#just yesterday I talked to someone about how it wasn't the fault of the show writers and fic writers that Oli has such a pretty face

[dredshirtroberts]

it is not slacking off to write or create it is not slacking off to do things that are fun i am not slacking off or procrastinating right now i'm allowed to do things i enjoy doing for fun including playing games and writing and such

[doremimosasol]

𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐨 𝐑𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐥𝐞 - 𝐆𝐫𝐲𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐫!𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐧𝐬 ✧

Ravenclaw!reader here

Hufflepuff!reader here

Slytherin!reader here

warnings: blood, unconsciousness? nothing too serious I promise

word count: 1,2 k

requested

Gryffindor and Slytherin

two polar opposites

like fire and water

like two positive magnets

and so were you and Mattheo Riddle

you started on bad terms already on the Hogwarts Express, on your way to Hogwarts for the first time ever

you bumped into each other in the pathway on the train, knocking him over and making him rip a small part of his robes

(his fault by the way)

it wasn't your intention but he was absolutely furious

yelling in your face, calling you whatever names he could come up with

it wasn't a pleasant experience, that's for sure

you didn't even set one foot on the schoolgrounds and you already made one enemy

he got sorted into Slytherin and you got sorted into Gryffindor

thank god you didn't get sorted into the same house, the way he acted on the train made him absolutely insufferable

and we weren't even talking about how he acted the whole of first year

you were friends with the Golden Trio which made you all a victim of Draco's annoying pestering

but you were the only victim of the four of Mattheo's despicable behavior

he never went too far though

just some innocent teasing...

...for the first 3 years

it was when you started 4th year that it got worse

the little teasing turned into a full-on mockery

making fun of you in any way possible

it was the year that he came up with a ridiculous nickname: "little lion"

he just stopped using your own name at that point, using any moment to call you by that name

he was proud of it, that he came up with the nickname

every opportunity he saw to yell it at you across the corridor, he took it

he even used the name when talking about you to his friends, they quickly picked up the name too

dumb friends because ONLY HE could use it, no one else, it was his nickname to use

he'd literally start fuming at his friends whenever it slipped up and they called you that too

when you got asked out for the Yule ball, he went absolutely insane

he would never ask you out himself but someone else doing it instead?

absolutely unacceptable

he didn't show it to you nor to anyone, but he was so goddamn jealous

literally going insane because of this stupid feeling he felt all of a sudden

it felt like strings tugged on his heart

like those strings clenched around it, squeezing all the blood out of it

it hurt in some kind of way, like this feeling was swallowing him wholly

he never went too far with his actions...

...until tonight

you got all pretty, spent a lot of time on your make-up, and got the prettiest dream dress you could find

you felt like a princess and you were so excited about tonight

you'd been looking forward to the Yule Ball for months now

for years even, ever since you heard about its existence

but you got stood up...

you didn't get it, you thought the guy was being for real when he asked you out

it completely ruined your night

luckily, Luna came as a savior and danced with you all night

she tried to make you forget about, a heart of gold honestly

everything made sense the next day though...

you heard about your date lying unconscious in the hospital wing

he got brought in yesterday night, apparently his face was completely disheveled

it was still obvious on the shirt he was wearing, the shirt he put on for the dance

instead of white it was now covered in red

this was it.

you were no longer mad at Mattheo, you hated him

you weren't just going to let him get away with this

you'd made sure that he got at least a month of detention, his behavior was just outrageous

"I don't care, it was worth it."

words that would linger in the back of your mind from then on

worth what? reconstructing that guy’s face?

you just couldn't see him as a person anymore, his behavior wasn't normal at all

but your obvious disgust towards him didn't make him stay away from you

it even got worse than before

but it was different

he didn't hurt you anymore, it just became some innocent pestering

following you around in the corridor or annoying you in the library

all just for him to be able to see that annoyed look of yours

the scrunching of your brows and the small scowl on your face just made him want to annoy you even more, it was so rewarding to him

"Will you go on a date with me, little lion?"

huh?

you couldn't have heard that right, but Mattheo Riddle just asked you out on a date?

and you didn't even despise the idea?

you probably should've had, but he had surprisingly grown more mature up to seventh year

and as much as you didn't want to admit it, he did get more charming

more handsome

more attractive, the poles of the magnet slowly changing to negative

more your type

during the whole of seventh year, he asked you out on several occasions

he'd send you letters with handpicked dried flowers, different ones each time

you couldn't help but even find his handwriting attractive, it had this curl in it and didn't match his personality at all

it was cute

he'd sneak into the kitchen to get some cake or other sweets and he'd pull you out of your dorm room to go to the top of the Astronomy Tower with him

he felt proud of himself because he always made sure to get your favorite dessert

he’d explain all the constellations to you, showing off his knowledge about the universe

he'd call them "dates", even though he quite literally had to drag you there sometimes

you couldn't deny that you loved these so-called "dates"

they were cute and it'd shown you a completely different side of him

damn, you started to fall for him

hard

like being pushed to a cold floor

during one of the Quidditch games, he furiously came up to you when he saw you wearing of of the Weasleys' jersey

he pushed his own jersey into your chest, demanding you to change with that typical look

that look that immediately made you go weak in your knees

you couldn't show it

even the smallest slip-up of emotion could confirm your feelings for him

"Change. Now."

his voice, goddamn

it took all your strength to not just kiss him there and then

he'd push you into the dressing room and wouldn't let you leave before he made sure that you wouldn't change into that ridiculous red color again

"Green looks better on you anyway."

it looked good on you: "Riddle"

and from that day on he'd make sure that'd be the only name you'd ever wear

whether it was on his jersey or hopefully (he wished) soon next to your own name

he was the negative magnet after all

pulling you closer and closer to him...

...slowly pulling you into the trap of love

for a Slytherin after all...

[thezombieprostitute]

Dandelion

A/N: Part 2 of this Ask; Reader is AFAB, Tall & Plus Size;

Word Count: ~2.7k (holy wah!)

Warnings: Ex-boyfriend angst, Insecure reader, Talk of body image issues. Please let me know if I missed any.

The next day, Hal joins you for lunch. You generally sit at your desk because there's no such thing as a work-free break. He grabs a chair and sits backwards on it, grinning at you as he sets his lunchbox on your desk.

“What are you doing, Hal?”

“What every straight man dreams of,” he says. “I'm having lunch with a pretty lady.”

“Please don't,” you whine. “I told you yesterday, I don't want your pity flirting.”

“And I told you, it ain't pity.”

“Then why are you eating at my desk?”

“Well, as I said, I was treating you differently because I wanted you to know I thought differently about you from all the other pretty faces. But my methods only made you think I wasn't interested. So now I'm doing something different.”

“And what if I don't want the attention?”

“If I'm genuinely making you uncomfortable I'll get up and go. But if you only want me to leave because you still think I'm feeling sorry for you, I'm sticking around and eating my lunch. Hopefully having a conversation with you as well.”

“How would you know the difference?”

His grin widens, “because you're a horrible liar, Dandelion.”

You roll your eyes, “fair. But if someone else shows up you're not interfering with my work.”

“Oh yes, I am,” he retorts. You give him your best glare but he doesn't back down. “You're at lunch. No one gets to ask you to do any work.”

“You do realize I'm not union?”

“We should fix that.”

The rest of your lunch passes with more back and forth. Every time someone starts approaching your desk Hal cheerfully states, “out for lunch! Come back later!” They leave before you can counter what Hal said.

After lunch, the two of you clean up and get back to work. Hal keeps it professional during work hours and you're grateful for that. You don't want to be mad at him, he's just trying to help you feel better. But the fact that he thinks fake flirting is “helpful” hurts you.

The next couple of weeks you find a small gift at your desk every morning. You receive some of your favorite candies, new pens in your favorite style, and even some cutesy post-it notes that you enjoy using. And every day you would thank Hal at lunch for the gift. As you got more comfortable around him he became more of a menace. It had started with him telling people you were at lunch and it escalated to a game of turning your monitor on and off. You wanted it on in case of important emails or notices but Hal insisted on turning it off because you’re supposed to not be working.

“You’re fighting a losing battle here, Dandelion,” he grins. “I have a major advantage in that I have no shame.”

“Yeah, I’ve picked up on that,” you groan. “So how about lunch away from my desk? Would that be okay?”

“You’ve got alerts on your phone, don’t you?”

You sigh, “yeah. But it’ll only chime for notices that are actually marked as ‘important’ okay?”

“Hmm,” he licks his lips. “I suppose that’s enough of a compromise for now. But we’re going outside to eat, okay?”

“Sure,” you nod. “It’s a nice day outside.”

“And I’ll get to take off my shirt!”

“Wait, what?!”

He runs outside, with your lunch in hand, before you can stop him. 

Only a few minutes into the lunch and Hal can tell something’s wrong. You’re actively not looking at him, at least since he took off his shirt. 

“Am I making you uncomfortable,” he asks. “What’s going on with you?”

"Look, Hal, it's not a big deal," you plead. "Can you just let it go?"

"No, I need to know what I'm doing wrong," Hal argues. "Otherwise I'll keep doing it and it'll become a bigger issue."

"You're not doing anything wrong," you assure. "The fault is with me, not you. I'm the one who needs to do the correcting."

"Well maybe I can help. I just need you to tell me what's going on."

You take a deep breath and steady your nerves before confessing, "the reason I look away every time I see you without your shirt on is because it just reminds me of how much I need to work on my own body."

Unable to bring yourself to look at him, knowing there would be hurt in his eyes, you continue "I'm too big and I need to either slim down or 'get toned' or whatever the terms are. But every time I try nothing works. I just end up getting bigger so I give up. And seeing your perfectly toned body just reminds me of my own failures."

Taking a deep breath to try to keep from crying, you try to assuage Hal, "none of this is on you. It's entirely on me. I'm the one who needs to change. You worked hard for that body and you have every right to be proud of it, every right to be comfortable walking around without a shirt. I need to either not be so damn sensitive or to get off my ass and work it off."

“I’m happy to help you with either one,” he promises. “But I’ll only help you with ‘working your ass off’ if it’s something you genuinely want for yourself and not something you feel you have to do for others to acknowledge your prettiness.” You chuckle but it fades quickly when you see the seriousness in his face. “I know it ain’t as easy for others as it is for me. I also know one of the reasons these things fail is because people mix up their goals for what they want with the goals they actually want for themselves. I love your figure as it is, but if you want to work on it for you, I’m happy to help.”

“You’re gonna start taking me to the gym?”

“If that’s what you want, but we’re starting you out small. Another reason these things fail is because people push too hard too fast.”

“I promise I’ll think about it.”

“Just remember, you’re pretty as you are because of who you are.”

“You really need to stop that,” you sigh. “I get that you want to be more than work friends and you’re a good guy, but I still can’t believe you’re actually interested.”

Hal leans back and grins, “I’ll have to up my game, then, Dandelion.”

“I’m not even sure what you could do to convince me, Hal. How are you going to succeed when there’s no known means, methods, or benchmarks?”

“We’ll figure it out together,” he beams. 

“Or you could just give up and admit you’re not interested in me like that.”

“Not gonna happen. I’m no liar, Dandelion.”

You find yourself succumbing to Hal’s charms. You feel comfortable, even safe around him and look forward to your lunches together. You’re able to let some of your guards down and, while you’re not matching his energy, you’re able to return the playfulness he sends your way.

“You need to be careful, Hal,” you laugh during one of your lunches. 

“Why’s that, Dandelion?”

“Because at this rate you’re gonna see me at my…well, ‘Manic Pixie’ isn’t the right term but I hope it conveys what I’m trying to say.”

“Don’t threaten me with a good time! I’d love nothing more than to see you let loose.”

“You say that now,” you shake your head. “It can be a lot for people.”

“People that don’t deserve your attention,” Hal comforts. “So, does this mean you’re ready to let me take you out on a date?”

“You know what, Hal? Yes. I trust you and you’ve been nothing but kind and patient with me this entire time.”

“YES! This Friday, I’ll take you out after work. Sound good?”

“Sounds perfect.”

Hal has been looking forward to a date with you for months now. When he first realized he had feelings for you unlike the other girls he met. And getting to know you even more only fueled his desire. He wants, needs, to make sure that you have a good time. He even breaks out his good button up shirt. He’ll put it on after work so as not to get it covered in sweat. He can’t remember the last time he was so nervous about a date.

When he met you for lunch he was awed by how you had dressed yourself up. A dress that showed off your legs and, given the cardigan you were wearing, showed plenty of cleavage. He asked for a peek but you giggled and told him he had to wait for the actual date to start. The giggly conversation warmed his heart and he wanted, so desperately, to kiss you. But he’d promised himself he’d let you lead on that front. You were the one who was healing and growing so he’d move at your pace.

He actually clocked out a little early because he wanted to clean up in the bathroom before getting you into his truck. It wasn’t anything fancy, but he knew that wouldn’t matter to you. It’s one of the things he really appreciated about you; you didn’t judge others based on looks or money. It’s why he was happy to help you learn to give yourself the same grace. 

You’re shutting down your computer as he walks up to you. You smile at him and, as soon as your computer is quiet, you stand up and unbutton your cardigan. Hal gives you an appreciative whistle as he sees you’re wearing a spaghetti strap, midi length dress that shows more skin than he’s ever seen you show before. You duck your head, feeling the heat on your face, but you’re smiling. You haven’t felt this hopeful about a date in a very long time.

Hal takes you to the local botanical garden. You delight at getting to see the beautiful flowers and trees in the twilight hours, the pink and purple sky enhancing the natural beauty. You’re practically running from garden plot to garden plot and Hal is loving every second of it. You’re not well read on flora but you appreciate their beauty and could spend hours looking at them. 

But the moment Hal’s been waiting for is coming soon. As the sun sets lower, he pulls you close and points to one of the grassy areas. It takes a few seconds but then you see the telltale glow of a firefly. Then another! And another! You’re jumping with joy and giddiness. 

You look at Hal to see if he’s enjoying this too but he’s only looking at you. Feeling a rush of courage, you pull him in for a kiss. He responds exactly how you hoped he would, leaning into it, with an eagerness you delight in. You giggle and it sparks a giggle from him as well. You break the kiss but you keep your face close to his. His steel blue eyes sparkling with happiness. 

The peace of the moment is broken by someone loudly complaining about everything. You freeze as you recognize the voice. Hal gives you a worried look and you whisper, “we need to get out of here. Please.” Not needing an explanation, Hal starts walking you back to his truck.

You hear the loud voice yell out your name, Hal does too. You try to ignore it and keep moving, though you know it won’t do any good. Lloyd is damned persistent and he catches up to you, smiling like he’s genuinely happy to see you. You know better. You’re just an old favorite toy of his. 

“What a pleasant surprise seeing you here, baby,” he grins wickedly. “And here I thought this place had nothing good to look at but, damn. How come you never wore anything like that when we were together?”

“Because every time I tried, you’d point out all of the flaws that those clothes would show off,” you say through gritted teeth. “And you didn’t want me embarrassing you in front of your friends.”

“Well I was definitely young and stupid because, holy hell you look tasty,” he licks his lips and you fight the urge to vomit. “Maybe I just wanted to keep that fat ass all to myself.”

“Lloyd, please leave me alone. We’ve been done for a long time and I have no interest in rekindling whatever the hell it was that we had.” You pull Hal’s hand, silently asking him to go with you and he does so. You’re in charge of the situation and he won’t step in unless he needs to. No matter how much he wants to punch the mustache off that smug asshole. 

“Hey, I’m being damn generous here, baby,” Lloyd yells. “I’m giving you compliments. Hell, I’m giving you my time! No way you’re gonna just walk away from me.” 

The second Lloyd touches your arm you and Hal turn. Hal punches him in the face while you stomp on his toes. Clearly not expecting the double attack Lloyd backs off, shouting obscenities. He looks at the both of you, his nose bloody and his blue eyes storming with rage.

“Fine! Be a bitch like that! We could’ve been something great,” Lloyd shouts before storming off. 

You and Hal turn back and head towards his truck. You’re shaking by the time you sit down, nearly in tears. Hal holds you, asking if there’s anything he can do, anything you need, anywhere you want to go. He’s got you, he’ll take care of you. Whatever you need, he’ll get it for you.

As much as you want to go home and cry, you’re not going to let Lloyd ruin the best date you’ve ever had. You take a few calming breaths and give Hal another kiss, even more intense than the last one. Again, he returns your enthusiasm. You feel his hands roaming and you moan, letting him know you’re enjoying what he’s doing. 

You whine when he breaks the kiss. “I’m not one to take advantage of a lady’s emotional state,” Hal explains. “If you still feel this way after some dinner, I will happily take you wherever and however you want. But I need to make sure you’re okay to do so.” Rubbing your hand against his cheek you whisper your thanks and tell him that dinner sounds like a very good idea.

The dinner is definitely restorative. Nothing fancy, just how you like it. Eating together in the bed of Hal’s truck, looking up at the stars. You feel a peace you’ve never felt before. You snuggle up to Hal and thank him for a wonderful night.

“Though, I do have to ask, why do you call me ‘Dandelion’?”

“Dandelions are some of the most resilient flowers,” he replies. “Everywhere there’s a chance they can grow, they do so. No matter how much people try to get rid of them, calling them weeds, they keep doing their thing. People think little of them but dandelions don’t give a damn what people think. They’re beautiful, strong and have a lot to give if you treat ‘em right.”

“You are too damn sweet, Hal.”

“Only for you.”

“Would you care to make the night last longer,” you ask cautiously.

“What are you thinking, Dandelion?”

“My place. I can make breakfast in the morning. Or afternoon, depending on when we wake up.”

He searches your face for any sign of hesitation or forcing yourself to do this and he finds none. Smiling, he says, “I’ll be the one to cook breakfast. Because by the time I’m done you won’t be able to walk.”

“Challenge accepted, Hal.”

Tagging @alicedopey and @icefrozendeadlyqueen because I promised I would

[mechazushi]

God, you're dense [Affectionate].

{a Kn8 short story}

Hoshina wasn't one to play games. Sure, he liked to have fun, but playing with people's emotions and perceptions wasn't something he could get into. He raised himself on the belief that being straight forward on something was the best course of action. If someone couldn't get on the same page as him, that was on them. He worked in a position where the best moves forward and anyone else that can't keep up with him were best left behind. Of course, much like most rules in life, there were exceptions to the rule. His biggest fault to everything he stood for was a tall, jolly, brute of a beast named Kafka. Kafka would be an exception to most everything he would die on a hill for. On the opposite end of the spectrum, however, was one person that he held to the highest accordance of his standards. His brother.

Hoshina made a point not to talk to his brother after he got accepted into the defense force. The restrictions on that got tighter after he got accepted as Mina's Vice Captain. Since before, he still showed up to family gatherings at the least to entertain his mother's concerns about his livelihood in the Third Division. Still, just because he didn't make attempts to contact his family, doesn't mean his family doesn't make attempts to contact him. It was always inevitable (because they don't tell him ahead of time) always with the supposed best of intentions (Because what quality road to hell isn't paved with them) and always at the most inconvenient times (an ability that seemed to be an inbred skill in every other family member). Between catching up on chores that should have been done yesterday, decaf in the communal coffee machine, and his third favorite pen breaking, Hoshina found he wasn't in the mood to talk. So obviously it was a perfect time to be visited by his least favorite person.

Walking down the hallway with a mountain of signed paperwork, his pace was intended to be brisk, but felt sluggish all the same. As he passed an intersection in hallways, he noticed the large frame of a burly friend catching up behind him. As Kafka slowed his pace to match his commander's, Hoshina tilted his face in his direction and flashed what was hoped to be a casual and respectful smile.

"Had a feeling you'd feel like that once I heard about the incident at the coffee machine. Here. Brought this for ya." Kafka said as he handed over a steaming mug of dark tan coffee.

"Oh, I already had coffee today." Hoshina tried to politely decline. he guessed his smile wasn't as bright as it should have been if Kafka could see he was feeling off.

"Yeah, but that was decaf." he insisted as he held the mug by its rim and pointed its handle temptingly toward its intended recipient.

Hoshina stiffed its steam heavily as it wafted under his nose. The smell of a caffeinated brew being much more rejuvenating than the bland swill he choked down this morning. He didn't think twice as he shifted the paper load more securely under his arm and took the offered mug greedily. There was a low, grateful moan as the hot, searing, and just lightly sweetened liquid burned pleasantly down the back of his throat.

'You might've just saved my mental state yet again, Kafka." Hoshina finally muttered after nearly downing half of the mug.

Kafka just chuckled as he walked in time with him, and after a while, held out a hand in an offer to carry the paperwork. Hoshina politely refused again, feeling genuinely better now that he had something more stimulating coursing throughout his system. Walking side by side, they engaged in pleasant idle chatter as they continued down the hallway. Without checking how far they had walked, they neared an area that had a lobby that was sparsely populated. As they got closer, an irritatingly familiar voice rang clear in the partially echoey room.

"Brother Dearest!" Soichiro Hoshina, Soshiro's older brother, was leaning against the desk in the back center of the lobby, relaxing like he deserved the space he was taking up.

"Oh God, why aren't I being delivered from evil like I ask every Shrine visit?" Soshiro muttered as soon as he realized who was occupying the open room with them.

"That's your brother?" Kafka asked as he laid eyes on the visitor.

"Unfortunately." Soshiro said with every letter somehow overflowing with distain and loudly enough to be heard by the other person.

"Come on, brother! You had to have known that one of these visits was to have to happen soon? It's been, what, months since you've even sent at minimum a hello to Mother." Soichino's words were playful, a clear difference in demeanor to the attitude his younger brother was radiating. A second had passed as he clearly gave the plus one an interested once-over after he lifted his sunglasses off his face.

"Well, hello soldier. And who might you be?" A salacious smile slithered coolly over Soichiro's glossy, thin lips. His tongue flicked out and over his teeth teasingly as he continued to stare down Kafka with a darkened sense of interest. Kafka bowed deeply in greeting before he introduced himself.

"Kafka Hibino. Officer of the Third Division." was his militantly clipped response.

"Kafka... Kafka... Where have I heard that name before?" Soichiro drawled out as he shifted over to Kafka's side, poking his shoulder with the arm of his sunglasses with playful emphases.

"He's our Kaiju Number Eight, you salacious cur. Now what are you doing here?" Soshiro snarked as he took another sip of his coffee. His brother made no move to acknowledge the comment as he continued to speak directly to Kafka.

"Kaiju Number Eight, huh! So you're the beast on the battlefield. Is it too much for me to ask if you're a beast anywhere else?" That Cheshire smile never left his face as his eyes turned into a more evaluating gaze.

"Well, I'm the Division's only on call Kaiju. It's pretty safe to say that I'm always the beast when it's needed." Kafka smiled bashfully as a hand came up to scratch the back of his neck. Soichiro practically giggled as a hand came up to mischievously smack the other shoulder.

"Look at you! Making out to be something that strong and powerful as a humble brag!" the older brother seemed to slide in closer to Kafka's personal space, with Kafka playing it off as business as usual. Soshiro could feel the handle of the mug creaking under his tightened grip as he looked on at his brother's shameless display.

"Ya know, I had originally cleared out my schedule to take my brother out on a lunch date, but I've just realized he's been a horrible brother and hasn't shown me around the Third Division's main facilities not once!", Soichiro saddled up impossibly closer and even had the audacity to slip a hand around the back of Kafka's forearm, "Why don't I be a good Captain and help clear yours so you can show me around? I'm sure any tour by you would be far more interesting than what he could provide." Soshiro watched as he saw the offer being sealed with an obviously flirty wink.

"Well, I'd be happy to! That is, if it's alright with my Vice Captain?" Kafka asked as he looked innocently toward the younger brother, seemingly unaware or unaffected by the attention he was currently being given.

"No Kafka, that won't be necessary, If my brother is going to come out all this way to see me, then he's just going to have to settle for my company alone." Soshiro said as he placed his paperwork and his coffee mug on the abandoned reception desk.

"Yeah, that makes sense. Maybe some other time?" Kafka asked as he looked at the older Hoshina brother.

"Such a shame. Don't be surprised if I take you up on that offer." Soichiro tittered as he patted the other side of the forearm he was still holding onto. The two brothers watched intently as Kafka turned around and walked down the hallway. Soshiro waited until he was out of every possible hearing range before he decided to speak.

"Alright, you bottle-platinum harlot. What the hell was that display all about?" Soshiro made no attempts to restrain his irritation at his brother's expense. He had no idea what game his brother was trying to play with him, but he wouldn't stand for it since it seemed to involve a very close and personal friend of his.

"I don't know what you mean." Soichiro said as he kept tittering. His posture and demeanor revealing to his younger brother that there was a plan brewing behind those evil eyes.

"I will not have you seducing my strongest man over to your division while I'm here." Soshiro commanded as he leveled a piercing gaze at the other person.

"Excuse me, 'Your man'? I'm sorry, but I didn't see a ring on his finger." Soichiro teased as he turned to face his brother.

"That's not what I meant and you know it, you vile rake." Soshiro spat the words out in an attempt to dissuade any further conversation on the topic.

"So catty today, are we brother? I was simply taking in the local selection. I'm not surprised you're interested in him." Soichiro chatted as he teasingly bit on the arm of his sunglasses.

"I also see you've decided to take up slander as a hobby since last we met." Soshiro grumbled as he found himself forced into a position where he had to talk to his brother in person for more than a minute.

"Oh, please! You know our family has a history of liking them sweet and dumb. How do you think Mother's marriage has lasted this long?" Soichiro continued as he leveled a knowing stare at him.

"If you're going to keep insinuating things that don't exist, I'm going to order you to cancel the lunch date and leave." the younger brother retorted as he turned around to drink the last sips from the coffee mug.

"What do you think I'm insinuating?" Soichiro purred as his sight never left his brother.

"Don't toy with me today, you troglodytic trollup. I am in no mood to bat around this string of yarn you're trying to spin here." Soshina kept snapping back as he took the opportunity to avoid eye contact as he shuffled around the stack of papers.

"Why all the denial, Brother Dearest? Especially since we're so far from Egypt. Besides, it's not slander saying you like a coworker as if your interactions weren't displayed all over the news two weeks ago." The grin broke into a full blown, toothy smile of superiority as the Captain of the Sixth Division draped himself over the desk's top next to Soshiro.

"What... interactions?" the Vice Captain hissed as he slowly turned his head to side-eye his brother

"Should I reenact it for you?" Soichiro giggled before flopping onto his back and dramatically fainting, "Oh! I seem to have taken a terrible fall and broken both of my legs! Oh, is there some dark, handsome, Knight in living armour that can princess-carry my oh so fragile body to the farthest fucking ambulance on scene and completely bypass three others that were unoccupied and were going to take me to the same fucking hospital!" It was clear that he was taking a massive amount of joy retelling his version of events that he saw on the news as his voice raised in volume with every reveal.

"I didn't break my legs, I dislocated my ankles! What would you have me do, walk?" Soshiro started to match his brother's volume and had now fully turned to him to confront this problem of point-of-views head on.

"The cameras clearly show you two having a conversation where it shows you convincing him to carry you!" The two of them were so close to each other's faces now their noses could touch.

"I was trying to convince him not to!" Soshiro returned.

"Because the cameras were rolling?" Soichiro asked.

"Yes!" his brother answered.

"AND BECAUSE YOU TWO ARE IN LOVE! Why else be camera shy about being carried around in public?" The eldest returned triumphantly as he poked him in the chest.

"NO." Soshiro shouted back as he shoved his brother backwards, "We are not in love! What part of this do you think it's okay to date someone like him?"

"Oh don't act like you can't because he's under your position. He makes his own precedent as he breathes! And you are the right type of rebellious, attention craving, delinquent punk that would absolutely fall for someone that is perfect for you in all the right ways, while also him being a human anomaly in every sense of the word! He turns into something our family has been training it's young to kill for centuries so of course you're going to deviate from the norm and be practically head over heels for him!" The Captain couldn't stop himself from cackling as his lungs quaked from talking for so long without breath.

There wasn't anything left on the matter that Soshiro could say to make his brother change his mind, so he decided to let his fists do the talking for him as he sent a vicious right hook. His fist connected to his brother's left eye and caught him off guard for a second. Before he could speak out against the assault, the younger brother wasted no time in jumping onto his brother and throwing his fists left and right. The two soon became a mass of tangled limbs and colorful curse words on the floor. It wasn't like this for long as two other people came across the fight and helped break up the fray.

"Alright, alright! Break it UP!" You two are grown up men, and Defense Force officers at that! ACT LIKE IT!" Okonogi reprimanded them as Aoi held them off the ground by their jacket collars.

"Yes, Okonogi." The brothers said in unison. As they were set back on the ground, they straightened their outfits and waited to see if their new company would leave. When they didn't, Soichiro decided to speak what was left on his mind anyway.

"The lunch date is still on, by the way. Mother's orders. How about I give us an hour to cool down and we try this whole 'conversation' thing again?" he tried to say with as much possible conviction in his smile. Soshiro just glared violently as he picked up the stack of papers from the desk.

"I do what I damn well please, you leporid bunk bunny." he said as he stormed off. Everyone watched as he walked away before his older brother spoke up again.

"He'll be fine."

 𓈒   𑁍 𓈒

It was a little after seven thirty before Hoshina felt fine enough to interact with anyone. Spending some time in the gym helped him feel better after dealing with the Lunch Date From Hell. It also helped that he got to meet his favorite punching bag for sparring.

"Look -huff- I get you -huff- don't like your brother -huff-, but did you really -huff- need to literally -huff- kick my ass?" Kafka's lungs heaved after spending what felt like hours defending himself from his Vice Captain's volley of blows.

"Ya snooze, ya loose Kafka. Intense training is for your own good." Hoshina quipped back as he walked over to his duffle for water bottles. Kafka shambled behind him slowly and sat down on the bench the bag was next to.

"Intense training, my entire bruised ass. That last chokehold felt personal." Kafka began to regulate his breathing by the time Hoshina made it over with the water bottles.

As Hoshina drank from his, he subtly tried to look at Kafka as he poured some of the bottle's contents onto himself. He watched as the water made his partner's bangs stick to his forehead at odd angles and made a swift attempt to cool his fiery red cheeks. Hoshina didn't let his imagination run too far away from him as he thought about Kafka looking worn out and sweaty for a different reason. Of course he denied everything that was said earlier that was concerning the situation between him and Kafka. Mainly because it all implied that Kafka felt the same way he did. Had it been a complete stranger talking to him this morning, it would have shocked everyone that knew him once they heard how different his answers would have been.

As Kafka finished rubbing the cool water into his face and straightened his back and arms out into an intense looking stretch, Hoshina forced himself to look away from the rippling of muscle and the straining of his tank top around said muscles. In moments like this, when he was sure no one would be looking or they were alone, Hoshina liked to play a little game with Kafka. It wasn't one that you could win with points or anything. Hell, some days it made Hoshina feel like all he did was lose by playing, but he couldn't deny that conniving little twitch that begged for him to play over and over again. All so he could see that dumb little smile.

"Still improving as slow as always." Hoshina said after a minute of relaxing on the bench.

"Hey, at least I am still improving, right?" Kafka returned as he looked back at his Vice Captain.

There was a smile, sure, but it wan't big. He could do better.

"Can't say I don't find you to be consistent at least 1% of the time." Hoshina offered as a response, deciding to bring up a well used joke between them. He turned back to look out at the empty gym in front of them.

"God, I still haven't gotten higher than that, haven't I?" Kafka chuckled out of the side of his mouth.

"It was a good thing we found out you were a kaiju when we did. Could you imagine what would have happened if you couldn't raise that percentage up high enough in three months?" Hoshina thought the comment sounded funnier in his head, but once he heard it out loud he wanted to smack himself for it. Everyone knew that it was a horrible thought, thinking about Kafka not being around anymore. Even that was something Hoshina couldn't bring himself to deny or joke about.

"I do every day." Kafka sighed heavily, "Everyday I wake up here." He closed his eyes for a second as he smiled softly, his head coming to rest against the back wall the bench was against.

Hoshina turned back to look at him, taking Kafka's moment of vulnerability to look at him fully this time. He thought about it too. A life in the Defense Force where he didn't get to see Kafka everyday. A life where he didn't bring him coffee or hear his laugh or have drinks with him after work hours. Hoshina could feel his heart squeeze at the thought of Kafka not being in the Defense Force, or worse, suddenly living at a different Division. Being close by technicality, but feeling oh so very far.

"Did you notice my brother was flirting with you at all?" Hoshina felt himself ask before he could take the words back. He felt himself brace for the answer in the brief moments in between his heartbeats.

"Wait... really?" Kafka asked with genuine interest. Hoshina could feel his face twist into something between curiosity and mild disgust. Kafka couldn't tell he was being flirted with? And was okay with it coming from his brother?

"Ye-yeah?" Hoshina returned hesitantly.

"You sure? 'Cuz I mean... wow. He's... actually interested? In me?" Kafka's smile grew bigger and more wonky as he processed what he was told.

"You're okay with this?" Hoshina questioned incredulously. He could not believe what he was seeing, and was actively praying that this wasn't the case.

"Are you kidding? Of course! You're brother is frickin' hot!" Kafka replied with joy, "Is he, like, still around? I mean, I know he's not here kinda around, but I mean, is he like, nearby? Like in a hotel or something? Nah, that would be creepy. Oh! Could you let me have his number?" Kafka prattled on as Hoshina continued to become more and more disgusted. Sure, he was a little happy to hear that Kafka was cool with being hit on by guys, (and clearly reciprocated the sentiment) but felt absolutely horrified at hearing Kafka wanting his brother's number. So much so that he immediately stood on the bench seat so he could get a good enough vantage to stomp on Kafka to stop his train of thought.

"You! Will! NOT! Be! Dating! My! BROTHER!" Hoshina shouted out between the stomping.

"Jesus! And here I thought you wouldn't be having a problem with me liking guys! Yah know, since you told me about it!" Kafka shouted back as he tried to defend himself from the onslaught.

"I don't have a problem with you dating guys! I have a problem with you dating my brother!" Hoshina said as he pressed his foot down firmly onto Kafka's hands that were protecting his head.

'Well then, who would you rather have me date?" Kafka returned rhetorically.

"Me for starters!" Hoshina finally admitted. Once he did, he let the pressure off of his foot and just stayed in the position for a hot minute, feeling as awkward as a school girl admitting to her first crush. Kafka just held onto the foot as he looked up at his commander with wide, unbelieving eyes. All Hoshina could bring himself to do was look away, his cheeks flushing hot and bright. Kafka helped lower the foot down as he got up from his seat to face him from the front.

"Have... have you been flirting with me too?" Kafka asked. Hoshina still couldn't look at him or answer, so his cheeks answered for him.

"How long have you been flirting with me?" Kafka asked again.

"Two... two years." Hoshina answered quietly.

"We've known each other for two years." Kafka responded. Hoshina still hadn't made a move, only crossed his arms defensively.

"YOU'VE BEEN FLIRTING WITH ME SINCE WE MET?" Kafka shouted as he made the realization.

"To be fair, I don't flirt like a normal person and you clearly can't read context clues." Hoshina said as he finally regained some control over his mouth. He just wished he had better control over what it said.

"Why didn't you say anything before now?" Kafka sounded incredulous at the thought of how he could have been dating the most amazing person on base before now, had be been able to read between the lines.

" I kept thinking it was funny?" Hoshina responded in a shy, quivering voice as more blood rushed to his face and made it redder.

"Okay, now I have to ask. What about me do you like? Do you think I'm handsome, or do you really just like to think I'm funny?" Kafka questioned as he waved his hands around animatedly.

"Honestly? I just really like that you're funny." Hoshina said as he relaxed and playfully shrugged. Now feeling better about having all of this out in the open.

" So, just, fuck my face then." Kafka said in a sarcastically irritated manner while turning around and waving his arms.

"I would if you'd stop talking." Hoshina accidentally let slip.

He wasn't ashamed of saying it, but probably should have found a better time to say it. It didn't seem to matter anyway as Kafka took a second to stop his flailing and slowly turned around to face his commander again. A sly smile tugged at the corner of his lips as his eyes darkened at the play on words they stumbled into.

"Well alright then." Kafka chuckled darkly as he strode over to where Hoshina was still standing. He grabbed his legs and threw him over his shoulder, holding onto Hoshina's calves for dear life as he carried his thrashing lover out of the gym.

"Wha-what do you think you're doing?" Hoshina cried as he tried to look back at his kidnapper. Kafka returned the most intensely flirtatious side-eye back at him as they walked out of the gym.

"Moving training to your place, so you can properly shut me up."

"Wha-what, no dinner first?" Hoshina stuttered nervously as he continued to be paraded down the hall on Kafka's shoulder. He got even more nervous as Okonogi slid past his line of sight and watched them walk away.

"You've been flirting with me for two years. Dinner can wait." Kafka growled as the other hand came up and audibly smacked Hoshina on the ass.

[localchocobomerc]

I tried telling someone about this yesterday and they felt it was very bleak, but it doesn't feel that way to me:

I really like what final fantasy 7 has to say about failure! I read it as showing how much defining something as just a failure and assigning blame exclusively to the fail-er depends on removing it from the stream of causation and isolating it from context...

For instance:

1. Zack's failure to get him and Cloud to safety after escaping the Nibelheim lab. This is an easy one, because who looks at what he did and calls it a failure? It's obviously incredible that he made it that far AND was able to protect Cloud enough. But his goal was for both of them to make it, and he couldn't do it. I don't think he felt like he failed overall (thank goodness), but another person might have. Which, in context, and looking at the effects of the attempt, is ridiculous.

2. Cloud's failure to keep an independent sense of self after Zack died (after being tortured for years, after being impaled, after losing his mother, Tifa, and his hometown, all in succession). Maybe the not-that-rare attitude of blaming him for this is a fault of the OG script, which I think makes it sound like more of a reasoned choice than it is, whether through translation error or through Cloud being the only one to really talk about it after he realizes that's what happened (and blaming himself for it). Regardless, it is a failure, in the sense that Cloud definitely wouldn't want to forget Zack, never mind construct a false self from pieces of his memory, but he did. Looking at all the causes of this, and the effects (including both vulnerability to external control but also the ability to be present with Tifa when they met again, and to continue to function as the situation demanded), it just starts to feel too simplistic to view it as a failure only.

The story is full of people trying to protect each other and themselves and not being able to, or not being able to in the way or to the extent they wanted, like failing to:

- Keep the sector 7 plate from falling

- Keep the Black Materia from Sephiroth

- Save Dyne

- Save Aerith

- Save Zack

- Stop Sephiroth from calling Meteor

But if you look at each of those things in context, they both have many causes besides "I wasn't enough" and more effects than just "the loss I couldn't prevent." And in most if not all cases, making the attempt achieved other good things, like saving Marlene or giving Zack the chance to see that it wasn't all for nothing... Things that really matter a lot. Ultimately, saving the rest of the planet besides Midgar is another one of these... a good thing grown in the rubble of failure.

I just feel like, as someone well acquainted with failure, this game is saying it's worth trying and continuing to try after you fail, and that's not bleak to me at all.

[velvetvexations]

it’s so bizarre to me that you never, EVER reblog or post anything about transmisogyny or the transfem experience. like, can you even recommend any transfem-centric blogs for me to follow? for someone so into “solidarity” your trans activism seems pretty focused on trans men only

So there are multiple things going on with this ask.

As I've explained several times before - I don't necessarily blame you for not seeing it, but I have - most social issues give me panic attacks to contemplate. The thing I mentioned triggered me so badly yesterday was something in the transmisogyny tag that wasn't tagged with anything I had blacklisted (not that OP's fault, I added more variations of transphobia warnings so it hopefully won't happen again).

Intercommunity issues are less existential. Things like hate crimes and legislative assaults on queer people freak me out and leave me a shaking, crying, doomscrolling mess. I don't even follow like, literally any of the people who followed me for transandrophobia advocacy because they reblog other things that gives me heart palpitations.

That limits my exposure to intercommunity issues facing transfems specifically as well, the vast majority of people I follow don't put any discourse on my dash at all. However, I have in fact reblogged posts purely about transmisogyny (other than the kind transandrophobes throw at me lol) only to immediately delete them when I see the OP is vile towards transmascs in other posts, completely spoling the message. At least one was even specifically about ways transmascs can be transmisogynistic, which I thought was a fair enough criticism before realizing it was at best one good point in a sea of bullshit directed at our trans brothers. Another time I specifically asked someone how they felt about trasnmascs before I reblogged their very good post about transmisogyny and was delighted when they gave a fantastic response.

Furthermore, I do actually just speak on pure transmisogyny myself sometimes! I talked at length about the immense pain it caused me realizing Alison Bechdel was TERFier than I thought in a way that completely contradicts the strip that made me cry out of appreciation for her. Recently, I've also been talking a lot about the ways butch transfems are treated for not looking cis.

Do I mention these things less than transandrophobia and other issues that affect people other than transfems? Sure. But like...so what? I like doing things for other people.

I don't mean to act like I'm some kinna savior or anything, but as I said just yesterday, helping people outside of your own issues is something I'm kinna obsessed with not just in myself but others too. I'm constantly stressing how cis allies should be appreciated e.g. my previous feelings about Bechdel, and despite how she turned out I still firmly believe that cis allies should be treasured. I've donated money to multiple cis allies to say thanks for their statements.

It's not like I'm just so saintly selfless or anything like that, I'm very self-centered, it's just that being an ally to [x], [x] being allies to me, and [x] being allies to [y] who have nothing to do with me is not only a rare area of activism I can function in, it's one that actively brings me joy. This includes having sent multiple messages to transmascs thanking them when they speak up about transmisogyny, because I want to show them the love so many of them have shown me for the same thing.

Finally, you say my trans activism is focused on trans men. Maybe so, by volume. But, and I've mentioned this before, I've been wanting to do more for everyone else as well, literally everyone. I've asked a bit about intersex issues and am trying to learn more about what non-binary people who don't lean to one end or the other deal with as well, and I also want all my cis followers to feel just as comfortable and supported by me as well - and, of course, that all goes for other transfems as well, whose pain cuts me to the bone.

I'm radically pro-everyone, anon, and I want to help uplift them all without exception. I understand focusing on one's own lane, and I neither judge that nor am attempting to portray myself as a uniquely noble white knight. That's just what I personally choose to put my efforts towards.

[notesfromthepalace]

Don't Be Jenny from the BLOCK!

No tea no shade to Jen, that's my sister, I LOVE HER!

When I say "don't be Jenny from the block" - what I am referring to is dating someone from your neighborhood, your town, you high school, and if you've glowed up after college, I would say extend that to anyone you've met before the age of 23.

In the words of Joseline Hernandez (I'll explain why I love her in another post), don't be a "$2 hoe".

I repeat, DON'T BE A $2 HOE!

Now, let's get into some things.

You today, in your mid 20s, should be the best version of yourself:

The finest

Prettiest

Skin Glowing

Hair always done

Nails done

Just That Girl, Okay?!

Whether I am being casual or saditty, I am That Girl, ten toes down.

Do you know why I choose to show up as That Girl no matter what?

Because I remember when I was this girl:

Now, to be clear I have had NO cosmetic procedures. I just grew up, slimmed down, filled up in the right spots, figured out what to do with my hair and skin care, etc. There's really nothing wrong with me in the above photo except for how I felt about myself. I thought I was ugly so my confidence was low, and I did not think I was deserving of love or the finer things in life.

Naturally, the guys around me treated me how I felt about myself.

But when I believed that I was all that and a bag of chips, I definitely gave that in my aura and appearance, but I still entertained a childhood love. I don't doubt that he loved me but he treated me as the girl in the green dress and would get annoyed when I demanded better.

But you know what, it's not his fault. He was treating me like the $2 Hoe he meant in the sixth grade - and not because I was actually a $2 hoe, but when I use that term, I mean a person who feels like they are less then.

If he had met me today, he probably would have admired me from a distance because he would've knew he could not provide what I require. But because he met me in another life chilllllle, he thought yesterday's price was today's price, but it wasn't - hints why I finally dumped him.

Every person I met after the age of 23 is completely different from people I met in my adolescent years. This isn't tea or shade to my close girlfriends, but as you get older and your values change, you realize that the conversations you are having in new circles feels more natural because the older conversations are beneath you.

This whole $2 hoe thing applies not only to dating, but your friends and the conversations you entertain as well - it's like a frequency you admit, a low vibrational frequency.

For example: I have friends who still "roster date" - meaning they have a routine/rotation of men that they go out with - which is their prerogative. I am a happily monogamous woman who is on her way to engagement and soon there after, marriage.

mon amour

There are conversations that I don't want to have anymore. I don't want to hear how you feel played by the man you knew was married, or how John and Joe found out about each other, etc.

The conversations now should be about investing, skin care regiments and medical spa recommendations, marriage, children, family, whether to be a stay at home mom or to pursue careers, and how to go about being mothers, wives and financially comfortable, how to support our future husbands: these are the conversations that peak my interest.

I left the block about five years ago. Once in a blue, I go back home to visit family and get my hair done, but I don't make a big deal or announcement about my arrival because I am not trying to invite the rift raft that comes with it.

The block is no longer my Ohana.

I have created my own.

Sometimes leaving home and cutting off old friends and leaving romances from our early years sounds scary, but my dear, you will not regret it.

Now, my girlfriends that I have known for over 10+ years know I'm not talking about them because we all still talk. But is there some distance between some of my old girlfriends and I?

Absolutely.

And that's okay. You're real friends will understand that because we're all growing and changing. It's called evolution.

Evolve

Grow

Be that girl.

And if someone tries to make you feel bad for that, especially a man: unfollow, block, throw away everything that person gave to you, sever the soul tie.

As always ladies,

God is King

Be beautiful.

With love,

Sarah Chanel

[saphig-iawn]

Day 6 of Turning me into Me

CW: homophobia, mention of suicide

Today was good. With how I feel, you wouldn't have thought that I came out to my parents yesterday but I just feel... not nothing, but not an absence either. Just a neutral feeling, and I think it shows the damage they did to me when I first came out. With every person I've come out to so far, I've left that conversation with such feelings of elation and relief. But I'm just, whelmed.

Anyway, onto today. A friend wanted me to go and visit them because they had news. I know, I panicked too, but their news was both positive and scary. They were beginning to enter a whole stage of their life that they couldn't have predicted would happen, they opened up about so much and then they came out to me. I was so proud of them, and not just in a "heeey congrats on the gender and sexuality" but more in that they felt that they could be themselves to me. It is so hard but so rewarding to be able to be introspective and honest with yourself, but then tell someone... I gave them such a huge hug, and I wanted to tell them how proud I was of them.

But growing up I was made to feel that emotion and support weren't things that a "man" did. There was no room for vulnerability. It didn't help that my parents kept calling me a sensitive kid, both positively and negatively. I was "sensitive" because I cared about someone, I was "sensitive" because I cried when I got shouted at for something that wasn't my fault. Eventually my parents called me a good kid who followed the rules, but all that meant was that I could tell each parent apart by their footsteps, or where they were in the house by the sound of shutting door. I learned how to avoid conflict. Then comes high school, and in a working class all-boys school, oh boy did my instincts have to work double-time. Any non conformity was weaponised, any vulnerablility became a target. The moment you acted like a human to anyone it was met with shouts of "Eeerrgh are you gay?" "Are you batty?" "Gaylord!". I couldn't show my friends that I loved them. I couldn't show excitement for my interests. I couldn't even show pride in accomplishment. Standing out meant placing a target on you. The school was complicit. "Oh lets get you boys in here together and talk it out." Mediation meant nothing in that school but the promise of future violence. There are kids from that school who are no longer with us because of that place.

I'm so glad I started to transition when I did because I learned to love. I learned to praise. I learned to share. I used to bottle so much up, but now I squee at cute clothes with friends. I shoulder their burdens with love. I listen when no others will.

I do all of this because no one was there for me when I needed it, and no one should go through any part of life alone.

[only-lonely-stars]

Reminiscence

Oneshot – (FFN) (AO3)

Summary:

Skylor never really talked much about her childhood. It just wasn't important. Who wants to hear about that? However, a day off with Kai was probably the right time to tell him about the history she's been carrying around… right?

Phone in hand, Skylor walked out of her noodle shop through the back door, latching it behind her. She finally had a day off, and not too soon at all; she hadn't seen Kai in ages. She pulled up her messaging app with a smile.

FROM: Copycat (10:03 AM) TO: Hair Gel Hey, are you free? I managed to have a day off

FROM: Hair Gel (10:05 AM) TO: Copycat yeah, greenie gave us the day off yesterday he worked us until 7 wanna go do something ?

FROM: Copycat (10:06 AM) TO: Hair Gel You want to meat up at the park? *meet The weather's great today

FROM: Hair Gel (10:06 AM) TO: Copycat definitely! I'll see you in a few minutes?

FROM: Copycat (10:07 AM) TO: Hair Gel Copy that.

Skylor put away her phone with a smile. It would be a nice change to see him again; despite being engaged, they had spent little time together recently (of course, it was the noodle shop's fault, having several employees on holiday, but no matter). She rolled her shoulders back and set off on a quick jog, only taking a few minutes to reach the park. As she got to the entrance gate, she spotted a figure in a red hoodie waving to her from across the park. She smiled, waved back, and jogged up to meet him, giving him a big hug in greeting. "Hi, Kai."

"Hey, Sky!" Kai replied, warmly enveloping her in his arms. He kissed her temple, then let her go and smiled. "Long time no see."

"No kidding," Skylor laughed. "Sorry I've been so busy."

"Lots of business?"

"Oh yeah. We've had a lot of people on holiday recently. Plus, those new apartment buildings had a lot of Serpentine moving in." Skylor shrugged. "We had a lot of busy days."

"Makes sense." Kai took her hand. "Are you okay, being around so many Serpentine? I know you haven't exactly had a good experience with them." He gestured to a nearby bench, and they sat. "They've been starting to really come back to Ninjago this past few months."

Skylor sighed. "It's been weird, but I haven't had to deal with too many of them. How's training been for you?"

"Brutal. Lloyd keeps making up weirder and weirder exercises. Who comes up with one-handed burpees while wearing weights?" Kai laughed briefly. "It's working pretty well, though."

"Oh yeah? Your spinjitzu must be getting better." Skylor nudged his shoulder. "It would be nice to be able to do that; just in case any old cultists show up, you know."

"That would be great! It's an amazing skill. But… aren't all those guys in Kryptarium Prison or the Cursed Realm?" Kai's face fell.

Skylor's eyes fell. "There are still some stragglers. They're not really that nice to see– some of them are still really attached to the island." She sighed deeply. "Once, a gang of them tried to take me back. That wasn't fun."

"What? When was that?" Kai exclaimed.

Skylor shrugged. "I think it was last Friday? I'd just closed up the shop for the night."

"And you didn't tell any of us, because…"

"It wasn't an issue! I handled it. There wasn't a reason to bother you about it." She gave him a weak smile.

"Sky, almost being kidnapped and dragged back to the island isn't a bother," Kai responded, giving her an uncharacteristically soft look. A shiver ran up Skylor's spine. Since when was he good with this sort of thing?

"Exactly! It's just– whatever, you know? It wasn't even the first time." Skylor shook her head, combined with another shrug. "I just thought spinjitzu might help me next time." Was it just her, or did the wind feel colder?

"Skylor…" Kai breathed, taking her hand in his. Skylor felt the warmth of his hands, radiating up her body. "You can tell us about this kind of thing. You can trust us– you can trust me."

"I do trust you! I just thought it wasn't important. It's not like someone tried to burglarize the shop or anything."

"Of course it's important! You're important!"

"So? It doesn't matter. I can take care of myself, Kai."

"I know you can," Kai conceded, rubbing her hand comfortingly, "but you don't have to any more. Your safety matters, Skylor."

Skylor looked away, unable to meet his eyes. "I know, and I appreciate that, really. It's just… hard to believe that sometimes, you know? I still feel like I need to escape sometimes, just to be free. I didn't have that for a long time."

Kai nodded. "I get that." He paused, looking unsure. "Do you want to talk about it? Not that you have to."

Skylor chuckled and met his eyes again, managing to smile. "Are you really in the mood to hear about my issues?"

Kai laughed. "I live with Lloyd Garmadon. Not to mention the fact that all the rest of us have our own. It's not so unusual."

"Heh, fair enough. There's a lot to tell, though." She shifted on the bench, inching closer to him.

"That's fine. Do you feel safe? We could go back to your place, if that helps," Kai offered.

Skylor smiled, squeezing his hand. "Even if I felt like I was in danger, it wouldn't be a problem. After all, I have Ninjago's strongest ninja here to protect me." She winked at him, enjoying how he perked up at her comment. "Besides, it's about time I told you." She shifted in her seat.

-----

"My childhood was pretty weird, honestly. Being a kid on the island wasn't exactly terrible, but it wasn't fun either. Lots of adults, not many kids, and near-total isolation from the outside world tend not to be good elements when it comes to mental health." She shook her head. "One of the worst things was how much everyone believed in my father. It was like they thought he was their savior, you know? They hated how much attention I got in public– not that I got much in private, but they didn't know that."

Kai frowned. "They shouldn't have treated you like that. Especially your dad."

Skylor's eyes fell, a tiny smile on her face. "I know, but it's okay. At least he told me some stories about when I was pretty young. He liked to talk about my mother. He always said she believed in me."

-----

Skylor, only a baby, cried very loudly. It wasn't just because she had needs; she announced her presence. As she grasped at the air with her tiny hands, her father smiled uneasily down at her.

"I'm not so sure about this, dear. It's a bit… loud, isn't it?" Chen muttered, trying to soothe her.

"Chen, Skylor's not an it. She's our daughter. You can't just turn off her crying," Skylor's mother said with a smile. She toyed with Skylor's hair, tiredly drinking in the image of her husband and newborn daughter.

"Yes, right, darling. She's very pretty," Chen backtracked, gently rocking Skylor.

"She's not just pretty," Skylor's mother said with a smile. "I have a feeling she will be someone extraordinary."

"I'm afraid I'm going to drop her. What will happen if I drop her? Will that break her?"

"Just be gentle," his wife reprimanded, amused.

Skylor cooed, grasping at Chen's beard. "Ahh, I think she got her lack of hair from me! She wants my beard," Chen laughed. "Dearest, please let go!"

Skylor laughed and let go, happily laying her arms back down and yawning, while conveniently covering her mother's quietly labored breathing. "Be careful with your father, Skylor…" her mother commented.

Chen's face fell. "Are you all right dear? Do you need me to call the doctor?" He knelt by his wife's bedside.

"No, I'm fine. Really," his wife placated, waving her hand. "I'm just tired."

"If you say so," Chen relented, before smiling at Skylor again. "Our daughter will want for nothing. She's a daddy's girl, don't you think?"

"Yes, she is," her mother replied, smiling as her daughter fell asleep in Chen's arms. "I think she's going to be someone very special."

"Yes, she'll be special," Chen repeated. "She will be powerful..."

-----

"Of course, it's not like that lasted. My mother wasn't healthy, and my father knew it. He always said he wished he'd known she was dying earlier..." Skylor laughed quietly.

"That's… dark," Kai commented.

"Yeah, but it's just how it was." She shrugged. "It's not a long story; life on the island got repetitive pretty fast."

-----

Now four years old, Skylor lived a life of happiness, shielded from the bitter truths she would later know. She ran through the hallways of Chen's castle, laughing and playing with a makeshift sword made from two sticks and some rope as she fought off invisible ninja enemies. Panting from her exercise, she ran into her mother's room. "Mommy! Did you see me! I defeated the ninja!"

"Yes you did, darling," her mother said with a smile, before devolving into a coughing fit.

Skylor's grin fell off her face, fear taking root in her eyes. "Are you okay, Mommy?"

"I'm fine, dear," her mother got out between coughs. "Can you go get your father to come here, please?"

Skylor nodded, all thoughts of games gone. "Yes, Mommy…" She ran out of the room, almost ramming into Clouse on the way.

"Be careful where you're going," Clouse sneered.

"I'm sorry Mr. Clouse," Skylor said hastily. "Do you know where my daddy is?"

Clouse sniffed. "Master Chen is currently in a business meeting with an important man from the mainland. He does not have time to be disturbed by children."

Skylor pouted. "Mommy said she needs to see him. She was coughing again."

Clouse rolled his eyes. "He is in his study." Upon seeing her beaming face, he turned and walked away, while Skylor ran towards the study.

Skylor knocked loudly on the door. "Daddy!"

"Is that my Skylor I hear?" Chen called from behind it, opening the door.

"Daddy, there you are!" Skylor ran in, hugging his legs tightly. "Mommy wants to see you."

Chen smiled, picking her up. "Well, let's go see her then!" He turned to the man in his study– a dark, tall man with a curly brown beard, dressed in clothing decorated with feathers and leaves. "If you'll excuse me, I have other business to attend to. Enjoy your trip home! I'm sure your son is anxious to see you again– what was his name, Bolobo?" He grinned widely, giggling quietly. "It would be a shame to keep you from him any longer."

The man nodded and left the room, seemingly frightened. Skylor hugged her father tightly. "Daddy? Mommy was coughing again. Is she going to be okay?" She looked up at him, uncertainty clear on her face.

Chen's smile faltered, no longer reaching his eyes. "Yes, darling, she will be okay. Now, where is she?" He walked out of the office, looking around. "I just can't find the way around this place like you can, Skylor!"

Skylor laughed, pointing down the hallway. "She's there, Daddy! You remember!"

"Ah, yes, there she is! You're quite the wayfinder," he said to his daughter, smiling again. "It's not so easy for an old, old, old man like me." He pushed open the door to his wife's room. "Hello, dear. How are you feeling?"

His wife smiled weakly. "As well as I can." She coughed weakly into her sleeve. "It's getting harder to breathe."

Chen's face fell, mirroring his little daughter's. "I'm calling the doctor again. There must be something we can do."

His wife smiled, shaking her head. "Darling, we've tried everything. Not even mainland doctors would be able to help me. It's almost time for me to go– I can't keep the spirits waiting. The next generation has to have the world and make it theirs."

Skylor sniffed, tearing up. "What do you mean, Mommy? Where are you going?" Chen frowned as she climbed out of Chen's arms and curled up into the crook of her mother's elbow. "We need you."

Her mother sighed, smiling sadly as she cuddled her daughter close to her. "The First Spinjitzu Master needs me too. I have to go meet him. When I do, I promise I'll watch over you. You'll never be alone– I'll love you forever." She kissed the top of Skylor's head, before turning away to cough into her arm. "I love you so much."

Skylor nodded, now fully crying into her side as her father watched, her mother slowly slipping away.

-----

Kai entwined his hand with hers. "Sky… I don't know what to say. I'm sorry– not that that really helps…"

Skylor squeezed his hand, smiling a little. "It's okay. We're kind of the same that way, huh? You found your parents again, though."

"I guess. Do you miss her?"

"...I can't really tell." She shrugged, leaning against Kai. "After she was gone, my father sank into a deep depression, so Clouse took over running the island. That also meant helping train me to be the perfect pawn, all the while taking my father's attention for himself and away from me. Most of all, he wanted a title. All the while, my father started just… going nuts."

"Like how he was when we were there?" Kai asked.

"Yeah. At first it was his war meetings, and then his business with the noodle company. Eventually, even just me snagging some fortune cookies without permission was enough to make him ballistic."

-----

Fifteen-year-old Skylor panted heavily, drenched in sweat as she tossed away a blunt training sword. She pushed her bangs back, hoping to alleviate the heat. "Stupid snakes…"

Above her, Clouse sneered at her from an observation deck. "Sloppy form as always. Name-calling is hardly professional, miss Skylor. If I were anyone else, I might think you didn't care what your father thought of you."

Skylor scoffed. "That was my fastest time yet! He'd be proud of me, unlike you." She shook her head, muttering to herself. "Who does he think he is?"

Clouse crossed his arms. "I am your father's most trusted advisor, and more unbiased than him. It is my duty to make sure his daughter does not make him out to be a fool."

Skylor sighed heavily. "Of course. Can I be done? Michael said he wanted to show me something cool he got during his trip to the mainland." She wiped her forehead again. "It's hotter than a crucible out here..."

Clouse rolled his eyes. "Fine, go on. Don't do anything dishonorable; it would be a shame if you were found doing something… compromising."

Skylor shuddered. "Yeah, okay." She ran out of the training ground, only to stop short as she saw her father, waiting in the hallway. She hastily stopped and bowed. "Father!"

Chen smiled. "Oh, Skylor! There you are. I've been hearing about your training sessions from Clouse."

Skylor's eyes widened. "Yes, Father? I've been working hard, I promise–"

"This can't keep happening," Chen said, cutting her off. "You need to concentrate! From what I've been told, your form and technique have been abysmal lately."

"But Father, I defeated three of your lieutenants today! Isn't that proof that I'm doing well?"

"Top form, Skylor. Top form! You need to work harder!" Chen snapped.

Skylor sighed, hanging her head. "...yes, Father."

"Good, good," Chen replied. "There's also the matter of some rumors I've been hearing. Is it true that you are able to use the power of our guest from a few days ago?"

Skylor blinked. "You mean that man from the mainland?"

"Who else would I mean?" Chen snapped. "Is it true or not?"

Skylor nodded quickly. "Yes, Father. Can I show you?"

"Yes, yes, please do!" Chen responded, clapping his hands with glee. "I'm eager to see if you can do what your mother could, Skylor."

Skylor smiled, scrunching her face in concentration. After a moment, she opened her eyes to see a flower, having sprung to life in her hand. "...I can grow flowers so far."

Chen's smile widened. "Oh, this is lovely! Just like your mother." His smile briefly fell, before he resumed his dramatic gesturing. "It would appear you are an elemental master, Skylor. We can use this!" He plucked the flower from Skylor's hand. "Daughter, I will tell Clouse to start going a bit easier on you, but only if you promise to work very hand and not slack off. You must learn how to use these powers."

Skylor nodded, beaming. "Of course, I promise! I'll work harder than ever."

"Good, good. That's what I like to hear!" Chen sniffed the flower, then dropped it on the floor and walked off. "Make sure to keep your word, daughter!"

-----

Skylor shook her head. "I wish things had been different."

Kai nudged her gently. "Did something happen?"

She nodded. "Lots of things. Over the years, life on the island got worse and worse. I should have realized something was wrong. I should have said something, but I was too afraid to do anything." She shook her head, squeezing Kai's hand and making her free hand into a fist. "Nothing I did was good enough. If I made a mistake, he cheered me on one minute, while threatening me the next. It got to the point where I couldn't meet his astronomical standards."

Skylor growled quietly. "No matter what, I was wrong, and it was always my fault."

-----

Several years later, Skylor panted heavily as she stood at the end of a rigourous obstacle course. She glared at it, shaded her eyes, and looked up a hill at Clouse and Chen. "How was that? Good enough?"

Chen shook his head. "Try again, Skylor. You barely beat your record! You must be the best of the best. Remember the creed of the Anacondrai?"

Skylor groaned quietly. "Only one can remain…"

Chen nodded. "That's right, Skylor. Now, try it again! And Clouse, have someone bring me some noodles! I'm starving up here!"

Skylor scoffed quietly. "Yes, Father." She trudged to the start of the course and launched herself into it again, only to stumble on a ledge and cry out in pain.

Skylor winced as interference rang out through a megaphone. "Skylor, if you will not do this the right way, I won't allow you to participate in the tournament! Try again, or I won't see you for the rest of the day," Chen ordered.

Skylor nodded, blinking away tears, but stumbled as she walked back to the start. Chen shook his head as he saw her bend over in pain. "Skylor, get out of my sight. You're too tired to continue today. We have two weeks left before the tournament begins– I hope you will be able to continue before then." He waved her away, and she nodded meekly before limping away. As she walked away, Clouse met her in a hallway.

"Well, it seems you now realize exactly how disappointed he is. Do you know how much he has bet on your success?" He sneered at her. "Of course, I'm not all that surprised. You've never seemed to amount to much."

Skylor glared at him, putting her foot down fully and wincing at the pain. "You say that, yet he still loves me. You're just a henchman– you don't even have a title of lordship! He'll always choose me first."

"Ah, but that's where you go wrong. I worked my way to this position. All you had to do was be born. Would Master Chen really choose a sniveling little girl over his most proven, most loyal advisor?" He paused for a moment. "I think not."

Skylor laughed briefly before coughing from her heavy breathing. "As if he'd betray his own daughter. If there's anyone he's ever loved, it's me and my mother– not you."

-----

Skylor smiled, pushing the memories to the back of her mind as she refocused on the present. "Seeing you on that ferry was the best and worst thing to ever happen to me, Kai."

Kai blushed. "Uh, what exactly do you mean by 'worst?'"

Skylor laughed faintly. "You turned my world upside down! I had all these new feelings and didn't even understand them– not to mention that you were my enemy. I was supposed to steal your powers and become a snake so I could help take over Ninjago, not help take down my father and defend an entire country." Her smile fell. "When my father suspected I had feelings for you, he was furious at first. And once he calmed down, he told me I needed to use you to win the tournament. He made me spy on the Alliance, with you as my in."

Kai smirked and nudged her. "Hey, don't beat yourself up over it. It all worked out in the end, didn't it?"

Skylor nodded. "Yeah. It's okay now, I think. I don't always feel good about it now, but it's at least better." She let go of Kai's hand and crossed her arms. "Besides, it's not like I hate him, even though my life was horrible. He's dead. It doesn't matter." She glared at the ground.

Kai put an arm around her back. "Sky, it's okay to not think he's a good person. He manipulated you, he… Zane told me once that victims of abuse don't always know what's going on when it's happening. I don't want to label it or anything– I don't know anything about this stuff– but could it have been that?"

Skylor shook her head. "Yeah, it could've. It was abuse, or something like it; no use trying to deny it. He made me a pawn and said he loved me, promising that my mother would have wanted it or that it could get us to the mainland. He dangled that freedom over my head for years; it was all I ever wanted." She growled in frustration. "In hindsight, it seems like it couldn't have been that bad, but it was! And I just can't get over it. Shouldn't I be over it?"

Kai shook his head, murmuring to her. "You don't need to 'get over it,' Sky. It's not going to go away completely, but that's okay. It'll stop hurting eventually, I promise."

"And if it doesn't?" Skylor murmured, pressing up against him.

"It will." Kai pulled her close. "Lloyd always says he feels better after talking about stuff like this. If you need to talk about this again, just call me, okay?"

Skylor nodded, smiling faintly. "Okay. Thanks for listening."

"Anytime, Sky." Kai kissed her hair.

Skylor took a deep breath, stabilizing herself. "Do you want to go back to my apartment? I really don't feel like being out in the city today. We could watch a movie…?"

Kai smiled. "I'd like that. Come on." He helped her up from the bench, and together they walked back to Skylor's apartment hand-in-hand under the midday sun, with lighter yet wearier hearts.

-----

FROM: Copycat (9:47 PM) TO: Hair Gel Hey Thanks for listening to me today. it really helped.

FROM: Hair Gel (9:51 PM) TO: Copycat anytime, Sky goodnight xx

FROM: Copycat (9:51 PM) TO: Hair Gel Good night. X

[skyloftian-nutcase]

Link sneezed as he exited the shrine. Man that place was dusty.

The Fallen Hero stood in front of him, waiting for him.

"Hey!" Link greeted. "Got the spirit orb."

"Catch any good fish?" his friend asked.

Smiling wide, Link pulled out his adventure pouch to show him. "All the best ones in the area! There weren't too many so I left a few in the water, but I can't wait to roast them for dinner."

His companion nodded, his smile fading. Link felt the mood somber quickly, and he recognized that they'd come to the issue he'd been avoiding all day.

"So," he said slowly, kicking a stone away. "Sir Abel. Figure anything out about how I should talk to him?"

The Fallen Hero sighed, looking down for a moment as if he were steeling himself. Then he looked Link dead in the eye, face neutral. That was never a good sign.

"I have information I need to tell you," he said. "I... should have mentioned it sooner. I just..."

Link watched him struggle for the right words, and he immediately knew what was wrong. His friend had never been good at expressing himself, though he was extremely sensitive. This cut far deeper than just failing a captain of the guard. He supposed it had to do with that guilt of his again. He'd tried to address it yesterday, but, well... his friend had died fifteen years ago. This was the first time they were talking about it. He guessed these things took time.

"It wasn't your fault," Link reiterated.

The Fallen Hero was silent a moment longer and then said, "He's my father."

Link felt the entire world spin. Okay. Okay, he hadn't seen that one coming. But he guessed he should have, because the more he thought about it the more it made sense.

"O-oh." he said lamely. He couldn't really think of what else to say.

"Now that you know that," the Fallen Hero continued as neutrally as possible, "There are some things I need to tell you. And something I... a favor I would like to ask."

Link took a shaky breath, swallowing. He was eager to help his friend, and so he nodded.

XXX

It was getting late. He began to head back to his house, but someone stood between him and the bridge.

It was that kid. The swordsman.

Abel stared at him a moment, sizing him up. When nothing happened, he said, "You're in my way."

The kid flinched, letting out a nervous chuckle. "Uh, y-yeah. I..."

The air filled with the sound of crickets and trickling water as the swordsman fumbled to find the right words. Then he waved his hands anxiously, stepping aside. "You're right, I am! Sorry."

Abel stared at the boy a moment longer before walking by him, too annoyed to bother trying to figure out what that was all about.

As he passed, Link could practically feel the icy wind slam into him. He was usually really good about talking to anyone, but this guy was beyond intimidating. He had to do this for so many reasons, but good grief. He turned away, his heart fluttering with fear, and he caught sight of his spiritual guide staring at him exasperation.

"What?" Link hissed. "He's terrifying!"

The Hylian Champion sighed heavily. His frustration latched on to the Lurelin native's heart, and Link took a steadying breath, turning towards the house just as the knight closed the door behind him.

I can do this. I can do this.

Slowly, Link walked across the bridge. The house he approached looked a little dilapidated, with overgrown flora and a few shingles missing from the roof. It looked like there used to be a stable to the right of the house, but the wood was half rotted.

The place spoke of stories and love and loss. Link could feel the sadness hanging heavily in the air like humidity.

Link's resolve overcame his fear, and he finally made it all the way to the front door, pulling out a small cloth that wrapped his gift and knocking on the wood.

When the door opened a few moments later to reveal the knight once more, Link's fear returned.

Clearing his throat nervously, he said, "Um, hi again."

Sir Abel's dull eyes grew narrower as his brow furrowed. "What do you want, child?"

Link swallowed, holding the cloth forward with both hands. "I made you something."

The knight raised an eyebrow, hesitantly reaching for the item. "Why?"

"It's from Link!" the swordsman said cheerily before realizing his mistake.

"He can't see me!" his friend hissed frantically.

Sir Abel's face drained of blood for just a moment before it became flush with anger. "You came all this way to mock me? Don't you dare even say his name."

He slammed the door at that, with Link's gift left on the floor. The former fisherman stared at the wood helplessly, his heart hurting and racing at the same time, and he slowly picked up the discarded item, bits of rice falling out of the cloth. When he glanced hesitantly at his predecessor, he saw the champion looking like he was on the verge of tears as he stared at the door.

Fear was quenched by indignant, protective anger, and Link knocked on the door more forcefully. He was going to get this right. When it swung open hastily, the knight's ire evident, he couldn't help the nervous step back that he took.

But he didn't back down.

"Lyra," he said shakily, watching the man's face twist in suspicion. "When she was two, she climbed the roof of the stable because she saw her brother climbing the roof of the house. She wanted to climb as high as him. He jumped from the house to the stable to make sure she didn't fall. Nearly broke his ankle in the process."

Sir Abel stared, his fury slowly fading, face draining of color.

"Link met Princess Mipha while you two were wrestling in the plaza of Zora's Domain," Link continued, gaining some confidence. "You were tickling him and you saw a little Zora. Link said she looked weird.

"When Link found the Master Sword his mother cried. He didn't know why, but it stuck with him for the rest of his life. Lyra lost her first tooth in the middle of the night and woke Link up to show him before he ran to you because random teeth sitting around creep him out. Link used to make a special meal for you when you both had enough time to stay together and your wife Tilieth wasn't cooking."

The haunted look on the man's face seemed to say enough, and Link paused. Eventually, Sir Abel whispered shakily, "Who the hell are you?"

The Hero of Hyrule stood straighter after he picked up the discarded gift, unfolding it to reveal the hearty rice balls that his guide had taught him how to cook. Then he held it out to him. "I'm Link. I'm your son's successor."

[allgoldenelite]

NOAH New Year show translations

Rather than reposting the screenshots from Twitter here, I'm gonna make my tls an original post here on Tumblr.

bummers ahead, please proceed with care

Ibushi: (tl link)

"I got scammed by a place called C5 Clinic* that I tweeted about before, which has branches in the whole country. Please be careful, everyone.

I think NOAH will release information about my surgery and bone fractures and dislocation and such. I'm sorry to everyone for the inexcusable match. Everything is my fault."

*this clinic specializes in adipose tissue stem cell treatment

Ibushi: (tl link)

"Sorry for the late message. I think there will be a detailed report from NOAH, but I'm letting you know that my left ankle is a mangled mess, and I'll have surgery for the right [ankle] ligament. I think there will be a release [by NOAH] soon.

I'm really, really sorry."

Ibushi: (tl link)

"I've come [this far] with the goal of getting 20 years [in ring career], so I think it might be time soon [to quit] being an active [wrestler]. I still have a lot of contracts and such left so I'll see those through!

I try not to think too much about the negative things or the future and stuff like that, but I have a lot of things [to do] like taking care of my mother, so when it's time I'll talk about it! Don't miss a single match😊 ‼️ "

Jake Lee: (tl link)

"It's not about whose fault it is or anything like that

Everyone awaits you standing in the ring again

That's what I believe."

more under the cut

Marufuji: (tl link)

"Good morning. [The] Ariake Arena [show] was a couple days ago.

I'm going to assume that you understand that as professionals, we have to share perfection with everyone.

I feel sorry to the fans who, spending good money and valuable time, came to watch what could not meet the expectations, if you listen to a lot of the opinions.

I write "a lot of opinions" because there are people who hold a different opinion than that.

I can't write in detail here about the two different sides, but...

I think among the staff there are probably people from either side.

So there are among the wrestlers.

"As professionals, we have to share perfection with everyone": In the end, I've certainly learned a lot from being unable to share that.

[When you're] going for sharing perfection, it's also important to take big risks.

I myself ascribe to both.

But when you gamble, sometimes you fail.

I think as people, we often want to walk the path that's safe for ourselves. I think there is an incredible amount of pressure on those who challenge themselves to taking big risks with shows that they have a responsibility for because many other people aside from themselves are involved.

I want to convey my thanks to those people. And at the same time, I want to urge [everyone] to work hard so that we, based on what happened, change the things we can change and head for a brighter future.

There have been a lot of developments on the part of the wrestlers as well, so I think it'll be exciting as long as everyone can keep their professionalism.

I wasn't able to watch New Japan's Tokyo Dome show yesterday, but the news were everywhere.

In the end it is frustrating.

And also I, you know [...]

I wasn't able to show what I'm made of at all.

I think personally, I have to try and search for something new. That goes for moves and for where I stand as well.

I feel like if I don't, then [my career] is just going to end like with me as a boring wrestler.

Because I'm a guy who does what he decides to do (I [shouldn't] say this myself]...

Look forward to it."

underneath that post was a reply by someone going:

"I agree with the risk taking thing. But what bothers me is, I think Ibushi is under contract with AEW for the time being, however through this failed gamble he got injured and I worry about how the other side [AEW] is going to react to that. Looking at it that way, I think I can't agree with a gamble that involves a wrestler from another promotion."

and then someone else replied to that:

"Ibushi came into this already injured so you don't have to write that Marufuji injured him or something, do your research before you post"

and to that Ibushi replied: (tl link)

"I was in the best condition I could've been in to walk 500 meters, not exactly [have a] match. But I gave in to [NOAH?] negotiating with me 3 or 4 times like 'can't you please make it work?' It's my fault."

NOAH: (tl link)

"An announcement about Ibushi Kôta's medical diagnosis

As a result of a thorough examination, Ibushi Kôta, who suffered injuries during the NOAH Ariake Arena show on January 2nd, has been diagnosed with a complex injury of the lateral ankle ligament of the right foot, along with a rupture of the tibiofibular ligament of his right leg.

Regarding the left foot, there will be a separate thorough examination and dedicated treatment.

As soon as we learn more we will let you know further.

We deeply apologize for any inconvenience and concerns we caused the fans and every single person involved, and ask for your understanding and cooperation."

[cinamun]

I feel like dira is hesitant, cautious or, dare I say, downright scared of love because she saw what happened with rah and even punkass ryker, and thinks it was all her fault. Sure she went to therapy, but subconsciously, she might still think it's her fault. It's "her fault" ryker got with someone else (without even letting dira know) and then tried and failed to lie on her, telling the other girl that dira wasn't as important as she was, as if we all didn't watch his clown ass thirsting on her each and every episode until she finally gave up the cookie. It's also "her fault" that he left her after she finally gave him what he wanted. It was "her fault" rah snapped, busted into their hotel room WITH A GUN (AFTER EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENED WITH HOPE) to "confront" her for not allowing her entire world to revolve around rah. In her mind, it was all "her fault", so now, she thinks she's being tough by not letting Charlie in, she believes she's doing the right thing keeping him and other dude (the one whose name I don't really care to recall at this moment) at a distance. Giving them what she thinks is enough to satisfy them and keep them hooked, but not understanding that both, or at least charlie, need more. They want more. I feel like her not wanting a relationship with charlie is coming more from a place of hurt and fear. That's why she runs away when charlie tries to talk about it, because she does want more, but more scares her and the idea of hurting him hurts her too. She can't handle seeing charlie hurt and hates even more that she is the one doing it, so she runs away. But that just shows she does love him. I feel like what charlie needs to do is pull back, not push forward. He sees that she's falling for him, but he keeps pushing the issue. Now that she has experienced life with him around, he needs to show her how empty it feels when he isn't there for her. Give her the space she THINKS she wants/needs, only to have her reflect and realize how she really feels about him.

But that's just my two cents 😁

Good morning friend.

Someone yesterday asked why does there have to be trauma that informs her decisions. They asked why can't she just _BE_.

I guess I have to ask the same questions. Partly because DJ received none of this commentary when he wanted FWB with Isa and ultimately became the victim of multiple felonies because Isa didn't understand what that meant.

Dira wants FWB with Charlie, but Charlie is forgetting what that means. Its almost the exact same circumstance. Almost.

You said she loves him but how do you know that? I just feel like we might be grasping a little bit trying to figure out a woman who has already told us who she is right now. Its interesting to say the least friend.

[thezombieprostitute]

Good moaning. 😇

A/N: Sorry this took awhile @navybrat817. The muses weren't working with me.

A/N2: Reader is AFAB, Tall & Plus Size; Ended up working through a lot of my own insecurities on this one. Left it open ended because it's a lot longer than it should've been. It was supposed to be open ended but then Hal insisted on showing off.

Part 2

Word Count: ~1.2k

Warnings: Insecure reader. Please let me know if I missed any.

Hal had always been the most notorious flirt in the office. Every woman had been complimented, flirted with, made to blush by him. Except you. When it came to you, Hal was all business. Maybe some friendly gestures, but that was it.

You should be used to it by now. You'll never forget in high school when your crush said, "I just never thought of you as a girl. I don't think of you as guy," he was quick to say, "but I just don't think of you as a girl." And it seems to have been the same for every guy, every crush, ever since.

Dating apps only seemed to make things worse. You'd be really getting along with someone, they'd talk about how personality is more important, but as soon as they actually saw you, their demeanor shifted. They always just wanted to be friends. You were pretty sure spinsterhood was your only option. Especially if even the Hal Carter wasn't willing to flirt with you.

"You should be grateful," some of your friends would chide you. "You don't have to worry about being harassed or assaulted." And you were grateful that those weren't concerns for you. But you weren't bemoaning a lack of problems, you were bemoaning an abundance of loneliness.

"Hey, Y/N," Hal's voice snapped you out of your self-pity party.

"Yes, Hal?"

"Do you have the specs for that Potts order? I need to double check a few things."

"Sure thing," you nod as you go to the filing cabinet. You find the paperwork he needs and hand it to him.

"Are you alright," he asks.

"No different than usual. Why?"

"You just...you seem...um. How do I put this?"

"Hal, please just tell me I look miserable and get back to work? I'm not in the mood for beating around the bush. I'm painfully well aware of how I look." You're struggling to keep the tears at bay and just want him to leave you be.

"Is there anything I can do? I hate to see you like this."

"No, Hal, there's nothing you, personally, can do. I'm just having a self-pity party after yet another bad date and I need to be left alone."

"You're dating?" His face is filled with genuine surprise and it's the straw that breaks you. You stop fighting the tears and just run to the bathroom to let it all out in private.

By the time you're done crying you're exhausted. You should get back to work but you just can't fathom spending more time around people. You get back to your desk, send a note to your boss and head home early. You're just gonna let yourself cry and sleep it out.

When you get to work the next day there's a bouquet of blue hyacinth and white lily-of-the-valley flowers. The card had a simple "I'm sorry" card signed by Hal. You really should apologize to him, it wasn't his fault. It was just really shitty timing. Still, you appreciate the flowers. You can't remember the last time anyone got you any.

You get into the flow of work, catching up on things you missed yesterday, so you don't notice Hal slowly making his way to your desk, like he's afraid you'll lash out. When you finally look up and see him, you give him a soft smile and he takes that as an okay signal to close the distance to your desk.

"Thank you for the flowers, Hal," you start. "You really didn't need to. You did nothing wrong."

"I ask you a question and you leave crying," Hal huffs. "Pretty sure that means I did something wrong."

"Believe me, Hal, if it was something you did, I'd have told you." You shake your head, "it's just me being overly sensitive. And I'm sorry I worried you or made you feel it was your fault. You don't deserve that."

"So, you're single and looking," Hal slowly says.

"For now," you sigh. "Seriously contemplating giving up but I just can never bring myself to ever fully give up hope. No matter how many times I get hurt."

"Maybe it's your technique," he offers. "If you need help with your flirting, just let me know. I can teach you a few things."

Against your better judgment you open up the dating app and the messages you shared from the last guy you met for a date. You show them to Hal and tell him how you could've done better.

"Huh, you're a smart cookie," he says. "Talking to this guy about smart stuff that definitely goes over my head. Why didn't he work out?"

Trying not to lose patience, he is just trying to help, you calmly tell him, "because he saw me. That's how it always goes, Hal. I'm not pretty enough. I don't fit into any of the molds that define 'attractive'. I never hide my build, my picture, but there must be quite the difference between photos and real life."

"Sounds like your problem is that you keeping attracting douchebags," Hal observed. "Just need to find yourself a good man."

"If it were that easy, I wouldn't be so lonely."

"You don't think I'm a good man?" He seems genuinely upset by this thought.

"Hal, please be careful because I don't want to cry at work again," you start. "Regardless of whether or not you're a good guy, you've never once expressed interest in me, so why would it matter if you were a douchebag or not?"

"This is definitely my fuck up," he sighs. "I was trying to be respectful of you. I was trying to treat you differently to show I think about you differently."

"Yes," you agree. "That came through loud and clear. You want to be workplace friends at most. I understand that. It's not a fuck up."

"No, not like that," Hal counters. "I...I flirt with everyone but you because I didn't want you to think I thought of you as just another pretty face. I kept it professional with you so you would know that I am respectful of you as a person. That I appreciate working with you and don't want us to get separated because the boss thinks I'm doing more flirting than working."

"I don't want your pity, Hal," you scold him. "If you're not interested, you're not interested. I don't blame you! But a pity flirt? That's hurtful."

Instead of backing down, Hal puts both hands on your desk and leans closer towards you, neither of you breaking eye contact. Your eyes are filled with a simmering anger and his beautiful blues are steely with determination. "I will prove to you, however I need to, that my feelings and intentions are genuine."

"I need to get back to work," you reply with ice in your voice.

"Challenge accepted, Dandelion," Hal smirks before leaving you to your work.

Part 2

Tagging @alicedopey and @icefrozendeadlyqueen because I promised I would

[nevis-the-skeleton]

Starscream Earthspark

So, I saw all the episodes of Earthspark yesterday, and I'm so happy! I really have a lot to say about this series, which is really great, but here I'm going to focus on my favorite character. Those who know me surely know who I'm going to talk about X): Starscream!

We finally have a Starscream that is listened to and believed! I was so happy when Hashtag tried to put herself in his shoes, and even ended up standing up for him against Megatron. The fact that someone believed him, understood that he didn't deserve everything he went through made me feel so good and made me so happy.

I was so sad after TFP ended because the show seemed to show that Starscream deserved all the horrific abuse he suffered, both physically and mentally. Even in RID15 we are going in this direction, and I admit that it annoyed me. But when I saw the direction Earthspark was heading, I jumped for joy. We finally allow this more than misunderstood character to express himself and talk about his pain.

So, yeah, he's Starscream, and he's not really a good guy. But that doesn't justify all he's suffered at Megatron's hands. As Hashtag says, it wasn't all his fault. Not much is known about Megatron and Starscream's past yet, and I hope the show will expand on their history more. For example, how did they come to hate each other so much.

After, when Megatron and Starscream are fighting in the cave, I think if Megatron was so violent against Starscream, it's probably because there was Hashtag. He has such a bad image of Starscream that he must have thought the Seeker was attacking Hashtag.

Also, I think it's no exaggeration to say that Starscream must have suffered greatly at the hands of Megatron in this universe as well. Because Starscream literally tells him that he's not safe where Megatron is. So, we don't yet know how violent it was, but we can still have some guesses. There is also the hurt of Megatron's abandonment of the cause which is clear in Starscream.

Anyway, I'm really happy with Starscream's arc, and the development the Earthspark writers decided to give him. We see that he's going to go into redemption, just like Megatron, and it's nice to see that he's being given a chance too. Megatron has often had the right to a redemption arc (in IDW for example) but Starscream never (not really).

I also like that it was surely him who rallied the Decepticons helped the Terrans. When Twitch releases the others, and asks them for help, clearly none of them want to interfere. But as soon as Starscream arrives, everyone else arrives with him. So we can assume that he was the one who convinced them to help, and I think that's really great.

I can't wait to see what happens next and how the story will progress. There is still plenty to say about Earthspark, but here I focused on Starscream. I could also talk about the horrible death of Karen right in front of her brother John (poor John...), or the terrifying metamorphosis of Mandroid, or even the evolution of Robby and Mo (which is really cool).

PS: The fact that Starscream is practically adopting Hashtag is adorable X3. The hug scene with Twitch too, so not used to affection XD.

[cadrenebula]

Prompt #29: Extra Credit

(Welcome to part 4 of the Modern Fantasy AU I started during this FFxivWrite! While this will be the last part within the Write itself, I may continue this as I can on Sundays till I run outta steam with it. Other parts: Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 :D Now for a little more of Cedrik & Aryn AU.)

After breakfast, Aryn had returned to his borrowed room so he could change back into his clothes from the day before. Grimacing at the memory of yesterday. Oh he was so burning these clothes later or something. He just couldn't walk around naked and he didn't want to leave in someone's clothes that he would have to figure out how to return later. Assuming he could.

He didn't know how much these people needed to keep things secret. Did that mean he was safe? He did feel safe around them and if they had wanted to keep him silent they could have done so already. They hadn't seemed very happy that the city was keeping attacks like last night silent. Plus Cedrik had been concerned enough with his well being. The man could have very well left him to fend for himself after dropping him off somewhere.

There was something about the hunter that Cedrik found alluring. But he had other things to worry about right now. Especially Jesse's death. As well as contacting Fenryr and Ely. If the incident was being kept quiet, they likely hadn't realized they were missing yet. They were adults after all and neither of them checked in with them every day. Maybe he would skip letting Ely know till he had a chance to talk to Fen about what happened. Fen was the leader of the entertainment troupe that Valen hired dancers from. Surely he might best know how to deal with Elijah even. After all Fen was like a grandmother to them. Maybe he could ask Cedrik for advice on what to do as well.

Aryn came back from his thoughts when he heard a knock on the door frame. Right he wasn't at his own home and probably should have shut the door. At least he was dressed already. Not that he would have cared if one of them had seen anything. He wasn't exactly body shy and some of the dance routines on stage had him in some rather scandalous outfits sometimes.

"We don't have to leave just yet if you aren't ready to." Cedrik spoke softly as he looked over the dancer. What he wouldn't do to just walk over and just kiss Aryn. See where it might lead. Even if it only ended up being a fling. At least then he'd know. But again he put a lid on those thoughts. Aryn had enough to deal with on his plate right now.

"I would like to. I need to at very least talk to Elijah. Plus I would like to go home and change clothes. These..." Biting his lower lip as he frowned down at his outfit.

"I get it. It's a gorgeous look for you but the outfit is tainted for you now. Fine, we'll stop first for you to change. You'll feel better if you do that first." Cedrik suggested as he turned to walk away before temptation was stronger than being sensible. Last thing he wanted was to offend Aryn.

"Cedrik." Aryn called out to make the hunter stop walking away. "I just... Wanted to say thank you."

"Don't thank me. I wasn't able to save your friend too." Cedrik spoke over his shoulder. "I let myself get distracted when I knew they were in the area. That's on me. Watching the concert wasn't worth a life even if it was a good show."

Aryn put a hand to his chest as he warred with himself on whether or not to suggest it wasn't Cedrik's fault. The sensible part of him knew that it could have happened anyways even if Cedrik wasn't distracted. Another part of him wanted to know who Cedrik was really watching. Instead he let Cedrik walk away for now. The reasonable part of Aryn knew they couldn't change the past so it was foolish to dwell on the 'what ifs' of the night before. It was unlikely he could change Cedrik's opinion on whether he could have done better. Someone else still could have died no matter what because Cedrik was only one person.

Aryn took a few moments longer to make sure he had all he remembered having last night. He made sure to thank Nebula and Gwyneria before he went outside to find Cedrik. Of course the hunter was waiting by the motorcycle they had ridden here the night before.

"Listen... I have to tell you." Cedrik looked conflicted and a bit nervous. "I went back after you were safe. To find your friend. His body was gone but the scene hadn't been cleaned yet. So I doubt the people in charge took his body."

"What does that mean?" Aryn looked taken aback at the idea that someone had his friend's body.

"Chances are high... He became one of the things that attacked him last night. It's how they grow in numbers. It's why they're so hard to eradicate. They have a chance of corrupting the aether in a living being when they attack them. It doesn't take on everyone. Some just die or slowly die from the infection to their aether." Cedrik looked almost pained as he stared away from Aryn. He didn't want to see the horrified look on the dancer's face.

"You mean... Oh Gods..." Aryn put his hands over his mouth. The idea of Jesse being one of those creatures... Closing his eyes he took a deep breath. Trying to find his center to avoid a full blown panic. He couldn't panic. It wouldn't do anyone any good. Finding the healer in himself to remain calm against the panic. The idea of Jesse being one of those creatures was an even worse fate than death.

Aryn wasn't a fighter by nature. He preferred not to fight. Fighting made him uncomfortable. But maybe there were ways he could help anyways. Could he undo whatever corruption had occurred? He wouldn't know without trying. Maybe Fen would even have ideas since they always seemed to infinitely wise.

"What can I do?" Aryn asked quietly as he walked over to Cedrik and put a hand over one of Cedrik's hands.

Cedrik looked now at Aryn. He raised the hand Aryn wasn't touching to rest it against Aryn's cheek. "We'll figure it out."

[doodling-doodle]

Yeah, I'm gonna need that third part Immediately

Do it or someone will lose their hands

Okay, you get it!

But now I feel like you guys need to threaten someone's limbs when you send me asks

this one is a little fluffier, I promise

It had now been seven years since he lost his dad... Seven. Years.

He had long since lost hope that he would get his memory back. He thought about what would happen if he tried to talk to him again but... He knew it wouldn't go well.

Alex was trying to convince him it was going to be a good idea. Maybe it would repair their relationship...

He wished. But he couldn't see it like that.

Either way, Phil had asked them to come back to Verdansk for a while and see them all. Ghost and Soap were getting married next month, so it would work out.

"It'll be nice to see you all again." Kyle said, on the phone with Phil.

"It'll be really nice to see you two! I'm excited." Phil replied, "but, uh... something came up yesterday and you might not like this, but... dad wanted to... 'meet' you and Alex."

He went a little quiet, and Phil sighed, "Kyle, listen-"

"I'll still come." He said before hanging up.

Alex looked at him, "What happened?"

"Dad wants to 'meet' us." Kyle said, "It's fine... Maybe your right and this will be good..." He sighed, and Alex held his hands.

"Do you really want to go?" Alex asked.

"If we don't, we'll miss the wedding... So let's go."

Alex nodded, "Okay. Let's do that."

***

They just got to Verdansk, and Kyle opted to wear his mask, at least for the start.

"Hey, Phil!" Alex called out when they got to the airport, going up to him. Ghost and Soap were there... and John.

"Sir." Alex said to John after Phil had let go of him and Kyle, "I'm Alex."

John nodded, smiling softly, "It's... nice to meet you." He said, looking at Kyle.

"Call me Spector." He said, reaching his hand out.

John froze slightly, but quickly shook his hand, "I'm John... It's nice to meet you, Phil has told me a lot about you both."

Alex smiled softly, "I hope good things."

"Only good things." John said, "Now, I think Phil had plans for dinner?"

"Oh, I did." Phil said, perking up, "I had reservations!"

Alex smiled, "You always come up with something, Phil." He said as they walked out of the airport. Kyle and Alex rode in the back of Phil's car with him and John while Simon and Johnny went in their own car.

Phil kept looking in the mirror, watching as Kyle finally took off his mask and looked out the window, barely speaking.

Once they got to the restaurant, it was the same story. He was nearly silent. John was trying to talk to him, and he did respond. But it was... cold, in a way. Flat. No emotion.

John just... felt horrible. His boy was so different then what he remembered.

And it was his fault.

Dinner went fine. They mostly talked about Simon and Johnny's wedding, which got Kyle smiling more and talking.

They were all staying in town for the week, so they all had hotel rooms.

Kyle just wanted to curl up. He didn't know how he should be feeling. He was talking to his dad, and he didn't even remember him...

"Kyle..." Alex said softly, "Kyle, talk to me."

"I don't know..." He whispered, "He looked at me... and He wasn't smiling... He doesn't care, not like how he did..."

Alex sighed, holding onto him and sitting them on the bed.

"I'm not his son..."

"Maybe you will be again."

Or this could be a mistake. But they'd find out.

Later that night, Kyle decided to step out and sit on a bench by the bridge overlooking the water.

His mind was racing. He showed so little respect to John, but it wasn't on purpose. He just... he wanted to see him, but he didn't know what to do around him.

"I never had kids."

Those words were burned into his brain. He wasn't his child anymore and never would be again. He knew that. And he didn't know if he could talk to him if he couldn't be his son. He didn't want to go back to that. He wanted to call him dad and he couldn't.

But for Phil's sake... He'd go to their wedding. For his Pops sake, he'd hold back tears.

"It's cold out. What are you doing?"

He turned to see John walking up to him.

"Clearing my head... It's calming out here." He said, looking out to the water.

He was hoping he wouldn't, but, John sat next to him.

"So. When did you and Alex get married?" John asked, and he sighed.

"Nearly seven years ago now. Been together for... God, a little under a decade now."

John nodded, smiling softly, "Phil has some pictures of the wedding in his office. It looked beautiful."

"What about you and Phil? What's that wedding going to be like?"

John smiled even more, "Summer. Phil planned a lot of it while I was still in a coma and it just sounds... beautiful. He wants a few different types of flowers, lanterns, fairy lights... I love all of it, it sounds beautiful..."

Kyle nodded, smiling softly and trying to hide his tears, "It sounds amazing..."

"Will you be there?"

He thought for a few seconds... He didn't want to be asked that.

But he was. By the person who was the reason he didn't want to go.

"I'll try to be there. We got lucky to be here. Depends on what's happening."

John smiled, "I'd be happy to see you there."

He managed to talk to him for a while before he went back to his and Alex's room.

Alex was back awake, looking like he was about to make a call before he saw Kyle.

"Where were you? I was worried." Alex said, going up to him and holding his face softly, almost checking for injuries.

"I tried to clear my head... Dad followed me. We... talked."

"How'd that go?"

"Fine... He doesn't remember me, I can tell..."

Alex nodded, "Look... You need to get some sleep. Please, baby..."

Kyle nodded, and Alex led him to the bed, laying him down and holding him tight.

Maybe it'd get better. Maybe

Or it would get worse.

---

Part four will have the fluff

Y'all know the drill