant fauna and it should not be quiet. There weren't even any bugs. (I never dream of mosquitoes but if I did it would be a nightmare because those little fucktards are the only non conceptual thing I'm afraid of) I started listening more carefully and I heard my parents talking and I went oh.

Then I went oh.

I don't remember how I ended up awake but I was really happy about this dream. I usually don't remember them because I'm really hard to impress and my dreams are hardly more interesting than my conscious thoughts.

If Freud had a chance to talk to me he'd have a mental breakdown. (Yes he would be the lucky one, I'm the prize in this situation. Him and his silly theories about the subconscious aren't that special. I don't think the conscious even exists bitch! We're not sentient, we're just consequences of consequences.)

Have a nice day besties

[champagneglitteronthefloor]

First sight

Pairing: fem!reader/Bradley Bradshaw “Rooster”

Word count: 1.9k

Warnings: Fluff, Spoilers of Top Gun: Maverick, suggestive, mention of alcohol.

Summary: Y/N Kazansky is back in town; and despite her uncle Mavericks best efforts, can’t keep herself away from one specific person.

A/N: this is the first fic I’ve written since the 1D era, also my first ever in tumblr. Miles teller as Bradley Bradshaw has opened me back up into writing. I would love to write a spicy part two to this.

Also I would be open to requests!

You could feel the excitement as your father drove you back into your hometown. Miramar in San Diego, California. Fightertown, USA. You had grown up in a military family and Miramar would always be home to you. Your training and schooling to fly was was wonderful, don’t get me wrong, but you were more than ready to be home for the summer.

“Well are you glad it’s summer?” Your dad Tom Kazansky otherwise known as “Ice man” in these parts asked you. “You know we have a wonderful class in the program right now.” He informed you, referring to the top gun class. Your father was an admiral and of course was the best in his class back in the day, along with who you considered your uncle Maverick or just Mav to you. Your dream was to be in top gun someday.

“Of course. I’m ready for a summer with you and mom and I’m ready to see Mav. I’m ready to be in the air.” You went on.

After a reunion with your mother you looked out the window to see your next favorite person rolling up on their motorcycle.

“See ya dad!” As you started to run and jump on the bike with your uncle Mav, who was even more excited to see you.

“You’ll never guess where I’m taking you.” He stated.

“Where’s that?” You asked. With no answer he took off on the bike. Your dad was standing in the yard waving his arms. He always said you and Mav were going to be the reason he lost his hair someday.

You pulled up to a bar you knew of but you didn’t recall spending much time in there, but you’d always remembered it being there.

“And we’re here why?” You asked

“You’ll see.” He said. The place seemed much more happening than it was before.

You and Mav walked into the crowded bar and you saw the faces of one of your favorite people behind the bar.

“Penny!!” You ran to one of your long time role models and favorite people growing up. You felt very awkward tension knowing her history with Mav but all you could see was them smiling at each other. As you engaged in conversation with Penny about her new bar you saw a group of what you assumed to be top gun students.

That’s when you saw him. He was wearing a white shirt, with a Hawaiian shirt over it. And he pulled his sunglasses down. Your eyes met.

“I’ll be damned if that don’t look like…” you started.

“It’s his son.” Penny answered. Both of you talking about Goose, Mavs wingman who passed in a tragic accident.

Your eyes never moved from your locked gaze with him. His classmates were trying to get his attention. Mav started waving him over.

“Have you met little ice ice baby?” He asked him. You were embarrassed.

“I can’t say I have met little ice ice baby.” He chuckled.

“A proper introduction here. Bradley aka Rooster Bradshaw this is Y/N Kazansky, aka little ice ice baby.” Maverick introduced you two.

“So you fly?” He was smiling.

“I’m brand new”. You started telling him about how you’d just finished your training to fly.

You knew you were blushing. This man was beautiful, down to every detail. His brown eyes never lost you. You thought his mustache was so cute, and man, his build.

“Come on.” He grabbed your arm and pulled you for the piano. Confused you noticed all his friends gathering an cheering.

Rooster busted out singing the song Great Balls of Fire. Laughing and dancing along you couldn’t feel more home.

After all the fun and rounds and dancing and singing, rooster staying right by you, you snuck away walked outside and just stared at the ocean. You suddenly realized you weren’t alone anymore.

“I don’t wanna come on too strong and scare you but I just couldn’t let you get away without telling you that I have to see you again.” He was pushing your hair behind your ear.

You didn’t know what to say at this point. Little experience with relationships or boys, you were nervous.

You’d been focusing all your time on flying and just never made time for men. You knew you wanted Rooster. You could feel the attraction so much it felt like your chest was tugging.

“I- uh” he stopped you with the most innocent and thoughtful reserved kiss, leaving his lips lingering on yours for a minute. You could sense the vibe that he’d had a lot of experience. Well, you knew he did, you’d talked briefly with a pilot Phoenix you clicked with immediately who gave you the 411 on Rooster. You wanted to know him. His past, his future, what he likes, don’t like, his favorite food. Right now all you had was this moment though. You could feel a tugging on your arm.

“This right here was not my intention. Go to the bike.” Maverick was red and pointing to the parking lot. Though you were grown you didn’t mess with Mav and your dad so you ran off noticing Mav in Roosters face.

“I have to protect you from things. Especially boys.” Mav was pacing.

“Mav you know I’m grown-“ you started.

“Stop right there. Don’t make me tell ice.” He started.

You stopped right there in your tracks knowing that wouldn’t be good for Rooster as well considering you were an admirals daughter. Very ironic for Mav to be getting onto you all about, considering his history.

The next day you saw your dad wearing Jean shorts and white sketchers and had his grilling tools out. You were wearing your 2 piece donut pjs and had your hair all over the place. You started down the stairs and down the hall to the living room.

“Dad what are you doing?” You yelled. You walked to the living room. The entire top gun class is sitting there looking at you in your pjs.

“Well hell.” You said, meeting eyes with Rooster. Everyone busted out in laughter. You ran upstairs as fast as you could. Rooster started to follow you until Mav walked in and he tried to play it cool turning around and walking back. You ran to your room changing into some shorts and a cropped tank (and fixing your hair of course). You stopped your mother in the hall.

“Didn’t anyone think it was important to tell me all the top fighter pilots in the country were going to be in my living room?!” I asked her.

“Your dad decided on the fly he wanted to have a get together. They’re going to be having a big mission soon.” She responded.

You walked back out to the backyard where everyone was now. Rooster always being the first one you caught eyes with, you couldn’t help but smile at him. You looked around, seeing your dad grilling, rooster sitting out in the sun in a chair, everyone socializing around the pool. You only hoped it could be like this forever.

“Wait a minute so it’s in a minute ima need a sentimental man or woman to pump me up?” You literally busted into tears laughing at Mav, Phoenix, and payback trying to do the tiktok dance you taught them. Something was telling you he was also trying to impress Penny, who was sitting on a chair by the pool. They were failing horribly at there dance. You felt eyes on you. They were Roosters. You slowly left the group walking towards the house. You hoped rooster would get your signal.

You went into your home. All white and picket fenced, with American flags hanging out front. It was an all American home, very pretty. Your dads career in the navy had done good for your family. You walked up to your room. A few moments behind you, just as you hoped rooster came in. He was looking around at your childhood photos in frames around your room.

“It’s hard for me to believe that all this time I never knew you. I feel like I’ve always known you.” He said.

He was cut off by the sound of your father, the ice man himself coming through the hall.

“Y/N? Where are you? Everyone’s ready to hit the pool.” He was asking. You quickly pushed rooster into the open closet. Your father getting nearer. You jumped in with him and shut the door. You heard the door open then close. With all the adrenaline and being afraid you’d get caught you didn’t realize you were sitting on Roosters lap, that is until you felt that you were.

“I’m really sorry I can’t-“ Rooster started. You cut him off with a kiss. A deeper kiss than before.

You were surprised at yourself for showing this kind of confidence as you mentioned before, you hadn’t spent much time in the relationship department. It wasn’t that you didn’t have the chance, you’d just made the choice to focus on other things. This was the one who made you break that habit. You’d never just fallen for a man like this, day 2 making out in the closet. You were straddling him, getting nervous. You began looking at your ugg boot from 2008 trying to calm down. All you could feel was the giant bulging under you, your hand on it.

“It doesn’t have to be like this, Y/N. We can take this slow. You don’t have to worry. I’m not going anywhere. I’m completely caught up in you. All I’ve thought about for 24 hours, is your eyes, the way your hair flows, the way you smell. I’m sick over it. I don’t even want to eat or anything.” He confessed.

You knew this feeling as you had been feeling the same way.

“But If we are going to slow down, you’re doing to have to let me have a minute to get calmed down here.” He laughed.

“I just want to know you. I want to spend time with you. I really want to get to know you. I feel the same way. All I’ve thought about is you.” You replied, getting off of him.

Both of you walked out of the closet and you showed him the way to the bathroom off of your room. You weren’t sure exactly what was going on in there but about 10 minutes later he came back. Your insecurities came over you, wondering about how quickly things were going. You knew from hearsay that he’d been a good lover, that his call sign Rooster meant a few different things. You shook it off and remembered we all have a past. But why you? Why was this perfect human feeling this way about you? And what happens when he has to leave?

“Y/N?” He broke you from your thoughts. You looked at him.

“I’ve never been more sure about a feeling in my life. This is different than anything else has ever been to me.” It’s like he read your mind. “And if I have to I’ll tell Maverick and your father that’s how I feel.” He finished.

“Whoa now lets not take it that far, yet.” You laughed and hugged him.

“Now let’s go back out here and see if Mav ever learned his tiktok dance.” You laughed.

“Yeah I’m gonna need you to teach me that one too.” Rooster said.

“Only if you teach me great balls of fire on the piano.” You bargained.

“Deal.” He put his hand on your shoulder.

And you both took turns going back out to the get together, where you joined in on all the fun, tanning, dancing, and slight talk about the next big mission that Maverick would be helping with.

[absolutepokemontrash]

Kid!MC/Teen!MC Needs someone to go to Parent Teacher Interviews for Them and Guess Who’s Available?

Masterlist

The brothers being bad babysitters/dad figures is something I love very much, I bet you all could already tell that considering the Fic/Headcanon series I have going on. I would just like you all to know that Asmo’s section is based on a true story. Anyhoo~ onto the Headcanons!

Why? Why Him? (Lucifer)

Is MC really dumb, or are they just a kid? No one knows.

Obviously MC asked Lucifer, the only competent one in the house, the most professional, hard-working, controlled-

MC got their things together and gave Lucifer the run down on their teacher(s) before Lucifer got too absorbed in extolling his own virtues in an intense internal monologue.

News flash Lucifer, this isn’t a Shakespeare play, you can’t have a dramatic monologue or soliloquy about how great you think you are

At the actual meeting, if MC is in there, no, MC is not actually in there. Lucifer will speak to the teacher as if MC isn’t there. As someone whose not a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down kind of person, Lucifer expects the teacher to behave the same and not spare MC’s feelings.

Feelings do not deserve to be spared if MC is being a nuisance. No fake-kid/little sibling of his gets to be the class idiot!

If MC’s doing very well academically, he expects to be pointed at projects or tests they’ve done and the grade on it. It really makes him proud to see MC doing well.

Even if they’re not the best academically, if they’re not failing and they’re doing well in other aspects of school, he’s proud.

If MC really struggles in a school environment and just hates it there but they’re still keeping their head above water, they get a head pat of approval.

On the drive home, if MC came with him to the parent teacher interviews and everything went well, he just happens to turn onto the street that has a Baskin Robin’s or something of that caliber.

If they didn’t go, he picks something up on the way back.

No fun treats if MC is being a disruptive little heathen in class, no kid under Lucifer’s care is going to be the class Mammon. Not on his watch.

MC was busily stuffed their face with the treats that were gifted to them. Lucifer had to hold himself back from rolling his eyes at the kid’s blatant disregard for basic table manners when it came to sweets.

“Is everything the teacher said true?” Lucifer asked, MC looked up at him with a smile.

“Yep!”

“Good, good.” Lucifer held out his hand and patted them on the head. “You’re doing well. Keep it up.”

“Geez,” MC mumbled as they continued to stuff their face. “Can you get anymore affectionate?”

“Don’t be sarcastic, MC. It’s uncouth.” Lucifer said sternly. “Besides, I’ll have you know that many people enjoy my headpats. I’m quite affectionate.”

“Really now? Name one person.”

Lucifer opened his mouth to respond, but no words came out. He and MC stared each other down, one pair of eyes much more nervous than the other. Spoiler, MC was still calmly eating their treat as they maintained eye contact.

“…Cerberus.”

“If you’re reaching for Cerberus, you’ve already lost.”

…his pride was under attack. Right in front of his desert…

“You’re grounded.”

“Worth it.”

*Rides by on a Skateboard* School is for NERDS (Mammon)

Pff! Stupid human! He’s not goin’ to some lame parent teacher conference-

Wait! What’s with that face?! Ugh… fine. MC’s gone and forced his hand with those damn puppy dog eyes…

Mammon does not dress up for this event, he dresses like he would every day, maybe throw on some designer stuff to let all the parents and teachers know he’s hot shit.

If MC goes with him, he pulls up in his beloved car and takes up two parking spaces (pure evil.). Every parent present already hates him, but at least the other kids there are impressed with MC’s sweet ride. MC would have gained some street cred if Mammon hadn’t managed to trip up the stairs to the classroom in front of everyone.

He’ll act way to casual with the teacher, turning the parent chair backwards and sitting down so he can lean on the seat.

Mammon gets bored crazy quickly while the teacher lists and explains all the stuff the class is learning, so his eyes begin to wander to any and all displays in the classroom. Projects, annoying posters, class pet, anything is more interesting than this teacher’s explanation.

When MC finally becomes the main topic of the interview, he’s all ears. MC’s doing great in school academically? Ha! Nerd! Maybe giving MC a playful noogie and interrupting the whole interview wasn’t a good idea, but whatever.

If MC’s failing anything, or just isn’t that gifted when it comes to grades, it’s very much a “Aw man me too” from Mammon.

This teacher is speaking with the Great Mammon, the first demon in RAD’s history to fail three semesters in a row. If this teacher thinks bad grades will phase him, they’re dead wrong.

Grades don’t mean anythin’ about smarts anyway! I mean, look at him! He’s a fuckin’ genius but he can’t get through a history test without sobbing even though he LIVED THROUGH MOST OF IT.

MC gets treats no matter what’s up in class. Though, if MC didn’t go with him, he’s likely to forget and just order something for the two of them when he gets back home.

“Goddamn teachers and their rambling!” Mammon whined, grabbing a slice of pizza from the open box on his coffee table. “You owe me, MC! Ya really do!”

“Yeah yeah yeah.” MC said, they leaned over and rolled a pizza slice into a pizza-scroll then proceeded to eat it like a veggie roll. “How do you think I feel, listening to them every day? You know how long it takes to get to the actual class material?”

“Five years?”

“Ugh! Five years if I’m lucky! I swear, I know more about my teacher’s grievances with like… five of my classmates than I do about trigonometry, and guess which one’s on the test next week?”

Mammon winced in sympathy, then remembered he was supposed to be whining and went back to it. “School’s shit and a waste of money, ya should drop out as soon as you can and help me run my new business.”

“You mean your pyramid scheme?”

“It’s not a pyramid scheme, MC! It’s legit! It’s a multi-tiered marketing-”

“It’s a pyramid scheme.”

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA SOCIAL INTERACTION (Leviathan)

Everyone else must have been sick or something for MC to have asked Levi. He’d flat out refuse to go otherwise.

So, Levi couldn’t exactly go to the interview in his usual “I haven’t left my room or changed clothes in eight weeks” look. With the help of MC, he was able to find his military uniform at the back of his closet.

Asmo nearly fainted when he saw Levi in the uniform, not because “oooo, a man in uniform~”, it was because the outfit was so crumpled and wrinkled that it made it physically painful to look at. No time to iron and wash, the conference was in an hour!

Levi (and MC if they went with) rolled up to the school in a less than impressive ride, but one look at the uniform and all the other people present went “yep, time to be respectful (tm)”

For the first time in his life Levi was more intimidating than Lucifer! And he wasn’t even trying!

When the teacher starts explaining the course material, Levi spaces off in horror as he realizes he remembers literally nothing from school (AND HE’S STILL IN SCHOOL!) all that’s running through his head is “A squared + B squared = C squared” and “the mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell”.

The actual interview was the least interesting part of the trip, the real stuff happened when Levi passed by some art on display in the hallway and something caught his eye-

Those colours… that hair… that adorable smile..!

IT WAS HER! LEVI’S PRECIOUS RURI-CHAN IN ALL HER GLORY!

Levi immediately started fawning over the art class fanart and by sheer coincidence, one of the kids walking through the hallway happened to notice.

The kid asked MC if their… parent and or guardian liked anime. MC responded with “obviously.” Levi then asked the kid if they drew his adorable Ruri-chan. The kid said no, and that they drew the My Hero Academia fanart a few rows down.

Levi was absolutely floored that there were two anime fans in one class, then his entire world shattered when MC explained there was more anime art inside the art room and other classrooms.

H-hang on… did that mean that… a lot of people here… liked anime..?

Levi needed a while to process. No snacks on the way home…

Levi and MC were sat in the back of their Uber, Levi, the Avatar of Envy himself, was having his entire sense of reality warped. S-so much anime fanart… in a school of all places..! What did this mean for the future of anime?!

“Levi. Stop.” MC sighed. “If this were an anime, the camera angle would be doing that thing where it’s right on the bridge of your nose and dramatic music plays in the background.”

“S-so many kids in your class like a-anime huh..?” Levi stuttered, weakly trying to smile. “Must be nice..?”

“Oh, that’s just my class. The other classes and grades have their fans too.”

“Oh… really?”

“Levi,” MC stopped looking out the window and looked at the otaku that was having a full scale silent mental breakdown. “Anime isn’t even a niche interest anymore. It’s a pretty casual thing to watch now. At least a third of my class watches- Levi?”

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGHHHHH! ANIME! A THIRD OF THE CLASS?! ANIME… HIS PRECIOUS ANIME… WAS BECOMING A NORMIE INTEREST! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-

“Levi?” MC waved their hand in front of their spaced out demon’s face. “Leviiiii? Okay he’s dead.”

The Know it All (Satan)

Ah, a smart choice, MC. Satan would be glad to help further their education. He’ll do everything in his power to make sure that the human’s brain is fed all that sweet sweet knowledge.

Satan can’t dress himself normally, MC had to coax him into a suit jacket, but he still only wore one sleeve.

MC was coming along to the interviews whether they wanted to or not, it’s important to hear what they need to improve on from the teacher themselves after all.

The two arrived pretty early, so Satan asked MC for a tour of the school. It was pretty tame until they reached the library. Satan was horrified at the state of some of the books…

Their spines lined with duct tape… pages missing and torn… someone apparently used a taco as a book mark…

The first thing Satan does when it’s time for his interview is demand the teacher take better care of the library, even though they’re not the librarian. MC tries to explain this, but Satan is too distraught to listen to reason.

He enjoyed hearing about the course material, but he made it known if MC thinks the assignments are too easy that they need to be given more challenging work. THEIR BRAIN NEEDS TO BE STIMULATED DAMN IT.

It was up to MC to either agree with Satan and nod to the teacher, or make frantic eye contact with them to try and communicate “NO DON’T PLEASE”.

Similar to (ugh) Lucifer, as long as MC is doing their best, he’s happy for them.

…but if they are in any way in the running for valedictorian he is HELPING THEM WIN.

He decided to stop at a cafe or bookstore to let MC pick out a “congrats on surviving your pitiful school” present after the interviews.

MC gleefully perused the shelves of the bookstore, there were so many books too look at…

“I’ll buy you as many books as you’d like, MC, just,” Satan shuddered slightly. “Promise me you won’t treat them like those poor library books…”

MC put their hand over their heart. “I swear on the duct taped book spines that I will never treat a book like that.”

“Good… good…” Satan breathed a sigh of relief and went back to looking at his book about cats.

“Are you… reading a Warrior Cats book..?” MC asked tentatively.

“Yes, why?”

“Satan, put that back.”

“I Will Seduce the Teacher For the Sake of Your Grades, Don’t Worry.” (Asmodeus)

Oh MC dear! He’d be delighted to go! Just let him get ready~

Asmo may not be the best choice, but he was at least going to be the best dressed person at that conference. (And MC just had to come too so all the other parents could be jealous of how well coordinated their outfits are)

He teased MC a little by saying he was going to flirt with their teacher to make sure they passed the class, but he was just kidding! …but he made sure to ask if their teacher was cute, he needed to know!

While waiting for his turn, Asmo flirts with some of the single parents, if he doesn’t see a wedding ring, they’re fair game.

Once his time slot arrived, MC realized that Asmo is one of those “my child has done and will do nothing wrong ever” types. This may have ended up working in MC’s favour if they were a class nuisance.

If MC is doing very well in sports, clubs, grades, anything, Asmo is fawning over them and gushing to the teacher about how great, smart and adorable they are.

Asmo surprisingly does not exactly flirt with the teacher, he was just teasing MC after all. But um… if MC’s teacher just happens to be cute and young, he may turn up the charm, just a little. Enough to make the teacher giggle and make MC cover their face in embarrassment.

After the interviews Asmo will probably schedule a nice day out for the two of them, shopping, a movie, mani pedis, something fun!

The real weird stuff happens in the months after the interviews… if Asmo did lightly flirt with the teacher, MC gets quite a few questions about their guardian. Questions that ask if Asmo is single in not as many words…

Oh lord, MC’s teacher developed a crush on Asmo.

Nail painting night was supposed to be a fun occasion, but MC was hopping mad and embarrassed. Asmo didn’t seem to notice as he continued to paint the little human’s nails.

“And then I told Phenex to get lost. The nerve of that little monster, right MC?” When MC didn’t reply, Asmo looked up and tilted his head. “MC?”

MC’s angry face would have been much more threatening if they weren’t just so adorable, but it was getting the message across.

“MC..?”

“Asmo.” MC’s glare deepened. “My teacher wants to know if you’re single.”

Asmo blinked a few times, before he hit his tongue to keep from laughing. “Really now~. I knew they’d be madly in love with me-”

“WHY ARE YOU LIKE THIIIIIIIIIIIS?!”

Oh My Demon King is That a BAKE SALE?! (Beel)

Of course Beel said yes! He’d gladly go to MC’s parent teacher interview!

He even put on a nice outfit :D he ended up looking a bit like a secret serviceman guarding MC, the tiny president.

Beel stopped for McDonald’s on the way there, all the other kids were so jealous of MC when they stepped out of the car eating fries.

But a little something something caught Beel’s eye when he and MC walked into the school… was that a… bake sale?

MC quickly explained that the bake sale was fundraiser for their class trip that year and the snacks weren’t complimentary. He had to pay.

And pay Beel did. He cleared out the entire table. MC’s grade’s overnight trip was going to be decadent as hell. That was no longer a crowd funded thing, that trip was privately funded by a tall buff ginger secret service member and this tiny in comparison child.

Kids are incredibly blunt, just like Beel, so when a random kindergarten kid wandered over, looked up at Beel, and very knowingly said “you’re very tall”. Beel was like “yeah”. The kid then said “what’s it like being that tall?”

Beel’s response to this kid’s question was to pick them up and hold them for a few seconds before placing them back down. For just a few moments this kid knew what it like to be over 6’4. Of course, more kids swarmed in and asked to be picked up.

Sure it was cute, but Beel now has an army of kids ranging from kindergarteners to third graders.

Finally, the conference actually began. Beel snacked the entire time and dutifully listened to everything the teacher had to say.

After the interviews are over, he checks with MC to make sure everything the teacher said was true and that they weren’t lying. If all was well, the two made their exit.

They stopped at Wendy’s on the way home.

“I’m so full…” MC groaned, Beel held up a massive cookie.

“So I can eat this?”

“No. Gimme that.” MC took a very defeated bite out of it. “My stomach says no but my mouth says yes…”

“I don’t want you to get a stomachache, MC,” Beel said worriedly. “No more snacks.”

“It’s a little late for that. It’s past nine and I’m still eating, there’s no way I’m getting to sleep at a reasonable hour.”

“Oh…” Beel mumbled. “I may have not completely thought this through.”

“*Snore* Huh? Wha? MC’s Grades? Uh… Fuck…” (Belphie)

MC must be failing a class or something because why on earth would they pick Belphie otherwise.

They ask him to go while he’s delirious from just waking up from a nap, he sort of half nods and mumbles some gibberish before going back to sleep.

MC had to basically carry his ass to the school. Belphie drooled all over them in the waiting room, and when it was their time to go into the interview, Belphie had to be manually put into the chair and slapped awake.

He barely listens, he just sits and nods along with whatever the teacher is saying. The teacher could say MC brought an alligator to school and he’d just go “uh huh…” “mmmph… yep…” “really now?” then yawn.

The only thing that could possibly get Belphie to be interested is if MC is studying space. If they are, than boy howdy is Belphie suddenly interested in their education.

Other than that? *snore*

If MC is in fact failing or doing poorly, MC’s teacher asks to see another one of MC’s guardians at a later date. Their plan failed miserably.

MC drags Belphie out of the school and yells at him for not helping them. Belphie, still sleep delirious, tries to press the snooze button. MC does not have a snooze button.

“Belphie!” MC shouted, shaking the Avatar of Sloth awake. The House of Lamentation’s resident bastard was somehow sleeping standing up outside. “HOW COULD YOU?!”

“Eh?” Belphie half-snorted and looked around confused. “What’d I do? Where are we?”

“At my school! You said that you’d go to my parent teacher interviews!”

“…MC I don’t think I’d pass well for you.”

“YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO GO AS MY GUARDIAN!”

“Sheesh,” Belphie murmured while he rubbed the remaining sleep from his eyes. “You humans are so noisy.”

MC looked up at their dearest demon friend, and gave him their best glare. “I’m going to take all your fancy temperature changing pillows and switch them with normal pillows you traitorous bastard.”

[wakandaiscoming]

Ryan Coogler’s statement on Chadwick Boseman’s death has gutted me again. “He’s an ancestor now.”

Before sharing my thoughts on the passing of the great Chadwick Boseman, I first offer my condolences to his family who meant so very much to him. To his wife, Simone, especially.

I inherited Marvel and the Russo Brothers’ casting choice of T’Challa. It is something that I will forever be grateful for. The first time I saw Chad’s performance as T’Challa, it was in an unfinished cut of “Captain America: Civil War.” I was deciding whether or not directing “Black Panther” was the right choice for me. I’ll never forget, sitting in an editorial suite on the Disney Lot and watching his scenes. His first with Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow, then, with the South African cinema titan, John Kani as T’Challa’s father, King T’Chaka. It was at that moment I knew I wanted to make this movie. After Scarlett’s character leaves them, Chad and John began conversing in a language I had never heard before. It sounded familiar, full of the same clicks and smacks that young black children would make in the States. The same clicks that we would often be chided for being disrespectful or improper. But, it had a musicality to it that felt ancient, powerful, and African.

I learned later that there was much conversation over how T’Challa would sound in the film. The decision to have Xhosa be the official language of Wakanda was solidified by Chad, a native of South Carolina, because he was able to learn his lines in Xhosa, there on the spot. He also advocated for his character to speak with an African accent, so that he could present T’Challa to audiences as an African king, whose dialect had not been conquered by the West.

I finally met Chad in person in early 2016, once I signed onto the film. He snuck past journalists that were congregated for a press junket I was doing for CREED, and met with me in the green room. We talked about our lives, my time playing football in college, and his time at Howard studying to be a director, about our collective vision for T’Challa and Wakanda. We spoke about the irony of how his former Howard classmate Ta-Nehisi Coates was writing T’Challa’s current arc with Marvel Comics. And how Chad knew Howard student Prince Jones, who’s murder by a police officer inspired Coates’ memoir Between The World and Me.

I noticed then that Chad was an anomaly. He was calm. Assured. Constantly studying. But also kind, comforting, had the warmest laugh in the world, and eyes that seen much beyond his years, but could still sparkle like a child seeing something for the first time.

That was the first of many conversations. He was a special person. We would often speak about heritage and what it means to be African. When preparing for the film, he would ponder every decision, every choice, not just for how it would reflect on himself, but how those choices could reverberate. “They not ready for this, what we are doing…” “This is Star Wars, this is Lord of the Rings, but for us… and bigger!” He would say this to me while we were struggling to finish a dramatic scene, stretching into double overtime. Or while he was covered in body paint, doing his own stunts. Or crashing into frigid water, and foam landing pads. I would nod and smile, but I didn’t believe him. I had no idea if the film would work. I wasn’t sure I knew what I was doing. But I look back and realize that Chad knew something we all didn’t. He was playing the long game. All while putting in the work. And work he did.

He would come to auditions for supporting roles, which is not common for lead actors in big budget movies. He was there for several M’Baku auditions. In Winston Duke’s, he turned a chemistry read into a wrestling match. Winston broke his bracelet. In Letitia Wright’s audition for Shuri, she pierced his royal poise with her signature humor, and would bring about a smile to T’Challa’s face that was 100% Chad.

While filming the movie, we would meet at the office or at my rental home in Atlanta, to discuss lines and different ways to add depth to each scene. We talked costumes, military practices. He said to me “Wakandans have to dance during the coronations. If they just stand there with spears, what separates them from Romans?” In early drafts of the script. Eric Killmonger’s character would ask T’Challa to be buried in Wakanda. Chad challenged that and asked, what if Killmonger asked to be buried somewhere else?

Chad deeply valued his privacy, and I wasn’t privy to the details of his illness. After his family released their statement, I realized that he was living with his illness the entire time I knew him. Because he was a caretaker, a leader, and a man of faith, dignity and pride, he shielded his collaborators from his suffering. He lived a beautiful life. And he made great art. Day after day, year after year. That was who he was. He was an epic firework display. I will tell stories about being there for some of the brilliant sparks till the end of my days. What an incredible mark he’s left for us.

I haven’t grieved a loss this acute before. I spent the last year preparing, imagining and writing words for him to say, that we weren’t destined to see. It leaves me broken knowing that I won’t be able to watch another close-up of him in the monitor again or walk up to him and ask for another take.

It hurts more to know that we can’t have another conversation, or facetime, or text message exchange. He would send vegetarian recipes and eating regimens for my family and me to follow during the pandemic. He would check in on me and my loved ones, even as he dealt with the scourge of cancer.

In African cultures we often refer to loved ones that have passed on as ancestors. Sometimes you are genetically related. Sometimes you are not. I had the privilege of directing scenes of Chad’s character, T’Challa, communicating with the ancestors of Wakanda. We were in Atlanta, in an abandoned warehouse, with bluescreens, and massive movie lights, but Chad’s performance made it feel real. I think it was because from the time that I met him, the ancestors spoke through him. It’s no secret to me now how he was able to skillfully portray some of our most notable ones. I had no doubt that he would live on and continue to bless us with more. But it is with a heavy heart and a sense of deep gratitude to have ever been in his presence, that I have to reckon with the fact that Chad is an ancestor now. And I know that he will watch over us, until we meet again."

[xoxopandapanda]

Edwin Week 2022: Day 3: Snapshot

@503week

Day 1  Day 2   Day 4   Day 5    Day 6  

Characters: Edward Elric, Roy Mustang, Riza Hawkeye

Fanfiction

AO3

His role as a General was all but forgotten by a certain Edward Elric. He was always calling him up at odd times, announcing himself with a loud, “Colonel *insert insult*!”

He wanted to be annoyed, but it was nice to hear from the Fullmetal Alchemist every once in a while. He was rarely around and often off and about doing what ever it is that Elrics do in their spare time. Riza was always crinkling around the eyes when she heard the brash voice echoing past the receiver.

He knew he wasn’t the only one who enjoyed the random calls.

“You’ll never guess what Eliza did today!” Edward’s voice reverberated through the office as Riza was filing away paperwork, so he knew that she was hearing it as well.

Roy rolled his eyes in jest. “She walked.”

The scoff was clearly insulted. “She’s nearly four. She’s been walking for a while now.” Without waiting for another halfhearted guess from his previous commander, Ed continued. “She drew her first transformation circle today. Okay, it was more of an oval, but still.

“Winry wasn’t impressed with the carpet being destroyed by a marker, but I think it’s great. We’ll always have her first attempt with us.”

Roy didn’t even try to stifle the smile that crossed his face. Riza was also softly smiling to herself.

Ed continued. “I tried to figure out what she was making with the circle, but in all honesty, I think it was just gibberish. She said it was to make apple pie, but the formula was all off.

“Ah! I did take a picture of it to send to you! You’ll have to tell me what you think of it. Winry said she was just copying something from my notes, but it must be a conglomeration of several circles.”

Roy laughed loudly at this. “Is she the next Fullmetal?”

“Ah hell no. She’s not going into the military. Not on my watch. She’s going to be a brilliant alchemist all of her own. Or maybe a mechanic. Right now, she thinks she’s going to be a ballerina, so her future could go anywhere.”

Roy leaned forward on his desk, resting his chin in his hand. Riza had stopped sorting through papers, and he knew she was just as enthralled with the story being regaled by their previous team member.

“But Thomas, now that kid is going to be an engineer! Yesterday he took apart the radio and put it back together! I mean, not in working order, but still. He nearly got it all together!

“Ah, speaking of which, he started school last week? Did I tell you about it?”

“Yes, Fullmetal, you did call to let me know Thomas was in school now.”

Roy could practically see Ed’s chest pump up with pride. “He’s way ahead of his classmates in reading too! Got to see his teacher in town the other day and was complimented on how brilliant my boy is!”

This caused Riza to look over her should and smile at him.

When Ed and Al were scouring the nation looking for ways to get their bodies back, it was rare that either of them would know anything about what they were doing. They were lucky if they even knew which side of the country they were on at any given time. Sometimes Ed would write or call to report, like he was supposed to, but never to the extent that a State Alchemist should. It was often a long game of telephone to get ahold of the brothers.

But now, Ed was frequently checking in to tell him about his family, or to call and tell Roy about a breakthrough he had with his research.

His lack of alchemy didn’t stop him from continuing his quest to find all the answers he could.

“Well,” Roy said, “he is an Elric.”

“And a Rockbell! Nothing but brilliant genes running through him!”

Ed shifted the conversation to how he was working on a way to better balance the levels in soil to get the best results for planting, his latest endeavor. Winry had gotten into planting and growing her own food to can, which meant Ed had to find his purpose in her new hobby.

Roy listened politely, taking in the feeling that Ed, the so troubled and tormented boy he had once met in a wheelchair so long ago, had found peace and happiness at last.

It would be just a few short days before a large envelope would arrive at his office, Ed’s atrocious handwriting sprawled across the front.

Riza would open it before Roy got into the office, taking her time to look at all the pictures Ed had sent along, with Winry’s neat printing on the back giving a description of what was going on in the picture. By the time Roy arrived, the snapshots into the Elric-Rockbell lives would be neatly sorted on his desk.

He would tuck them away in his desk, alongside all the other photos Ed had sent of his family, so that whenever he wanted, he could get a peek into the life of the boy who never could remember his title.  

[londonspirit]

“I inherited Marvel and the Russo Brothers’ casting choice of T’Challa. It is something that I will forever be grateful for. The first time I saw Chad’s performance as T’Challa, it was in an unfinished cut of CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR. I was deciding whether or not directing BLACK PANTHER was the right choice for me. I’ll never forget, sitting in an editorial suite on the Disney Lot and watching his scenes. His first with Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow, then, with the South African cinema titan, John Kani as T’Challa’s father, King T’Chaka. It was at that moment I knew I wanted to make this movie. After Scarlett’s character leaves them, Chad and John began conversing in a language I had never heard before. It sounded familiar, full of the same clicks and smacks that young black children would make in the States. The same clicks that we would often be chided for being disrespectful or improper. But, it had a musicality to it that felt ancient, powerful, and African.

In my meeting after watching the film, I asked Nate Moore, one of the producers of the film, about the language. “Did you guys make it up?” Nate replied, “that’s Xhosa, John Kani’s native language. He and Chad decided to do the scene like that on set, and we rolled with it.” I thought to myself. “He just learned lines in another language, that day?” I couldn’t conceive how difficult that must have been, and even though I hadn’t met Chad, I was already in awe of his capacity as actor.

I learned later that there was much conversation over how T’Challa would sound in the film. The decision to have Xhosa be the official language of Wakanda was solidified by Chad, a native of South Carolina, because he was able to learn his lines in Xhosa, there on the spot. He also advocated for his character to speak with an African accent, so that he could present T’Challa to audiences as an African king, whose dialect had not been conquered by the West.

I finally met Chad in person in early 2016, once I signed onto the film. He snuck past journalists that were congregated for a press junket I was doing for CREED, and met with me in the green room. We talked about our lives, my time playing football in college, and his time at Howard studying to be a director, about our collective vision for T’Challa and Wakanda. We spoke about the irony of how his former Howard classmate Ta-Nehisi Coates was writing T’Challa’s current arc with Marvel Comics. And how Chad knew Howard student Prince Jones, who’s murder by a police officer inspired Coates’ memoir Between The World and Me.

I noticed then that Chad was an anomaly. He was calm. Assured. Constantly studying. But also kind, comforting, had the warmest laugh in the world, and eyes that seen much beyond his years, but could still sparkle like a child seeing something for the first time.  

That was the first of many conversations. He was a special person. We would often speak about heritage and what it means to be African. When preparing for the film, he would ponder every decision, every choice, not just for how it would reflect on himself, but how those choices could reverberate. “They not ready for this, what we are doing…” “This is Star Wars, this is Lord of the Rings, but for us… and bigger!” He would say this to me while we were struggling to finish a dramatic scene, stretching into double overtime. Or while he was covered in body paint, doing his own stunts. Or crashing into frigid water, and foam landing pads. I would nod and smile, but I didn’t believe him. I had no idea if the film would work. I wasn’t sure I knew what I was doing. But I look back and realize that Chad knew something we all didn’t. He was playing the long game.  All while putting in the work. And work he did.

He would come to auditions for supporting roles, which is not common for lead actors in big budget movies. He was there for several M’Baku auditions. In Winston Duke’s, he turned a chemistry read into a wrestling match. Winston broke his bracelet. In Letitia Wright’s audition for Shuri, she pierced his royal poise with her signature humor, and would bring about a smile to T’Challa’s face that was 100% Chad.

While filming the movie, we would meet at the office or at my rental home in Atlanta, to discuss lines and different ways to add depth to each scene. We talked costumes, military practices. He said to me “Wakandans have to dance during the coronations. If they just stand there with spears, what separates them from Romans?” In early drafts of the script. Eric Killmonger’s character would ask T’Challa to be buried in Wakanda. Chad challenged that and asked, what if Killmonger asked to be buried somewhere else?

Chad deeply valued his privacy, and I wasn’t privy to the details of his illness. After his family released their statement, I realized that he was living with his illness the entire time I knew him. Because he was a caretaker, a leader, and a man of faith, dignity and pride, he shielded his collaborators from his suffering. He lived a beautiful life. And he made great art. Day after day, year after year. That was who he was. He was an epic firework display. I will tell stories about being there for some of the brilliant sparks till the end of my days. What an incredible mark he’s left for us.

I haven’t grieved a loss this acute before. I spent the last year preparing, imagining and writing words for him to say, that we weren’t destined to see. It leaves me broken knowing that I won’t be able to watch another close-up of him in the monitor again or walk up to him and ask for another take.

It hurts more to know that we can’t have another conversation, or facetime, or text message exchange. He would send vegetarian recipes and eating regimens for my family and me to follow during the pandemic.  He would check in on me and my loved ones, even as he dealt with the scourge of cancer.  

In African cultures we often refer to loved ones that have passed on as ancestors. Sometimes you are genetically related. Sometimes you are not. I had the privilege of directing scenes of Chad’s character, T’Challa, communicating with the ancestors of Wakanda. We were in Atlanta, in an abandoned warehouse, with bluescreens, and massive movie lights, but Chad’s performance made it feel real. I think it was because from the time that I met him, the ancestors spoke through him. It’s no secret to me now how he was able to skillfully portray some of our most notable ones. I had no doubt that he would live on and continue to bless us with more. But it is with a heavy heart and a sense of deep gratitude to have ever been in his presence, that I have to reckon with the fact that Chad is an ancestor now. And I know that he will watch over us, until we meet again.”

[umiarumi]

fucking three houses | prologue/claude von riegan

afab she/her reader, originally posted on my ao3, myukyu <3

Twirling my sword, an excited grin fell upon my face as I jogged alongside Dorte and Marianne. "Hah! Marie, ya think I can keep up your old steed's pace?" I asked excitedly, huffing slightly. The academy had really buffed your stamina, shit, enough to keep up with a damn horse.

"Oh, (Y/N)! I-um, don't strain yourself since we have nearly reached the monastery." She hesitantly called out, brow furrowing. I laughed it off, nodding as I slowed my pace to meet Raphael jogging, carrying a very unamused Lysithea.

"What's up, you two?" I asked, grinning. The behemoth of a man beamed back, motioning his head to the pouting smaller girl in his arms.

"Lysithea here was starting to struggle, so as a good big bro- I mean, uh, friend! As a good friend, I'm helping keep up!" He cheered, laughing.

"I'll remind you, you thoughtless fool, I am not a child! I am quite the opposite, now." Lysithea barked out at Raphael, folding her arms.

I chuckled, shaking my head. I missed these guys, and once we make it to the monastery... well, teach better have kept his promise and not died on us. ~~~~ ~~~~ PROLOGUE END ~~~~ ~~~~ "Ahh... now this one is gonna fill the spot, thanks, prof!" You cheered, excitedly flicking your eyes between your delicious meal of Beast Meat and your slightly concerned professor.

"That smell... it's amazing! My fav, in fact. Do you like it too?" Claude nodded with you, looking to Byleth out of curiousity. Easygoing, huh?

"I like it."

Usually, you'd laugh at your teacher's blunt speech, yet that meat was begging you to devour it and hey- who are you to deny its wishes? Being back at the monastery with your class and teacher as much as you'd loved being back in your home country, you had a soft spot for the Golden Deer. But five years had changed the lot of you, various glowups being noticed, by the way. Yet, Claude caught your attention the most. Which, being honest, wasn't out of the norm, hell, for anyone!

As you tore through your meat, you caught your former classmate stifling a chuckle at your pure ferocity.

"Oi! Got thomething to thay," You quickly swallowed. "What's so funny!?" You annoyedly accused, slamming a hand on the table. He let out a laugh, shaking his head.

"Easy tiger! You just looked awfully cute with your cheeks stuffed."

You felt your cheeks darken, clicking your tongue as you went back to your meal. "Smooth, dickhead..." You mumbled as your teacher let out a sigh at the two of youse antics. As you all continue to eat, a comfortable silence fell upon your trio.

"That aside, I am glad to see you also returning. I heard from Lorenz that you had disappeared for a while." Your teacher finally spoke, looking to you. Your eyebrows rose in surprise as you let a crooked grin creep up your face.

"Funny you say that. How about yourself, five years asleep! Did any lucky gal or guy come to give you that awakening kiss~" You cooed, switching the topic onto him. You had no idea what you could say without getting yourself and Claude in an unknown amount of trouble.

He raised a brow at your dodging of the question but ultimately let it go. "I did not get kissed, no."

Claude piped up from his suspicious silence, leaning in to pester teach. "Ya sure? You were pretty popular back at the academy!" You snickered after this comment, nodding to egg him on.

"I believe we've finished the meal. I shall see the two of you later." He promptly stood up with his plate and cutlery, returning them to the kitchen before strutting off in his usual stern demeanour.

"Aw, we scared him off!" You jokingly whined, leaning onto Claude. Teasing your no-nonsense teacher was great since he's as clueless as Seteth with three times the patience.

"How will we ever apologise?" Claude moaned alongside you, resting his head on yours melodramatically. You tittered together before recovering and bringing your dirty dishes to the kitchen. Leaving the dining hall, you two walked in silence.

You walked with no aim for a while until Claude stopped. You turned to him, intrigued. Tilting your head, you asked him a question.

"Something up?"

He smiled softly, shaking his head.

"Nah, but I would like to ask you some things." He said, and the lack of a comedic tone set off a minor alarm in your brain. You were no stranger to his inquisitive nature, having known him for a good portion of your life. Yet, you had a feeling this related to before. Even Claude wasn't aware of your whereabouts.

"Sure thing, here?" You asked, folding your arms defensively.

"No... let's go somewhere more private." He said, walking off. You jumped, quickly following him.

~~~~

Following Claude up the spiralling stairs of the Goddess tower was quick, that you could confirm. Nearly stumbling over your steps as he transcended so damn fast, you couldn't even call out for him to slow the hell down.

As you finally made it to the top, avoiding the rubble which had gathered after the battle at the monastery, you had leant against the wall, quickly regaining your breath. Yet as soon as you blinked, Claude seemed to have moved from the centre of the room to a few inches away from your face.

"C-Claude! What the hell...?" You jumped, backing fully up against the cold, stone wall. Feeling the cool stones against your back, you shivered as your former leader stared at you.

"Answer teach's question for me, friend? Where were you while we were stopping the whole damn alliance from being chipped away by the Empire?" He asked, frustrated. He took a step towards you.

You gulped, shaking your head as your eyes darted around the tower, looking everywhere but him.

"That's not the answer I was looking for, (Y/N)."

Your breath hitched as he grabbed your chin to look you in the eyes. His voice lowered, a conflicted emotion on his face. A crooked grin tugged at his lips and yet his brows were furrowed, annoyed.

||Translation: فاک - Fuck||

"I-I was in Almyra!" You yelped, quickly realising what you said as you cursed under your breath, "فاک..." You hissed, embarrassed.

"First, you avoid our questions..." Claude listed, cruelly running his thumb across your lip. Your heart skipped a beat, your eyes finally set on his figure.

"Second, you leave us... breaking our promise," He continued, striking your heart where it hurts.

You bit your lip, eyeing him as he let his hand drop to your shoulder. He pushed you further against the wall. You shivered, yet not from the freezing stone this time.

"I-I... even you said you had no attachment to Fodlan! I thought you wouldn't..." You trailed off, searching for an excuse.

"Everyone thought you died! I thought you died! And yet..." His voice rose, yet less out of anger. He finally brought his face to your extremely red own.

"Where was I? Oh yeah, finally..." You stiffened, knowing what he was going to bring up.

"Leaving me hanging."

Before you all reunited, you had made a short trip into Fodlan to grasp the situation. Yet, your undercover mission soon became an open one as a fateful night in Derdriu occurred.

~~~~

It was a warm evening the night you had made it into the lively streets of the city. Even after the effects of war, the city still seemed to bustle. Unassumedly passing by citizens happily talking, you looked for any Knights of Seiros stationed nearby or even members of the Leicester military. Noticing a particular armoured woman, you tapped her shoulder.

She turned, giving you a pleasant smile. "Do you need anything, ma'am?"

You nodded, playing with the sides of your bodice. "I live a while from the military posts, so could you please tell me... um, how is the war going?" Embarrassed, she laughed softly before explaining.

However, you were unaware of a keen eye watching you. The familiar bobbing of unruly hair, gleaning of sun-kissed skin tied in with a confident stance clued Claude onto just who it was he saw. He waited patiently behind market stalls, keeping an eye on you as you bid the woman goodbye. And oh-so luckily for him, you headed his way.

You passed by him, oblivious to the archer's presence. A sudden hand on your shoulder caused you to jolt, your hand reaching to the hilt of your sword. Whipping around, your eyes soon met the green ones of a certain Alliance leader.

"C-Claude!?" You shrieked, hand still cautiously resting on your sword, unsure if he would take well to your sudden appearance.

"So you decided to show up, huh?" He remarked, and if you knew him any less you'd think that easygoing smile meant he was happy. But that smile never reached his eyes.

Yet, despite his obvious inner conflict, you expelled a breath as he pulled you into a hug. You soon wrapped your arms around him. It had been four years since you left after Edelgard and her forces attacked. You felt his grip loosen as he rose a hand to your chin, that oh-so teasing thumb brushing against your lip.

"May I?" He muttered, and in response, you leant into him, lips locking. What started innocently quickly grew messy and needy, your lips growing red.

As you pulled back, you felt the hard pressure as your fronts brushed together. You blushed before turning your head away.

"I'm sorry Claude, I have to go." You muttered solemnly, pulling yourself together.

"Wait, what? Showing up randomly after four years and then blue-balling me?" He teased yet yearningly reached out his hand.

"I promise, I will return and finish what I started!" You called out, running off into the night.

~~~~

Your face grew hot at the memory. Shuffling nervously, you looked into his eyes.

"Then, will you finish what we started, miss?" He asked, running a hand across your face.

Inhaling, you nodded and answered him. "Yes... please."

With your consent, he pushed himself against you, lips squishing as he brought you upon his own. He soon ran his tongue along your bottom lip, asking for permission.

You parted them quickly, his tongue invading your mouth as your tongue danced with his. He began to unclasp your armour as you shifted to help them come off easier.

Before you knew it, you had both shed to your undergarments, all knowledge of this being an open area quickly leaving your mind.

His hands reached behind your back to fiddle with your bra for a few moments, soon letting it fall to the cold, stone ground. His eyes fell to your breasts, your nipples perk from a mix of the cold air in the Goddess Tower and the heat of the situation.

Quickly, his hands began to fondle and grope your tits, your hand slapping on your mouth as to not alert any patrolling guards.

"These really are great. Your armour disguises you, a good thing that is since you'd probably take a few hits otherwise." He commented cheekily, observing your tightly shut eyes and fluttering breaths.

God, he'd tease you even now!?

One of the hands dropped from your breast, the other continuing to squeeze and roll it like wet clay. The forgotten breast soon regained heat as the scruffy head of the brunette quickly moved to suckle on your aching nipple, causing you to let out a quick yelp.

"How cute." He mumbled into your tit, the vibrations sending a delicious shiver up your spine. Whilst you were focused on the pleasure at your chest, your throbbing cunt soon found a welcoming hand cupping it through your underwear.

"Soaked! Were you wanting this all along? Hah! Pretty slutty for an Almyran warrior." He cooed, fingers running against your clothed slit.

"A-ah... fuck you!" You hissed, deciding on paying back the offer. Your free hand reached down to cup his hidden boner, hand rubbing slowly.

"Ffffuck... fine, you want to do it right here, against this wall sweetheart?" He asked, grinning.

You nodded brashly, slipping out of your drenched underwear. He too shed his remaining clothes and your lips locked in a short kiss before he pulled away.

Grabbing onto your thighs, he lifted you as you hooked your legs around him. Pushing you against the wall, he angled his dick at your pussy. Rubbing slowly, teasingly. The two of you groaned, as finally, he stuck his dick in your needy cunt.

You gasped, feeling it stretch you out, slowly, inch by inch. Bottoming out, the two of you stilled for a moment, catching your breaths. Once you adjusted, signalling him with a nod, he pulled out to the tip, before slamming back in. You moaned unabashedly, eyes fluttering open to see Claude's face scrunch up.

He looked up to you coyly, smirking. "Do you want all of the monastery to find us? Would you like them to see you like this?" Your breath hitched.

"Sweating, being fucked against a wall by your former leader? After five long years, you decide to help." He hissed, continuing to thrust as you gasped with each thrust.

The fulfilling feeling of Claude's dick rubbing against your inner walls gradually inched you to your orgasm, the added brushing of fronts stimulating your clit.

"I could get used to this, you'll really help the war efforts this way. Those poor, exhausted knights who you could've helped. A nice cocksleeve like you, you'll do more by getting fucked than you have the past years." He grunted, venting his frustrations.

Yet, despite all the guilt you should've felt, it only made the aching buzz of your clit all the more stronger.

Your cunt spasmed with each thrust, the routine rubbing and brushing working you towards your end as you felt Claude's dick shudder every time he bottomed out.

"Maybe you could motivate Ignatz? He'd be shy though, but a girl so open like you would be perfect for that." He mumbled, watching your face darken.

"Or Raphael? He could use you as training. You'd be spent by the time he was even finishing, yet a slut like you would be okay with that, right?"

His dick continued to twitch in your pussy, your walls clamping around his cock like a vice. Fluttering as you were so close to your end.

"Shit... even Lorenz... he could use you as practice for his- ngh, noble duties!" He choked out a laugh, breath stuttering.

"But I think I like you best as my little runaway slut, yeah? You fit so well on my cock!" He emphasised the last word with a sharp thrust, your walls clamping shut on his cock, your head hitting the wall as you moaned in ecstasy.

He quickly pulled out, dick spurting ropes of cum on your chest and stomach. As you both caught your breath, you caught Claude smiling at you.

"It's good to have you back, my friend."

[leo-interactive-fiction]

Something else I haven't seen before. What would the MC's parent from each background think of the ROs? Who would they approve of and who wouldn't they? I guess in the case of orphan MC, what would E's parents think? Since they kinda maybe vaguely adopted orphan MC?

Hmm, interesting! Since I did the opposite, I should have seen this one coming haha

-----------------------

Storm's comments:

E: "Rose has had that expectation for some time. This is preferable to the alternative. I know you will be in good hands. Rose raised them well."

R: Your father doesn't mince his words, a clear disdain evident, "Valleford. See that you don't take after your father, or there will be less than pleasantries next time we meet."

L: "Scio. I assume your father...?" Storm's lips pull in a small frown as L gives a small nod of confirmation, "I understand if you cannot forgive me. Your father is a significant asset to the Hospian war effort. If I find him, I will kill him."

V: "You've seen enough at your age," Storm says quietly, looking into the hollow glint in V's eyes, "I'm sorry. Those were battles that should have ended with my generation, not yours."

P: Storm's brow furrows as he makes a cordial greeting, "I assume your father is well? He does not speak of his second child often, but you seem more spirited than the other. That will make the greater difference when it matters."

M: Storm's brow furrows as he makes a cordial greeting, though there's little sentimentality in his voice, "I assume your father is well? He expresses confidence in your upbringing, but I can't say I share the sentiment. You lack something fundamental. Something to drive you to achieve more than what's expected of you."

Ra: Storm's eyes lock onto Raven with a harsh intensity, "Your eyes are filled with blood and you conceal weapons. Tell me your intentions or I will kill you right now."

S: "I admit I am unfamiliar with Orden. The conflict never reached that country, but I understand there are many hardships there already," Storm says, looking the brightly grinning student up and down before his lips pull back in small contentment, "You come out better than most. You have impressive strength."

F: Storm holds a frown as he takes in the vivid green hair, "Many allowed Frenza to claim their distance due to their significant contribution to Triaina's independence, but it doesn't absolve you of everything," he says in warning, "Don't step over the boundaries you've been afforded, or the military will have no choice but to respond."

------------------------------

Scurra's dialogue:

E: Scurra makes a grimace as he recognizes E, "Damnit, you've gone and done it now," he grumbles as he pulls out his wallet and hands a fold of bills to E, "Give that to your mom, will you? She's worse than a debt collector with bets..."

R: "Valleford! There's a name I haven't heard in a while. I knew they had a black sheep in the family, but I guess they couldn't take away the infamous good looks," Scurra chuckles, his eyes lightening reminiscently, "They've put me in a good bit of trouble on more than one occasion. I guess I should consider it a family curse now that MC is involved with you."

L: "Oh, I know those eyes," Scurra says wistfully, "Coming to find the world is a bigger place than you imagined, aren't you? It's even more expansive than that, too. I had that same look when I traveled overseas. I hope MC is being a good guide for you," he looks to you, and gives a knowing wink.

V: Scurra gives a meandering hum as he looks at V, "I've been all around, but I've only seen natural hair color like that a handful of times. They all had your same stare, too." He closes his eyes thoughtfully, "None as young as you though. I hope you're the last I have to see with those eyes. They're a bad omen."

P: "A fiery one, aren't you! Has no one ever told you not to say bad words in public?" Scurra laughs, "You should stop while you can. You're so transparent with your feelings that I almost mistook you for a window, so there's no point to pulling a tough act."

M: A small, genuine smile rises on Scurra's lips as he inspects M, "How interesting. You're so similar to your twin, but you're definitely the better actor. As I think about it, you remind me of MC's mother in many ways..."

Ra: "What are you doing here?" Scurra frowns, staring harshly at Raven. A silence passes and eventually he looks away, messaging his jaw, "Oops, guess I was mistaken. You looked a little like someone I know."

S: "You've got Orden written all over you, don't you?" Scurra says cheerily, "It's been a while since I've visited, but I have to say it gave me the most enjoyment. You all certainly know how to keep it lively."

F: "Your family has always been so hauty!" Scurra covers his mouth to suppress a chuckle, "But I think it would be a mistake to talk down to everyone you meet. I happen to be on great terms with your mother. If I took the opportunity, you two would have been siblings!"

------------------------

Xero's insight:

E: He smiles warmly to E, "It's good to see you again. I'm afraid there was little I could do for you: your mother has already found out about your relationship. I expect she'll make it as embarrassing for you as possible, if I know her well. I hope you're mentally prepared."

R: Xero studies R with a faint curiosity, "I'm afraid your father and I are on less than speaking terms due to some...past difficulties, but I understand you are more than simply your father's child. You may be villianized for your differing viewpoint, but aren't we all? I don't find it is so bad," Xero gives R a knowing small."

L: Xero's eyes widen upon seeing L, then falls into a soft smile, "To think history would repeat so aptly. To see you two now reminds me of my own school days," Xero closes his eyes and releases a light sigh, the smile still present, "I pray you'll also find the same happiness I did, and that it lasts longer."

V: Xero's grip tightens on an file in his hands as he sees V, his voice meticulous, "You are...Wolfe, correct? I'll admit the what I've heard and read of you is...less than appealing, but," he casts his gaze between you and the ex-Jagd member, a faint smile growing on his lips as V steps cautiously between you. "You seem to have a strong sense of duty. I hope you will be a good pillar for MC."

P: He looks disaprovingly, "In my field, words are paired with intention. To speak is to lay bare your thoughts. Why would you neglect your intent by forcing a negative connotation where it doesn't belong?"

M: He seems slightly more on edge than with P, "I don't believe I should offer my approval to someone unwilling to determine a focus. It's a testament to your negligence."

Ra: Xero crosses their arms, his face skeptical,"Marriage? Your lack of detailed forethought and hyperfixation gives me the impression of an unhealthy mind. As it stands now, I will refuse to give you my blessing."

S: "I'm afraid I'm ignorant to everything Orden related," Xero says sheepishly, "I am happy to learn all that I can, though. Perhaps you would like to bring your family at some point? I would be happy to host them here." Xero smiles warmly, clearly unknowing of the chaotic rabblerousing he's invited into his home.

F: "Ah, the royal line," Xero says in recognition of F, "Your own mother was a classmate of mine as well. To think one of her children would grow so closely with mine. Please give her my regards, would you? She has always kept herself closer than others, so I was happy when she took an interest in my friend. He's a lucky man."

---------------------

Mr. Razor's thoughts (if he was alive)

E: He bows his head gratefully, "Thank you for taking care of MC all this time. Your selflessness has saved me a lot of worry, and I doubt I'll have any more leaving them in your hands."

R: Razor's eyes bore a hole through R, "To defy your father was a considerable risk. And not knowing what the academy had planned for you, you still allowed yourself to be incarcerated for an indeterminate amount of time," Razor taps his fingers to his chin, a smile spreading over his lips, "I enjoy those that stick to their principles, but what say we work on your jailbreaking?"

L: "Your father's quite an important man. He's lucky I was never contracted to kill him," Razor says matter-of-factly. A chilling air of silence deafens the room until Razor holds up his palms, "Just kidding. I've never killed anyone. They all died mysteriously."

V: "How's Jagd doing?" Razor narrows his eyes keenly on V, "I'm surprised they were able to bounce back after what I did to them. I guess they filled the empty spaces with whoever was able...or moldable."

P: Razor smiles sadly, "It must be difficult to be given another person's expectations and do well with them. You're like a fish trying to climb a tree. But I enjoy how far up you've climbed despite that. Would you like a reward? I know, how about...your father's weakness?"

M: Razor seems disinterested, "You're not worth the words, Crater. You're nothing more than what your father made you to be: a simple shadow to live vicariously through."

Ra: Razor's eyes have an approving glint, "The one that slipped through the cracks. How very odd. MC's mother was quite odd too. It's an endearing quality, isn't it? Yes, I think you'll make a perfect companion for MC. You've already been looking over them all this time, haven't you?"

S: "Earnestness is one of the first qualities people tend to throw away when faced with hardship. It is impressive to see how you've progressed through your poverty and discrimination so aptly. Perhaps you have a hope that things will get better?" Razor's mouth spreads in a wicked smile, "I do enjoy seeing how people struggle for such a small glimmer of light. I think I'll offer my aid."

F: "Ah, it's always cute to see people play at royalty," Razor smiles at F's exasperated face, "Why do you seem so angry? Do you actually believe your position has meaning? I'll assure you it doesn't," Razor casts a darkening stare towards the royal, "To me, you're no harder to kill than a beggar on the street. The power you attempt to flaunt means nothing, because in the end it does nothing to elevate you beyond a simple street urchin."

----------------------

End

Thank ya for the ask!

[nellynee]

The makings of greatness, or why, as a ride or die Treasure Planet stan, I’m glad there’s no Treasure Plant 2

You ever see somethings that makes you unreasonably angry? Yes I understand exactly what I’m saying, and how that indicates that my emotions and opinions on this are exactly that. Opinions. There’s a good chance I have some objective truths mixed in, but that does not make my opinions based on those truths truth. If you disagree or have different tastes or opinions or interpretations, cool, let me know! maybe you’ll change my mind. That being said.

The plot synopsis for the Treasure Planet sequel makes me angry. Not like, actively so, just annoyed enough to be in a bad mood. And now you guys all have to be in one as well. Why?

Reason 1, and probably least important: Disney sequel syndrome.

Ok so Disney sequels aren’t inherently bad. I’ll stan the Aladdin sequels to my grave, who knew Cinderella could world build, obligatory Rescuers Down Under (the first one was better) blah blah blah.

But there is an inherit problem with sequels in general, and that usually has to do with cast and crew. An original piece of fiction has to grab the audience yes, but there’s also freedom in that. Media touches people in different way. The worldbuilding can mean more to some than others. Some are in it for the animation, or the character developments, or relationships. What connects with one person won’t connect with another. The problem with sequels is that different people who worked out the original material might and usually do not work on the new. And those new people are already working on that new material with their own personal lenses and experiences and interpretations coloring the old. The reason sequels (and remakes, and big budget presentations of other materials like books into movies) tend to bomb hard is because you are essentially being forced to accept someone’s fanfiction into the canon material. Usually, there’s a pretty strong correlation between more successful franchises/extension material, works staying true to the core material, original crew working on the material, and the enjoyment of the audience.

And sources say very few of the original crew remained. Some yes, but mostly voice cast. Even worse, TP2 was a DisneyToon production, not even a mainline feature. Now I’m not saying the new people weren’t talented, or passionate about the project, or were lacking in experience. It doesn’t really matter if any of those things are true or not. It’s the warping of their personal lenses I don’t trust. Fanfic I can disregard, meta I can disregard. This would have been canon.

And reading the Artbook makes is abundantly clear that the parts that touched me personally would have been missing. The very core of Treasure Planet for me was the relationship between Jim and Silver (and their exquisite animation budget). However you choose to interpret that relationship, you can not deny that Treasure Planet is a powerfully emotionally romantic movie. It’s quiet moments and emotional resonance shaped my views of intimacy with a sharp and fine touch. Silver and Jim’s bond is as undeniable and powerful as it is compelling and awe inspiring to witness unfold.

And a lot of that is owed not only to  the voice acting of Joseph Gorden-Levitt (Jim) and Brian Murray (Silver), But to animators Glen Keane and John Ripa, who were the head animators of Silver and Jim respectively. Not only did Gorden-Levitt and Brian Murray deliver stunning performances, but made sure to work together and jointly play off each other in ways most voice actors don’t have the opportunity to do. And the Masters Keane and Ripa took an already stellar and carefully crafted vocal rapport and took it one step further. I highly recommend the Artbook as a good read, both Keane and Ripa talk about the journey of discovering who Jim and Silver were with delight, acting out entire scenes together using their own body language to build the characters together, using the same animation reals to animate, tag teaming in and out of the program rather than do it separately, becoming so attuned with their characters attitudes and mannerisms that you can tell they poured entire pieces of themselves into Jim and Silver.

I’m not saying the Sequel would have been inherently bad because it’s a sequel, or because a new crew worked on it, but I am saying I wouldn’t trust it with a ten foot pole.

Reason 2: Thanks I hate it (I’m saying it’s inherently bad because the plot is bad and I hate it)

I’m sorry for the length, but for you to really understand just how bad this is, I actually have to pick through every single line and tell you why it fails critically at some junctures and where it would be so simple to fix. For those of you who were unaware that there was a sequel in the works at some point, I’m pulling these quotes pretty much wholesale from the AnimateVeiws article Buried Treasure: The ill-fated voyage to Treasure Planet 2, specifically the interview with Jun Falkenstein who was set to direct the now canceled sequel. Spoiler warning, I guess?

So, from the begining

“The sequel was to pick up where the first film left off, with Jim Hawkins going to the Royal Interstellar Academy. At the Academy, he is a hotshot “natural,” but he doesn’t follow the rules very well.” - Strong start but then dropped the finish. I think the interstellar academy would be a very compelling starting point. I see no fault in it at least, it’s a good opportunity to world build. Clemence and Musket like to make a point that Jim was crafted to connect with the emotionally wounded and distant youth in a age of divorce, so showing what happens when that youth hikes up their britches and gets to work can extend on that theme aaaaaaand you dropped it. Dropped that strong start. Yes, Jim was more than a bit of a bite back rebel in the film, but that was a reactionary response to the bad place he started in. Jim was abandoned, and tied his self worth into that abandonment. His kickback against society was a reaction stemming from an inability to see his personal worth and any sort of future he could craft from it. He outgrew this, his very character development was about this in the film. His character arc was about realizing his inherent worth, embracing a sense of confidence and learning what he could do. Even disregarding that, bonus material outside of the film shows that Jim has a very strong sense of respect for Captain Amelia, her military career, and the hard work she put into it, and he’s there on her recommendation. Why would he act out in this? He is a natural yes, but the film shows he’s incredibly sharp and intelligent, if unlearned, and more than ready to learn given opportunity.

“Hence, he gets off to a shaky start – especially with his classmate Kate, who is very smart and has a type A personality. Kate’s father is Admiral Blake, the Commander of the Navy. Jim and Kate vie for top of the class but have very different skills.” - So building off this to fix the problem before. I guess the dynamic they are going for is something like “the kind of a jerk hotshit hotshot who’s got it all figured out and the straight laced rule fallowing stick in the ass rival”? I’m not apposed to to a rivalry, but lets tweak this, given how “hot shot natural jerk” isn’t really where Jim settles at the end of the film. Jim is a natural talent, who excels under tutelage, but more importantly, he has practical experience. While the time period spent on the RLS Legacy is not defined, they do sail to a deep and unexplored part of the galaxy, probably well outside of regular settlements, so no small distance, though Jim is young enough that a very long period of time would be noted in physical growth. Given comparisons to classic nautical sailing of the source time, months, perhaps up to a year? That’s a long time to spend, learning the rough and tumble basics, tying knots, experiencing food and water rations, extreme temperatures, playing with the rigging and mechanical aspects of the boat. Jim knows what it’s like to actually sail. Meanwhile, this is the Royal Academy, who probably takes in upper class second born children and pumps out military accolades for well learned mathematicians and strategists. Jim doesn’t fit in because he can visualize, he can think outside of the box, he can weld a damn engine to a hunk of shrapnel and ignite it freefalling against a metal hellscape and outrace a boat in a high adrenaline situation. He adapts where the other’s frantically look through their notes for the answer. Worse yet, he’s poor and not classically educated. Make it a class issue. In this aspect I do like Kate. Being the Daughter of the Commander of the Navy, she probably has a very technical and far more expansive understanding of navel ships, particularly the running of them. In this way Jim and Kate are perfect foils. Jim representing the poor, instinctually and practically knowledgeable crew, and Kate the upper-class, technically knowledgeable command, a dichotomy representing the haves and have nots in their skills, experiences, an class.

I don’t want to post a picture and break the post, but I do love Kate’s design. I do recommend looking up the article and checking it out. that being said, being a feline species, they messed up not spelling it Cate.

“Captain Amelia is dean of the Academy, which has a brand-new vessel: the Centurion.” - I… why, why is Amelia the dean? Additional material shows that Amelia broke ties with the military because she didn’t like their rule stickling ways and red tape. Why would she want a red tape position? She helped with a war and then bailed first opportunity to become a freelance captain so she could fallow her own rules. Even if you don’t know any of that additional material, you do know that she is a freelance captain. Why is she dean? what happened to the old one? Are they dead? Did DisneyToon kill them? Did Disneytoon kill the old dean?

“Designed by Doctor Doppler, the Centurion is the fastest ship in the galaxy.” - HE’S NOT THAT KIND OF DOCTOR!

“B.E.N. is its pilot”. - NO

In all seriousness all three of those statements show a serious problem, in that none of those characters are in fact those things. Amelia I’ve already explained. But Doppler was a debatably youngish bachelor with too much money who was fascinated by astronomy specifically and who suffered from ennui. And BEN was a navigational unit, so maybe it makes sense for him to be a pilot, but why is a robot who was functioning under a galaxy feared pirate for who knows how long given any kind of agency over a brand new incredibly important ship? These decisions were probably made to incorporate as much of the old cast as possible, to not exclude fan faves. But any decision that makes BEN a prominent part of the plot and thus gets more screen time is a BAD one.

“The pirate Ironbeard desires to commandeer the Centurion. This ruthless villain is relatively all iron – almost nothing of whom he originally was, inside and out, is left.” - On the one hand, I have a weird feeling that this would somehow violate the 30-70 rule. Buuuuut on the other hand, the Artbook does describe the decision making process of what and how was mechanical on Silver (my favorite tidbit was the wheel on his head representing his constant thinking and assessing) and states that that they in a way represent the pieces of humanity he gave up looking for Flint’s Trove. Extending that to a pirate who has given up everything could be a powerful thematic tool if used right (or intentionally)

“He leads a group of pirates to hijack the Centurion while Jim and Kate are aboard.” - ok, yeah, I’ll buy that. If they are butting heads constantly, I could see them sneaking off to the new piece of hardware to one up each other on who knows their stuff, or maybe bond over wanting to learn about the said new tech and being frustrated with restrictions.

“The Navy can’t catch the Centurion, due to the vessel’s speed and armor.”- sure

“Jim and Kate escape the Centurion. Jim decides he needs a pirate to help catch pirates. They find his old buddy Long John Silver in the Lagoon Nebula, where he is running a smuggling ring. “ - So what Jim just goes “I know just the pirate to help us” and then finds him? That journey of itself deserves it’s own movie, anything less is a disappointment. Alternative. Jim and Kate escape onto a particularly lawless planet. Jim has some tricks to keep them safe and fed, maybe he even excels in ways he’s been straight up stop gapped at the academy. Maybe his knowhow is appreciated by others who society also rejects. But Kate is a frustrating fish out of water, getting offended and worked up over things that are big deals to an average citizen but not criminals and pirates. But such reactions are putting them in danger and she needs to get perspective fast. It’s plausible maybe that Silver tracks them down through interesting rumors, but more than that, let it be fate. Neither having any idea the other is there till the second they see each other. Bonus points if Jim and Kate get in a bind and Silver is the leader of the harassers. Better yet lets add some thematic mirroring not only to the scene where Silver saved Jim from Scroop, but directly contrast it to the scene where Silver doubled back and down against the notion of caring for Jim when called out before the mutiny. *kisses finger* Touching and hilarious.

“ Silver agrees to help when he hears about the Centurion. “ -  Silver agrees to help when he hears about the Centurion without Jim even having to ask. Storywise, lets make some kind of deal over how Jim, an upstanding enrollee of the academy, apparently is chummy with a pirate. Tension doesn’t just have to be external, and Kate is the daughter of the Commander of the Army. Maybe she’s recognized and this gets them in trouble. Maybe Kate has issues with her identity outside of her father’s career and need to learn a lesson about being outside of a rigid social structure?

“Jim and Kate receive a tracking signal from B.E.N. – who is currently hostage aboard the Centurion – and follow via Silver’s creaky vessel. They discover the Centurion docked near the Botany Bay Prison Asteroid. “ - While being the fastest ship yet is a good excuse for wanting it to get stolen, my suspension of disbelief breaks a little at any ship, let alone a creaky little pirate vessel, catching up to the fastest ship yet, or the tracking signal being the only way to track it to a guarded prison. Seeing as how I’ve written BEN out of this scenario lets fix it. After the events of the movie, the Royal Military swoops in after to confiscate the debris of Treasure Planet. For those in the know, canon lore states that the Planet was a giant computer, and it and the map were the byproducts of an ancient and advanced civilization. Studying the debris led to the Centurion, notable not for it’s speed, but for it’s stealth. It can cloak itself. Which is why no-one can find it. Meanwhile Silver lets it slip that he snagged the map from it’s pedestal as they escaped the planet as a souvenir. (handwave why the portal was still open with a “the whole thing was exploding, the computer froze). The map is able to track the remnants of said planet, aka the Centurion, meaning Silver has the only means of tracking the cloaked ship

“Ironbeard is using the Centurion to disable Botany Bay’s security systems. Jim, Kate and Silver sneak aboard the Centurion, where Silver reveals to Jim that he wants to take the Centurion for himself. He asks Jim to join him.“ YES. YES YES YES YES YES YES! Understanding that  Jim’s decision to not go with Silver in the first movie is key here. He rejected Silver’s offer the first time because Silver had shown him he had intrinsic value, and Jim finally felt that the natural gifts he had were worth cultivating, that he did have the chance to explore who he could be on his own terms. Jim was comfortable being on his own, because he felt capable. Now, Jim and Silver bring out the best in each other, and the time apart has done them harm. Jim’s strings of social rejections are starting to fell like a glass ceiling he can’t overcome, and is finding more and more comfort in being a big fish in a pirates small pond, and the emotions of of being wanted that come with Silver is a powerful drug. But it’s a one way ticket away from any opportunities he could work towards, not to mention his barely repaired relationship with his mother. Meanwhile Silver has been slowly slipping back into the colder, more selfish self he was, a necessity for his lifestyle, and doesn’t want to loose his connection to Jim and what Jim brings out in him, but is still far enough gone to make the offer and try for the boat anyways, even if he knows it’s not what’s best. It’s an emotionally compelling decision. You want them to say yes, you know they shouldn’t

“Kate overhears this and is horrified, especially since the two have, of course, started falling for each other during the adventure.” - Hate. this I hate. Leaving shipping to they way side, what’s that “of course”? why do they have to fall for each other? Why the Disneytoon sequel love interest? I have a feeling her characterization would come at the cost of it. Why can’t they be rivals? why can’t they develop a mutual respect outside of attraction? Why can’t they both learn an individualized lesson about finding their own place in the world outside of social constraints as foils without macking? I hate this concept. Kate overhears, and is horrified, because Silver is a Pirate which is actually in universe get yourself hanged offense, and Jim is considering this, and they are going to steal a VERY IMPORTANT BOAT and and leave her stranded in a dagerous prison, and are making an objectively morally bad decision.

“Ironbeard discovers the intruders, charging into a fight in which Silver is injured. Meanwhile, the other pirates throw down ladders to the prison below, allowing swarms of elated prisoners to climb up into the ship. Silver, Jim, and Kate exit the Centurion amidst all the confusion. However, Ironbeard shoots down Silver’s ship. They plummet to the prison asteroid below, crash-landing” - cool. Drama. But for my purposes, lets tweak it so Silver isn’t injured yet. But I really want to emphasize that this attack does not interrupt before Jim can react to Silver’s offer. Even something as tentative as “I’m not sure” has consequences. None of this “misunderstanding” BS.

“ Kate is angry at Jim and storms off. “- again, make it clear that Jim showed a real chance of agreeing to steal the ship. if she’s angry before he had a chance to answer that’s contrivance for drama’s sake. Give her a reason to be mad

“ Jim is about to blow her off as well when Silver tells him to give her a chance. He reveals a part of his past through a flashback, when a young (non-cyborg) Silver screwed up a relationship with the love of his life – a decision which directly led to his life of piracy. “ - nope. nope nope nope . I’m gonna put a big old * here because this is reason number 3 why I hate this potential movie, and I will get to that believe me, but here’s me, putting a pin in it. That being said, have Silver selfishly try to double down on getting Jim to join him in a three way argument instead. This is the conflict of the film. Kate, who was learning to grow outside of the strict restrictions of her life and do her own work, make her own way, is being rejected. She is as morally repulsed as she is hurt that she wasn’t included, and hates herself for that hurt as well. Jim is torn between the freedom of what he could be after the academy paired with the strict social constructs around it, and the freedom of a life “full of himself and no ties to anyone” but running from the law and the two friends they represent. Silver is the aggressor here. He likes Kate, he does, but he loves Jim and only has one place in his heart, and has spent his life being selfish. There’s already a crew on board, and Iron beard is hooked into the Centurion. With having the only other means to navigate, they take down ironbeard, the rest will surely fall in line. This is paydirt. A fantastic ship, a bloodthirsty crew, and Jim.

“Silver has a very dangerous cargo with him that he had been trying to smuggle and sell for a fortune, which has the power of a neutron bomb. Jim, Kate and Silver reconcile and work together to fix Silver’s ship and prevent the Centurion, filled with the most evil pirates in the galaxy, from going on an insane robbing-and-killing spree. At the last second, Silver reluctantly gives up his “retirement fund” in order to destroy the Centurion, with Ironbeard and all the pirates on board.” - this entire section needs rewritten. That’s a mcguffin Silver put it away. I have retconned the mcguffin to be the old map, so that is now moot. Now to not blow up the ship. Afterall, Silver and Jim have both already overcome what Treasure Planet represented with it’s destruction. Rather, B plot

If we are that desperate to have past characters in, let’s have Amelia and Delbert back home. When the Centurion is captured, Amelia immediately volunteers to fallow, feeling responsible for Jim and secretly pining for some adventure. Delbert feels the same, and he to a bit of an adrenaline junkie after the events of the first movie, but they have the children to think about and only one can leave. Delbert is the one chosen to help by the navy officials searching for the Centurion. While Amelia bickers with the Admiral Blake over his pragmatic but emotionally distant decisions over the situation of his missing daughter, Delbert is an astronomer, and is blah blah blah science meta, fallow the flashing  and bending lights around the cloaked ship to find it. As in Delbert is helpful. Amelia in a reflation to Admiral Blake, is torn between her family and commandeering her own ship to help. Blake is frustratingly headstrong in his decisions, and the script makes it seem like that emotional distance is disinterests, but reveals to the audience that it incorporates a great deal of suppression of his anxieties and worries over his daughter, and trust in her abilities, though he has issues expressing this pride to Kate herself. Amelia, Delbert and fam make what is probably a poor decision in commandeering a ship and leaving on their own to track the Centurion, the navy hot on their heels.

Back to A plot, the navy is approaching. Jim has to make a decision. He is the only one who knows how to unmask the ship using the old ones tech without training, as it’s based off the map. While Kate and Silver are distracting iron beard, he has to either steal the ship and sail off, or uncloak it for the navy. Iron beard is taken down, but not without Silver getting injured. Jim decides that Silver’s life is worth more than anything, and after agreeing with Kate that she’ll commandeer a doctor and wont let Silver die, uncloaks the ship. The Centurion is retaken in a blaze of naval glory that is the action climax. The pirates fight back up are over run. Maybe Kate gets taken hostage as the Admirals daughter, as an opportunity for a resolution with her arc as Blake’s distant daughter, though obviously said resolution comes at her showing her abilities in taking care of herself and the practical skills she has learned.

“Silver again parts from Jim and Kate, telling them to take care of each other. A few years later, Jim and Kate graduate with honors, while a proud Silver secretly watches from the shadows, smiling” - Boooooo. Kate and her dad make up, and she challenges him that she’s going to one day Captain the Centurion, with him understanding that she needs less a mentor and more an emotional support while she works her way up the ranks. She invites Jim to be her first mate, to which Jim accepts as a navigator, (a thing I’ve pointed out to be his real strength in another post). But to Silver, who has been “pardoned” for his part in retaking the Centurion, the movie hinting that he to would be on the eventual crew there I fixed it fic to come I s2g.

yeah there’s a lot of good there, but it’s so easy to fix the bad it’s frustrating. which brings me to

Reason 3: that little pin

“ Jim is about to blow her off as well when Silver tells him to give her a chance. He reveals a part of his past through a flashback, when a young (non-cyborg) Silver screwed up a relationship with the love of his life – a decision which directly led to his life of piracy. “

Nope nope nope I’ll tell you why.

First of all, sources like the artbook say that Jim is so Important to Silver because he’s the first person Silver has ever let become important. he’s specifically stated to have no family, never married, no children. And that’s something he cultivated actively. His life of piracy, his metal limbs, his loneliness and moral failings were all gleefully accumulated for one reason and one reason only

Treasure Planet.

Treasure Planet was the great love of Silver’s life. It was a lifelong obsession. It destroyed his body, took his youth, his opportunities and nearly his life. He broke Jim’s heart over it.

And he let it go. For Jim.

And Jim understood this

This is the crux of treasure planet’s very themes. This is where Jim found self worth. Another person finally looked at him and said “you matter, you matter more than anything. I like being around you and I choose you first.” and it made Jim realize he’s someone worth choosing.

The treasure was EVERYTHING to Silver, and Silver let it go, for Jim.

That one line there, attributing the start of Silver’s fall to a girl? that actively retcons the entire theme of the previous movie. IT rewrite the emotional linchpin of Silver’s sacrifice of the gold. And actually fuck that. right into the ground. I do not accept. I do not pass go. I refuse. Fuck you non existent movie. That makes me mad. every single time. Hate I shall never let go.

No

[grasshopperjay]

wanting was enough (18+)

pairing: jay halstead x female reader

song: august - taylor swift

word count: 4.1k

summary: jay and the reader are old friends who meet at a bar. neither of them are in a good place, but their night gets a lot better with the others company. however, there’s something important that jay forgot to mention. 

warnings: swearing, angst (of course), yelling, smut, unprotected sex

“Am I dreaming? God I sure hope not.” 

 You’re already rolling your eyes at the horrible pick up line, taking a swig of your drink to get the confidence to shut this guy down, and then you see him, and you nearly choke. 

“Holy shit.” You stutter out. “Jay Halstead.”

“Holy shit,” He repeats, “Y/N. I can’t believe it’s you.”

He opens his arms and you shake your head, laughing in disbelief as you hug him. “How are you?” You ask, and he grins, occupying the seat beside you and you look him over for a minute, trying not to stare. He’s bigger, muscles filling out his previously boney stature. A lot has changed since high school and you can only hope he’s looking at you the same way, liking the developments you’ve made since you were seventeen. 

“I’m good! Yeah, great. How are you? You look amazing.” 

“Thank you,” You murmur, trying not to blush. “So do you.” You avoid the topic of yourself altogether, opting to not mention how little you’ve actually accomplished since high school. Sure you have a degree and a good job, but you seem to be lacking the happiness so many of your classmates have achieved. “What have you been up to? Last I heard you married Abby,” You blurt out, and he laughs, shaking his head in disapproval. 

Is it bad that the wedding ring that was not on his left ring finger was one of the first things you noticed? 

“Yeah, it was uh-, it was a military thing. Nothing more.” He confirms, and you nod suspiciously. 

“So you’re not with Abby then?” 

“No,” He laughs, “Definitely not. I mean she’s a great girl and everything, but, not for me.”

“Wow, I wish you would have realized that in high school.” You blurt out, and then your hand is covering your mouth, a reflex response to stop anything worse from coming out.

Jay raises his eyebrows, chuckling at your stunned face. “What does that mean?” You shake your head but he prods further. “Nope, you don’t get to do that, what do you mean by that?”

You’re giggling like a little girl and suddenly you’re seventeen again. This is how it always was, Jay charming as ever and you completely mesmerized. One crucial part of the picture is missing this time though, and you’re hoping it works for the better for you. 

“I just mean... I did a lot of pining senior year.” You murmur, and he narrows his eyes. 

“Elaborate.” It’s a demand. 

“Do I have to?” He nods. “Ugh, I was just always second place to her.”

He wants to respond with humor, but you can see in his eyes for just a split second that he knows exactly what you mean. 

He remembers what happened behind the mall, sitting in his car, so close to getting everything you’d ever wanted until his phone rang. Who else but Abby on the other end of the line. You had spent the whole summer together but no matter how far you’d come you were always just a step behind her. And just when you thought you were getting somewhere, August came. And you were off to school, Jay enrolled in the military. And the rest is history. 

“You were second place?” He clarifies, and you nod. “Well so was I.”

You raise your eyebrows at him, and he nods, tilting his beer to his lips. “What are you talking about?”

“I’m talking about Dan,” You haven’t heard that name in years. “I only went along with Abby because you were obviously into Dan.”

“I was not into Dan!” You shriek, and Jay laughs. “I’m kind of offended that you thought I was...” 

“You so were,” He accuses, and you keep giggling, covering your mouth to try and control how hard you’re smiling. “I liked you, like really liked you. But Abby told me you liked Dan, so I never did anything.”

“She lied,” You say, shoulders shaking with hysterics. “I hated Dan.” Jay is laughing now too, and goodness, you’re so happy you decided to stop at this bar. 

When the laughter fades, your eyes lock and for a moment the wind is knocked out of you. 

Even though you’re probably gonna regret it, you decide to take the leap you never were bold enough to take in high school. 

“Jay, I never thought about Dan a minute after high school... You, on the other hand? Everyday.” 

A small smile grows on his face, and then he says, “Yeah I thought about you a lot too.” 

You talk for hours, just catching up, and it’s so familiar. He asks about your job and your degree; laughs with you about your brother and how he’s managed to stay reckless after all this time; pries about your relationships in the last ten years. He tells you about his job now, and you soak in every moment as he talks louder, hands motioning like crazy when he gets to the crazy parts of his stories. You hold his hand while he opens up about things that happened on his tours, you can see the pain in his eyes even though he tries to put up a strong front. 

He’s so different from how he used to be, but still so similar. And even though a decade has passed, you’re still just as smitten with him as you were ten years ago. 

It feels like no time has passed since Jay approached you with his stupid line, but when the lights turn on, you realize what time it is. 2 am. You’ve been talking for five hours. 

“Shit,” You mumble, because you’re not ready to go.

It’s like Jay reads your mind though, because he slides his hand over yours, giving you a small grin when he says, “Do you wanna come back to my place? I’m not quite ready to say goodbye to you yet.” 

The answer is yes. A thousand times yes. But you can’t give in so easy. “Jay Halstead... We’ve only just met and you’re inviting me back to your place?”

He rolls his eyes, pulling your jacket off the back of your chair with a smirk. “I promise I’ll be the perfect gentleman. No risky business.”

And that’s how you end up in his apartment, sitting five feet apart on his bed like you’re still in high school. There’s a movie playing but neither of you are paying attention. 

However, it’s probably your fault that he’s so far away. When he guided you to his room, you, like a teenage virgin, poked a finger at his chest- his extremely broad chest- and said, “I’m not here to have sex with you.” 

You said it because you didn’t want to seem desperate, or easy... But it’s Jay, and you’ve known him since high school. You feel like you’ve waited ages for him. And you’ve changed your mind. 

But how do you tell him that without telling him that...

You turn your head to look at him, and the corners of his mouth tilt up as he realizes you’re watching him. He turns to look at you, extending his arm, “You know you can come over here and cuddle with me, I won’t bite...” 

With a sly grin you crawl over to him, settling in his arms. And damn, pressed against his hard body you’ve really changed your mind. “I wouldn’t be mad if you did... bite...” You say, words falling off towards the end. 

You freeze for a minute, locked in a staring match with him before you’re pushing yourself up to kiss him. He’s not surprised, his free arm wounds around your waist, his tongue slides into your mouth and all you can think is what have you gotten yourself into.

You kiss him harder, trying to get even closer to him but he stays steady, his hands sit comfortably, resting on the outside of your thigh and your waist, thumbs drawing circles through the fabric of your t shirt dress.

He makes no moves to go any further, and your timid nature prevents you from doing so either, but you’re walking a thin line. You want so much more. 

Finally you say fuck it, disconnecting your lips and tilting your chin up. He gets the hint and he scrapes his teeth across the soft skin. You whine, grabbing his t shirt while you mumble his name. 

“Please,” You whisper, trying to pull him closer. You hate that he’s made you so weak. All he’s done is kiss you and you’re nearly falling on your knees. 

“What do you want, baby?” He whispers, pressing delicate kisses to your neck.

“I want you to touch me,” You whisper, cheeks tinging red at your confession. He doesn’t seem to mind though, with a smile he brings your lips back to his. His tongue slides into your mouth, and you hold onto his shoulders a little tighter. Slowly, his hand makes it’s way from the outside of your thigh, to the inside. And then he’s pressuring your knee, pushing your legs apart.

“Jay,” You mumble, and the second his green eyes meet yours, you’re lost. 

“You okay?” He asks, and all you can do is nod. 

“Are you sure about this?” Another nod. 

You’re so beyond wet from just kissing him, it’s almost embarrassing. 

He’s so gentle, hands sliding further and further up until their fiddling with the waist band of your underwear. You raise your hips, thinking he’s going to take them off but he doesn’t, he only applies slight pressure to your mound.

His hands are working so slowly and the anticipation is building and building. His fingers work their way down, humming over your clit and passing until they’re ghosting right over where there is probably a wet spot. You can feel your cheeks start to burn red at the thought of it, and it makes you mad at him for being so annoyingly hot.

He presses more firmly, and even though it’s not quite where you want him to be, it still feels good, so you kiss him harder. He responds eagerly, nibbling on your bottom lip. Then he’s ducking his head into the crook of your neck, teeth and tongue grazing the spot just below above your collarbone.

You can’t help the moan that slips out, and you dig your nails into his shoulder when he chuckles against the skin there. He connects your lips again with a smile, and it’s so smug it’s irritating. You really just want him to do something other than tease you, so one of your hands leaves his shoulder, latching onto his wrist that’s under your skirt. When you push his hand up he laughs against your lips, pulling his hand from your grasp. “Jay, do something,” You grumble, tilting your head back. 

He leans into your neck, dragging his lips over the skin. “I thought you weren’t here to have sex with me.”

You internally roll your eyes, “This isn’t sex,” You reply and he laughs.

“Touche,” He says, and then he’s moving his hand up, yanking down one side of your underwear. You help him out, tugging down the other side, he slides them down your legs, and then slowly slides his hand back up, taking his sweet time. 

When he finally gets to where you want him, your shoulders slump, miles of tension being released with his simple touch. He dips a finger down to feel how wet you are, spreading it around he rubs slow circles on your clit, and you release exasperated little breaths against his lips. Your legs instinctively open wider, and Jay’s touch grazes lower, his middle finger teasing your entrance. It dips in, and you try to sink lower, but his hand on your hip holds your firmly in place. He pulls it out, and then goes in again, this time with two fingers. You buck your hips slightly, the pads of his fingers brush your walls, and your back arches while you ache for more. Getting his fingers in even further his palm presses hard onto the hood of your clit, and then you know you’re not going to last long after that. Your head is tilted back, chest heaving up and down and Jay watches in awe, working his fingers while you move with him. His fingers are continuously pressing against your g spot, and you’re practically grinding onto his palm now. It feels so good, and his lips are so soft against yours. He’s like a drug, and now that you’re almost to the edge you know one high isn’t going to be enough. “Jay-” You pull away from his lips, head tipping back.

“Let go,” He mumbles, pressing a kiss to your neck.

Another rock against his hand sends you over the edge, your eyes squeezing shut, and Jay stretches his hand back, avoiding your clit while you ride out your high on his fingers. Slowly they stop moving and your eyes flutter open when he pulls his hand out from under your dress. He sucks them into his mouth and surprisingly a hot moan slips past your lips at the sight. Fuck you need him. You fall back onto the bed, grabbing his shirt to yank him with you.

“Bab-” He starts to speak but you latch onto his neck pulling his lips down to meet yours. When you wrap your legs around him you feel his hard on press against you and it’s almost enough to make you moan embarrassingly loud again.

Hands sliding down, you tug up the fabric of his shirt and he pauses to get it over his head. He chuckles when your fingers hook into his shorts, “Slow down, babe.”

Ignoring him you push his shorts and boxers down, and he holds himself up with one arm to help you out. His cock is hard and you bite your lip at the sight of it, the tip red an soaked with precum.

When he leans back down, your hands grip onto his waist, legs wrapping around him in preparation. He slides his cock in between your folds and you jerk when he grazes your clit. “You sure, baby?” He asks.

“Jay, if you stop now I might combust,”

He grins, pressing a kiss to your lips before standing on his knees, grabbing hold of your calves he yanks you to the edge of the bed. Then he raises your legs so they rest on his shoulders, and he’s pushing into you so slowly it’s almost painful. You need him so badly, and he knows. You cry out when he sinks fully into you, knotting your hands into his hair. He has his feet on the ground for momentum, using your thighs to push you down and it has him so deep you think you could pass out. Every time he moves its like your whole body is getting shocked with pleasure.

“You feel so good,” His grip on your waist is getting tighter, and you grip onto his shoulders to pull him down to you, desperate to feel his lips on yours. When your mouths connect you feel like your lit on fire. 

You sling an arm around his neck, wanting to keep him as close as possible. He presses short kisses to your lips while he continues to grind into you, he feels amazing and you know you’re climbing up quickly to another climax. His head tilts back, mouth falling open and it’s like a whole other stimulant in itself, seeing the pleasure that you give him. Nothing turns you on more.

“Jay,” You murmur, pressing a kiss to the underside of his chin. He responds by connecting your lips again, kissing you through your second orgasm. It’s long and incredible, and it crashes over you so hard it feels like more than just one, but he continues to fuck you through it, getting himself off. He presses you into the bed, and you admire the way his muscles flex, and the way he clenches his jaw while he’s coming undone.

He is so beautiful.

Finally he collapses on you, catching his breath before he rolls off. You both take a moment to let your thoughts catch up, labored breaths filling the room.   “Wow,” He finally says, and once again, all you can do is nod. 

Breathlessly he stands, grabbing his boxers to tug on before he winks and leaves the room. When he comes back minutes later, he has two glasses of wine in hand and you grin, you picked a good one. 

“Wow, if I wasn’t in love with you before I sure am after that little performance. Now this?” You smile, taking the glass. “You’ve out done yourself.”

“Anything to impress you,” He teases, clinking his glass against yours. 

You lay there for another few hours, tangled in the sheets just talking more. And you’re wondering if it’s possible to fall back in love in less than ten hours. 

Eventually Jay nods off, and when you look at your phone you realize it’s six in the morning. 

You didn’t exactly plan on staying at the bar later than eleven, work at nine usually is enough to prevent you from going home with a guy but apparently Jay doesn’t count. 

You don’t really want to leave but you should probably go home and shower, so you quietly put on your clothes, trying your hardest not to wake Jay up in the process. Before you go, you steal his phone, going to settings to get his number so you can shoot him a quick text goodbye. 

You’re typing as you sneak out of his bedroom, writing out a cute message about how much fun you had when a voice scares you. 

“Looks like you guys aren’t fighting anymore,” 

With your startle you accidentally press send on your unfinished text, muttering a shit as you look up to see who’s talking to you. If you remember correctly, it’s Jay’s brother, his hair still as fiery red as ever. 

When he sees you he freezes. You’re obviously not who he was expecting because he stutters out, “You’re not Erin,” 

And no, you’re not. 

You feel your stomach drop, and you’re praying that the best night of your life isn’t about to get ruined, but by the dire look on his face, it is. “Who’s Erin?” You mumble, and Will’s face falls, like he actually feels bad for you. 

“Jay’s girlfriend.” He whispers.

Your whole body goes still, a cold impulse spreading throughout your body as you realize what you just did. You can’t bring yourself to say anything else, you just run out of the apartment as fast as you can. 

You’re not really thinking, just acting as you walk down the street, clicking fast on your phone to order an uber, anything to keep you from actually digesting what just happened. 

And that’s how the morning continues, you don’t stop for a minute, occupying your thoughts with literally anything other than him. It works for a while, you can keep your mind off him while you shower and get ready for work, but then you’re sat at your desk, staring at your phone that has not stopped ringing since you sat down. 

It’s an unknown number but you know exactly who it is. There’s seven missed calls, numerous texts but you’re not looking at any of them. You’re busy thinking of what happens now.

What if she finds out? What if she finds out and finds you? You’ve maximized jumping to conclusions and gone straight for diving off a cliff into a lake of worst case scenarios. 

There’s more missed calls and texts by the time lunch rolls around, you’ve had concerned comments from just about everyone of your coworkers, but it’s easy to brush off their worry, your own however? Just about impossible.

How is it that you became a home wrecker without even knowing? Was there some sign of her that you missed? Because you feel like you should have known. 

You’re still sitting at your desk, staring blankly at a computer that has yet to be turned on today when your receptionist, Maggie, knocks on your office door. 

She looks like a deer in the headlights, eyes wide as she says, “There’s a client here to see you,”

“I don’t have any appointments today...” It’s Friday, you never schedule client meetings on Fridays. 

“I told him that, but he says it’s urgent.” 

For her sake, because she looks terrified, you roll your eyes and nod. “Okay send him in.”

She steps aside and then your client is sauntering into the room, badge on display for everyone, including poor Maggie to see.

“Is this a fucking joke?” You cry, and Maggie nearly jumps out of her skin. You want to tell her to drag his ass out of here but she’s clearly had enough excitement for one day so you dismiss her with clenched teeth, eyes unwavering from the shithead in front of you.

“Are you kidding me, Jay?” You growl, “Showing up here? I’m working. How the hell did you even find me?”

“I’m a cop, Y/N. I found you in two minutes,” He shuts the door behind Maggie and you can see the intrigued glances from your coworkers. “And besides I wouldn’t have showed up here unannounced if you would just pick up the phone when I called.” He argues, and you scoff. 

“Do you actually think you deserve that? After what you did?” 

“You never let me explain!” 

“What can you possibly have to explain, Jay? You turned me into a homewrecker!”

“I didn’t mean to-,” He starts, but you cut him off. 

“I asked if you were with anyone! You said no!” 

“You asked if I was with Abby.” He counters, “I didn’t lie.”

Your eyes go wide, jaw nearly dropping to the floor. “You’ve got to be fucking kidding me. That’s your excuse? A technicality?”

He shrugs, and you resist the urge to throw your penholder at him. “Who is Erin, Jay?”

“My girlfriend.” He admits, and you actually reach for your ammunition, but he continues, “Sort of.” 

“She uh, we haven’t been on the best terms lately, we were living together, but I moved in with Will a little while ago to give her some space. She got offered a job with the FBI in New York.”

“But you’re still together.” You state, and Jay winces. 

“Technically?” Now it’s your turn to cringe. “I went to her apartment before work yesterday, to try and talk through things but she was gone. Her place was completely clear. I didn’t even tell Will. That’s why I was at that bar last night, I was drinking my sorrows away.” 

“How am I supposed to believe you?” You whisper, teary eyed. You’re trying to take in everything he’s saying but you just don’t know if you trust him...

With a pained look Jay picks up him phone tilting it so you can see while he scrolls through his contacts, stopping on a name with a blue heart by it. He clicks on her name, and a picture of the two of them comes up as the line rings once, and then an automated voice chimes in. 

The number you have dialed is no longer in service. 

“I’ve sent her a hundred texts messages, but none of them have delivered.” He says, and his bottom lip is quivering. “You have to believe me, we’re over.” 

It sure seems that way... But the pain of thinking you were the other woman has quickly been replaced by the pain of realizing you’re the rebound. 

There’s no good outcome, any which way you spin this.

“So I was a rebound then?” You say, voice nearly breaking. 

He can’t say no to that, and it hurts you even more. “I don’t-, I don’t know. But I needed you last night. I saw you and I didn’t even think about her for the entire night. I felt okay for the first time since leaving mine and Erin’s empty apartment and I wanted to hold onto that. I still do.”

“Jay,” You whisper, “I don’t know if I can be that for you... It feels like high school all over again. Your second choice, again.” 

“You won’t be.” He reassures you, and then he steps forward to pull you into his arms and you shouldn’t let him but you do. “I promise you won’t be a second choice.” 

He can’t really promise that, though. He can try and you convince you of that, but he’s always been someone else’s. Never yours to lose. Tears roll down your cheeks and you try to pull away from him, but he’s not letting go. 

“I’m not ready to say goodbye to you yet.” 

.....

taglist: @nevertoofarfromivar​ @samanthavitale​ @malrunaway​ @bluecrush129​

[forever-rogue]

Alright alright ty for responding! I’m super hyped abt this one hehe but here I go:

This is for Frankie Morales, who I love so freaking much ☺️

Okay okay here: A high school reunion where Frankie and Reader meet again after 10 years.

They had such a huge crush on one another and reader was ‘popular’ while Frankie was just shy/nerdy. Maybe they dated but had to separate while they were in college because of the distance but they still have feelings after all these years?

Also reader has learned that Frankie has a kid but didn’t know that his wife divorced him so she’s kind of upset until Frankie tells her (assuming she runs off or something?).

Eventually they start again in their relationship and it’s a fluffy and cute!

I love angst and fluff so since you like writing about those I thought you would be a great person to ask hehe. Anyways I love your works so much and thanks in advance if you write this! ❤️✨

A/N: this is literally just a ton of softness, enjoy! 💕

Pairing: Frankie Morales x Fem!Reader

Word Count: 2k

Warnings: none

FRANKIE MASTERLIST

MASTERLIST

»»————-　♡　————-««

You could hardly believe your eyes as you scanned the room and found the one person you hadn’t been expecting to see. Out of all the people in the world, there was Frankie Morales, across the crowded ballroom, mingling with a few other of your old classmates. It had been two whole decades since you’d last seen him; two decades since you’d last kissed him, last told him you loved him, last held him. Back then you had been positive that you wouldn’t see the last of him. 

You knew he’d gone into the military after high school, greatly deviating from your plans of college, and ultimately causing your break up. You’d never heard a word from him or seen so much as a glimpse of him since the day of your graduation. At first you had been hopeful that you’d see him again sometime at some point, but the time had never come. That had led you to believe that he wouldn’t even be coming here tonight, to your class reunion. You could just picture him saying something along the lines of ‘why? what a silly waste of time!’ Unbeknownst to you, he hadn’t actually planned on coming - not until he’d gotten word through the grapevine that you’d be there. 

The sight of him was enough to take your breath away; he still looked exactly the same after all this time, just older, hardened, and world weary. Much like yourself and everyone else here, you supposed. But when his soft, chocolate eyes met yours, you couldn’t help but grin at him, the corners of your mouth tugging upwards without a second thought. Turning to the group of women you were chatting with, you offered them a half hearted excuse and made your way over to teenage love. Frankie didn’t hesitate to do the same.

Meeting halfway in the middle, you almost crashed into each other, your body practically humming with excited nervous energy as you stared at Frankie - your Frankie. He smiled that same smile you’d fallen in love with all those years ago, his magnificent dimple making its appearance. 

“Frankie-”

“Honey Bee-”

“I can’t believe you’re here,” you both said excitedly, before breaking into a fit of giggles. At least you were on the same page about this one. Part of you had always wondered, even if just a small, tiny part of you, whether he held any disdain or dislike for you after you ended your relationship. It had been hard at the time, you were both lovestruck young fools, but you both knew at the time, even if only deep down, that it was the right thing to do. Maybe it had all happened the way it did for a reason. 

“Do you want to go outside? To the gardens?” he asked softly as you nodded in response. Without a moment of hesitation, he reached for your hand, clutching it tightly, but gently, in his much larger one, lacing your finger together without a second thought. Trailing behind his long strides, you couldn’t help but admire his frame; tall and broad, with just the right amount of softness that somehow remained firm. He’d gone from a good looking teenager to a handsome man. 

Once you were away from all the commotion and outside in the cool evening air in the gardens decorated with lightly twinkling lanterns, he paused and turned to study you. A look of pure adoration was etched into his eyes as his hands found either side of your face and he gently traced over your features. 

“You are just as beautiful today as you always have been,” he beamed at you, “my sweetest Bee. After all these years, I get to see you again.”

“Francisco…”

“May I kiss you?” as soon as his name fell so softly from your lips, he couldn’t help him. It was like he was eighteen again, and falling over, so easily, so effortlessly. You watched with wide, doe eyes, the most innocent expression on your face as you nodded before biting on your lip.

Before either of you could think too much about it, he crashed his lips onto yours and kissed you with a fervent, but gentle intensity. It was like no time had passed and neither of you had to think about it; it all worked so easily. Just like it had always been meant to be.

When you finally, reluctantly, pulled apart, you grinned at each other like fools. You couldn’t help but steal a few more kisses from him. “Frankie...I never thought I’d see you again. I can’t believe you’re here.”

“I wasn’t planning on coming,” he admitted sheepishly, looking down at his feet for a moment, “but I heard you were going to be here, and I had to come.”

“For me?” a flush rose into his cheeks as you beamed at him and offered up a shy nod.

“Of course,” he confessed, “why else? I always hoped I’d see you again one day...I never stopped thinking about you. How horribly cliche is that?”

“Well, even if it is, then I suppose that makes the two of us fools,” putting your hand on his cheek, you traced your thumb over his features, “you’d always cross my mind...a lot. Probably more than I should have…”

“Somethings never change, huh?” he laughed light as he led over to an empty bench surrounded by beautiful evening blossoms. You sat next time, watching with nervous intensity as he held your hand in his, “how’ve you been, Bee? Really? Tell me everything.”

“Only if you promise to do the same.”

“Always.”

»»————-　♡　————-««

And it was easy to talk to him; just like it always had been. In some ways, it was like no time had passed at all. With him you never had to think about what to say, or worry about him passing judgment or anything. It just was...and it was a beautiful thing. An odd longing feeling settled into your stomach the more you listened to him, leaning in closer and closer until you were almost in his lap. In some ways you wondered if it had always been him. Like you were both here again for a reason. You liked the idea that everything happened as it was meant to, as the universe willed it. 

“But then my wife…” as soon as the words hit your ears, you tilted your head to the side and gave him a confused expression. Wife, wife, wife. Holy shit.

Springing to your feet, your mind was reeling as you imagined all the ways in which you had fucked up, but Frankie was fast on his feet and was still right behind you, calling your name as he tried to catch up, reaching for your hand. Of all the things you had imagined, this wasn’t one of them. Eventually you stopped and turned to face with a wide eyed expression, “what do you mean wife? Frankie, I-I still have a lot of the same feelings I always did, but if you have a wife-”

“Bee, please no,” he shook his head fervently, trying to get you to calm down and calm his own racing heart, “no, no, no, I shouldn’t have said it like that - old habits die hard. I meant ex-wife. We’ve been…we’re divorced, and have been for over a year.”

As if to prove his point, he held up his left hand and showed you that he wasn’t wearing a wedding band. His own eyes flitted awkwardly to our own hand, almost as if to check that you weren’t someone else’s either. Instantly you felt foolish and silly, knowing it had been foolish to explode like that. You should have known better; Frankie would never lie to you, “I-I’m an idiot. I’m so sorry, Frankie. I just...I couldn’t handle the thought of you...well doing anything with someone’s married, or you being married to someone still. Needless to say, my own marriage didn’t end well; he cheated on me with multiple women.”

“I would never put you in that position,” he promised softly, “and I would never do that to anyone. Especially not to you, Honey Bee. If...if you’ll have me, however you want, I promise you I will never lie to you. I never have and never will.”

“Promise?” you looked at him with glossy eyes as your lip trembled, but he just nodded and reached for your hand, pulling you closer to him, “Francisco…”

“Of course,” he replied softly, “so full disclosure - I’m a divorced, single dad - very proud dad of the sassiest and sweetest little girl that is my world. I know that’s a lot, on top of everything else I’ve told you, but that’s...that’s what it is. Who I am. I guess it’s probably not what you were expecting...probably a let down.”

“No,” you promised him quickly, with a big, wide grin, “it’s wonderful. You’re wonderful, Frankie. None of those things are a letdown; you’re perfect. We’ve all got our issues - I’m a divorced, single dog mom that’s considered a failure by so many people because I went to college and ended up doing something completely different, and now run a small coffee shop. It’s not exactly lucrative, but I love it.”

“You always wanted a coffee shop,” he remembered; you’d told him about it more times than you could remember when you were just kids, “your dream came true!”

“It’s even better now,” you insisted softly, “because I’m here - with you. I think...I think it’s the only thing I’ve ever really wanted. Seeing you again, after all this time...it’s still you, Frankie.”

“After all this time?”

“Always.”

“Good,” he beamed at you, “I’m glad the feeling’s mutual. Honey Bee...may I kiss you again?”

“Mhmm.”

“And again and again and again?” you laughed at his playfulness, but underneath it all, you could see there was a serious side to all of this. He was looking at you like you had hung all the stars in the glittering night sky, “if you’ll still have me?”

“Always.”

»»————-　♡　————-««

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[envythepalmtree]

Xingese Roy supremacy Do you have any in-depth headcanons abt it :o

XINGESE ROY SUPREMACY!!

omg. thank you for asking about headcanons. yes I have SO MANY. many of which I cannot say yet (just wait to get spammed with xingese roy things later this year). I'm Chinese American myself so I project SO much onto him (we love our Ownvoices narratives here)!

On this post I mainly talk about what it's like to have Xingese heritage in Amestris. How it affected Roy growing up, and how that reflects Amestrian society as a whole. A little bit about how he starts to reconnect with his culture. If you want lighter, more fun headcanons about Roy being connected to Xingese culture:

insulting ed

roy likes rice crackers

chinese new year modern au

SO!!

My main thing about Xingese Roy: while it's technically canon compliant because it doesn't directly contradict anything in canon, it couldn't be canon because being of a different race in Amestrian society would have vast impacts on Roy's character and on the way he interacts with others, especially as a military officer. If Arakawa intended for Roy to be Xingese, there's no way she wouldn't have mentioned it. That being said, it's the best headcanon ever when done right.

Like the general fanon goes, Roy's father is Amestrian and the brother to Chris Mustang; Roy's mother came to Amestris from Xing. She didn't exactly immigrate by choice, but nonetheless she resents Xing and convinces herself that Amestris is the best country and she needs to be a good citizen. (She also happens to be one of my favorite OCs ever but I will stop myself from infodumping about her backstory.)

If you can't tell by me crying over I Can Only Write My Name by Will Jay, a theme I like to use a lot is assimilation. Erasing one's own culture, erasing parts of their identity to fit in. When Roy's mom showed up in Amestris as a teenager having lost everything, she learned to assimilate. Even if she visibly looked like a foreigner, she could beat away her accent, learn the customs and culture of the new country, and erase her life from before.

And that's how she raised Roy before she died. Assimilate. Be good. Our heritage is not important. Show loyalty to Amestris. Show patriotism. You look Xingese, but you are not Xingese, you are Amestrian. You have to prove it to the world so that they accept you.

You can say Amestris is diverse in cultures, not because people chose to move there, but because they're an imperialist power. The Amestrians conquered other countries and melded them into their own. They love it when they take over a smaller country and its people blend into Amestrian society. (Ishval didn't. The Amestrians didn't like that.)

"Foreign" is synonymous with "enemy." Amestris has enemies on all sides - Drachma, Creta, Aerugo. Xing isn't a military threat because it's separated by a desert, but it's still foreign and unknown. And that's why young Roy Mustang can't say he's Xingese - he isn't a foreigner. He's a good Amestrian boy and will grow up to help his country.

To Roy's friends and classmates, Roy is a perfect token. He looks visibly Xingese (visibly foreign), but he's smart, great at alchemy, and patriotic. He loves being Amestrian and wants to help his country when he grows up. Roy Mustang is a great prop when someone needs to say, "I have a friend who's a foreigner so I can't be racist." (Roy isn't a foreigner and hates being called one, but he likes being useful.)

Dehumanization is something else I think about a lot. Especially with FMA. State alchemists are called "human weapons." These people, or anyone really, are only as valuable as they are useful. The state doesn't see its military (and certainly not its civilians) as people - they are weapons to further their goals of expansion and conquest.

Civilians might see each other as people. But why would they see foreigners that way? But when their nation conquers a new territory, or someone flees to their country, the outsider might have use. (Ishval did not.) The outsider might have something to contribute to society. The outsider might reject their own heritage to prove that Amestris is superior. The outsider could be a golden boy, a prop to show that despite one's blood, a boy like Roy Mustang can be the perfect Amestrian citizen.

So, just as his dead mother wanted him to, Roy Mustang rejects the blood she gave him. She washed herself away. And it will be many years, after Roy becomes a good Amestrian soldier and creates a river of Ishvalan blood, after years of unlearning everything the state taught him, that he meets some Xingese children tied to his mother's past. Only then does he start to recover what his mother washed away.