#like they still work together on a lot of activities

[gem-de-lune]

Daily Vibe Check 11/27

Riize (Collective)

The Fool + King of Chalices

This is a new and positive energy they are all kind of taking on as a collective right now. Rather than taking on a serious or harsh approach to their situation, they are actively choosing to be more mellow and carefree and simply receptive. This comes after a lot of interaction with OT7- I really think this has made a difference in their outlooks as a group. We talked about mending relationships yesterday, and I think this energy speaks about "moving together." I think there is a lot of focus on their interpersonal relationships as of late, and it is a positive development.

Eunseok

King of Swords + 6 of Swords + 7 of Wands

In terms of seriousness, he is the most serious right now, and that's saying a lot bc it's not even that serious. The fact that two of these cards thar have these charts pop up, reiterates to me personally that Eunseok is one of the 2 members whose opinions are listened to the most by upper management because they can communicate effectively. Particularly, he seems to be very analytical, especially at this time. If I had to be specific, I think he is actively monitoring fan reactions and the fandom in general to see how things are shifting. He seemed to be very interested in this even a month ago. He is doing well by the looks of it because he seems to have "lifted a veil" of sorts. Like he is just now being more exposed to lightheartedness and love amongst the fans. I did think this was because of his exposure to OT7 they got recently and continue to get lately.

How he feels about OT7 protests:

8 of Pentacles + 7 of Swords + Judgement

In general, he is really happy that there are actually fans working hard to create a reality where the truth will prevail. He hopes we can be smart here. But I also think he is actively maybe translating things? I get the vibe that he knows very very well that we are hiding certain developments and plans? So either he is translating our posts, or he is watching OT6 talk about how we are hiding our plans. One of those. But generally, yeah, he feels a bit giddy and inspired. You know how Seunghan felt like Briize were the king and he should bow? It's a similar feeling but less severe lmao.

Wonbin Shenanagins:

Queen of Wands + Knight of Pentacles + 8 of Swords

Wonbin is kind of crazyyy lol. I got a lot of asks, wondering if him liking and responding to OT7 posts was intentional or not. It was intentional? Lol. He is being a little bit reckless, leading me to believe he has been scolded or restricted in his actions concerning this before- maybe warned against it. He is playing innocent, though. He wants Briize to keep their motivation, so he enjoys "planting" these little seeds to fuel us (ugh, our OT7 leader 😌💪). When I asked about his intentions behind this further- the 8 of Swords popped up. Perhaps he seeks to harm or to create tears and rifts in the arguments that OT6 love to sow about the members and how they feel. Out of all Members, Wonbin has the most distain for OT6 fans, I believe. The others are still on that line of understanding and acceptance towards them. Wonbin is not crossing it and is teetering well into the dark side lolol.

Award Shows/As the end of the year approaches:

10 of Chalices + 6 of Pentacles + The Devil

There were a few discussion asks in my box about the upcoming award ceremonies, and if anything would occur during these. I think this may be a win? Lmao lowkey? I think some sort of contraint placed on the members will be released (to a DEGREE not fully) and they will be able to express a little bit more in some speeches than we may have expected- and it will reflect their true opinions. I think it will anger some.

How OT7 Briize will view these events:

8 of Wands + 5 of Swords + 10 of Wands

Okay, so YES this will UPSET the other team- which we know because of the 5 of Swords. It will feel like this are MOVING for us, and there will be sore losers all around. With the 10 of wands, there may be more motivation to do more and more for a period of time, to further efforts even more even though it seems overbearing because we will probably start to see more than ever, the real effects of our efforts and the fact that they make a big difference and will continue to do so if we continue to fight. So, there will be some validation for our actions. We will feel- or rather we will WANT to feel good abt our accomplishments later.

Final Notes:

Not doing a full bottom of the deck read, but it was Knight of Chalices! With this in mind, I want you all to remind yourself to relax. Our biggest asset, unlike other fandoms, isn't necessarily our numbers. It is our dedication and resillience- the will to never give up. That doesn't mean we have to be serious all the time. It is a matter of commitment. Have fun with this. Troll. Be a menace. Laugh. Relax. We can still have fun while doing our thing and making our demands known. Riize is doing this too as we speak. Just don't forget that whatever you feel- hopelessness, sadness, desperation, etc... you are not alone in thinking that. Talk to others, bond, lift each other up, and that will only further solidify the strength of this movement. The outcome is looking positive!

[crazylittlejester]

Unsure if you’ve answers this already, but what’s the rest of the chain doing in your modern au?

I don’t think ive ever really talked a lot about it like, in depth, but im more than happy to because i love my au and my silly guys :)

my bad for spelling errors i am Stupid 💔

Time: (46) Lives on the ranch with Malon. He worked full time as a mechanic before he met and married Malon, and he still works at the same place just SIGNIFICANTLY less hours because he’s also doing work on the ranch. He also plays guitar as a hobby, he played more when he was younger but Twilight’s BIGGEST flex in middle and early high school was that his dad owns some fuckass guitars

Hyrule: (20) He really really really likes rocks and being outside so he’s going into geology because he wanted to dig in the dirt and find special rocks. Sometimes Twi will text him like “bro where are you?” and if he even has service Hyrule will just send him a pic in the literal middle of fucking nowhere. Hyrule lives with Legend in the same apartment as Wars, Twi, and Sky, EXACTLY one floor below them

Legend: (20) Political science major, because he was running out of time and had to pick something. He’s not super sure what he wants to do, he has like, no plans, he didn’t think he’d be alive this long and have to DO something with his life. He works at the same little coffee shop as Sky, and those two are good friends. Every time Wars is being too loud above him (jumping, screaming, dancing) he will get up on his table and smack the ceiling and yell, or he’ll leave him angry voicemails. He left the dorms because he couldn’t handle being in the room next to Wars’s dramatic ass, he was DEVASTATED to discover all he did was move in underneath him

Wild: (19) He’s doing fashion/arts and he really really likes photography. He’s a retired skater (same as Wars) and on good days he can move around alright with minimal pain, but it’s not uncommon for him to use a mobility aid. He’s very good friends with Wars and sometimes they’ll fuck around at the rink together, other times when he has five minutes to spare Wars will drive him around and they’ll go to parks and just sit. They’re each other’s oldest friend and they both left a sport that was literally their entire world and its been hard to adjust to life without competitions but they’ve got each other. Wars makes a very serious effort to meet up with Wild 2-3 times a week

Four: (19) He’s a blacksmith, like his grandpa, but he got roped into this mess of a friend group somehow anyways. He finds most of them to be far too loud or dramatic, but they’re his best friends and he’s stuck with em

Wind: (16) He’s still in high school, but he does band and soccer. Wars took him skating ONCE because he used to babysit him, and Wind kinda got obsessed with the idea of what he calls ‘knife shoes’. Of ALL the people Wars has taken to the rink with him (who have no prior experience skating), Wind is the best. He’d be able to fuck around and play ice hockey with Wars, he’d get his ass beat if he went against an actual hockey player, but he can play a simple friendly game with Wars if Wars agrees to it

and then for anyone unfamiliar with the au!!:

Wars: (20/21; depends on what time of year I write the au in, because everything is just about their last year of undergrad and he’s a December birthday) He’s a retired figure skater who holds a world record and several gold medals, and he won the hyrule equivalent of the olympics at 18. He’s a dance major now, he’s been doing ballet since he was 3 and he never quit it, and he’s gone pretty much all day during the week because he goes skating for two hours before class, his last class ends at 5:30, and then if he’s actively in a show rehearsal ends at 10. Weekends are his only time to breathe but he’ll still have rehearsal from 1-6 and will hit the rink from like 10-11 unless Sky and Twi get on their literal hands and knees and BEG him not to because they miss him and “when will my husband return from the fucking war??”

Twilight: (21/22; his birthday is March) Bio/chem major with the intent to become a vet for ranch animals. He LOVES animals so so so so much, and he has a rather bad habit of bringing home sat wet creatures to his adoptive parents/aunt&uncle Time and Malon who just need a little extra love, including but not limited to: Several dogs, several cats, an injured bird, Warriors, a baby deer. Most of these things get taken care of and then released or Time helps them get adopted, and others get kept (at LEAST four dogs (including a very fluffy one named Wolfie), Wars, and two cats)

Sky: (21) English literature major who wants to become a teacher because he had an awful time as a disabled kid in school and he was made to feel stupid and he NEVER wants a kid to have that experience. It broke his heart to realize Wars had that experience too and still thinks he’s stupid, but Sky is determined to be the kind of english teacher you remember DECADES after you leave grade school because they were so important and changed your life. His gf Sun also loves english literature, and they go on dates to the library together and it’s just disgustingly sweet. He’s living out his best coffee shop romance au life because he does in fact work at a coffee shop and he did in fact fall in love with the girl who came in and ordered mint tea at 4 pm on the dot every day he just so happened to be working

[chaztalk]

Literally no one tells the people in their real life that they have a tumblr account so idk why you’d feel embarrassed. Delete your account if you feel that bad, or grow up.

Ah, yes, promoting abuse in the name of “love”. Lovely.

That said, you asked why I think Romione is badly written and to “use words”. I did. You called it one-dimensional and tried to disprove my points (even though you skipped over the 2nd paragraph, in which, you didn’t debunk any of those lol) with 99% of it being non-canon/speculation. Such strong arguments, amirite?

“Use your imagination”. Seriously? I didn’t know canon shippers knew this word, when they themselves have problems with other people “imagining” non-canon pairings together. And there’s honestly not alot to do at Hogwarts lmao. And imagination, for me, is hard to do with Ron and Hermione’s relationship because they have 0 common interests and 0 activities they enjoy doing together that’s believable for me.

“They were prefects, which means they were spending hours walking around the school alone together”. This is not canon. You’d know this if you’ve read the Chamber of Secrets cuz we see Percy Weasley patrolling the Slytherin halls alone.

And it’s not “Kreature”, it’s Kreacher. For someone that claims I haven’t read the books in a while, it’s seems like you haven’t either 🤷

As for the house elf argument, you’re telling me Ron changed his views on house elves because two house elves helped them in DH? So he shrugged the state Winky was in. And if Ron and Hermione are so close cuz they just spend so much time alone together, why did Hermione never ask Ron to help her knit clothes for house elves? I think it makes a lot more sense that that Ron learned that “agreement” is works for well from his 12 Fail-Safe Ways to Charm Witches book cuz he does nothing but mostly agree with Hermione to get in her good graces again once he comes back from abandoning Harry and Hermione on the hunt. Regardless, I still think the scene came out of no where, it’s literally during a battle, and the condition of the house elves and wanting them to be free is forgotten about.

And I think you’re misinterpreting what I’m saying about confiding in Harry about their relationship, and I mostly mean Ron telling Harry that he likes Hermione. Harry Potter is oddly one of those pieces of media where a guy friend doesn’t confide with his other guy friend about his relationship troubles or at least a “hear me out”. The HBP movie at least had some semblance to that.

Um, the epilogue is a clear sign of their little to no development. It’s not what’s even inside the epilogue. It’s just 19 years later to confirm the garbage written pairings lol.

You claim that this was easy for you. Of course it’s easy to type up a lot of biased non-canon nonsense.

Honestly, I don’t understand why you’re arguing with me. You’ve already said that the author “hardly tried” writing romance, but you have a problem when your OTP’s writing is in question?

In conclusion, Romione is badly written. Heck, every canon ship is badly written. If you want go die on the hill that Romione isn’t badly written, so be it (you’re wrong either way tho).

“I used to ship Harry and Hermione together but that was back when I was 12 years old. Now, I’ve grown up and realized that Ron and Hermione make much more sense together and are good together” is a sure-fire way to tell me you didn’t “grow up”.

[spookwriter-xo]

Coppélia

Chapter 7 - The Lion's Den

Chapter Summary - Y/N Is urged to meet with some of the other women involved in high society to gain some close friends and she decides to drag Mia with her. Y/N starts to realize the boys may not be as friendly as they seem.

warnings: mentions of murder, Seonghwa injures reader (MDNI)

Series Masterlist

It had been almost two weeks since I had started living with the boys. Yunho and Jongho were still pretty stand-offish, not really bothering to make conversation unless absolutely necessary. Yeosang however, had gotten better.

I figured he was shy from the start, but after I thanked him for filling my wardrobe he started asking simple questions like how my day was. It wasn't a lot, but it was progress.

Hongjoong and San had backed off a little, not actively seeking me out like the remaining three. Mingi, Seonghwa, and Wooyoung were a lot more social, Wooyoung would come and find me the second they'd come home during the workweek to tell me everything before I left for the Society, at least what he could tell me anyway.

Seonghwa's gifts hadn't stopped, however, they had broadened from simple Gardenias (Though he kept fresh ones on the dresser in my room for me). Mingi often played piano after dinner, sometimes, he'd play something from the show or past shows just to see me dance.

He always smiled so brightly when I would.

Seonghwa was the one who suggested I go to a ladies brunch over dinner. I'd glance around at the others who made no objection.

"Ladies Brunch?" I ask.

"All the women that our allies are involved with get together once a month for a ladies brunch. You should go." Seonghwa explains, bringing his fork to his mouth.

"Are there many?" I ask.

"Normally there's around 10 or 11, depending on who's available," Seonghwa says. "You could bring a friend if you like, maybe Mia?"

I nod at the mention of Mia. It would be good to see her again and catch her up on everything in person. Besides meeting other women, hopefully around my age, would probably do me some good. Maybe some of them could explain what the men actually did.

And that's why I agreed.

"You think any of them are like... Murderers?" Mia asks me as we sit in her family's limousine. "I mean, they're involved in families known to be involved in the mafia so.."

She wasn't wrong. After I had invited her, Mia had one of Marks's friends dig up some information about some of the women we'd be meeting. Jeno Lee was always pretty good at that.

Kazuko Takanashi was the fiancé to the CEO of the SVT Association, Choi Seungcheol. A large modeling and fashion company much like the one my father owned, their rival if you will. She was beautiful and worked as a model for their more expensive pieces. I assumed her husband-to-be would only allow it as such.

Park Minji was born into high society, her father running a car company. She was dating one of the leaders of SKZ Foundation, a military company, Seo Changbin. She didn't do much, but there were rumors that she was an excellent hacker.

Those were the only ones I could remember from the list, but I knew there were so many more. I recognized some of the companies, a little surprised some of them were still running.

We arrived at the club we were to meet at, one owned by the husband of one of the women we were to meet, Nari.

"Mia, don't say anything rude," I warn, getting out of the car.

"I'm not promising anything." She quips, following me.

We head inside, it's empty aside from the small group of maybe six women sitting at a long table, laughing and drinking already. I glance at Mia who looks back at me, gesturing with her head to go towards them.

I hesitate before approaching slowly. Kazuko was there, and Minji too. They looked so much friendlier in person. I clear my throat, causing one I didn't recognize to look up. She offers me a kind smile before standing.

"You must be Y/N!" She says, approaching the two of us. "And you're Mia Hua right?" Mia nods in response.

"I'm Kate. Come sit." She says, gesturing to some empty seats. "It's just us today, the others couldn't make it."

I take a seat beside Minji, her dyed blonde hair shimmering in the overhead light. Mia sits on my other side, shifting in her seat. Kate starts to introduce everyone, and my memory comes back to me; Minji, Jaehwa, Asami, Kazuko, Liv, and Kate herself. Easy enough.

I knew Asami was the oldest based on what I remembered. She was born into high society much like Minji however, she runs her own company, a tech company alongside a friend of hers, Taeyong.

Jaehwa was the younger sister of Nari, I knew she had joined the military for two years because she 'wanted to scratch an itch'. I could tell it paid off, her tan skin and muscular frame seemed oddly attractive.

Liv was a part of the TBZ Association, a law firm. I could tell she was studying me the minute I sat down, her eyes unmoving and unblinking as they stared me down. Like a predator hunting prey.

"So, ATZ Corp chose you huh?" Jaehwa asks, her voice deep. "I heard you're a dancer."

"Ballerina." I correct, noticing the quirk of Asami's eyebrow. "I'm a Ballerina for the Ballet Society."

Kazuko takes a sip of her drink. "I went to one of your shows, you're quite good." She says, glancing at me. There was something comforting about her words, yet I kept my guard up.

"What's the show?" Minji asks, her Australian accent thick.

"Coppèlia I'm pretty sure." Kazuko answers, leaning back in her seat.

"Never heard of it." Jaehwa says, elbow now propped up on the table.

I listen to the women talk. They seem friendly enough, and at least three of them are anyway. Asami looks at me before finally speaking.

"Something you wanna say?" She asks, her eyes boaring into mine. "If you have questions you can ask."

A part of me felt relieved she'd said that, opening a door for all the questions I'd had piled up to spill out. Kate gave me a reassuring look, nodding slightly for me to speak.

"I'm... It's been a long time since I've been in this life." I start. "It's all so different now.. And they guys won't tell me anything no matter how much I ask."

"It was like that for me too." Kazuko says. "I was born in the bronx. When I met Seungcheol, none of his friends or even him would tell me anything about what they did even though I grew up on the other end of it all."

I listened to her. These women had come from all different parts of society. Some are working their way up, and some are fighting to survive even now. Maybe this wasn't such a bad idea.

"When Seungcheol asked me to marry him, I told him no unless he told me everything." Kazuko continues. "Eventually, he caved when he realised I was serious."

"So I threaten them?" I ask.

"Definitely don't do that!" Liv laughs, finally speaking. Her voice was sweet. Maybe she was just shy. "ATZ don't take nicely to threats."

"So what do I do?" I ask.

"Ask us." Kate says, reaching a hand over. "We won't hide anything from you."

I nod, taking a deep breath before glancing at Mia, who seems a little too invested now.

"Be honest with me. Do they hurt people?"

"Obviously, it's the mafia." Asami says. "We have to kill to keep those close to us safe. Greed is evil, and those who let it consume them will always try to take what isn't theirs."

I stare at Asami, and the bluntness in her tone causes goosebumps to coat my skin.

"The boys kill, yes, but most of the time it's business or for protection reasons. There's some corrupt companies out there, ones that kill the weak for sport. Like Belluxe." Kazuko spits, my head snaps to her hefore quickly composing myself. My fathers company? Killing for sport?

"After everything that happened with Aurora, I'm surprised they decided to let another one in." Jaehwa says, causing me to perk up at the name.

"You knew her?" I ask.

"Of course we did." Liv says, her eyes softening slightly. "I miss her sometimes... She was always a voice of reason."

"She was a fool." Asami says. "Stuck her nose in something she shouldn't have. That's what got her killed."

My blood ran cold at Asami's words. Her tone was so indifferent, like she was angry.

Aurora was killed? Because she was investigating something? But what?

"Asami!" Kate scolds.

"It's the truth!" Asami barks. "Nothing would have happened if she'd just-" Asami stops herself and lets out a sigh before standing. "Excuse me." She mutters, heading off in the direction of the bathroom.

"You'll have to excuse her." Minji says quietly to me. "She cares a lot more then she lets on."

"Aurora was killed?" Mia asks. I'd spoken to her about Aurora the night of my first day living with ATZ. She was just as curious as I was.

"She was investigating some suspicious activity even when Hongjoong told her not to." Jaehwa says. "She got too far in and ended up getting herself killed."

"What was the suspicious activity?" I ask, glancing at Kazuko.

"Do you remember the Cobra?" She asks us. Mia and I nod. The Cobra was a serial killer who caused some grief to a lot of businesses years back. He'd kill runners, undercover workers, and sometimes even leaders in gruesome ways to get his message across. His tell; all of his victims were found with poison in their system.

"But The Cobra disappeared when we were kids?" Mia questions.

"He came back. Briefly." Kate says.

"Well, there were rumours." Liv corrects. "That's what Aurora was investigating."

Aurora was trying to catch a serial killer and was killed when she got too close? Why didn't the boys tell me this? Was there more to it?

"Enough about Aurora." Jaehwa murmers as Asami returns.

The topic shifted rather quickly.

It was almost 6pm when I returned back to the estate. Seonghwa was sitting in the living room, waiting for my return.

"How was it?" He asks, not looking up from the book he was reading, Frankenstein.

"Enlightening," I answer, my tone indifferent. I was upset at them. I'd learned more from women I'd just met in a few hours than the 8 men I had been living with for almost 2 weeks.

The girls had told me all about their work, giving me some idea of what was going on in the basement as well as outside of the house that I probably would never see.

Seonghwa recognizes my tone and sighs, marking his page in his book before setting it down on the coffee table. He stands, moving in front of me now, staring down at me with a cold look.

"How much do you know?"

"Enough," I answer, staring back up at him, I hear footsteps thud to a stop behind me, whoever it was listening closely. "Funny how I can trust complete strangers more than the men I'm supposed to be with."

"If you don't trust us, why did you come back?" The voice, Hongjoong, says from behind me. I don't jump at his voice, only turning to look at him. I had nowhere else to go. The answer was as simple as that.

On the second day of my stay, I woke up to all my things from my old apartment tucked away in the corner of my room. Wooyoung had gone to collect my things and speak to my landlord that night, at least that's what he said.

"You know why," I say, my blood boiling at the teasing grin on his face. Here we go again, being laughed at. Maybe I should have stayed at Mia's tonight.

"Dinners ready!" Wooyoung calls out from the other room. "Is Y/N home?" He asks, poking his head out from behind the connecting archway.

"You could have told me she was killed." I blurt out, my gaze on Wooyoung but my words are aimed at all of them. "Did you think I couldn't handle it?" I say, looking up at Seonghwa once again.

"They told you?" Seonghwa asks, his voice low.

"Yes, because unlike you they recognize that I can handle myself." I snap, poking his chest. Big mistake. He snatches my wrist, gripping it tightly. My eyes widen and I try and pull away, Hongjoong and Wooyoung make no move to step in.

"You listen to me," Seonghwa says, his voice coming out as a growl. The gentleman I knew was long gone now. There was something sinister in his eyes as he looked down at me, the size difference suddenly feeling a lot larger the tighter he held my wrist. "You won't ask any more questions about what happened. You will not go investigating it yourself and you certainly will not ask others. That includes our housekeepers." He says quietly, his voice low and threatening.

I glance at Wooyoung, his face void of emotion as he watches from the archway. Shit.

"If I find out you have, you'll never step foot from this house ever again. Say goodbye to Mia, the Society, everything." He warns.

"Seonghwa." Hongjoong finally speaks up. Seonghwa's knuckles are white from how tightly he was gripping my wrist. "Let her go. She's gotten the hint." Hongjoong says, taking a step forward.

Seonghwa lets go and I pull back, bumping into Hongjoong. I jump away from him, backing up into the foyer. I stare back at them with wide eyes, clutching my wrist as they stare back at me. A sick feeling overcomes me as I mutter out three words before scurrying up the stairs.

"I'm not hungry."

Mingi had come upstairs to check on me a few hours later. He carried a plate of food in his hands and his expression adorned a pouty expression. Surprisingly, I let him in.

He sets the plate of food down on my dresser before taking a seat on the loveseat by the window.

"Wooyoung told us what happened." He says, holding his hand out and glancing down at my wrist. I hesitate for a moment before letting him take it. His touch was gentle as he examined the light bruise, his eyebrows furrowing. "I didn't think Seonghwa would ever hurt you.."

"Yeah, me too." I huff, looking down at the ground. "I guess I was wrong to trust you all so quickly."

"Trust is human nature, it's who we gift it to that could come with consequences." He says softly, moving his hand from my wrist and holding my hand in his. I feel some butterflies flutter in my stomach as he does. "I'll beat him up for you tomorrow if you want." He says, causing me to snort.

"There's no need." I laugh, squeezing his hand which makes his eyes sparkle. At least I still had Mingi. I let out a soft sigh, moving to sit beside him. "Why are you guys so hesitant to tell me about her?" I ask, staring at the floor.

"Some of us want to," Mingi says honestly. "But it's a sensitive topic." He adds.

"I understand that," I say. "But that doesn't mean I'm not curious. Why can't I look into her death? I know it has something to do with The Cobra." I look at him and he looks at me.

"Why do you say that like it's personal?" He asks, his deep voice breaking through the brief silence.

I hesitate again for a moment. "Because it is," I say. Maybe if I'm honest with him, he'll be honest with me. But I didn't want to tell him the whole story, it hurt too much to even think about.

Then the realization hit me.

That's why they didn't want to talk about Aurora. It was too personal. It brought feelings to the surface that they wanted to forget about. It made sense now, and a feeling of guilt settled in my stomach.

Mingi must have picked up on my conflict of emotions, as he cups my cheek to bring me back to him.

"I won't stop you from finding answers." He says softly. "But that doesn't mean the others won't try. And I can't protect you if that happens."

I nod in response. It's like he knew already, my mind went back to the night we first met. He'd known I grew up in high society, did he know what happened to Chaluai?

"Thank you," I whisper, our faces not resisting the magnetic pull.

"For what?" He murmurs, not pulling away as he glances down at my lips.

"For understanding," I say as our noses brush.

Then, our lips met. The kiss was featherlike like he was scared to hurt me any further. When we pull away, he rests his forehead on mine briefly.

"Give them time." He says softly, stroking my cheekbone with his thumb. "They'll stop taking you for granted eventually."

With that, he stands, pulling away from me slowly as if a part of him was telling him to stay.

I watch him as he heads towards the door, offering him a goodnight before he shuts the door behind him, leaving me in the silence of my thoughts once again.

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[felagund-the-valiant]

Hobbies they like to share with you (Maedhros, Caranthir, Fingon, Turgon)

A/N: haven’t been on tumblr in a hot minute, damn. I come semi-back presenting you some hcs!

Maedhros: strategy games

Maedhros is an excellent strategist, and he greatly enjoys games that challenge this skill. Board games or card games, either is fine with him.

Unconquered chess grandmaster of Arda.

He’s a gracious winner and would never dream of making you feel bad for losing. Instead, he’ll try to encourage you, so you keep up your motivation.

He has patience for days (perks of being the oldest of a dozen grandchildren) and nothing can make him lose focus. Good luck trying to distract him.

Has zero tolerance for cheating and is quite perceptive, so he’ll call you out at the slightest suspicion.

Since he’s good at reading others’ expressions and body language, he’ll quickly notice if you’re becoming stressed or impatient and will offer to take a break, if necessary.

His unending patience makes him a great teacher and he’s more than happy to share his strategic knowledge with you. Maybe afterwards you’ll have a chance of actually winning. If he lets you.

Caranthir: cross stitching

Caranthir seems to have inherited his grandmother’s talent when it comes to all things sewing.

It’s a good meditative method to clear his head and it’s his go-to activity after a lot of stress.

Often incorporates elements of Míriel’s designs into his work, as a way of honouring her memory.

Since cross stitching is quite easy to learn, he won’t hesitate to invite you to join him. He’ll draw you in with motives like your favourite flowers or animals and once you’ve gotten the hang of it, the two of you have a lot of fun coming up with designs together.

He enjoys the companionable silence cross stitching together can bring. Sometimes the two of you sit together for hours not speaking a single word and it’s never awkward.

Fingon: cooking

Fingon is a damn good cook and proud of it.

He was prone to starting food fights during cooking when he was young, but his parents scolded that habit out of him very quickly, teaching him instead to not be wasteful.

As a result, he can somehow still make five-star meals out of leftovers.

Even if you’re not a good cook yourself, he’s somehow able to enlist your help in a way that makes you feel productive and helpful. Leave the fine measurements to him, you just worry about the basics like chopping ingredients.

Loves trying out different cuisines. One of his early methods of befriending the Sindar was exchanging recipes. Sometimes it’s that simple.

Very enthusiastic about taste testing. If you have kids, he’ll definitely make them participate to hone their palate early on. You best believe his children are going to be the best cooks in the west.

Turgon: miniature city building

If there’s one thing that fascinates Turgon, it’s tasks that require a lot of meticulous planning and fine details.

He’s fascinated by architecture and incorporates many different styles into his projects.

Is Gondolin really based on Tirion or is it one of the cities he designed back in Valinor? Only he knows the answer.

Once the cities are done, you better don’t touch them! Little Aredhel once thought they were toys and played out a “historically accurate reenactment” of an early Elven settlement getting raided by orcs … she hasn’t been allowed in Turgon’s workshop ever since.

Like Caranthir, he’s a big fan of companionable silence, though in his case it might not necessarily be intentional. He’ll invite you over to work on a project together, thinking it’s a great way to talk to you more and get to know you better, only to end up so deep in the zone you’ll have to do most of the talking.

His workshop is his little hideaway from the outside world and letting you in shows how much he trusts you. Doesn’t matter if you’re not gifted at fine motor tasks and can’t really help him, your presence is more than enough for him.

[marimeeko]

Secrets (post war, bkdk, mutual yearning and idiocy)

Izuku quite liked settling into a habit with Kacchan, where the young ProHero would come visit the UA campus on their lunch breaks and they would share a meal together. He was still an understudy and teacher assistant, and so he didn't have his own classroom, but Katsuki could always find him through the windows.

The more they lunched together, the more Izuku happened to notice a lot of texts popping up on Katsuki's phone, sitting on the table next to where Katsuki scarfed down his daily bento.

He could see, when the little push notification popped up, the name "Pink Support Girl", popping up more and more.

He doesn't immediately think much of it, after all, Hatsume is a skilled, professional support tech now and he likely has her working on upgrades and fixes for his gear.

But sometimes, Katsuki will pick up the phone and check the message. And then, sometimes, this strange grin would show up on his face. And sometimes he would tap back a message at an alarming speed.

Izuku is intrigued by it. But whenever he hears the text alert on Katsuki's phone and sees Hatsume light up on the screen and concludes that Katsuki is very obviously in a deep back and forth...

He can't help but feel...strangely anxious.

One day, he sucks it up and asks awkwardly over lunch,

"Kacchan...are you and Mei Hatsume...dating?"

Katsuki chokes on his food a little and looks at Izuku like he's grown a second head.

"Dating?? What the hell are you talking about?"

Izuku regrets asking, but inches forward anyway.

"Sorry, it's intrusive of me! But i just... I notice you two have been texting a lot. I mean if you are, that's fine! I was just...curious?"

Katsuki's face traveled through a range of reactions as Izuku had babbled, but landed on a vague tinge of apprehension bordering on the guilt of getting caught in something.

Shit, he should have known better than to engage in those conversations too much in front of Izuku. Izuku is clever and observant, and he knew it. Of course he would catch on to something going on.

"Hell no," Katsuki didn't miss a beat, scoffing as he usually would. "There's a project I'm having her work on, it's kind of involved...she won't leave me alone with updates and shit."

Well, he couldn't exactly lie to his best friend and rival, after all...

The expression on Izukus face went from genuine confusion(and perhaps a hint of dread), to one of excitement.

"A new project? Oh my gosh, what is it? New gear? Is it new gauntlets?" The spark in his eyes showed that Izuku's nerd side had been activated. Katsuki snorted with a laugh, thinking that the teacher in training was seconds away from grabbing his current Quirk notebook to try to update his "Kacchan: GEMG DynaMight" entries in a flurry.

"Sure, sure," Katsuki accepted the assumption as his cover story. New gauntlets, truthfully, were on his to-do list, though he had prioritized them far below funding Izuku's secret suit. "I've got some big plans. You'll see." He grinned at Izuku, and Izuku recalled all the smaller grins that he had given to the texts from Mei.

Izuku smiled, now realizing that the grins were of deep pride for Katsuki, not at all of affection for a lover. He really was eager to share.

"Oh I hope so! I can't wait! If it's not too forward of me...again... is it too late to tell you and Hatsume my own thoughts on your gauntlets?" He asked, almost shyly.

Katsuki was tongue-tied, looking at the earnest, and frankly, adorable look on Izuku's face as he implored him. He felt his face heating up, feeling the rest of his resolve just melting. Izuku had no idea that this wasn't even about Katsuki's own gear...it was all for him. And Katsuki was aware enough now to know that Izuku truly wanted to help him, one of his most heroic(and attractive) features.

Katsuki felt a yearning inside; He wanted to share his secret so badly, wanted to show Izuku so many schematics and drafts that were buzzing constantly in his head as he went about daily life, but he knew, they were still years and a whole lot of money, from the point of reveal.

Katsuki caved to Izuku's request.

He leaned closer to Izuku, whose heart skipped a beat with the sudden proximity to the blonde.

"You have 10 minutes before I have to get back out to patrol," Katsuki said smoothly, only his crimson eyes slinking to the clock on the wall of the empty classroom, and back to smolder at Izuku's sparkling green eyes and flushed cheeks.

"Tell me what's in that nerdy notebook of yours."

--

B: Hey. Need to talk to you.

H: Sure, got those specs for me?? I need em asap

B: In a second.

B: I need to move all non-urgent communication to email

H: Inconvenient, inefficient. Absolutely not. Why??

B: Deku noticed how much we have been texting

B: thought we were dating.

H: lmao!!! Dating!!!

B: stfu I dont want him figuring out what is going on until it's time!!

B: Damn nerd too smart for his own good

H: 😏

B: 💥💥💥 fuck off

H: no way to speak to your engineer. Specs please.

H: also hey, just mute your notifications and turn off push if you don't want him seeing who's texting you. I'm not waiting for emails while you're out doing hero stuff in the field all day. I'll start making my own executive decisions and charging you extra at that point!!

B: UGH FINE

B: hey...

B: there's one other thing...

H: what?

B: ....I need to get some new Gauntlets made.

[rusted-fairy-wings]

I’m honestly really surprised to see people vibing with this…. SO UH YEAH HERE’S MORE LITTLE BITS SINCE I HAVE BEEN ASKED

-they’re not all the exact same age, so here’s how I would sort them based on my HCs. Kai, Cole, and Zane are all third years/juniors. Of these 3, even tho Zane is always depicted as the oldest in the fandom, I kinda like the idea of him being the youngest. Pixal and Skylor are both seconds years/sophomores. Jay and Nya are first years/freshmen. Lloyd is a second year/sophomore in high school.

-RGB siblings is absolutely canon because they do in fact mean the world to me. Lloyd is straight up their adopted little brother in this AU. Kai purposely picked a uni only a couple hours from home so he could be closer to Nya and Lloyd even after moving out.

-The entire cast of this AU makes fun of Kai because he hates school the most, but because he wants do law, he’ll be in school longer than all the rest of them. Kai struggles the most in uni in general as school doesn’t come easily to him.

-Jay and Nya met in a calculus class in their first semester of uni and just immediately hit it off. They do not care whenever someone says something along the lines of “you know a lot of relationships from your first year don’t last”. They are convinced once they do get together that they’re simply built different.

-Pixal is actually closest in age to Jay. Sh skipped a grade and was ahead on school. She’s the opposite of Kai—school comes very naturally to her, it’s social stuff she’s not always the best at.

-The uni is quite far way from Cole’s hometown. He’s still got a rocky (sorry earth pun) relationship with Lou that he’s working on fixing. He decided he really needed space to be on his own and figure stuff out. Lou isn’t a bad father, they’re just still repairing things.

-Skylor, Nya, and Pixal do in fact have girls’ nights/study sessions. Skylor makes snacks. Pixal organizes everything and makes sure they stay on task. Nya is in charge of the fun activities during their breaks, like what shows they watch or games they play. Said girls’ nights get very chaotic. The boys totally haven’t had to get them out of dumb situations before.

Ty for giving me an excuse to yap, genuinely surprised some people like this!!!!

literally nobody asked for this butttttt….

Here are my HCs for what everyone would be studying if I were to do a Ninjago College AU because if I have to suffer so do they!

Zane: culinary arts. I think if he didn’t have to worry about saving the world all the time, he’d love to just cook for people as a job.

Nya: engineering. Specifically mechanical engineering. She’s already got a clear inclination for it, and we love to see a woman in STEM.

Jay: engineering again, but this time electrical. I feel like that one’s for obvious reasons. Just combines his inventing/STEM interests with his powers.

Cole: double major in psychology and art. I’m a big fan of artist Cole, and it’s something I think he’d really focus on if he had the time. Psychology because he’s grounded enough to consider the idea that art may not lead him to a lucrative career even if he wants it to. He wants to help others. Specifically I could see him studying child psychology.

Kai: hear me out—political science but with the intention of going to law school. He has a very strong sense of justice and would want to make things he sees wrong with the world right. He wants to be the type of lawyer that sticks up for the little guy.

Lloyd: sorry but we’re skipping Lloyd because in a modern/college AU there’s no tomorrow’s tea and he’s still in high school. He has no clue yet what he wants. He’s considering studying astronomy though. But he’s kinda like “this is a future me problem” and a bit scared to think about his future.

Pixal: computer science girly!! She loves coding and finds it relaxing, so she thinks “why not do this?”. She accidentally stays up til 3 am sometimes because she’s genuinely having so much fun on her studies.

Skylor: like Zane, culinary arts. She wants to own her own restaurant one day. Zane is the first of our 6 ninja she meets and befriends in this AU because of this.

[carrie-tate]

Okay okay, I see at least one person is interested in my new OC (which is almost like as the previous one lol... But they are definitely from different timelines I would say) so.

(forgive me Percy/Oliver or Percy/Penny or Percy/Audrey fans)

Please love and favor

Riley Ellis Chandler

Muggle-born witch (I haven't figured it out yet, but probably her parents are either office workers, or one of them is an elementary school teacher), Hufflepuff student (because I love Hufflepuff and probably all my characters will be from this house)

Speaking about her, she has a rather boring character, a stereotypical girlish nature, I would say. Feminine, polite, diligent. She needs reading glasses because she (like probably many Muggle-borns after learning about the world of magic) read a lot. And that's why she's well-read (Although she is reserved and does not try to answer all the questions in class, often doubting whether she remembers this or that fact correctly) and her eyesight is ruined, lol

She was a member of Flitwick's Toad Choir in her first and second years. She has a pet toad named Bean... She later realized that music was not her thing and became more interested in the main subjects like Charms and Transfiguration.

In her fourth year, she started a reading group within the confines of her house, reading extracurricular books to those who wanted to read and helping younger students with their homework. In fact, because of such efforts to try to support newcomers in the first and upper years, she received the Head Girl badge in her fifth year.

Despite getting good grades in her theoretical classes, she is terrible at anything that requires practice. That is, flying lessons, Divination (though she still likes the atmosphere of Astronomy Tower), or care of magical creatures are difficult for her.

She most likely did not participate in the events of Hogwarts' defense, but kept in touch with the students from her house whenever possible to know about their safety.

Maybe after Hogwarts, in the future, she tried to work in the Ministry of Magic. But I see her eventually becoming a Muggle Studies teacher at Hogwarts.

The few sketches I have with her and a little bit about her and Percy:

She entered in the same year as Percy Weasley, so they are about the same age (maybe Riley is a couple of months younger than him), But I see it this way: they met somewhere in their third year, perhaps accidentally paired up in a joint Gryffindor and Hufflepuff class.

But most likely their communication would become closer in the fifth year, since I see that Riley is also a prefect. (And I said that they are very similar to my previous hp oc, Tracey. But I will write about this at the end) So it's obvious that they would see each other more often simply because of their duties. Well, and somewhere by the end of the fifth year they would most likely have... Just gotten together, I think

Most likely, in the fifth year, Percy will appreciate Riley's activity with her reading club, and eventually this small company will be replenished with a couple of students from Gryffindor.

So you understand, I see them as a very calm couple of two responsible people. Where Percy has a lot of responsibility and is more often nervous (because he is trying to show authority), and Riley is more calm, who sometimes lets the students get away with minor misfires, trying to evaluate the situation not only from the point of view of the rules, but also from the point of view of personal opinions

I think it was Percy's initiative that their relationship was hidden at first (in the style of hiding in empty classrooms to just talk about the day, hold hands and be alone. That's innocent teenage romance... There's already a headcanon that despite Riley's short curly mullet, Percy would claim it could still be braided. And since he still has a little sister, he can do it. He probably finds stress relief in playing with his girlfriend's hair... Ahem), so that his brothers wouldn't find a reason to joke about them. I think it was also revealed in the end because of Ginny. Or Ron.

Of course, eventually this will also get back to the twins, and until graduation, Percy and Riley will be making sweet little remarks about their sugary couple. This irritates Percy, but Riley finds it funny.

Riley probably has a generally non-confrontational relationship with Percy's family (I'm sure the twins asked something along the lines of "why would such a cutie choose a stale cracker like you, Perce?") So I think the moment Percy distanced himself from his family, he distanced himself from her as well.

But after the war for Hogwarts, after everything they had experienced and rethought, they would have been able to gradually come together again. Percy would have tried to get her a job at the Ministry, but in the end it just... Didn't work out. Although I think he would support her in her professorial work, it seems that a long-distance relationship (due to the fact that Hogwarts professors, as I understand it, live on the school grounds the entire school year) suits them.

A compilation of headcanons about them that I discussed with @pockysfluffiez

Speaking of my previous OC Tracy Thorens. I think she's more of a Cursed Child years old than a Harry Potter years old, and maybe she could technically be related to Riley. (Perhaps she could have had a sibling, or cousin, who didn't have magical powers, took a new last name, started a family, and Thorens could have been... Riley's niece, or cousin niece)

[natslilcorner]

DadMight and Izuku (hit by a age/body regressing quirk) AU

(i'm not a writer and English is my third language, this is just a brainrot i had to get out lol)

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──

When Toshinori got the message from Aizawa about “his problem child getting into problems again” he was ready to call a taxi to the nearest hospital or even the police station, he certainly wasn’t expecting THIS.

In the teacher lounge sitting on a chair was a very familiar green haired teenager… no, a toddler. He was wearing a very loose tshirt and some shorts, probably given by a smaller student, they were still very big on the kid though.

“What… happened? Young Midoriya are you okay?” Toshinori kneels in front of his the kid checking for injuries.

“There was an incident in the city and they were assigned to rescue the civilians involved. Midoriya was pulling an injured civilian from under rubble, and they accidentally activated their quirk. I guess you can figure out what their quirk is.” Aizawa points his thumb to Izuku. “Apparently they are a therapist specialised in childhood trauma or something like that. From their file they usually have a very good control on their quirk and how long the” he again points at Izuku “lasts. But they got a pretty bad concussion so we really don’t know when Midoriya will change back. Usually with their patients they make it last a day or two.. but there has been cases where the change has last a week or two.” Aizawa sighs and takes a sip of the cold coffee that was sitting on his desk.

“Oh…” Toshinori looks back at Young…Younger Midoriya and exhales a laugh. “You certainly got yourself in a bit of a pickle, kid.”

Izuku simply stares at the man confused and also a bit scared. The black haired man assured him that he was a hero and that he got in an accident, he also saw the UA entrance while he was being taken there so he wasn’t lying to him. He should be excited because he is at UA! And surrounded by heroes! At least he thinks the blonde man is a hero.. he knew his name though so maybe they are acquaintances?

“You look like you have a lot going on in that small head of yours, any questions?” Toshinori smiles attempting to look friendly and ease some of his the kid’s worries.

“U-Uhm.. when is my m-mum coming?” Izuku asked quietly looking at the men from behind his bangs.

Aizawa stands up from his desk and stands next to Toshinori. “Mrs Midoriya has been already notified about your… situation. She is currently out of town but she should be back tomorrow morning. From her last update she took the first train home so you will see her soon. For now I was thinking of simply keeping you at the dorms.. but-”

Izuku’s eyes start welling up with tears. “I can’t go home?”

Seeing the tears Toshinori starts fretting over his pupil trying to calm the toddler down “You can! It’s just that Inko-san is not home yet and-“ he stops himself and takes a deep breath. “Everything will be alright, Young Midoriya…..Give a second.” Toshinori stands up and nodding to Aizawa the two man leave the room.

“I can take him home. I don’t blame him for being freaked out, he has no memories and we are basically strangers to him right now. Making him stay in a place unknown to him would simply stress him out..”

Aizawa looks at the former Number One Hero. He always knew he had a big soft spot for Midoriya, after all he was aware now of their story together. What intrigues him though…

“And how exactly will you enter the Midoriya’s apartment?” Aizawa raises his eyebrow at the man, not pointing out him using the first name of the boy's mother.

Toshinori looks quizzically at his coworker for a couple seconds… suddenly all the blood rushes to his face making him look like a tomato.

“Uhm.. ah… well….”

Oh?

Aizawa pinches his nose bridge and sighs. All Might really needs a working etiquette lesson. But he won’t snitch on him… the gossip-loving rat probably knows already.

“Forget I asked. I don’t wanna know. Just take Midoriya home then, and notify his mother about where he is staying. IIda already brought his bag and some stuff so take that as well.” And with that the Underground Hero left leaving the older man alone.

....

Alright, Yagi! You saved thousands of people, you can take care of a toddler for a day.

Toshinori goes back into the teacher lounge and looks down at his pupil. Izuku is still sitting on the chair playing with the hem of the oversized shirt folding it over and over again.

“Young Midoriya!” The kid startled looks up with reddened eyes. He stopped crying but he can see that the waterfalls were not over yet. “Cmon I’m gonna take you home!” He smiles.

Izuku jumps down the chair and looks up at Toshinori hopefully. “Is my mum back then?”

Toshinori kneels in front of him and puts his hand of his fluffy head. “No, she will still be back tomorrow morning. But we figured out it would be more comfortable for you waiting in your home rather than here. But do not worry!” He hits his own chest and uses his All Might voice. “Because I will keep you company!”

Izuku stares at the frail man in awe. He just did the best All Might voice he ever heard! Is he also a fan? Since he is in UA is he a hero as well? Did he work with All Might? But All Might has no sidekicks, did they do missions together then- Izuku’s thoughts stop hearing the man.. his babysitter’s laugh. He notices how often he looks at him fondly, just like his mum does. He wants to ask what is his relationship with the “older Izuku”.

“You are mumbling Young Midoriya” Toshinori smiles and ruffles his hair. “We have the whole day together so keep your questions for later. Although I can’t promise I will answer all of them. Hero secrecy and stuff.” He winks and laughs again seeing Izuku getting even more excited.

“Now let’s get you home. It’s almost lunch time so I bet you are hungry!” He picks up the kid’s backpack and goes to the door.

Suddenly he feels a tiny hand hold his way bigger one. Toshinori has always been tall and big in general, training his body all life made his hands rough and full of callouses. He gently squeezes the tiny hand, looks down and gets greeted with a precious smile.

Ah.

This will be more challenging than he thought. He just hopes his weak heart will be able to handle all the cuteness that radiates from his the kid.

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──

>PART 1<

PART 2

[derpy-thebdayclown]

my kiddos again! been forever since i did a group shot lol

i got a new one named fish (the one with the fish. they/he/she) who isnt REALLY new- i scrapped them back in 2021 but i never stopped thinking about them so 😭 welcome back bud!

friendly reminder mathilde is a camper who is just very tall

if you have oc questions id love to answer!!! :)

[laz-laz-ace-pilot]

Some more thoughts, because I can't get this thing out of my head.

Ekko should meet Viktor in this AU world. Viktor has been thematically linked to time since S1 - always racing against time, in conflict with Jayce's hesitancy around safety and Heimerdinger's complacency with slow progress. This spurs a lot of the actions that lead to Viktor's downfall - so how would AU Viktor be different and what should Ekko learn from it?

I would have Viktor, like Jayce, in Zaun using his skills to help people. If this is the 'good' timeline, have Viktor using his mobility aids openly and not be afraid of public appearance - maybe give him a respirator-based mobility aid that helps with his breathing for his illness, but also distorts his voice, creating an alternative take on the Machine Herald. His illness isn't cured (as a disabled person myself, the 'magical cure to disability' trope needs to die a death) but he isn't ashamed of it. Maybe this is the point where he could give Ekko the advice about using and enjoying the time you have, and about not fearing the loss of time. It would also give Ekko's role in the end fight more weight if he had actually interacted with Viktor at some point.

And make the building of Ekko's time/ dimension machine a group effort. Rather than just Ekko, Powder and Heimerdinger working in secret, have Powder rope in the Firelights and half the Zaun community. Show that in this world, its normal for people to help out and share resources, that people believe in Ekko's ideas and actively want to help him. That he doesn't have to do things alone, and the strength that can be found in solidarity. Powder can still be at the forefront of that, and they could still have romantic moments. And you could link that back into episode 9 - instead of the Zaunites just appearing in the battle, have Ekko use what he learned in the AU to rally the different groups together and believe that there is a better Zaun to fight for. And instead of mourning Jinx alone, have him mourn with his Firelights, or others from Zaun - tie Ekko back into the backbone of Zaun's hopeful future.

Maybe even have it that the AU versions of characters work out that Ekko is from another timeline and help him anyway. Because the distrust and backstabbing that Ekko is used to isn't there. Because any version of Ekko and Zaun is worth helping. You could have so heartbreaking moments still, with characters like Benzo or Vander suggesting things for their counterparts without knowing they are dead. You could have funny moments too. Just - honest help would do Ekko wonders.

The 'Vi-dies' reality is really bugging me, especially with the explanation that Piltover and Zaun 'made peace' because a child died and that pushed people toward change. Because we've seen - both in Arcane and our own world - that children dying doesn't inspire change. Especially if they're the 'wrong' type of child.

Milo and Clagger's deaths didn't inspire change. The death of the Chembaron's son only inspired a temporary discomfort in Jayce before he started making weapons to be used against Zaun again. The other children in the Shimmer factory are never considered again. And in our own world, the body of a dead child washed up on a French beach hasn't changed the cruelty european countries show refugees in boat crossings. Children holding a conference in Gaza begging not to be killed hasn't stopped the bombings.

At best, a few people in Piltover might feel uncomfortable; Councillor Kiramman, as Jayce's sponsor, might pledge to fund a children's program in Zaun. But for the most part it would be put down to 'unfortunate', or blame would be placed on the kids for breaking in in the first place.

And the idea that without Hextech, the political disparity would disappear is wild. Hextech exacerbated the class divide, but it definitely wasn't the cause of it. Or its absense the solution.

[theoldkyokodied]

Uploading all my Tomgreg art at once from the past few week before season 4 hits, who knows in what kind of mental state i'm gonna be once it does :')

[kuromi-hoemie]

hhhh talking about my writing was fun but 30 tags is not enough.. yes i have 3 major influences but i have minor ones too.. it is a lovechild of my favorite things.. writing is so fun and i have no self control or a concept of pacing myself i will sit there for 16 hours and get hit with every status effect but by god does it all just flow out of me. I've always been a music person yes but i also used to write a lot into early adulthood until The Incident™

but i am ready 2 jump back into it. i think comics are a great middle ground between the two mediums so i don't get As into writing bc i kind of started going crazy last time 🫡 i can take a more structured approach to it that forces me to pace myself and think about it differently. i love art.... i love making things i love knowing how to do things i love knowing how to play things i love having so many creative outlets, even if i don't do a lot of them regularly lol. it is enriching 😳 and nice to know that it's always there to come back to when u want.

[dimiclaudeblaigan]

For anyone annoyed by the Tumblr changes, if you're on desktop I would recommend using XKit Rewritten (and New XKit for any other odd changes you'd like to try out, including even older aspects of Tumblr). It's the older version of Rewritten but most of the extensions on it are still supported/do work). I can't guarantee they'll definitely make a fix for it/a direct fix for this particular UI change, but it's possible that they might since they usually make extensions that allow you to essentially revert changes made to the UI. Other various UI extensions (such as old ones from Tumblr's past UIs that the extensions basically just revert you to) may also help fix up your UI.

As you might expect these extensions need to be on to work/revert the appearance of the UI (so if you turn them off you'll revert to the current state of Tumblr), but while they are on you can curate your UI to look how you want it. This goes for both New XKit and XKit Rewritten. I use both and I couldn't live without them lol. You can get some big oldies of Tumblr's, like classic search on Rewritten or the Tweaks extension (full of various UI tweaks) on New XKit (including the old shade of blue Tumblr used a long time ago that I never stopped using!).

Unfortunately I don't know of any solution for mobile if it affects mobile at any point (or if it already has), but whenever you're on desktop, I would definitely recommend both these versions of XKit. I have so many extensions from them that I often don't even realize when there are UI changes (remember how Tumblr added themes for your dashboard? I didn't even notice for the longest time because I've had New XKit on the whole time) because Tumblr's default coding is overwritten by the extensions I have on.

[anonymusbosch]

.

[infinitethree]

So, Aster is kind of in hell right now.

Daz has, evidently, decided to quadruple down on being a bastard by abusing the fact that Aster is forced to see their future– a future where they’re happily married– to torment him.

Horrifyingly, his torment comes primarily in the form of things that one would consider flirting under any other circumstances.

Pretty much his only reprieve is his time at the Swords and Shields’ training hall. Not even his own goddamned home is sacred, because Daz can just– fucking teleport in, like an asshole!

It does not help that the visions seem to come primarily when he’s around Daz. The more Daz inflicts his presence on Aster, the more he sees of some unknown point in the future where they’re deeply in love.

So basically, on top of the active torment, there’s the fucky surreal mood whiplash of future-Daz clearly enjoying his company…and then current-Daz, who wields his knowledge like a knife to inflict shallow wounds on his psyche.

Thank fuck that he at least doesn’t have to deal with whatever the hell their more intimate time is like. All he’s seen is what seems like the aftermath– but is enough to make it clear that they definitely do get up to…that.

Uhg. The idea makes him vaguely queasy currently, even if future-him seems to enjoy it.

There’s no further information about what led to that shift, unfortunately. At this point, Aster would try to trigger it just to lessen Daz’s wrath.

Sure, he’s not entirely sure he even wants his love. But it’d be infinitely better than the shit he’s currently dealing with.

And, well, if nothing else– he could definitely appreciate that Daz does seem to enjoy both acts of service and gifts.

As far as he can tell, future-him exclusively wears clothes that future-Daz makes for him and mostly eats his cooking– something that he is actually jealous of.

At no point has Aster ever looked at food Daz has made and not been tempted. Even when he knew it was fucked with in some capacity, a little voice in the back of his head told him, but it’ll be so damn good. It’s worth whatever he did, probably.

A few times he’s listened. He regretted it later, sure, but in the moment…

In the moment he had desperately wished Daz wasn’t such a catty asshole towards him and him alone.

Well, now he knows why he was singled out. And even though that reason has been resolved, he’s now the subject of Daz’s actual wrath. Thus, even considering taking a bite of anything Daz has touched is a level of stupidity that Aster isn’t willing to rise to. 

Beyond the clothes and food, though? Future-Daz seems to have given plenty of other gifts and forms of his affection.

It sure as hell seems like they live in a completely redone version of Aster’s house. It’s a hell of a lot bigger with a completely different layout, but those familiar blue and white wisteria trees can be seen through the windows sometimes.

All of that seems nice, sure, but the thing that really piques Aster’s interest is a simple fact that seems to be driven home over and over and over–

Future-Daz is clingy as hell.

He seems to want to be cuddled with more than anything. Aster has even watched as he goes from fully alert to completely conked out just from future-Aster playing with his hair.

It– honestly, as weird as it is to admit to himself?

It was almost cute.

Of course, he’d come back to the present and that feeling was ruined by Daz asking if he saw them in the bedroom again. But for a brief moment, he almost felt a bit of fondness for that asshole.

The Swords and Shields have definitely noticed his bad mood. Thankfully, none of them are willing to pry into his life enough to say anything.

All of them respect him. Even if they joined under the banner of Lee, they ultimately answer to Aster.

Daz’s domain is the Welcome Wagon; Aster’s is the Swords and Shields. Those that want to seriously hone their skills aren’t coddled here– sure, they get guidance and shit.

But if they fuck around, Aster does not hesitate to let them find out.

He only belatedly notices that the gym has gone quiet. A feeling of dread rises up as he turns to look and–

Oh Prime fucking damnit, Daz is here.

His heart sinks as he realizes that instead of his usual outfit, Daz is in something far more suited to actually breaking a sweat.

No, no, no, this absolute fucking sociopath can’t possibly be–

“Aster!” Face lighting up like he’s excited to see him, Daz trots up and looks at him like an excited puppy.

He knows better. This is a viscous tiger who only looks harmless as a defense mechanism.

Daz beams at him and says, “I figured it was, like, kinda time for me to actually get training and stuff! I know I technically don’t have to, but I mean…”

There’s a little giggle. “I kinda do encourage new people to sign up, right? So like, it’s only reasonable to learn about it firsthand!”

The room is dead quiet. Not a single person here believes that Daz is actually capable of keeping up with them, but Aster knows better.

If he so choose, Daz could become the single strongest fighter on the server. He’s probably already better than most people in this room.

Aster would know. Daz is the reason he stopped trying to become Theo 2.0 and became something wholly himself.

That ‘fight’, if you could call it that, had been years ago. It’s still seared into his memory– still a reminder that Daz is very much a physical threat when he so chooses.

He realizes he’s been quiet for too long. “...I don’t know that that’s a good idea.”

Arguing is pointless, he knows. But he can’t not do that– not only does he desperately not want Daz to be here, but everyone knows he’s not exactly fond of the guy.

Meekly letting him join would be suspicious and, more importantly, humiliating.

Daz deflates. “But…I really want to get better. I know I’m not really good enough, but maybe if I can, like– actually be kinda okay, then I won’t have so many nightmares…”

Yep, this is about how he pictured it would go.

There was no possible way for him to wiggle out of having Daz here. As soon as this sociopath decided to expand his torment into Aster’s last safe haven, this was always how this would play out.

He sighs deeply. “...Fine. You’re gonna take the same test as everyone else, though. I’m not giving you special treatment.”

Once again Daz perks up. “Thank you! I don’t expect any special treatment or anything, I can totally handle it!”

That’s exactly what Aster is afraid of.

Fuuuck. He’ll have to fight against this bastard with a huge audience. They’re going to be curious what exactly his skill level is.

Pretty much his only hope is that Daz has played up how helpless he is. Surely he won’t…actually be serious about this, right?

But as they go to the main floor and he lays down the parameters of the test– five minutes of using whatever weapons the testee wants to try and hit Aster, followed by them trying to survive against his retaliation for as long as they can– he’s got a horrible feeling that Daz won’t play even remotely nice.

That feeling is confirmed when he clicks the timer and Daz lunges at him with clear intent.

It’s– horrifyingly, a hell of a lot better than most people present. Aster has to actually put some effort into dodging, though it’s thankfully way less of him getting his ass handed to him than the first time they has a match.

There’s an eerie, blank calm in Daz’s face as he gives no quarter. Not a single second to catch his breath and regroup; just an interminable onslaught that speaks all too clearly of having been heavily trained before.

And like he feared might happen, a memory is shown to him.

Daz, younger and with a look in his eyes that screams he’s hungry to be taught, listens intently to his mentor.

“You can’t just throw everything at your opponent without focus,” Dream tells him. Daz scoffs and retorts, “Worked against you, didn’t it?”

Dream rolls his eyes. “I was holding back a lot, and you know that. Not everyone will show you that same courtesy. If you try to use brute force, you’ll wear yourself out faster. No; the way to really win…is to use your head.”

And then Aster finds his legs being swept out from under him as Daz aims one of his daggers at his throat.

Thankfully, years of muscle memory and fighting against Theo make it easy enough to recover and dodge.

He feels the timer in his pocket go off, and feels a surge of relief. He’s the one who pushes the offense now, forcing Daz to play it more defensively.

But…Daz lasts a while. Hell, he even gets a few nicks in, taking full advantage of Aster’s closeness.

Eventually, though, Aster is still able to slam his axe into him and force him to respawn.

He’s actually breathing a little heavy, after that. Not a lot of people can actually get his blood pumping like that.

…Fuck, did he actually enjoy fighting that bastard?

As he’s trying to sort that feeling out, Daz appears in front of him again– probably having teleported back from his spawn. He smiles sheepishly at Aster and says, “I know I wasn’t really that good, but…was I at least okay?”

This goddamned asshole is going to act like he thinks that level of skill is nothing?

No, actually, it makes perfect sense. If he wants to reconcile his actual skill with his personality, this is probably one of the only paths he can take.

Aster squints at him. He knows he’s supposed to play along, but this still pisses him off. “You thought that was bad?”

“Yeah? Didn’t everyone here do way better? I only gave you some scratches, that’s nothing!”

He pinches the bridge of his nose and resists the urge to deck him. “Who told you that your current level isn’t any good?”

Daz’s face falls a little, and he fidgets with the hem of his shirt. “I mean, uhm…D– Dream did. ‘Cause, I needed to be protected…I was too weak. So I’m not any good, or I wouldn’t have needed protection…”

He’s shown another flash of the past. Daz, the agony of his enchantment searing him from the inside out, sobs as Dream strokes his hair and murmurs, “It’s okay. It’s for your own good. You’ll thank me someday.”

A shudder goes down his spine as he’s sent back to the present. He hates seeing shit about Daz and his former mentor, because he knows that’s some of the things Daz least wants him to see.

“Hasn’t he been proven as a liar by now? You’re fine.”

Daz tilts his head, brow creasing. “...Fine?” “You–” Aster sighs, and admits, “You’ve probably had the best assessment out of anyone. I don’t think you even need training, just confidence.”

He jerks his thumb at the assembled Swords and Shields, who are dead silent with shock that Daz is that good. “I literally don’t think anyone else here can even begin to keep up with you.”

There’s a few quick blinks, like this is news to Daz. “That…can’t be right. I’m not any good.”

“There is literally no reason for me to lie about that.” Aster turns to the group and calls, “Do any of you actually think you can beat him?”

Only a few hands raise, but none confidently. When Aster gives them a stern look, all of them slowly sink back down. Daz’s expression only becomes more confused. “That– what? Then…”

He turns to look at Aster, and there’s a gleam of something awful in his eyes. “Then does that mean the only person I’d really be able to like, spar with is you?”

And now, Aster sees the trap that was laid for him.

There is no actual way for him to escape this. Foisting him off on anyone else would just be unfair to them, and call into question his ability to be fair. He’d probably be accused of running like a coward, too.

Gritting his teeth, Aster concedes, “...Yes.”

Daz lights up with joy. “So, like– we can be sparring buddies?! I can be friends with you, finally?!”

“Fin– what?” “‘Cause, like, I always assumed you didn’t like me much ‘cause I’m bad at fighting! But if I’m actually really good, and we spend time together, we can be friends!”

There’s a moment of hesitation, and Daz stares at him with sudden hesitation. “We…can be friends, right? I’ve always really admired you, but I didn’t wanna bother you without a good reason…that’s why it, uhm, took so long to finally do this. I– I didn’t want to make you waste too much time…”

Now he’s not meeting Aster’s eyes. He rambles, “I, uhm, I told Raine a bit about– a bit about some of…some of my past. And he encouraged me to come here, said it’d be good for me…”

Not for a single second does Aster actually believe that.

“Since if I’m, like, actually strong, maybe I can– can stop being so scared from my nightmares.”

When Aster doesn’t respond, Daz’s face crumbles and he hangs his head. “I– I’m sorry, that was dumb of me. I– I shouldn’t have come here, this was a bad idea–”

It’s only when Daz starts to turn away, voice cracking as if he’s actually going to cry, that Aster unfreezes enough to grab his wrist.

“I’m not going to promise you friendship, but I’m not going to be an asshole either. You’re still a member of the group…and a good one, at that. You’re probably the root reason why nearly everyone in the Swords and Shields joined.”

Daz mumbles, “But you don’t like me.” “I–”

He sighs, hating that he has to play nice with this goddamned bastard like this. “It’s not because of you. You’ve got your trauma, I’ve got mine.”

Once again, he’s shown a vision.

Thank fucking Prime though, this time it’s the future.

Despite that, though, it seems like this might be the earliest time he’s seen so far. They’re in the Council HQ, with future-Daz openly glaring at him.

Future-Aster hums, “I know how you think. And I know that even if you are interested, you’ll ignore or repress it rather than act on it. That’s why the only way I can be sure that you truly don’t want it is to force your hand.” “That’s– you can’t just– just–!”

“I can, actually. Don’t you know me well enough by now to know that if I decide to do something, no force on heaven or earth can stop me?”

A soft chuckle escapes from future-Aster as he adds, “My next step is to start getting even more obvious with it. I’ll pull a dozen pages from your playbook, make it so that your refusal makes you into a massive asshole. I don’t even need to act all that much for it.”

Future-Daz seethes, “You can’t threaten me into dating you.” “Once again…I’m pretty sure I can, actually.”

…What?

So, wait– they get together, and get married…all of that is because he blackmails Daz?

But they seemed happy. Even in quiet moments that they’re alone, Future-Daz seems deeply in love with him. Surely that’s…not fake, right?

He’s left reeling as he’s sent back to the present.

How the actual hell is that–

Wait.

If Daz would never be willing to even try it without that big of a push…and assuming that he does actually end up happy…

Is it actually that awful?

Sure, it’s definitely not great, ethically. Aster would rather die than force him to do anything too crazy, too, but…

What if it’s just dating? Being, like– romantic and shit in public? Going on actual dates and that kind of thing.

…He kind of feels like a scumbag for even considering it. But he also can’t help but be faced with the fact that future-him clearly knows something. He spoke with absolute confidence that Daz would ignore any actual interest in favor of ignoring and repressing it.

And more than that, they seemed so damn happy together. Sure, it could be fake, but–

If that were the case, future-Daz was doing a flawless job of acting at all times. He was clingy and sweet, doing things that he clearly put a lot of meaning behind.

Shit– Aster has noticed that they both had obvious claims! A bracelet for him, a necklace/brooch thing for Daz.

Maybe….

Maybe this is what he’s supposed to do.

He sees a hand being waved in front of his face. “Uhm, Aster? Are you, like…okay? I didn’t trigger anything, right?”

He blinks and realizes he must have been in the present for a little while now. He reaches out and ruffles Daz’s hair, partly out of curiosity and partly as retaliation for all this bullshit.

“You’re fine,” he huffs, as the bastard squeaks. He seems at a loss of words for once, but Aster can’t help but notice…

He’s leaning into it a bit.

…Holy shit, is future-Daz so clingy because this Daz is touch starved?

As an experiment, he puts an arm over his shoulder in what he hopes seems friendly to everyone else, and steers him towards his office. “Let’s go figure out what days you’re actually able to come in. I know the Welcome Wagon takes up a lot of time…probably your admin training too, right?”

Daz nods, still seeming speechless and more than a little awkward as they make their way there.