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sindar-princeling · 2 months ago

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3.3k word long RoP review because I'm cranky

I have already been sharing my more detailed notes from each episode here, but with this post I wanted to gather all my feelings and frustrations into something more coherent.

PLOTLINES AND PACING

It's been said before, but show has WAY too many plotlines - or rather, it has an amount of plotlines it can't manage. 12 plotlines (the broad plotline of the rings, Celebrimbor and Annatar, Sauron and Galadriel, Adar and orcs, the Stranger's identity, Nori and Poppy and their own struggles, the dwarves plus their rings plus the balrog, the dark wizard, Elrond and Durin, Numenor (which I'd say has two distinct plotlines, too), Isildur's plotline, and Theo's teased plotline with the Southlanders) doesn't have to be too many, but you have to be able to juggle them. Once again, I want to mention Lost, which started with a terrifying amount of 14 MAIN characters (and give or take five million side characters) - and while people grew to have different opinions about the show as it went on, you cannot deny seasons 1 and 2 are incredibly strong and remain some absolutely iconic pieces television. The creators took those legions of characters and RAN with them, and it was incredible.

If you only have 8 episodes to work with, you need fewer plotlines; if you want more plotlines, you need more episodes. From a purely mathematical perspective, even if you divided your time equally, with 8 roughly hour-long episodes and 12 plotlines you'd get 40-45 minutes per plotline. Then, you're left with a question: can I write a satisfying arc for 40 minutes of screen time? Can I write five, ten, TWELVE of those?

(It would have been easier, of course, if the RoP plotlines interacted with one another, but they rarely do. Usually, when you give 5 minutes of your limited time to one subplot, no other subplot gets to take part in it.)

Except, RoP doesn't divide its time equally. Nori was on the screen for what felt like 15 minutes, and in reality couldn't have been much more, because this subplot was completely sidelined; the same can be said for Gandalf, Isildur, Theo, and Arondir. To make a story something engaging, something moving, you need to either give it time to grow, or be an extremely skilled writer who can rewire someone's brain with ten lines of dialogue. And RoP fails at both.

The strongest points of this season were moments when it was focused on two, three plotlines at once, not more. That's when you could see it at least had potential to be engaging; that's when it all felt less chaotic, and like you could finally immerse yourself in the story.

Celebrimbor and Annatar

They were definitely one of the most interesting subplots this season, and the focus on it let Charles Edward shine. His performance easily the best in season 2.

It was a solid 7/10 plot. I still felt that it left a lot to be desired - I wanted Sauron's deceptions, Celebrimbor's realisation, the creation of the rings, and the whole dynamic between the two of them to pack more of a punch - but it managed to be a thread connecting a few plotlines together, something this show desperately needed.

What felt most ridiculous was the torturing scene, with Sauron shooting at Celebrimbor from a bow from a few steps away. It made me want to laugh during a moment when the last thing you want your viewers to do is laugh.

Galadriel and Sauron

I cover them more in the 'Characters' section. In terms of pacing, the conflict between them was somewhere in the background the whole time until their confrontation came, and it was, you know. Perfectly inoffensive, and just- correct.

All I'm going to say here is that the fight scene from episode 8 was written in a very generic way, and made me cringe quite a lot. The choreography felt off - it was kind of slow, and the use of the crown of morgoth made me roll my eyes a few times. It felt like it was meant to be just a showy addition to a fight, making it more "intimate" because they needed to stand closer for Sauron to be able to use it. "You want to heal Middle-Earth? Heal yourself." throws herself off a cliff where he can then easily retrieve the rings when she's unconscious remains one of the top three worst moments of both season two AND season one.

On a personal level, I fucking hate the romantic undertones they keep giving them on so many levels I don't even know where to begin.

Dwarves

Making the balrog be one of the final scenes in their subplot in season one, only to make everyone wait for it until the finale again, was, of course, nothing more than a cheap tactic to keep people engaged. All in all, though, the Dwarves' subplot was one of the top ones in terms of the amount of things I liked. I appreciate that they leaned away from the antisemitic stereotype of them being inherently greedy. The stone listeners/singers are still one of the most original and fitting pieces of lore this show came up with, and their love for the stone and the mountains shines through in a moving way. It still annoys me that the race they gave Scottish accents to is more crass and swears more than the English Elves, though. It's so, SO annoying.

I'm kinda indifferent to Durin III. His subplot was pretty standard, but the final change of heart was terribly abrupt, and the last shot with him was so action movie-y you'd think it came from Fast and Furious 15.

Adar and the orcs

Adar's subplot continues to carry some of the most original and thought-provoking ideas of the show, as well as challenge some of Tolkien's writing in regard to the orcs. It's executed in a kind of messy way, but I appreciate that it's here. I wonder where it will go now that Adar is dead, because I'd love to see more morally complex orcs, who are in many ways victims of Sauron to the same degree as other races.

Nori+Gandalf, Numenor and Isildur

Nori, Poppy and Gandalf got kinda laughably little time, and so, the subplot achieved very little. Gandalf's search for who he is was already annoying to me, but then he and Nori got separated and the subplot got split into two. In Gandalf's subplot, we got Bombadil (more on that later), in Nori's, we got a new hobbit race. The show wants the two to be a non-insignificant part of its emotional core, but devotes no time for it. Make it make sense.

Numenor was… strange. It's a political drama, but all that happened in this season was more or less: Miriel is going to be queen- jk, Pharazon is going to be k- just kidding again, it's gonna be Miri- SIKE AGAIN. It was repetitive, and the manipulations and plots were frustrating instead of intriguing. (And again - that's because there was no time given to this subplot.)

Isildur has got to be the most useless subplot I've seen in a hot second. Net zero events. Net zero emotional involvement. He meets a girl, they kiss after two days even though she's taken, he can't take her back home to Numenor. He talks to Theo once. The end. Waste of everyone's time.

The Dark Wizard

It just made me sad, because for a while there I was hoping we'd see Rhun in a different way than before, but no, it's still a Land Of Shady People. :/

CHARACTERS

Sauron

Sauron felt bizarrely underutilised considering we're in a show called "Sauron: The Things Sauron Helped Make". He's the Deceiver! His plots and manipulations should have reached the levels of Elias from TMA or S2 Ben from Lost - when they succeed, you feel so sorry for the protagonists, but it's so immensely satisfying. You are in awe of the scale of the plans they pulled off, or how often they manage to make protagonists believe them.

(Remember when you see Vader at the end of Rogue One and his entrance is just chilling? THAT'S doing an iconic villain justice. We should have got moments when Sauron is utterly terrifying, but they never really came.)

His infatuation slash interest in Galadriel adds nothing to the show apart from some truly juvenile levels of drama between them, and some terrible, generic dialogue. They would have been one of each other's strongest focuses, anyway - they're one of each other's greatest enemies. The specific kind of romantic tension they got only takes away from their personalities.

Sauron is also one of the best examples of RoP creators flattening meaningful themes and events from Tolkien's works. Mordor is not a land killed slowly and painfully by Sauron's presence, where the evil literally chokes you and drains your will to live - it was just "activated" one day! The Nazgul are not horribly twisted souls of men who have no will of their own because they gave in to the rings - they just got rings that are more evil because they have Sauron's blood in them! Sauron is not an ambiguous figure with many names and forms, many of which are terrifying husks - he's a literal pile of black goo for a while. (??????)

(No, seriously. ??????????)

Charlie Vickers managed to make him kind of okay, I'd say? But the wasted potential never stops being painfully apparent.

Galadriel

Oh, my beloved Galadriel. Oh, what did they do to you.

The complex, mighty Galadriel, who is ambitious, proud and desires power, who wants to rule a land of her own, who finally decides not to be a Queen, but a Lady of Lorien, precisely because she knows what her greatest weakness is. Who is not tempted or touched by Sauron, and no-one would ever suggest she is - her hunger for power is entirely her own.

I know Tolkien had a thousand different versions of Galadriel, but one thing she was not, was absent from her own story. RoP Galadriel's story revolves around Sauron and the rings, and her greatest ambitions were taken from her and put into Sauron's mouth in season one in one of the most infuriating writing decisions I've been unlucky to witness (also sexist as fuck). The show does not allow her to be respected, or powerful, or wise - she is at fault for Sauron's return, and treated like an idiot for it. The romantic undertones of the subplot make it even worse, turning her into a young woman with a crush who now needs to prove to people around her she can still think straight.

I hate what they did to Galadriel, and the caricature they turned her into.

I'm also not a fan of Morfydd Clark's portrayal, I don't think she fits this character, but the script choices are what pisses me off the most anyway.

There is also a lot to say about the fact she looks like one of the youngest elves, when she should be either much older (than for example Gil-galad or Elrond) or roughly the same age (as Celebrimbor). The way she's presented in RoP, Galadriel is young and hot-headed, and constantly told off by older men. NOT the feminist breakthrough in Middle-Earth that Amazon wants to pretend it is.

ALSO making Elrond kiss her… Why does she have to be put in those unserious situations that feel like fan fiction in the worst possible way,

Celebrimbor

The best character this season, mostly because of his portrayal - Charles Edwards didn't stand out to me in season one, but I truly liked him a lot in season two. The script, once more, doesn't pack too much of a punch, and leads him through some non-sensical events ("the perfection of three, thrice perfected" why does this make sense to him?), but his emotional moments hit because of the quality of his acting. Without him, this season would have been truly barely tolerable.

Gandalf and Tom Bombadil

Putting these two together because they both flabbergasted me in a pretty similar way.

I don't think the kind of plots they chose for these characters are right for them. An initiation plot for Gandalf who's already in Middle-Earth is not a choice I like - I'd love to see him learning from Nienna in Valinor much more. Still, I can see trying to portray his beginnings in ME. But amnesia? Having to find a staff because… what exactly? Having to be told everything about himself? Those are such generic choices for such an iconic character!

Show me Gandalf getting to know the land he's supposed to guard. Show me Gandalf meeting the Ents, the Elves, wandering, weaving the web of connections and friends ans allies that he always has, show his skills in bringing people together, like he does for all of LOTR.

Choices regarding Bombadil were bad, in my opinion. I've already said it, but for the sake of making it a separate post without 30984098 links - I think making Bombadil a mentor figure was strange. I don't think it works (again, talk about Nienna!). Bombadil is random help when you need it, almost like a narrative equivalent of- maybe not exactly a deus ex machina, but a small-scale divine intervention nonetheless. He appears when you need him and disappears right after, and you can continue your journey, but he won't join you. He's not a guide or a mentor.

Making him a mentor took away from how original a character he is - but the worst offender in that regard is still the fact that they gave him Gandalf's line from the books (the one about many living people deserving death, and many dead deserving to live). Once again, they were just hammering iconic quotes into the mouths of different characters and it's. First of all lazy (even if you change two words), second of all, very annoyingly on the nose, third of all, there are so many ways to subtly show characters' influence on one another, and straight up copying quotes is not creative, it's not original, it doesn't tell you anything about the character who adopted that quote other than they can repeat stuff. Did they have any feelings about it? Do they agree completely or do they add their own spin on it as they go through life? You'll never know! The only influence you are shown is: character A heard something from character B, then later said it word for word to character C. It makes character A little more than a sieve for a glass of water - they don't have thoughts or feelings, they don't transform the things they hear, they don't filter things through themself. What falls out is exactly what came in. RoP did it with Sauron and Galadriel in season one, and now with Gandalf and Bombadil. WHAT'S the point. Also I'm not sure this quote even fits Bombadil that well. He's a force of life and joy, but he has no problem with commanding things to obey him, like Old Man Willow. He's 100% a benevolent character, but probably not someone who would say "who are you to rule over powerful forces", at least in my opinion, because few rules actually touch him, if that makes sense.

HOWEVER. I did like hearing him sing all the time.

Others

Putting all other characters here, because I don't have as many thoughts about them. I love Miriel and Elendil, they have a great dynamic and along with Pharazon are the strongest parts of the Numenor subplot. Kemen and Earien annoy me so much. Nori and Poppy have painfully little personality. Durin and Disa, when they get good moments, are GOOD, but the script doesn't always let them shine. Gil-galad was good in episodes 7 and 8, forgettable in the rest. Elrond is kind of all over the place - they gave him a few interesting things to do, like brutally killing an orc to show just how ruthless Elves can be - but those things don't fit him, they should have been given to someone else. Adar saddens me because he got the mcu villain treatment where he makes good points, but then does unrelated inexcusable things so that you don't root for him too much.

Also, Celeborn continues to be "dead", and I fear to ask how they will handle his "reveal".

LORE

Oh boy, okay.

All I will say is that to each their own, but some of the lore choices simply piss me off. Why is mithril important to the Elves' survival? Why is everything about Sauron Like That? Why was Mordor created in a day? Why is the order of everything completely backwards?

The constant references to LOTR are a mixed bag. Some of them I liked ("pity will not defeat Sauron" when we know it will, the appearance of an Entwife), some of them were too on-the-nose for me to enjoy - the direct quotes, Old Man Ironwood, every time someone said "the lord of the rings", Sauron being present for the Doors of Durin being made.

I feel like the best thing this show could have done lore-wise, that would have taken care of so many issues, would have been putting most of their focus on making the world feel clearly like the world that will later diminish into the world we know from LOTR. Why make some unnecesary, non-sensical lore when this would connect your show to Tolkien so clearly? Worldbuilding is Tolkien's thing, and his world is one of the most recognisable out there. When the setting feels like Middle-Earth, everything that happens in it automatically feels more Tolkien-like.

You don't need to pay THAT much attention to worldbuilding with every author, but you absolutely do with him.

TECHNICAL ASPECTS

I don't have opinions on all technical aspects, because I always tend to focus on plots, characters and themes and am not very good or familiar with the technical side of filmmaking, so these are just some of my assorted thoughts.

I still enjoy the music in RoP; it may not be one of the most memorable soundtracks I've ever heard, but you can hear the references to Howard Shore's score (something that I learned was fully intentional), especially in the instruments used, and the "sound palettes" certain places and characters get in the process. I have no musical vocabulary so I can go on vibes only, but especially the orcs' themes feel close to Howard Shore's. It's a nice but still subtle way of connecting these two worlds.

I don't fully agree with people saying this show looks good. The costumes are still very simple, often just one layer of clothing with an added belt and some jewellery. Some characters don't change their costumes even once? I don't think Disa ever wore a different dress; at the very least, she spends most of the time in the same one as she did in season one. I'd say the costume designers weren't given enough time to work on them, because you can often see vision, but it always feels unfinished. Most of the time, armour looks better than everyday clothes, so you can't help but wonder if the everyday clothes were done in a rush.

Make-up on elven women is so modern-looking it breaks whatever immersion the show manages to build. I hate it so, so much (whoever decided Mirdania would look like that I am looking RIGHT at you and judging).

Annatar's wig was simply Not Good.

OVERALL

I feel that this show is both infuriatingly bad, and boringly mediocre; both slow, and fast and superficial. There's too few and too many things happening at once. It says so much, but it doesn't have anything actually meaningful to say, any connecting thought or feeling or motto. Emotionally, it feels empty.

It's hard to imagine future seasons being good enough to redeem the first two. And honestly, it just makes me sad.

#it's mine my own my precious #rop #trop #the rings of power #rings of power #rop critical

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jesncin · 11 months ago

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The Potential of Asian Lois Lane. Pt 1: Girl Taking Over and American Alien, a comparative analysis

Lois Lane has had many iterations over the years. But specifically in the last decade, Lois has been reimagined as an Asian American woman in both the comics and recently in the animated show My Adventures with Superman.

I believe making Lois Asian is a very inspired choice for the Superman mythos! I would like to take a moment to analyze these versions of Lois from an Asian perspective, seeing what works, what doesn't, and what I'd like to see more of. We'll start with the comics first, as MAWS is going to need its own post.

Usual disclaimers: I'm just one Asian perspective, I do not and never will claim to cover every Asian person's opinion on a thing ever. We're not a monolith, we come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. I'm simply a fan who enjoys media analysis and believes it's valuable to have my perspective in this topic. Secondly, this discussion covers the comic run American Alien, which is written by Max Landis. He's an ultra creep and while I think the comic is worth a read for what it is, I leave it up to you whether you'd like to buy the comic. You can always arg-arg-ahoy otherwise.

I'd like to start with Girl Taking Over: A Lois Lane Story written by Sarah Kuhn with art by Arielle Jovellanos. This is a self contained YA graphic novel about a young Japanese American Lois dealing with the ups and downs of breaking into journalism as a career in National City. When her dream internship at Catco gets a corporate take over, Lois seizes an opportunity to write an exposé on a shady art director. But when her story is turned down, Lois does some out of the box things to get the story of marginalized performers shared with the world.

Girl Taking Over is a fantastic story and I happily recommend it to anyone looking for how an Asian American Lois could be reimagined (with fabulous art by Arielle! The fashion especially is on-point). This story isn't just a diverse coat of paint on a Lois Lane story, being Asian informs Lois' experiences and choices. Both she and her frenemy roommate Miki, are ambitious Asian women yet have hidden insecurities where they still made themselves small to their respective white male bosses. They played into model minority in different ways, and it's only by working together that they're able to foster a community for their stories to be told.

Lois and Miki don't just "have a diverse friend group", that friend group is actively being taken advantage of and suppressed by white gatekeepers. By extension, Lois' friends from work find solidarity in each other. Lois looks up to Cat Grant, a Filipina-American journalist, because seeing Cat succeed made Lois feel like her dream as a journalist is possible. I love how Lois' mom (a character so rarely expanded on in DC canon) acts as a voice of comfort for Lois in the story. All these characters feel holistic and whole, going through their own unique struggles.

It's clear from interviews with both the writer and artist that they care for the history of Lois, and saw an opportunity to reimagine her in a way that aligns with her character but also revitalizes her for new readers of color who aren't used to seeing themselves reflected in media. It's taking Lois' ambition and fearlessness and channeling them into the need to be a model minority, and the insecurities that can come from the desire to succeed constantly. It's taking a character historically frustrated by sexism and disrespected by her male peers- including Clark Kent (who got better treatment than her as a man), and expanding her to be a Lois that has to deal with both sexism and racism in the workplace. It's humanizing Lois' excellence into something painfully specific and relatable for many Asian women.

The only thing I feel I want from this version of Lois is... honestly more of her! I want to see what Japanese Lois does when she moves to Metropolis and works at the Daily Planet. I want to see how her experiences in National City informs her adulthood. Girl Taking Over sets up an incredible groundwork for stories to be told in the Superman mythos. How would Lois react to Superman, a fellow immigrant? Would Superman see himself in Lois? Since she's someone who, in the American context, is perceived as the perpetual foreigner? What would their relationship be like? Out of all the Asian Lois' in media we have so far, this Asian Lois' story has the most rich potential in my opinion.

Up next, we have American Alien written by Max Landis. This 7 issue series swaps artists for each issue, as a means of reflecting different milestones in Clark's life. I will be focusing on issues #4, 5, and 7 since those have the most prominent Lois appearances. With that, I'd like to celebrate the artists for those issues: Jae Lee (issue 4), Francis Manapul (issue 5), and Jock (issue 7). All these artists did a fantastic job, their art styles are energetic and fun to look at. Lee and Manapul are both Asian artists (Korean and Filipino respectively) and I love how they draw Lois- who looks undeniably Asian in their art styles.

American Alien is a modern take on the Superman tale. It expands Clark's story to be connected to Batman, Green Lanterns, Green Arrow, and more. We see Clark grow from his days in Smallville to a city boy in Metropolis, coming into his own as Superman. It's a bold and pretty divisive take with some standout story moments. From what I know, this is likely the first time Lois has been reimagined as Asian- and continues to influence Superman media like MAWS (the producer specifically calls out this comic as inspiration).

In issue #4, Clark moves in to his Metropolis apartment and talks on the phone to his mom about "some bigshot guy named Louis Lane". The reader, likely familiar with the Superman mythos, knows Clark is coming in with biases and a preconceived notion of who he considers a promising student reporter. Once we meet Lois Lane however, the comic turns the reader's expectations on their head:

Lois Lane is an Asian American woman (it's not specified what her exact ethnicity is)! This is a fun moment where the comic metatextually challenged the reader's own biases, showing it's not just Clark who had a different idea of who Lois Lane could be.

Lois' introductory panel is my personal favorite part of her characterization in American Alien. Lois proudly stands as a wall of text behind her recounts how she was considered as a winner for the Daily Planet's Charlton Memorial Laureate Program. When asked why she deserves a place on the program, Lois snaps back that the very question itself is loaded. She's listed her credentials and looks professional- so she's either already been rejected and is just being made to "at least had my say" or she's been accepted and is "meant to garnish my success with eloquent affirmation" to which Lois refuses to do either.

This is a great defiant introduction to Lois, showcasing how jaded she is with the way the world perceives her- but is very confident in her self worth as a journalist. By the end of the issue she reaches out to Clark to combine their exclusive interviews into one story to make a big impression on the news. Her words inspire Clark to seize an opportunity to make a big change in the world as Superman.

Afterwards, the comic plays the classic Superman and Lois dynamic straight. Lois is initially suspicious of Superman, but eventually comes around and is inspired to hope through him. There's a great back and forth between the two where Lois' words initially inspire Clark to be Superman, then Clark assures Lois that Superman is probably just a good guy, and when Clark loses hope from a bad day of heroism, Lois gives him hope again. In the end, Lois realizes her love for Clark Kent over Superman and they share a passionate ending kiss.

Overall American Alien nails the Clark and Lois dynamic and understands their relationship. I consider this Asian Lois "just okay". I like that we get to see an adult jaded Asian Lois meet Clark Kent and Superman, and see them get together. Similarly to Girl Taking Over, I'd like to see how this Lois and Clark would play out. My only issue with American Alien's Lois is a sense of missed opportunities.

The writing overall leaves room for plausible deniability over Lois' Asian identity. The artists (particularly Lee and Manapul) are doing the heavy lifting delivering Asian Lois. If she was drawn as a white woman, none of the writing would need adjustment. Sure her introductory panel implies that people judge her based on her appearance- but that could be just sexism instead of the intersectional experience of Asian Lois going through racism and sexism. Clark did assume she was a man after all- it's never specified if he assumed she was a white man. The only thing you'd lose is the metatextual shock value of Lois Being Asian This Time. That's really what this Lois boils down to, initial shock value with no specific writing to follow through. Her marginalization and identity is written broadly enough that it could be attributed to general sexism and womanhood. It's not specific to being an Asian American woman.

However, because of its broadness, there's room for Lois' Asian identity to be built on in the world of American Alien. The story centers Clark's experiences, but I can easily imagine a continuation of the story expanding on Lois'. The basic groundwork is there. I think it's telling that in a comic called American Alien, we get a more diverse Superman cast system. Jimmy Olsen is Black, Lois Lane is Asian- when Clark moves to the city it feels expansive compared to Smallville. It's a world that feels ready to tackle themes of racism if it was ever to continue (and probably in the hands of a writer with that kind of life experience!). In the end, there's room for this Asian Lois to be something special. Clark isn't the only American Alien in American Alien, if you catch my drift.

You can see how Girl Taking Over has a huge piece of what American Alien is missing. The characters aren't just diverse for shock value, they're not an aesthetic change over historically white characters. They have a story to tell that is inseparable from their identities. Whereas in American Alien, the art is doing the heavy lifting with the reimagined diverse characters- Girl Taking Over has both the writing and art carry the representation. Lois can't be changed into being white in Girl Taking Over.

Both of these stories have potential- but if I had the choice to pick which story should continue, it would easily be Girl Taking Over. This graphic novel works for what it is: it makes sense that this is a younger and idealistic Lois that hasn't met Clark or Superman yet. It's a YA book and Lois can absolutely carry a story on her own. What I want as an Asian fan, is for the potential of Asian Lois Lane to be seen through to the point it's considered the definitive version. As of right now, Girl Taking Over is a fun twist on the Lois Lane story. Not something that is seen as inseparable from the Superman mythos. However! If those themes of marginalization and immigrant identity are tapped into for both Superman and Lois Lane? I feel that has the potential to radically strengthen the overall themes of Superman. It's certainly been touched on before.

(TW/CW: racial slur mention in below image)

Superman Smashes the Klan by Gene Yang with art by Gurihiru is a retelling of the Clan of the Fiery Cross arc in the classic radio show The Adventures of Superman where Superman faces off with the Klan who had been terrorizing a Chinese American family. The graphic novel adapts the story to center the Chinese American characters, and makes it a point to show that Superman relates to them. If that dynamic was applied to Asian Lois, that feels like a definitive love story waiting to happen.

The classic two person love triangle with Clark and Lois is that Lois loves Superman and is indifferent to Clark Kent. She thinks Superman is this ideal macho man and Clark is a cowardly fumbling guy at work who rivals her. What happens when you take that dynamic and made it so Lois identified with Superman- the more othering identity? How complicated would that make Clark Kent feel? How would he navigate that when his marginalization isn't always visible? That's a whole new depth to the love triangle we're not used to seeing. I feel so far, none of these versions of Lois have touched upon this potential dynamic. The perpetual foreigner, Lois Lane and the ultimate alien foreigner that is Superman. The jaded city girl meets the alien farm boy who gives her hope. They inspire each other to be more of themselves in a world not ready to accept either of them.

Up next, we'll be discussing My Adventures with Superman's Korean Lois Lane in pt 2. It's well. You can probably guess how I feel about it from what I wrote here but welp. We'll talk about it.

#ramblings #media criticism #lois lane #once again please be nice!!#i have many many feelings about asian lois lane so i may as well write it down and share it with you #jesncin talks maws #(a little bit anyway! like a precursor)#jesncin dc meta

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lunardragon00 · 6 months ago

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Supernatural (Hongjoong x Reader)

Eternal Sunshine Masterlist

Fashion Designer!Hongjoong x Journalist!reader

This love's possessing me, but I don't mind at all It's like supernatural It's taking over me, don't wanna fight the fall

The alarm blared, disrupting the quiet of y/n's apartment. Groaning, she fumbled for the snooze button, her hand finally finding its mark. With a sigh, she rolled out of bed, her mind already buzzing with the day ahead.

After a quick shower and a hurried breakfast, y/n stepped out into the bustling streets of the city. The cool morning air greeted her, mingling with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting from nearby cafes. With a glance at her watch, she quickened her pace, knowing she couldn't afford to be late for work.

The familiar routine of her morning commute unfolded: the rhythmic clatter of the subway train, the chatter of commuters, the fleeting glimpses of city landmarks flashing by the windows. Lost in her thoughts, y/n barely noticed the passing scenery as she mentally prepared for the day ahead.

Finally reaching her office, y/n greeted her colleagues with a tired smile before settling into her desk. The fluorescent lights buzzed overhead, casting a sterile glow over the rows of cubicles. With a sigh, she powered up her computer, steeling herself for another day of deadlines and assignments.

As the morning wore on, y/n found herself in need of a caffeine fix. Grabbing her coat, she made her way to the nearest coffee shop, the scent of freshly ground beans drawing her in like a siren's call. With a grateful smile, she ordered her usual—a strong black coffee—and settled into a corner booth, savoring the first sip as it warmed her from the inside out.

With her coffee in hand, y/n returned to the office, ready to tackle the day's tasks. As she walked past the glass windows, a figure steps out of their office.

"Hey, Y/N, can you come in here real quick." y/n nodded, setting her coffee cup down on her desk before making her way to the office where the figure stood waiting. She recognized him as her editor, Mr. Johnson, a no-nonsense man with a keen eye for news. Entering the office, y/n greeted him with a polite smile. "You wanted to see me, Mr. Johnson?"

Mr. Johnson gestured for her to take a seat opposite his desk. "Yes, Miss L/N, I have an assignment for you." He paused, eyeing her over the rim of his glasses. "It's a big one."

Curiosity flickered in Y/N's eyes as she leaned forward, intrigued. "What's the assignment?"

Mr. Johnson leaned back in his chair, folding his hands together. "We've been granted exclusive access to cover the rise of a promising young fashion designer. Kim Hongjoong."

Y/N's brow furrowed slightly. "Kim Hongjoong? I'm not sure I'm the right person for a fashion story, sir. Besides, I've already started working on the writer's strike piece."

Mr. Johnson arched an eyebrow, his expression unreadable. "I understand your reservations, Miss L/N, but this is a unique opportunity for us. Hongjoong's story is more than just fashion; it's about ambition, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. I need someone who can capture the essence of his journey, someone with a fresh perspective."

Y/N hesitated, weighing her options. "I'm sorry, I'm a bit confused. You want me to write the strike story and the fashion story?" She questioned him. He leaned back and laughed a bit.

"Oh no no no, the striker's story will be given to Jongho. I want your focus to be on Mr. Kim. Don't worry, you'll still have 3 weeks to get the story done." Y/N felt a surge of frustration rising within her as Mr. Johnson clarified the assignment. She had poured countless hours into researching and preparing the striker's story, only to have it snatched away in an instant. And now, she was being thrust into a world she knew little about – the world of high fashion.

"But sir," she began, trying to keep her voice steady despite the annoyance bubbling beneath the surface, "I've been working on the striker's story for weeks. I've invested a lot of time and effort into it. I don't think it's fair to just pass it on to someone else."

Mr. Johnson leaned forward, his expression serious. "I understand your frustration, Miss L/N, but this is a decision that's come from higher up. The opportunity to cover Kim Hongjoong's rise to fame is too important for us to pass up. And I believe you're the right person for the job."

Y/N gritted her teeth, her annoyance growing with each passing moment. She knew Mr. Johnson had a point – opportunities like this didn't come around often – but that didn't make it any easier to accept.

"And what about Jongho?" she asked, unable to keep the bitterness out of her voice. "He's going to be thrilled about getting the striker's story handed to him on a silver platter. He's going to see this as a victory over me."

Mr. Johnson sighed, rubbing his temples as if trying to ward off an impending headache. "I know Jongho can be... competitive," he admitted, "but this decision wasn't made to pit the two of you against each other. It was made because I believe both of you are capable of handling these assignments. And I trust that you'll rise to the challenge."

Y/N clenched her fists, her frustration reaching its boiling point. She knew arguing further would be futile; Mr. Johnson had made up his mind. With a resigned nod, she forced herself to accept the assignment, pushing aside her annoyance for the time being.

"Fine," she muttered, her tone curt. "I'll do it."

Mr. Johnson offered her a sympathetic smile. "I know this isn't what you had in mind, Y/N, but I promise you won't regret it. Now, go meet with Hongjoong and see where this story takes you. Who knows? You might just discover a whole new world waiting to be explored."

With a heavy sigh, Y/N rose from her seat, her mind already racing with thoughts of the daunting task ahead. As she left Mr. Johnson's office, she couldn't shake the feeling of resentment lingering in the air. But she knew she had no choice but to tackle the assignment head-on, no matter how much she wished things had turned out differently.

"This is such bullshit, I mean I worked day and night on that stupid article. I poured my blood, sweat, and tears into it and now it's going to just be handed off to Jongho. And now, I have to write and article about some random guy from nowhere land. It's an insult, seriously." Y/N stirred the pot of pasta on the stove as she spoke.

"I'm sorry hun, that sucks. But hey, maybe it won't be so bad, he could be a cool guy." Her friend, Wooyoung, trying to offer sympathy to her. Y/N huffed, her frustration still evident.

"I highly doubt it. He's just some fashion designer, probably full of himself and his fancy clothes. What could I possibly have in common with him?" She saw Wooyoung shrug through the camera, his expression thoughtful. "You never know until you give it a chance. And who knows? This assignment could lead to something unexpected. Maybe you'll find a new passion, or even make a new friend."

Y/N rolled her eyes, but a small part of her couldn't help but entertain the possibility. "Yeah, right. I highly doubt that." As she continued to stir the pasta, Y/N couldn't shake the feeling of resentment lingering in her chest. But amidst the frustration and disappointment, a tiny spark of curiosity flickered to life. Maybe, just maybe, this assignment would turn out to be more than just a nuisance. Only time would tell.

"Hey, when are you coming over again? I need my drinking buddy, especially if I have to deal with some stuck up prick for almost a month." She heard wooyoung laugh through the speaker.

"I'll make sure to clear my schedule for you. We'll drown in our sorrows together," Wooyoung replied with a chuckle. Y/N couldn't help but crack a smile at Wooyoung's lighthearted response. Despite her frustration, his unwavering support brought a sense of comfort amidst the chaos of her thoughts.

"Thanks, Wooyoung. I appreciate it," she said, her tone softening slightly.

"Anytime, Y/N. Remember, I'm always here for you, no matter what," Wooyoung reassured her.

With a nod of gratitude, Y/N focused her attention back on the pasta, the rhythmic stirring providing a soothing rhythm to her troubled mind. As she contemplated the upcoming assignment and the challenges it would bring, a sense of determination welled up within her.

"Alright, let's plan for a night of debauchery then," she declared with a hint of newfound resolve.

The next day arrived, and Y/N found herself awake before the crack of dawn, her mind already buzzing with thoughts of the upcoming assignment. Determined to make the most of the opportunity, she had set her alarm early to dive into research on this Kim Hongjoong guy, the enigmatic fashion designer who had suddenly become the focus of her journalistic endeavors.

With a steaming cup of coffee in hand, Y/N settled into her cozy living room, her laptop open before her. She typed Kim Hongjoong's name into the search bar, her fingers flying across the keyboard as she delved into the depths of the internet in search of information.

As she sifted through articles, interviews, and social media profiles, Y/N began to piece together a picture of the man behind the designer label. She discovered that Kim Hongjoong had risen to prominence in the fashion world at a remarkably young age, his bold and innovative designs earning him praise from critics and admiration from fashion enthusiasts around the globe.

But amidst the glitz and glamour of the fashion industry, Y/N had found almost nothing about his life before fame. Nothing about his home life, nothing about his family, and barely anything about his friends. Hours passed in a blur as Y/N immersed herself in her research, her determination fueling her relentless pursuit of knowledge. By the time the sun began to peek through the curtains, she had compiled a wealth of information on Kim Hongjoong, ready to embark on the next phase of her assignment.

Y/N navigated the bustling streets of Seoul with purpose, her steps quick and determined as she made her way to Hongjoong's office. The city buzzed with energy around her, a vibrant tapestry of sights and sounds that served as the backdrop to her journey.

As she weaved through the crowded sidewalks, Y/N couldn't help but marvel at the juxtaposition of modernity and tradition that defined Seoul. Towering skyscrapers loomed overhead, their glass facades reflecting the morning sunlight, while historic palaces nestled amidst the urban sprawl, remnants of a bygone era.

With each step, Y/N felt a sense of dread building within her. She was about to meet Kim Hongjoong, the rising star of the fashion world, and she couldn't help but wonder what awaited her behind the doors of his office. Finally, y/n arrived at her destination – a sleek, modern building nestled amidst the towering structures of the city skyline. With a sense of determination, she pushed open the glass doors and stepped inside, her gaze sweeping over the pristine interior.

As Y/N made her way through the lobby, her gaze scanning the pristine interior, she was halted by a woman in heels standing by the elevator.

"Ma'am, you need to check in," the woman said politely, her tone firm but courteous. Y/N nodded, realizing she hadn't yet announced her arrival. "Of course, I'm here to see Kim Hongjoong," she replied, offering a small smile.

The woman nodded in acknowledgment and motioned for Y/N to follow her. Together, they approached a sleek reception desk where another impeccably dressed individual sat behind a computer screen.

"Good morning, how may I assist you?" the receptionist asked with a professional demeanor.

"I'm here to see Kim Hongjoong," Y/N repeated, feeling a twinge of nervousness creeping in despite her best efforts to remain composed. The receptionist typed something into the computer before glancing up at Y/N with a polite smile. "And your name, please?"

"Y/N.....Y/N L/N," she replied, feeling a surge of anticipation as she awaited the receptionist's response.

After a moment of typing, the receptionist nodded. "Ah, yes. You're expected. Please sign in here, and Mr. Kim's assistant will be with you shortly."

Y/N complied, quickly scribbling her signature on the designated spot before handing the pen back to the receptionist.

"Thank you. Please wait in the designated area over there," the receptionist said, gesturing towards a stylish seating area off to the side.

With a nod of gratitude, Y/N made her way to the designated area, her heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. She couldn't help but wonder what awaited her behind the doors of Kim Hongjoong's office, and she was determined to find out.

As Y/N settled into the designated seating area, she couldn't shake the nervous energy coursing through her veins. She glanced around the sleek and modern lobby, taking in the minimalist decor and the hushed murmurs of other visitors waiting nearby. Minutes felt like hours as Y/N anxiously waited for his assistant to arrive. Her mind raced with questions and uncertainties, her anticipation building with each passing moment.

Finally, a door to the side of the lobby opened, and a sharply dressed woman emerged. "Miss L/N?" she called out, her voice cutting through the air.

y/n rose from her seat, her heart pounding in her chest. "Yes, that's me," she replied, her voice betraying a hint of nervousness.

The woman offered a warm smile as she approached. "I'm Mr. Kim's assistant. He's ready to see you now."

Y/N followed the assistant through the door, her pulse quickening with each step. She couldn't help but wonder what awaited her behind the closed doors of Kim Hongjoong's office – a world of glamour and creativity, or something more unexpected. As they reached the door to Kim Hongjoong's office, the assistant paused and turned to Y/N with a reassuring smile. "Good luck, Miss L/N."

With a grateful nod, Y/N took a deep breath and braced herself before stepping through the door, ready to embark on the next chapter of her assignment and uncover the mysteries hidden within the world of high fashion.

As Y/N entered Kim Hongjoong's office, she couldn't help but feel a sense of apprehension mingled with her professional demeanor. The sleek interior of the room exuded an air of sophistication, from the modern furnishings to the artfully arranged fashion sketches adorning the walls.

Kim Hongjoong rose from his seat behind the desk, his presence commanding attention. Despite her reservations, Y/N couldn't deny the subtle charm that emanated from him as he extended his hand in greeting.

"Miss L/N, it's a pleasure to meet you," he said with a warm smile, his voice carrying a hint of genuine warmth.

Y/N accepted his handshake with a nod, her expression carefully neutral. "Likewise, Mr. Kim," she replied, her tone professional. As they settled into their respective seats, Y/N wasted no time in getting down to business. She fired off questions with precision, her demeanor cool and detached as she sought to glean insights into Kim Hongjoong's rise to fame and his creative process.

To her surprise, Kim Hongjoong proved to be an engaging and candid interviewee. He spoke with passion and conviction about his journey in the fashion industry, sharing anecdotes and insights that offered glimpses into the man behind the designer label.

As the interview progressed, Y/N found herself gradually letting her guard down, intrigued by Kim Hongjoong's sincerity and humility. Despite her initial skepticism, she couldn't deny the genuine passion he exuded for his craft, nor the depth of his knowledge and experience.

By the time the interview drew to a close, Y/N couldn't shake the feeling of intrigue that lingered within her. Perhaps there was more to Kim Hongjoong than met the eye – perhaps he wasn't just another arrogant celebrity living off his family's wealth.

"That was great, Mr. Kim," she remarked, her tone softer than before. "If it's alright, I would love to come by your studio sometime this week and watch you work."

Kim Hongjoong's eyes lit up with genuine enthusiasm at the suggestion. "Of course, I'd be delighted to have you visit," he replied warmly, his smile infectious. "I'll have my assistant arrange everything. It'll be a pleasure to show you the creative process behind my designs."

Y/N couldn't suppress the flicker of excitement that sparked within her at the prospect of witnessing Kim Hongjoong's creative process firsthand. Despite her initial reluctance to take on the assignment, she couldn't deny the allure of delving deeper into the world of high fashion and exploring the complexities of Kim Hongjoong's journey.

With a nod of gratitude, Y/N rose from her seat, feeling a newfound sense of curiosity and anticipation coursing through her veins. Maybe, just maybe, there was more to Kim Hongjoong than met the eye.

As Y/N observed Hongjoong and his team tirelessly working to put together outfits for the upcoming fashion show, she couldn't help but feel a sense of detachment from the flurry of activity surrounding her. Despite Kim Hongjoong's kindness during their interview a few days prior, she remained largely disinterested in the fashion aspect of everything.

She watched from the sidelines as fabrics were draped and patterns were meticulously arranged, her mind drifting to other matters. The intricate details of the garments held little significance to her, and she found it difficult to muster the same level of enthusiasm as those around her.

Kim Hongjoong, ever the gracious host, occasionally glanced her way with a smile, eager to share his creative process with her. But Y/N's attention remained elsewhere, her thoughts consumed by the pressing deadlines and obligations awaiting her outside the realm of high fashion.

As the day wore on, Y/N couldn't shake the feeling of restlessness gnawing at her. Despite her best efforts to immerse herself in the world of fashion, she found it increasingly difficult to connect with the intricate workings of Kim Hongjoong's design process.

But amidst the chaos of the fashion studio, a small spark of curiosity flickered within her. Despite her initial reluctance, Y/N couldn't help but wonder what drove Kim Hongjoong and his team to pour their hearts and souls into their creations. Perhaps there was more to the world of fashion than met the eye – and she was determined to uncover the truth, no matter where it might lead.

Summoning her professionalism, Y/N approached Kim Hongjoong during a brief lull in the chaos, her notepad in hand as she prepared to conduct her interview.

"Mr. Kim," she began, her tone businesslike yet polite, "I'd like to ask you a few questions for the report. What inspired the collection you're working on for the upcoming fashion show?"

Hongjoong turned his attention to Y/N, his expression brightening as he welcomed the opportunity to share his creative process. "Of course," he replied, his voice warm and inviting. "The inspiration behind this collection is a blend of traditional Korean elements with a modern twist. I wanted to pay homage to my cultural heritage while also pushing the boundaries of contemporary fashion."

Y/N nodded attentively, scribbling notes as Kim Hongjoong elaborated on his vision. Despite her initial reservations, she couldn't help but be drawn in by his passion and sincerity.

"And how do you go about translating that inspiration into your designs?" she inquired, eager to delve deeper into his creative process. Hongjoong's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as he launched into a detailed explanation, his gestures animated as he described the meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail that went into each garment. He spoke of hours spent sketching, draping fabrics, and experimenting with textures and colors until his vision was brought to life.

As Y/N listened to Kim Hongjoong's words, she felt a newfound sense of admiration for the fashion designer before her. Despite her initial skepticism, she couldn't deny the depth of his dedication to his craft and the genuine passion he exuded for his work.

With each passing moment, Y/N found herself becoming increasingly intrigued by Kim Hongjoong and the world he inhabited. But Y/N wasn't content with just Kim Hongjoong's perspective. She sought out other members of his team, eager to gain insight into their experiences working alongside the renowned fashion designer.

"Excuse me," she addressed one of the seamstresses, her voice polite yet inquisitive. "What's it like working with Mr. Kim? How would you describe his approach to design?"

The seamstress smiled warmly, her eyes sparkling with admiration for her boss. "Oh, Mr. Kim is truly a visionary. He's incredibly dedicated to his craft and always pushes us to do our best work. It's an honor to be part of his team."

As Y/N continued her interviews with various members of Kim Hongjoong's team, she couldn't help but notice the genuine respect and admiration they all held for their leader. She couldn't deny the impact Kim Hongjoong had on those around him, nor the depth of his commitment to his art.

The day drew to a close, the bustling activity in the fashion studio gradually subsided, signaling the end of another productive day. Fabrics were neatly folded, sketches were carefully stored away, and the last few adjustments were made to the outfits for the upcoming fashion show.

Kim Hongjoong, ever the gracious host, approached Y/N with a warm smile. "Thank you for joining us today, Miss L/N," he said, his tone genuine. "I hope you found the experience enlightening."

Y/N returned his smile, a sense of newfound respect evident in her expression. "Thank you, Mr. Kim," she replied, her voice sincere. "It was certainly an eye-opening experience. I appreciate you taking the time to share your insights with me."

As the rest of the team began to pack up and prepare to leave for the day, Hongjoong turned to Y/N once more. "Before you go, would you like to grab a coffee or a bite to eat? I'd love to continue our conversation."

Y/N hesitated for a moment, her initial reluctance warring with the growing curiosity within her. But ultimately, she found herself nodding in agreement. "I'd like that," she said, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

Together, Y/N and Kim Hongjoong made their way out of the studio, making their way to a nearby coffee house that Hongjoong favors. The atmosphere in the coffee house was cozy and inviting, a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the fashion studio. Y/N and Kim Hongjoong found a secluded corner table, their conversation flowing effortlessly as they sipped on steaming cups of coffee.

"So, what did you think?" He asked, taking a sip out of the mug the barista had handed him moments ago.

Y/N paused for a moment, considering her response carefully. "Honestly?" she began, meeting his gaze with a hint of uncertainty in her eyes. "I didn't expect to enjoy myself as much as I did today. I've never been particularly interested in fashion, but seeing the passion and dedication you and your team put into your work... it's inspiring."

Hongjoong smiled warmly, his eyes reflecting genuine appreciation for her words. "I'm glad to hear that," he replied, his voice tinged with sincerity. "Fashion is more than just clothes – it's a form of self-expression, a way to tell stories and evoke emotions. I'm honored to be able to share that with you." Taking out her notepad, she quickly jotted the line down, mind still focused on work. Hongjoong smiled seeing this and gently took the pen out of her hand.

"You know, I was hoping to get to know more about you Miss L/N. I've only met the person interviewing me." Y/N felt a slight flush creep into her cheeks as Kim Hongjoong's words registered. She hadn't expected him to express an interest in her beyond their professional interaction. Despite her initial reluctance, she found herself intrigued by the prospect of getting to know him better outside the confines of their interview.

"I... I suppose there's not much to know," she replied, a nervous chuckle escaping her lips. "I'm just your average journalist, always chasing after the next story."

Hongjoong's smile only widened at her response, his eyes twinkling with curiosity. "I highly doubt that," he said, his tone playful. "I have a feeling there's much more to you than meets the eye. But hey, if you're not ready to spill all your secrets just yet, I understand. We've got plenty of time."

Y/N couldn't help but return his smile, her initial reservations melting away in the warmth of his presence. "What is it you'd like to know?" Y/N asked, her voice betraying a hint of curiosity despite her attempts to remain composed.

Hongjoong leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful expression crossing his features as he considered her question. "Well, for starters, what led you to become a journalist?" he asked, his gaze never wavering from hers.

Y/N hesitated for a moment, her mind drifting back to the defining moments that had shaped her career path. "I suppose it all started when I was young," she began, her tone introspective. "I've always had a passion for storytelling and a desire to uncover the truth. Journalism felt like the perfect outlet for both."

As she spoke, Y/N found herself opening up to Kim Hongjoong in a way she hadn't expected. His genuine interest in her story made her feel seen and heard in a way she hadn't experienced in a long time. "And what about you?" she asked, eager to turn the spotlight back on him. "What inspired you to pursue a career in fashion?"

"Please, we've been talking about me all day, I'm sure your sick of me talking about myself." Y/N couldn't help but smile at Hongjoong's response, appreciating his humility and consideration.

"Well, in that case, let's change the subject," she replied, grateful for the opportunity to shift the focus away from herself for a moment. "How about we talk about something completely unrelated to work?" Hongjoong's eyes sparkled with amusement as he leaned back in his chair, a playful grin tugging at the corners of his lips. "I'm all ears," he said, his tone light and inviting.

And so, Y/N and Hongjoong spent the rest of the evening engaged in lively conversation, their laughter mingling with the ambient chatter of the coffee house. They talked about everything and nothing – from their favorite books and movies to their most embarrassing childhood memories.

As the hours passed, Y/N found herself completely immersed in the moment, grateful for the chance to simply be herself in the company of someone who accepted her without judgment or pretense.

By the time they finally parted ways, Y/N couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the unexpected connection she had forged with Kim Hongjoong. Despite their vastly different professions, they had discovered a shared sense of camaraderie and understanding that transcended the boundaries of their respective worlds. As she made her way home, Y/N couldn't shake the feeling of warmth and contentment that filled her heart.

"You're in trouble." Y/N stopped her task and looked at her friend. "Why do you say that." She asked. Wooyoung gave a stern look to her and stood.

"Have you realized you've been talking about nothing but Hongjoong for the past hour. I mean, come on, I know your doing this story on him but you sound obsessed. You'd think being around him 24/7 for the past week would make you not want to talk about him" Y/N paused, her friend's words sinking in as she considered them carefully. "I... I hadn't realized," she admitted, her brows furrowing in concern.

"I didn't mean to come across as obsessed. It's just... he's been on my mind a lot lately, with the interviews and everything." Wooyoung nodded sympathetically, taking a seat beside her. "I get it, believe me. But you need to remember to keep some perspective. This isn't just about Kim Hongjoong – it's about the story you're telling. Don't lose sight of that."

Y/N sighed, feeling a sense of guilt wash over her. "You're right," she conceded, her voice tinged with regret. "I guess I got caught up in the excitement of it all and forgot why I started this in the first place."

Wooyoung placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, offering her a reassuring smile. "Hey, it happens to the best of us. Just take a step back, breathe, and refocus. You've got this."

Feeling a renewed sense of determination, Y/N nodded, gratitude shining in her eyes. "Thanks, Wooyoung. I needed that."

"Is he at least nice?" Wooyoung asked. Y/N paused for a moment, her mind drifting back to her interactions with Hongjoong. Despite her initial reservations, she couldn't deny that he had been nothing but kind and welcoming towards her.

"Yeah, he's actually really nice," she admitted, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "He's passionate about his work and is genuine. It's... refreshing."

Wooyoung's smile widened at her response, a knowing glint in his eyes. "Well, then I guess it's not so bad after all," he said, his tone teasing. "Just remember to keep your head on straight, okay? Don't let those puppy dog eyes distract you from the task at hand."

Y/N chuckled, rolling her eyes at her friend's playful jab. "I'll do my best," she promised, feeling a sense of gratitude for his unwavering support.

The pair continued to enjoy their evening together, the gentle hum of conversation and laughter filling the air, Y/N's phone chimed with the arrival of a new email. Curious, she glanced down at the screen, her heart skipping a beat when she saw the sender's name: Kim Hongjoong.

With a sense of anticipation, Y/N opened the email, her eyes scanning the contents with eager interest. As she read Kim Hongjoong's words, a wave of disappointment washed over her.

"He won't be available for a one-on-one session for the rest of the week," she explained to Wooyoung, her voice tinged with a hint of regret.

Wooyoung frowned in sympathy. "That sucks," he said, leaning back against the couch. "But hey, at least you’ve got plenty of material already, right? And it might give you some time to reflect on everything you’ve gathered so far."

Y/N nodded slowly, setting her phone aside. "You're right. I've been so focused on getting more that I haven’t really taken the time to process everything I’ve learned."

Wooyoung grinned, nudging her playfully. "See? It’s all about perspective. Plus, now you can actually take a breather and maybe do something fun for a change."

She laughed, feeling the tension in her shoulders ease. "Like what? You know my idea of fun is curling up with a good book or binge-watching a series."

"Which is exactly what you need," Wooyoung replied, his eyes twinkling. "A little escapism never hurt anyone. How about we start with a movie night? Something completely unrelated to work."

"Alright, alright," Y/N conceded, smiling at his enthusiasm. "But you get to pick the movie, my brain feels like mush."

"Deal!" he said, jumping up to rummage through her collection of DVDs and streaming services. As he did, Y/N couldn’t help but feel a warm sense of appreciation for her friend’s efforts to lift her spirits.

As the opening credits rolled on a lighthearted comedy, Y/N settled back into the couch, her thoughts drifting briefly back to Hongjoong. Despite the disappointment of not getting more time with him this week, she realized that Wooyoung was right. This break might be exactly what she needed to regain her focus and ensure that her story about Hongjoong was as well-rounded and insightful as possible.

Halfway through the movie, Y/N found herself laughing freely at the antics on screen, the worries and stress of the past week melting away. She glanced over at Wooyoung, who was equally engrossed in the film, and felt a surge of gratitude for his unwavering support and friendship.

As the credits rolled and the movie came to an end, Wooyoung turned to her with a satisfied grin. "Feeling better?"

"Much," Y/N admitted, her smile genuine. "Thanks for this, Woo. I really needed it."

"Anytime," he replied, giving her a quick side hug. "Now, let’s plan something fun for tomorrow. Maybe a little adventure around the city or trying out that new café downtown?"

Y/N’s eyes lit up at the suggestion. "That sounds perfect."

Y/N sat at her desk, the soft hum of the office around her providing a comforting backdrop as she put the finishing touches on her article. The past few days had been a whirlwind, but the final one-on-one interview with Kim Hongjoong had been worth the wait. It had given her the deeper insights she needed to tie everything together.

She glanced at the clock, noting that she still had a few hours before her deadline. Taking a deep breath, she reread her article from the beginning, ensuring that every detail was perfect. Y/N leaned back in her chair, a sense of accomplishment washing over her. She had captured the essence of Kim Hongjoong, not just as a designer, but as a person. His passion, dedication, and kindness were all there, woven into the fabric of her article.

Satisfied with her work, she saved the document and sent it off to her editor. As she did, a wave of relief and pride filled her. She had done justice to Hongjoong's story, and she knew it would resonate with readers.

Just then, her phone buzzed with a message. It was from Wooyoung: "How's the article going? Ready to celebrate?"

Y/N smiled, typing back a quick response. "Just submitted it! Let's definitely celebrate."

Closing her laptop, Y/N felt a sense of closure and excitement for what lay ahead. She had grown both professionally and personally from this experience, and she was eager to see how her article would be received.

The elevator ride down felt different today. There was a lightness in her step, a sense of fulfillment that accompanied the completion of a job well done. Stepping out into the warm evening, she saw Wooyoung waiting for her by the entrance, his familiar grin spreading across his face as he waved.

"Hey there, star reporter," he called out, pulling her into a hug. "How does it feel to have finished your masterpiece?"

Y/N laughed, the tension of the past days melting away in her friend's embrace. "It feels incredible. I can't wait for you to read it."

Wooyoung gave her a playful nudge as they began walking down the street towards their favorite café. "I'm sure it's amazing. I wouldn't expect anything less from you."

They settled into a cozy corner of the café, the rich aroma of coffee and the soft chatter of other patrons creating a comforting atmosphere. Wooyoung ordered their usual drinks, and soon they were clinking glasses in a celebratory toast.

"To hard work, passion, and a job well done," Wooyoung said, his eyes twinkling with pride. Y/N raised her glass with him with a grateful smile.

As they sipped their drinks, Y/N filled Wooyoung in on the highlights of her final interview with Hongjoong. She recounted the moments that had left the deepest impression on her—the candid discussions about his creative process, his reflections on the challenges he faced, and his unwavering commitment to his art and his fans.

"You know," Y/N said thoughtfully, "this experience has really made me appreciate the power of storytelling. Hongjoong's journey is so inspiring, and I feel honored to have had the chance to share it."

Wooyoung nodded, his expression serious. "And you're amazing at it, Y/N. You have a gift for capturing the heart of a story. I'm proud of you."

Her phone buzzed again, interrupting the moment. It was a notification from her editor. Curious, she opened the message, her eyes scanning the text quickly. A smile spread across her face as she read the words of praise and approval.

"Well, it looks like the editor loves it," she announced, her excitement bubbling over. "They're going to feature it in the next issue!"

Wooyoung cheered, drawing the attention of a few nearby patrons who smiled at their infectious enthusiasm. "That's fantastic news! You deserve it, Y/N."

The rest of the evening passed in a blur of laughter, conversation, and celebration. As they walked back home under the starry sky, Y/N felt a profound sense of contentment. She had achieved something meaningful, and she had done it with the support of her best friend.

It was a Wednesday morning, almost a week and a half after her article had been published. Today was supposed. to be her day off, her one day to sleep through the morning. Unfortunately, life had other plans for her. With a loud ring, Y/N groggily reached for her phone, her mind still hazy with sleep. She fumbled to answer it, her eyes squinting against the early morning light filtering through the curtains.

"Hello?" she mumbled, her voice thick with sleep.

"Good Morning Miss L/N," came the crisp voice on the other end. Instantly, she sat up, her heart pounding. She hadn't checked the caller ID and now realized it was her editor calling her this early for a reason.

"Good morning, sir," she replied, trying to sound more awake. "Is everything okay?"

"Better than okay," her boss responded, his tone filled with excitement. "Your article on Kim Hongjoong has been a massive success. The response from our readers has been overwhelmingly positive. You've done a fantastic job."

Relief and pride surged through Y/N, but before she could fully process the news, her boss continued.

"Listen, Fashion Week is starting in a few days, and we want to capitalize on this momentum. I want you to cover the event. You'll have full access to shows, backstage, everything. Think you can handle it?"

Y/N's mind raced. Fashion Week was a huge opportunity, a chance to solidify her reputation as a top-tier journalist. Despite the early hour and the whirlwind of thoughts in her head, she felt a surge of excitement.

"Absolutely, sir," she said, her voice firm with determination. "I won't let you down."

"Good to hear," her boss replied. "We'll send you all the details and your press credentials later today. And hey, Kim Hongjoong will be there so be sure to get some stuff on his collection. Get some rest; you're going to need it."

As she hung up, Y/N sat in bed, the news sinking in. Fashion Week. It was an event she had never dreamt of covering, but now it was happening. She quickly called the one person who could help her think this through.

"Girl, I didn't think I would hear from you until 1pm. I thought you were off today?" Wooyoungs voice echoed through the phone speaker.

"Just shut up and listen ok. My boss called me and guess what? My article on Hongjoong was a hit! And now I get to cover Fashion Week!" she paused, awaiting her friends reaction.

A reply came almost instantly. "Holy shit, that's amazing, Y/N! Please tell me you get to bring a plus one. I would kill to be there."

"Unfortunately not, but, I don't know if I can do this Woo. I still know almost nothing on fashion, and now I'm covering one of the biggest fashion events of the year." She got out of bed, her mind already buzzing with ideas for her coverage.

"What do you mean? You did the story with Hongjoong and look how that turned out." Y/N made her way to the kitchen to make herself a cup of coffee.

"That was different, that was about a person who just so happened to be in the industry. This will be about the industry itself." She heard Wooyoung hum in thought, her mind already racing to her natural pessimistic thoughts.

"Wait, that's it. Hongjoong, he's your key." Y/N furrowed her brows.

"What do you mean?"

"You already have a connection, Hongjoong. Ask him for advice, you're not doing on article on him exclusively anymore so it wouldn't be inappropriate to reach out randomly." Y/N's hand paused over the coffee pot, Wooyoung's words echoing in her mind. Of course, Hongjoong. She had built a rapport with him, and his insight could be invaluable for covering Fashion Week.

"You think he'd be willing to help?" she asked, doubt creeping into her voice.

"Absolutely," Wooyoung said with confidence. "He seemed to like you and appreciate your work. Just reach out to him, and I'm sure he'll offer some guidance. Besides, you made him look good with that article."

A small smile tugged at Y/N's lips. "You're right. I'll email him today and see if he has some time to chat before Fashion Week starts."

"Perfect! And remember, you’ve got this. You're more prepared than you think," Wooyoung said encouragingly.

"Thanks, Woo. I really needed that pep talk," Y/N replied, feeling a surge of determination.

"Anytime. Now go conquer the fashion world!"

After hanging up, Y/N sat at her kitchen table, her coffee steaming beside her. She opened her laptop and began composing an email to Hongjoong.

Hi Mr. Kim, I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to thank you once again for your time during our interviews – the article was a great success, and I owe a lot of that to your openness and insights. I have some exciting news: I'll be covering Fashion Week for my publication. Since this is my first time covering such a major event, I was wondering if you might have some time to chat and offer any advice or insights. Your perspective on the industry would be incredibly valuable as I prepare for this assignment. Looking forward to hearing from you soon. Best, Y/N

Satisfied with the message, she hit send and leaned back, sipping her coffee. The nerves were still there, but so was a sense of excitement and readiness. This was a huge opportunity, and she was determined to make the most of it.

Later that day, as she was organizing her notes and planning her coverage, her phone pinged with a new email notification.

Hi Y/N, Great to hear from you! I'm glad the article was well-received. I'd be happy to help you out with Fashion Week. How about we meet for coffee one morning? Maybe when you arrive in Paris? I have some time free before my final prep for the event. Looking forward to catching up. Best, Hongjoong

Y/N's heart skipped a beat. She quickly replied, confirming the time and place.

The morning came to meet Hongjoon. Y/N arrived at the coffee shop a little early, her notebook and pen ready. She felt a mix of excitement and nerves as she waited. When Hongjoong walked in, looking effortlessly stylish, she stood to greet him with a smile.

"Y/N, good to see you," he said warmly, taking a seat across from her.

"Thank you so much for meeting with me," she began. "I really appreciate it."

"Of course," Hongjoong replied. "So, tell me, what do you want to know about Fashion Week?"

As they chatted over coffee, Hongjoong shared his experiences, offering tips on what to focus on, key people to watch, and the latest trends. His insights were invaluable, and Y/N felt her confidence growing with each passing minute.

"Remember," Hongjoong said as they wrapped up, "Fashion Week is about more than just the clothes. It's about the people, the creativity, the stories behind the designs. Capture that, and you'll do great."

Y/N left the coffee shop feeling inspired and ready to tackle Fashion Week. With Hongjoong's advice in mind and her own determination, she knew she could bring something special to her coverage. This was her moment, and she was ready to shine.

The first day of Fashion Week arrived, and Y/N stood at the entrance of the grand venue, press credentials hanging around her neck. The energy in the air was electric, with designers, models, and fashion enthusiasts bustling around in a blur of colors and fabrics. She took a deep breath, feeling a mixture of excitement and nerves.

Her first assignment was to cover the opening show, featuring several up-and-coming designers. She made her way to the press area, setting up her notebook and camera. As she scanned the crowd, she spotted Hongjoong speaking with a group of industry insiders. He caught her eye and gave her a reassuring nod, which bolstered her confidence.

The lights dimmed, and the show began. Models strutted down the runway in stunning creations, each piece telling a unique story. Y/N took meticulous notes, capturing the essence of each collection and the reactions of the audience. She remembered Hongjoong's advice: focus on the stories behind the designs.

After the show, she navigated through the sea of people, seeking out designers for quick interviews. She managed to speak with a few, their excitement and passion evident in their words. Their stories added depth to her coverage, providing insights that would resonate with her readers.

Later in the day, Y/N attended a panel discussion on sustainable fashion. The panelists, including prominent designers and industry experts, discussed the future of fashion and the importance of sustainability. Y/N found their perspectives enlightening and jotted down key points for her article.

During a brief break, Y/N sat in the press lounge, sipping on a bottle of water. She reviewed her notes, feeling a sense of accomplishment. The day had been intense, but she had managed to gather a wealth of information and insights.

Just as she was about to head to the next event, her phone buzzed with a new message. It was from her editor: "Great job so far! Your updates have been fantastic. Keep up the good work."

Smiling, Y/N replied with a quick thank you and made her way to the evening's highlight: Kim Hongjoong's collection showcase. The anticipation was palpable as she entered the venue, the air buzzing with excitement.

The lights dimmed, and the first model stepped onto the runway, wearing one of Hongjoong's creations. The audience watched in awe as each piece was revealed, a testament to Hongjoong's creativity and skill. Y/N could see the dedication and passion that Hongjoong had spoken about during their interviews.

After the show, Y/N managed to catch Hongjoong for a quick word. "That was incredible," she said, genuinely impressed.

"Thank you, Y/N. I appreciate your support," Hongjoong replied with a warm smile. "How's your coverage going?"

"Really well," she said. "Thanks to your advice, I feel like I'm capturing the essence of the event."

"That's great to hear." As Hongjoong chuckled, Y/N couldn't help but notice the way his eyes crinkled at the corners and the genuine warmth of his smile. There was an effortless charm about him, a confidence in the way he carried himself that drew people in. It suddenly struck her just how attractive he was, not just in appearance but in his demeanor and presence.

"I have to say," Y/N began, trying to keep her thoughts professional, "your collection really captured the audience. The details and craftsmanship were exceptional."

Hongjoong's smile widened, and he leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "Coming from you, that means a lot. I’ve read your articles; you have a way of bringing stories to life."

Y/N felt a blush creep up her cheeks. "Thank you. That really means a lot."

There was a moment of silence between them, filled with the buzzing energy of the crowd around them. Y/N took the opportunity to observe Hongjoong more closely. His eyes were focused, yet kind, and there was an intensity to him that was incredibly appealing. She found herself drawn to the passion that seemed to radiate from him, not just for his work, but in everything he did.

"I should let you get back to your evening," Y/N said, snapping herself out of her thoughts. "I’m sure you have a lot of people to talk to."

"Actually," Hongjoong said, glancing around, "I’ve spoken to most of them already. How about we grab a quick meal? I’d love to hear more about your thoughts on the show."

Y/N's heart skipped a beat. "That sounds great," she replied, trying to keep her excitement in check. "Let me just grab my things."

As they made their way to a nearby restaurant, Y/N couldn't shake the feeling of warmth and excitement bubbling within her. She found herself stealing glances at Hongjoong, noticing the way he held himself with a quiet confidence, yet remained approachable and genuine.

Over dinner, their conversation flowed effortlessly, touching on everything from their shared love for art and music to their aspirations and dreams. Y/N discovered that Hongjoong had a passion for storytelling, not just through his designs but also through his experiences and the way he interacted with the world around him.

With each passing moment, Y/N found herself drawn deeper into Hongjoong's world, captivated by his insights and the depth of his character. She admired his humility and the way he spoke with such sincerity about his craft and the people who inspired him.

As they laughed and shared stories, Y/N realized just how much she enjoyed being in Hongjoong's presence. There was a sense of comfort and familiarity between them, as if they had known each other for much longer than just a few days.

As the evening drew to a close, Y/N couldn't help but feel a sense of longing. She didn't want the night to end, didn't want to say goodbye to this newfound connection that felt so right.

As they stepped out into the cool night air, Hongjoong turned to her with a smile that reached his eyes. "Thank you for tonight, Y/N. I had a great time."

Y/N smiled back, her heart fluttering with anticipation. "Me too, Mr. Kim. It was... really special."

She heard Hongjoong click his tongue and playfully glare at her. "You don't work for me you know." He let out a small laugh. Y/N stared at him in question.

"What do you mean." Hongjoong's smile softened, and he shook his head gently. "I mean, you don't have to call me 'Mr. Kim' all the time. Just call me Hongjoong."

Y/N felt a rush of warmth flood her cheeks. "Oh, right. Sorry, force of habit, I guess."

"No need to apologize," Hongjoong said, his tone gentle. "I just want you to feel comfortable around me."

Y/N nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Thank you, Hongjoong. I appreciate that."

They stood there for a moment, the cool night air wrapping around them like a comforting embrace. Y/N couldn't help but feel a sense of closeness with Hongjoong, a connection that went beyond their professional interactions.

As they said their goodbyes and went their separate ways, Y/N couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted between them, something deeper and more meaningful than just a casual acquaintance.

As she made her way home, Y/N couldn't help but replay their conversation in her mind, savoring the warmth of Hongjoong's smile and the genuine kindness in his eyes. She couldn't deny the flutter of excitement in her chest as she wondered what the future held for them. But one thing was for sure – she was eager to find out.

The sunlight streamed through the windows as Y/N bustled around the apartment she'd been staying at, preparing for the evening ahead. She was buzzing with excitement, and having Wooyoung on facetime only added to the anticipation. Y/N sat on the couch with her laptop, surrounded by a cozy atmosphere of dimmed lights and soft music playing in the background. It was a much-needed moment of relaxation after the excitement of the previous night.

"So, spill the tea," Wooyoung said, wiggling his eyebrows playfully. "How was your night with Mr. Kim?"

Y/N rolled her eyes, though there was a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "It was... interesting," she replied, choosing her words carefully.

"Interesting, huh?" Wooyoung raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Do tell."

Y/N recounted the events of the evening, from Hongjoong's invitation to grab a meal to the lively conversation they had shared. She described the way Hongjoong's passion for his work shone through in every word he spoke, and the genuine connection she felt with him.

"It was just... nice," Y/N concluded, her cheeks flushing slightly. "He's a really great guy, you know?"

Wooyoung nodded thoughtfully, a knowing smile on his face. "I'm glad to hear that. And hey, maybe this could be the start of something more, huh?"

Y/N's heart skipped a beat at the thought, a mix of excitement and uncertainty swirling inside her. "I don't think so," she admitted. Wooyoung loudly tapped his screen, gaining her attention. "Hey, I was joking. Look, whatever happens, I'm here for you, okay? Just like I've always been."

Y/N couldn't help but smile at her friend's words, feeling grateful for his unwavering support. Suddenly, her phone started ringing.

"Who is it? Oh, is it Soomi? We haven't heard from her in a while?" Wooyoung asks as Y/N reaches for her phone.

"No, it's an unknown number." Y/N contemplates hitting decline, but something tells her to answer the call.

"Hi, this is Y/N L/N speaking." A familiar laugh could be heard on the other line.

"Wow, so you're just professional in all areas of life huh?" Y/N nearly drops her phone from the realization. She dramatically turns to face Wooyoung on her computer screen, who immediately takes notices and mouths 'who is it?'

"Hongjoong, Hi! What uh...What's up?" Wooyoung quickly leaps from his couch to stand, shocked by the revelation.

Hongjoong's laughter echoed through the phone, warm and familiar. "Not much, just wanted to see how you're doing after last night."

Y/N felt her cheeks flush at the memory of their evening together. "Yeah, I had a really nice time," she admitted, trying to keep her voice steady despite the butterflies in her stomach.

"Good to hear," Hongjoong replied. "I know these events can be a lot, especially for first timers. Trust me, my first one I was about to have a panic attack." Y/N heart dropped to her stomach.

"Right-" she fake laughs. "Yeah, the fashion show. That...yeah it, it was fine."

Hongjoong chuckled softly. "Well, if you ever need someone to help navigate the chaos, you know where to find me. Speaking of which, I was wondering if you'd like to grab dinner tonight? There's this new restaurant I've been wanting to try, and I thought it would be fun to go together."

Y/N's heart skipped a beat at the invitation, her mind racing with excitement and nerves. She glanced at Wooyoung, who was practically bouncing with anticipation.

"I...I'd love to," Y/N said, trying to contain her excitement. "Thank you for asking."

Hongjoong's smile was audible through the phone. "Great! I'll text you the details. Looking forward to it, Y/N."

As the call ended, Y/N couldn't help but grin from ear to ear. Wooyoung practically squealed with excitement, grabbing Y/N's hands and jumping up and down in excitement.

"This is it, Y/N! This is your fashion love story unfolding right before our eyes!" Wooyoung exclaimed, unable to contain his excitement.

Y/N laughed, feeling a surge of excitement and gratitude for her supportive friend. "I guess it is," she said, her heart brimming with anticipation for what the evening would bring.

As Y/N stepped out of the bustling restaurant, she was greeted by the sight of Hongjoong waiting for her, a genuine smile lighting up his face. The vibrant lights of the street cast a soft glow around them, adding to the enchanting atmosphere.

"Hey, I wanted to say this earlier but uh-" Hongjoong said, his voice warm and inviting. "You look absolutely stunning tonight."

Y/N felt her cheeks flush at his compliment, a shy smile gracing her lips. "Thank you, Hongjoong," she replied, feeling a flutter of excitement in her chest. "You look pretty amazing yourself."

Hongjoong chuckled, a twinkle of amusement in his eyes. "Thanks, but I think you might be biased."

They fell into step beside each other as they walked away from the venue, the energy of the night still buzzing around them. Y/N couldn't help but steal glances at Hongjoong, admiring the way he carried himself with grace.

As they chatted about the show and their shared experiences, Y/N found herself drawn to Hongjoong's presence more and more. There was something about him that felt familiar yet exhilarating, like finding a piece of herself she never knew was missing.

By the time they reached Y/N's car, she was reluctant to say goodbye. Hongjoong's kindness and charm had left a lasting impression on her, igniting a spark of curiosity and admiration.

"Thank you for tonight, Hongjoong," Y/N said, her voice soft with sincerity. "I had a really wonderful time."

Hongjoong smiled warmly, his gaze lingering on her. "The pleasure was all mine, Y/N," he replied, his voice filled with warmth. "I hope we can do this again sometime." Y/N showed him a soft smile before turning to her car, ready to open the door before Hongjoong gently moved her shoulder so they could face each other.

"Do you work tomorrow? For the article I mean?" Y/N turned back to face Hongjoong, a small smile playing on her lips. "No, I think they're having someone else cover the next two days so I don't get overwhelmed. Why?"

"I was wondering if you would like to accompany me to the show. All of my designs have been showcased, but I would like to see every one else's. I know fashion isn't your forte but, maybe.....I could change your mind about it." Y/N's heart skipped a beat at Hongjoong's invitation. The idea of spending more time with him, exploring something new together, filled her with excitement.

"I'd love to," she replied, a smile spreading across her face. "It would be a great opportunity to learn more about the industry, especially with such a knowledgeable guide."

Hongjoong's smile widened, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "Great! I'll pick you up tomorrow afternoon, then. We can grab a bite to eat before heading to the show."

As they exchanged goodbyes once more, Y/N felt a rush of anticipation. She couldn't wait to see what the day would bring, eager to spend more time with Hongjoong. Once in her car, she immediately calls Wooyoung, knowing he'll freak out with her.

"Damn, you guys were out late. So, when's the wedding?" Y/N chuckled at Wooyoung's playful jab. "Very funny. But seriously, you won't believe what happened."

"Oh, spill it already!" Wooyoung's excitement was palpable through the phone.

"Hongjoong asked me to accompany him to another fashion show tomorrow!" Y/N exclaimed, unable to contain her excitement.

"No way! That's huge!" Wooyoung replied, his voice filled with genuine enthusiasm. "Looks like you're really making an impression on him."

Y/N felt a rush of happiness at her friend's words. "Yeah, it's been... really amazing."

"I'm happy for you, Y/N. This could be the start of something big," Wooyoung said, his tone sincere.

"Thanks, Woo. I'll keep you posted on how it goes tomorrow," Y/N promised, feeling grateful for her friend's unwavering support.

"Can't wait to hear all about it. Now, go get some rest. You've got a big day ahead of you!"

With a smile on her face, Y/N ended the call, feeling a sense of excitement and anticipation for what the next day would bring.

fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck. What the hell am I going to wear. Y/N assumed at this point she had pulled everything out of her closet. Sure, she had planned outfits for attending fashion week, however what she didn't plan was for Kim freaking Hongjoong to ask her to attend with him. Maybe she could just wear what she had originally planned, but would that be enough?

Y/N paced back and forth in her bedroom, her mind racing with a million thoughts. She had spent hours going through her wardrobe, trying on different outfits in a desperate attempt to find the perfect one for the fashion show with Hongjoong. But nothing seemed to feel right.

"Okay, calm down, Y/N," she muttered to herself, trying to quell the rising panic. "You've got this."

Taking a deep breath, Y/N forced herself to sit down on the edge of her bed, her eyes scanning the array of clothes strewn across the room. Suddenly, her gaze landed on a simple yet elegant dress hanging in the corner of her closet.

She hesitated for a moment, wondering if it was too understated for such a glamorous event. But then she remembered Hongjoong's warm smile and kind eyes, and she knew that it wasn't about the dress – it was about being herself.

With newfound determination, Y/N reached for the dress and slipped it on, feeling a sense of confidence wash over her. It may not have been the most extravagant outfit, but it felt right, like a reflection of who she truly was.

As she admired her reflection in the mirror, Y/N couldn't help but smile. Just then, she received a text message.

Joong Just curious, what's your favorite color?

Y/N's heart skipped a beat as she read the message from Hongjoong. A small smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she typed out her response.

Y/N Green, definitely Green. What about you?

She pressed send, her pulse quickening with anticipation. This simple exchange felt like the beginning of something new, something exciting. And as she waited for Hongjoong's reply, she couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement bubbling inside her.

Joong Probably red, or yellow. I kind of go back and forth.

Y/N couldn't help but smile at Hongjoong's response. It was endearing to learn a bit more about his preferences, and she found herself feeling even more drawn to him.

Y/N Red and yellow, huh? That's interesting. They're both such vibrant colors.

She hit send, her mind already racing with thoughts of their upcoming day together at the fashion show. This unexpected connection with Hongjoong was sparking something inside her, something she couldn't quite put into words. But one thing was for sure – she was excited to see where it would lead. Her mind wandered to the moments they had shared so far. From their conversations to their time spent together, she couldn't deny the growing connection between them. It was a feeling she hadn't experienced in a long time, and it both excited and scared her.

Her phone buzzed, snapping her out of her thoughts. It was a message from Hongjoong.

Joong Yeah, they are. They have their own energy, you know? So, are you ready for today? I should be leaving in about 2 hours to head your way.

Y/N's heart skipped a beat as she read Hongjoong's message. The anticipation of spending the day with him at the fashion show sent a thrill through her. She quickly composed her response, her fingers dancing over the screen.

Y/N I'm definitely ready! Can't wait to see all the amazing designs and spend the day with you. Let me know when you're on your way, and I'll be ready.

With a satisfied smile, Y/N hit send, feeling a rush of excitement coursing through her veins. Today was going to be something special, and she couldn't wait to see where it would take them.

.....shit, she still needed to get ready.

Y/N's heart fluttered with excitement as she heard a knock on her door, signaling Hongjoong's arrival. With a quick glance in the mirror to ensure she looked presentable, she hurried to answer it.

Opening the door, she was met with the sight of Hongjoong standing there, looking effortlessly stylish as always. His warm smile greeted her, sending a wave of warmth through her.

"Hey, Y/N," he said, his voice soft yet filled with energy. "Ready to go?"

Y/N returned his smile, feeling a surge of excitement as she stepped out to join him. "Definitely," she replied, her voice tinged with anticipation. "Let's do this." Hongjoong stepped out of the way so Y/N could lock her door and they both started heading towards the car. It was a simple black car, not anything extravagant like she had anticipated. Hongjoong reached to open the passenger door, and before she got in, she noticed the bouquet of flowers sitting on the seat.

"Oh my gosh." She reached down to pick them up, they were beautiful white roses with a light green tissue paper wrapped around the stems. Along with the wrapped tissue, a green ribbon was tied around them as well.

"Hongjoong, you shouldn't have." Hongjoong chuckled softly, his eyes sparkling with warmth as he watched Y/N admire the bouquet. "I wanted to do something special," he said, his voice filled with sincerity. "Consider it a small token of appreciation for your company today."

Y/N felt her cheeks flush with color at his thoughtful gesture. "Thank you," she replied, her voice filled with genuine gratitude. "They're beautiful."

As she carefully arranged the bouquet in her lap, she couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth and affection towards Hongjoong. It was moments like these that made her realize just how much she enjoyed his company.

With a smile, she settled into the passenger seat, the scent of the flowers filling the air around her. As Hongjoong started the car and they began their journey to the fashion show, Y/N couldn't shake the feeling that this day was going to be something truly special.

As they drove through the bustling streets, Y/N couldn't help but steal glances at Hongjoong, admiring the way he effortlessly navigated through the traffic with ease. His focused expression spoke volumes about his determination and drive, qualities that she found incredibly admirable.

"So, what are you most excited to see at the show today?" Y/N asked, breaking the comfortable silence between them.

She saw Hongjoong think for a moment, his mind drifting to the array of designers and collections they were about to witness. "Honestly, I'm excited to see the diversity and creativity on display," he replied, his voice tinged with anticipation. "Fashion has this incredible ability to tell stories and evoke emotions."

Y/N nodded in agreement, a thoughtful expression on her face. "I couldn't agree more," she said. "Each designer brings their own unique perspective and vision to the table, and it's always fascinating to see how it all comes together on the runway."

Hongjoong smiled, his eyes bright with enthusiasm. "Exactly. It's like witnessing art in motion."

As they continued their conversation, Y/N felt a sense of comfort wash over her. There was something about being with Hongjoong that felt easy and natural, like they had known each other for much longer than they actually had.

Before long, they arrived at the venue, greeted by the bustling energy of the fashion show. Y/N's excitement grew with each step they took towards the entrance, eager to immerse herself in the world of haute couture. She watched as paparazzi crowded the front entrance, only now realizing she would be captured with him. A sudden fear overcame her, she quickly reached for Hongjoong's hand after he turned off the car.

"Wait-" Hongjoong looked at her, putting his hand back down from where it was on the car doors handle. "Everything ok?"

"When we step out, you're going to be bombarded with questions. Especially with me right next to you." Hongjoong could see the anxiety filling her features, a soft smile played on his lips. "Y/N..."

"You know what, why don't you go ahead. I'll just park the car somewhere in the garage and meet you inside, ok? Ok, sounds great."

"Y/N, " Hongjoong removed her hand from his and gently held her face. "listen to me." Hongjoong's touch was gentle yet firm, his gaze unwavering as he met Y/N's eyes. "You don't have to worry about a thing," he said, his voice filled with reassurance. "I'll be right by your side every step of the way."

"I'm not worried about me, I'm worried about you. Your image." Hongjoong's expression softened at Y/N's words, a small smile playing on his lips. "My image?" he echoed, his tone curious.

Y/N nodded, her eyes searching his. "You're a public figure, Hongjoong. You have a reputation to uphold, and being seen with someone like me might not be the best thing for you."

Hongjoong's smile grew, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. "Y/N, you're not just 'someone like me'," he said, his voice earnest. "You're someone I genuinely enjoy spending time with, someone who I feel brings out the best in me."

Y/N's heart skipped a beat at his words, a warmth spreading through her chest. "But-"

Hongjoong gently placed a finger against her lips, silencing her. "No buts," he said, his gaze unwavering. "I make my own choices, and being with you is one of them. So trust me when I say, my image is just fine."

Y/N felt a wave of gratitude wash over her, touched by Hongjoong's unwavering support. With a smile, she leaned into his touch, feeling a sense of comfort in his presence. "Thank you, Hongjoong," she whispered, her voice filled with emotion.

He returned her smile, his eyes soft with affection. "Anytime, Y/N. Now let's go show them what we're made of."

Hand in hand, they stepped into the world of fashion, ready to face whatever challenges came their way, together. As Hongjoong and Y/N stepped out of the car and made their way towards the entrance of the venue, they were immediately met with a flurry of flashing cameras and eager reporters.

"Hongjoong, who's the lucky lady you've brought with you tonight?" one of the reporters called out, his voice loud and persistent.

Y/N felt a surge of anxiety at the attention, but Hongjoong remained calm, his grip on her hand steady and reassuring. He turned to face the reporter with a smile, his demeanor composed yet friendly.

"This is Y/N, a dear friend," he replied, his voice carrying over the noise of the crowd. "She's here to experience the magic of fashion with me."

The reporters continued to fire questions at them, but Hongjoong skillfully deflected each one with ease, never once faltering under the pressure. Y/N couldn't help but admire his poise and grace in the face of such scrutiny.

As they finally made their way inside the venue, the chaos of the paparazzi faded into the background, replaced by the excitement and anticipation of the fashion show. Y/N glanced up at Hongjoong, gratitude shining in her eyes.

"Thank you for handling that," she said, her voice filled with sincerity.

Hongjoong smiled warmly, squeezing her hand gently. "Anytime. We're in this together."

With renewed confidence, they entered the venue, ready to enjoy the show and make memories together, no matter what challenges they might face along the way. Throughout the event, Hongjoong and Y/N stuck close together, weaving through the crowd as they admired the various displays and interacted with fellow attendees. Despite the occasional interruption from well-wishers and admirers, they remained focused on each other, their connection growing stronger with each passing moment.

Y/N couldn't help but be drawn to Hongjoong's passion for fashion, his eyes lighting up as he discussed the intricate details of each design and the creative vision behind them. His enthusiasm was contagious, and she found herself becoming more and more engrossed in the world of haute couture.

Throughout the event, Hongjoong's presence was a constant source of comfort and support for Y/N, his reassuring smile and encouraging words helping to calm her nerves and boost her confidence. Whether they were chatting with other guests, admiring the latest collections, or simply enjoying each other's company, their interactions were filled with warmth, laughter, and a growing sense of camaraderie.

As the night drew to a close and the last echoes of applause faded away, Hongjoong and Y/N found themselves outside the venue once more, the vibrant energy of the fashion show still lingering in the air around them.

With a contented sigh, Y/N turned to Hongjoong, a soft smile playing on her lips. "Thank you for inviting me to the show," she said, her voice filled with genuine gratitude. "I had an incredible time."

Hongjoong returned her smile, his eyes sparkling with warmth. "The pleasure was all mine," he replied, his voice soft yet filled with sincerity. "I'm glad you could join me. It wouldn't have been the same without you."

As they stood there, bathed in the soft glow of the streetlights, a sense of peace settled over them, their shared experiences and moments of connection weaving a bond between them that felt both comforting and exhilarating.

A few months later, the chill of autumn had settled over the city, bringing with it the vibrant colors of changing leaves and the crisp, invigorating air that heralded the approach of winter. Y/N found herself standing outside a cozy café, feeling a mixture of annoyance and impatience. She tapped her foot, glancing at her watch repeatedly as the minutes ticked by. Finally, with a sigh of frustration, she decided she had waited long enough. She turned on her heel and left the café, heading across the street.

Y/N walked with purpose, the path she took now ingrained in her memory from frequent visits over the past few months. After crossing the street and walking a few blocks, she took a left and entered one of the many tall buildings that adorned the strip. The lobby was bustling with activity, but Y/N moved through it with the confidence of someone who belonged.

Removing her sunglasses as she approached the elevators, she was momentarily stopped by Jisoo, a new employee at the building's reception desk. "Excuse me, Ma'am, you need to check.....oh," Jisoo's eyes widened with recognition. "My apologies, Miss L/N."

Y/N gave a curt nod and continued her route to the elevators. Once inside, she pressed the button for the floor she needed and leaned back against the wall, taking a deep breath to steady her nerves.

When the elevator doors opened, Y/N stepped out and walked down the hallway until she reached the familiar office door. Without hesitation, she knocked and waited for the response from within.

"Come in," called the voice from the other side.

Y/N entered the office, her eyes immediately finding Hongjoong behind his desk. He was currently on a call, his empty hand fiddling with a pen absentmindedly. When he looked up, a smile spreading across his face as he saw her. "Look why don't we discuss this later, I have an important client that just walked in..........Ok great, yeah just send me an email about it when you can." Hongjoong quickly hung up and walked towards her.

"Hey sweetheart," He leaned in to give her a kiss on the cheek, but she moved her face to dodge it. Hongjoong paused, noticing the tension in Y/N's expression. "What's wrong?" he asked, concern evident in his voice.

Y/N crossed her arms, trying to keep her irritation in check. "You were supposed to meet me at the café. I waited for over half an hour."

Hongjoong's face softened with guilt. "I'm so sorry, Y/N. I got caught up in a meeting and completely lost track of time."

She sighed, her frustration still simmering. "It's not just today, Hongjoong. You've been so busy lately that I feel like I'm always waiting around for you."

Hongjoong reached out gently taking her hand, laying a kiss to the back of them. "I know, and I promise I'm not trying to neglect you. Work has just been overwhelming, but that's no excuse. I'll do better, I swear."

Y/N looked into his eyes, seeing the sincerity there. Her irritation began to ebb away, replaced by a mix of relief and lingering disappointment. "I just want to feel like a priority sometimes."

Hongjoong nodded, squeezing her hand gently. "You are a priority to me, Y/N. I'll make sure you know that from now on. How about we go out for lunch? Just the two of us. No interruptions. No Mr. Kim no Ms. Journalist, just Y/N and Hongjoong."

Y/N hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Okay. But you have to promise that work won't come first all the time."

"I promise," Hongjoong said firmly. "Now, let's go. I've been craving that little Italian place you like."

They left the office together, walking side by side as they made their way out of the building. The crisp autumn air greeted them, and Y/N felt some of the tension in her chest ease as they stepped into the street.

As they walked, Hongjoong slipped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. "I really am sorry," he murmured. "I'll make it up to you."

Y/N leaned into him, appreciating the gesture. "I'll hold you to that," she said, a small smile tugging at her lips.

next story coming soon......

Thank you guys for enjoying the series, it means a lot to see so many people like the posts. If you want to join the taglist, please let me know.

Taglist: @scarfac3 @bts-army380 @ssrnghwa @philijack @laurenwidjaja

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buckevantommy · 4 months ago

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https://www.tumblr.com/buckevantommy/757878657756872704/btw-i-dont-think-we-need-to-worry-about-buck-and

Agree 100%. But, to further expand that, and going outside the world of the show.

From a GA perspective, or the audience full stop, how many partners are we willing to watch before we lose interest? By this I mean - if the writers are spending screen time / several episodes introducing a new character and a new relationship, usually we get invested. And when that person disappears, it can be frustrating, and the introduction of a new person (thus the start of the cycle again), can feel a bit tiring. Every time they need to find something that makes the audience go: okay, it’s worth for me to care about this character.

Buck’s case is a bit particular, because his relationships haven’t been all that well received (until now). Either it was an ‘okay’ situation, without much interest, or an okay reception but controversial at times (for me, Taylor - I do think the GA was okay with her, but ultimately the couple was not good). Tommy has been imo the first relationship that truly has brought in lots of positive and good reviews and a good investment of attention from fans and even GA. Tommy’s clips in any social media are usually the ones with most views, and in things like IG it goes to talk about the GA more than a focused fandom.

This to say - if Buck was to break up with Tommy, I think a lot of the audience would be frustrated or even grow bored of the constant change of partners. Even, they would be less receptive to a future new partner, because if Tommy (so well received) is gone, who would even stay?

Not to say this means Tommy is Buck’s endgame, because no one knows. But at some point the constant change of partners gets old, and we know Tim agrees when he expressed wanting to get Buck off the hamster wheel (something Oliver agreed on), and Tommy is a really strong character to have Buck settle with.

Long story short: not only from a SL perspective, but Bucktommy being long lasting makes sense for the overall image of the show.

You're absolutely right nonny.

bc if we think about bucktommy in terms of it being Buck's relationship aka. a main character's relationship, enough is enough on dragging him from illfit to illfit - that guy deserves to be settled, at ease in himself, as Bobby once told him, and we've already seen Tommy help make that happen for him.

and if we look back at Buck's relationship history: we're 7 years into poor matches for a guy who has always wanted to love and be loved - and Tommy can be that for him! he has been that for him so far and could so easily fit into the narrative as Buck's significant other moving forward indefinitely. Tommy already feels like the missing piece to Buck's story the same way Karen was for Hen and Maddie was for Chim and Athena was for Bobby - and he's a fleshed out character in his own right just as those partners are.

enough screwing around with Buck's relationships. sometimes it feels like just bc he started out as a fuckboy he somehow doesn't deserve a stable, healthy, loving relationship, like the narrative is going out of its way to ruin any chance he has at that for the sake of drama (but again: none of his previous partners were the right match for him).

i'm going to mention dear dean winchester again bc he has so much in common with Buck, and these kinds of characters (male, strong, macho, attractive, swagger, charming, sexually active, presumably bisexual) always cycle through relationships that never pan out - bc they're not the right fit, but moreover bc these partners seem written in just to be eventually written out, there to help the main character's plot along, aid in some personal growth and add drama, maybe attract more viewership for those interested in seeing more (temporary) female characters.

but it is.. *sigh* tiresome, indeed. let Buck have a stable partner - like Hen, and Chim, and Bobby do - and let their relationship be woven into the narrative to create a richer tapestry like those other pairings do. that is so much more satisfying in terms of storytelling and character growth, than trying to insert drama snags that threaten to unravel things. you can still have drama with committed pairings - every other committed pairing in the show is proof of that.

and if we take off the shipper googles: Tommy is good as Buck's partner, he makes sense, and he has great potential in the longrun both as Buck's boyfriend/husband and as his own character within the wider narrative of the show. he's a natural fit, but he's also entertaining and he has history with most of the main characters already.

i really do see Tommy as Buck's endgame btw, bc they work so well together as a pairing but also as independant characters. BUT i wouldn't be mad about them breaking up/taking a break (as i mentioned in that post: uncertainty about having kids; a potential permanent job position out of state) and then come back together stronger for it. we saw it happen with Henren (but i don't want to see cheating with our boys bc it doesn't fit who they are) so we know if they do breakup it doesn't have to be permanent - and i actually would love the mirror to Buck's first serious relationship where Abby leaves him - only Tommy comes back to him.

#asks #evantommy #bucktommy #.txt #911 abc

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fizzbot · 5 months ago

Text

APOLOGY TOUR SPOILERS / HELLUVA BOSS CRITICAL POST

(please just dont read if youre a fan/are gonna be annoying in my tags/replies)

i LOVE verosika. i was super excited to see an episode all about her. she has EVERY right to be mad at blitz, and i do enjoy seeing things from the perspective of his victims. BUT.....i was really disappointed in her portrayal in apology tour. MOSTLY just because i was dissapointed in stolas portrayal in apology tour, and think this ep wouldve been better if it was more about BLITZ instead. rant under the cut

im not gonna give the whole rant about how annoying it is that stolas is constantly woobified, because 100 critical blogs have done it much more gracefully than i ever could. but it is just SO dissapointing to watch a man that couldve been SUCH a compelling villain be the ONLY one who is EVER sympathized with in the show. we are supposed to feel bad for him and believe that both sides are wrong in the stolitz situation, when stolas' crimes are SO MUCH WORSE than all of blitzs bad deeds combined. he co-erced blitz into a sex contract as the only means of doing his job, and then made HIM feel guilty for not falling n love with him during it. the 'both sides are in the wrong' comment gets particularly frustrating when the show has, tme and time again, only let stolas be the one with support. blitz is made to look unreasonable, no matter how right he is. and, in this instance, stolas is the one getting invited to this party to celebrate being ""wronged"" by blitz.

back to verosika. especially now that the episode is out, i am even more firmly on her side. the fact that blitz broke up with HER because things were getting too serious is interesting (albiet not as interesting as i think it couldve been but thats a rant for another post). im not saying she should forgive blitz, but i do struggle to fully agree with her because of how she treated stolas in the episode. she is the first to comfort him, the first to try and encourage him to shit-talk blitz, etc etc and i just dont understand.....why?

ive already had problems with her character since the sexual assault ""joke"" from spring broken, but this also really left a bad taste in my mouth. i totally understand her desire to party and sympathize with other people who were harmed by blitz, but its frustrating that stolas was invited to be among them. stolas, the man who is very much NOT THE VICTIM in his relationship with blitz. this is more the fault of the writers than verosika herself, but it is SO FRUSTRATING that she gave him the spotlight and is trying to help him heal from a situation that is ENTIRELY HIS FAULT. stolas didnt just hurt blitzs feelings, he sexually coerced and abused him. of all people, shouldnt verosika understand how terrible that can be? the kind of hurt that can do to a person? im not saying that this terrible relationship FORGIVES blitz's wrongdoings, but you shouldnt be giving his fucking abuser a stage and a microphone to talk shit about his victim. this becomes so much more insidious to me with the conversation she has with blitz on the balcony, later. this was actually a pretty good scene imo but it could certainly be better.

this is much more opinionated and i wouldnt be surprised if even the critical community isnt with me on this one, but i long for an alternate verson of this episode thats focused on verosika being on blitz's side, instead. its been over 5 years since they dated, and even though she is still allowed to be mad, it would be nice to see that shes moved on. maybe give her a new partner like barbie wire and let her throw these parties just so she can look back and laugh and help blitz's other victims heal in the same way that she has. not to bring up an also not-great show, but in rick and morty, we see a relationship between rick and one of his ex-partners named unity. they were really terrible for each other, enabling bad/unhealthy behaviors, generally being awful. their break-up was messy, but in recent seasons, we see unity coming back, upon hearing that rick was doing something self-destructive. they worried about him, because a part of them still cared, as much as they were hurt by his actions. i would have LOVED to see a similar thing with blitz and verosika, where verosika finds out about the relationship blitz is trapped in/just got out of. i think it would be SO MUCH MORE naratively interesting, for her to be supportive of his little apology tour, and maybe even inviting HIM to the "blitzo sucks" party. not everyone (or anyone) needs to forgive him; in fact, i think coming to this party would give him perspective. his relationship with stolas has hurt him so badly, he can finally step back and understand the harm that he did to all these people. the apologies that he gave, as he admits in the episode, were shallow. but i think framing stolas as the toxic one would be better in helping him realize that he has done wrong more than what the show is currently doing. and maybe some people at the party WILL forgive him. maybe he can apologize on the stage, and some people will empathize with his situation and believe that the apology is genuine, because hes finally had to be on the other end of his own hurt. and maybe THAT would be the first step in helping blitz realize that maybe he isnt completely unlovable, because there are people who cared about him enough to be THIS DEVASTATED upon getting their heart broken by him. a conversation with verosika about what he did to her would hit so much harder after this, imo

anyway. im sorry if this is completely incoherent/a bad point. i was just thinking about it and i am so sick of everyone being a stolas apologist </3

#helluva boss critical #helluva boss critique #helluva boss criticism #vivziepop critical #anti-vivziepop #anti-helluva boss #hb #critical #hellaverse critical #anti-stolitz #anti-stolas #stolas critical #stolitz critical #anyway. i have more problems with this episode but i didnt outright hate it in the way i did full moon #it was actually kinda fun to watch!!! i hated the MESSAGE of st*las' song but it was pretty and catchy i suppose #ver*sika was absolutely gorgeous as per usual #ALSO STRIKER MENTION RAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!#id love to hear the critical communities thoughts on this but if youre a fan and are just gonna argue i dont wanna hear it. lol #i will simply block you and delete it

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911lsbts · 4 months ago

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Rob, you recently wrapped production on the fifth — and potentially final — season of “9-1-1: Lone Star,” which will kick off with a three-episode train derailment. What else can we expect from the new season?

Rob: We all went into it pretty much knowing that it was going to be the last season, so that affected everything we did. We wanted to really show everybody what is still possible in network television if people have the appetite to do it. It feels like it’s probably the end of an era of a certain type — well, it doesn’t feel like it. It is the end of an era of a certain type of show we once had an opportunity to make, and I think they’re great. We wanted to go out making our case for the value of shows like that, and I think we did a really good job. The stories that we were able to tell on a weekly basis in terms of the scope and scale — that’s probably the thing I’m the most proud of. They were truly like mini-movies every week.

One of the most common critiques of “Lone Star,” since its premiere in 2020, has been the way that the show has consistently underused minority characters in order to center your character, Owen. Rob, you’re an executive producer in addition to the star. John Owen, you were a writer for the first three seasons. How would you both respond to that criticism? Was that ever a concern when you were writing or producing the show?

John Owen: [Deadpans] I can tell you confidently, it was never a concern of Rob’s.

But no, I think, look, everyone’s always going to have a take on what it must be like internally, creatively, and usually, it’s not 100% percent accurate. And in this case, it’s not accurate at all. I was there when we were blue-skying Season 1 — and I want to preface this by saying I was starting out as a very green, new writer and learned from some of the best. It was such a fun experience for me. Owen was always the central piece of the show. He was one of the mediums through which we got to tell stories about the other characters and built them out into such lovable characters that people got frustrated, maybe, when they didn’t have as much screen time.

I remember my first episode that I wrote, being so excited to tell the first story that really featured Mateo [played by Julian Works]. He and Marjan [Natacha Karam] have this beautiful storyline where she’s helping him study, and I think that was one of the first times we learned Julian was a throwdown actor. And then we were like, “Great, let’s write to him.” So I know, at least from the room’s perspective, we were learning strengths and then started leaning into them. I think in any case where a show has a strong ensemble, people always are going to be frustrated with maybe not seeing as much of their favorite characters as they’d like — and I think that’s a good thing. You always want to leave people wanting more.

Rob: I think when [creators] Ryan [Murphy], [Brad] Falchuk and Tim Minear came to me, they were very clear about what they wanted to accomplish with the show. They imagined a show centered around the only survivor of a terrible tragedy in 9/11 and him rebuilding a firehouse, but also rebuilding his family. And in terms of playing time, I think that they did a really good job.

I don’t think there is another show on television with as diverse a cast as we had, telling the kind of diverse stories that we did. Owen was there as a way to tell those kinds of stories and I’m really proud of how we were able to do it.

#911 lone star #here is just a few question from robs interview about lone star #rob lowe #john owen lowe #s5 #article

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mattivoda · 1 year ago

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This post isn’t targeted towards this person in particular but I see this same sort of tiktok come up on my timeline every couple of months and it feels me with a very specific RAGE because of how wrong it is about the core message of this show.

For those who don’t know, the music from the TikTok comes from the musical The Last Five Years, made by Jason Robert Brown. It originally opened in Chicago in 2001, then making its way to Broadway in 2002 after great reviews from critics and audiences.

the elevator pitch of the show is simple; a writer exploding with success (Jamie) and a struggling actress (Kathy) and the rise and fall of their marriage.

Normally this would be a pretty basic musical, right? However the true genius comes from one key part of its storytelling: the order at which the story is shown to you.

Jamie performs his side of the story in chronological order, from the start of the relationship ending with their divorce. Kathy, however, tells her story flipped; starting with their divorce and ending when Kathy first meets Jamie.

The two actors almost never interact on-stage, singing solo songs for every single song except for the act one ending song The Next Ten Minutes, where Jamie proposes and the two marry.

Now you might be asking: why is this important to the story? and which character was supposed to be the “bad guy” in the marriage?

If you delve into the story and look at the way the story depicts both characters’ perspectives on what happened then an obvious fact becomes clear:

Jamie is an asshole and was the main problem in the marriage. You aren’t, and never were supposed to side with him.

Throughout the show, Jamie is shown to be obsessed with his own fame, gloating about how he seems to only be able to exponentially succeed in his writing. His obsession makes him blind to the struggles of his wife, even going as far as deluding himself into thinking his wife’s struggles is simply her being jealous of his success. By the end of the show, Jamie cheats on Kathy and proceeds to blame her for not allowing him privacy.

THAT’S why the storytelling of The Last Five Years is so compelling. By only showing these characters seperate from each other, it forces us to become familiar with Jamie and Kathy as individuals rather than a couple. It allows us to see Jamie’s douchebaggery up-close and personal, with the entire first act highlighting this glaring detail and allowing us to see the consequences of this as his marriage devolve in the second act. Just the simple fact that Jamie’s story is chronological creates a beautiful dichotomy between Kathy’s frustrations, sadness and abandonment and Jamie’s cocky, happy-go-lucky success story.

Before I finish writing this and go to bed, i’d like to say I don’t blame those who hold this view for thinking this about The Last Five Years for one reason only; the only way they got to see it was the movie version.

the film adaption of The Last Five Years (2014) decided that the reason the musical worked was because “interesting timeline go brrr” and decided to keep the original timeline, but instead had both characters constantly interacting.

Instead of having this abstract deconstruction of these two characters, with both Kathy and Jamie monologuing their personal thoughts and emotions separately, they mash together and create this weird, realistic depiction of a breakup. The performances from Anna Kendrick and Jeremy Jordan were amazing, don’t get me wrong, but these choices in the adaption rip the emotion and soul out of its inspiration and sell the corpse for $20 a viewing.

Jamie and Kathy’s marriage is a cautionary tale about what happens when you don’t listen and understand your partner. It is not a desperate attempt of a composer to appear in the right about his marriage and it shouldn’t be a sloppy retelling of a failed marriage with a quirky form of storytelling. Please please PLEASE if you agree with this original TikTok’s message just know you are so UNBELIEVABLY wrong.

tldr; you are not supposed to side with Jamie!!!! he is in the wrong!!!! that’s the whole point of the musical!!!!! don’t watch the movie it sucks and is innacurate!!!!!!! RAHHHHHHHHHHHH

#musicals #broadway #the last five years #anna kendrick #jeremy jordan #jason robert brown #music #theatre #art #essay #relationships #marriage #divorcedlife

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ambrosialdesire · 1 year ago

Text

down boy, down

18+ DARK CONTENT BELOW, MINORS + BLANK BLOGS DNI

pairing: gorou x fem!reader word count: 6.5k warnings + tags: general yandere and obsessive themes, explicit sexual content, unhealthy relationships, kinda pwp, slight misogyny, dubcon, edging, male masturbation, heat (rut), knotting, breeding, innocent virgin (for now) & pervert gorou, mentions of panty stealing, brief sub gorou (he's just insanely horny), begging, degradation sorta, religious guilt implications, power imbalance/abuse of power, corruption (kinda, it's just yae miko is just nudging him), all characters are 18+ synopsis: generals are supposed to be the prime example of rigorous restraint and complete self-discipline, but this doggy general can't control himself when your presence is around. gorou feel like he's losing his mind with the way his thoughts only contain the need to completely breed you and it's getting worse as time goes on. a/n: yes i can write something else besides aot lolol some terms are not officially in-game (mostly the military terminologies) and some parts of the lore i sorta forgot because its been so long since i played inazuma's story. i tried as best as i could to fill in. there's not a lot of yandere gorou so i wanted to try my hand at it. this is technically my first smut fic in a while so apologies in advanced if it's bad (i'm terrible at dirty talk cause it's so awkward to write lol). in my mind, he has scars, muscles (but not super super defined ones), and is slightly taller than his in-game model. i wanted to try and write in the guy's perspective cause it may or may not be a practice for some incoming fics hehe enjoy!! note: please keep in mind of the tags above and do not proceed if triggering or uncomfortable, especially if you are a minor!! do not read my or any other writers' dark content if you are underaged. this is a fictional work and does not reflect irl morals, do not believe this is how a real romance works or functions.

─── ･｡ﾟ☆: .☽ . :☆ﾟ.───

For Archons' sake, Gorou's a general.

Someone who has the respect of all that he swore to protect. He's the supposed "top-dog" soldier of Watatsumi Island. He built his reputation from the ground up, spent years upon years training himself to be the best soldier on the island. He's the number one supporter of Sangonomiya Kokomi, the Divine Priestess who entrusted him with leading her army safely through the throes of this terrible war. He's been told he was a humble leader, a man of sincere righteousness, a good person.

Internally, he knew that everyone had it all wrong about him.

They don't know that this man, this soldier, had become a disgusting degenerate of an animal.

Sick, sick thoughts filled his mind when the nights grew quiet and the bonfires outside had soon slowly burned out. The innate want — no, need — to breed, consistently grew stronger with each passing night; it was a genetic predisposition that he felt like he had been cursed with. If he thought about it for too long, he could feel himself harden and strain against the restraints of his garments. He'd get himself to the point where he'd slowly palm himself, his body growing warm and his breathing quickening, but he'd never finish. It was frustrating from the way he'd get oh so close but he just couldn't cum, no matter how much his cock was twitching or how much his tip was leaking out precum.

It was too shameful, too scandalous.

Gorou wasn't always like this. For the longest time, his urges had always been easy to control. His mind had always been focused on battle positioning plans and extreme training regimes, anything to get the upper hand against the Tenryou Commission. It was like everything in him was suddenly rewired the day you joined the ranks.

Usually it was not his place to oversee newcomers, the lower ranked captains were assigned for that position. However, Her Excellency wanted him to train this group of newbies this time around. She told him that it was the utmost emergency, resources and people were running low and she needed time to gather more support. Gorou would never refuse her request so he obeyed her command, preparing himself with speeches and strategies.

Very few people were willing to go up against the Shogunate and her powerful army; he was the one that had to inspire them and ensure that their minds were set for fighting for what was right. They had to fight, not only for the island but for the people who were currently being persecuted in the Inazuma mainland.

As he approached the training area while reading over the speech, he stopped dead in his tracks. A light scent, almost a sweet floral, lingered in the air. It was a complete contrast against the sweat and dirt so he followed after it, his eyes finally landing on you.

You were sparring with one of the other newbies, pinning him to the ground while laughing. You held your own well, the man was twice your size and there he laid in a dazed confusion. His tail fluffed up as he watched you get up and stretch, the disheveled training uniform pulling up and revealing the smooth skin of your stomach.

He felt himself swallow nervously as you noticed his presence, your body stiffening and going into the position of standing at attention. You were the only one to do so, the others scrambling to copy your actions as they finally realized he was watching them.

It was rare to see women in Watatsumi Island or in the village, much less so his age. Most of them either were dedicated shrine maidens, women who were already happily married, or the elderly taking care of their grandchildren while their parents worked outside of the island. To see you was quite a surprise, especially since the other trainees that surrounded you were all men. There was a small handful of resistance soldiers that were the opposite sex, all working alongside Her Excellency as her advisors.

Gorou had to regain his thoughts, trying to shake out your smell out of his head. He began to speak, slowly pacing back and forth as he recited the whole trainee speech in verbatim, finally turning towards them and saluting a dismissal. The crowd saluted in return, soon dispersing to carry out other assigned duties and he opened his communication box to send back a message to Kokomi when all of the sudden, he felt a tap on his shoulder.

It was the flower-smelling soldier, you. He tried not to stare at you while he was talking but your scent was so enticingly distracting, he couldn't help but take a few glances. You were even prettier up close, the particular aroma was even stronger as you stood in front of him.

"General Gorou sir." You saluted quickly, your posture unwavering. You positioned quite well for a starting soldier, color him impressed.

"At ease. Do you need anything—?" He didn't know your name yet, lightly trailing off. You seemed to catch on with his hesitancy, perking up immediately.

"L/N. Private Y/N L/N. And yes General sir, I would like to ask when will we be doing weapon and hand-to-hand combat training."

"In a few weeks. The skills that we will be teaching this week is all physical activity training. It's quite necessary. It would be pretty embarrassing running down the battlefield and falling just because your body can't hold up the armor." He heard you snort, your hands going over your mouth almost immediately. His face grew warm as he stared at you with wide eyes, your gaze casting itself to the ground.

"Sorry General sir, I couldn't help but laugh."

Gorou's tail started wagging, his hand immediately catching it before it could move any noticeably faster. With his other hand, he placed it on your shoulder and smiled.

"Please, you can just call me Gorou. I'm not fond of formalities when we aren't on the field." Your eyes lit up once more, that was the funny thing about newbies. They always look up to the more skilled seniors, especially if they were a high rank like him.

"Yes sir- Gorou." You corrected yourself quickly, causing him to chuckle. The two of you began to discuss, mostly small talk to fill up the time. It was supposed to be a professional conversation but the more he spoke with you, the more personal he wanted to be. The two of you were soon interrupted however, you were needed by one of the captains. He quickly dismissed you, not wanting for you to get any bad first impressions from his colleagues. He didn't realize that his tail had drooped down low when you disappeared from view, the fur flattened down completely.

As the weeks went by, you proved to be a diligent and hardworking soldier, carrying out tasks with no complaints. During his observations, you rarely had any struggle keeping up with the men, not that it mattered in the first place. You were more nimble than most during close combat and you did better with a polearm than a bow or sword. During those weeks of training, he was only observing you. He swore it wasn't stalking, God forbid.

It was innocent at first, what he thought about you. He liked you, he usually liked all of his subordinates but something felt different about you. Was it because you were the only woman in the ranks at the moment? He wasn't like this around Her Excellency nor her advisors, but that was completely out of respect. Didn't he respect you?

The realization hit him when he saw your hair down one night while making his rounds around the camp. You were returning from the bathhouse, most likely bathing after all the men so you could have the well-needed privacy.

You spotted him first, waving a hand from afar. He only noticed when the floral scent hit him, barely smelling the hint of soap along with it. He finally became aware of the fact that your hair was still damp, pooling down over your shoulders. The moonlight bore down on you, giving you a glow that was absolutely breathtaking and then you smiled.

You smiled and everything suddenly felt tight in his body, as if he was being restrained by his own skin.

Gorou was lucky that it was nighttime and he was a distance away. Any closer and you would have been able to see how red his face had gotten. He'd only seen your hair up, a military standard that must be followed for all who had a hair length that went past their shoulders, so to see you like this left him dumbfounded. He quickly waved back and jogged off to his housing early, feeling his heart beat hard in his chest as he shut the door harder than it needed to.

He went over to sit on his bed, doubling over as he clutched a fist over his chest. His body was warming up and it felt like he couldn't breathe, only able to take in quick, sharp inhales. His mind felt like it was all over the place but still was able to only focus on one thing: you.

It was unethical with what he was feeling. He could only remind himself that he is a general — a rank higher than most — and here he was, thinking about a private. You looked up to him, you were supposed to because he was your leader, your guidance in this kind of world. Yet the way you gazed at him with complete adoration and fascination, the way you cheered praises at him when he showed off during sparring, it was getting to him when it shouldn't. Others had done the same but when it came to you, he just couldn't have enough.

Gorou's body felt like it was on fire and he moved to lay down, wincing when he finally noticed that he was hard. This never happened, this never happens. Maybe he could just sleep it off. In the morning, all of this would be gone. These... feelings.

He couldn't relieve himself. If he touched himself and came, it would be considered a sin. He had no room in his plans to visit the shrine maidens and confess something so innocuous. What would he even say? Forgive me, for I have thought and climaxed to one of my lower subordinates inappropriately. He'd prefer getting incapacitated by General Kujou Sara than say anything relating or similar to that.

He sat up and carefully removed his clothes, shuddering as the chilled air touched his bare skin. The bandages that he wore in his lower half were still intact but there was a definite outline of where his stiffened cock was being restrained. Fuck.

Gorou hesitantly went to trace his fingers along the outline, barely putting any pressure against it before he sharply inhaled, looking over and seeing that he reached the tip. It felt good, the wrappings were thinner than he originally thought. Shame soon shadowed over him, his hand retracting to his side and clenching the once-neatly made sheets. He shouldn't be doing this at all. Not when the origin of this came from a subordinate, a subordinate he shouldn't be thinking of in the first place.

He laid back down and shut his eyes tight, ignoring the panging throbs that were tempted to be relieved. He wouldn't let this issue bother him, so long as he can endure it. If he started something he would regret, then may the fallen god Orobaxi strike him down mercilessly.

Days turned into weeks and then into months. No matter how much he slept it off, tossing and turning restlessly in his bed, he was never able to get you out of his mind. He tried to avoid you as well, attempting to limit the interactions to important business only but it seemed that luck had never been on his side to begin with.

It was you who was always initiating, asking if your form is right as you held up the polearm in a perfect defensive stance, making him come to you and press his body against yours to fix your positioning. It was you who was always questioning whether or not a planned attack was coming soon, eyes lighting up as he mentioned a hint of any sort of battle. It was always you. Even when he was trying to map out positions on where a possible vantage point could be in his housing, he'd hear you approach the door and question him about what was arranged for tomorrow.

Some days, he wouldn't let you in. Gorou would tell you that he's busy at the moment and like a good little soldier, you obeyed his request and began to speak behind the barrier. What you didn't know was that his hand was pressing against his bulge as you spoke, biting his lip as he tried to keep himself quiet. His high morals always bit at him, making it so he could never bring himself to finish, a painful shame bleeding into the depths of his soul.

Whenever he heard your voice, it was like something was injected into his veins every single time you spoke to him. Your smell was even worse for him, his tail curling whenever you passed by him. And those eyes, God those eyes. Staring at him like he was the light of your life, turning into little half moons whenever you smiled at him. Everything about you ignited something truly terrible within him and he was addicted, the feverish heat never truly going away as you finally left his doorstep.

Her Excellency was worried about his change of state, telling him that he can take a break if he needed one. She noticed the sweat pool and drip down his flushed out and dazed face, even when the weather was fair and he barely moved an inch besides the occasional shuffle of his legs and tail. He couldn't, he wouldn't, not when the war was still going on. What would she think if he confessed to her about what he was doing to the thought of one of her soldiers?

You were a compelling distraction. A small bump in the road, a large sinkhole that he was struggling to get out of, slipping in deeper with every miserable attempt. The constant arousal and burning heat had diverted his busy mentality, only focusing on how his cock was aching and stirring for any sort of release. It was to the point where he started missing out on his other job, papers and requests piling up on his desk until his incompetence began to not go unnoticed.

‘•.¸♡ ♡¸.•’'•.¸♡ ♡¸.•’'•.¸♡ ♡¸.•’

"My, my, my. I haven't smelled this kind of scent in years, no wonder my best writer has been slacking in his duties." A disappointed but amused tut had Gorou's tail bristling from the sound of a familiar voice, ears flicking and head turning towards the now-opened door. A decorative fan hid her face but he knew all too well who it was based on the red-colored shrine maiden outfit and the long muted pink hair.

"Lady Guuji! You're not supposed to be here on enemy lines." He got up from his desk and quickly closed the door behind her, nails digging into the wood as a pang of warmth ran through his body. Miko closed her fan and walked over to his desk, pushing and prodding papers around with it as she slightly clicked of her tongue. Shit, has he really been that distracted?

"Oh Gorou, as far as I know, the Grand Narukami Shrine sides with no one in this war. I just wanted to see why the aspiring Ms. Hina hasn't been sending over her column responses like usual, you know she's usually so punctual with her postings! But now, I can see — no — smell why." She sniffed the air once more, his cheeks growing redder by the second.

"It reeks of your rutting stench in here, would you be so kind and open up a window for me?"

He obeyed and barely cracked two of his windows open, his tail still puffed up with anxiety as she sighed with displeasure. "You can't just wait this out you silly little pup, you need a release in order for it to go away."

"Re... release?"

Miko blinked once then once more. As if she finally came to a realization, a smug smile grew, her purple eyes glowing with amusement. "Don't tell me this is your first rut, dear Gorou?"

Rut. He heard of it before, the desire to breed whoever his body had chosen as his sworn mate. His father had mentioned it long ago when he was a young teenager but he originally thought that he was excluded from the effects. Why did you have to pop up now, out of all times?

"I'm surprised that you haven't jumped on your beloved leader when it started, I must applaud you for the amount of self-control you have in yourself." Clapping her hands in false praise, he was tempted to snap back at his other boss for assuming that he would ever treat Her Excellency that way when a knock filled the room. Her attention was now at the front door, one of her ears twitching with interest.

"Afternoon Gorou! I have something I want to tell you, may I come in?" He wanted to tear his ears right out of his head, the same uncomfortable warmth bleeding through his skin like an infection. He could already feel the starting familiar stir within the confines of his bandages. He felt like screaming or crying, maybe even both.

Out of all times?! Miko made her way towards the door before he could realize it and nearly opened it, cracks of the outside sunlight peering through. His body collided with the heavy wooden door without him realizing how speedily he reached it, a startled and surprised cry coming out of the other side as he slammed it back shut. Fuck, you sounded so cute.

"Gorou? Are you alright?" You asked, concern lacing within your words and he chuckled internally, already imagining your eyebrows scrunching together.

"Y-yes, I'm fine! Sorry about that, I tripped on my... m-my rut— I mean my rug— yes, my r-rug." He winced afterwards, embarrassed of his unprofessional behavior. A stifled giggle was heard behind him and a low growl came out of him in return, blue eyes narrowed as he shot a look at the pink-haired kitsune.

"Um, okay. Is it fine for me to come in then?" He could feel his hard-on throb, the lack of touch and urge to be in something warm irritating him. Yet the Guuji was still in the room, waiting for him to be finished with this conversation, as much as he still wanted to talk to you. His forehead pressed against the door, eyes closed as he tried to imagine what you looked like behind there.

"No, sorry not today. I-I'm awfully busy, paperwork's been piling up." He was met with silence and then a soft sigh, the tip of his tail twitching.

"Oh. Okay, sorry to bother you again Gorou. I..." There was a light sound of shuffling and two turns, as if you had something else to say. "I'll — um — I'll ask you another day then. Good luck."

The sounds of dirt crushing under your boots slowly began to fade away and he finally let out a relieving sigh, laughter exploding behind him and suddenly all his nerves were on high once more.

"Hah! You haven't chosen the priestess, you chose a soldier. A nice smelling one at least. Why haven't you made your move huh? I'm losing precious Mora because of your interest in her." Miko teased, the sound of her sandals clicking on the floor as she moved around in the small space.

"First of all, I would be abusing my authority. I'd just be taking advantage of her and her respect towards me, God knows if she'd report me for being an absolute disgusting pervert." His fist clenched against the door, waiting for his body to calm down before he faced the fox yokai. Every little cell was begging for him to go and chase after you, to finally, finally claim you as his. A small voice of logic had still made its presence known however, whispering the futures of every consequence that could occur if he had chosen to follow his urges.

"Play your cards right then doggy, you have all the power and control compared to her. And it seems that your patience is waning thin." She ruffled through his bed and with the tips of her fingers, she carefully fished out a small piece of cloth from behind his pillow, a deep color of scarlet burning in his cheeks as he finally turned towards her.

It was an accident, he didn't mean to grab it when he was making his normal rounds. He wasn't supposed to be near the bathhouse but his thoughts were suddenly clouded with a searing appetite, one that he was unable to resist. He didn't even realize that he had grabbed the neatly folded white panty from the bench, his conscious suddenly clearing when the tip of his cock was messily spilling pre-cum all over it when he made it to his home.

Gorou snatched it from her and shoved it into his pocket, a furious snarl suddenly slipping through his bared teeth. He himself jumped at the sheer sound of it, putting another hand over his lips as Miko stared at him in shock before laughing once more.

"This is why I hired you, you keep surprising me general." She sighed pleasantly after, pretending to wipe a tear. She was extremely humored with his heinous actions, as if she didn't care at all that what he was doing was any short of shameful. Miko made her way finally out, her hand on the knob not before looking back at her underling.

"And Gorou?" He flinched, his shoulders tensed.

"Yes?"

"My advice is get rid of your rut, no matter what it takes. You don't want to hurt that little soldier, right? So get her in your bed before your instincts do."

‘•.¸♡ ♡¸.•’'•.¸♡ ♡¸.•’'•.¸♡ ♡¸.•’

Even if Miko had told him he should, Gorou couldn't bring himself to do it.

He had merely yielded, telling Her Excellency that he hadn't been feeling well recently and she agreed to let him sort himself through his "illness". She gave him some remedies and medicines, occasionally checking in on him when she wasn't busy planning. None of her treatments were working but she never gave up. News of him succumbing to a sudden sickness had spread through the ranks but their Divine Priestess had told them not to bother him while he was recovering, which he deeply appreciated.

He had locked himself in whenever she left, placing a chair against the knob to prevent any outsiders from entering and each of the windows were nailed shut. Even if he did open a window for a needed draft, he'd still be burning awfully hot. Plus, he didn't need the others to know why he was moaning and groaning in supposed pain. It sucked, everything about this sucked. Maybe if he had just a small taste of you, everything would go back to normal.

No. From the start, nothing about you was normal to him. Every time he thought about you, the heat would get worse and his already-sore dick would swell back to life. Were you thinking about him right now? Did you miss him? Gorou wasn't the type to get envious easily, but the rise of his rut enhanced those feelings to the max. He despised the image about you moving on to other soldiers, especially the higher ups. None of them were as kind and thoughtful as he was, clawing at his pillows at the idea of your sparkly eyes looking at someone else.

He couldn't do much to keep you away from those men, all he was able to do was finish up what he was behind with for Yae Miko and rest everything away, relieving what he can without a complete release. Would the ache go away if he finally did cum? Ugh, part of him wished she had explained this thing to him more but having your boss explain the birds and the bees for their kind would be horrifyingly embarrassing.

Nighttime rolled into the camp once more, his eyes shut in frustration and his hands restlessly grabbing and pushing around his sheets. He couldn't sleep, the pangs getting worse and his brain continuously fogging. If he went on a walk to try and clear his mind, he didn't trust himself not to walk into the sleeping quarters and not take you right there. So he decided to bathe instead, running cold water until it reached the right amount.

Since he wasn't on duty at the moment, there was no hassle in removing his garments, though he did keep the bandage wrappings on since somewhat helped control his urges. He carefully unraveled the cloth, shuddering as his already hardened cock sprung out of its restraints and lightly tapped against the skin beneath his belly button. Trying to ignore it, he stepped into the tub and sighed in relief as the water chilled his overheated body.

Only a few seconds passed by and he couldn't resist not looking. Observing himself, he felt strangely foreign seeing a swollen ball near the base of his dick as he bathed in the cool water of his tub. It was just as sensitive as the rest of him, exhaling a quiet whimper as his fingers brushed against it. As if something nefarious had suddenly grabbed ahold of him, his hand slowly wrapped around the shaft above the rounded flesh and began to stroke himself, the water rippling as he shivered from the feeling.

This was the first time he ever touched himself in this manner, his head arching against the rim as he tediously ran his thumb over the reddened, leaking tip. Despite the water, he could feel the smooth glide of the slick that was continuously leaking out of him. His canines gnawing at the side of his lips, eyes focused on the languid strokes. It was almost torturously slow pace, a building pressure forming at the pit of his lower abdomen.

This was bad, very bad. He needed to stop right now before he crossed a line into sin, an inescapable downturn into hell itself. But it felt so good, so so good.

Gorou panted, his mind forming the image that you were in the bath with him, that you were the one slowly stroking him off. He could feel the heat crawl up his chest to his cheeks, seeing your hooded gaze on him. Despite your training, your hands were always so soft compared to his callused hands. Was it because of the lotion that you used after bathing? God he missed your scent, the panty that he took was already losing your smell.

He let out a low groan as he thought about your flowery aroma and without thinking, he started to mutter your name. His hips bucked against his hand, the bulbous swelling preventing him from going further down to the base. With every rough movement, the water splashed out of the tub.

He imagined you teasing him, telling him that he's going to run the tub dry if he kept on moving so much. Still pretending that you were his hand, he began to pick up his pace, your name on his lips growing louder and louder. You called him a filthy general, asking him how he could think of you in such a way for a lowly soldier, simple cannon fodder. You then asked him why he decided to steal your used panty and he only could muster up a weak apology. He begged you not to tell the others, not to tell Her Excellency that he wanted you, that he thought of you for so long that it was poisoning him and his very soul. Gorou wanted you so badly but you were unobtainable, someone he could never touch. He loves his job, he really does but he loves you even more.

You finally kissed him, the faint traces of his ghastly imagination touching his lips. His pathetic chanting ceased as a blinding white painted his vision, his face contorting and crying out in agonizing pleasure. The waves of his sudden orgasm flowed through his veins as he gripped the side of the tub. He felt the material crack under his palm, bits of it crumbling onto his fingertips. His ears flattened against the side of his head and his tail had wrapped itself tightly around his leg, his breathing uneven and slow.

Gorou finally opened his eyes, his mouth still parted open in a quiet breathless pant as he looked down into the water. A white substance flowed around him, his red face contorting to mild disgust. Short feelings of drowsiness and a small sense of relief that the pain was gone ebbed throughout his body. He unwrapped his hand from his shaft, slightly twitching from the lost feeling.

In a slow realization, he then registered that the burning simply did not die out. No, it almost felt like it had gotten worse. The warmth crawled up his stomach and flushed around his face, the once-cold water now displeasingly lukewarm. He could imagine the sinking fangs of Orobaxi pierce his soul and label him as tainted, a sinner. A small part of him felt no regret, that this is what was meant to happen but most of him — if not all — had a sinking, devastated feeling. He shouldn't have done this, especially with you in mind.

There was a small knock on the door as he got out of the tub from his second bath, almost inaudible if he hadn't had these ears of his.

Weird. No one should be up around this hour, they would most certainly get in trouble if he catches them. He huffed, rolling his eyes. Pranking the sick general, are we? Gorou quickly wrapped himself up with a towel tightly around his waist, approaching the front door with light caution.

"Hello? State your name and purpose." He called out through the closed door, ears perked and twitching around for any signs of life. Maybe it was just a passing animal.

"Gorou? It's just me, Y/N. Are you okay?" Fuck. He's so utterly fucked.

"Uh y-yeah, why wouldn't I be? You shouldn't be out of the sleeping quarters, I won't be able to save you if you get caught." He tried to be as stern as possible but the growing mass underneath his towel was starting to make it difficult to think.

You softly laughed and he could imagine you shaking your head. "Don't worry, I'm sneakier than you think. And I wanted to check on you because I heard yelling coming from your direction. I... I got worried since you're still ill."

Gorou's heart was leaping out of joy. You were thinking about him? Of course you'd worry about him, it was part of your character wasn't it? He could feel his hands grasp at the chair holding the door, almost tempted to rip it out of the way.

"I know I'm not the best at medicinal assistance like Her Excellency but I want to help you. I feel bad not being able to do much besides train without your guidance." You quietly mentioned and his mind suddenly blanked, the heat crawling up his nerves and limbs.

"I do need your help actually."

"Y-you do? Well, I'll do anything to help you get better sir."

Anything, huh?

Gorou pulled the chair away from the door and opened the door, finally seeing you. The glow of his lantern-lit room highlighted your features, admiring seeing your hair down and your sleeping attire loose on your body. He couldn't be more grateful for your naïve willingness. His little idiotic soldier.

He grabbed your shoulder and tugged you into his home, almost slamming the door shut before you could have any change of mind. Your eyes widened as you soon realized that he was fully exposed, his towel barely covering his throbbing lower half. He let you drink in the scars and the muscles he's worked hard to achieve before he finally made a move.

"Wha—" Barely a sound was able to escape you before he collided his lips against yours, bodies toppling over into the wooden ground. In the haze of his lust, he felt terrible that you may have hit your head onto the ground but your mouth was so warm and your lips were so plush that all of his empathy was washed away.

His hands grabbed at the thin pajama pants the military provided for every soldier and ripped them off of you. He made quick work at removing his towel, his heavily aroused cock springing out and brushing against your covered cunt. He could see through hooded eyes that although you were most definitely confused, your fear could barely hide the arousal pooling behind your pupils.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry." He whispered frantically against your lips as he tore off the white panties, almost salivating as he felt his tip catch onto your bare warmth. A few ruts against your pussy lips and he could already feel some slick gather against his shaft, not knowing if you were getting aroused or that was just his own pre-cum leaking down and making a complete mess.

Slowly or at least, as slowly as he thought he was going, he pushed the head inside. A long and relieved whine came out of him and your back arched, body pressing against his as you cried out from the sudden intrusion. Swiftly, his mouth enveloped yours to quiet you down. It would be a shame if any other soldiers made their way to his home, but then again, he could make them disappear without a single trace left behind. Curiosity is such a fickle thing to have as a soldier, it could end them up dead in a nameless pit or in your instance, speared by a horny general.

His head threw back as he began to thrust shallowly in quick succession, the knot preventing him from going any deeper much to his displeasure. Gorou had never felt such an indulgence in his life, he thought his little session in the tub earlier was everything but this? He could live with the sins building upon his shoulders as long as he could relish in your warmth for eternity.

Your hands gripped on the rug above you, clawing and grasping at it for dear life, moaning aloud as his cock dragged against your walls. The blouse that you were wearing was slowly loosening with every sharp movement he made against you, revealing your chest that he could never bear to look at before. He peeled back the fabric and grabbed one of your breasts, squeezing once before leaning in and sucking on the pert nipple.

His tail twitched in bold satisfaction as you started to whine out his name, begging him to go deeper.

"Yeah? You want that soldier?" His voice rumbled against your nipple, feeling you clench around his shaft as he spoke.

"Y-yes! Please, please just a little more." Obeying, he snapped his hips harder against the plushness of your thighs, the knot pushing and budging against your tight hole. You hissed at the sudden realization of the circular muscle swollen around the bottom of his shaft, but you didn't try to stop him.

Would it fit? No, it had to fit. You will fit him. His hands grabbed your hips, pulling you in until you were flushed against his waist. His mouth left your chest, moving towards muscle in between your neck and shoulder. Gorou wasn't going to leave you unmarked, the whole goddamn camp was going to know who he knocked his pups into. It would serve some good to the island, Orobaxi would be pleased to have new followers right?

"Gonna fuck — hah — gonna fuck you up, breed you full of cum. You're my mate, mine." He growled into your ear before he bit down into your flesh. At the same time, he forced his knot into you and clawed the plushness of your hips.

Your pussy stretched and gripped around the enlarged knot, trying to accommodate the sudden thickness. He could barely see your eyes rolling to the back of your head as you came, your walls spasming and milking his cock for his hot cum. Wanton moans were the only noise you were able to make as he continued to fuck deeply into you, his tongue licking at the inflicted mark.

The same pressure in his lower stomach that he felt in the tub overrode his system and he pushed his dick in a little more, feeling the tip hit against a barrier. White stars blinded his vision immediately, his body shivering and shaking as he came hard into your womb. He took in heavy breaths, resting his head in the crook of your neck.

The burning was gone, he could finally feel the air in his room as it cooled down both of your bodies. It was gone but he wasn't done yet, no, he was far from it. Now that he had finally had a taste, he wasn't going to let you leave, not when he had bound himself to you. Figuratively and literally.

His pupils were blown out with pleasure, the blue color barely making its presence known as he began to kiss up your neck. You were barely there, eyes heavy with sleep but still groaning as he began to move once more, walls too sensitive to handle anymore. That's okay, he would breed you in your sleep if he had to.

" 'm gonna put more pups into you." His words slurred as he lazily thrusted, his knot pulling and pushing into a particular nerve bundle. You could only whine in agreement, completely engrossed and fucked out on his cock as you quivered from the stimulation.

Gorou will take real good care of you. What was he thinking before? A general always will need his soldier, what a fool he was for trying to believe that he never wanted you. A rope can only be tightened so much before it inevitably snaps. You belonged here in his home, warming his bed so he could take you whenever he returned from the battlefield. He picked his head up from your neck, kissing you deeply once more.

You were truly a heaven-sent blessing, weren't you? As fate may have it, he had hope that Orobaxi and Her Excellency would bless the both of you with a beautiful litter.

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