#if i were a teenager (max) and they made me teammates with this guy this would be the end of me. literal torture. i don't blame max at all | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

compressingsins · 4 years ago

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An Owls Cry

Requested by; @aestetikwoi (it's not highlighting your name) :(

Pairing; Hard Dom! Bokuto x chubby f!reader

Warning; Dom, virgin Bokuto, sub, virgin reader, body praise, love marks, rough sex, overstimulation, aftercare, teenage love, overstimulation makes reader cry

Summary; Bokuto is so oblivious sometimes, and you knew this when you started dating. You know you're plus sized, but why do people have to rub it in your face, when you're insecure about it.

When you invite him over to your house for a sleepover, because your parents are gone, he realizes how you're acting and then his emo mode is activated. You barely give him attention, and he takes note that you're upset.

There he is! Your boyfriend, Kotarou Bokuto, practicing with his teammates. You came in to give him his breakfast, you always make for him. Every morning, you make him breakfast that consist of meat buns, pork chops, chicken and some sides.

You know he loves meat, and you told him you didn't mind cooking for him. You two are still in school, but you act like you're already married which you both love. You wrap his lunch box with owl wrappings, and a yellow bow.

He absolutely loves it, when you do that and seeing him smile, brightens your entire day. As you were walking up, with a great big smile, you stopped once you saw some girls giving him food.

You know how he is with food, and you knew he'd accept it. Though, he looked like he was enjoying it way to much for comfort. Akaashi saw you, and gestured for you to come to them. You shrugged and awkwardly smiled before shaking your head.

He knew what the problem was, obviously. Your boyfriend is too oblivious, not even sensing that those girls are flirting with him. Akaashi glanced over to Bokuto, and then began jogging your way.

Akaashi is your bestfriend, and has been since your first year. He's the one who helped Bokuto to confess to you. Bokuto asked you halfway through your first year, so you've been together for a while.

"Goodmorning, Y/N." Akaashi smiled at you, and embraced you in a hug he always welcomes you with. "You alright?" He could see the hurt and sadness in your face.

You shrugged. "Yeah-" You looked over his shoulder to see your air headed boyfriend, still enjoying himself with other girls food. Then, you sighed and looked back at Akaashi. "-I'm fine."

This may have happened before, but you haven't seen it. "He doesn't want them Y/N-" You looked him in the eyes, knowing that's what was crossing your mind. "-he's just too oblivious to understand what flirting is." He sighed.

You knew that was the case. Your boyfriend is too focused on volleyball, to even know what certain actions are. Even with the fawning all over him, he still doesn't understand.

Though, you still have your doubts. You know guys mainly prefer slimmer girls, and that's what they are. Slim, healthy, and pretty which always make you insecure.

Akaashi knows how you feel about skinny girls around your boyfriend. He also knows that girls will practically do anything to be with Bokuto, and himself. But, he also knows that Bokuto is strung out on you.

All Bokuto ever talks about, whenever him and Akaashi are messaging, is you. You're the main topic to his life's story, and Akaashi knows it. Bokuto just doesn't know that he makes you feel this way.

He doesn't even neccesarily know about your insecurities. You've told him before, but he just forgets the next day when he practices in volleyball. You never really minded his obliviousness, you actually found it cute, but not in situations like this.

"Y/N-" Akaashi called, your eyes snapping up to his face.

"Yeah?" You asked, looking at him then slightly glancing at Bokuto. Everytime you see it, it nearly breaks you.

"You know, even though Bokuto's my bestfriend, I can say this." Your left eye hitched in a questioning manner. "I know, you're my bestfriend too but you're so beautiful, okay?"

Your heart fluttered, knowing that Akaashi was always straight forward. Though, you knew he's only your bestfriend and you're only his. That's all you two want, but sometimes Akaashi, wishes he confessed to you before Bokuto.

He was about to, but he knows Bokuto would forever be in Emo mode, if he had confessed back then. Akaashi can settle on being your bestfriend, and won't cross that line of trying to force his love on you. He appreciates your friendship, in all honesty.

He's happy you're with Bokuto, but he doesn't like it sometimes. Though, he doesn't complain. "I know, your insecurities Y/N, but you need to know that you're absolutely, beautiful."

Your lip began quivering. "No, I'm not..." You sighed, your heart nearly breaking just seeing your boyfriend still with those girls. He's still laughing with them, and hasn't even acknowledged that you were here, yet.

"Yes, you are Y/N-" Your gaze averted to Akaashi, once again. "-I'd prefer you, over any of those skinny girls." He then smirked playfully. "Your body, is like a pillow."

You chuckled and shook your head. "Well, Ko doesn't seem to like it." That phrase alone, almost made you cry. Your boyfriend loves hugging you, but sometimes you can't help but think it's for show.

Even if you been together for so long, you just can't help but let your insecurities take over. The thought of seeing him with someone else, really fucking disturbs your entire being. You've been broken too many times, therefore, this'll hurt if an on recurring theme happens again.

Your mind was stuck in a trance. An awake nightmare that only lasted thirty seconds. You didn't even notice Akaashi gently grasping your shoulder. He shook you, and then your eyes fluttered to his face. "Y/N?"

"Huh?" Confused, you were. You almost forgot what was happening, shaking your head to brush it off. "Actually, Kei..." You sighed, and smiled faintly. "I've gotta go to class y'know... before I'm late." You pointed back, as you began walking.

"You're not going to give Bokuto his breakfast?" He asked, looking at the box before back up at you. You looked down and nodded.

"Oh-" You walked closer to him, and held the box in his face. "-can you give it to him, for me? I don't wanna..." You sighed and looked over at Bokuto. "...go over there, with them."

He grabbed the box and looked at it, "Uh... sure, Y/N." He looked up at you, as you smiled slightly before turning. You were about to leave until you heard...

"HEY HEY HEY, Y/N!" Bokuto nearly shouted and ran to you with open arms. You didn't even turn to him, only letting him embrace you and hold you in the air.

You smiled a little at this, but you didn't let it be seen. Those girls, however, didn't like what they were seeing. Akaashi knows those girls a game and plan.

They only want to get with Bokuto, so they can have fame around the school. Being the ace's girlfriend, is something to kind of brag about. You however, didn't care for school fame and popularity.

Those girls did, though. Most of them try to use Bokuto to get close to Akaashi, and he knows it. He doesn't want them though, so he just focuses on his grades and volleyball.

"Hey, Ko..." You chuckled a little, when he turned you to face him. Now face to face, he's still holding you up in the air. His arms around your back, squeezing you slightly. His smile was like no other, always brightening your days.

Those yellow eyes were always piercing your heart, filling it to the max with more love you could ever have had for him. "Hey babe!" Bokuto kissed you, which you returned with passion.

You're still sad, but you don't want him to see you unhappy. You know he'll be in his sad mode, which you don't like seeing. Though, you think it's cute but when he sees you, it instantly goes away.

The kiss was quick, but it was elegant and sweet. You pulled away and he smiled, once more brightly. He let you down, now towering over you with his arms still around your waist.

He always does this. Clinging onto you, which you truly love. His touch is always so calming and relaxing, which calms your nerves. You nearly forgot about those girls, until you caught a glimpse of them.

You sighed and fixated your gaze back upon your boyfriend. You smiled to act as if you didn't see those girls, which you full well know you did. If he knew you were sad, he'd get sad and you don't want that for yourself nor the team or Akaashi.

"Hey Ko." You smiled, and so did he. "Here's your-" You looked around for Akaashi and took his breakfast box, out of Akaashi's hands. "-your breakfast."

His mouth was watering at the sight, then instantly, he embraced you in another hug. You were happy that he's happy. "Thank you so much Babe!" His hugs are always good. That's another thing you love so much about him. Although, you love everything about him.

He grabbed the breakfast you made, and opened it. His eyes nearly twinkled, your food always delicious. Everytime he sees your food, his heart expands with how much you make for him and all the effort you put into it.

"Oh boy, this looks delicious!" He didn't even say grace, only stuffing his face immediately. You chuckled and smiled, his face so cute whenever it's full of food. He was getting food everywhere, so you pulled out a napkin.

"Ko-" He stopped with a hum, food still stuffed in his mouth. Raising the napkin, you reached to his face and wiped the smeared slightly on his face. "you're getting food all over your face."

He tensed at your touch at first, but relaxed as your hand moved over his skin. You balled the napkin up in your hand, and began rubbing his cheek getting the rest of the food. He was froze, your soft touch softening his eyes.

He leaned into your hand, the girls behind you getting angered and agitated with this. You gulped and retracted your hand from him, almost shyly. "Well, I'll see you tonight, right?" He looked at you almost confused.

"What, you're leaving already?" His hair slightly began drooping. "But why?" He stopped eating, getting all sad which you didn't like. You frowned, and approached him.

His puppy dog face, whenever he's sad, hurts you. "I've gotta go to class, Ko. I'll see you tonight, okay?" He was still sulking though, his heart sinking in his chest.

"But Y/N..." He was genuinely sad, and it nearly broke your heart. You know you always stay an hour during his morning practice, but you just needed to go away for now. You knew those girls weren't leaving yet, but you didn't say anything about it.

You embraced him in a hug, holding him close to your plush body. You didn't want to let go though, only tightening it once he hugged you back. "I love you, so much okay Ko?" Your face rubbed in his chest, then looked up to his eyes. "I'll see you tonight, okay?"

Once you said those three words, he smiled and hugged you tighter. "I love you so much, Y/N!" His hold was tight, really tight that could almost pop you but you loved it. You can't get enough of his hugs.

Once he let you go, you kissed him once more before leaving. "I'll see you later, okay babe?" He smiled brightly and nodded, watching as you walked away.

Akaashi then walked up to Bokuto. "Bokuto, you need to stay away from those girls over there." He pointed. "It's obvious from Y/N leaving early, you did something."

Bokuto however, was highly confused. "Akaashi! What do you mean by, I did something?! She had class to go to!" He almost shouted at his bestfriend. He was completely unaware of what he did, but Akaashi needed him to know. If he doesn't, it'll possibly lead to you breaking up with Bokuto.

"Yeah, that may be part of it but-" He pointed to the girls, Bokuto was previously with. "-she didn't like those girls all over you, which you were too oblivious to notice." Akaashi crossed his arms.

Bokuto was dumbfounded. You were... jealous? "Wait..." He looked down and back up all dramatically. "...you're telling me I made Y/N jealous?!" Akaashi simply nodded, arms still crossed. "If Y/N's jealous then that means..." His hair began drooping. "I made Y/N... sad."

Akaashi gasped, knowing what this is about to lead to. His Emo mode, which he doesn't necessarily want to deal with. He sighed, preparing himself to calm Bokuto down.

"I-" Bokuto started making Akaashi slightly anxious. "-don't deserve Y/N!" He waved his hand backwards, insinuating his seriousness. "I made her sad! For all I know, she's probably crying right now!"

He began rambling. Akaashi sighed as he touched Bokuto's shoulder, stopping him to look at him. "Bokuto, listen-" Akaashi sighed, as Bokuto was about to say something else. "-Y/N loves you, and wouldn't break up with you, okay?"

Bokuto was shocked. "She's in love with you and don't want to get rid of you, alright? She was just hurt by that situation. You know, being touched by those girls is something she didn't like." Akaashi explained.

"Really?" He asked, nearly on the verge of tears. He's so in love with you, but he just didn't understand what he was doing. He doesn't want to lose you because of his own mistake, he did not realize was occurring.

Akaashi nodded. "Yes, really Bokuto." Akaashi was nearly always serious, but Bokuto could hear it in his tone and see it in his expression. "She doesn't want anyone else but you, which is weird." He smirked a little, being sarcastic with his remark.

Bokuto cheered up and smiled, slightly. "So what do I do? I don't wanna lose my Y/N, Akaashi..." He sounded so broken, and torn away from you. He felt like any minute now, you'd text him to break up with him.

"You're going to her house, tonight right?"

"Yeah, for a sleepover."

Akaashi nodded. "Then maybe, you should just apologize to her. It's not much you should do, just tell her that you're only dedicated to her because that-" Again pointing back, not caring if they saw. "-didn't seem like you wanted her."

Bokuto gasped and stumbled back. "I surely don't want them!" He didn't even care, if they heard him. "They're not my type at all! I only want my baby, Y/N! She's so beautiful, and nobody can tell me different!" He was borderline screaming this time.

The girls looked hurt from this, but he doesn't care. It's not his problem, so why should he care. You're the only one he wants, so he's going to be blunt about it and say fuck them girls.

He walked away from Akaashi and over to the girls and snatched his jacket, from one of them. "Give me!" He shouted while taking it, he took his other things that were around them and went over to Akaashi again.

He placed his things on the floor by his bag. Akaashi must say, he's impressed with what his bestfriend did. Bokuto never is blunt with people like that, so for him to do that, it was quite impressing and satisfying to watch.

Akaashi looked back at the girls to see them scrambling out the gym. He was trying so hard not to laugh, biting his lip to conceal it. He turned back to Bokuto and smiled. He walked over to him and sat beside him, on the opposite bench.

"That was... impressive Bokuto." Bokuto was pouting with his arms crossed, but he was listening to Akaashi. Bokuto's proud of himself as well, so he can't help the smile that's slowly curling on his lips.

Akaashi meant what he said. He doesn't typically praise Bokuto, unless he's in that Emo mode of his. This time though, it was truly needed.

"You better tell Y/N you love her, right now, though." He said, knowing that you're probably still feeling down from this.

Bokuto jumped up. "Yeah!" He went to his bag and pulled out his phone. Once he turned the screen on, seeing you and him as his wallpaper, he sees that he already has a message from you already.

A message that says; I love you...

His heart was beating out his chest. She didn't break up with me! He was relieved, and really happy to see that you haven't broken up with him. He can't stop his huge smile, but he still feels a little bad.

He instantly replied; I LOVE YOU MORE Y/N! I'M COMING OVER EARLY OKAY?!

He sent his message but didn't close out the text chat. He always wait for you to text back, whenever he's not busy. As soon as he saw the three bubbles, his smile widen even more just waiting for your reply.

'I love you more Ko. So so much and I miss you...'

He's now flustered, loving how you miss him. He misses you more, and honestly he can't wait till he can come over. He knows he has to apologize, and that's exactly what he plans on doing.

~~~~~~~

You yawned loudly, tired and waiting for your parents to leave. You're laying on your bed, waiting for your boyfriend to come over. Your parents know about him coming over, for you're the one who asked.

Of course they approved, but they are cautious just a little. Bokuto's been over to your house before and has met your parents, and they love him. From his personality, they know he isn't the type to try anything on their daughter.

Necessarily, they're not too worried about it. You wrapped your covers around your body tighter, snuggling up to keep warm in the fairly cool room. You always kept the A.C on, because it's comfortable when you're warm as well.

You're not really paying attention to the television, just letting it play as background noise. You kept getting cute texts from your boyfriend whos on his way right now. He won't stop texting you, which you kept giggling at. He's so adorable!

About twenty more minutes pass, and you get a text from Bokuto saying that he's here. You're so excited, but you remembered that your parents are here.

Your dad grasped your bedroom doorknob and turned it, only peaking his head through. You jumped slightly at the unexpected burst through the door. "Y/N!"

"Dad!" You shouted, as you sat up on your bed and throwing your covers off. "I wish you'd knock instead of almost knocking my door off the freaking wall."

He chuckled. "Well, your boyfriend is here." You nodded lazily, already knowing that your boyfriend is here. "If you want him to come in then-"

You pushed pass your dad. "I know Dad, I know he's here stop being lame." You scoffed, which he only laughed at. He followed behind you as you walked to the front door of your house.

You could hear his voice, as you approached. He was talking to your mother about something, but you didn't know what. Once he saw you, he smiled brightly and you could tell he wanted to hug you.

Your mom let him in, as her and your dad slipped out. They were hugging onto each other as Bokuto gave you a quick hug. You both had one arm around each other, while your parents did the same.

"Now, Kotaro, I want you to take care of our little girl, okay?" Your dad said, with a hint of worry in his voice. Bokuto nodded and said yessir. "Y/N, you take care of the house and remember-" He paused to see if you remembered what he always told you.

"I know Dad, I know-" Bokuto looked down at you with adoration. "-make sure to lock up the house, after you leave." He jumped like a little kid, which you found so lame.

"Have a good time honey-" Your mom winked to you. "-you too, Kotaro." She smiled, making him smile too.

They began walking to the car, but your dad kept turning to say something. "You know where everything is-"

"Okay hun." Your mom kept interfering, trying to get him to stop talking.

"The snacks-" He continued. Your mom kept trying to stop him. "-all the movies. Everything." You closed the door as he kept talking, which you know he's going to be pretty bummed out about once they get back.

"Goodbye-" You said, closing the door with one hand on your hip. When you turned around, you saw Bokuto staring at you. "-what?" You asked him.

"Nothing babe, your parents are so cool!"

You shook your head as you walked pass him, as he followed behind. "My Mom is but my Dad-" You rolled your eyes. "-he's so lame sometimes, I swear." You walked in your kitchen and leaned on the counter.

Bokuto came in with you and placed his bag, that he brung over. "I think he's cool all the time, babe."

You rolled your eyes. "You have no idea." You sighed. "So, did you get here safely, babe?" You asked him.

He nodded with a bright smile. "Yeah! I missed you so much!" He unzipped his bag and started pulling things out. "So I bought you some stuff!" Well, you're excited.

"Babe, I told you-"

"I know-" He cut you off quickly. "-but I wanted to apologize to you Y/N. I know how I made you feel today, and I'm so sorry." You titled your head, a little confused as to what he's referring to. He saw your look and said, "Those girls."

You nodded with closed eyes. "It's fine Ko, it hasn't even been on my mind honestly."

"I know!" He came over to you quickly, which shocked you. "And I know I don't deserve you!" Your eyes were wide, and you tried stopping him. "I love you so much! I didn't even realize they were flirting with me, I promise!"

You didn't know what to say. The way he's pouring so much emotion into this, has you on the verge of tears. "Kotaro..." You mumbled.

"But Y/N please!" He grabbed both of your hands, staring into your eyes. You almost broke once you saw his eyes watering up. "Please don't leave me, I'm sorry!"

He kept repeating that over and over as you instantly hugged him. He was nearly crying, but you rubbed his hair and his back to let him know that you already forgave him.

"It's okay Kotaro..." You whispered against his shoulder. He was sobbing, slightly then wrapped his arms around your body hugging you tightly. "...I don't and won't leave you, okay?" You confessed. "It was just a simple mistake, and I don't hate you for it at all. I love you so much... I love you..."

His grip on your body tightened, now pulling you up to wrap all the way around his body. His head was in your neck, and so was yours. You could feel water drops falling on your shoulder, but you didnt mind it.

Your eyes were watering too, and tears began to fall. You were shocked at how fast this escalated. Already, you knew Bokuto was in love with you and still is. There's no doubt about it, especially when he's crying over you.

Both of you embraced each other for a while, not wanting to let go for a second thinking each other would be gone if you did. Once you pulled away, you both looked at each other and laughed softly.

"Don't cry-" You said said. "-even though, it's cute." He smiled and kissed you once, then twice, then a third time which got heated. On the fourth kiss, he held it and suckled at your lips.

His lips were slightly rough, but you loved them. Your lips were soft with cherry blossom lip balm, that he can't seem to get enough of.

Wrapping his arms back around you, he picked you up and placed you on the counter. Without wasting any time, he opened your legs and settled between them.

His strong hand went to your head, as he began pulling you closer to his face until your lips came in contact. When kissing, Bokuto was always nearly eating your face off.

His lips would fully cover yours, occasionally sticking his tongue in your mouth and suck on yours. Sometimes, it'd do too far. Like now, he's rutting his hips into your thigh.

You push at his chest. "Ko-" But he kept dominating your mouth, and rutting his hips into your thigh. You're both virgins, so you know this can escalate. "Babe, stop." You sighed, breaking the kiss.

He looked so disappointed. "But, why? I wanna show you how sorry I am." He began pressing kisses to your neck. His hands now roaming your body, while his mouth was placing kisses all over you.

You tried stopping him, but when his clothed member brushed up agaisnt your crotch, you moaned. He felt that too and angled his hips to brush up against your clit.

His wondering hands slid down your back, to your bottom to pull you harder agaisnt his restrained cock. You could feel it bulging, the thickness of it slightly scarring you.

He pressed himself harder into your clit, so he can grind and create extra friction agaisnt your nub. He kept rutting his hips into yours, everytime you tried pushing him away. He was groaning against your skin, as you were moaning and keeping a firm grip on his shoulders.

As you were enjoying the feeling in your lower region, Bokuto ceased all movements including the ones on your neck and face. You whimpered in disappointment, until he picked you up and placed you in his arms as a seat.

Without a second, he latched his mouth back onto yours as he walked to your bedroom. He's been in there before too, so he knows it all too well. Wrapping one arm around you, he used his free hand to push your door open.

As soon as he put you down, his arms wrapped back around you and his knee went in between your crotch, bumping your heated nub. His knee began moving back in fourth, as his mouth was latched onto your neck.

It was going way too fast, but you didn't want him to stop honestly. Bokuto hit a sweet spot on your neck and began sucking, once he heard your sweet soft moan. You could feel his smile on your neck and your hands went to his shoulders.

Your moans couldn't be concealed. His tongue was ghosting over your sweet spot, tickling it and leaving a mark. Your nails dug into his shoulders, making him groan and thrust his knee harder into your crotch. Your body was betraying you, the wetness of your cunt slipping out.

"You taste good~" Bokuto groaned agaisnt your neck. "Can't nobody touch you, but me Y/N~" His voice was filled with lust, which wasn't really how Bokuto was. You were slightly pissed that he was placing hickeys on your neck, where everyone can see it.

Bokuto removed his hands from your body and lightly pushed you onto the bed. His hands went to your thighs, giving you a firm squeeze before he pushed your legs open. Bokuto was really fast, once his body layed flushed against yours, his fingers looped into the band of your panties.

You shuddered, but he kissed you so you wouldn't stop him. His index finger slid against your slit, lightly grazing your clit. You moaned into his mouth, which he allowed his tongue to slip in.

Bokuto stopped kissing you and sat up on his knees to look at your exposed bottom. Your hands went to your face, because you've never been so vulnerable before. One of his hands grabbed both of yours and kept a tight grip on them.

"No Baby Owl, I wanna see your face~" Your eyes were closed, but when he said that you opened your eyes to stare into his beautiful yellow ones. He smiled upon seeing your face. "I don't know what I'm doing Y/N, but..." His fingers slipped to your clit and began circling it.

You never felt this before, your body slightly shivering which he loved. He loved the way you were reacting to him, your body slightly trembling. Though, he removed his fingers to stand. His hands went to his zipped up jacket to remove it.

Your face heated up as you saw how well the tank top he was wearing was complimenting his toned muscles. His arms stuck out, which your face lit up to. He didn't waste any time to pull his tank top over his head too, the lines of his abs making your cunt spasm around nothing.

He sat himself on his knees, still settled in front of you. He grabbed your legs and layed them on both of his spread open thighs. Your cunt was bare to his eyes, which he could feel his cock twitching from. His fingers went back to lightly stroking your clit, the tingles running through your nerves.

"Y/N-" You looked up to him. "-I don't know how to prepare you, but I think this is it." He didn't let you respond as his fingers swirled around your virgin hole. Your body jolted forward, already sensitive from nothing.

He was so gentle, but his rough fingers were already nearing your climax. He watched as your cunt spasmed, his thumb massaging your pearl while the other was prepping you. You were moaning softly which made Bokuto look up.

He admired your cute expression, the way your eyes closed from the feeling of his strokes. You shuddered, now his fingers moving faster to work up an orgasm. You never felt anything like this, and your orgasm was coming fast.

This would be your first orgasm, from somebody else. That's probably why it's coming more intense, than an orgasm from yourself. But when you were right on the edge, he stopped making you whine.

"Why'd you stop, Ko?" You asked.

He smirked. "I don't know how to say this but-" He looked down then back to your face. "-I want you to cum around my cock, and not my fingers."

You're face heated up, and you became a little anxious because it's your first time.

"Only if you wanna continue." He stared into your eyes, and waited for you to give him permission. He wasn't gone force you, because that's not who Bokuto is. He wants your consent, and if he doesn't got it, he won't touch you.

You nodded. "Yeah I want to continue." You told him, which he smiled to.

"Can I take off your shirt?" He stared into your eyes when he asked. You never been naked in anybody's eyes, but your own in the mirror but you love Bokuto so much. You looked away for a second and then nodded. He smiled brightly. "You're so beautiful."

He praised you before he even took your shirt off. His hands slipped under your shirt, slowly lifting it up over your head. Once he took it off, his mouth literally watered from seeing your plush body.

Your eyes were wide at his reaction. He didn't seem disgusted with your body, his hands giving your plush light squeezes. He didn't care for unclipping your bra, your body already making him fall in love with you. He didn't need to see your breast, but he still gave them attention through the fabric.

He was groaning at the contact his hands were making as they caressed your soft flesh. You were in love, because he doesn't hate your body. He loves it, and you can truly see that.

Bokuto was quick to turn you on your stomach. You were a little confused, but when you felt his hands caressing the soft flesh of your back you whined in satisfaction. His hands jiggled your rolls, which made you bury your head in the pillow.

Bokuto was in love. Your body is so beautiful to him so he wanted to see more. His hands went to the clip of your bra and unclipped it. He took it and threw it to the side, and caressed the sides of your breasts as you lay on your stomach.

He groaned in satisfaction, the feeling of your plush making his mind hazy. His hand went to your plush ass and kneaded the flesh so gently. He then leaned down and placed a kiss to your right cheek, which made you jerk in surprise.

He sat up and massaged over the kiss he placed on your cheek. "Mine..." You here him mumble from behind you. Your heart was nearly exploding, his praises making you love him more.

His hands went under the front of your thighs as he pulled you by the hips to press you to him. He watched as your cunt was dripping slick down your thighs. His finger slid up your slit, quickly.

Your body trembled in his hands, but he loved that. He loves how well your body responds to him. He grabbed the front of his pants and began yanking them down. You could hear it as it slid down.

Your breathing now a little ragged, anxious because of this. You don't want him to stop though. You could now hear him working to release himself from his boxers. You tried turning but he placed his hand on the back of your head to keep your head forward.

"No, I want it to be a surprise babe." He said, and pushed your head down in the mattress.

"Be gentle babe..." You nearly begged, as his hands began caressing your ass to sooth your nerves.

"I promise." He said, as he gripped his cock and began jerking it to prepare himself too. You could hear him spit and the spit hit his cock as lube. He doesn't want to hurt you, so he's being extra careful. "I'll try to go in slow."

You gulped and nodded as you felt him maneuver behind you. Your body shuddered, once you felt it poking at your entrance. His hand on your head went to the tip of his cock to help him push in.

His other hand went to your left cheek and lifted up the flesh to watch as he enters you. You tensed once he began ripping through your walls. He didn't stop though as you winced and tried reaching back for him.

He grabbed your hand and held it tightly, as he continued to push in. "Ko-"

"I know it hurts babe..." He sighed as your walls began spasming around the tip his cock. "...I'm sorry." He snapped his hips and buried himself balls deep inside you, making you shriek and slam your head into the mattress.

He instantly felt regret. "Babe! I'm so sorry!" He layed his chest to your back, and stayed there while rubbing soothing circles on your hips.

"It's okay..." You managed to get out. He was kissing your neck lovingly, while repeating sorry. He really didn't like you being in pain, which almost made him cry.

You felt so full though. You don't know his size, but from the feel of it you could tell he's big. The thickness and length overfilling your insides. You could feel him pulsing inside you, and the veins on his cock beating agaisnt your walls.

Once the pain subsided, you moaned of relief. Looking back, you whispered to him to move. "You can move, babe." You told him.

He smiled and placed one more kiss to your neck. Bokuto pulled out, only to sit up and grip your hips to slow drive himself back in. You both moaned in sync, his length making you moan.

Bokuto's grip was tight, his teeth clenching and eyes clenching shut. Your eyes were shut but your mouth hung open. He was moving in a slow pace trying to make sure he doesn't hurt you.

Though, you could feel his tip reaching the deepest parts of you. Your hands gripped the bedsheets, and your hips began arching into his.

He looked down to where you're connected and saw that you're already creaming around him. He was moving faster into you, now making his balls tap lightly on your clit.

"You feel... so good- fuck!- Y/N~" Bokuto moaned out. The grip your walls were contracting on his cock, nearly choking him and trapping him in.

You gripped the bedsheets tightly, no words leaving your mouth as he began picking up his pace.

You were moaning and nearly ripping the sheets up. His hips began slamming into yours, the sound of your ass clapping against his lap was resonating through the room.

He couldn't help but stare at it. Your ass jiggling and rippling agaisnt his thighs at the impact. His mouth hung open, and he pushed your arching back down as he gripped your waist to go harder.

His short nails, for volleyball, dug into your waist to thrust harder. His grasp was tight, his hips now thrusting harder into you. "Stay down babe- I'll do it for you~" His voice cracked at the end, his tip now sweetly kissing your cervix.

You both are now sweating and panting. His hair wasn't sticking up anymore, now sticking to his sweaty face and yours were sticking to your face.

You could feel your previous denied orgasm approaching. You chocked on your spit, his cock abusing your cervix. His hips moving even faster now, the veins in his cock adding extra stimulation.

Bokuto began moaning out, and so were you. His cock felt so good, the thickness nearly making you stupid. Stupid for his cock.

Bokuto laid his chest on your back, now his left arm wrapping around your neck. His hand began sliding down your stomach and to your neglected bud. His fingers began rubbing furiously, making your back arch into his hips.

The new arch in your back is making his cock abuse your cervix even more. His fingers began flicking and rubbing harder, as he slowly began pounding into you hard.

"Kotaro!" You moan-shouted.

The stimulation was nearly too much to handle. You were on the verge of tears, his cock was ramming you so good. The stimulation he's giving your body, is way too much that you can hardly handle it.

You've never felt this much pleasure from anything before. His fingers were pinching your pearl while rubbing it vigorously. You began moving your hips back to meet his deep thrusts.

Bokuto removed his hand from your clit and joined his other wrapped arm around your neck. His face was in your neck too, and you could hear his ragged breathing and deep moans in your ear.

His hips were slamming into you know, your walls instantly clamped down hard on him.

"I'm coming Ko~!" He grunted in response, his hips now slowing down so you could feel all the veins bulging against your walls. You were shaking, your walls spasming randomly on his cock.

Bokuto's hips thrusted three more times, before his tip hit your g-spot and your band snapped your toes curling. Your face dug into the bed as Bokuto's hips still moved, your orgasm ripping through your abdomen.

Your eyes rolled back inside your closed eyelids. Bokuto continued riding your orgasm out, his hips stuttering as he moaned out and spurted inside you.

You couldn't even focus on that, his moving hips still making you quiver. He sat up and gripped your waist, his eyes closed as he continued to rut in and out of you.

He let your hips go to place his hands on the sides of your head to hold his body up. You were now trembling and so was he, your cream coating his cock the sight so erratic.

"Y/N~" He moaned deeply as he slowly moved himself in and out of you, and then stopped his hips. He leaned down and placed a kiss on your shoulder blade. "I love you~" He whimpered while slowly pulling his cock out, and making your body tremble.

You honestly couldn't move. He stood up and away from you, and walked into your bathroom to wet a rag. He came back and spread your legs to clean you up.

What you can't believe, is that you let him have sex with you in your parents house. Not only that, but he came in you too. You quivered at the contact the rag made with your leaking cunt.

"Kotaro..." You whimpered.

"I know babe. I'll get you something for that but you were squeezing me so tight!" You chuckled and pushed yourself to sit up. He went back into your bathroom and rinsed the rag off.

Once he came back, he instantly cuddled with your head in his chest.

"When are your parents coming back?" He asked.

You shrugged. "I don't-" And a knock on the door cut you off. Your eyes widen as you began pushing at Bokuto's chest. "-right now!" He panicked and stood up scrambling to get your clothes.

You two shared a laugh as you were trying to get dressed. Once you did, Bokuto sat on your bed and turned the TV on to act as if you haven't done anything. He sprayed your air freshener to get rid of the smell which worked.

You walked to your door and whispered, "Act like nothing happened." Bokuto chuckled with a big smile and nodded, as you then walked to the front door.

Yeah, it was your parents coming back to get something. They didn't find out what you two did, and it made you and Bokuto laugh everytime.

He loves you so much, that he risked getting in trouble for you. He didn't mean to though, his obliviousness always getting the best of him.

You, however, don't doubt your boyfriend no more.

Okay! So this one was too long, but I did it for my requester. I really appreciated this request because, I AM IN LOVE WITH BOKUTO! All the other Haikyuu!! characters are great, but I just love Bokuto so much and wish he was real. ANYWAY, thank you requester!

#anime #haikyuu lemon #haikyuu smut #haikyuu!!#haikyuu #haikyū!!#haikyu x reader #haikyuu x chubby reader #haikyuu x plus size reader #haikyuu x you #haikyuu x y/n #haikyuu x reader #lemon #hq smut

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newnitz · 3 years ago

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Kevin’s Transformations

I think an analysis of Kevin’s mutations and how it affects his character are in order.

Let’s start by comparing them to Kevin in human/Osmosian(depending on whether you consider the Rooters arc canon or not) form. The baseline, so to speak.

Baseline Kevin

Now, as a kid, he acted like a little sociopath. I admit it. It’s hinted that he’s lonely and bitter due to being treated like a freak, and that it’s the energy absorption and especially the Omnitrix absorption that are driving him mad. @crown-made-of-unicorn-tears made a post explaining Child!Kevin in better detail than I could. In Omniverse, we see signs of Teen Kevin’s redeeming qualities in his preteen self. Befriending the Amalgam children, giving Argit extra rations and considering him his only friend after the mindwipe. Argit even said he escaped the Null Void to find friends.

As a teenager, he seems much better behaved. Now don’t get me wrong, he‘s still a juvenile delinquent, but one that is much more concerned with the rewards and much more averse to wanton destruction. He’s also still a bitter, angry cynic, but throughout UAF he also grows to have a sense of justice and care about innocent lives, though he still won’t shy away from shooting the bad guy, unlike the Tennysons. I think something that isn’t discussed about baseline Kevin is his loyalty: He maintains that Ben gets Max’s holo as early as Kevin’s Big Score, allowing his powers to be abused for Vulkanis’s quick buck, is a devoted boyfriend to Gwen(which he should be, considering what she put up with) and finds taking advantage of people to be a special kind of evil.

Kevin 11

Now, let’s take a look at Kevin 11. In this form, Kevin’s energy-madness is at its worst: He’s violent, hyper-confrontational, megalomaniacal and vengeful. This is Baseline!Kevin’s worst fear, and it sets the tone to his relationship with his powers. After being imprisoned within the Null Void and realizing this just doesn’t work for him, he gets rescued by a benevolent mentor:

In many ways, Kevin 11 was the unstable, maladaptive shell of the scared, lost child Kevin was. And with Kwarrel’s guidance, he learns to use his powers to build a healthier shell he can will in and out of - his matter absorption powers.

And then Servantis got his hands on the boy, and fed him the idea of being a hero, exploited his grudge and used mundane brainwashing tactics when he realized Kevin couldn’t be directly mind-controlled like his teammates were. When sent to carry out their mission, Kevin couldn’t resist absorbing the Omnitrix and mutates for a second time, Kevin 11 vol.2. Kevin 12? Ah, what the Hell.

Kevin 12

This is the craziest Kevin would ever get. He could no longer tell friend from foe, ensnaring Ben and Max, as well as Gwen and his allies the Amalgam kids in his vines, monologuing about being the hero. I personally find this mutation sad and am kind of glad Kevin grew up with it wiped from his mind - it shows how badly he wanted to be the good guy all along. And it puts a different context on his friendship with Argit - the one who subdued him. We actually see him apply Kwarrel’s teachings here - changing back to normal at the sight of Gwen.

Four years later, two yahoos get the bright idea to hack the Omnitrix, The smart one backs off at Azmuth’s warning, but the stupid one who wears it doesn’t. Which leads to Kevin rushing to try and contain the blast, absorbing the Omnitrix’s power yet again in the process. Now his third mutation might not look like it, but his mind was clearly subtly affected:

Stone Kevin

Having only remembered the first mutation, Kevin is understandably disraught from “[being] a monster again”. That doesn’t explain the sheer glee he has at the prospect of beating Chromastone up, lashing out at Gwen several times unprovoked, the mood swings and road rage, not to mention the Charmcaster episode: Would she have fooled a fully-lucid Kevin, who saw through Michael Morningstar? Thee business with Ragnarok is trickier, since we know for a fact Kevin’s attached to the idea of his father, but there could be an argument for his condition exacerbating his vengefulness. Due to the cause of the mutation - unintentionally absorbing the energy of the overloaded Omnitrix, the only cure was for it to be destroyed.

And now we get to the most interesting mutation:

Ultimate Kevin

Honestly, everything that can be said about this has been said in @emperorsfoot ‘s in-depth analysis. All I’ll add is note that while he has a LOT more power than the previous transformations(at least, not moderated by matter absorption like Stone Kevin), this is wher he shows signs of retaining fragments of his sanity. I also find it interesting that they utilized Michael Morningstar to reverse his transformation, someone who’s clearly more dangerous than Kevin. Though, granted, they did have failsafes.

And then we get to the final (confirmed) mutation:

Weapon XI

I actually liked the Rooters arc, believe it or not, and I think it adds another layer to Kevin’s character. As for this transformation, I don’t buy Kevin’s claims that he’s in full control. I think he’s in much better control than before, even compared to Stone Kevin, but I still see hints of rage and manic laughter. I think he’s using his altered state of mind to his advantage when it comes to tricking Servantis, and while willingly changing back the moment he utilized what he needed out of this form(Feedback’s antennae to free the Amalgam kids), try and tell me that “do you MIND?!” outburst isn’t residual rage. Speaking of residual, Kevin himself offers an even better explanation to his improved control than “headbutting Servantis, the guy who could never literally get into my head, gave me control”. He confirmed the tolerance theory - that ever since the first season of Alien Force, Kevin 11 has been scratching at the back of his mind, but he’s gotten better and better reasons to ignore it, until eventually it was like a second nature to him.

Until, 25 years later, he didn’t.

Kevin 11000

Now this mutation is the scariest. He has reportedly absorbed thousands of aliens in the Null Void, and by his looks also the fully unlocked Omnitrix, and can will himself in-between this mutated form and his original one. But this time, he didn’t lose his sanity, but his humanity. No remorse, no love for his son Devlin, nothing matters to him except revenge on Ben. Now I’m still not convinced this is a post-OV future, since it seems to contradict with End of an Era, but if it is, it’s quite sobering to see. Makes it hard to root for his character, knowing the heart Kevin had in his late teens will eventually be snuffed out. In a way, it means the OG monster in the back of his mind will eventually devour the budding hero. And that even if the Tennysons rescue him, he’ll fall again, and again, and again. It’s part of why I cling to the alternate future part of Ken 10, even if Ken himself is confirmed to exist in the prime future.

#ben 10 #ben 10 alien force #ben 10 ultimate alien #ben 10 omniverse #kevin ethan levin #kevin levin #kevin 11 #ultimate kevin #kevin 11000

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nurvuss · 4 years ago

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I Watched the First Episode of Every New Spring 2021 Anime Airing on Crunchyroll

Hey, are you like me, and feeling like you're not getting the most out of your Crunchyroll subscription? Sure, there's stuff on there that you know you like. But whenever I look at the big long list of simulcasting shows, my eyes glaze over and I don't even know where to begin.

I wanted to change my habits and see if there were any shining gems that I should be watching. So, as per the title, I watched the first episode of every new Spring 2021 anime on Crunchyroll. And guess what? There’s a lot of crap! But indeed, there’s some stuff that’s worth your time.

Some clarification: I've only watched shows that began their first season in April 2021.

Backflip!!

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The Lowdown

As Futaba Shotaro comes to the end of middle school, his interest in baseball has begun to wane. Soon he notices the Ao High Boys Gymnastic Club and becomes enthralled, especially after seeing them perform. Once he learns they're down two members, he chooses to sign up and pursue the art of gymnastics. The club is also joined by Misato Ryoya, a star solo gymnast looking to expand his technique through teamwork.

Our Thoughts

Pretty formulaic shoujo sports anime: you've got your himbo, your thug, your ladies' man, your stoic guy, with Shotaro rounding out the cast as the shy and awkward audience surrogate. It looks wholesome enough, and the choreographed routines employ CG in a way that's quite convincing without being hideous.

Who It's For

Fans of FREE, or Yuri!!! on Ice, or any similar shows about cute boys who succeed at athletic feats.

Borscht Rating

Burning Kabaddi

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The Lowdown

Legendary high school soccer star Yoigoshi Tatsuya has given up on sports! That is, until he's blackmailed to join the high school kabaddi team, under threat of his online persona being leaked to the entire school. Although Tatsuya initially writes kabaddi off as stupid, the unexpected happens as he begins to have fun.

Our Thoughts

Kabaddi is kinda like competitive tag, or dodgeball but with your body instead of a ball. Burning Kabaddi is basically the shounen alternative to Backflip!! above, replete with nosebleeds, pratfalls, and dudes punching each other. The main cast don't seem to like each other very much; that probably changes as the show goes on but at first blush it's a dynamic I always find annoying.

Who it's For

Fans of Haikyuu!!? Maybe?

Borscht Rating

CARDFIGHT!! VANGUARD overDress

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The Lowdown

The newest series based on Bushiroad's collectible card game, featuring character designs by the beloved collective CLAMP. Petit middle schooler Yu-Yu just doesn't know how to say no. As his older students dress him in drag to use as live makeup practice, he suffers a panic attack and flees into the streets. After being accosted by a pickup artist, he's befriended by Megumi, who invites him to witness a Cardfight match at the local abandoned amusement park. However, Yu-yu is too shy to tell Megumi he's actually a boy…

Our Thoughts

What an unexpectedly weird concept for a show about a card game. Our hero spends the whole episode in drag, whimpering and simpering at the sight of any conflict. Then they show off the latest series of cards, which all seem to be giant buff knights with names like "Bad Steve" and "Violent Bruce". Your guess is as good as mine.

Who it's For

Cardfight!! lovers, Japanese gender studies majors, or the most desperate fujoshi.

Borscht Rating

Cestvs: The Roman Fighter

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The Lowdown

The year is 54AD, and Nero has taken the throne as the youngest emperor of Rome. At the bottom of the population, Cestvs is a young slave training to be a colosseum boxer. Reluctant, his only choice is to fight or die.

Our Thoughts

Seeing Nero depicted as a gentle little twink is pretty funny. It's also pretty funny that the central character is named after a Roman boxing glove. The animation style transitions to some very uncanny CG when a major fight takes place, and I didn't like that one bit! This seems like a pretty average tournament anime but with a historical setting. It's currently unknown if any of these dudes are fucking each other. I'm gonna say probably.

Who It's For

The venn-diagram of Greco-Roman history buffs and lovers of tournament series?

Borscht Rating

Don’t Toy with Me, Miss Nagatoro!

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The Lowdown:

Hachioji Naoto is a nerdy, introverted student who spends his time studying and avoiding socialising. When pages from the fantasy manga he's drawing fall out of his bookbag, they catch the attention of a younger student named Nagatoro Hayase. Nagatoro begins to tease Naoto for his otaku interests and awkward demeanour, peppered with some suggestive flirting.

Our Thoughts:

What would you do if a younger girl flirted with you? Would you cry? Piss your pants maybe? Maybe shit and cum? Don't Toy With Me… attempts to barely conceal its BDSM fantasy with its comedic elements, but it's incredibly apparent as Nagatoro always wipes away Naoto's tears as a sort of aftercare. It's like a lighter, comedic version of Aku no Hana, but lacking any of the ponderings or danger that made that work so special.

Who It's For:

People who search Pornhub for "bratty sister femdom".

Borscht Rating:

86 Eighty-Six

Show Link

The Lowdown

The Republic of San Magnolia and the Giad Empire, have been at war for nearly a decade. Using advanced military technology, the frontlines are fought by giant mecha drones called Juggernauts, controlled remotely by Handlers. Major Vladilena Mirizé is one of the military's most talented Handlers in the 1st District, and one who is constantly teased by her peers for the humanity and empathy she shows her squadron. The government line is that drone warfare has kept casualties to zero, but unbeknownst to the public these "drones'' are piloted by 86ers—the lowest class of citizens, forced to live in military internment camps in San Magnolia's 86th District.

Our Thoughts

This is incredibly my kind of thing. We've got a dual narrative being set up here: Vladilena as the kind, reluctant officer of a fascist regime, and the Bad Company-esque antics of her new ragtag squad, Spearhead. The first episode is split pretty evenly between the two, with each story converging at the end as Vladilena "meets" Spearhead for the first time through her comms station. It's an explosive and enticing first episode, and I can't wait to watch more of it.

Who It's For

Fans of Fullmetal Alchemist, Psycho-Pass, Gundam, or any number of anti-imperialist war stories.

Borscht Rating

Fairy Ranmaru

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The Lowdown

In a quiet corner of the city sits Bar F, a modest drinking establishment staffed entirely by five hot young men. Unbeknownst to the general population, these men are a crack team of fairies sent to the human world to gather the latent energy of "attachment". They do this by solving the problems of young women, taking their hearts in the process.

Our Thoughts

Hubba hubba, a little something for the ladies! It's Weiẞ Kreuz with a bar instead of a flower shop, fairies instead of assassins, and some pretty revealing outfits. There's definitely a little Persona 5 inspiration here too, from the punctuating phrase "Take your Heart!" to many of the visual cues. Make of that what you will.

Who It's For

Fans of Weiẞ Kreuz, slash fic authors.

Borscht Rating

Farewell, My Dear Cramer

Show Link

The Lowdown

Onda Nozomi was once the star player of her middle school football team. Completely unmatched, she no longer plays as there's no opponent she deems to be on her level. Meanwhile Suou Sumire far outpaces her teammates, causing her frustration. By a twist of fate, these two girls find themselves joining the scrappy Warabi Seinan High School FC as they begin to learn the value of teamwork and friendship.

Our Thoughts

I don't know sports. And I really don't know football. I had to look up what the title meant, and now I barely know who Dettmar Cramer is. I'm really not the best person to judge this, but it seems like a pretty good female-driven sports anime.

Who It's For

Fans of Ace o Nerae! or other sports manga/anime about those ever burning bonds between young teammates.

Borscht Rating

Gloomy, the Naughty Grizzly

Show Link

The Lowdown:

Pitty lives with his pet Gloomy, a massive pink bear. Can a boy and a bear truly get along?

Our Thoughts:

This is a series of minute-long gag episodes in which Gloomy mauls Pitty and blood squirts everywhere. It's definitely meant to be a morbid parody of Sanrio or San-X; it might be a Rilakkuma parody in particular? Gloomy is the kind of thing you might laugh at if it came on in between shows, but it's pretty slight to go through the trouble of putting on.

Who It's For:

Gag anime fans with one minute to spare.

Borscht Rating:

Higehiro: After Being Rejected, I Shaved and Took in a High School Runaway

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The Lowdown

After a night of drinking in Tokyo, slovenly salaryman Yoshida encounters a teenage runaway sitting under a lamppost. She offers to sleep with him in return for letting her spend the night in his apartment. Yoshida refuses her offer but allows her to stay. The next morning the girl, Sayu, reveals she's travelled all the way from Hokkaido, sleeping with random men in return for lodging and money. Feeling responsible for her safety, Yoshida agrees for Sayu to stay indefinitely in return for handling household chores.

Our Thoughts

This is kind of the inverse of Koikimo (see below), but without a scumbag character and from a male perspective. It's not nearly as nauseating as that show, but it's still a fantasy about living with a busty teenage girl.

Who It's For

Libertarians.

Borscht Rating

I've Been Killing Slimes For 300 Years And Maxed Out My Level

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The Lowdown:

Office lady Aizawa Azusa dies of overwork in her early 20s, and finds herself standing before a lecherous goddess. Allowed a wish as compensation for her untimely demise, Azusa wishes for an endless life of leisure. The goddess reincarnates her as a 17-year-old immortal witch in an RPG-coded fantasy world. Thrilled, Azusa lazes about, brewing potions for her neighbouring villagers, and kills a small amount of slimes each day to supplement her income. After doing this every day for 300 years, she inadvertently finds herself at Level 99. Her peaceful life is soon upended as adventurers and dragons come from miles around to challenge the legendary witch.

Our Thoughts:

I'm not really an isekai fan, and that goes double for series which aren't set in an RPG, yet use RPG mechanics. Levelling up, grinding stats, min-maxing, as if it's a part of the fabric of the setting. I don't get it. I like watching numbers go up as much as the next dork, but I don't need to watch numbers go up in absolutely every piece of media I consume. Just play a fucking video game, Jesus Christ almighty.

I thought this might be setting up a fun series in which a layabout is reluctantly called upon to undertake a dangerous quest, but I don't think that's what's going on at all. When the red dragon Laika wrecks Azusa's house, she transforms into a cute young girl and the two begin living together, teaching each other the pros and cons of hard work and slothfulness respectively. The trajectory of the series might be as laid back as its protagonist in the end, which, ultimately, would be fitting.

Who It's For:

Isekai fans, slice-of-life fans. The twain have met!

Borscht Rating:

Joran: The Princess of Snow and Blood

Show Link

The Lowdown

In alternative history Japan the Meiji Period continued well into the 1930s, and the ongoing Tokugawa Shogunate has brought technological prosperity to the nation through a magical energy source called the Dragon's Vein. Sawa Yukimura runs a bookshop where she lives with her little sister by day, but by night she's an assassin for Nue, the shogunate's secret police. As the terrorist group Kuchinawa deploys transforming beasts in an attempt to topple the shogunate, Nue springs into action with their own abilities.

Our Thoughts

There are a lot of concepts competing here, and a few too many flashy transformation sequences for my taste, but I'm really into it! Nue are made up of sex workers and street musicians, often overlooked and therefore easily able to blend in. There's a supernatural Standalone Complex vibe to how the team operates, and they're almost assuredly on the wrong side. Worth a shot!

Who It's For

Fans of alternate history science fiction, Ghost in the Shell: Standalone Complex, Demon Slayer.

Borscht Rating

Koikimo: Koi to Yobu ni wa Kimochi Warui ("It's Disgusting to Call This Love")

Show Link

The Lowdown

Amakusa Ryo is a womanizing salaryman concerned with nothing but his own base desires. As he slips on the train station stairs one morning, he's saved by the swift action of Arima Ichika, a kind-hearted high schooler. When it turns out Ichika is friends with Ryo's younger sister Riou, he decides she's his soulmate, and begins to pursue her no matter how many times she refuses him. Comedy ensues!

Our Thoughts

Yeah, OK groomer.

Alright look, Korikimo is written by a woman and told from Ichika's perspective, so this is obviously meant to be a lighthearted "older man" shoujou romance. As an older man, all I saw were the adventures of a paedophile and the teenager he's stalking. Fuck off.

Who it's For

There's probably other stuff like this, right? If you like that, here you go.

Borscht Rating

Let's Make a Mug, Too

Show Link

The Lowdown

After the death of her mother, Himeno and her father relocate from bustling Tokyo to quiet Tajimi City in Gifu Prefecture. The former salaryman opens a quiet cafe using the remarkable mugs made by his late wife, while Himeno follows in her mother's footsteps and joins the school pottery club. Although her first project ends in disaster, Himeno makes fast friends with the eccentric pottery enthusiasts who make up the club.

Our Thoughts

It's no Eizouken, but I guess it's probably not meant to be. I'm not a big iyashikei genre fan, but if that's your thing, you might enjoy the wholesome non-adventures of three girls trying to make a mug. It's worth noting these episodes are only about 12 minutes long, with the remaining runtime segmented into live action episodes where the voice actresses tour Tajimi and unconvincingly pretend to be interested in Gifu's famous mino-yaki pottery. I think this must be a tie-in with a local tourist board.

Who It's For

People who enjoy stuff like Aria, actually.

Borscht Rating

OddTaxi

Show Link

The Lowdown

In a Tokyo populated by anthropomorphic animals, a solemn walrus named Odokawa spends his nights driving his cab around the bustling metropolis, spending his free time drinking with his pals. Odokawa soon finds his quiet life disrupted by a caper involving a missing girl, some crooked cops, and the animal yakuza.

Our Thoughts

A deft blend of working class slice-of-life with mystery, cute animals, and striking visual design. OddTaxi might be the sleeper hit of Spring 2021.

Who It's For

Fans of existentialist film noir with absurdist comedy, Polar Bear Cafe, walrus lovers.

Borscht Rating

Osamake: Romcom Where The Childhood Friend Won't Lose

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The Lowdown

Suehiro Maruo Sueharu Maru has his heart set on Shirokusa Kachi, the hottest girl in school. When she begins dating a young actor, Sueharu confides in his childhood friend Kuroha Shida, who's openly in love with him and he rejected in the past. Kuroha suggests the two get revenge on Shirokusa by pretending to be in love. Will Sueharu fall in love with Kuroha for real, making her dreams come true?

Our Thoughts

Give me a fucking break.

Who It's For

I don't know and I don't care.

Borscht Rating

SD Gundam World Heroes

Show Link

The Lowdown

The newest instalment of the SD Gundam media-mix franchise. In a world populated by super deform mecha, a burning meteor lands in the middle of Captain City. From it launches a terrible mechanized beast: Naughty Lion. When the police are powerless to stop it, a crack team led by Zhuge Liang Gundam and Liu Bei Gundam sorties to bring Naughty Lion to justice. When the beast stops rampaging, it transforms into Sun Wukong Gundam, a youthful amnesiac mecha horrified at the destruction he wrought. The Three Kingdoms Gundams welcome Sun Wukong into the fold to make sense of this mysterious event.

Our Thoughts

I'm an 80s kid, I know a 30-minute toy commercial when I see one.

No, seriously though, I'm aware of SD Gundam's merchandising—they're cute designs, and I even used to have a bunch of the gum rubber mini figurines. I've played the SD Great War Super Famicom games, they're fun! This is a vehicle to get kids hyped up about the latest toys, which are...based on a hodgepodge of Journey to the West and Romance of the Three Kingdoms this year? There's even a little SD Guan Yu Gundam with a big long beard!

I kinda wanted to like the idea of a bearded robot, but the mechas are super busy and overdesigned. I guess there's only so much you can do to make your next series of toys bigger and better, so these guys are all decked out in gold accents, capes, horns, and antlers, and half the time I couldn't parse what I was seeing.

I'm so glad I don't have to watch any more of this.

Who It's For

Very, *very* young mecha fans.

Borscht Rating

Seven Knights Revolution: Hero Successor

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The Lowdown

Long ago, the Dark God Nestra ruled the world through fear. Standing against him were the Seven Knights, seven brave warriors chosen by the Light Goddess Serrass. With their powers combined, Nestra was defeated and the lands returned to peace. Hundreds of years later the wicked Physis Cult seeks to revive Nestra, summoning undead beasts to ravage the countryside. With the Seven Knights long dead, the Granseed Academy has risen to train the next wave of heroes to combat this threat. Using special cards, the students of Granseed are able to call upon the power of the Seven Knights to guide them in battle.

Our Thoughts

As soon as the opening started with its transforming heroes and lovingly depicted weapon cards, I realised this must be based on a mobile game. Indeed, this is based on a free-to-play gacha from Korean developer Netmarble. Even before I was able to confirm this, Hero Successor failed to draw me in, eschewing details on the nature of its world in lieu of a glamourised marketing push for its source material. What's here is incredibly slight, and likely to be of little interest to anyone who isn't deep into this game.

Who It's For

Seven Knights whales, I guess.

Borscht Rating

Those Snow White Notes

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The Lowdown

Sawamura Setsu mourns the death of his grandfather Matsugorou, a talented shamisen player who refused to pass his secrets on. Not knowing what else to do, he leaves his remote village for Tokyo, taking nothing but his shamisen along with him. Soon he finds himself wrapped up in the complicated life of aspiring actress Yuna and her scuzzy rockstar boyfriend Taketo. When Setsu opens for Taketo's band, he stuns the audience with the raw emotion of his playing. However, his heart is still tumultuous.

Our Thoughts

An entertaining first episode of a speciality music series, which is the kind of thing I have a place in my heart for. I couldn't shake the feeling of some latent misogyny that suggested the role of a woman is to inspire a tortured artist, but I might be wrong. The final few minutes take a twist by introducing Setsu's weird, horny mother who seems to have her own personal SWAT team, and it looks like the series becomes a more conventional high school anime from episode 2 onwards. Don't know about that!

Who It's For

Fans of Kids on the Slope, Sound of the Sky.

Borscht Rating

Tokyo Revengers

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The Lowdown

Former delinquent Takemichi is unsatisfied with the way his life turned out, living alone in a paper-thin apartment and working a minimum wage job under a boss who doesn't respect him. When watching the news one evening, he learns that his highschool sweetheart Hinata was killed, alongside her little brother. On the way to work the next morning, Takemichi falls in front of an oncoming train and wakes up 12 years in the past. Armed with foreknowledge, he attempts to turn his life around and save his onetime lover.

Our Thoughts

This is drawing from a lot of sources; the whole train sequence is lifted straight from Gantz, while the story itself initially seems like a Life on Mars kind of deal. In fact, Tokyo Revengers sees Takemichi jump back and forth between the present and the past, seemingly making small changes until he achieves his desired outcome. It feels like a very video gamey depiction of time travel, and one that's not super interesting.

Who It's For

Steins;Gate fans, maybe? Delinquent manga (Shonan Junai Gumi, Crows, etc.) fans, maybe? It's pretty self-serious compared to any of those.

Borscht Rating

To Your Eternity

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The Lowdown

An immortal being in the form of an orb falls to earth and becomes a stone. Years pass, an ice age sets in, and a white wolf stumbles onto the tundra and dies. The orb, able to take the form of anything that leaves a strong impression on it, transforms into the wolf and slowly learns how to use its newfound ambulatory body. The creature treks back through the tundra where it meets a boy living alone, after the rest of his village left in search of a better life. The boy recognises the wolf as his beloved pet, Johann, and the two begin living together in the harsh, lonely wastes.

Our Thoughts

I'm being a little coy with the synopsis here, and there's a major shake-up at the end of this debut episode. This one's based on a manga by the critically acclaimed Yoshitoki Ooima (A Silent Voice), and it's a depressing, compelling, and exciting start to a series. Lots of potential here!

Who It's For

Fans of NieR, Fragile Dreams: Farewell Ruins of the Moon, Last Exile, Kino's Journey.

Borscht Rating

So, there you have it. I'm hoping this will be of use to anyone who experiences a similar sense of dread when faced with so many choices. Maybe we’ll do this again during the Summer 2021 anime season.

Also, please don't get mad at me if I'm snarky about your new favourite show! It’s just TV and I'm a big idiot anyway.

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hockeylvr59 · 6 years ago

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Proving Your Worth part 2 || Jonathan Toews

Requested: [ ] yes [x] no

Authors Note: Here’s part two. Let me know what you think.

Warnings: none

Word Count: 1864

Song Included: Lights Down Low by MAX

Outfit in this chapter:

After Jonathan brought you home, you didn’t see him for the next two weeks. It wasn’t that you were avoiding him, you were just both busy with your jobs and you had taken a few days off of work after finding out some life-changing news. Turns out what your boss thought was the flu was really just your first encounter with morning sickness...you were pregnant. Of course, while a lot of people would be shocked and scared, you were completely overcome with emotion and overjoyed. After all, this is what you had wanted since you were just a teenager who was far too young to even be thinking about becoming a mother.

You were sitting at your desk on a Friday afternoon in mid-October when you heard a knock on your office door that caused you to turn. Looking up, you were suprised to find Jonathan standing there.

“What can I do for you, Mr. Toews?” You questioned clicking and unclicking your pen a few times as you shifted to face him more fully.

“A few of the guys were going out tonight, to relax, have a few drinks...any interest in joining us?” He propositioned, taking you completely by surprise. After a moment of thought, you brushed a strand of hair behind your ear and nodded.

“Sure, but I’ll be a designated driver, not really in much of a drinking mood.” Really you weren’t going to drink because of the baby but you definitely didn’t know Jonathan well enough to want to share all of your personal business when you hadn’t told anyone else yet.

____

When the guys had decided to go out, it was Jonathan’s suggestion that they invite you to join them. He wasn’t sure why he suddenly wanted to spend time with you but after dropping off the ginger ale and crackers, seeing you curled up on the couch stirred something inside of him. You’d looked utterly miserable but your wet hair had signaled that you’d showered while he was gone and your Hawks sweatshirt was now paired with a pair of tiny shorts that he could barely see the edge of underneath the shirt.

So, after practice he’d made his way back to the UC and walked down the halls until he reached your office, knocking firmly on your door. Before he could even fully decide what to say, the invitation was out there and he was waiting for your response. He quickly swallowed the lump in his throat that appeared when you brushed a single segment of hair back behind your ear and found himself grinning when you agreed to go as long as you could be one of the designated drivers.

“I don’t think any of the guys will complain about that. I’ll text you the address of the club?”

____

After giving Jonathan your number to text the address to, you worked to finish up the rest of your workload for the day before gathering your things and heading out just a bit early at 4:30. You figured that they weren’t planning on getting together right away but you certainly weren’t the type to frequent clubs so you needed to try and figure out what the hell to wear. Three hours after leaving work you were finishing up a piece of pizza as you waited for your curling iron to heat up. You’d thrown a pair of jeans on as well as a grey and gold sweater. Jonathan had assured you that the club you were going to was more of a bar/lounge and less of a dance club so you felt at least a little more secure in your clothing choice.

Loose curls and a light coat of makeup applied, you grabbed the few things you would need before stopping in the kitchen and taking myyour prenatal vitamins. You really did need to get going if you were going to be there on time but you knew if you didn’t do it now you would likely forget, and well the baby inside of you needed all the nutrients you could provide to grow healthy and strong.

The last thing you did before leaving was throw on your black boots before grabbing your keys from the doorway and heading down to your car. You really didn’t like to drive in a city as big as Chicago but seeing as it was past rush hour and the address you’d been given was a decent distance away you knew it was a better option than the ‘L’, plus you would have to get drunk hockey players home somehow.

____

Jonathan had gotten to the bar shortly before nine and reserved a table. It wasn’t long until Kaner, Saad, and Seabs had joined him at the table, drinks in hand. Since he was the one that had invited you, he offered to drive as well, not wanting you to feel uncomfortable. As usual, the guys were giving him crap about how he needed to get out more when he saw you looking around the club before slowly making your way to the table.

As you approached, his jaw almost dropped and he swallowed hard. It was evident that your makeup was light and the fact that you were still completely stunning threw him for a loop. While he was taking in your appearance, he noticed that you seemed nervous and so he quickly stood up, motioning for you to come closer and hugging you gently.

“Hey...glad you made it! You know all of the guys right?”

“Yeah. It’s kind of my job…” You replied, your tone of voice signaling that your words were meant as a teasing quip. Kaner commented on how he didn’t think he’d ever seen you not in work clothes and Jonathan couldn’t help but smirk.

“Clearly you’ve never passed her office after a game, I’m pretty sure she’s always in a Hawks jersey.” He threw out there bumping his shoulder against yours gently as you moved to sit back down in the booth.

“What can I say...it’s my second favorite color palette. I have to say I much prefer you in red, white, and navy there Brandon.”

___

The moment you made the comment, the guys all looked at you like you had a third head and you couldn’t help but laugh. “Relax...I’m only kidding, I can’t stand the Jackets.” You proclaimed, throwing your hands up defensively. “After all, they really do suck...talk about choking when it’s all on the line.” Your parents were currently living about an hour south of Columbus but you hadn’t grown up as a Blue Jackets fan, they didn’t even exist until you were seven years old.

Motioning for Jonathan to slide out of the booth you rolled my eyes. “I’m going to go get a bottle of water, want anything?” While all of the guys there had drinks, Jon’s hand was empty and while he’d said he’d also serve as a designated driver, he could at least have water or tea or something.

“Water sounds great.” He agreed and you slid through the crowds to the bar, quickly ordering two bottles before sliding a five dollar bill across the counter to cover the cost. Returning to the table you passed him the second bottle before smiling at the song that came over the radio. While you were gone, Patrick and Brandon had gone to find girls and Anisomov and Wingels had joined the table in their place.

Jonathan shifted to let you into his side and you couldn’t help but giggle at some of the stories that were being told.

“You guys are ridiculous.” You murmured just relaxing and trying to take in the situation you’d found yourself in. About twenty minutes later, one of your favorite new songs came over the speakers and you looked down at your empty water bottle. “So..which one of you wants to dance with me?” You teased, certain that at least one of them would take you up on the offer.

To your surprise, it was Jonathan again who motioned for you to lead the way and once you were pressed back to front on the crowded floor his hands moved to rest on your hips.

“Are you having fun?” He asked you, and you couldn’t help but tilt your head back as you nodded, your hips moving slowly in his grasp. Singing along to the words softly, you just enjoyed the feel of his body heat though it was clear that he was not a dancer, something that made you appreciate the moment even more.

“I promise you that no one else will ever treat you better

And if you don't believe me, please see I don't need no effort

All you gotta do is flip that switch before we bed-up”

____

When you had asked someone to dance with you Jonathan wasn’t about to let the chance to touch you pass him by even if he wasn’t the best dancer. You had quickly found a spot on the floor and your hips moved slowly, fluidly as his hands rested on them. Soon your soft voice reached his ears as you sang along and his pulse pounded through his veins in reaction. Hearing the phrase ‘bed-up’ leave your mouth forced him to bite back a groan because even without any alcohol you were sending his head spinning in directions he hadn’t expected.

You were always so professional and seeing this side of you had Jonathan wanting to know more. His grip tightened on your hips a bit as you finished off the song and as you were heading back to the table your eyes went wide and suddenly you’d slipped out from your spot at his side, dashing toward the bathroom.

A creeping feeling entered Jonthan’s mind before it all hit him like a ton of bricks and he found himself following after you, waiting outside the bathroom until you returned, your hair pulled back into a ponytail and your eyes sunken slightly. The moment you saw him you looked away and unconsciously he reached out to you, motioning for you to follow him outside.

Standing in the cool alley he shoved his hands into his pockets before looking down, his gaze staring holes into the pavement. “You’re pregnant aren’t you?” Enough of his teammate's wives had gone through the experience for him to put the pieces together. You’d offered to come but didn’t want to drink and this was the second time in two weeks that he’d seen you thrown up. There was nothing but the sounds of the street filling the air between you until you eventually turned your head to look up at him.

“Yes.” You breathed, a mixture of fear and relief in your tone. “I...I can explain if you want, but not until we get all the guys home safe.”

Jonathan wasn’t sure how he felt about your admittance that you were expecting. Had he really been that off the mark when he was reading you the past few weeks? You were having a baby and that had to mean that you were involved with someone right?

#jonathan toews #jonathan toews imagine #chicago blackhawks #chicago blackhawks imagine #nhl imagines #nhl imagine #hockey imagine #hockey imagines #cblackhawks #008

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seawolvesanddragons · 6 years ago

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NCIS - Season 16, and Why I Still Watch

Guys, this season has been a goddamn blessing. As someone who has watched NCIS for nearly ten years, I’ve seen almost every major cast change, excepting Kate and Jenny. The show stayed stable enough to keep me on after Ziva left, after Tony left, but I was having my doubts about NCIS without Abby, especially after season 14/15. Not that those seasons were bad, but they lacked the spark NCIS usually has. It was at the point where my buddy and I were preferring NCIS LA episodes over the original ones. But this season? My god, this season has been wonderful, in terms of dynamic, episodes, development...I just love it. Full disclosure - this is about to get weirdly personal and also all over the place, and LONG, because I have thoughts that are demanding they get out. If you want full in depth and clinical analysis of NCIS, look elsewhere.

These last few episodes, “Her” “Once Upon a Tim” and “Crossing the Line” hit particularly hard. I don’t cry easily, and I didn’t here either, but my heart absolutely did the whole “constrict with emotions” thing several times during those three episodes, particularly with “Her.” And let me say, those who stopped watching the show because Cote or Michael or Pauley left, because these new guys can’t be as good as the nostalgia colored dream team, because the writers/producers “aren’t as good, are riding the coattails of past success” etc...I think you’re making a mistake. Quite plainly, I think you’re wrong, or as Vance would say, I disagree with your opinion. Like I said, I’ve been a fan NCIS for years. I remember the very first episode I saw - it was where Vance had his face off with Kai, the assassin. My dad was a fan, and it was just a custom in my household that on Tuesday nights, he would watch it while my mom and sister watched Glee in a different room. I wandered in one night, and thought that, as a high school freshman, I could try out some of these “grown up” shows. I remember the line that made me fall in love with the show - “kai-jacked.” I remember thinking “I get that joke. It was funny. I understand this show’s dialogue and jokes.” And that was it. I was hooked. It became a thing, between my dad and I - sure, mom watched it more often than not with us, and my sister was aware of the characters, but it was our thing. Tuesday nights, NCIS. More then once was I quizzed on whatever test I had for Wednesday during commercial breaks, because we didn’t want to wait until Friday to see the episode. It was our little in joke that my dad, former Navy, was listed as “Gibbs” in my contacts back when having nicknames for everyone’s contact was a thing in high school. My dad wasn’t nearly half the taciturn, tunnel visioned, “the second b is for bastard” person Gibbs could be - practically the only thing they shared was a past in the Marines/Navy and a soft spot for family - but somehow it fit. Dad was the Gibbs of my teenaged years. More then once he referred to me not as Ziva, the badass Ninja I admired so, but as Tony, the one I had silently noted was probably the most like me - and that my Dad had noticed as well. I never got an actual head slap, but Dad got the Gibbs stare down pat. Scarily well. I’ve met a few other friends over the years that have watched the show, but most dropped out in the last few years. I don’t blame them - for most it was a time commitment, though some weren’t willing to give the new characters a chance. Others just let watching it slide somewhere around season 14, when the show had a rough patch. I noticed some of the lower moments myself, and its been years since I’ve watched it faithfully every week. But I could never quit it entirely. Even now, when in a different country, I end up sitting down and bingeing on it. Cause a decade down the line, that was dad and mine show. Our connection. Overall, season 16 has been a turn around from the last few years. The development of the characters is consistent, but not rushed. Seeing Jimmy continue to be established as a self confident, intelligent and well trusted confidante makes my heart swell in happiness. He has come such a long way, and the scene this season where he and McGee discuss Vietnam, paralleling Ducky and Gibbs, was wonderfully done. McGee is also doing an amazing job, his role as Lead Agent/Mentor as well as father now reaching a more static position. Remembering his early days back in season 1/2 is incredible. Casey is a great addition, and I love that while Nick is still learning a little to play with a team, his obvious feelings for Ellie are part of his development, not hers. But it was these last three episodes that really cinched the season for me. “Her” was just terrific overall - like I said, I admired Ziva and saw a lot of myself in Tony. Any mention of them gets a thumbs up for me. But it was more of the acknowledgment of how far this show has come in recent years - Tony and Ziva being replaced by Torres and Bishop, Abby by Casey, Ducky slowly by Jimmy. Its largely a new team, just with the same leader. This change eerily paralleled my life - Cote left just as I was starting college. Tony left when I graduated. Abby mere months before I moved continents. My own team, my sphere on influencers back when I started watching the show, is somewhat different now than it was 6 years ago. New people entered my life, and others took on a backround role, or disappeared entirely. As Gibbs’ team changed, so did my stages of life. It’s a somehow comforting parallel, and one that “Her” really drove home for me. “Once Upon a Tim” was just great for some classic Tim character development and storyline - Tim often got overshadowed by his teammates backstories and arcs, so its have a very Tim centric episode, especially one that includes Delilah and the twins as central to his life but isn’t focused on them.

But “Crossing the Line?” That was the episode that hit me where I wasn’t expecting it. All through the episode, you get the feeling that Max is clearly more than he appears. The twist that he’s the son of an agent killed in the bombing? That was the unseen bullet. See, I remember that season finale probably better than any other NCIS season finale I have seen or will ever see. The bombing. Chaos. Ducky’s collapse on the beach with the phone call. The uncertainty I had of if everyone was going to survive this. It’s burned into my memory, because not three weeks after I watched Ducky collapse from a heart attack, my Dad died unexpectedly from one. Its become a part of life I’ve had to accept, but needless to say NCIS always brings up memories of my father, and certain episodes are harder to watch because of it. I’ve never seen that season finale after it aired - I can’t bring myself to. But Tony leaving the show a few years later felt like reopening the wound, as if Tony and Gibbs no longer being on screen together was another nail in the coffin of my own “Gibbs and Tony” chapter. This episode had a similar impact. Watching Max, six years later, try and deal with his own pain, mirroring my own similar journey...it affected me in a way tv shows rarely do. Particularly about deaths - hollywood is terrible at writing teenagers with dead parents, and death in general, and NCIS is not always an exception. Listening to Torres open up to Max, hearing someone talk about how this pain of six years sucks, but also isn’t going away, meant something to me. This wasn’t writers phoning it in or riding coattails. This was actual, genuine writing, acting, and emotion. Even if the dead parent always having a “saying” is an age old cliche - of course the dead relative always said some wise adage that fits the situation. Because people talk like that, right? The line “I’m not my father” was another emotional hit, particularly following Tim’s episode. I had actually been hoping that the writers would take a different route with it though - following the dead parent’s footprints is another cliche, and NCIS loves it. That instead of Max agreeing with Torres that he could consider an agent, that not being his father was meant that he was lesser or couldn’t live up to him, it was Max saying he could remember and honor his father in different ways. Because I know those words, “I am not my father.” I’ve been running with those words as far away from his shadow for five years. After his death, everyone wanted to see my father in me, at the expense of my mother’s traits, and my own personality. From my looks, my voice, my sense of humor, my morals, random little things I did or that happened to me - all of it could be traced, somehow, back to one half of my genetic code. I tried to follow his footsteps - did the whole navy path for a year or so, struggled with the difference between what I wanted, what I thought I wanted, and what was expected - just as 16 year old Tim did in “Once Upon a Tim.” But I wanted different things out of life. I learned that I could love and remember my father’s memory without going down some pre-trodden path of mirrors. And I wish that NCIS had taken that risk with this episode, and acknowledged that kids don’t have to become their parents, especially their dead parents. So yeah, this post is long and rambling and has no set structure and is strangely detailed on my emotional state and family troubles circa 2012. But the moral is, NCIS is not past it’s prime. It’s not recycling characters or plots. It’s not going downhill because people left. It’s growing and changing, staying dynamic with time. And it is still capable of creating amazing episodes, characters, and seasons; Season 16 is certain proof of that.

#ncis #rambling #more of a personal rant #season 16 is good #ncis is good #my opinion

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shoushatohaisha · 6 years ago

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review: hajimari no kyojin (osaka 6/1)

so. hello. i usually write up my butai thoughts as, um, 100+ tweet threads in the immediate wake of whatever i just saw, but this time around i thought i'd work them out into a proper report, of a sort. if you, too, have seen this show already and want to talk about it... please. any time. always.

about reviewing: this is my very favorite 2.5D franchise, ever. but this is also a review, not a cheerleading exercise, so not every single thing i have to say is unrelentingly positive. having said that, i respect kinoshita, wada, suga-zachou, and the staff at large more than just about any creative team in this corner of japanese theater fandom so like. i'm not here to drag, lol.

about spoilers: i talk about the plot elements covered but try to avoid spoiling any of the fun production surprises. :) happy to do a more spoilery play-by-play later if folks are curious.

about length: i just checked and it's 2400 words im so sorry.

without further ado...

first of all, i admit that based on the preview clips i doubted, and i was swiftly taken to task for doubting. IM SORRY WORRY-SAN i trust u implicitly and i should have known better. after the major changes in shinka no natsu, i was concerned that bringing back the revolving stage and the original opening theme would feel stale/regressive. it did not. while they did bring back the revolving element they also extended the stage backward and added a second level behind a full stage height projection screen – the second level was used to do some neat staging for flashbacks/parallels and the screen was used to, how shall we say this, up their projection game in a major way, which i frankly did not think was possible. i will not spoil the details but it was pretty great, on a purely technical level.

i also realized that a lot of the repetition – opening with the bike scene, bringing back the original opening credits music, the staging, etc – is the "look back" over the last couple years that i'd expected to come this fall. they are very obviously already preparing for the end – you could think of this as part one of their last show, with the fall as part two. the show opens with a restaging of sixth grader hinata seeing the little giant on tv for the first time – then the current karasuno team take the place of the tv and hinata joins them for a team jog. "karasuno, fight!" "oh!" "fight!" "oh!" only then each character calls out their signature line from the show so far. "uchi no renchuu wa chanto tsuyoi" / "mou tobenai karasu nante yobasenai" / "murabito b mo tatakaemasu!"

and haha. let me tell you. BOY, DID I FEEL THINGS. a lot of things. i think yachi got me the worst but they were all real bad. (i have so many feelings about yachi's story and what a beautiful job saitou ami did with her character on stage. god. ;_;)

the theme of this play was the role of captain – what makes a good captain, what a captain does for the team, and how to step into those shoes when the captain is gone. the johzenji match is fun, but here, in a sense, it exists more or less to set up the wakutani match – (re)establishing daichi's importance so that his absence feels like the gut punch it is. and fully settling the weight of that responsibility on ennoshita's shoulders, as both daichi's substitute on the court and the captain-in-waiting.

with that in mind, the rival schools: imo it wasn't strictly necessary to cast full teams for each school – each match got its own dedicated act, and unlike, for example, nekoma/datekou in karasuno fukkatsu (which had a similar story structure), there aren't really any individual characters on these rival schools who have a role as such other than terushima and takeru. (you know, the captains. see above. XD) so in theory one could get this done with, like, one actor for each captain and then an ensemble cast playing the rest of the team across both matches. HOWEVER, having all those bodies allows them to do super cool stuff visually, and why force yourself to create the illusion of a full team if you don't have to? i.e., /i/ sure am not complaining, isn't it nice to have $$$ to achieve the max vision of your choreographer. XD

i also have no doubt that the kids playing these other characters are doing whatever they can to create a character within the ensemble, and i suspect there's plenty for repeat viewers to pick up on, esp during say the johzenji match (see below). however for the first time viewer following the main flow of the story it's more or less a very large ensemble cast.

the johzenji chaos was well expressed, haha, there was so damn much going on all the time that i hardly knew where to look. (i've also seen opinions on j-twitter that that diluted the impact and i can see that too – it worked for me as a "funny" match that didn't cross the line into comic relief, but ymmv.) i thought the final scene with misaki would pack more of a punch, but i fully expect them to cry at daisenshuuraku so that might fill in the last 10% that's missing rn.

wakutani are another Good Dance Team. one did get a sense, stylistically, of fukurodani- and nekoma-lite with johzenji and wakunan, respectively – i assume that was intentional. mirroring the cats vs owls match, as it were. yanagihara rin's takeru was like… scary?? i had to rewatch those episodes this weekend to see if i'd just forgotten something, but no, stage takeru is not so much reliable middle brother as scowly quiet tough guy. he looked like a kyoutani tbh, and looking at the kid actually cast for kyoutani, one wonders if someone in casting mixed up some paperwork or something. having said that, yanagihara was great at being the character he was, i enjoyed what he did on stage. i'm just not sure that character was takeru. XD (edit: ok having just rewatched, i have to revise this somewhat, i think a big part of my impression was due to being too far back to properly see his expressions the first time around -- up close he was much smilier, and bc i was thinking about it i noticed some nice details like him going over for a family hug afterward.) otoh big post-match scene – all of wakutani, actually – was really good. v effective, i heard sniffles around me.

during this match, johzenji reappeared dressed as takeru's family: FUCKING HILARIOUS omg, everyone involved has clearly learned how to do this right wrt blocking, the very fine line between comic relief and intrusion, etc, after the, er, shaky shousha to haisha experiment of kuroken doubling as oikawa's fangirls. seichou shita na, errone.

also, some great wire work for hinata and takeru – you could tell kenta is really comfortable up there these days. the first time the wires came into play one of the women behind me went "UWO!" which, when a japanese theatergoer makes a noise out loud, that's a true sign something's impressive. XD

nekoma vs fukurodani: Yeah, That Happened. it is a testament to how well done karasuno vs wakunan was that i didn't just spend the entire time screeching BRING BACK CATS VS OWLS because fjkdajfkdlsfjd KYAA. another good staging moment – they used mirrors to create the effect of two full teams playing at a crowded gymnasium, it was brill. i won't spoil some of the fun details but vvjakdlfjdf. and tbh i think the best performance of the four was probably shouri's?? not that this is news but istg idk how someone so soft offstage does THAT on stage. is it this "acting" thing you speak of.

new bokuaka: i mean it was clear some of this material was meant for yoshimoto kouki and i did kinda miss him – i appreciate higashi-san's pinch hitting and he did a solid job. but. ah well. HAVING SAID THAT. fucking "michi wo tsukurimasu yo" i mean we should all be grateful it wasn't kouki and yuuki or it would have just been a fucking fanfic on stage. it was still bad and i don't even go here. XD

and last but not least, arita ushiwaka kenji: not exactly the world's most natural line delivery but that's fine because, i mean, he's ushiwaka. and his physical presence was perfect. which was about all he was called on to do in this particular show, ahaha.

now, for karasuno. and specifically, for my son, kawahara kazuma. remember what i said approximately a thousand words ago, about captains and captains in waiting and stepping up to the plate? (or onto the court, as it were.) ennoshita's story was the heart of the wakutani match and kazuma carried the second act. he was. so. good. he had good material to work with, of course, but he made it even better. i was saying to a friend that in retrospect i think this is one of the very very few parts of the series that actually played better and more emotionally affecting on stage than in the source material (as opposed to differently good/differently affecting). in the manga/anime, you can only see what the paneling or the frame shows you, and those initial paneling/framing choices are focused on the drama of CAPTAIN DOWN. but on the stage, daichi goes down… and off to the side you see ennoshita freeze. and from that moment on, for kazuma, it's go time. he doesn't let up until the end of post-match scene in (here) the locker room – which, jesus, that scene. it packs ten times the punch it does in the anime. because of kazuma.

sorry if i sound like a crazy person here ahaha. but like. like, imagine you have been acting since childhood, you've studied dance with famous choreographers and innovators, you had a main role in The Franchise That Changed 2.5D as a teenager, you've done a solo album, you have a serious history in performing arts... and you get cast in what was initially the smallest role of the entire karasuno team. and you take it! and pull your weight! kazuma was a team player for three years and he deserved this chance to let his actual skills shine so much. ;_; because i don't necessarily think he would have been better in any of the other roles than his actual teammates – but i do think he is a much better actor than several of his actual teammates. and he finally got the opportunity to show that.

anyway, when it came time for curtain calls, the applause swelled noticeably for kazuma – a louder ovation than anyone except kagechan and kenta. and one of those people clapping her hands off, say in row 20, just a random row choice, was definitely tearing up at the same time.

IN OTHER KARASANEWS. kt-san. LIVE IN PERSON KT-SAN BACK IN THE ROLE HE WAS MEANT FOR cries into my hands i love him daichi-saaaaaaaaaan. very occasionally his delivery reminded me he's a model not an actor, if you know what i mean, but like, for the vast part it didn't matter because he is naturally such a perfect fit. have i mentioned i love him.

new suga: mmmmm. he looked and moved fine but his line delivery did not convince me. tbf it's not like suga has a huge role to play in these matches so 1) it's not a huge deal 2) he didn't get much chance to get into the character. either he'll get better or he won't, and if he doesn't it's not going to sink the next play or anything. he seems like a nice enough kid, i wish him well!

kageyama tatsuya: still can't yell and enunciate at the same time. loved that they brought back the archer analogy from shinka no natsu though!! it was one of my favorite things about his kageyama, and it's nice that it's something he "owns" instead of imitating/inheriting from tatsunari.

tsukishima & yamaguchi: miura kairi continues to get even better, i'm so pleased. <3 also, i love love love that they still use the musical motif from shousha to haisha for yamaguchi's jump float serve. it was the same in shinka no natsu, it's the same here. THE TSUKKIYAMA WAS REAL CUTE, great detail work before and after the serve as well as after tsukki's block(s). as for tsukishima, much as they brought back kageyama's archer imagery, they brought back tsukki's fancy katana kill block. (they didn't waste kondou shouri, either, i'll leave it at that.)

last but not least, MY ACTUAL SON AND FEELINGS TWIN, SUGA KENTA: ok like. to set the scene here. i have mad respect for this kid and also love him to death as a human. i think he puts more thought into this production than anyone else in the cast – he is practically worry-san's AD. and he clearly has a lot of real deep thoughts and feelings about the source material. so deep in fact that it took a while for me to come around to his hinata because while, for example, tatsunari's kageyama could have walked straight off my television screen, kenta went down to the manga and built hinata up from there. he didn't have a choice – he's nothing like murase ayumu's voice. all too often we, and i include myself here, think of the two dimensions in 2.5D as anime, rather than manga... but just as there's a big gap between the two dimensions of animation and the three dimensions of live theater, there's as big a gap again between static black-and-white drawing, and movement and color and sound. and when i looked at kenta's hinata as something created solely from furudate's art style, it all slotted into place for me. (naturally, ymmv.)

it also took kenta longer than some of the others, i think, to portray all of what he wanted to. shoen hinata was pretty yelly, and pretty single-register yelly. hinata is a yelly character, of course, but the balance between that hinata and Serious Match Hinata was out of whack at first. this got better and better with every show. and then—

his encounter with ushiwaka here. was IT. it was what i was looking for all this time. his delivery of hinata's big line there was like – i think maybe i clapped my hands over my mouth, unclear, bc it was like the final missing piece and i was so happy. kentaaaaa. ;____;

part of me wonders if this is what kenta's always had in his head but maybe couldn't get his face/voice to express the way he wanted it? OR, IT'S KENTA, SO MAYBE IT WAS ON PURPOSE and his previous Serious Hinata was meant to be like, just a feral hunger child whereas this is the kid who experienced the heartbreak of losing to seijou. i would love to ask him tbh. XD

anyway, my son, after five plays continues to grow in his portrayal of this character. kenta is the heart of gekidan haikyuu in so many ways, and i will be at their graduation show if it kills me.

(breathes out) i think that's. everything. a best setter award to anyone who read this far, and feel free to ask if there's anything specific you want to know about? i will be seeing it again this weekend for daisenshuuraku and will be sure to report back on who cried, etc. all hail volleyball stage the end. 🏐

#review #engeki haikyuu #hajimari no kyojin #im sorry i have so many feelings #AND THIS IS THE EDITED VERSION #i spared you my intensive theories on how kazuma ended up in this role in the first place #i just #look #i love this production so much

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slashersteve · 7 years ago

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Five Tickets (Steve Harrington)

Summary: Steve couldn’t pass up a chance to be able to kiss you, even if there is a price.

Pairing: Steve Harrington/Reader

Warnings: a lil innocent smooch and not edited oops

Word Count: 1900+

Note: I’ve started reading a bunch of kissing booth fics and they murdered me so ima write one. Feedback is welcomed! Enjoy :)

Masterlist

The Hawkins end of the school year fair was just around the corner, and there was already sign ups for the different types of booths looking for volunteers during lunch.

There were signs for different types of games like pop the balloon, milk can toss, bottle ring, milk bottle toss...the normal games you would find at a carnival or fair mostly. There were going to be many food vendors as well, and they were working on getting at least one ride. If not, there would be a huge dance floor where students could dance all night long, or at least till it closes.

Everyone was invited, but it was mostly just kids and teenagers showed up while their parents had a quiet night at home.

Steve wasn’t interested in going this year, but when he learned that the kids were going to go he felt an urge to go and make sure they stay safe. He couldn’t help, not after everything that happened, somebody needed to keep an eye on them and make they don’t do anything stupid.

But, there was also another reason why he wanted- no needed to go- and that was because you were going to be there. Although, you weren’t going to be there to hang out and have fun, no you were there working at one of the booths, and not a game booth...it was a kissing booth. Yeah, that one booth where you would be kissing other people.

You seemed so excited too when you sat down next to him during lunch on that fateful day. Steve turned to you, about to ask what was making you so excited until he noticed heart-shaped name tag you set down in the middle of them all. It was Nancy, sitting in front of you, who reached out first to grab and examine it.

It took her only a second before she laughed, “(y/n)? You signed up for the kissing booth?” she asked, handing you the name tag back. Steve felt his heart drop suddenly, and the fork of food he held stopped midway to his mouth. You smiled and nodded, eager.

“Yeah! My grade isn’t doing too well- so my teacher said if I volunteered for one of the booths she would give me extra credit,” you explained, “And this one was the only one open,” Steve reached out and took the name tag from you.

“You’re seriously going to kiss random people for extra credit?” Steve asked, fingers tracing your written name. You nodded as if it was nothing.

“It’s just a peck on the lips, if anyone gets too handsy I’m allowed to shove them away and tell on them to get them kicked out,” you replied. Steve still frowned, not liking the idea of other people kissing you, or even getting that close to you. Steve handed you back the nametag, not before noticing Nancy and Jonathan giving each other a knowing look.

Steve ignored them.

It honestly shouldn’t be bothering him this much. It wasn’t like you two were dating or anything, it shouldn’t matter who you kiss or how many people you will be kissing- but he couldn’t help but feel a sting in his heart that you will be kissing a lot of people, and not him.

He’s known you since his sophomore year of high school, and you two instantly hit it off as friends. Although you didn’t hang out much, Steve always knew you were up to talk late at night or to even see a movie with him. And ever since you two banded together to help your brother Dustin with his demodog problem, you two have been much, much closer to the point where you had a sleepover at his house.

Steve liked you, as a friend. At least that’s what he made himself believe. The feeling he had for you was always underlying, and if it surfaced he would quickly push it away. You were his friend, a very close friend, nothing more.

Then again, when he saw you drunkenly making out with this guy from his math class at a party two weeks ago, he did punch him for taking advantage of you and took you home. You were too drunk to even really remember, and so was the other guy.

Or another time when you started to spend a lot of time with one of basket ball teammates he got really, really jealous. He never voiced it though, just let it happen thinking it was because he didn’t want a guy like that with you. He never considered the fact that he wanted to be that guy, the one you showed interest in, the one you liked because he really, really liked you.

Everyone else could clearly see it, the way his eyes would linger on you when he’s spaced out, or how he somehow would bring you up in conversation. The way he acted if you were becoming smitten with someone else. Hell, even Dustin, your younger brother could tell that he clearly had a thing for his sibling.

Everyone except you both of course.

The fair was barely beginning, the moment he entered with the kids was the moment they ran off into one direction, ready to play silly games and win silly stuffed animals.

It didn’t take Steve too long to find Nancy and Jonathan, who were both working at the photo op booth. There were props for each picture like silly hats and sunglasses and things like that. He approached Nancy first, noticing Jonathan inside of the booth working the camera.

“Where are the kids? I thought you were their babysitter again?” Nancy asked with a small smirk. Steve shook his head and smiled.

“They disappeared the moment they got their tickets,” he shrugged, Nancy laughed as she took tickets from other students and sent them into the booth.

“You know...” Nancy motioned her head towards a booth that was lit up with pink lights, “(y/n) is right over there...they could use your company,” Nancy’s voice trailed off. Steve felt his cheeks heat up as his eyes went to yours.

You stood there, the giant heart name tag on your sweater, and giant smile on your face before you leaned in to peck someone on the lips. Steve felt himself tense up, and his frown deepen.

Nancy noticed and rolled her eyes.

“Go over there, Steve, it’s only 5 tickets,” Steve turned to her with wide eyes.

“What makes you think I want-”

“Oh it’s so obvious- so, so obvious,” she took more tickets from another group of kids, Steve’s jaw dropped slightly and he was about to speak when he was cut of when Mike, Will, Dustin, Max, Lucas, and El showed up, baring tickets.

“Think we get a freebie for a photo?” Dustin asked, while the rest smiled in hopes of Nancy saying yes.Nancy scoffed.

“No- pay up,” she held her hand out and Mike rolled his eyes slightly.

“Just give her the tickets, Dustin,” Mike said, Dustin sighed and handed over his 5 tickets.

“Thank you!” she set them down in the box and pointed them on their way and turned back to Steve.

“The line is getting pretty long over there,” she said after glancing, “They might go on break soon- so you might lose your chance-” Steve waved his hand.

“Nancy- Nancy- I don’t like (y/n) that way and also- I don’t even have any tickets,” he held out both hands. Nancy scoffed again like he was one of the kids.

“You’re impossible Steve, here just-” she looked around before handing him 5 tickets from the box Dustin just handed to her, “Just do it...”

Steve stared at them for a moment, before his eyes wandered back to you. Ironically, you had already been looking at him, a small smile grew on your lips and you slowly turned away to look at the next person in line. Steve felt something suddenly open up inside of him, and he smiled.

He looked back to the tickets that she now shook in her hand giving him a ‘I know you want to’ look. Steve let out a laugh, it shouldn’t surprise him how well Nancy knew him. So, he took the tickets, and ran off with a small ‘thanks’.

“Don’t thank me just yet!” Nancy called after before laughing.

Steve jogged up to the semi-long line, hoping and praying that you wouldn’t be going off your shift the moment he got to you.

His nerves were acting up like never before. He hadn’t remembered ever truly feeling this nervous about kissing the person he was smitten with, he was usually always so confident, but when it came to you- it was like he couldn’t find it at all. He was surprised he even stayed in line, but god dammit his heart would not stop beating to fast.

The line grew shorter in what felt like hours, and soon, the person before him moved away and there you were. A warm smile on your lips, and a sort of light in your eyes that made Steve frozen in his spot.

His breath hitched as his feet moved toward you, “Hi...”

You smiled nervously.

“Hi...” Steve held up the five tickets, and put them into the jar. When he looked back to you, he suddenly felt this fear that this would somehow ruin your friendship, that he would fall into so much more love with you and you wouldn't feel the same. That thought scared him, but when you reached forward, resting your hand on the back of his neck and beginning to lean in, his worries went away in a second.

Your noses touch and a for a brief second your eyes wandered down to his lips.

Finally, your eyes fluttered shut as your lips touched his, and Steve’s did too. His lips moved against yours in an experience motion. You hummed against him, beginning to move yours too.

It seemed that you both had forgotten that this kissing booth met a peck on the lips and not the deep kiss you and Steve were currently having. You both were too caught up in it to even realize it, Steve especially because wow you were a good kisser.

If it wasn’t for the grumbles from the people coming behind him, and your other kissing booth partner clearing their throat, you might of continued it. You pulled away first, keeping your hand resting on his cheek and small smile on your lips.

Steve was out of breath, and felt like he was floating right now. Your eyes still lingered on one another, and the tension that was just released between you two was completely obvious.

Your partner rolled their eyes before smirking and crossing their arms, “I think you had enough kissing for today (y/n)...” You turned your head to look at them, cheeks blushing a bright pink.

Steve kept his eyes on you, before you turned to him and said, “I’ll be right back...wait for me...”

And Steve did wait, standing on the side of the booth with a large smile on his lips that he would have after he kissed you every time in the future. His eyes wandered around, landing on Nancy who had two thumbs up. He let out a laugh and waved her off.

You returned, the name tag gone and your cheeks flustered. Steve chuckled, and reached down, entangling your hands together.

“Let’s get out of here,” was all he said when he began to pull you through the large crowd.

Steve reminded himself as you climbed into the passenger seat of his car, that he should really thank Nancy again for letting him borrow those five tickets. Or maybe he should thank Dustin, since they were his tickets.

#steve harrington #steve harrington x reader #steve harrinton/reader #stranger things #stranger things 2 #st imagines #stranger things imagines #my imagines

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inazuma-eleven-translations · 7 years ago

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Animage June 2012 Highlight: Inazuma’s 2012 Grand Prix Takeover - Nishigaki Yuka (Kazemaru Ichirouta) interview

Full Scans Available At: http://inazuma.pmsinfirm.org/?p=238#ixzz4yZDSTyrk

Notes: This is for @ichiroutas-other-eye ! You requested something about Kaze awhile ago, sorry it took so long... Also if people are interested, Nishigaki-san also talks about Kidou, Fudou, Hiroto and Fubuki here, so I’m tagging @ygreczed (Kidou brings out your mother’s instinct apparently) too~

King of the Votes, Kazemaru

Once Again Ranks in the Top 3

A year has passed since the original Inazuma Eleven series concluded, but Kazemaru’s popularity and his voice actor Nishigaki Yuuka-san’s love for him knows no end!

Kazemaru Ichirouta

In his days at Raimon Middleschool, he made the decision to move from the Track and Field club to the Soccer club, spurred on by his best friend Endou. He’s a speedy defender for Raimon, and has been both a defender and midfielder for Inazuma Japan.

24 year-old Kazemaru - he’s active in the pro leagues! ↑

Dear Kazemaru-senpai...

Kobayashi Yuu (Voice of Kirino Ranmaru)

Thank you for letting us decorate the cover of this issue of Animage together! For Ranmaru-san and his friends, Kazemaru-san is a huge star they have great admiration for. I was really happy that in the movie Ranmaru-san could gradually grow stronger from Kazemaru-san’s special training. He really is a wonderful person.

Tai Yuuki (Voice of Kariya Masaki)

Since Kariya underwent Fudou-san’s spartan-style special training (laughs), there wasn’t many scenes where he got to interact with Kazemaru-san, but what struck me the most was the identical blue color of their hair. Maybe both Kariya and Kazemaru-san thought to themselves ‘Huh? We have the same color hair!’ when they met (laughs).

| Interview |

In our Grand Prix Series Division, Inazuma Eleven took 2nd place, and in our Male Character Division, Kazemaru took 3rd place. Congratulations!

Nishigaki: Thank you so much! As Kazemaru’s voice actress I’m delighted, but I also feel like a mother whose son is being supported by everyone (laughs).

The last episode of Inazuma Eleven was recorded in February last year, but you’ve said before that all of your memories of the series hit you like a bus.

Nishigaki: Yes. When I went home after we finished recording,the moment I stepped into my room it all hit me at once. ‘It’s all over!!’ and I burst into tears. When I thought about never being able to meet Kazemaru as a teenager ever again, it broke my heart.

A year has passed since then. Have your feelings towards this series and your character changed at all?

Nishigaki: Since the series as a whole is continuing, I don’t feel like everything is completely over like I did before, but having said that it’s also not the same as before. It’s kind of a weird sensation. I think for sure that back when I was recording my character and I become one, so I saw things from Kazemaru’s point of view and moved forward together with him. But now it feels like I’m watching over Kazemaru as we walk along different paths.

How did you feel while playing adult Kazemaru in the Inazuma Eleven GO movie Ultimate Bonds Gryphon?

Nishigaki: Because we suddenly jumped forward 10 years, we didn’t get to see what he was doing over the last 10 years, so I’ve thought about it a lot. Kazemaru’s highschool life, or when he first entered the pro leagues as a professional… But I know Kazemaru. He’ll stay the same honest and straight-forward person he was as a child even when he becomes an adult.

He never once thought about cutting his hair.

Nishigaki: Not even once! (laughs) He wears his hair only half up when he’s wearing his regular clothes, but he probably still wears a ponytail when he’s playing in a match even now.

So, we’d like to ask about your opinion of the TV episode division. The top 3 Inazuma episodes were the last 3 episodes of the series.

Nishigaki: It’s rare to do a graduation ceremony in an anime in the first place, and it felt like the cast themselves were also graduating in a way. Even now, it makes me happy that everyone looks back fondly on the final few episodes

In the last episode, episode 127 ‘Ashita no Kick Off!’ the background music is a medley of all of the the theme songs from the past.

Nishigaki: Yes. Since the theme songs for Inazuma were carefully created with the keywords of each season in mind, it was really exciting. But the most memorable scene was Endou saying ‘Sakka Yarou Ze!’. I wonder if Endou will ever stop saying that.

The fans were probably expecting the show to end with that was the closing words.

Nishigaki: They waited and waited ‘Not yet, not yet!’ until he finally said it. It’s a great phrase, no matter how many times you hear it.

‘Today’s Proverb’ was Endou saying ‘Kore Kara Mo Sakka Yarou Ze (Let’s keep playing soccer!)!’ and after that didn’t the whole cast say ‘That’s all!’ together?

Nishigaki: Yes. There were so many ‘key’ people in the last episode, and not everyone had a turn saying it, so in the end we all said it together. We were told ‘Let’s all say it together!’ by the sound director, so about 30 people all stood in front of the microphone. It was a great idea! Everyone was happy that ‘Finally I get to say it too!’. It’s a good memory.

To continue, what was your most memorable scene from episode 126 ‘Namida no Sotsugyo Shiki (A Tearful Graduation)’?

Nishigaki: It was the scene where everyone’s named was called one by one as they stepped forward to get their graduation certificate. The only line anyone said was ‘Hai!’ (Yes) since that’s really the only thing you’re supposed to say when you graduate, so it really did feel like an actual graduation ceremony.

When it came to Kazemaru’s turn, Miyasaka was in tears.

Nishigaki: But he wasn’t sad - he was actually putting on a brave face. It felt like he wanted to send Kazemaru off proudly. I’ve said this before, but since I love Miyasaki I was always really happy when he appeared in the anime. From his first episode I’ve said ‘I want Miyasaka to appear!’. After Kazemaru graduated, he would have worked hard as a member of the track and field club.

Kazemaru’s scene after the graduation ceremony - when Endou was alone in the clubroom, he came looking for him.

Nishigaki: That’s definitely Kazemaru’s role. It was never concretely established that those two are childhood friends, but they often consult with each other a lot, so it’s clear that they’ve been together for a long time. Kazemaru is famous for always being by Endou’s side supporting him. Then the scene after that where they entrust the club onto Kurimatsu was fun.

Everyone put a lot of pressure on him (laughs).

Nishigaki: That’s their own way of giving him a pep talk! (laughs)

The next episode is 125 ‘The Final Conclusion - Number One in the World!’.

Nishigaki: The second they won, he used Shippu Dash to run straight from the bench over to Endou! (laughs)

Since Endou was standing in the forward area, Gouenji would have been the person standing closest to him. And yet…

Nishigaki: But Gouenji wasn’t the first person to hug him - that was Kazemaru! (laughs) A good use of his speed.

Afterwards, everyone began tossing him in the air in celebration.

Nishigaki: Speaking of which, they tossed him in the air after the Dark Emperors fight too. Endou seems to be always being tossed in the air with a smile on his face.

In the TV episode divison, episode 121 ‘Best in the World! 11 words!’ also came in at 25th place.

Nishigaki: I was happy to be able to see the happy faces of our friends in Japan - it’s been a while. When Handa and Max and the others appeared, I felt like ‘Wowww!’ and everyone in the recording studio was really excited. They said that whether they’re on the field or the bench, far away or nearby, they’ll always be teammates. It felt like our friends waiting in Japan were fighting together with us.

After that, the managers read notes from their hearts - Kazemaru’s revolved around ‘Protecting what’s important to him with kindness that knows no limit’.

Nishigaki: Kazemaru’s kindness really knows no limit. I think that those words referred to how he conquered his worries and dealt with his inner conflicts, and grew as a person.

Next, we’ll move on to the Male Character Division. Please tell us your impression of 7th place, Fubuki Shirou.

Nishigaki: Fubuki’s a kid who the world was really cruel to. He has a dual personality called Atsuya, and the story of him becoming his own person was really dramatic. He didn’t really talk that much to Kazemaru in the anime, but both of them were dealing with their worries at the same time, so I think they can relate to each other a lot.

In the second season no one is a bad guy, but you feel sorry for everyone.

Nishigaki: Right. I’ve thought so many times; ‘Will the adults please pull themselves together!’. Kazemaru and the others were used by adults during the Dark Emperors too. All of the kids in Inazuma are really good and pure, but there’s a lot of unacceptable adults (bitter laughs).

Next is 12th place - Sakuma Jirou.

Nishigaki: 10 years later he’s still as beautiful as ever (laughs). His popularity is showing.

Kazemaru and Sakuma really didn’t interact at all, but Sakuma wanted to ‘see the same world as Kidou’ and Kazemaru wanted to ‘become strong like Endou’ - so it seems like they can empathise with each other there.

Nishigaki: That’s true. We only caught a glimpse of Kazemaru’s reaction to Shin Teikoku Gakuen’s Sakuma, but I think he must have felt something. I don’t know if that was foreshadowing for what would happen with Kazemaru… Since they became teammates during the FFI arc, even though they didn’t talk much in the anime, they probably had a lot of off-screen conversations.

We would have loved to see what the members of Inazuma Japan talked about in the FFI arc.

Nishigaki: The heart of FF1 was really the matches. But there was an episode where they took a break from training and enjoyed their free time. Kazemaru ate ice-cream together with Endou, and Gouenji went to buy Yuka-chan a present. We could see one by one how each character spent their free time; I thought they were all really cute scenes and I liked them. It felt like it had been a while since we could see them just be kids.

Next we’d like to ask about Hiroto (14th place).

Nishigaki: He’s still as worryingly pale as ever~ (laughs)

Even 10 years later, his skin color is the same.

Nishigaki: But he rides around in a sports car, as expected of a young CEO. He’s a glasses-wearing ikemen. In order to be recognised by the father that raised him, he worked very hard. He’s a great example of a character who was hugely motivated by Endou-kun. I felt like this kid said Endou-kun’s name a lot. I feel like he’s the type who thinks carefully before he makes a move.

And now he’s head of the company.

Nishigaki: Hiroto can definitely expand the company even more. He’s probably someone who excels at being in control. During the match against Argentina; Kazemaru bassed the Captain’s baton to him.

Speaking of CEOs, we’re interested in if Kidou Yuuto (19th place) took over his father’s business.

Nishigaki: Kidou might be a little bit involved with it? He can entrust everyday duties to his staff while he focuses plays soccer. But he probably makes the important decisions himself. And he joined Teikoku as their commander to help raise the next generation of soccer players. I think he’s a person who can see the benefit of multi-tasking.

He’s taken off the goggles too (laughs).

Nishigaki: He graduated from the goggles, but he hasn’t graduated from covering his eyes completely with some mysterious glasses. I wonder who picked out those glasses? If it was Yuka who Gouenji asked to created his clothes as Ishido, Kidou’s glasses must have been a present from Haruna. I think he’d be happy with that (laughs).

So he no longer had a use for Kageyama’s goggles??

Nishigaki: It could be that he still uses the goggles when he’s playing soccer (laughs). Maybe they size has become too small - like the band is too tight. But Kidou has to wear his goggles and cape - I want him to wear them again!

By the way, regarding middle school Kidou, you’ve said before that you ‘want to protect him’.

Nishigaki: I feel like he pretty much ignored and despair he felt and just kept working hard… He’s a kid who fiercely brings out my mother’s instinct.

Young Kidou is popular with our female readers over the age of 20.

Nishigaki: I understand that~ He’s the person who led the members of Teikoku Gakuen forward! But I feel like her over exerts himself (laughs). But I feel like adult Kidou is very cool, calm and composed. I don’t feel like he’s overworking himself. He must have experienced both hardships and made happy memories over the past 10 years.

Next, please talk about Fudou Akio (17th place).

Nishigaki: I also feel like Fudou’s been through a lot of despair, from the very first episode he appeared in. I think Fudou’s behavior during the match against Korea’s team left an impression on Kazemaru. And Fudou’s hairstyle is very unique too. When he was a kid his hairstyle was normal, then at some point he shaved it into a mohawk and when he becomes an adult it becomes super fluffy. He’s certainly very particular about his hair.

In the movie, the moment they became kids again Fudou’s hair suddenly disappeared with a whoosh, and returned to his mohawk (laughs).

Nishigaki: That scene stood out! (laughs) The mohawk definitely suits him well. As the God Who Protects the Bench, watching it sway as he stands up and sits down is very Fudou-like. (laughs)

Adult Fudou went to investigate God Eden, but we wonder if those clothes were a good choice. They look like something you’d buy in a convenience store.

Nishigaki: Certainly, when I first saw his clothes I was worried about what he was doing with his life. (laughs) According to the novel he seems to be playing as a professional soccer player for an overseas team.

Next, in the anime song division ‘Mata Ne… No Kisetsu’ came number one. Congratulations!

Nishigaki: I was surprised! Thank you! The lyrics and melody that T-Pistonz+KMC-san created was really gave off the vibe that this was a song between close friends, and whenever I listen to it I find myself singing along. I think the lyrics ‘Don’t hide it - let’s laugh!’ was a positive way of looking at the sadness of graduating. This isn’t good bye - they’re definitely meet again. It’s a very in-character song.

For Nishigaki-san this role was the first time you sang, wasn’t it?

Nishigaki: Yes. So I had an extra day of practice. Everyone else knew what they were doing and I was the only inexperienced person it seems (laughs).

In the anime song divison, Saikyou de Saigou from the movie came in 13th place. Nishigaki-san and the others also covered this song.

Nishigaki: Yes. When I saw T-Pistonz+KMC-san’s original song in the theatre, I started to cry. The ending animation was amazing too.

There were so many pictures too! ‘I’m home!’ by Kazemaru.

Nishigaki: Stop! (cries) It was too much… I watched it with my brother and I was already crying a little bit from the show but when I saw the ending I burst into tears. When we were practicing the song too, the song is so packed full of emotions that I started to cry - I can’t handle it! ‘What should I do? I can’t sing this!’ Somehow I got through it!

Out of the character songs, Kazemaru’s ‘Mai Agare’ also appeared.

Nishigaki: I’m really happy such a Kazemaru-like song was written for us. It’s so catchy and it really sounds like an anime opening. I really like it.

If Kazemaru appears again, what would you like to happen for him?

Nishigaki: I really want to see a visit to his house! We still don’t know a thing about his family, or what kind of house he lives in, or if he has brothers or sisters. It would be great if we could have a scene where he and Endou are just casually hanging out together - I want to see that!

Rather than his work life, you’d rather see his personal life.

Nishigaki: Of course I’d like to see him active in the J League too. He and Fubuki seem like they’d both be popular star players, appearing on the covers of magazines too many times to count. They probably appear a lot on TV too. It would be nice if loads of little kid fans came to see their matches too.

Finally, please leave a message for the fans.

Nishigaki: Even though it’s been a whole year since Endou’s story ended, I’m honestly so happy that so many people are still supporting us. You’re going to see the world of Inazuma expand and I too am personally looking forward to future developments. But along with the new series, I think if you rewatch Endou’s series you’ll be able to see things in a different light. If you could watch Kazemaru’s episodes many times, I would be really happy.

On July 4th Endou’s story’s DVD box set will finally go on sale.

Nishigaki: I’ll definitely buy it! The Nishigaki household’s Inazuma collection will once again expand. I feel sorry for my little brother who lives with me - most of my Inazuma goods are spread out over the living room. Everyone - don’t lose to me - make sure you expand your Inazuma collection too!

| Interview |

↑ Nishigaki-san’s dress makes her look like a spring fairy. Up until now she’s always tried to chose clothes based on Kazemaru’s style, but this time she’s decided to dress ‘Nishigaki-style’. Her ribbon is adorable.

Nishigaki Yuuka-san’s Personal Anime Grand Prix!

TV Episode Division

Episode 1 - Sakka Yarou Ze!

Honestly, they’re all my favorite episodes but it all started from episode one! All of our teammates gradually joined the club, the Raimon Eleven started moving into action and everyone fought against Teikoku together… Since episode 1 was the start of everything, I remember it very fondly. Kazemaru’s line ‘I like your fighting spirit! You’ve got me on board!’ was very memorable, and now that I think about it Kazemaru looked precious in his school uniform.

Male Character Division

Endou Mamoru

Without a doubt, Endou IS Inazuma Eleven. It’s not only Kazemaru who he motivated - he’s moved so many people! I think he’s a really wonderful person. Within the games there’s something like 1,000 or 2,000 characters, and you can’t argue that all of them have come to love Endou in some way.

Female Character Division

Otonashi Haruna

Haruna is my personal favorite female character. I think it’s wonderful that she speaks her mind, and it’s kind of funny how Kidou and her practically act like boyfriend and girlfriend (laughs). Thanks to everyone’s votes, she’s the number one female Inazuma Eleven character for two years in a row, and that’s not surprising at all.

Anime Song

Tachi Agario

I love all of the songs too, but I’ve gotta go with the first opening ‘Tachi Agario’! When this song starts playing, you’re suddenly thrust into the world of Inazuma Eleven!

#inazuma translations #kazemaru ichirouta #nishigaki yuka

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archivednerdfics · 7 years ago

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"A Helping Hand" Summery: A begrudging Hopper helps an injured Steve when there's no one else around who can. Word Count: Around 6k _______________________________________ PART ONE: Ever since that night three months ago, every interaction Steve Harrington had with Billy Hargrove was hell -- especially during basketball practices. Granted, their interactions had never been pleasant, but lately they'd been getting worse. So far Steve had suffered several hard shoves in the hallway, a myriad of certainly illegal pushes in basketball, and even a couple punches. He was also sure that at one point Billy had tried to run him down in the school parking lot, but he couldn't prove it. The only reason he didn't fight back was because, according to Max, Billy wasn't treating her as badly as he used to. Max had no reason to lie to Steve, she didn't even know that Billy had been torturing him at school every day, so he believed her. That meant that Billy was taking out the majority of his anger on Steve instead of her, and that was something that he could live with. This was a particularly difficult day for Steve, and he suspected it was because he and Max had run into Billy while he was dropping her off at school -- acting like the big brother that Billy should've been. After the "Night of the Demodogs" as Steve, Max, Lucas, and Dustin referred to it, Steve had started driving Max to and from school so she could have more time away from her asshole of a stepbrother. During basketball practice today Billy had already rammed into Steve twice, though Steve had managed to stay upright both times. The third time, however, was more of a visibly deliberate push, as opposed to something that could be explained away as an accidental run-in, and Steve wasn't prepared for it. He fell, hard, feeling his leg twist and hearing a popping noise as the side of his knee made contact with the floor. He laid there for a few moments, stunned and in pain, when he heard a loud, sharp whistle and the other students around him stop running. "Harrington!" the coach came over to where the teenager was still lying on the ground, and Steve slowly sat up, wincing in pain as he tried to move his leg. The coach knelt down next to him and inspected the boy's leg, having seen the way he'd fallen. After a couple minutes of this, the man kneeling next to Steve nodded slightly as if confirming something and looked at the teen. "Looks like a sprain to me, but you should get it looked at," he said, helping the student stand up, "Go to the office and call your parents. Take the rest of the day and rest up, alright?" Steve sighed but then nodded, knowing that there was no way he'd be able to continue playing with his leg in this shape, "Yeah, okay." "Good. Can you make it on your own?" "Yeah, I'll be fine," Steve said, as he attempted to start walking. The moment he put weight on his his leg, however, he felt his knee buckle painfully; and he would've fallen if it weren't for his coach grabbing his arm and pulling him back upright. "Okay... Williams," the man said, looking at one of Steve's teammates, "Get Harrington to the office." On the way out of the gym, Steve, and the boy helping him, passed Billy, who whispered, "How many times I gotta tell you to plant your feet, Harrington?" with a smirk. Steve just glared at him for a moment before continuing on. Sitting in the school office, he was unsure of who to call for help. His parents were out of town... again, and he sure as hell wasn't going to ask Nancy to take him to the hospital. After a minute of pondering this, he sighed and dialed a number. "Hawkins Police," a woman's voice answered on the other end of the line. "Is Hopper there?" "...Joyce?" "Wha-- No, this is Steve Harrington. Is Hopper there? I need to talk to him." "Hold please." Steve had to wait only half-a-minute before a gruff voice spoke on the other end of the line, "Harrington--" "--The kids are fine, don't worry." "Then why--" "--I... need a ride." "...You what?" "To the hospital. I need a ride to the hospital. ...Can you come pick me up? ...I wouldn't ask, but there's nobody else who can take me." There was sigh from the policeman, and then, "Where are you?" "The high school." "I'll be there in ten." "Thank--" Steve started, but Hopper had already hung up. _______________________________________ PART TWO: It wasn't long before Hopper walked through the office doors and over to the somewhat miserable looking boy sitting in an uncomfortable chair, who was still wearing his sweat stained t-shirt and basketball shorts, having not had the chance to change out of his gym clothes. "Alright, kid," the police chief said, "Let's go." Steve nodded and slowly stood up, once again feeling his knee buckle under his weight the moment he tried to stand on it. Hopper steadied him and then wrapped an arm around the teenager, helping him limp out of the school. They sat in silence for some time during the long drive to the hospital before Hopper finally spoke. "So what happened?" he asked, looking at Steve for a moment before returning his eyes to the road. "...Billy Hargrove," the teen said with distain. "Hargrove... Isn't that the kid that--" "--Gave me a beating for taking care of kids? Yeah, that's the guy." Hopper nodded slightly, not speaking again, but clearly thinking about something. Steve rested his head against the window and sighed, feeling his knee starting to throb badly. Eventually Hopper pulled into the hospital parking lot and helped Steve into the ER wing of the building. Steve noticed the man's expression change from rather indifferent to one of anxiety, and wondered why. He wouldn't have expected Hawkins Police Chief Jim Hopper to be afraid of hospitals. The older man helped the teenager get to a waiting room chair, then went to check him in, hating every moment. He hadn't stepped inside the hospital since he'd lost Sarah. Now he was in the same ER waiting room -- with Steve Harrington of all people. He couldn't leave the kid alone at school with that injury, though, no matter how much he hated being in this place again. The Harrington boy had proven himself good at taking care of all those kids -- including Eleven and Joyce's boy -- and El trusted and liked him. So he owed the teenager, even though he didn't want to admit it. They sat in silence in the waiting room for maybe twenty minutes before Steve's name was called. Hopper hesitated for a second, not wanting to go through the exam rooms, but then stood up and helped the boy walk again. Once they were in a room and the nurse had finished taking Steve's vitals -- which Jim refused to watch -- they were left alone again. "...You don't have to stay," Steve said after a minute, and Hopper looked at him. "And how do you plan on getting back home?" Jim asked. The teenager shrugged, "I'll figure it out." "No you won't. You're gonna sit outside for an hour before calling me to come pick you up. And I don't want to drive that much." "...You sure?" "You trying to get rid of me, kid?" There was a slight tone of amusement in the man's voice. "No. You just seem... uncomfortable." "I'm fine." They sat quietly again for a few minutes before Steve suddenly exclaimed, "Shit!" "What's wrong?" Hopper asked worriedly, thinking this was a cry of pain from the teen. "I'm supposed to pick Max up from school," said Steve with a groan, flopping back onto the exam table he was sitting on. "I can't let that asshole pick her up..." this he said more to himself than Hopper, as he was trying to think of any way he could make sure that Max didn't have to go home with Billy. Normally if Steve couldn't pick her up, then she'd just ride home with Lucas on his bike; but it was February and there was too much snow and ice for the kids to bike. "Hey," Hopper said, startling Steve out of his train of thought, "It's okay, kid. I'll call Joyce and tell her she needs to get Max when she picks up Will." Steve sat up a little to look at the police chief, "Really? You think she'll be okay with that?" "I think that if I didn't tell her a kid needed help when she could help, then she'd kill me." Steve laughed slightly and nodded, "...Thanks." Hopper nodded and stood up from the visitor chair in the room that he'd been sitting on. "I'm gonna go find a phone," he said as he walked towards the door to exit the exam room. _______________________________________ PART THREE: It was three-thirty in the afternoon by the time Steve was released from the hospital, which was two hours after they'd arrived. The teen had been given a brace for his knee and a pair of crutches to help him get around on his own for the next week. Though he wasn't thrilled at the idea of not being able to walk for a week -- not to mention not being able to play basketball for at least another week after that -- he was relieved that it was just a bad sprain and he didn't break of tear anything. The ride back to Hawkins felt even longer than the ride to the hospital, and Steve slumped into the passenger seat with a sigh, earning a slightly concerned look from Hopper, "You holding up okay, kid?" "Yeah..." the boy said, but he couldn't hide the fact that he was in pain from the man looking at him. Jim didn't say a word about this, however, nodding in response before turning his eyes back to the road in front of him. They were quiet for the rest of the ride, and when Hopper finally pulled up to the cabin that was his and El's home, Steve looked at him with confusion. The teen had expected that the police chief would drop him off at his own home, not bring him here. Hopper gave Steve a slightly amused smile before getting out of the truck. It took them a few minutes to get to the cabin, even though they were parked right outside of it, as Steve wasn't yet used to relying on crutches to get around. He nearly fell a couple times, getting his crutches stuck in the snow, and Hopper steadied him each time. Finally they reached the front door and the police chief proceeded to use the knock that let El know it was safe to open the door. After a couple moments, the door opened to reveal a curly-haired girl, who immediately noticed the injured boy behind Hopper. "...Hurt," she said quietly, a little worry in her voice. Steve gave her a tired smile, "Yeah, little bit." The girl smiled back slightly and stepped aside to let her friend and guardian into the cabin. The moment the boy crossed the threshold of the doorway, he was bombarded by another young girl running up and hugging him tightly, nearly knocking him over. It was Max, and this surprised Steve for two reasons. One was that he hadn't expected Max to be there, and two was that Max wasn't much of a touchy-feely person, and she wasn't generally a fan of hugging. Steve steadied himself and then wrapped an arm around her. "Hey," he said, "It's okay. It's just a sprain; I'll live." "It was Billy, wasn't it?" Steve sighed, "Max--" "--Was it Billy?" "...Yes." At this, the girl let go of the teen, anger clear in her expression. "I told him to leave all of us alone!" she said, looking around the room at the other kids -- Steve hadn't noticed them until this point. "I threatened him with that bat! I thought--" "Max," Steve said gently, "it's not your fault. He's just an asshole -- you're not." "...This isn't the first time he's hurt you since the night of the Demodogs, is it?" Steve sighed again. He understood the girl's anger, but he was tired and in pain, and all he wanted was sit down and talk about anything other than Billy Hargrove. "Max..." "Why didn't you tell me?" "Because you said he was leaving you alone. I don't care if he takes it out on me if he's not bothering you." Max stared at the boy who had become like a real older brother to her over the past few months, not sure what to say. She wasn't used to someone caring about her enough to protect her like this. Thankfully Joyce used this moment to walk over to the two and interrupt the awkward silence. Steve looked at her with confusion not having noticed she was there when he'd walked into and briefly wondered if she'd been there the whole time. "Alright, you need to sit down," she said, gently leading the teenager over to the sofa -- Dustin, Will, and Mike standing up to allow Steve to sit down. The mother took the crutches from the teen once he was sitting down, handing them to Hopper who placed them against the wall. "I'm gonna get you some ice," she said, patting the boy lightly on the shoulder before walking to the kitchen. Meanwhile Lucas had gone to Max and lead her into El's bedroom. "He didn't tell me!" Max was yelling as Lucas sat down on El's bed while Max paced back and fourth in front of him. The boy sighed, "He wanted to protect you." "I thought I had the upper hand with Billy! I should've done it. I should've beat him with that bat." "You did scare him, though." "Not enough! If I scared him more then Steve wouldn't be hurt-- again." "You can't control what your stepbrother does. It's not your fault." "I could've taken some of it if I'd known, though." She sat down next to Lucas, and the boy could see that she had tears in her eyes now. He took her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze, and she suddenly turned and hugged him tightly, burying her face in his shoulder. Lucas hated that Max blamed herself for the things her stepbrother did, and that she was always worried that she'd turn out like him. No matter how much he tried to reassure her, Lucas knew that he couldn't make her believe that she was a good person, and that bothered him. "It's not your fault," the boy said softly, "And you're not like him." The rest of the group was still in the living room, Mike, Dustin, Will, and El gathered around Steve, who had managed to get his leg up on the couch and now had a bag of frozen vegetables -- courtesy of Mrs. Byers -- resting on his injured knee. "What happened?" Will asked. "Was it awesome?" said Dustin, "Did you kick his ass?" Steve gave Dustin a bemused look, "Do I look like I kicked his ass?" "Okay, fair enough," Dustin said, and Steve smiled a little. "No," the teenager said, "It wasn't anything cool. He just did an illegal play in basketball practice." This earned confused looks from all the kids, and Steve sighed, remembering that he was talking to a group of nerds. "He pushed me over and I fell wrong," Steve tried again, and the kids nodded in understanding. Joyce and Hopper were sitting at the kitchen table, talking quietly, and Steve could hear his name a couple times, but he couldn't make out what they were saying about him. Eventually Max and Lucas rejoined the group, and it became immediately obvious to everyone that Max had been crying. _______________________________________ PART FOUR: The redhead didn't say a word, she simply sat down on the floor in front of the couch, bringing her knees to her chest as she looked up at the injured teenager on the sofa. Steve looked down at her, noticing her red eyes and tear stained cheeks, and sighed. Max blamed herself for her stepbrother's behavior, and Steve couldn't stand it. She was a good kid, and she didn't deserve the abuse she got from someone who was supposed to protect her, and she certainly shouldn't feel responsible for the abuse Steve experienced at Billy's hands. The teen reached out and tussled the girl's hair. "Hey," he said gently, "Listen," Max looked up at him with wide vulnerable eyes. "It's not your fault your stepbrother's an asshole, okay?" "...You should've told me what he was doing." "I know. ...I'm sorry. I just didn't want you to go back to taking his shit just because he started taking it out on me." "I wouldn't have..." Steve raised a disbelieving eyebrow, making Max smile slightly in spite of herself. She stood up and hugged Steve tightly again. "Next time, kick his ass," she whispered, making him laugh a little. "Okay," he said with a smile, hugging back the girl who had so quickly become a little sister to him. Hopper and Joyce had watched this scene unfold from their spot at the kitchen table, and they exchanged a look that clearly said they wanted to kill that Hargrove boy. The police chief stood up and Joyce followed suite, placing a hand on his arm. "Hop..." she said softly, but Jim just shook his head and started for the door. Eleven noticed this and gave the man a look of concern and confusion. "Where are you going?" she asked, and the others turned to look at him questioningly as well. "There's something I need to do," Hopper said, "I'll be back soon." The kids all nodded in response, except for Max and Steve who exchanged a look with each other and then looked back at the policeman, both having guessed what Hopper was going out to do. Jim got in his truck and drove into town to where Max lived. It was five in the afternoon, so chances were Billy would be home by now. He'd never liked the kid, but like Max, Hopper believed that since Max threatened Billy with that nail-riddled bat after she drugged him, that he'd be leaving those kids alone, so he hadn't gotten involved for fear of making things worse or starting them up again. Of course, now that he knew that Hargrove kid was still causing problems, all bets were off. Jim might not be able to arrest him, but he could certainly put the fear of god into the kid, and that was exactly what he was going to do. The police chief pulled up in front of the house and got out of his truck. He walked up to the front door and rang the doorbell. No answer. Knowing that there was someone home due to the obnoxiously loud rock music coming from inside, he knocked on the door -- loudly and repeatedly -- until it swung open violently, revealing a tall teenager with long, greasy, blond hair. "Can I help you?" Billy said in an irritated tone. "Yeah, you can help me," Hopper said, "We need to talk." The policeman walked into the house, and surprisingly the teenager didn't attempt to stop him. "Here's what you're going to do," Jim said to Billy once they were standing face to face in the living room, "You're going to stop harassing Steve Harrington--" "--Or what? You gonna sit us down to talk out our differences like school-girls?" The man smiled a little, though it was tense and sarcastic. "You think you're pretty funny, don't you, kid?" he said, "No, I'm not going to make you two work things out. If you don't stop harassing that boy, I'm going to come here and arrest you. The same goes for if you don't leave your sister and the rest of her friends alone. Do you understand me?" The teenager averted his eyes from the man for a moment, evidently nervous, and Hopper nodded, "Good." The policeman walked out of the house and back to his truck, hearing things being angrily broken from within the house. Good, he thought, that meant his message had gotten through. Meanwhile at the cabin, the kids had all finally calmed down, now sitting on the floor playing that weird-ass medieval game that Steve hadn't even attempted to understand. Max was the only one not playing, sitting on the edge of the couch, careful to avoid the boy's injured leg. She still felt guilty despite everyone trying to reassure her that it wasn't her fault. She occasionally looked at the teenager, seeing a pained expression on his face whenever he thought no one was looking. Joyce noticed the way Max continually looked at the eighteen-year-old who had seemed to become a true brother to her, and sighed. The mother stood up and walked over to the sofa, placing a hand on the girl's shoulder. "Hey," she said gently, giving her a small smile, "can I talk to you for a minute?" Max nodded and stood up, walking around the couch to meet Joyce on the other side of it. Steve gave the woman a questioning look, and she smiled giving him a look that clearly stated "Let me take care of this," to which he nodded in response. Joyce lead Max over to the kitchen table, sitting down across from her. "Listen to me," she said gently, "I know how you feel. ...My ex-husband, Lonnie, was a lot like your stepbrother. He treated me and my boys horribly, and for a long time there was nothing I could do to get us away from him." Max was staring at the woman sitting across from her with wide, attentive eyes. Everyone always tried to convince her that the things her stepbrother did weren't her fault, but no one seemed to really understand how she felt until now. "I was always terrified that after spending so many years with him, I'd end up like him," Joyce continued, "That I would be a terrible mother and ruin my boys' lives. I blamed myself for everything Lonnie did, even though I couldn't have stopped him. ...But once we were divorced and I could protect Will and Jonathan on my own, I realized I wasn't like him. I still loved my boys as much as I did on the days they were born, and I would never do anything to hurt them. ...And it's the same for you. You care about your friends. You wouldn't do anything to hurt them, would you?" Max shook her head in reply and Joyce smiled. "Then you're not going to end up like your stepbrother. I know how hard it is right now, having to live with him and see him every day. But I promise you, that does not mean you're going to be like him. You can't control him; but you're in charge of yourself, and you can choose not to be like him." "...Really?" the girl asked and Joyce nodded. "Really," she said, "And if it's ever too much, my door's always open for you. Whenever it gets too bad, I want you to call me, and I will come and get you wherever you are. Even if it's the middle of the night. Okay?" Max smiled a little, tears in her eyes, and nodded. "Thank you," she said in a voice so soft Joyce could hardly hear it. "You're going to be alright," the woman said with a gentle smile, placing a reassuring hand on top of one of Max's "I promise." _______________________________________ PART FIVE: Max told Joyce everything after that finally feeling like she had an adult she could trust. The mother listened intently, occasionally giving the girl words of encouragement or interjecting with a question. She realized how much the child had gone through in such a short amount time, and she commended the girl's strength, though all she wanted to do was protect her. This went on for some time, Max getting everything off her chest that she'd kept inside for so long and Joyce listening and being as supportive as she could, until Hopper knocked on the door and El let him in. Joyce, Max, and Steve looked at the man, expecting to see evidence of some sort of fight, and were both relieved and confused to find nothing. "...What'd you do?" Steve asked after a moment, but the policeman just shook his head slightly. "You just tell me if that kid does anything to you again, alright? --That goes for all of you," he said, looking around the room at all of the kids, who all nodded. Steve sighed and began to stand up slowly, earning a "Where do you think you're going?" from Hopper. "...We're not leaving?" Steve asked, in confusion The police chief shook his head, "No. You're gonna spend the night here, where I can keep an eye on you." "But you've already done so much. I don't wanna--" "--It's fine. Now sit back down before you fall on your face and I need to take you back to the hospital." This earned a small smile from the teen as he did what was asked of him and sat down. "...Thanks. ...For everything," Steve said, looking up at Hopper. "You're welcome, kid," came the reply, the man's voice slightly less gruff than it normally was. Max turned back to Joyce at this point, anxiety clear in her eyes. "...Can I..." she swallowed and started again, "...Can I... stay with you tonight...?" The mother smiled warmly and nodded, "Of course you can, sweetheart." Max returned the smile and then lowered her eyes in slight embarrassment, not used to being so vulnerable about her feelings with an adult... or really anyone who wasn't Lucas. "Thanks..." she said quietly. Hopper insisted on feeding all the kids before Joyce took them to their respective homes (except of course for Max who would stay with her and Will), and heated up seven TV dinners in the oven, seeing as that was all he had, as that was what he and Eleven mostly lived on. The kids all pretended not to be disgusted by the so-called food, though El and Steve made faces at each other whenever Hopper wasn't looking to express their displeasure, and Max nearly gagged on her's at first. By the time Joyce left with everyone except Steve and El, it was seven o'clock, which, Steve thought, wasn't late enough to warrant the exhaustion he was feeling; but after all, it had been a long day. He sighed, practically melting into the couch, finally allowing himself to actually relax. Eleven sat down next to the teen, careful not to touch his injured leg, though she was staring at the brace on his knee. Steve gave her a tired smile and she met his gaze, "...What's it do?" she asked, pointing at the brace. "It keeps my knee mostly straight so that it doesn't give out if I put weight on it," Steve said. El tilted her head in confusion, not fully understanding the explanation she'd been given. The teenager thought for a moment and then spoke again, trying a different, simpler approach, "It keeps my knee from moving too much so it can heal." El nodded in understanding and Steve smiled again. "...You wanna try it on?" he asked, and the girl's eyes lit up, "Can I?" "Yeah, sure you can." The boy leaned forward and took the brace off of his leg and El stretched out her leg so he could put the brace on her knee. She tried to walk around with it, and Steve couldn't help but laugh a little. The brace was too large for her leg, and she nearly fell a couple times when she was trying to see how fast she could walk with it. She went over to Hopper, who was sitting at the table, and showed him. The teenager watched her with a smile, surprised by how easily entertained the girl could be. But, he supposed after everything she'd gone through in her young life, she had to find comfort and joy in little things. No matter how strange those things might be. Eventually El decided to go to bed, hugging Steve and then dragging Hopper to her room to tuck her in. It was times like this that Steve almost forgot that the kid was so powerful she could kill a room full of people with her mind -- because she was still a kid, after all. Even after everything she'd experienced, she still needed her dad to tuck her in at night. Of course, Hopper wasn't technically El's father, Steve knew this, but he was the closest thing the girl had to one. And he was a damn good father. After a few minutes Jim came back into the living room, closing the door to El's room behind him. He then addressed the boy lying on the sofa. "You gonna be okay on there for the night?" he asked, nodding his head to indicate he was referring to the couch. "Yeah," Steve said, "I'll be fine." And Hopper nodded once more in confirmation before leaving the room. The next week was surprisingly calm for both Steve and Max. Billy hadn't so much as looked at Steve, and Max informed the Party, Joyce, Steve and Hopper that her stepbrother had been continuing his streak of indifference toward her. ...Of course, she knew this wouldn't last forever, but knowing that she had the support of people who cared about her provided a source of strength and comfort she hadn't felt since her mother had married her stepfather. When Steve drove her to school the next week -- his knee finally healed enough for him to drive without pain -- Max spoke softly, looking out the window so she didn't have to look at the boy who was driving. "...Thanks... For driving me to school and stuff..." Steve smiled a little and shrugged, looking at her for a moment before turning back to the road, "What are brothers for?" Max's eyes widened in surprise. She'd thought of Steve as her brother ever since that night three months ago, but she hadn't dared to think he'd consider her his sister. She leaned over and hugged him -- a little awkwardly due to the fact that he was driving -- which made him swerve the car a little. "...Can we wait till we get to school to hug?" he asked, trying to keep the car from swerving off the road. Max let go of him and leaned back in her seat again. "Why?" she asked, "Is driving still too hard with your knee? 'Cause I can drive if you need me to." "No!" Steve said, looking at her and pointing an authoritative finger at her before turning back to the road again, "Stop suggesting that." The girl smiled and rolled her eyes, holding her hands up in defeat. "You are not driving this car until I know you're not going to get us killed." "How are you gonna know if you never let me practice?" They went on like this for the rest of the drive, both feeling a sense of comfort and normalcy as they argued the way normal siblings did. Things in Hawkins weren't always simple or easy, but at least this was one thing they could both count on to never be too confusing among the aliens and government conspiracies that surrounded them.

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thecorteztwins · 7 years ago

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Reasons Fabian Cortez is a joy to read (with citations)

- Gets hit in the face with a guitar by mutant rockstar Lila Cheney (X-Men '92)

- Sneaks right by the X-Men by wearing the brilliant disguise of a baseball cap (X-Men '92)

- Lies to birds. No, seriously, he just started lying to a random bird about how he was devoted to mutant/flatscan peace now (because using an anti-human slur you made up REALLY makes that convincing, Fabs) The bird wasn't a shapeshifter or sentient or anything. It was just a random wild bird. (Magneto miniseries)

- When he came back from the dead, he made his grand re-entrace floating and sparkling...with no explanation for how he could do that, as neither is in his powerset. He then immediately creeped on the nearest woman. (Magneto miniseries)

- Just when you think he can't get any sleazier, he gets sleazier (TOO MANY INSTANCES TO NAME)

- Openly admitted his supervillainy plans included FORMING A HAREM FOR HIMSELF (Magneto miniseries)

- Was then punched unconscious by the woman he was trying to force into said harem

- No one questioned why she did this, all three witnesses just assumed he deserved it because IT'S FABIAN

- Two issues earlier, he was telling this same woman how "pure" he was and comparing himself to snow. TO SNOW. BECAUSE HE'S SO PURE. THEN TRIES TO FORCE A WOMAN TO BE A PART OF HIS FANTASY WOULD-BE SEX SLAVE COLLECTION JFC FABS

- Was willing to risk pissing off APOCALYPSE if it meant getting laid (cartoon series, he's shown with a girl in his room while Apocalypse's Hounds are trying to get a new host body for Apocalypse...which they fail to do but might have accomplished IF FABIAN HAD BEEN THERE INSTEAD OF (literally) FUCKING AROUND)

- Used a hologram projector to make pictures of himself in different outfits and with hot babes hanging off him (link)(cartoon series)

- Says shit like SO SAYETH ME and MY WILL BE DONE in the cartoon series

- Costume is a penis arrow

- Despite possibly losing said penis to Wolverine's claws (The Uncanny X-Men #300)

- Causes a 15+ year mystery because he was staring at a woman's ass (Dark Seduction series)

- Once delivered pizza to Magneto and Mystique (The Chaos Engine Trilogy)

- Is in stuff titled "Fatal Attractions" and "Dark Seduction" that sound more like bodice rippers than comic book arcs

- Told Wanda and Pietro not to fight over him. (Blood Ties)

- Was chased through a concert parking lot by a grunge band that referred to him as a "weird roadie" (X-Men '92) - Shot a horse furry. It was when the Acolytes were fighting the High Evolutionary’s New Men in the Quicksilver miniseries. The New Men are “uplifted” animals, meaning animals that the High Evolutionary artificially evolved into sentient, speaking, human/animal hybrid forms that basically look like the anthropomorphic version of their respective animal type. So, furries.

- There's a series of artistic errors re Fabian's cape over a few issues of X-Men '92. It's left at the scene when he's captured but then when he's shown in captivity he's got it on, how did he get a new one? Then during a fight it's red but a few moments after the fight is over, it's yellow. I conclude he keeps spares on him to change if one gets lost/dirty because FABIAN IS A DIVA must be what those 90s pouches are for

- Speaking of capes, I've actually noticed in 616 that he wraps his cape around himself when he's in trouble, like a kid with a security blanket. It's like the ONE thing endearing about him. He also did this on a stealth mission because GOD FORBID HE JUST LEAVE IT AT HOME LIKE A SENSIBLE PERSON I GUESS

- “DON’T YOU PEOPLE GET IT?! This is MY LIFE we’re talking about here!” He yells this at Pietro, Wanda, and Crystal while holding Luna hostage. Fabian. These people do not care about you. These people HATE you. Like, I just love that being crazed with terror doesn’t humble him, IT JUST MAKES HIS EGO THAT MUCH CRAZIER BY MAKING HIM THINK HIS ENEMIES GIVE A SHIT ABOUT HIS LIFE oh Fabian never change, you absolute delight. (Uncanny X-Men #307)

- Once, a scheme he was doing with another villain got really out of hand and he had to team up with Quicksilver, the would-be victim, to stop it. The moment the trouble was over, Quicksilver turned around saying "Cortez, you've got some explaining to--" but Fabian was GONE. The implication is he was teleported by another villain he was working for, but I like to think that FABIAN JUST RUNS SO FAST FROM RESPONSIBILITY EVEN *PIETRO* CAN'T CATCH HIM (Quicksilver miniseries)

- He once managed to disguise himself and get past the X-Men, even when they were looking right at him, just by wearing civilian clothes, a baseball cap, and a jacket/shirt that said STAFF. No, his normal costume does not involve a mask or anything. They know what he looks like. Except when he's wearing a baseball cap, I guess. (X-Men '92)

- In X-Men Forever, the good guys happen upon him as the emaciated tortured prisoner of an anti-mutant group. He assumed they came to mock him. YES, FABIAN, THEY BROKE IN, FOUGHT ALL THE GUARDS, JUST BECAUSE THEY KNEW YOU WERE HERE AND WANTED TO SAY NAH NAH NAH

- He threw a tantrum while naked. Twice in a row. (The Uncanny X-Men #300)

- The Acolytes were losing the fight and Fabian tried to make a getaway like the coward he is. But Bishop stopped him...and Fabian FUCKED HIM RIGHT UP. Don’t you get in his way when he’s trying to save his own ass! ( The Uncanny X-Men #300)

- Is honestly such a fuckboy that he set off a rogue Phoenix flare when he manhandled Jean Grey (X-Men Forever #1)

- Claims to be "the supreme mutant" (X-Men '92)

- He's definitely not gay, Fabian's a really thirsty hetero super straight guy, but there's a lot of hilarious Accidental Gay here and there if you look. For instance, he tells Quicksilver that Quicksilver screams his name really well (Blood Ties) and Quicksilver says that he “felt this incredible rush” when Fabian touched him (Quicksilver miniseries) Psylocke calls him Magneto’s “pet boy” at one point, and at another point Magneto is shirtless in bed yelling "FABIAN CORTEZ! ATTEND ME!" and Fabian comes running...(X-Men (2nd series) #96). Again, he’s a very straight (and did I mention thirsty) guy in 616, but there is a canon alternate universe (What If…? #64) where he wears purple short shorts, an ascot kerchief, and has an M on his thigh for Magneto. I'm not saying this is the gay Fabian universe but...

- He is always manspreading every damn time he sits down. The only time he does NOT sit with his legs splayed wide open like LOOK AT MY BALLS EVERYONE is this one time in X-Men '92 when he is sitting next to BOOM BOOM

- He speaks with super pretentious big fancy words all the time but when the shit hits the fan (X-Men Forever #1), ACTUAL QUOTE---"I gotta get the hell outta here!" HE CAN TALK LIKE A NORMAL PERSON FINE. HE JUST CHOOSES NOT TO! FABIAN YOU POMPOUS FUCK!

- One time a prisoner grabbed his ponytail while he was talking and yanked so hard he screamed like a little bitch in front of his followers. The quote "Because I said soOWWWWW!!" is among his best lines in my book (The Uncanny X-Men #300)

- His motive seems to basically be affluenza. Seriously, every resource says he came from a rich family of high social standing but then just got bored. I can't make this up.

- He sits in Magneto's chair when Magneto isn't around. Quicksilver walks in on this (Dark Seduction)

- Fabian ignored a female teammate's advice and as a result, literally two seconds later an actual aquarium of water exploded on him. Like a fucking HUGE aquarium too, not like a fish tank, he BASICALLY GOT HIT BY A POND. And then got carried by the flood through a building until he rained down on some very confused people. (Quicksilver miniseries)

- Exodus later promoted this same female teammate to command the next Acolytes mission and Fabian wasn’t even allowed to go. Fabian was RIGHT THERE when Exodus did this and not happy about it. (Quicksilver miniseries)

- Female teammate: "Fabian! We need you!" Fabian: "Of course you do" SHE MEANT IN BATTLE YOU SMUG CREEPY FUCKER (Quicksilver miniseries)

- He teamed up with Maximus the Mad with the intent to use/double-cross him. When Fabian was gonna do a thing, Max said no, don't do the thing, and Fabian called him an ADDLED FOOL...so Max manipulated his mind to hallucinate Magneto come to kill him. Fabian flipped out in fear, and Maximus was easily able to persuade him to boost his powers so he could save him. Once he did, Maximus LOL'D about tricking him and immediately turned the tables :D (Quicksilver miniseries)

- Magneto walks in on Fabian in Magneto's private screening room that's supposed to be off-limits to everyone except him. Fabian is playing repeated clips of when he and the original Acolytes first attacked Genosha, fought the X-Men, etc. Awwww, revisiting your glory days before you were Erik's bitch, Fabs? Honestly it's almost sad but then I remember it's Fabian (X-Men Unlimited)

- Magneto was asleep so Fabian and the Acolytes snuck out to party I mean kill Genoshan Magistrates and then Magneto had to come pick them up like naughty teenagers when they got in trouble with the X-Men SRSLY THIS HAPPENED (X-men second series #1-2)

- They had Charles Xavier captive and he was unconscious and Fabian was all dramatically pondering “What are you up to, old man?” and Magneto just goes “sleeping?” way to ruin Fabian’s dramatics dude sheesh (X-Men second series #3)

- At one point MAGNETO WALKS IN ON HIM RIGHT AS HE'S ENCOURAGING THE ACOLYTES TO TURN ON HIM AND HURLS HIM INTO A PILLAR. HE DOESN'T EVEN KILL HIM HE'S JUST LIKE "STOP THAT". LIKE HE JUST EXPECTS THIS NOW (bonus points, before Mags did, one of the Acolytes says "Fabian Cortez, you're talking treason!" LIKE YEAH ARE YOU SURPRISED BY THIS? ANY OF YOU? YOU ALL KNOW AT THIS POINT WHAT HE DID TO MAGS ORIGINALLY FFS) (Uncanny X-Men #379)

- Apparently, he's "deathly allergic to rainforests". We find this out because a woman teleports him into the Amazon. The same woman who he tried to put into his would-be harem after telling her how OMFG PURE he is a few issues before. I don't know how you're allergic to an entire biome, he probably just has an allergy to a single genus of common tropical plants or something, but yeah, that happened. IT'S NEVER EXPLAINED HOW HE GOT BACK. Seriously, how did he get back from the Amazon to Genosha? Did he walk? Did the locals pay to have him shipped back? I feel like there's a hilarious story here not being told!

- In a single issue (X-Men: Magneto War) Fabian Cortez: *Wore his cape wrapped up around himself on a stealth mission rather than just TAKE IT OFF what a diva * Made gross comments about a physically mutated woman being “repulsive” and a “Morlock misfit” * Painfully hypercharged one of his Acolytes against their will * Used manipulative guilt-tripping tactics (“You have failed us! You have failed the cause! You have failed Lord Magneto!” LIKE UR NOT THE ONE WHO KILLED MAGNETO, U BAG OF SHIT) * Ran away and abandoned the Acolytes to the X-Men (with his cape still wrapped around him as he fled) ALL IN A SINGLE ISSUE WTF HOW EVEN FABIAN

#xmen #x men #fabian cortez #marvel

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megaphonemonday · 7 years ago

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#PickUpPitch prompt fills - (love is) in the eye of the cameraman

@monkshoodr has been sending mail all the way from Canada and is an absolute star!!

The prompt: A Rob the camera guy fic

(There’s still time to get Craig Erwich’s attention at the ATX Festival. This Friday, between 12 and 6 PM Central, head over to Twitter and tweet something with #PickUpPitch to help us get it trending! )

(Bonus: A gif of Rob the Camera Guy in case people aren’t as intrigued by him as we are and have forgotten who he is.)

read on ao3

“Rob,” came the crackling voice of his producer Max over the headset, disapproval dripping off the short syllable.

He knew what was coming, and wasn’t eager to hear it. Still, he had to reply. That was his boss.

“Yeah?” he asked, checking the frame of his shot through the viewfinder.

Perfect. Just what he wanted.

“You know there’s a game on, yeah?”

“Yep.”

“Then will you quit it with the B-roll of Baker and Lawson? We’ve got enough to last us through next century.”

Rob frowned and wondered how someone who’d gone to journalism school and therefore learned how to sniff out a story could be so blind to what was right in front of him.

(What was right in front of him was the smoldering chemistry between Mike Lawson and Ginny Baker.)

"Listen,” he began, absently refocusing his lens to catch the way Ginny’s smile spread at something Lawson muttered beside her. She nudged him with her shoulder and he rolled his eyes, but Rob caught the way the Padres captain fought against a smile of his own.

“No, you listen!” Max hissed over the headset. “There are only so many excuses I can give the network for not having good footage from first base. And none of those excuses involve your theories.”

Light snickering came over the connection, probably from one of the other camera operators who thought that he was full of it.

But they didn’t have the same vantage point that he did.

They hadn’t seen the way Ginny Baker went from anxious and uncertain to assured and unflappable, both on the field and in the dugout. They hadn’t watched her win over her teammates while racking up wins that first season.

The certainly hadn’t witnessed her captain’s grudging acceptance of her presence shift and evolve into respect, friendship and even, sometimes, awe.

Which meant they didn’t have front row tickets to the Baker and Lawson Show the past season and a half. They hadn’t seen practically every hip check and cracked joke, every quiet moment between innings, every lingering look and gleeful celebration after a win.

After all that, Rob knew that Baker and Lawson were more than just teammates, even if they didn’t quite know what else they were, either. His teenage daughter agreed with him and she didn’t agree with him about anything.

Unfortunately, the majority of his coworkers did not. To them, Ginny Baker was a pretty girl who’d overcome a lot, and would certainly go down in history, but she wasn’t quite real. Which was all the better for TV.

Rob wasn’t about to risk his job just to prove them wrong. Even if it would feel really good and they’d all owe him beers from now into eternity.

So, he sighed and turned his camera back to the field, ignoring the way Lawson’s whole leg was pressed against Baker’s and had been for the past ten minutes.

As had become tradition every time Max blew his lid at Rob for getting distracted during a game, he bought the camera crew a couple rounds of drinks afterward. It wasn’t like he didn’t know he was supposed to be filming the game, but after years of shooting baseball, he’d seen it all. Diving catches, stand up homers, pitcher’s duels. It was all impressive and thrilling and Rob knew there were people who’d kill for a job like his, but none of it was new.

But whatever was going on between Baker and Lawson? That was some never-before-seen shit, right there.

He’d mostly given up on convincing any of his coworkers, though his wallet was taking quite the hit from all these post-game drinks.

Maybe it’d help to stop following the team to whatever swanky new bar they’d decided to overrun for the night. Apparently, free drinks for the hometown heroes only applied to the people who’d actually been on the field. Never mind the guys who made sure the people at home had something to watch.

He dropped off the last round for the few stragglers remaining at the end of the night, intending to head home after hitting the bathroom. A night of drinking’ll do that to a guy.

Before he could hit the head, though, Rob had to find his way there. Wandering the back hallways, thinking that this wouldn’t happen in a normal bar, he was distracted from his goal.

At the sight in front of him, he froze for just a second before practically diving back around the corner he’d just turned.

Holy fucking shit.

Carefully, not wanting to catch their attention and feeling more like a creep than he ever had behind his camera during a game, Rob chanced a peek around the corner.

Pressed between the wall and Mike Lawson’s broad chest, Ginny Baker grinned teasingly up at her rock.

Or was he the hard place?

Her arms draped over his shoulders, one hand idly playing with the hair at the base of his neck. She waggled her eyebrows at Mike when he leaned into the touch, a soft groan echoing down the hallway.

“You still think we should stay, Lawson?” Ginny teased, teeth flashing as her grin widened.

“You don’t play fair, rookie,” he returned, somehow crowding further into her space.

“Off the field I don’t. What’s the point? You want me to win, too.”

“You’ve got me there,” Mike replied.

In spite of his years of experience watching the man, Rob had never seen the Padres captain look so happy.

Judging by the way he leaned down and laid a kiss against Ginny Baker’s waiting mouth, Rob figured Lawson had every reason to be pretty fucking ecstatic.

Withdrawing from the corner and turning back the way he came, Rob couldn’t help his little fist pump of celebration.

He was right, god damn it! This was what vindication felt like.

Before victory could really settle, a sobering thought weaseled its way in.

He might be right, but who the hell was going to believe him?

#PickUpPitch #Pitch #Pitch fic #Bawson #Bawson fic #nsfr: language #i wrote something #pickuppitch prompt fills #in case you didn't know #Rachel and I have a lot of thoughts #about Rob the Camera Guy

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blackkudos · 8 years ago

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Sam Lacy

Samuel Harold "Sam" Lacy (October 23, 1903 – May 8, 2003) was an African-American and Native American sportswriter, reporter, columnist, editor, and television/radio commentator who worked in the sports journalism field for parts of nine decades. Credited as a persuasive figure in the movement to racially integrate sports, Lacy in 1948 became the first black member of the Baseball Writers Association of America. In 1997, he received the J. G. Taylor Spink Award for outstanding baseball writing from the BBWAA, which placed him in the writers' and broadcasters' wing of the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1998.

Upbringing

Lacy was born on October 23, 1903, in Mystic, Connecticut to Samuel Erskine Lacy, a law firm researcher, and Rose Lacy, a full-blooded Shinnecock. The family moved to Washington, D.C., when Sam was a young boy. In his youth he developed a love for baseball, and spent his spare time at Griffith Stadium, home ballpark for the Washington Senators. His house at 13th and U streets was just five blocks from the stadium, and Sam would often run errands for players and chase down balls during batting practice.

In his youth Sam witnessed racist mistreatment of his family while they watched the annual Senators' team parade through the streets of Washington to the stadium on opening day. Sam later recalled what happened after his elderly father cheered and waved an "I Saw Walter Johnson Pitch" pennant:

"Fans like my father would line up for hours to watch their heroes pass by. And so there he was, age 79, out there cheering with the rest of them, calling all the players by name, just happy to be there. And then it happened. One of the white players—I won't say which one—just gave him this nasty look and, as he passed by, spat right in his face. Right in that nice old man's face. That hurt my father terribly. And you know, as big a fan as he had been, he never went to another game as long as he lived, which was seven more years. Oh, we've come a long way since then. But we've still got a long way to go."

As a teenager Sam worked for the Senators as a food vendor, selling popcorn and peanuts in the stadium's segregated Jim Crow section in right field. Lacy also caddied for British golfer Long Jim Barnes at the 1921 U.S. Open, held at nearby Columbia Country Club. When Barnes won the tournament, he gave Lacy a $200 tip.

Lacy graduated from Armstrong Technical High School in Washington, where he played football, baseball, and basketball. He enrolled at Howard University, where in 1923 he earned a bachelor's degree in physical education, a field he thought might lead him to a coaching career.

Lacy played semi-pro baseball after college, pitching for the local Hillsdale club in Washington. He also refereed DC-area high school, college and recreational basketball games, while coaching and instructing youth sports teams.

Early career

While in college, Lacy began covering sports part-time for the Washington Tribune, a local African-American newspaper. He continued writing for the paper following his graduation, and also worked as a sports commentator for radio stations WOL and WINX in the early 1930s.

He joined the Tribune full-time in 1926, and became sports editor shortly thereafter. In 1929 Lacy left the paper for the summer to play semi-pro baseball in Connecticut while his family remained in Washington. He returned to the paper in 1930, and once again became sports editor in 1933.

During his tenure Lacy covered Jesse Owens' medal-winning performances at the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin, the world heavyweight title fights of boxer Joe Louis (including his victory over Max Schmeling), and the rise of Negro League stars such as Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson and Cool Papa Bell.

In 1936 Lacy began lobbying Senators owner Clark Griffith to consider adding star players from the Negro Leagues; in particular, those playing for the Homestead Grays team that leased Griffith Stadium for its home games. He finally gained a face-to-face meeting with Griffith on the subject in December 1937. Griffith listened but was not keen on the idea, as Lacy later told a Philadelphia reporter:

"I used that old cliché about Washington being first in war, first in peace, and last in the American League, and that he could remedy that. But he told me that the climate wasn't right. He pointed out there were a lot of Southern ballplayers in the league, that there would be constant confrontations, and, moreover, that it would break up the Negro Leagues. He saw the Negro Leagues as a source of revenue."

Lacy also wrote that Griffith voiced concern that the fall of the Negro Leagues would "put about 400 colored guys out of work." Lacy retorted in a column, "When Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, he put 400,000 black people out of jobs."

In October 1937, Lacy broke his first major story when he reported the true racial origins of multi-sport athlete Wilmeth Sidat-Singh. Syracuse University had claimed Sidat-Singh was of Hindu and Indian heritage, when in truth his widowed mother had remarried, to an Indian doctor. Prior to a football game against the University of Maryland, Lacy revealed Sidat-Singh had been born to black parents in Washington, D.C., and trumpeted the news as a sign the color barrier at segregated Maryland was about to fall. When Maryland officials refused to play the game unless Sidat-Singh was barred from the field, Syracuse removed him from the team and lost the match 13-0. The controversy prompted an outcry against both schools' policies and actions, and Sidat-Singh was allowed to play against Maryland the following year as he led Syracuse to a decisive 53-0 win. Lacy drew criticism in some circles for divulging Sidat-Singh's ethnicity, but maintained his stance that racial progress demanded honesty.

The 1940s

In August 19 41 Lacy moved to Chica go to work for another black newspaper, the Chicago Defen der, where he served as its assistant national editor. While in the Midwest he made repeated attempts to engage Major League Base ball commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis on the topic of desegregating the game, writing numerous letters, but his efforts went unanswered.

Lacy also targeted blacks in management and ownership positions with the Negro Leagues, some of whom had a vested financial interest in keeping the game segregated. In a Defender editorial, he wrote:

"No selfishness on the part of Negro owners hip, nor appeasement ... to the Southern reactionaries in baseball must stand in the way of the advancement of qualified Negro players."

In 1943 Lacy returned East, joining the Afro-American in Baltimore as sports editor and columnist. He continued to press his case for integrating baseball through his columns and editorials, and many other black newspapers followed suit. In one such piece in 1945, Lacy wrote:

"A man whose skin is white or red or yellow has been acceptable. But a man whose character may be of the highest and whose ability may be Ruthian has been barred completely from the sport because he is colored."

However, Lacy did not make any headway on the issue until Landis died in late 1944. Lacy began a dialogue with Brooklyn Dodgers owner Branch Rickey, and Landis's successor in the commissioner's office, Happy Chandler, lent his support to the effort. It ultimately led to Jackie Robinson signing with the Dodgers' minor league team, the Montreal Royals on October 23, 1945, which was Lacy's 42nd birthday.

Lacy spent the next three years covering Jackie's struggle for acceptance and a spot in the big leagues. He traveled with Robinson to the Royals' games at various International League cities throughout the Northeast, to the Dodgers' spring training site in Daytona Beach, Florida, to competing clubs' camps throughout the deep South, and to Cuba for winter baseball.

Like Robinson and the other black athletes he had covered, Lacy encountered racist indignities and hardships. He was barred from press boxes at certain ballparks, dined at the same segregated restaurants with Jackie, and stayed at the same "blacks only" boarding houses as Robinson. Robinson would eventually break MLB's color barrier in 1947 with the Dodgers, but Lacy never allowed their racial bond to cloud his journalistic objectivity. During spring training in 1948, Lacy chastised Robinson in print for arriving 15 pounds overweight, his "lackadaisical attitude" and for "laying down" on the job. He also plastered details of Robinson's personal life throughout his articles, including the dining, shopping, wardrobe and travel habits of Jackie and his wife, Rachel.

Lacy resisted having his own personal bouts with racism become part of the integration storyline, and kept the focus on the athletes he covered:

"There were a lot of things that were bothering him. [Robinson] was taking so much abuse that he said to me that he didn't know whether or not he was going to be able to go through with this because it was just becoming so intolerable, that they were throwing everything at him."

Lacy made sure to cover all angles of the race issue. In 1947, he reported on the interaction between white St. Louis Browns outfielder and rumored racist Paul Lehner, and his black teammate Willard Brown:

"Brown used a towel to wipe his face and neck. Lehner reached over, picked up the same towel, wiped his face and neck. He handed it back to Brown and the latter wiped again. A little later, Lehner repeated the act. Folks, this was something I saw, not something I heard about."

In 1948, he reacted to the death of Babe Ruth not with adulation for the star but with spite toward Ruth's personal behavior:

"[Ruth was] an irresponsible rowdy who could neither eat with dignity nor drink with judgment who thrived on cuss-words and brawls whose 15-year-old mentality led him to buy one bright-colored automobile after another to smash up. The rest of the world can hail the departed hero as a model for its youth but I do not wish my [son] Tim to use him as an example. And there is absolutely nothing racial about this observation. The same applies to [black boxer] Jack Johnson, who is also dead."

Lacy covered the first interracial college football game ever played in the state of Maryland when all-black Maryland State College faced all-white Trenton (N.J.) College in 1949:

"Down here on the Eastern Shore, where 32 lynchings have occurred since 1882, democracy lifted its face toward the Sun on Saturday."

Later career

Not content to see black ballplayers reach the major leagues, Lacy began pushing for equal pay for athletes of color, and for an end to segregated team accommodations during road trips. His first success on those fronts was persuading New York Giants general manager Chub Feeney to address the latter issue:

"I pointed out to Chub Feeney that he had guys like Willie Mays and Monte Irvin and Hank Thompson holed up in some little hotel while the rest of the players, people who might never even wear a major-league uniform, were staying at the famous Palace. Chub just looked at me and said, 'Sam, you're right.' He got on the phone to (Giants owner) Horace Stoneham, and that was the end of that."

Over the ensuing decades, Lacy pushed for the Baseball Hall of Fame to induct deserving Negro League players, and later criticized the Hall for placing such players in a separate wing. He also pressured national TV networks over the lack of black broadcasters, criticized Major League Baseball for the absence of black umpires, targeted corporations for their lack of sponsorships of black athletes in certain white-dominated sports including golf, and highlighted the National Football League's dearth of black head coaches.

Stories covered extensively by Lacy included the Grand Slam tennis titles won by Althea Gibson and Arthur Ashe two decades apart, Wilma Rudolph's three track & field gold medals at the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome, and Lee Elder playing at Augusta National in 1975 as the first black golfer in The Masters tournament.

In 1954, Lacy questioned why the city of Milwaukee had chosen to honor Braves outfielder Hank Aaron with a day in his honor a mere two months into his playing career:

"Why? Why is it we feel every colored player in the major leagues is entitled to a day? Why can't we wait until, through consistent performance or longevity, the player in question merits special attention?"

Lacy worked as a television sports commentator for WBAL-TV from 1968 to 1976.

Lacy remained with the Baltimore Afro-American for nearly 60 years, and became widely known for his regular "A to Z" columns and his continued championing of racial equity. The onset of arthritis in his hands in his late 70s left him unable to type, so he wrote his columns out longhand. Even into his 80s he maintained his routine of waking at 3 A.M. three days a week, driving from his Washington home to his Baltimore office, working eight hours, and playing nine holes of golf in the afternoon. Lacy could no longer drive after a suffering a stroke in 1999, so he rode to the office with his son, Tim, who followed in his footsteps as a sportswriter for the Afro-American.

In 1999, Lacy teamed with colleague Moses J. Newson, a former executive editor at the Afro-American, to write his autobiography,Fighting for Fairness: The Life Story of Hall of Fame Sportswriter Sam Lacy.

Sam Lacy wrote his final column for the paper just days before his death at age 99 in 2003, and filed the piece from his hospital bed. In 1999, he explained his rationale for staying with the Afro-American while spurning more lucrative offers:

"No other paper in the country would have given me the kind of license. I've made my own decisions. I cover everything that want to. I sacrificed a few dollars, true, but I lived a comfortable life. I get paid enough to be satisfied. I don't expect to die rich."

Personal life

Sam Lacy married Alberta Robinson in 1927. They had a son, Samuel Howe (Tim) Lacy, and a daughter, Michaelyn T. Lacy (now Michaelyn Harris). Sam and Alberta divorced in 1952, and Sam married Barbara Robinson in 1953. Barbara died in 1969, but Sam never remarried.

As of December 2010, Tim Lacy remains a columnist at the Afro-American at the age of 72.

Lacy's paternal grandfather, Henry Erskine Lacy, was the first black detective in the Washington, D.C., police department.

Death

Sam Lacy died at age 99 of heart and kidney failure on May 8, 2003, at Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C. He had checked into the hospital a week earlier due to a loss of appetite. Besides his children, survivors included four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. His funeral was held on May 16, 2003, at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Washington, D.C., with burial at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery in Suitland, Maryland.

Awards and Honors

In 1948, Lacy became the first black member of the Baseball Writers Association of America.

In 1984, Lacy became the first black journalist to be enshrined in the Maryland Media Hall of Fame.

In 1985, Lacy was inducted into the Black Athletes Hall of Fame in Las Vegas.

In 1991, Lacy received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Association of Black Journalists.

In 1994, Lacy was selected for the Society of Professional Journalists Hall of Fame by the Washington chapter.

In 1995, Lacy was in the first group of writers to be honored with the A.J. Liebling Award by the Boxing Writers Association of America.

In 1997, the 50th anniversary of Robinson's groundbreaking major league debut, Lacy received an honorary doctorate from Loyola University Maryland, and was honored by the Smithsonian Institution with a lecture series. Lacy also threw out the ceremonial first pitch prior to a Baltimore Orioles home game at Camden Yards that season.

On October 22, 1997, Lacy received the J. G. Taylor Spink Award for outstanding baseball writing from the Baseball Writers Association of America. The award carries induction to the writers and broadcasters wing of the Baseball Hall of Fame, and Lacy was formally enshrined on July 26, 1998.

In 1998, Lacy received the Frederick Douglass Award from the University System of Maryland on April 23; the United Negro College Fund established a scholarship program in Lacy's name on April 25; and he received the Red Smith Award from the Associated Press on June 26.

In 2003, the Sports Task Force wing of the National Association of Black Journalists instituted the Sam Lacy Pioneer Award, presented annually to multiple sports figures in the host city for the NABJ convention. Recipients are selected based on their "contributions to their respected careers, but more importantly, their direct impact on the communities they served."

Lacy also served on the President's Council on Physical Fitness and on the Baseball Hall of Fame's selection committee for the Negro leagues.

Wikipedia

#Sam Lacy #10-23 #05-08

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thewarlocksbitch · 8 years ago

Note

malec Valentine's fluff? something with them in high school mayb??

i’m a sucker for high school fluff, I hope you like this!! (and I hope it’s still worth reading even though it’s a day late)

***

To say Alec was surprised when his coach announced their teams Valentine’s Day party was an understatement. Shocked or confused might have worked. Concerned might have been better.

Throughout the rest of that school day Alec dodged professing couples and bouquets of lollipops and tried to figure out what exactly a Valentine’s Day party held by his football coach might be like. His coach had made attending mandatory, so there was no figuring out how to get out of it; Alec was simply trying to figure out how to survive it.

He went straight to the party after school. There was no point detouring home when Isabelle was out on a date and Max was out on a play date. Alec played his favorite cd on the way there - and pulse to pulse, now shush - and swung his car into a parking spot opposite his coaches’ well lit lawn. He slid out of the car, shrugged his letterman’s jacket on, and trudged his way up to the front door.

Inside songs from the 70’s and 80’s played, only recognizable to Alec by their jazzy and carefree style. It looked like the entire football team plus some were there; they stood cramped in corners and on couches and crowded around tables, all sporting their team jacket or jersey and holding a sugary cookie or soda halfway to their talking mouth.

Alec squeezed through the hallway until he reached his coach. The man was talking to another adult, so Alec simply shook his hand and enjoyed his attention for a half second before drifting to the kitchen. He picked a cookie from the stack of store-bought desserts and scanned the room, looking for Raphael or Magnus.

Alec hadn’t joined the football team to make friends, and he hadn’t, really. He knew everyone’s names and spent more time with them than any of his other peers, but he didn’t know them well enough that he’d spend time with them outside of mandatory practice time.

His relationships with Raphael and Magnus were a little different.

He’d started off with just Raphael. It was banquet night and Alec had been nervous and too-sweaty in his father’s suit; sitting at the end of a table playing on his phone, with an empty seat on either side of him, Raphael had seemed approachable.

Raphael hadn’t reacted to Alec sitting down next to him except for a raised eyebrow.

“Are you playing a game?” Alec had asked.

“No,” Raphael had replied, although he clearly was.

And that had been the start of their friendship.

Later that same night after most of the adults had left and just as Alec was grabbing his car keys to leave, Magnus had thrown himself into the empty seat on the other side of Raphael, caught sight of Alec, and exclaimed, “Raphael, you made a friend?”

And that had been the start of Magnus somewhat being Alec’s friend and Alec getting annoyingly flustered every time Magnus talked to him.

He was nice to Alec - always congratulating him when he scored the team a point, constantly offering to stay after school to help him practice something he wasn’t getting, helping him with a strap over his gear that he couldn’t reach - which was much more than Alec could say for the others.

Alec scanned the room for either of the two boys now, pressed close to the counter so other boys and coaches could get past him for drinks or snacks. Raphael may have skipped; he was good enough of a player that the coach sometimes excused his reluctance to socialize.

Alec was certain Magnus was there; he would never miss a party. It was only a matter of time until he found Magnus, or Magnus found him.

Alec’s only problem with Magnus was that he was a jock, in the most classical way. Yes, he was cute, and he was kinder and smarter than any of the others, but he was still a jock. It was hard for Alec to justify his sort of crush on Magnus when Magnus was the kind of guy that thought lifting together constituted hanging out and had more team spirit than their cheerleaders (and better thighs, too).

Probably Magnus was making his rounds of the house, clasping hands and shoulders and performing fist bumps; Alec wouldn’t be surprised if he went outside and found Magnus playing an impromptu scrimmage.

Alec waited, making small talk with every one who came to grab a cookie and eating way too many of them himself.

He waited, playing scrabble with Raphael on his phone; they’d had a streak going since the night they met.

He waited, rearranging the containers of cookies over and over and trying desperately not to look out of place.

Maybe Magnus really hadn’t shown up.

Alec considered texting him but changed his mind just before hitting send. He patted his pocket to assure his car keys were there and slipped out of the kitchen and towards the door.

“Hey, Alex,” someone said, grabbing Alec’s arm. Alec sighed. “Where you going?”

Alec frowned at the floor. “I was just gonna-”

“IT’S TIME FOR FESTIVITIES!” Alec’s coach shouted from the center of the living room. Alec distantly wondered if it was legal to drink alcohol around students.

The boy hanging onto him - his name was Ethan, Alec remembered, but he figured it didn’t matter when Ethan called him Alex - tugged Alec along with him in the stream of boys making their way to the living room.

Alec was squeezed in between two large boys by some force of the universe he could only call sinister. He crossed his arms over his knees and ducked his head so they could talk over it.

“Hey, hey, could I fit in here?” A voice asked, unnecessarily because the body it belonged to was already fitting itself into the nonexistent space beside Alec. A familiar hand bumped Alec’s. “Hey, Alexander,” Magnus said.

“Magnus,” Alec said abruptly, looking up. Magnus was grinning from ear to ear, thriving in this element. Alec’s heart sped up uselessly. “I thought you weren’t coming.”

“My car broke down,” Magnus said easily. “So that slowed me down. But I wouldn’t miss a party.”

“I know,” Alec muttered, but he knew he was smiling.

“Are you ready for the festivities?” Magnus asked, his tone making clear that this was the best part of his week.

Alec didn’t bother replying; their coach was busy handing out colored pieces of paper and markers, and throwing chocolates at those willing to hurl themselves across their teammates to catch them. It would be unwise to interrupt his fun.

“Alright, okay,” their coach boomed, hushing the rowdy teenagers. “You’re writing cards to each other.”

Alec let himself tune out to the immediate groans that filled the room, and the familiar, joyful banter that ensued. Boys who complained were threatened with doing suicides, more candy was thrown, and eventually fancifully colored pieces of paper were passed around.

All of the boys scattered to write their messages away from prying eyes. Alec slipped away to the kitchen and stuffed his paper in the trash; he knew his coach wouldn’t notice. If he did, Alec would probably enjoy running outside more than being stuffed in the cramped house anyways.

Alec walked back to the couch, but Magnus wasn’t in sight. He drifted back to the kitchen and got another cookie. Magnus loved games like these and it was impossible to predict when he’d tire of it, so Alec pulled his phone out and sent esophagus to Raphael for 15 points.

Someone tapped his shoulder. “This is for you,” he said, and pressed a folded over piece of paper into Alec’s hand.

Alec stared down at it, and then at the boy. “What?” he said unintelligibly.

“It’s not from me,” the boy laughed. “I just pulled the short straw to deliver.” He reached past Alec to grab a cookie and trotted away.

Alec looked down at the card. It was creased in more than one place, as if whoever had made it hadn’t been able to decide how to fold it. Alec felt a flutter of nerves despite himself at the loopy handwriting across the front addressing him. He knew it was stupid - there was no way any of the boys on the team would take this seriously - but the imaginative heat of possibility thrummed through his nerves nonetheless.

Leaning against the counter, Alec opened the card. He held it close to his chest, his eyes scanning over the words and trying to make sense of them.

be my valentine? also, do you like me? Under the words was a scrawled line of messy hearts, and under that the option to circle yes or no.

Alec felt all of the blood in him rise to his cheeks.

In the bottom corner Magnus had signed with a heart beside his name.

It was so elementary, and so Magnus. The hearts, the elegant handwriting. Alec hoped he wasn’t turning too red.

He ran a finger over the writing. It was possible, wasn’t it? Magnus was different than everyone else; Alec was never able to predict him or his moods.

There was a pen on the counter. Alec turned, put the card on the counter, and circled yes. Then he crumpled it in his fist and stuffed it into the trash can.

Everything was a joke to Magnus. Alec knew this - he’d known it the entire time he’d known Magnus - and he didn’t resent him for it; it was one of the things he loved about Magnus. It was like the world didn’t affect him in the same way it did other people. But Alec wasn’t like him, and he was very quickly coming to the harsh realization that he’d been hoping like crazy for something just like this to happen - except in Alec’s imagination it wouldn’t have been a joke. Alec stared at the letter for a moment, then pushed it further down beneath folded over paper plates. He was getting too tired to be around this many people.

He quietly walked out to his car.

It was cold enough outside that Alec was grateful for his jacket. He grabbed the lapels of it and wrapped it more securely around himself, willing himself not to get too worked up. He would pretend he’d never gotten the note, and Magnus would never say anything about it.

Alec unlocked his car and set his hand over the handle.

“Alec!” Magnus called behind him.

Alec’s heart jumped in his throat. He swallowed it down and schooled his expression into what he hoped could be interpreted as bored. He turned around. “Yeah?”

Magnus held his hand out to Alec. It took Alec a moment to realize that he was holding the crumpled up card. Oh. Alec looked from it to Magnus’s face. He was breathing hard, his breath puffing out in white clouds - had he been running?

“Why’d you throw it away?” he asked.

“Magnus,” Alec sighed, “I’m tired. Raphael isn’t here to balance out my social inadequacies so I thought I should just leave before I-”

Magnus cut him off with an irritated hand gesture. He stepped closer to the car, close enough that Alec could smell the always lingering sandalwood on him, and underneath that, the smell of sugar. Alec backed up so that he was leaning against his car.

“I didn’t ask why you’re leaving,” Magnus pouted, “I asked why you threw away my card.”

“I don’t have the energy for your jokes right now,” Alec told him.

“Who said it was a joke!” Magnus exclaimed. He was smiling, but there was something tight in the lines of his face. Something too intense in the black of his eyes.

“Really, Magnus,” Alec said, “‘circle yes or no?’”

“I thought you’d find it cute,” Magnus muttered. He averted his eyes and let his hand drop to his side. Alec stared as the tips of his ears went red.

“You-you weren’t…” Alec stuttered. He waved his arms in the space between them, then dropped them just as quickly.

Magnus grinned, but it was quieter than his usual. “Use your words, Alexander,” he suggested.

“You were being serious?” Alec said in a rush.

Magnus stepped closer again, and there was nowhere for Alec to back up to. He’d unfolded the card and was looking down at it. “Yeah. Were you?”

Alec knew he was blushing like an idiot. He knew Magnus could see. But he could see that Magnus’s hands were shaking, and maybe that made it okay.

“I was,” Alec said. He looked up at Magnus. “But I thought you were straight!”

Magnus laughed. “What made you think that?” He stepped past Alec and leaned against the car beside him.

“I…” Alec tried to think but came up with nothing. “You play football.” he said.

“So do you,” Magnus pointed out.

“Yeah…” Alec said.

“And I wear eyeliner,” Magnus went on, “that should have been a dead giveaway.”

“Straight guys can wear makeup,” Alec argued.

“Well, sure,” Magnus said, “but come on. It should have been obvious; I dress amazingly!”

“That’s your opinion,” Alec said.

“Whatever, dumpster hoodie,” Magnus said, the words more a laugh than anything else. Magnus turned to face Alec, pressing his shoulder into the side of the car.

“I like you, Alec,” Magnus said simply. Alec opened his mouth to say something, but Magnus went on, in a rush, “And I guess I’ll ask again, since you thought my card was too childish,” He reached forward and curled his fingers into the elbow patch of Alec’s jacket. Alec turned and looked at him. He knew his mouth was hanging open, but he didn’t think he was able to close it.

Magnus tugged on his sleeve, once. “Do you like me?”

Alec smiled. “Yeah, and I’ll be your Valentine, too.”

#malec fanfiction #malec fluff #shadowhunters #malec au #tmi fanfiction #I wrote this on my phone notes between classes but hope you guys like it anyways!#happy late valentines day #vv

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