#it doesn't feel like time is going forward to me so I really need to rely on like

[miedei]

heyoo🫶 idk if your spencer requests are still open but all I've been able to think about for weeks is s4ep9 spencer being the most adorable nerd when he was warning the women at the club about the serial and them being the reader's friends going back to the reader with like drinks or whatever laughing about "that nerdy loser" at which reader's practically frothing at the mouth asking them "WHERE" and then hardcore flirting with an oblivious (and/or blushing mess) spence to the team's amusement and reader just thinking "need me a pathetic loser like that" (affectionate). im not even sure this makes sense but i just go feral for nerd reid. im really looking forward to reading this and thank you in advance if you do write this🥰

REAL REAL REAL need me a pathetic loser boy

peacocking

spencer gets hit on at the club!!

wc: 1.2k

cw: none i think?? spence is cute and pathetic, r is the kind of flirty i only aspire to be

(PS: reblogs are the only way to promote fics on tumblr! please reblog if you enjoyed it :) )

mlist

The club is busy, lighting dim, the music so loud that you can feel the bass thumping in your chest. It's a stark difference from the brightly-lit bathroom you just emerged from, wearing three new products of makeup courtesy of the drunken friends you've just made.

The crowd is thick, and you can just barely spot your friends, huddled around a hard-won table. You push through people, not bothering to apologise, until you've returned to the group.

You're greeted with whoops and cheers, and a drink is pushed into your hand before you can even sit down. Alcohol-fueled shouts leave their mouths, and you get the distinct feeling that they've somehow had at least two more rounds in the time you've been gone. You can barely focus on one person's speech, the words overlapping in their excitement.

"-and he was, like, the hottest guy I've ever seen!"

"-but he wouldn't take my number because he was working, and-"

"-his friend was pretty awkward though-"

"-like a string bean! Nerdy as hell, think it was his first time in a club-"

"-was like he'd never spoken to a woman before, kept talking about the serial killer-"

You hold up a hand, a little bewildered at the bombardment of information.

"Hold on- serial killer?" One of your friends shakes her head a little, as if clearing her mind.

"Not here, at least they pretty sure. Some creep's been picking up women and killing them at clubs, so there were cops or something here giving out fliers." A flier is thrusted into your hand, a sketch of a guy looking up at you.

"And, one of the cop guys was gorgeous! Adonis, Casanova, whatever the fuck you'd call him, he was so pretty..." She sighs wistfully, pointing across the room to a gaggle of women surrounding a well-built guy holding fliers like the one in your hand.

"The other guy was a little sad, though. Real nerd type."

Another voice butts in. "Yeah! I mean, look at him, I feel a little bad for him, he's clearly striking out and he's here for his job."

The pointing finger shifts, and your attention is directed to a lanky guy standing towards the edges of the crowd, near the bar. He looks nervous, hands fiddling with the stack of fliers he's got, and he doesn't seem to be trying to approach anyone anymore.

He's clearly uncomfortable, skittish in his stance. A nerd to his core, probably never the type to be wading through a crowd like this. He looks a little pathetic.

You've got to have him.

You tell your friends as much, and are met with drunken encouragement, slaps on the back and reminders to use protection. Setting down the flyer and your drink, you steel yourself, smoothing back your hair before walking with purpose across the room.

Once you near him, you slide onto a barstool, flagging down the bartender and pretending not to notice the new love of your life. He's clearly clocked you, and seems to be trying to work up the courage to approach you. Once you've given your order, you decide to make it easier for him.

Turning on the stool, you look up at him, eyes slightly hooded.

"You not having fun? It's a club, you should probably unbutton that shirt a little." It's thrilling, the way his eyes widen and he looks around him, as if you could be speaking to anyone else right now.

"Well, I actually- I'm actually here for my work, so..." His cheeks flush, and you continue with the oblivious act.

"Work? I've got to say, you're gorgeous, but I didn't think you were the type to be hired as a waiter here." You gesture to the scantily-clad waitress that passes you. He opens and closes his mouth a couple times, before seemingly remembering something. He rifles through his leather bag, producing a wallet with ID.

"Um, no, I don't work here. I'm- I'm an FBI agent. Doctor Spencer Reid. H-hi." Cute and smart? It's a wonder you haven't slid right off your stool.

"Yeah? And what are you doing here, Doctor Reid? Don't get me wrong, I appreciate being able to ogle you, but this doesn't exactly seem like the place for the FBI to be doing their investigating." You nod your thanks at the bartender, and run your finger along the rim of your glass, eyes locked onto Spencer's.

"Oh! Yeah," He fumbles with the papers in his hand, before holding one out to you. "There's a, um, serial killer? He's in the area, and he's targeting women at clubs like these... so," You lean forward, eyes not wavering from his, relishing in the way Spencer's eyes widen at the motion.

"So?" You prompt.

"So, uh, we're handing out those sketches," His hand, trembling slightly, comes up to point at the flyer in your hand. "and warning women to be on the lookout, not go home with anyone they don't know."

Your lips pinch slightly together, exaggerating your concern. "Oh god, Doctor Reid, that's really scary. What can I do to keep safe?"

His shoulders drop from where they were tensed near his ear, seemingly in his comfort zone here.

"Well, the unsub- the suspect is seeking validation from people, he wants women to chase him. If you meet any guys who try and play hard to get, possibly dressed flaboyantly, stay away and tell the police." You tilt your head questioningly, prompting him to continue.

"He's peacocking. It's a method that some people use to draw attention away from their faces. By using some ornate and distracting piece of clothing, he's diverting attention away from his face." His hands fly around him wildly as he speaks, long fingers wriggling and punctuating his words.

"Uh huh? So this... sweater." Your hand comes up, nearly unconsiously, to fiddle with the woolen texture of the sweater he's got on over his shirt. His hands still midair.

"It's distracting me plenty. Is that peacocking? But I've gotta say, I don't think anything would draw my attention away from that face." His eyes widen further, lips quivering as if he's struggling to come up with words.

"Um, I- I don't think, this isn't- isn't peacocking. This is just... how I dress." Your smirk widens further, hand still twisted in the collar of his sweater. The other agent, the one your friends pointed out earlier, sidles up behind him, but pauses, observing your conversation without butting in. You've only got a little time left.

"Well, I guess you're just that captivating then. You got a pen?" You let go of his clothes, watching him flounder for a second before pulling a pen out of his pocket, holding it out to you wordlessly.

Taking it with a smile, you begin to scribble your number down on the corner of the flyer in your hand.

"I think I'm missing out, if you dress like this every day." You finish writing with a flourish, tearing out your number and tucking it in his pocket along with his pen.

"Call me, okay? Keep me safe from the killer." You pat his shoulder, brushing past him with a smile.

(If the music were any quieter, you would've heard Spencer being interrogated by Derek the moment you leave, and the subsequent call to the rest of the team to inform them of the news. Penelope falls off her chair in excitement.)

[reverieblondie]

Look Out Spot

A/N: I made this inspired by this lovely ask! (here) Thank you to @dark-and-kawaii for letting me write and use pics of her OC Kieran (he's so bad and so dreamy)

Rolan, Cal, Kieran, and Zevlor

Warning MDNI 18+ only!

Rolan

When you extend the offer for Lia and Cal to join your party and camp, you forget about the tall, haughty, kind of sexy older brother…

You and Rolan are like oil and water, constantly arguing at each other's throats. If he wasn't their sibling or talented, you would have smacked him down a while ago... Okay, maybe not actually, but you really would like to put him in his place. Especially tonight...

Somehow, your companions decided it would be a good idea to go on a stealth mission to the nearby goblin camp while you and Rolan played the roles of lookout. You had insisted you didn't need any help, but of course, Rolan challenged you. "Knowing your airheaded tendencies, you will need a babysitter to keep you aware." it makes you seeth through the back of your teeth.

Looking over your shoulder in the cramped hiding spot you see Rolan looking as disinterested in this mission as he can, leaning against a rock and looking out into the distance with his damned golden eyes... ugh, what is he doing posing?! As soon as you tsk, he slides his eyes over to you, catching you staring... He narrows his eyes at you and puts on his iconic sexy scowl.

"You should spend less time staring at me and focusing more on the enemies. If you did that, I wouldn't have to be here."

Gods, he makes your blood boil. You stand from where you are both crowded in between the rocks hiding you two. It's only one step before you're right in Rolan's face. Being this close makes details, like the curve of his nose and the freckles that dust his skin, more visible to you.

"If you want to complain, then leave! You look like you're not even paying attention to your side anyway! "

"I would love to leave, but someone has to keep you in line!" he hisses back. 

You roll your eyes and scoff, "Worry less about me and more about where you're supposed to be watching." 

Rolan's jaw tightens slightly before he leans forward and presses his hands on both sides of your head, pinning you to a rock; he's so close you can smell his natural musk... and feel his gentle breath on you. 

"You're the one I keep catching staring..." 

You feel your face suddenly flush before getting back to your senses. In the crowded corner, you push yourself off the rock behind you to slide past Rolan. "Just leave your distracting the mission."

While you're trying to pass by Rolan to take over his cramped lookout spot, you brush your backside over his front to squeeze past. Rolan tries to prevent it, but he's too late as your ass moves against his front, and that's when you feel something hard against you. In almost a state of shock, you move against him again, and that's when Rolan's eyes roll with a groan, and his large hands immediately come to still your hips. You feel his chest pant against your back, and still, in shock, you forget all about your stealth mission. 

"Rolan, are you h-"

Before you can finish your loud statement, Rolan slaps his hand over your mouth. "shh! You will get us caught, you ass!" 

You wiggle your face free, turning your head to look at him from over your shoulder. "Why are you hard?! " you whisper and yell.

"It wasn't on purpose! It just... happened..."

"Just happened? That doesn't just happen!" 

"Well, it's not my fault you're bending over on your knees right before me! And trousers are too bloody tight!" Rolan finally cracks out before letting you go. 

Rolan tries to walk away, but he can't get far in the tight tunnel of rocks you're in. You were ready to make fun of him and call him a pervert, but as you see his back facing you, you notice his tail twisted tightly to his old leg. He's embarrassed…

"Rolan, " you try meekly, but you're still not quite sure what to say. You have urges, but it's nothing to be embarrassed about."

Rolan Scoffs before turning to look at you, "It's not urges... It's you."

You look at him, Surprised, "Me?"

"Yes!" Rolan finally faces you, fully dragging his hands over his face before continuing. "You're a damned airhead never paying attention and staring off... and in the mornings, you're so drowsy, unable to function till you eat... After your baths, you have no qualms just walking around in a towel; you always stand so bloody close! And you argue till you're blue!" 

Rolan's eye meets yours and furrows his brows, "Then there's that damn pout…"

You look at him confused, "Pout?" 

He steps closer, still irritated, and taps his finger to your bottom lip, "Yes, this little pout you do with your lips makes you look so adorable... So it's not your ass that's driving me so crazy, it's just you, Your making me fucking mad over here," 

It leaves you speechless; not only is Rolan confessing... but he's also cursing. 

Rolan rolls his eyes before moving his hand away, "Figures this is when you finally shut up." 

Your next move was so fast it gave you whiplash. You quickly grab Rolan, making him turn, gently cup his face, and you press your lips to him before you can say anything. The kiss heats up quickly as Rolan wraps his arms around you while you preach your tongue. through his lips, finally tasting his wicked tongue.

It's not long before you're both on the ground, your clothes in a gathered pile on the side while you finally succumb to both of your desires... your mission is no longer on your mind... The only thing you can think of as you claw his back is how full Rolan is making you feel and if you can keep indulging in him till morning.

Cal

Of course, when the grove's gate was running short on watchmen for the late-night watch, you were among the first to volunteer for the dull duty. You did not expect Cal to hold his hand to join you on the watch right after you volunteered. Cal is so tall and strong and a complete sweetheart; you two have slowly gotten to know each other more and more each day your party stays at the grove. Cal's become your little bright spot through these struggles. He always smiles and jokes with you whenever you come around. Sometimes, you feel guilty for taking up his time. It's clear he doesn't get much time to himself, considering he has to keep Lia and Rolan from killing each other, but you just can't help yourself when it comes to him.

Now that you're here with him, sitting out in the cold with only the sounds of the distant woods filling the space, you're finding one more thing you can't help... you're so nervous! After all the conversations you two have had, why is this the time you're getting clammed up?! It makes no sense... So now here you two sit completely alone and in complete silence... You're trying to think of anything to talk about as you rub your hands together to try and make them warmer from the biting cold.

While you're warming up your hands or trying to, Cal is reaching over and taking your hands in his. Instantly, in his touch, your hands warm up from his comfortable heat. You look at him wordlessly, trying to hide the fact that your heart is currently racing, making your whole body start to flush.

"Is that better?" he smiles as he holds your hand tightly. You're tempted to start chattering your teeth so he can hold you.

"Much better; it must be so nice to always be warm."

"It was more of a burden, especially during the summers, I always get so hot, and I would come home dripping in sweat." 

You two share a laugh, but you see a negative thing about him, especially if he is shirtless. The thought sends an excited shiver through your body, and Cal looks at you confused. "Still trembling, huh? We can't have our hero freezing now, can we?"

Cal brings his hand to your hip, sliding you until you're flushed against his side. He wraps his arms around you like it's the most normal thing ever, and it's taking everything in you not to cling to him.

Cal's breath is so warm that it fans against your ear. "They would have my head if anything happened to you... So I better try and warm you up quickly."

"I think you're doing a great job at that..."

He smiles as his orange eyes trace over you. He brings his hand to cup your face and traces his thumb over your cheeks. "I must be. You look like you're running a fever now." Quickly, you bring your own hands to your cheeks, where, of course, they are fuming!

"Guess you're just too hot for me..." 

As soon as the words slip from your mouth, you want to slap yourself. You're too embarrassed to look at what you sure is an embarrassed face, but all you hear is his laughter, 

Cal turns your face so you have to look at him. "As long as I'm helpful to you, that's all I care about."

"I think you're helpful to everyone, I know Rolan and Lia think so."

"I'm kind of selfish if I'm being honest," Cal meekly admits. Selfish? You would describe Cal in many different ways, but selfish is not one of them.

"Why would you say that?"

It's Cal's turn to blush as he shyly looks into the distance. "Well, I didn't offer to be on watch for the good of the grove... I did it so I could spend time with you…"

You laugh at his confession, "You could have just told me that Cal."

"I couldn't help it! You make me nervous!" You both look at each other for a moment before bursting into laughter.

Cal grabs you close, practically pulling you into his lap." We should keep taking over the late watches, then. I like that here I get you all to myself. "You feel that same heartbeat rush again. If you're going to continue to get closer to Cal, you're going to need to learn how to settle your nerves.

Kieran

Look out, duty... it should be easy; you have a wire of copper read for your sending spell to Gale... you just have to wait till you see the mercenaries for your party to act... If they slip past you, it can mean several more weeks of tracking down that tome that went missing from the Wizards tower. Tensions have been growing at camp, mainly because everyone just wants to return home... but you can't help from thinking everyone at camp is peeved at you…

Damn him for distracting you... It's a mistake you swear will not happen again; you're supposed to be the leader, the one to see past bull shit... not the one falling for it.

However, when you think back on his smooth voice... Shining eyes... anyone could have been ensnared. Kieran just has that effect on people. 

Pushing down those past thoughts, you look back at the moonlit road, looking for any signs of life. A twig snaps behind you, and before you can react, a hand is over your mouth, and a knife is threatening your neck. Then, the familiar feeling of a tail twisting up your body makes you squirm. 

The same arrogant chuckle vibrates through the air before his velvet voice speaks, "I was told to find any lookouts, and here I've found a lost kitten." his lips come right to the shell of your ear, giving a teasing lick, making you groan and squirm, "Trying to get in everyone's good graces again by playing lookout pretty girl?"

Your huff is enough for him to understand your irritation, but he only seems to delight in it further. He pushes the knife closer to your neck, "Alright, kitten. I'm going to move my hand so I can hear that pretty voice. You better not try anything?"

You huff, then nod, "Good."

Kieran lets his hand drop from your mouth, but before you can turn, he's wrapping his arms around you, keeping you pinned close, his tail tightening for added measure. You hiss at the tight grip and try hard not to blush as his lips press to your neck.

"So you're working for the mercenaries, I should have known...". You practically growl at him; Kieran smiles before giving a quick nip at your neck. It takes everything in you not to whimper at the attention; he's toying with you..."Well, they did pay well... but honestly, that group is so dull... hints as to why I haven't slit that pretty throat of yours, kitten.

"What do you want Kieran?"

He smiles, holding you tighter, burying his face into the nape of your neck as his cock rubs against your ass. "I want to hear those soft little moans again like I did that night.." 

You feel yourself flush, that night….

You bite your lip as you feel his hands roam down over your breast to your waist... You hate how dumb he makes you... but it would be a lie to say you hate the way he feels... 

"I-I can't... You whisper, trying to hold strong all Kieran has to do is lightly suck your neck and play with the hem of your trousers.

"But you can be a good girl; you help me... and I will help you....."

A part of you knows this has to be some trick... he's played with you before... You're on a mission, and he's with the enemy... but when you feel his hot tongue teasing your skin and his fingers roam, you melt.

Kieran doesn't wait for your confirmation; the feeling of your body relaxing is all he needs before pushing his hand down your pants. His long fingers quickly find your clit toying and pitching it, making you twitch and arch. It's when he steadily starts to roll his fingers on your sensitive nub that you start to softly whimper. 

"That's it, kitten... feels good, huh?" He purrs in your ear, only spurring you on more. Kieran licks his lips as he feels you get as wet for him. 

You unravel so quickly for him, softly moaning his name as you reach your arms behind you to caress his neck and handsome face. Kieran is all too pleased as he starts to fuck you slowly with his two fingers.

The sudden intrusion makes you keenly loud, but he is quick to shush you softly. "Shh, kitten. You have to be quiet, or we will get caught... and we don't want that, do we?"

You shake your head, not making Kieran speed up his pace, forcing you to bite your lip.

"Good girl..."

+++++

Your party walks back to camp defeated... the mercenaries slipped past you.....

Astarion glares his eyes at you, "How the hell did you do now? You miss them! What Were you doing?"

Shadowheart steps between you two". Enough; fighting now won't fix it. We will have a new plan tomorrow, Right Tav?" She looks at you expectantly, and you avoid her gaze. You let everyone down again. 

You walk over to your tent, ready to hide away, when something catches your eye. You open the flap, and the missing tome—covered in blood and a note beside the book—catches your eye next. 

A deal, a deal, kitten... I will See you again soon... K

Zevlor

You're unsure if you're more nervous that everyone is counting on you to tell them when the last tent's candle goes out... or you're alone with Zevlor at your lookout spot.

This was just supposed to be a simple stealth mission to check out a nearby camp, and then Zevlor would come with you. This would have been normally very exciting for you, but after what you did, now you're mortified. 

What do you even say to someone after impulsively kissing them and running away? Turning around, you see where Zevlor is standing, his fiery eyes already on you. You watch as his eyes move from your lips back to your eyes, and it feels like you've been hit by a fireball. 

Quickly, you turn back around, trying to hide your embarrassment. Zevlor must hate you now. Trying to focus back on your mission, you try to ignore the sound of his rustling armor and the new warmth at your side. You don't have to look over to know that Zevlor is at your side. What you didn't expect, however, was when he gently pulled your face towards him, forcing you to meet his handsome face staring at you with an authoritative intensity.

"Are we supposed to ignore what happened? Because I am unsure if I can." He says so calmly that it sends a shiver through you. He is so commanding that he doesn't need to raise his voice, and you will still do whatever he says. 

"Do you hate me now, Zevlor..." He looks surprised for a moment before he puts on his charming smile. 

"No, I think the best way to explain it is now I am completely enamored and anxious for more." 

From the start, there's been a pull between you two, but now, instead of an aching want, that feeling is now a burning need.

A burning need to have his lips back on yours, to taste his tongue against yours, to feel his warmth against you as he pins you against the nearest thing. 

You need to wrap your legs around his waist, you need to hear his soft moans as you kiss along his neck, and you need to feel his cock as deep as possible as he finally sheaths himself inside of you. You just hope your companions understand your need when they ask why you never gave the signal… 

[tumblingxelian]

"Are we discussing the writers intentions with Jaune, Jaune as a general character or the audience reception to Jaune and are we singling out a specific audience or the collective?"

All three really. The collective.

To start, I'm fascinated by how Jaune seems to contrast the girls in terms of their development. His growth is very loud and in your face in specific moments like Jaundice or the prom or Volume 3's finale.

Hell, his moment in the Battle for Haven has him not getting the trauma induced power up to punch Cinder hard but rather to heal Weiss. After that, he's to the side healing those who need it. It's a big moment but his only moment aside from a small passing mention of his semblance.

It feels like peaks and valley when it comes to the times when he gets the focus.

All while the girls have each of their journeys spread across the whole show's intended run. Ruby's arc of trying to move forward too much has always been there but with weekly episode releases and hiatuses between seasons, it's causes even those who are well meaning to overlook it.

I don't know if that came out right so make of my thoughts what you will.

OK so its too hot for me to do any recording or other projects but I can answer asks, so let's get to this (Cracks bottle of cold water over my head) Let's do this!

So, Jaune is certainly a divisive character and while I have warmed up to him somewhat over the years, and while I adore RWBY I often feel he can be a disruptive element, but also one that does in fact serve a purpose. Keep that in mind for my response going forward.

So, touching on your stuff first, it is interesting, though I would argue against the idea that the girls don't also at times have very loud character development.

Weiss's shifter after talking to Port, her summons, the Atlas party, ETC. Blake running away & confronting Roman, her everything with Ilia, the final confrontation with Adam and the Bees kiss as just some examples.

Interestingly Ruby and Yang are on the more quiet end of character development scales with stuff building up slowly and quietly. Though not without their big moments, Ruby's eulogy and explosion, Yang's confrontation with Raven and the bees kiss, ETC.

Still, I think I see what you mean in how these things tend to be framed and handled in a much more varied way than media usually does.

IE, Jaune losing it at Cinder in V5 is basically him lacing the temperament of a Huntsmen that his allies have and it accomplishes nothing on his end as far as "Badass confrontation" goes and instead he only starts to grow after leaning into the role of support & healer, even defaulting more to Yang as leader in V7 during their rescue work.

Overall and I said this in my Bees essay that CRWBY like long form story telling, and that influences a lot of how RWBY is written.

In these regards Jaune does feel interesting/odd because he does have several... Archetypical moments of character growth as you say. What's interesting to me and what I think the writers are going for is that how good some of these even are for him can be questionable.

What I mean is like...

Jaune went to Beacon with a very "Idiot Shounen hero" attitude towards things. He cheated his way into an elite school and kind of just assumed it'd work out. He didn't try that hard in classes till he was being blackmailed, rejected help out of pride and even when he did seek it out it was only after he had a "win" under his belt that wasn't even wholly his but he doesn't know that.

The thing is, very little ever went Jaune's way on these things either in the short term or long term.

IE, he short term he showed up at Beacon and nearly died and or failed (Subversion of his shounen expectations.) But then he was helpedby a cool girl who ineplicably liked him and said he had a lot of Aura! (This falls in line with his Shounen expectations!)

But then it turns out he still sucks at classes and having what a girl who has a crush on you says is a lot of Aura doesn't mean much when surrounded by other people who also have a lot of Aura and have been training all their lives (Subversion again)

He then manages to retain his pride and defend his team and wins a battle "All on his own" except he ignored Glynda's advice and only won because Pyrrha guided his hand. Though after this he did swallow his pride and get help, its sort of net neutral?

Moving forward he wasn't that involved in the plot, but his stuff in V2, was very "Standard" school stuff, but then it was followed up by his love interest also being his mentor being a problem because Pyrrha fulfilled the trope of the mentor dying. Jaune was also cut out of that entire conflict (Wisely) because he's not actually the main character and he'd only get in the way. (Subversions all round! Be it for the cool girl liking the Shounen loser, him not being the MC, Pyrrha being his mentor and the tragic "Brightest of their generation" before she was his love interest and so on!)

Just within the first three volumes we see that there's this dichotomy of Jaune trying t and sometimes even getting to play much more standard story beats "Straight" that RWBY usually avoid. Only for them to then get blindsided by RWBY's more subversive elements.

But the key thing here is you only notice the latter if you pay attention to the whole, and not the individual moments. This is a problem I had with Jaune till about V6/7; because despite my insights here I do think the execution has been murky more often than not.

Still, with the above in mind, I think one can easily where how things flow out from there, with Jaune trying to play these self assigned roles and getting these moments of "Standard storytelling."

Only for something to come along later and put a spin on it.

V4 Jaune gives a nice speech to Ruby but it ultimately just serves to reinforce her burgeoning issues because he also missed her tendency to repress and when placed in a scenario like he would have been with Pyrrha he froze up and couldn't act, IE Tyrian almost getting Ruby.

He finally got his big speech and rage at Cinder, but was actively being told to chill by Qrow and Cinder gives near zero fucks and rather than getting a power up he gains a power that assigns him a support role over a "badass" role.

We also get to see something in V6 which I thin is often neglected in Jaune analysis, that boy has a fucking temper!

We've seen it with him shouting at Pyrrha, at Cinder and then outright attacking Oscar. But he always calms down afterwards and no one seems to hold it against him, but the thing is this means he never really works on it. The only thing that can shut it down is his own sense of shame rather than actual self control like say, Yang has.

But I digress, my interpretation of the writers intent but I basically think Jaune is meant to serve four purposes in the narrative:

1: Counterpart & foil to Ruby as leaders with very different skills & roles in universe. 2: Counterpart & commentary on shitty male authority figures who needs to unlearn toxic masculinity. 3: A longform subversion of the typical "idiot Shounen hero" who gets by on gumption and lots of natural talent. 4: The closest person we get to a wholly normal person in universe, as even Oscar has an ancient wizard in his head.

These are all interesting things and I can see what the creators are aiming for, or so I believe. However, I do think the execution of all this is often murky.

The short form stuff I mention above is some of the hardest to grapple with cos until you see it pay off it just seems like standardized story tropes, and even then the emphasis these ideas require to work can be disruptive to other characters narrative importance.

What's more while interesting and impossible to fully comment on until the story is wholly done, it is hard to say how strictly necessary some of these ideas are to explore given RWBY's limited run time. & the fact some of them could be divided up and given to more temporary characters who don't need as much narrative real estate.

Thus I can definitely get why people often find Jaune frustrating. Hell, I can often find him frustrating, especially because I think some of his traits are meant to evoke a degree or irritation with him. But all of this also feeds into why he can be such a divisive character.

As for people who just project onto Jaune and make him super harm big badass, ugh, idiots unworthy of consideration who frankly shouldn't be watching RWBY, I have nothing to say to them.

Anyway I hope this was coherent, thanks for the ask, sorry it took so long!

[mofongomuncher]

𝘽𝙖𝙞𝙡𝙚 𝙄𝙣𝙤𝙡𝙫𝙞𝙙𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚

(Ekko X Reader)

❥ cast : ! Ekko and Reader ¡

I leaned against the wall, arms crossed, watching you as you messed with the radio. Your eyes flickered back at me, amusement written all over your face.

"dancing? Seriously?" I asked, arching a brow. My voice carried my usual skepticism, but I couldn't lie—I was curious.

You grinned, turning fully to face me. "It's gonna be funnn Ekko, trust."

I let out a small chuckle, shaking my head.

"Alrighty" you started, stepping closer. My breath hitched slightly at the proximity, but I didn't move. "Firstt, we need to feel the music. This is not just about the steps, it's about the flow. Okay?"

I hesitated. Dancing wasn't exactly my thing—fighting, strategizing, outmaneuvering? Yeah. But this? This was different. Still, when you extended your hand, palm open, waiting, I found myself stepping forward.

My fingers brushed against yours, and for some reason, that simple touch sent a shock up my arm. You guided me into position, your hand light on mine, but firm. I swallowed, trying to focus, but it was hard when you were this close.

The music pulsed through the air, the steady beat wrapping around us. I followed your movements, my steps stiff at first, hesitant. But your eyes were locked onto mine, full of something I couldn't quite name, and it kept me grounded.

No, no te puedo olvidar. No, no te puedo borrar. Tú, me enseñaste a querer. me enseñaste a bailar.

(No, I can't forget you. No, I can't erase you. You taught me to love. You taught me how to dance.)

"Just trust the rhythm, baby.." you murmured. Your voice was soft but steady, pulling me in.

"Just let go and follow me."

I nodded, inhaling deeply. My grip on your hand tightened, more sure now. I let myself listen to the music, to the space between us. And slowly, I started to move with you, matching your steps.

That's when I really felt it.

The way your body guided mine, the way your fingertips brushed my skin as you corrected my form. You were patient, your touch lingering just a second too long in places, making my pulse spike. It wasn't just dancing. It was something else. Something more.

You moved closer, your hands grazing my shoulders, my waist. My breath hitched as we found our rhythm, bodies brushing, moving in perfect sync.

Como tú me besaba', como yo te lo hacía Como tú me miraba', bellaquito me ponía Se siente feo no tenerte cerquita La nueva mama bien, pero no es tu boquita

(The way you kissed me, the way I made you feel The way you looked at me, it turned me on. It feels so wrong not to have you close. The new girl's good, but she doesn't have your lips.)

I couldn't take my eyes off you.

The song flowed through us, and suddenly, it wasn't about the steps at all. It was about you and me. The way your lips parted slightly as you focused, the way your laughter mixed with the melody. The way your body fit so perfectly against mine.

Then you pulled me closer.

My hands found your waist instinctively, fingers pressing into the fabric of your shirt. You spun, and I followed, completely lost in you, in this moment.

We were inches apart now, your breath warm against my skin, your gaze flickering to my lips for just a second. The space between us wasn't much—but it felt unbearable.

I felt the way your grip on my hand tightened, the way you leaned in just enough to give me all the confirmation I needed.

So I closed the gap.

The first touch of your lips was soft, hesitant—like we were both holding back, caught in the weight of everything unsaid. But then, we melted into it, the kiss deepening as my arms wrapped around you, pulling you in.

You sighed into me, your fingers slipping into my hair, and fuck—I was gone.

Lost in the way you tasted, in the way your body pressed against mine. The music faded into the background, but I could still feel it, the rhythm of the song now in sync with the rhythm of our hearts.

By the time we pulled away, the song had ended.

Our eyes locked on eachother, our breaths mixing, the space between us still humming with energy.

"You know, you're not so bad as I thought.." you murmured, your lips still swollen from the kiss.

I huffed a quiet laugh, my fingers still tracing the shape of your waist. "I just needed the right teacher. That's all" My voice was lower now, more serious, because this—you—was different.

You smiled, small but it was real.

And as I stood there, my hand still over your heartbeat, I knew one thing for sure—

I wasn't never gonna forget this.

I lay in bed, staring at the cracked ceiling of some random rundown safe house. The war was over—if you could even call it that. Noxus, Piltover, Zaun... They had all left their scars, and now all that was left was the rubble. The ghosts.

A soft breath against my chest made me glance down. Jinx. She was curled into me, her short wild blue hair spilling over my arm, her breathing slow and steady. She looked peaceful—like none of it had ever happened.

But my mind wasn't here.

It was there.

A song crackled faintly from the old radio in the corner of our room, the sound warping with static, but I didn't need it to be clear. I knew the lyrics. The rhythm.

No, no te puedo olvidar. No, no te puedo borrar. Tú, me enseñaste a querer. me enseñaste a bailar.

(No, I can't forget you. No, I can't erase you. You taught me to love. taught me how to dance.)

I shut my eyes.

And suddenly, I wasn't in a broken bed, surrounded by the smell of gunpowder and metal.

I was with you.

Your laughter, soft and sweet, filled the air, blending with the melody. I could still feel your hand on my chest, steadying me as I fumbled through the steps. You had been so patient. So damn patient with me, smiling every time I messed up, teasing me, guiding me.

"You're stiff again." you had said, laughing, your fingers squeezing mine. "Loosen up baby."

I had rolled my eyes, but I had listened. Because I always listened when it was you.

The memory felt so real. I could feel the warmth of your body pressed against mine, the sway of your hips leading me through the dance. The world had blurred away until it was just us, moving to the music, our heartbeats in sync.

Como tú me besaba', como yo te lo hacía Como tú me miraba', bellaquito me ponía Se siente feo no tenerte cerquita La nueva mama bien, pero no es tu boquita

(The way you kissed me, the way I made you feel The way you looked at me, it turned me on. It feels so wrong not to have you close. The new girl's good, but she doesn't have your lips.)

The way you had looked at me that night... like I was yours. Like I was the only one who mattered.

And then the kiss.

Fuck.

That kiss.

I could still taste it, still feel the way your lips had lingered on mine like you were trying to memorize me. The way your hands had slid up my arms, pulling me closer, like letting go wasn't an option.

"Everything feels right..." you had whispered.

And I had believed you.

But now, lying in this bed with her, with Jinx, I knew the truth.

I lost you.

I had let you slip through my fingers, like sand I couldn't hold onto no matter how hard I tried.

And maybe I deserved that.

Yo con cualquiera me puedo acostar Pero no con cualquiera quiero despertar Solo con usted, con usted Yo bailo con usted, na'má con usted Un beso donde esté, donde estés, beb—

(Oh, I can sleep with anyone But I don't wanna wake up with just anyone Only with you, with you I only dance with you, no one else but you A kiss to wherever you are, wherever you are, baby-)

The radio stuttered, the song fading into static before cutting off entirely.

Jinx stirred against my chest, her breath soft and slow as she blinked awake, a little mischievous smile tugging at her lips. She looked up at me, her pink eyes glowing with that usual spark of energy.

Without warning, she planted a quick kiss on my lips—teasing, playful, just enough to leave a mark without lingering too long. "I knew you'd be the perfect pillow Ekko.." she murmured, her voice low and teasing.

I froze for a moment, still feeling the echo of your presence in my mind, even as Jinx leaned back, propping herself up on her elbows, her fingers tracing the lines of my abs.

I fought the urge to pull away from the thoughts of you.

"Hm, is it always this quiet when I wake up?" she asked, her voice slightly teasing but not quite crossing any lines. "You're usually more talkative."

I tried to keep it casual, trying to focus on her words, even though my mind was running elsewhere. "Guess you caught me off guard.." I muttered, my voice a little strained.

She didn't seem to notice, or maybe she just didn't care since she settled back down against me, curling her body into mine. Her hand rested on my chest, her fingers lightly grazing my chest.

"You're a strange one little man.." she said, her tone softening as she laid her head back down on my chest, her breath warm against my skin.

I wanted to tell her. I wanted to explain that my heart wasn't really in this moment. But all I could do was lay there, my chest tightening with the weight of my thoughts.

I wanted to turn back time.

I wanted to go back to that night, to that song, to that dance, to you.

But all I could do was lay here, trapped in memories that would never be more than that.

(Any fellow Puerto Ricans here?? Lmkk )

Check out my Ekko one shots on Wattpad for more stories!! :3

[ithilien-writes]

Buck/Eddie | Explicit | 32k | (full series link)

In which Eddie mends fences with Chris, starts something new with Buck, and navigates the complex emotions he has around his parents.

---

home is not a place

Towards the end of the summer, Eddie finally has a series of long overdue conversations - with Chris, with his parents, and also with Buck.

"This trip," he says, "finally being honest with Chris? Talking with him about her, about everything that happened back then with my parents? I don't know. It was good for me. I- I needed that, I think. I feel like I'm finally ready to stop living in the past. I want to move forward. For real this time." Buck smiles back at him, still a little sadly. "That's great, Eddie," he says. "You deserve that." Eddie nods a little, his fingers absently drumming against the table. He looks back at Buck - the best friend he's ever had, but also so, so much more than that - and he finally allows himself to let go of the last of his internal pretenses about how he really feels. He expects it to be a little terrifying, honestly. But it's not. It's Buck.

+ Bonus Buck POV coda: not-so-perfect family

merry and bright

Christmas finds Eddie back in El Paso, but after an admittedly rocky start, it goes a little better this time.

He doesn't miss the way his dad flinches slightly at the mention of Buck. "Eddie-" he says, a little plaintively. "He's my partner," Eddie cuts in again, forcing the words out and trying to ignore how fast his heart is beating. "We're... dating now. We live together." There's just silence in the kitchen for a few long moments that feel like an eternity to Eddie, his heart in his throat as he waits for his parents' response. The oven dings. "That's the ham," his mom says absently. She steps around Eddie to grab the potholders off a hook by the sink before moving to pull it out. "Mom-" he tries. "I have a house full of people," she says again, her tone sharper now. She sets the ham down on the counter with enough force that the sound echoes through the small space of the kitchen. "I don't know what you expect us to do here, Eddie."

+ Bonus Chris POV coda: tough love

[opalcicle]

If They Call Me a Slut, You Know it Might be Worth it for Once

Ch. 11 - No Rest

I start getting ready to relax before my stream, climbing out of my clothes into a big sleep shirt. There's a knocking on my door.. Did I forget something in Charlie's car?

"I'm sorry- I just- I needed to-" he grabs me by the face, kissing me so forcefully our noses knock together. He doesn't stop, hands finding their way down my body. Suddenly he's got me pinned to the inside of my door. His teeth tug on my lips until I let out a soft whine and his kisses travel down to my neck, biting harshly at my skin.

"Charlie!" I call out when he bites in a little too hard.

A low moan, almost a whine escapes his mouth as he makes himself stop. "Fuck, I want-" he cuts himself off again, hands squeezing me hard. One is holding my leg up around his hip, the other pushing my wrist to the door. He's pressed into me and I can feel his cock on my abdomen.

Slowly, carefully, I reach over and click door locked.

He's on his knees in one breaths' time, sliding my leg up over his shoulder. Charlie buries his face in my cunt, making me whimper again. His tounge moves fast, licking at my entrance, pressing in. I'm still tender from a few days ago, but the intensity of the moment captures me completely. He groans hungrily with each movement. I don't even have time to get used to the sensation before he pulls away, standing and taking his long, throbbing erection out. I'm pinned again as he moves back in to kiss me, the taste of my pussy on his lips. One leg is lifted, returning to it's spot around him, and I feel him pressing his cock to the sore entrance between my legs. He pushes in quickly and we both make desperate gasps. I wrap my arms over his shoulder as he lifts me off the ground, both legs now around his waist. My back presses against the door and he thrust in again. His fingers press and grab at my ass while he rocks in and out of me. I'm dizzy, in shock from the suddenness, but it feels so fucking good.

"Mmm- Char- leee, fuck!" I moan out loud, and as he pounds me against my door it creaks and rattles. Hopefully the neighbors aren't in the hallway.

"I'm going to fuck you forever," he growls the words into my ear. It sounds like a threat, and I take it as a promise. The sex is so much more frantic than last time. It's scary, and hot as hell. If this man really wants to make me his, this is exactly how to do it.

His thrusts stop and his cock slips out. The break in rhythm is too sudden and I groan in protest. I feel myself being carried away and I hold on tight. Charlie takes me into my kitchen and sets me down. I try to take a step toward him, but he grabs my arm and turns me toward the counter. Holding my forearm tightly, he presses my face down into the counter top, bending me over. It's only seconds before I feel him pressing against me. Charlie rams his dick in so hard I stumble. I don't even have time to steady myself, he just steps forward and pushes his cock back in. He is more careful this time, but only a little. Using my free arm to keep me balanced, pressed up onto my tiptoes I feel an orgasm building too fast.

"Cha- ah ah ah! Oh fu- uh- uh-! Char- lie!!!" My cries are cut off everytime his hips hit me. He realizes I'm getting close and let's my arm go, grabbing the sensitive spots on my hips and pulling me back with each thrust inside. My mind forgets everything but the sensations he's giving me, and pleasure shakes me as my body goes tense. I feel my pussy grip him tight and hear him make the most heavenly groans. The world around me fades for a moment, and I don't know exactly when it happens, but when I come down I've sunk to my knees.

Before I come completely back to reality, Charlie pulls me backwards, moving me to the middle of the floor. "Good girl," he whispers as he strokes my hair.

I gaze up at him, eyes lingering on the erection above me, and then move to his face. His expression sends a shiver through me. It's a mix between desperate and smug. I feel clit pulsing and slip my fingers between my legs. My eyes flick back to his cock, and I lick my lips.

"You want a taste?"

I sit up on my knees and open my mouth. My eyes close, expecting to choke on his cock, but instead I feel it slap the side of my face. When I peek again he's holding his erection, slowly stroking it. I whimper like a mutt begging for scraps. Charlie teases the head past my lips, rubbing precum up my cheek and over my nose. I open my mouth wider in response. There's a slapping sound on my face again as his hand travels down his shaft and lets go, springing his cock towards me. This time I'm ready, grabbing him by the dick, and leaning forward to take him in my mouth.

"Ohgodfuck!" He gasps out a bundle of words all mixed together. Charlie grabs the back of my head, pulling me towards him roughly.

The eager sounds I make with my mouthful are barely audible under Charlie's loud moans. I can tell he's holding back, and grab him by the back of his thighs, pulling him deeper in.

He practically screams, "OH GOD!" tilting his head back and gripping my hair. He fucks my face faster, and faster, and I feel his legs start to buckle when he steps back, panting as his cock leaves my mouth. He'd gotten close, but stopped.

I cough, tears and drool running down my face.

Charlie joins me on the floor, pulling his shirt off to wipe my eyes and mouth. I take the opportunity to run my hands over his chest.

"You-" I cough again, then give myself a second to breath, "you look like a Greek fucking god, Charlie,"

He laughs, and threads his arms under mine to pull us both up.

"I wanted you to cum," I pout.

He helps me get steady on my feet before getting a glass down from my cabinet. "Not a chance, I'm going to breed you," he's turned away, getting me a glass of water, and sounding so damn nonchalant.

"You- you're-" I stammer, and when he turns back my mouth is hanging open. I'm stunned.

He hands me the water, "drink,"

I comply, unable to wrap my brain around any thought. When I finish, he takes the glass from me and sets it down. He turns to me and pushes me into the counter with a hard kiss. I suddenly feel his hand between my legs, fingers slipping inside and curling. I break the kiss with a gasp.

"You get so wet for me, babe," he whispers into my neck, "like you were made for me,"

I whimper at his words and he starts to finger me slowly. He holds me up with his other arm around my waist. My body melts into him. I'm already tired but I know he needs me. My thoughts drift while he sends little pulses of pleasure up through my body.

My hand lazily travels down to his cock, brushing against it before wrapping around. Still slick from my saliva, it doesn't take much effort for me to stroke it back and forth, back and forth. Charlie's breath catches and his hips start to press forward when my hand nears the base of his cock.

His palm presses on my mound and I rub against it in time with his thrusts. I shift my body so as he slides through my hand his cock rubs against my abdomen. Lips find lips, and his tounge finds its way into my mouth. I whine and my grip tightens. His moans send vibrations through my head and our pace builds. Again I feel an orgasm approaching. My legs tremble and my whines grow urgent. It's building so slowly until Charlie's fingers pick up the pace.

"Cum for me," he demands as our kiss breaks for just a breath.

I'm close- so close- searching for the moment that sends me over.

Charlie kisses down my neck and I bury my face into his shoulder. "What's the matter, babe? Can't finish?" His voice drips with sarcasm as he teases me.

My face gets hot fast, and I mumble nothing-protests into his skin.

"Aww, my little slut can't make it there?" I hear the smirk in his words and my body tenses. "Oh you like that?" His teasing continues, "you like being my little slut?"

I'm embarrassed. Frantic whimpers leave my mouth and I can feel the myself about to cum.

"Poor, little slut," he ends the sentence in a sharp bite on my skin.

I scream out, whining into him as my abdomen tightens and I go completely tense. Each time I relax another wave of blinding, white hot sensations stab through me. It's almost too intense. I feel like I've lost time, my head swirling as I remember the world around me. Trying to speak, babbles of nonsense escape from my mouth.

Charlie holds me in a tight embrace, preventing me from falling to the floor again. "Good girl," he whispers as his soft kisses find my cheek.

I giggle, sounding like I've lost my mind. I definitely have.

After I've had a moment to breath, Charlie leads me to my bed, sitting me on the edge and crouching in front of me.

"You're so damn cute," he murmurs sweetly, "let's get you cleaned up a little," He spreads my legs open and pulls my large sleep shirt up so he can get a good look, "Oh baby, you're drenched," and licks his flat tounge up my inner thigh.

A sharp exhale escapes me and I lean back to steady myself. Charlie grabs me by the front of my shirt, pulling me back to him. Looking for something else to hold me steady while he licks away at my thighs, I grab onto his hair.

"You're kind of a legs guy, aren't you?" I manage to tease between uneven breaths.

"How'd you know?" The no shit, really? kind of tone in his voice makes me pout. I try to retaliate by squeezing my legs around his face. The guttural groan he makes between them tells me it had the opposite effect. I giggle as he pushes my legs apart again, continuing to move his tounge closer and closer to my core. When he does, his tounge presses slowly, licking bottom to top. As it flicks past my clit I squeal, grabbing him harder by the hair. I'm growing wetter and wetter. I don't think he's going to be able to lick me clean. A few passes later, his tounge circles my clit again.

I tense, "nnng!" My sounds are shaky. I know I'm going to reach the point of overwhelm soon, and more than anything I want to last long enough for him to fulfill his promise of breeding me. My hands release from his hair, unclenching and resting on the bed. "Charlie, this is a lot- I want- you said-," I'm having trouble asking for him to fuck me again, to cum inside me.

"What is it?" He asks with encouragement. While I find my words he rests his head on my leg.

"Its- it's okay," I stutter.

He groans slightly as he lifts himself back up to sit beside me. His arm finds its way around my waist and he pulls me in so I'm leaning on his shoulder, "tell me," he whispers as he runs his fingers through my hair.

"You said you want to- that you were gonna," I feel my face flushing, and my voice gets quieter as I speak. I lean in close, and almost whispering I say, "Charlie you promised you were gonna breed me. I want your cum so bad. But we're tired, and I-"

He cuts me off with a passionate kiss. Catching his breath again, he softly muses, "Never too tired to make you mine,"

My heart flutters and jumps. I kiss him again. "I need you so bad. Please..." I whine softly.

Charlie takes me by the hand and we climb to the middle of the bed. I help him out of his jeans. His kisses are tender, travelling over my neck and jaw. He straddles me, cock tapping on my tummy while he pulls my shirt over my head. When it reaches my wrists he grabs tightly, wrapping the shirt around them like make-shift cuffs. He tries my wrists together with an expert swiftness. I watch with wide eyes until my bound arms drop back over my head.

"Good," the sweetness in his voice hides something instinctual that seeps through. He places pillows under my back, raising up my hips. "Now you're ready to make my babies,"

God damn, this is hot. I didn't know Charlie had a breeding kink. I didn't know I'd want him to claim me like this. The part of my logical brain that remembered I couldn't get pregnant was shut down and I was ready for him to fill me. On his knees his cock lines up perfectly with my raised pelvis. Charlie runs his hand over my hips, waist, and abdomen. It feels like he's stalling and I groan in impatience.

"Just wait, babe," he smiles over me. "I need one more thing,"

"Anything, Charlie," I smile back, though by body is burning for him.

"Tell me how much you want it," his eyes meet mine with a devilish gaze.

"Oh babe, so bad," I start as he teases his cock on my pussy.

"How bad?" His eyes are closed, head tilted to the side, like he's listening intently for the right words.

"So, so bad. I want to feel you inside me, I want to feel your cum seeping in," I test to see what he's looking for with the description.

Charlie makes a little hum that sounds like satisfaction. The head of his dick presses just inside of me, "Yeah?"

I take a quick breath, trying to decide on what to say. "I want, I want you to-" I'm uncertain with my words, about to tell him something new. "Charlie, babe, please make me a mommy,"

His resolve breaks and he sinks into me with a gasp of surprise and excitement. Though he's trying to, he can't hide what my words did to him.

His reaction spurs me on as the feeling of his hard cock presses against my insides. With intention, my next words come out desperate, "Fuck a baby into me?"

"Nnn!" His eyes are squeezed tight and his hips buck forward automatically. On instinct Charlie pulls me closer by the hips, fucking as deep as he can with each movement. Even through his wild desire, he starts out slow, pausing each time he hits my cervix.

I groan in pain and pleasure with each thrust, clenching tight around him. My bound wrists strain against the shirt holding them together. I want to grab him, to pull him close. It's no use, he's tied a good knot.

"You're gon' have my kids," he mumbles between grunts and tense breaths. He picks up the pace but still takes a half second to hold his dick in me with each thrust. I try to find his rhythm in my head, but it leaves me frantic and whining, unable to prepare.

"Pleeeease!" I cry, and he responds by moving faster.

His body is so tense, and I can tell he's trying to fight his orgasm, to last longer.

"Please cum in me, Charlie!" I cry out, "Breed me! Make me a mommy!"

My whined words push him past control and somehow he slams into me even faster. When he cums he rams his cock as deep as it goes, his body shaking against mine.

"Ohh fuck, that was.. that... You're .. holy fuck," he mumbles, keeping his cock inside to fulfill his fantasy.

"Charlie?" I ask as he catches his breath. Making my words sweet I continue after a breath, "Come here. Please?"

A huge grin of satisfaction is plastered over his face. He slips out of me and places himself next to me on the bed, pulling me over to rest my head in his chest. I squeeze at the movement, unable to balance myself with my bound wrists. Charlie pulls the knot apart with one hand and I wrap around him in an instant.

Purring in a daze I ask him, "Can you set some alarms? I stream at seven,"

"Of course," he kisses my forehead and hugs me close to him, "Of course, baby,"