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jealousraisin · 2 years ago

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CHARLIE’S AND JONOTHAN’S RELATIONSHIP

How they met and how they got together

(It’s a long read but i had fun doing this i literally never write)

The First Meeting

okay so as we know, jonothan was a transfer student while he was balls deep in his emo statue personality era. Bland and french 🙄🇫🇷. Charlie shared a few classes with the guy so she was tasked with showing him around and getting him i guess situated would be the word. And oh boy was it AWKWARD.

Basically she freezes up when the principal mentioned that this task was going to be a thing, poor thing was practising what to say and do for an entire anxiety riddled week.

Anyways.

The day comes and she begins her script, imagine the panic when this guy who is VERY decent looking (at least i would hope you think so i did give him the model thingie you know not gonna let that go to waste) doesn’t react AT all to her little jokes in an attempt to break the awkwardness, if react to any info tbh aside from the worlds most subtle nod sometimes to where things are in the school. So she still tries her best and forges on. (side note charlie tackled highschool like it was a very long and elaborate dnd session she just had to make it out alive at the end of the day 💪💪) so does NOT slow down with the planned jokes and attempts to break the ice and tries her hardest to show she’s not ridiculously nervous, unfortunately for her even in his statue era of showing emotion he could tell she was tense as fuck through this and mentally was like “yeah i feel you” still very much emotionally distanced but the only way i can word it is like there was an awkward alliance mentally formed that day in his head, not that he noticed it as that though straight away.

So the end of the day rolls around and as she planned hands him a little pamphlet she designed with a map of the school how she sees it with like the best routes for things, which water fountains are decent and which ones might give you lead poisoning, rundowns of the classes they share and just info she wishes she had when she was new to this school as well all decorated in her little artsy farts style (she took her time on this let’s give her some credit). and to prepare herself to maybe not have to do this awkward guide act for no reason left a note right at the end of the pamphlet basically saying something like,

“if you hated this guidance and don’t want to do this again i totally get you, no hard feelings if you pretend it never happened. But if you didn’t mind or would like to keep going for the full week i was “suggested” to do you can meet me at the gates at xyz time :D” with a little doodle of the location with a drawing of her standing there , lol i feel like she would.

I don’t think she was like banking on this guy actually reading the thing she gave him, to be fair when in this entire ramble did i say she was confident or expecting decent things out of this experience. But good thing he did after he was well out of the schools radius and had a few chuckles out of her rudimentary (it was very detailed let’s yet again give her credit) almost tourist pamphlet guide of this school he had no say on going to.

So that’s how they had that first meeting and also first icebreaker week together.

How the friendship properly started.

After that week jonothan was still his epic ‘statue don’t show anything outside’ self, what? did we expect a complete character transformation in a week just because i threw the annoying sunshine character to him? nah this isn’t that fast paced lmao. But after that he got used to meeting up at the gates or meeting in the halls after their different classes to go to their mutual class.

i should mention he’s a creature of habit, very much like a cat, exactly like a cat. So i don’t think changing the routine was very much in his plans anyways. And for charlie she took it in her stride but on the inside was a bit like *shocked emoji* because she’s used to a history of not being very good with people after a planned interaction or even the person just, sticking around after…

So this awkward sort of alliance/routine kept going and as time went on it would feel less and less awkward and more and more like “yeah this is how the day goes” which was PERFECTLY fine by these two creatures of habit. And what started as navigating the school together turned to walking out of the school together sometimes and when that became more comfortable for the two Charlie at some point blurted out that “it would be nice to grab a snack before heading home” because the thought of hanging out more with this new found “friend” (friendship status yet to be verbally established and acknowledged by these two awkward mfs just yet this is all unspoken at this point) and this guy, without skipping a beat just turns around in a non verbal way of saying “so where do we go” and charlie RAN with this compliance and took this guy to her favourite burger place down near the beach.

And sometimes it wasn’t even eating , it was walking around the area nearby with her talking her head off about anything and everything because she didn’t really have anyone to just sit there and just be there while she talks about her interests or her current project or homework. Either way she was just chatting to this guy who just chilled there wether it be with a burger or not.

After that, that habit was added to their routines as an option and it was at one of those after school burger runs that he finally actually SPOKE 😱🤯 and was like “you know this is nice actually , didn’t expect it to be like this but yeah,,,,nice.”

So just i’ll give you a moment to imagine charlie’s disbelief that this statue of a man SPOKE and said they were having a decent time. Yeah she replayed that moment for a while, talk about a confidence boost.

And now that we know he not only speaks but that he most definitely was actually listening she took this as a chance to try and make it a two way street of conversation so slowly but surely within her rambles and stories she would sprinkle in a prompt for him to put in his two cents or ask him a question that would let her get to know him a bit better.

And what was once just a quick walk around the area or something to eat while they waited for charlie’s bus to get closer to the scheduled time became missing the bus and just hanging out around the beach or park and having jokes (which at this point jonothan was trying his hardest to join in on the funnies but he was still very much not that good at it yet. personality not fully unlocked with her yet lol) or doing a bit of homework to prepare for a stupid pop quiz that charlie can SENSE is going to happen in their next class.

At some point in those more comfortable friend sessions is when charlie just threw out the “soooo,,,,wanna be friends?” (again don’t think it was random she has been thinking of saying that for a hot minute to acknowledge what they were if at all at this point) and this guy thought to himself:

“??? we have been for the past 3 months??? why else would i be doing what we do if we weren’t?? like is she really built like a brick wall when it comes to intuiting people ?”

but when he looked at her she kinda looked like she was ready to run for the hills if he didn’t say something, did he make a face? he probably made a face for a split second. so he had to reallly quickly get his words out or he doesn’t know if she’ll explode LMAO. So he responded “of course.” and the relief that passed through her face must have been so obvious and her mental suffering must have been so funny and enjoyable to this guy that he LAUGHED? HOW DARE HE LAUGH SHE WAS TRYING HER BEST HERE, PRACTISED HOW IT WAS GONNA GO DOWN FOR WEEKS. but wait, he laughed

*insert shocked charlie.jpeg*

After that she joined in on the laugh because i mean, it was pretty funny.

Later on that night when charlie got home she went and changed his contact name from “Jonothan School” to “Jono 😎 (Friend!?)” and if he ever saw that she would deny that to the end of her days. They both started texting more frequently after feeling like they jumped a mutual understanding hurdle and didn’t have to overthink if they could or couldn’t say or do something. Like now Jonothan sends pictures of his Cat whenever it’s doing literally anything and Charlie doesn’t want to tell him that he treats that thing like his first born (it is). Or for charlie to just text what she’s doing or a thought she had.

Throughout this growing friendship both of them started to open up with each other, jonothan revealing he lives on his own and that he kinda made a deal with this stupid french mum that if he kept modelling he could live on his own here despite him wanting to just be a shut in for a while, charlie felt prompted to butt into his ramble saying they could do that at least for a weekend? and the idea seemed so nice to this tired boy that he was like ‘yeah why don’t you stay the weekend at mine and just do whatever?’ which is how he was introduced into how to be professionally lazy on the weekends by charlie and how sleepovers at each others places became a regular thing. Charlie couldn’t believe how easy this all was, was it always meant to be this easy to have friends?

Jonothan got to meet Luke for the first time when they were doing a class project together in her room when Luke waltzed into her room like he normally does to announce his presence and be a general brotherly bother for a while. Luke didn’t even notice that there was a guy on her bed while she was 3 textbooks deep in trying to figure out if they did ever mention that dinosaurs had feathers, but when he did he was in a bit of a state of shock but also proud, look at his sister being social! it also, IS THAT A BOYFRIEND? WITHOUT TELLING ME? Charlie had to clear things up and properly introduce the guy before an interrogation began right there and then. Poor girl couldn’t even look at either of them being a bit embarrassed that she had to introduce her friend like that, but she did it, good for her.

Initially Luke wasn’t too convinced, brotherly instincts, could even call them maternal he’s a mother hen when it comes to her anyways. But as this guy became a regular to their place and her to his (which Luke wasn’t too happy to find out this friends house she’s been going to frequently was a boys house but i mean, she’s being social), he got used to this guy, i mean he’s alright i guess 🙄🙄

SIDE NOTE

I should mention that charlie and jonothan do have a two year age gap. So since they met in highschool they would have been in different years, and they are. But with Charlie being the little overachiever she was at the time she was put into some classes above her year level and those are most of the classes she has in common with Jonothan. So yeah just keep that in mind. Also with Charlie doing classes above her actual age grade thingy? She gets an opportunity to do final exams earlier than you normally do so has a chance to graduate a year earlier than everyone else. Also keep that in mind.

The FEELINGS and how both of these idiots dealt with it before the big ole figuring it out.

Charlie’s had to repeat a billion times “he’s MY FRIEND” to which luke “jokingly” implies ‘is he though?’,,,,is he? Thoughts and having time to think those thoughts are an enemy to charlie sometimes because 🤔🤔 hmmm….OH SHIT. Now after Luke so lovingly and delicately planted the seeds of doubt has she realised she’s really fond of this dude, like more than friendship fond. God hanging out is going to be so awkward!! here she is freaking out about how to act like she didn’t have a friendship altering revelation, meanwhile Jonothan was in no way going to realise his feelings ANY time soon with the way he’s so not in touch with his emotions.

Now hangouts and sleepovers that would be so fun and easy for Charlie are full of overthinking, nervous rambles where they would have been excitement filled and silently freaking out about physical interactions. Now, Jonothan may be dense as fuck, but he’s not stupid, something is up with his bestfriend, who he totally thinks about a normal amount in a totally normal way. So being the totally normal guy he turns to his online friends to figure out what’s going on, because why ask directly am i right? His friends are like “She’s totally got a thing for you dude” and Jonothan thinks they’re joking, that can’t be it? Really?

So now he’s in research mode, ‘how to tell if a girl likes you’ google searches, seeing how Charlie acts around him compared to other guys, which he doesn’t want to admit bothers him a little when she gets a laugh out of some random guy in class she’s partnered up with, meanwhile she’s as stiff as a board walking home with him. Hold on why does that bother him? Clearly he’s just a little off from the shift in attention he’s receiving from her, right? Anyways, after a lot of thinking and laying awake because he’s so worried about his friend does he actually let his brain CLICK in the fact that “oh SHE MIGHT BE INTO ME?!” (mind you this happens over quite a few nervous wreck weeks for charlie who is trying her hardest to go on like normal with him)

Jonothan grappling with the fact that Charlie might see him as more than just a platonic friend now has to take a moment and do some thinking himself because? ‘what if she confesses?What do i say? I just want to be friends right? I mean i’m so comfortable with the way we hang out all the time, how we talk about anything and everything and how i enjoy just being with her and how she looks when she sees something related to her interests and how badly i want to get her every single thing she even looks at for a millisecond-OH? oh.’ So this is what it’s like to think about your feelings huh? Now it’s Jonothans turn to think about this revelation, because he could be totally wrong about him thinking that she likes him and now he realises that he’s been wanting more than just friendship.

Now on the outside, interacting with Charlie has not really changed with him because he’s so dang good at masking how he feels about literally anything, but on the inside? That brain is going 500 thoughts a minute now. Cue these two idiots having to awkwardly hang out as if they’re not into each other. The questions we all have now is, who’s going to crack first and fess up. Eventually though Charlie starts to get back to normal around him and so does he, that doesn’t mean those feelings have gone anywhere but she realised that even if he doesn’t like her in that way it’s okay, right? But at this point just having the nagging thought in the back of her mind has been so so so annoying it’s like she can’t even think about other things and it’s been bothering her for a while now with the endless pining.

Shockingly it’s Jonothan who cracks and confesses and it’s in the most nonchalant way (initially). They’re just hanging out at his place, him scrolling on his phone and her playing video games and jonothan just drops

“By the way i Like you”

And Charlie being not only dense but refuses to believe they’re anything but platonic goes

“Yeah i like you too”

this is when Jonothan realises that he’s got to be way more concise about his point here even though he just let that slip, there’s no turning back now if he doesn’t do this now and properly, there’s no telling when the chance will come up again if at all.

“No i mean romantically, I have feelings for you.”

“haha yeah sure”

“i’m serious”

Once again imagine Charlie’s shock that this emotional wall of a man just threw that at her when she’s accepted the fact that Him and her were not going to be a thing in her mind theatre, that and the fact that he was so direct about it. SHIT SHIT SHIT WAIT SAY SOMETHING BACK DONT LEAVE HIM HANGING.

“me too”

THE SIGH OF RELIEF FROM THIS MAN acting like he was going to explode from being so emotionally vulnerable in the face of uncertainty. (he’s being dramatic but at that point in his life he’s never just told people how he feels about them like that)

“OH MY GOD THANK GOD i thought i was going to have a heart attack for saying that out of nowhere”

“YOU’RE gonna have a heart attack??! DUDE warn a woman next time PLEASE” “Wait how long have you,,,,,you know,,,”

“since i’ve thought about it? Since when you asked me to be friends, I THOUGHT WE WERE ALREADY FRIENDS”

“YOU’RE KIDDING”

“Yeah but i only realised that recently, you know you were acting weird i thought you were dying or something, i was worried”

So that’s how the confession ended up happening and afterwards discussing what that means for each other and doing first dates and just laughing at how silly they are. They kept it quiet for a bit but Luke was really quick to catch in that they finally actually got together and was just waiting for Charlie to confess that she actually went and did it.

#textpost #long post #raisinocs #charlieposting #jonoposting #jarlieposting

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lazella · 6 years ago

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Yugioh and the Infinity Stones: In Which Tony Reacts to Stuff

The saga continues.

Tony at first though someone had spiked his drink. It was rather early in the morning for weird things to start happening but six kids with brightly colored hair was a new one. Seeing that two of them were injured he ordered all of them into the medical bay ignoring all protests. By this point Natasha showed up and assisted with the medical treatment. Tri-color needed stitches for his shoulder while Tomato head just needed a good bandage and orders not to smile which he seemed to take great offence too.

“So…” Tony said while munching on a blueberry Poptart, “Care to explain how you ended up in my tower?”

“How about you get their names first?” Natasha scolded as she finished up the stitches on Tri-color, “I know you are coming up with unflattering nicknames in that head of yours.”

“No I’m not…” Tony denied.

“And you haven’t introduced yourself either…” The only normal looking kids with brown hair spoke up.

“Okay fine….The name’s Tony Stark millionaire playboy extraordinaire. You are in my tower which is known as the Avengers Tower because you somehow bypassed all of my security measures and ended up one the thirtieth floor. Care to explain?”

All the kids looked as each other as if they were trying to silently decide who was going first. Eventually the brown-haired kids spoke up.

“I don’t know about everyone else but I was just walking around when this big purple guy calling himself Thanos showed up and…”

Now that got Tony’s attention, “Hold on…did you just say Thanos?!”

“Um yeah…you know him?

“Just to be sure…” Tony pulled up their file photo of Thanos on the nearby screen, “This is the guy you saw?”

“Yep, fought with him too.”

“…You should be dead…You should be very dead.” Tony shook his head, “Why did you fight this guy!?”

“Because he wanted this.” The brown-haired kid held up something that made Tony’s stomach drop.

He was holding the Power Stone barehanded with no negative effects.

Natasha eyes went wide, “How did you get that?”

“Just showed up in my pocket one day and accidently destroyed a table.”

“Judai-san…” The black hair kid spoke up, “I found something similar.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out the Time Stone.

This sent Tony over the edge, “Next thing you all are going to tell me you all have one?!”

One by one, the remaining four boys pulled something out of their pockets. The Soul Stone, the Space Stone, the Reality Stone, and the Mind Stone.

“Can you excuse us for a moment…we need to discuss something…” Tony motioned Natasha to follow him and exited the medical bay.

“Tony…I thought we got rid of the Infinity Stones.” Natasha was in disbelief.

“Me too…we chucked them into the multiverse so that Thanos couldn’t get his hands on them. Now their all back with six stowaways and one of them is claiming that he fought Thanos…” Tony went over to the bar, poured himself a drink, downed it, then poured another. “Thor is not going to be happy about this…”

“What is going to upset me?” Thor himself disembarked from the elevator with Bruce right behind him.

“Sorry we’re late Tony…” Bruce apologized, “Ran into Thor downstairs and we started talking. “So what’s the emergency you called us for?”

“JARVIS…pull up the live feed from the medical bay.”

Of course sir…

The screen lit up showing all six boys and they were now talking with each other.

“It certainly been awhile Yugi-san.”

“It’s only been two months for me Judai-kun.” Yugi said.

“Really…only two months? Wow…Yusei how long has it been for you?” Judai turned to the one with black hair and yellow highlights.

“Over a year for me…” Yusei responded, “I can’t believe we get to see each other.”

“How do you all know each other?” The one with red hair asked.

“Time travel.” All three responded at the same time.

“Are you being serious?” The blue hair boy asked.

“That is the simplest version, trust me…” Yusei said, “But I’m afraid we haven’t gotten your name yet. Care to tell us?”

“…Fujiji Yusaku.” Was the somewhat reluctant response.

“Nice to meet you Yusaku-kun, my name’s Fudo Yusei.”

“JARVIS…run those names as soon as you hear them.” Tony ordered as they kept watching.

“So was that motorcycle yours?” The kid who introduced himself as Yuma asked.

“Technically it’s called a D-Wheel.” Yusei responded.

“D-Wheel?!” The red headed one, Yuya, suddenly piped up then slouched as if embarrassed.

“You know about them?” Yusei asked

“I…road one once…It didn’t go well the first few times…”

“I’m surprised that you were allowed on one…” Yusei mused, “Usually you have to be at least sixteen to get a license.”

“That’s a…” Yuya looked even more embarrassed, “Extremely long story.”

“I hope it isn’t as long as how we all seem to get very powerful rocks and teleported to the same location…” Judai

“Tony-san looked very scared when he saw them…” Yugi said

“And you really fought that guy?” Yuma pointed to the picture of Thanos that was still on the screen.

“Oh yeah…” Judai nodded, “He wanted the one I had to complete this gauntlet of his. Claimed that having all six could give him unimaginable power. He even said he once wiped out half the universe with a snap of his fingers!”

All the kids looked shocked.

“Why does a power like that exist!?” Yugi exclaimed.

“Is that why I got attacked?” Yuma was nervous.

“I think we all got attacked…” Yuya rubbed the bandaged on his check, “All I remember is wanting to get to safety and then a white light, then I woke up here.”

There were lots of murmurs of agreement about seeing a white light.

“Hey Yusaku…you’ve been quite for something…anything to say?” Judai turned to the Yusaku who seemed was looking right at the camera.

Yusaku didn’t answer him instead he kept looking right at the camera.

“I know you are watching us…”

“Turn it off JARIVS….” Tony quickly said. How did that kid know the camera was there let along they were watching at the very moment?

Thor on the other hand look ready to hit something, “I though we permanently removed the Infinity Stones from our plane of existence…”

“So did we Thor…” Tony said, “But they are back and I’m curious about that white flash they talked about.”

“The stones never acted like that before…” Bruce said, “Actually…only the Space Stone has the ability to teleport people so how did all six of them ended up here?”

“That is something we need to figure out…” Natasha said. “JARVIS have you finished running those names yet?”

Affirmative, was JARVIS’ response, The results are on screen now.

Tony frowned, there were no records for any of the kids. Pretty much confirms that these kids are from a parallel world, most likely the ones they dumped the Infinity Stones into.

“Looks like we need to talk to the kids again…and fill them in on what is happening…” Tony sighed and headed back to the medical bay.

Yusaku turned back to the group, “It’s okay they’re not watching us anymore.”

“How can you even tell?” Yusei asked.

“I just do.” Yusaku didn’t want to say too much, thank goodness he put Ai on mute. He didn’t want to risk him drawing attention and blabbing information.

“So….do any of you duel?” Yuma eventually asked.

Everyone turned to look at him and all held up what Yusaku assumed were Duel Disks and smiled, except for him of course. Dueling was a tool, not for enjoyment.

Yuma on the other hand, got very excited, “Oh my gosh this is so exciting!!!”

“I guess you really enjoy dueling.” Yugi asked.

“You bet I do!”

“Then kid you are in luck cause Yugi-san over here is the original King of Games.” Judai laughed pointing a thumb at Yugi.

Both Yuma and Yuya were in awe. “Really?!”

“It’s not that special…” Yugi rubbed his head in embarrassment.

“Yugi-san…your skills are still talked about in my time. You left a legacy.” Yusei said.

Yusaku had to admit, that was impressive if his skills were remembered for so long. Granted if they were telling the truth about the time travel.

“But the game has changed a lot for you guys…I never heard of Synchro monsters until I met you Yusei.” Yugi said.

“Synchro monsters?” Yuma looked confused, “What are those?”

“You never heard of Synchro monsters before?” Yusei asked him.

Yuma shook his head, “I have XYZs monsters but not Synchro monsters.”

Now it was Yugi, Judai, and Yusei’s turn to be confused. It seemed like they haven’t heard of XYZs monsters either.

“I know about both types, but do you guys have Pendulum monsters?” Yuya then asked.

Now four people were confused. This seemed odd to Yusaku, why are there elements of dueling that only few of them knew about?

“Do you know about Link monsters?” Yuskau then asked testing the waters.

Everyone shook their heads. Seemed like he was the only one who knew about Link monsters.

“Looks like we’ll have to teach each other…” Judai said as they all saw the door open again. Tony and Natasha returned but they were joined by two others. The first guy looked average in a sweater and jeans but the one behind him stood out tremendously. Dressed in a think leather breastplate and armored pants with a large red cape and the large hammer in his hand indicated this guy was ready for a fight.

“So…” Tony clapped his hands together, “Might as well fill you all in so you know what is going on. The rocks you have are called the Infinity Stones. They hold immense power. This guy Thanos wants them, has gotten them a few times, and it’s very bad when he does have them. We hoped to remove the threat by spreading the stones throughout the multiverse but instead is seemed you guys found them and got teleported here. Did I miss anything?” He turned to those standing behind him who all seemed to shrug in agreement.

“You forgot the part about what happens now.” Yusei asked.

“That’s right!” Tony pulled up a chair and sat on it…backwards. “So here’s the deal, you help us figure out how you ended up here so we can reverse engineer it to send you all home. Kapiche?”

It did seem fair to Yusaku, a sort of you help us so we can help you sort of deal.

“We would really appreciate that Tony-san.” Yugi said.

“You can drop the san, just call me Tony.” He said as he stood up, “Let me show you where the guest rooms are.”

Over the next few days set a new norm for the Avengers. The weakly poker night was now dominated by Yugi. Tony checked several times for cheating, but it turns out he was just that good at games…any games it turned out as they all found out when they switched to Texas Hold ‘Em. The fridge now had a lock because Judai and Yuma did frequent raids on it which quickly resulted in a very empty fridge. Yusei had to be dissuaded from dismantling everything because he was curious as to how it worked. He was eventually given his own corner in the lab to satisfy his curiosity. Tony swore that Yuya was some sort of acrobat because they kept finding him in places that people thought impossible. Latest crazy spot was on top of the radio tower. Yuya’s excuse? He claimed he had to stay in practice. And no one knew what Yusaku was up to. He kept borrowing a computer to do something, but every time Tony checked it afterwards, it was completely scrubbed of data. Tony secretly hoped that Yusaku wasn’t a deep web hacker.

“So any progress on figuring out how the stones came back?” Steve asked at the impromptu meeting they had in the lab.

“Not much…” Natasha admitted, “We interviewed each kid and the story is rather similar. They suddenly found the stone in their possession one day. Got attacked by Thanos or one of the members of his Black Order, then a white light came from the stones and then woke up here.”

“Which doesn’t make sense as the Space Stone is the only one with teleportation powers…” Bruce added.

“So the mystery here is that white light…” Clint muttered, “We didn’t see a white flash when we sent the stones away did we.”

“No we did not,” confirmed Thor, “And before anyone asks I already checked to make sure Bifrost was not involved in this.”

“Noted,” Tony said.

“Speaking of which…” Steven looked around the lab, “Where are the stones?”

“Oh you’re going to love this…” Tony smirked, “Hey Yuya!”

There was a loud yelp, hurried footsteps and the red head poked his head in the lab, “Yes sir?”

“Do thing.”

Yuya brightened up, “Okay!” He reached into his pocket and pulled out the red Reality Stone, “Ladies and Gentlemen please watch and do not take your eyes off of this stone.” Yuya placed the stone on the table where they all could see it. “Now I will exit this room and right before your eyes this stone will disappear and return to my pocket.” Yuya slowly and dramatically backed away and left the room.

“Um…Tony?” Steven asked.

“Shhh…this is where it gets good.” Tony smirked.

Everyone blinked in confusion but kept watching the stone. It did nothing for a while then…

Gone. It was just gone.

“What in the seven realms?!�� Thor exclaimed.

Yuya then bolted back into the room with the stone back in his hand. “Tada!”

“Good job kid! New recorded…” Tony laughed, “Thanks for the demonstration.”

“No problem!” Yuya gave a salute and ran off.

It was a while before Clint spoke up, “Are you sure it wasn’t him doing that. He had the Reality Stone after all.”

“Nah…I just had him do it because he makes it entertaining.” Tony explained as he pulled up some videos that showed the same effect with the other stones, “Not matter which one it is, the stone will instantly teleport back to its respective kid once they are far enough away. We even once tried switching stones for fun and sure enough, the stone swapped back on their own.”

“To sum it up…” Natasha said, “The stones are now linked to each boy and there’s no visible way to separate them. And given how Thanos was still able to track them down we can safely assume that he can track them here.”

“So it’s a fight with Thanos we are expecting…” Thor said, “Surely without the Infinity Stones aiding him it should be easy victory for us.”

“But we have six civilians that are the targets…not us.” Steven grimly pointed out.

“And we all know that Thanos is not going to hold back.” Bruce said.

Silence hung over the group as they all thought about their next move.

“Do Fury know about this yet?” Clint asked.

“Haven’t told him and honestly I’m surprised that he snuck his way into my office yet…” Tony said.

“So what would Fury say if he were here?” Clint then asked.

“That either get the stones away from the kids and send them home or train them so they are better prepared.”

“Tony…they are kids…” Steven said, “We are not going to train them for combat.”

“Well Spiderman was a kid when he started and he turned out fine. But we don’t have to do outright ‘training’ training.” Tony did air quotes on that word, “Just very subtle methods. I know Thor has taken a liking to them already.”

“They make great conversation and their tales are quite enjoyable.” Thor smiled.

“So that’s how we’re going to do it…pick a kid and parent them. There’s no need to fight, we can share.” Tony then hummed to himself and got back to work on something. Steven had to facepalm as it looked like hand blasters for the boys.

#yugioh #gx #5ds #zexal #arc v #vrains #avengers #infinity stones au

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zuka-themed-username · 5 years ago

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Impressions: Spreading Golden Wings / Music Revolution! (yukigumi 2019 tour)

This has been a long time coming, apologies! As I didn’t write any notes at intermission this will be a shorter, more generalized opinion of the Monday, Oct. 14th performance in Kawasaki. It was two days after the ‘worst storm in Japan in 60 years’ according English news, and ‘violent typhoon no. 19′ in Japanese, which, they weren’t wrong. It was terrifying and exhausting, and I cannot imagine having to put on a brave face and perform like everything is totally fine just a day later. Both sections of Snow Troupe did however, and I will be forever impressed. It does not however, make me inclined to enjoy Spreading Golden Wings any more than I am able to, though this may be the first time I buy a blu-ray for the revue. More thoughts below the cut!

I’ll be popping back into my bullet point format from here.

This is the Revue’s first performance in カルッツかわさき (Culttz Kawasaki, honestly love the name). It’s beautiful, and reminds me of many new performance spaces - bright woods, streamlined design, open lobby and a ton of stairs. The seat I had is still considered S seki, and was pretty nice, though I’m glad I had my opera glasses.

The program is a nice light blue with just Nozomi Fuuto (Daimon) posing in her primary Music Revolution costume (black & silver w/ huge white gems and metal circles). I wish they had a Maaya Kiho (Kiho) variant or a cover with them together, but that’s totally fine.

I did write some notes on the train ride back to Tokyo, so I’ll be using those as a jumping off point. Note that the day before I had seen Star Troupe’s GOD OF STARS, so many of the notes are phrased comparatively. Spoiler-free until the [s]

Spreading Golden Wings

‘limited set’

It’s a touring show, and frankly I’m glad they don’t have to take a lot with them, as they may run into damaged roads on their tour south, but I was still surprised at the sparseness. It didn’t help that the aesthetic was medieval European, which made it look a bit like a televised Shakespeare production. However! This allowed you to focus on the scene without worrying about missing something. Unlike Grand Theater / Tokyo runs where people see a show several times, I would hope tours are designed to be seen once. Thus I’m glad I didn’t leave thinking, ‘oh next time I’ll look at opposite side of the stage, I missed xyz’.

‘single scenes, no additional side scenes’

This is something that made GOD OF STARS simultaneously amazing and terrible, as there were always 45 people on stage doing something elaborate. Spreading Golden Wings was the complete opposite. It felt old-school, to be sure, but I cannot recall a single scene where something was happening outside of the range of what my opera glasses could see. People could be spaced out across the stage of course, but they were all participating in the same moment. It really highlighted acting choices, especially considering a surprising lack of underscoring allowing you to hear every footstep and breath. The recording of this will flawlessly capture what yukigumi was aiming to project, which will be great to see again.

‘Daimon cackles into and out of a scene’

I will briefly break down the plot and characters in a bit, but there is an early scene where the villainous Vittorio, played by Daimon, enters the room where he is holding Clarice, played by Kiho, captive, and her laugh as she enters was identical to the laugh she gave as she left two minutes later. I thought it was fantastically over the top and well within the aesthetic of the work.

‘Kiho is ... befuddled / confused / flabbergasted -> meta for her character?’

I had a hard time with Clarice in this show, let’s be real. Kiho used her huge eyes to her advantage, looking woefully overwhelmed for the first 80% of the show, and confidently winging it (and therefore vaguely panicked) the last 20%. I would love to hear Kiho’s thoughts on the character, which may be in a Kageki somewhere if someone has the most recent issue.

‘Asami Jun just obsessed w/ Daimon’

I can’t speak for Asami but her character, Falco, gets one of the few solos to solely sing about how everything he does is for Vittorio. If you want to memorize the ‘ために’ grammar pattern do I have the song for you. It felt very St-Just 2.0 but it was still super engaging and later provided some shock value.

‘few interstitial chorus scenes’

I completely forgot this half of yukigumi had ~40 people in it until they would do a dance to establish the scene. The show starts with quite a long prologue, but I still forgot them completely until they would all pop up again to either establish a new location, tone, or event. It is very reminiscent of hoshigumi’s Elbe from earlier this year. This show does not require more than a dozen people for the plot, so when everyone shows up in roles clearly not meant to directly impact the story it was quite a surprise.

‘purposefully better sword work’

There are a few fight scenes / sword training scenes in the show, and the choreography for them becomes increasingly complicated as the show progresses, which was a nice touch.

[s] Kiho especially makes a dramatic improvement as the show progresses, which makes sense thematically, but by the end she’s legitimately holding her own against otokoyaku who have generally had more fight training (unless she did for Mibugishiden, which I have not seen)

[s] ‘clearly a repro of the 85 show’ / ‘tbh can’t tell what has changed’

Alrighty so it’s time to dive into the core of the interest around this production - the fact that it was originally a taidan / tour back in 1985, and that when this show was announced it was immediately followed up with, ‘we’re rewriting some things to make it fresh for modern audiences’. It was not relabeled in the same way as Elbe was with ‘Once Upon a Time in Takarazuka’, but there was a significant amount of notice paid to the fact that some things would be different. My question though as we went into intermission was, what changed? Reading through the plot on takawiki, the beats are the same. Full disclosure, I am not fluent in Japanese. There is a great chance that it is simply a nuance of language that perhaps makes the motivations behind actions more gray, but it does not change the fact that the scenes still play out with the same result. I believe there is an additional love song at the end between Daimon and Kiho because they sound ~amazing~ and can emote ~so well~ but that was perhaps the only thing that felt fresh to me. Everyone that betrays someone still betrays that person, questionable scenes of consent still look quite questionable, the interesting shift from lady to page boy was still fun to see. But I believe they were the same as before, and I don’t consider acting choices within scenes to allow for ambiguity to be rewrites. That’s just the benefit of restaging a production. Perhaps the chorus scenes were fleshed out, but I was expecting shifts in plot, character arcs, or concrete visual differences in motivation. I would love for a full breakdown of this show once the recording is released at the end of January.

[s] ‘some spicy scenes, audience was caught up’ / ‘whip scene? :o’

Here’s a brief breakdown of the core plot after me talking around it for 10 minutes

Daimon plays Vittorio, the lord of an Italian city state of Lago that is always feuding with the nearby city state of Bolzano. He kills the lord of Bolzano, and takes his daughter, Clarice (played by Kiho) prisoner. She of course is not on board with this. When she meets him, however, she is shaken up by his attractiveness, and he declares that she belongs to him now, no questions please. He attempts to force his point, she clumsily whips out a dagger that she loses immediately (sigh), and he is now charmed and attracted, and decides to teach her the basics of sword-fighting which will definitely not be needed later. Meanwhile Vittorio’s old bff/prime minister/secret admirer Falco (Asami Jun) is Not Having It. After clearly demonstrating to the audience his, honestly no other way to phrase it, love of Vittorio, we see that he will do whatever it takes to ensure Vittorio does not become weak in his love for Clarice.

Various plot things happen that put Clarice in danger and Vittorio saving her / demonstrating his passion for her, and eventually the prime minister of Bolzano (Clarice’s father’s old city state) Guillermo (Kujou Asu), catches on. This results in Vittorio and Clarice being captured, with Vittorio chained, whipped (by Falco!) and leaving without an eye.

Sometime later, Clarice, now dressed in disguise as a page boy and seemingly willingly with Vittorio, delivers a message to Guillermo from Vittorio, challenging him to a duel.

Vittorio (+1 sexy eyepatch) and Gulliermo (-1 for losing his cool and planning to use poison to win) duel. It is sanctioned by the Pope, who should be busy doing holy things but here we are. Several people jump into the fray after the attempted poison, Clarice shows off her sword skills like a boss, the Golden Wings of Vittorio’s city state arrive, and all is well. There’s a brief bit at the end where Vittorio and Clarice declare their love for each other, and curtain.

I definitely left out some side plots and characters because I wanted to get to my thoughts on a few main scenes I saw and wish I saw.

bed scene - early on in the show Vittorio forces himself onto Clarice. Daimon being Daimon leaves a bit of space as she looms over Kiho, but Kiho squeaked, there is no other way to describe it, and I wanted to gasp with surprise. Everyone and their mother had stopped breathing and stared through their opera glasses, collectively releasing it when Kiho went for the knife (after quite a hold - it was clear she had the release point on the scene and leaned into it)

whip scene - I was like, ‘oh this is scandy what’s going to happen’. It’s not as dramatic/musicalized as 1789, but I was still surprised. The only thing that pulled me out of it was the lack of cuffs on the wall XD. Daimon just held her arms up, shout out to that arm strength. Anytime someone gets whipped it’s pretty intense, and Daimon is great at pulling out strong emotions from pain. The yells, ooooof.

the scenes between the escape and the duel challenge - I really want to chalk this up to my lack of language, but I wanted more scenes between Vittorio and Clarice after their escape and before the duel, as it’s quite clear Clarice isn’t going anywhere. (Even back to her own home city state that she must not be welcome in anymore) I think that would have been a great place to add some softer moments, not just grand displays of affection due to a traumatic circumstance or misdirected force. Doesn’t have to be a coffee shop scene or even a wound-tending scene, but perhaps Clarice working with Vitorrio to account for his new lack of depth perception? Or another sword-fight training scene? I just wanted more Daimon and Kiho but not at the dramatic extremes of this Shakespearean-esque drama.

All in all, looking back on Spreading Golden Wings I had a better time than I originally thought. I never doubted for a second that yukigumi: top star edition wouldn’t put it’s all into this smaller scale production. Every scene oozed with intention, strong acting choices, and when it allowed for it, beautiful songs and choreography. I only wish the source material was a bit more... nuanced? Though there is charm in it’s clear presentation and design. As I type I waffle back and forth, so I will simply move on to Music Revolution. Once the recording comes out however, I’d love to hear other folk’s thoughts.

Music Revolution

I f*king loved this revue, and I did not see it coming. I had assumed a scaled down GT/TT revue would feel sparse but I was shut right the hell up immediately. First things first my journal’s incredibly vague bullet points.

‘got more and more fun’

This is so basic yet so true. Usually there’s a slump in a revue for me somewhere, a slower ballad or dance section, but I only got more hype as the revue went on. Spreading Golden Wings felt short due to the generally straightforward plot, but if you told me Music Revolution was 2 hours I would say sure, and I loved every minute.

‘’Music is My Life’ is so damn fun’

Thanks for the detail, past me. But truly, hearing crisp English, incredibly strong and beautiful yukigumi voices, sharp choreography... it was a dream. I was charmed to no end by how clearly Daimon loved that song. This feels like it could be a main theme for her moving forward, or one that comes back quite a bit for yukigumi or zuka as a whole. One of my favorite moments.

‘Lots of dancing, Daimon’s voice almost too strong?!’

This no doubt was bolstered by seeing hoshigumi right before (sorry not sorry) but it felt like yukigumi was dancing so hard all the time. Clearly the folks not in Spreading Golden Wings just went twice as hard for the revue as a result. And Daimon was in the thick of it, matching beat for beat to only then belt some amazing notes. After spending the previous week in hoshi taidan sadness / cheer it was so refreshingly perfect. Her couple of solo moments were mesmerizing, and I’m so glad I can sink back into my yuki love while waiting for hoshi to ramp back up.

‘amazing music, classical remixes so fun, trumpet and sax go home’

does the orchestra travel with them?? because if so, the f*king brass section went berserk during the jazz dance section and I nearly had a heart attack. It was so off the walls that they have to had recorded it in advance - it was way too hardcore to repeat every show. I wanted to applaud for the solo like you would in a standard jazz concert but alas.

similarly, this revue has the highest proportion of my favorite thing in revues - classical music remixes. Idk if they are popular but I love hearing the orchestration choices and genres they throw at classical melodies, and what bonkers choreo they toss in there as well.

‘adlib sections were stronger, lots of space’

While there were not extended sections to adlib an entire scene, there were some spots where the troupe or Daimon run into the audience. As it’s a tour, there is a bit of space in the song for the folks to navigate different sized halls. For this performance, Kiho was singing for Daimon as she jogged through the first floor, and as she made it back up to the stage she went to regard the folks in the first row before realizing she didn’t have time. ‘Ah shoot I have to be back up there the song’s almost done’ she remarked with a laugh as she hopped back on stage to regard a smirking Kiho. It was pretty fun, and it was nice to see her not panicked about it. Kiho had the song covered, there was still underscoring for her to make it back, and she had a charming way of commenting on it. Yay adlib improvement! There are some other places during full troupe dances where they can shout out the city / prefecture they are in, which Daimon and co. were quite inclined to do as she is from Yokohama, the capital of the Kanagawa prefecture where the show was happening.

I wish I had more concrete notes for this, like I do GOD OF STARS, but I hope this provides a bit of context when you get a chance to see it for youself. It’s not my favorite yuki show by any stretch, it’s honestly probably near the bottom, but it’s not from lack of effort or enthusiasm. It serves a unique role and no doubt checks off some square on Daimon’s ‘how to conquer Takarazuka’ bingo card so for that I’m glad. The revue on the other hand, is one of my favorites. I’ve never had such a stark contrast in my opinion on two ‘acts’ before, which in and of itself is fun to reflect on. I really like where yuki is at right now, and cannot wait to see Once Upon a Time in America.

Stay tuned for the most overlong and overdue look at GOD OF STARS this side of the Pacific.

#snow troupe #spreading golden wings #yukigumi #Habatake Ougon no Tsubasa yo #Music Revolution!#tour 2019 #Nozomi Fuuto #Daimon #Maaya Kiho #Kiho #Asami Jun

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louiphotography · 4 years ago

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Starting a photography business… how to keep a sane mind.

By no means has this been easy, my current 9 to 5 is with a financial institution that changes processes/procedures almost daily… so it’s saying a lot that getting into photography has been the hardest thing I’ve ever had to work through. I want to take a few moments to discuss a few examples of how I structured my plan. By no means do you have to follow this as a guide, it’s simply a few tips I wish I had been given and hopefully you can learn from some of the hiccups I went through! Further below I will dive into each of these further however here’s a quick recap of the topics will cover in this post:

Social media

Organization

Helpful services to leverage

Portfolio

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Let’s first start off with social media. It’s easy to feel that this channel isn’t going to really make a difference in your business including learning, growth, and overall success… but you’d be wrong. Everything I know about photography (outside of “gut feelings”) is from self taught social media. Social media does not hand you the answers, but it gives you great direction to go off and practice until you find that best fit for YOU. Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, Facebook, and YouTube are my main go-to’s. Not only does this give you an opportunity to find inspiration whether that be styles/locations but also things that could take you years to figure out… experienced photographers are happy to clue you in on. Often there are going to be demographics that you meet with each source, for example there are some people who just refuse to download TikTok, however you likely could still connect with them via Facebook or Pinterest.

Make sure that when you are first starting out and find a name/brand that you want to build, go through and create an account on each of the above platforms to reserve your name (or close to the name if not available). Whether or not you use each one, you at least want to avoid someone else from utilizing your handle on a social media site- that can get confusing! The other piece of advice I’d give is to get organized. We will discuss this more in the next section, however have a plan for social media usage. This could include ideas that come to you to post, when/how often you want to leverage each account, and tracking what you’ve done on each platform. I’ll provide you examples of what this looks like for me in the next section. To sum this up, leverage social media!

Avoid: setting up social media accounts before you have a set name. I did this before I registered my business, and my original idea ended up not being available through my state. Not fun to go change all emails/accounts and in some cases make new accounts! —————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————Next up is organization, and it’s the topic I feel most passionate about. My corporate job has created a monster who loves spreadsheets and honestly it has helped my business immensely. It will be easiest to just bullet point the programs I use, and what I use them for:

Excel spreadsheet tabs

Items to do

Social media ideas

Social media usage tracker

Location wishlist

Shoot ideas

Shot lists

Expense Tracker (taxes)

Folders within external hard drive

Sessions- break down by year, subfolder for client, then within each client folder they have a “edits” subfolder, within that a “social media” subfolder

Social Media- subfolders for created IG posts, IG stories, Pinterest pins, TikTok, marketing, welcome guides, session guides, recap guides

Branding Pack- all the color schemes, logos, fonts that I use for my company brand

Business documents- anything related to registering the business, all emails saved from the state or IRS, receipts subfolder taxes

Purchases- where I keep any items I got from Creative Market (fonts/graphics)

Notes app

Post templates- I keep a note for each type of post I may make during the day, so I don’t have to find my commonly used format/hashtags for each social media platform

Ideas list (for when I’m on the go and can’t update my excel sheet) however I make it a point to update my excel each night before bed

Calendar app (I leverage this to schedule myself weekly tasks). For instance:

Monday- Engagement, check in with people and see how their weekend went, post your weekend in photos and post weekend challenge results

Tuesday- Content creation day for the next week (or more if possible for backup)

Wednesday- Schedule content for the next week (or more if possible)

Thursday- Weekly blog write up

Friday- Photography challenge jar to accomplish over the weekend

Saturday- Shoot as much as you can/focus on photography challenge/work on any extra “to-dos” such as Lightroom practice

Sunday- Shoot as much as you can/focus on photography challenge/work on any extra “to-dos” such as Photoshop practice

Even writing that felt like a lot… and truly it is. Starting a business and getting into the “groove” is NO JOKE. Now image this on top of your regular 9-5, actually having consistent photoshoots, the client management aspect, possibly having a family or spouse, and trying to manage your health both physical and mental. If you have a loved one that is starting a business, GIVE THEM A HUGE and maybe some Starbucks! Again these are not things you HAVE to do when starting your business, these are just items I feel work for me.

Avoid: Having NO organization plan whatsoever or feel as long as you take some notes here and there, it will be sufficient. There is so much information available to us that I would write down pages of information and when I’d review, it was too overwhelming and I would want to quit. Play around with it and see what works best for you!

Now let’s get into the systems/services I use that have really made a difference! Yes I pay for each one of these, it can add up, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

PicTime- Delivering client galleries on a professional platform and provides them high quality products for purchase (1 FREE month code- M275PS)

Honeybook- online service for client management, helps automate tasks for example “as soon as client sends in XYZ document, the system shoots them the contract to sign”. It saves so much time! (20% off)

Lightroom- Photo editing

Photo Mechanic- Photo culling system that helps me go through thousands of photos in a JIFFY prior to Lightroom importing, works in tandem with Lightroom to flag which photos you’d like to edit, and will import directly for you.

Canva- Program to build social media content, I also used this for building all guides for my business.

Creative Market- online marketplace for creatives to sell their graphics/fonts/templates. They also will have weekly freebies that are amazing!

Avoid: signing up for things before you need them. For instance, since I’m starting out and have minimal clients, I haven’t pulled the trigger on customized accounting or even quickbooks. Once I find a consistent client stream, I will certainly do this however I personally feel confident in my tracking/organization for taxes purposes at this time.. I’m not going to pay hundreds for an accountant before I actually need it. As small businesses starting up, money can be tight, I would really do your research on what you need vs. what you think you should do because you saw it on the internet. Again I am not a financial master, this is just my two cents!

Portfolio time! This is something that I was so worried about when starting… if I’m just starting, how am I supposed to get clients?! My honest answer- ASK PEOPLE! Ask your friends, mother, neighbor… anyone you feel comfortable working with! Not only does it give you a chance to practice, but they get free photos (saving hundreds mind you). Now, this also depends on what you want to shoot, but when you are starting you really should shoot anything purely for practice. This also helps you really nail down what you want, you may think couples are fun to shoot, but when practicing you find that families are where you have the most fun. The only way to really know is to shoot- for example I have such a huge passion for travel photography, my favorite photos I’ve taken are from trips. However there is no way to constantly practice traveling… I have a job, oh yea and Covid is a thing! I always have a blast shooting families/couples/individuals so for the time being I am throwing all my effort into creating the best experience/product for those clients. Eventually with practice I can get to that “end game” dream, but no one is above practicing and putting together a solid portfolio to show what you can do.

It will be very hard to get any paying client to trust you enough to book, without examples of what your results look like. If you are going to offer family shoots, I recommend having at least 2-3 full session examples you can showcase to a potential paying client. I also found that creating guides that not only showcase your work, set an expectation for pre & post session, and then having a professional gallery to deliver images is HUGE for the client experience. At the end of the day, there are a ton of photographers, but I want you to focus on how you set yourself apart in the experience you provide (this is what clients will remember and share)!

Avoid: Thinking your first session will be how your pictures will always look! Even if you like them, you will find your photography game will change/grow with each client. Take each session seriously, learn all you can, and try to prepare… but do NOT get dow on yourself if everything doesn’t go 100% perfect, as long as you take steps to avoid it the next session. This has been such a learning experience for me, and continues to be each day. I’m always happy to talk through things if you have any questions, feel free to shoot me an email or direct message at the below resources. Keep your chin up, it doesn’t get easier, but you will continue to get better!

E: [email protected]

@thelouiphotography

#newphotographybusiness #photographybusiness #newsmallbusiness #photography #photographer #minneapolisphotographer #twincitiesphotography #newphotographer

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higuchimon · 4 years ago

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[fanfic] Rewards of Losing: Chapter 18

Vector strolled alongside of Yuuri, taking in the scenery. A few Fusion soldiers eyed him cautiously, probably disturbed by his lack of uniform, but the fact he carried one of their duel disks and Yuuri seemed to have him “in custody” meant they didn’t bother him directly.

Too bad. I could use the exercise. It might lessen his chances of succeeding at what he was doing but it would be fun, and fun wasn’t to be sneezed at, especially not these days. He would take it where he could find it.

“You wouldn’t be taking me the long way around, would you?” He asked. He suspected under other circumstances, he and Yuuri could have gotten along splendidly. And probably terrified a lot of people. Too bad things turned out the way that they had.

Yuuri snorted. “No. The Professor is just deep inside the building. He likes being protected.”

Well, that was interesting. Vector stored the information away to deal with later. He strolled onward, humming a bit under his breath. Yuuri asked something that he wasn’t quite expecting as they walked.

��Why do you people put up with those Cats? They’re repulsive. Cats shouldn’t be that large – or able to talk - let alone anything else.”

Vector snorted. “I don’t put up with them. I want nothing to do with one of them. They’re smelly and you have to get them registered and they walk in and out of your place all night long.” He shook his head. “Not worth the effort.”

Yuuri’s lips twitched at that. “You’re probably the first XYZ person I’ve met who has some intelligence, then. Most of them seem to fawn over the creatures. Quite annoying if you ask me.”

A few more minutes and they stood outside of a door guarded by two duelists, who eyed Vector untrustfully and respectfully saluted Yuuri. “Can we do something for you, Yuuri-sama?” One of them asked.

“I believe I sent a message that I was on the way with this XYZ defector to come and see the Professor,” Yuuri said, waving his fingers. “Step out of the way.”

The guards leaped aside at once, opening the door. Yuuri strolled inside without a care and Vector followed, adjusting his jacket and watching everything he could to commit it to memory. The room itself was large, with a few tables set out of the main way, and some sort of odd machine in the back. Vector had no idea of what that was. But he followed Yuuri all the way up to where the man on the throne sat, watching their progress. “Professor,” Yuuri said, tilting his head forward. “This is Vector. He offers to give us the location of the Heartland survivors, if we find him a Firestarter to bond to.” The Professor – a wrinkly old man that didn’t impress Vector at all – turned a stern gaze onto him. Vector sketched a salute and grinned. “A strong Firestarter, mind you. Someone worth the effort.” His eyes gleamed with desire. “Someone I can have a lot of fun with.” Yuuri chuckled at that. One of the Professor’s eyebrows quirked. Vector suspected he wasn’t as awed – or terrified – by Yuuri as most people seemed around here. “And your reason for this is? I find it unlikely that you would do this for such a small price.” “It’s not small to me,” Vector pointed out. “But if you want to give me more – a powerful Firestarter and a luxurious place to live here. For that matter, let me have some fun carding people. I’ve done it since I got this.” He raised the duel disk. “Let me keep on doing it.” The Professor made a faint noise that Vector chose to interpret as agreeing. His eyes rested on the duel disk. “Explain to me how you got that. My soldiers are trained to self-destruct their duel disks in the unlikely even they’re defeated.” “Oh, I know.” Vector waved one hand carelessly. “That's what I didn’t bother to defeat the one I took this one off of.” Again the Professor’s eyebrow twitched upward. Vector slipped his favorite knife from the hidden sheath and licked it slowly, savoring the taste of it. “I just killed them. It’s hard to self-destruct when you’re dead.” Yuuri’s eyes brightened in approval. “I don’t suppose you bothered to get their name? I want to talk to whoever their trainer was.” “Didn’t bother.” Vector shrugged, sliding his knife back. “Does it matter that much?” “Not really. But it would have bee amusing.” Yuuri turned back to the Professor. “I think that he could be useful.” “Then which Firestarter would you suggest for him?” The Professor wanted to know. Yuuri folded his arms over his chest and considered the options. “Most of the ones I can think of are either too weak or someone’s already bonded to them,” he mused. He gave Vector a measuring look. “Though there is one exception.” The Professor twitched his fingers; apparently that was enough of an incentive for Yuuri to keep on going. “Marufuji. He’s coming along reasonably well, though I might need a little help to get his memories properly restructured.”

“And who would you bond to in that situation?”

Yuuri’s grin turned feral and wicked. Vector approved. “I’ve got my eye on a Firestarter from XYZ. Brother to the girl you want taken. It will keep him out of the way so he won’t try to get her back.”

That got a small nod from the Professor. “And why not allow this XYZ Firestarter for our new – comrade?” He regarded Vector for a few seconds.

“Because I want to try him out for myself. We can make Marufuji what Vector would like. And I still haven’t decided that I don’t want him anyway.” Yuuri shrugged. “There’s time to make the decision.”

Vector nodded his own agreement. “I don’t know what Firestarter from XYZ you’re talking about but I don’t care. Just meet my demands and I’ll keep my part of the bargain.”

Both of them nodded, and Yuuri looked ready to say something else. He broke off with a sudden wince, one hand to his forehead, and in the same moment, Vector’s breath hissed between his teeth. He suspected, once he had a moment to consider, that he wasn’t as strongly affected because he wasn’t from this world. The Professor stood up.

“What is it?” He looked ready to summon troops with a single word if the occasion called for it. But Yuuri shook his head, turning around.

“There are intruders in my garden. Two of them -” His eyes narrowed as he listened to the voices in his heart. “They’re after Marufuji.”

Akaba Leo drew himself up. “From XYZ?” He raised one hand, starting to point at Vector, who snarled. He could hear the garden’s call, though not as loudly as Yuuri did.

“I have nothing to do with this.” It would be ridiculous to even consider. But the Professor didn’t back down, not until Yuuri spat out the next words.

“Only one – the Healer Cat. The other – from here.” His fingers curled into claws and Vector thought he saw Yuuri’s eyes flash slitted for a heartbeat. Strange indeed. “It’s Marufuji – Marufuji Shou.”

Well. This was getting more and more interesting. The Professor nodded then and snapped his fingers. His two guards stepped up at once.

“Send a contingent of Obelisk Force Firestarters to Yuuri’s Garden. Have them restrain the Healer Cat and Marufuji Shou. Ensure Marufuji Ryou’s safety.”

Yuuri snorted. “They won’t be able to. My Garden won’t let them in. It only let those two in because they could find the routes inside. But Firestarters can’t. I’ll go.”

Akaba didn’t rescind his order, however. “They can encircle the Garden and make sure that they don’t escape with Marufuji Ryou, until you get there.”

If Yuuri cared about that, he said nothing. He simply turned and stalked his way out. Vector watched for a few seconds, shrugged, and followed afterward, curious now to see what would happen next. What he saw as they exited the building – taking a short cut that he’d never dreamed existed given the way they’d come in – impressed him. Every tree, flower, bush, and blade of grass wove and danced in the wind of Yuuri’s rage. Some flowers burst into bloom and then fell into dust as he walked by. Vector didn’t think he’d ever seen a Healer that angry before. Most of them never reached that point since their Firestarters kept them balanced and steady. Yuuri needed a Firestarter more than anyone he’d ever seen.

Vector also wondered just which Cat it was that had snuck in and why. One way or the other, this was getting a lot more interesting than he’d originally thought.

Mizael sheltered himself underneath an overhang of stone. He’d grown a good concealing breadth of thorns to ensure that no one else would see him, but he could peer between them and see what was going on. He’d waited here for close to an hour and so far they hadn’t found any Fusion soldiers.

I know they’re here. What are they doing? Are they hiding? That didn’t make sense. Given the whole situation, there wasn’t any reason for them to hide. But he couldn’t see any.

He leaned back against the stone, closed his eyes, and let his mind wander, touching onto every tree and bit of lie that he could find, murmuring his questions. He wanted to know where the invaders were, what they were doing, and how to get them closer to him.

Eventually – he couldn’t have said when – he could feel an answer. As always, no words, but a sense that here there were Fusion soldiers – ones who couldn’t get away.

Mizael blinked at that. Why couldn’t they get away? He formed the question in the blink of an eye, and the answer floated back.

Because the wild foliage of XYZ wouldn’t let it. Because another Healer had asked them to hold onto these.

Who? Mizael wanted to know. Who asked you?

The Cat. He went away with another one of them, a nicer one.

Mizael shifted and frowned. That wasn’t what he’d expected to hear. A Cat who “went away” with someone of Fusion? Then he sat up. Kei? Was it Kei?

Cat. The whisper came. That was all he was likely to get. Finding the plant-life that could tell the difference between individual Cats and Healers that weren’t actually Dark wasn’t easy. Especially when he didn’t know the trees and bushes he asked.

Well, that gave him an answer regardless. He wriggled out from behind the thorns and headed over to where he knew Chris attempted to find Fusion soldiers. As soon as he walked up, the other Healer opened his eyes and looked at him.

“I know where to go,” Mizael said, gesturing down what had once been a pleasantly busy street. “I think Kei’s been dong some work.” He shrugged. “I should have thought about that before.” The Cat had said he was going to find a way to get to Ryou. How else could he do it except by stealing a Duel Disk, or a duelist?

Chris came to his feet in one graceful movement, Durbe joining him. He’d kept a watch on the area, ready to capture or incinerate anyone who came too close to his Healer. Mizael looked forward to one day having a partner like that – no, not Ryou of course.

“We’ll have to thank him,” Chris said, his lips quirked into a smile. “Do you think he’d accept fish?”

“I think what he wants is Marufuji back,” Mizael replied. He glanced away; if he were being truly honest with himself, he wanted the same thing. He wanted that pleasant night they’d had together to be real – to know that he wasn’t being lied to or used. To know that Ryou defended him because he cared, not for – whatever reasons he’d done it. Mizael didn’t know and hesitated on finding out.

He put it aside. If he ever saw Ryou again he would ask then what all of that had been about. He wasn’t sure if he should expect that or not.

I should go and help Kei. The idea formed simply and calmly. Kei was a powerful Healer but he was in Fusion, where he didn’t know anyone or anything. He would need all the backup that he could get.

But that would have to happen later. For now, they needed to find those Fusion soldiers Kei so politely left behind and capture those duel disks.

In point of fact, that didn’t take very long. Half an hour, more or less, to find where the captured Fusion soldiers were being held, securely wrapped in vines and branches. There were two of them, held back to back, muttering to each other. As soon as Durbe, Chris, and Mizael entered the clearing, one of them looked up.

“Get us out of this!” He snapped. “You could at least do us the c0urtesy of carding us instead of leaving us like this!”

Mizael exchanged a glance with Chris, who looked far too amused for words. “Now, why do you think we’d do something like carding you?” Though truth to tell, Mizael guessed a few people would happily do that in revenge for all those who’d already been lost.

The other soldier snorted. “Because we’re prisoners and that’s what happens to prisoners! What else would you think? So either let us go and let us card you, or card us.”

Durbe tilted his head, examining them carefully. “We know that you self-destruct your duel disks when you’re captured. How could we trust that you wouldn’t do that if we attempted to ‘card’ you? Or that it can’t be set up to work on us regardless?”

The first one rolled his eyes. “Because we can’t get to the self-destruct button the way we’re tied up. That monster Cat did this to us and brainwashed one of our good soldiers to take him to Fusion.”

Well, that was interesting indeed. Mizael strolled closer and peered down at them.. “Kei’s not a monster. At least not the usual kind. And I doubt he did any brainwashing.”

“You’re wrong,” the same one declared. “He made it look easy! He didn’t even duel her! He just asked to go to Fusion and she took him!”

Quick glances shot among the three XYZ defenders. Mizael held back a grin, but not by much. “So, he asked politely and she agreed. The only thing I find wrong about that is that one of you listened to someone asking politely.” His smile widened ever so faintly and the two Fusion soldiers stared at him, aware in that moment of why he was the supreme dragon user of XYZ. “Well, we’re not really going to ask politely. But I’m not Kei so I don’t have to.”

He leaned down, spied their duel disks, and unfastened them. It wasn’t that easy, especially since the trees and vines held them in a fashion so the Fusion duelists couldn’t get to them. But he managed, handing one to Chris and the other to Durbe.

“Good,” Durbe said, staring down at the one he held. “Now we can start doing to them what they’ve been doing to us.”

Akane hurried through the corridors of Academia, hoping to find Tenjoin Asuka before anyone else found her. She didn’t think anyone knew that she’d brought the Healer Cat there, but Fusion had a way of knowing what one did almost before one actually did. Even if she managed to get to Asuka in time, what about what happened afterward? She couldn’t be sure.

She couldn’t even be sure that Asuka would listen to her. But she’d always admired the other duelist’s strength of will and heart. After what she’d seen in the XYZ dimension, she couldn’t let that happen to such a pure and powerful Firestarter as Tenjoin Asuka.

“Akane?”

Akane pitched to a halt at the utterance of her name, her breath catching in her throat. She looked up to see Asuka standing there, a curious tilt to her head.

“Akane, are you all right? I thought you were in XYZ.”

Here it was. Akane swallowed and stepped closer, glancing here and there to ensure that no one else stood close enough to hear her. “I was. I saw what we’ve been doing there.”

Asuka nodded, a gleam of light in her eyes. “I envy you. I want the chance to go there and -”

Akane shook her head at once. “No! No, you don’t!” She clasped her hands together and stared at the other, wishing as she never had before that she were a Healer and could offer the strength and balance that Asuka needed. All she could offer was herself, and Asuka hadn’t ever indicated that she’d wanted that.

But she kept going regardless. “What we’re doing there is wrong. We’re carding people – ones who don't fight back. Who are innocents.” Akane fought to keep the tears out of her eyes and didn’t think she succeeded very well. “This isn’t a war. This is a slaughter. It’s wrong. It’s unfair. They can’t fight back. They’re trying so hard, but they just can’t, and I can’t be part of that anymore.” She swallowed, wringing her hands. “I’m – I’m going to leave,” she whispered, pitching her voice so low that Asuka had to clean in closer to hear her. “And I want you to come with me. Please. You shouldn’t be part of this.”

Asuka’s eyes were round and shocked with every word Akane said. When the Osiris Red girl stopped, Asuka quietly reached out to her, resting one hand in her shoulder.

“If that’s what you want, then let’s go.”

Akane wasn’t certain what she’d heard at first. Asuka believed her? Asuka would leave with her? She wasn’t sure where they were going to go but they wouldn’t be a part of this anymore.

Then she slowly began to smile. A heartbeat of hesitation held her back. “All right. But first – would you like to meet a Healer Cat?”

To Be Continued

Notes: Remember, Akane got carded in canon. Will I do that to her? Will I send Asuka off with Yuuya’s dad? Not telling! But you’ll find out soon.

#fanfic #higuchimon writes #ygobb2020 #ygo gx #ygo zexal #ygo arc-v #marufuji ryou #Mizael #yuuri (Arc-V)#chapters: rewards of losing #au: healer firestarter

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deck16 · 5 years ago

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Guild Wars 2 Retrospective

I've played a number of MMOs over the years. Guild Wars 2 is my favourite, and it occupies a place in my memories like a favourite book or movie. And so, I want to write down my thoughts about it.

I don't think I'm finished with the game yet. As I write, the Icebrood Saga is soon to be launched. Even ignoring future content there's so much current content I want to do.

That said, now's a good time to write down my thoughts. I finished Living World Season 4 not too long ago and it had a certain finality that made me want to pause and reflect.

This is going to be long. And it's going to be a lot of opinion. There's going to be a lot of praise, but if I praise Guild Wars 2 for something don't take that to imply that only GW2 does that thing, or that GW2 does it best.

Soundtrack

Have a listen while you read this.

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The earlier stuff by Jeremy Soule is different to what came later, in expansions and such, but not incongruous. It's all good.

Music is one of those strange and strong memory triggers, like smell. There are some refrains from the soundtrack that bring back memories. I remember listening to the soundtrack when the game was released to help get through a particularly un-fun and short-lived job. Some tracks bring back memories of playing with friends. Or just exploring Tyria on my own.

Money

Ars Gratia Artis

How does one make money off a product, like a game?

Make it worth buying.

(Other.)

Option 2 includes things like psychological tricks, and planned obsolescence with yearly releases.

I can't say GW2 never indulges in Option 2. But I feel it mostly goes for Option 1.

Pictured: ArenaNet offices after releasing the black wings cosmetic.

Subscription Model

Guild Wars 2, like its predecessor, never demanded a subscription.

This earns a massive amount of respect from me. Many MMOs charge subscriptions while they're new, raking in some easy money while they've got hype. I think GW2 could've done that. That ArenaNet chose not to is laudable.

Money Store

GW2 does, I'm sure, rake in extra money from expansion packs and cosmetics. The former is very understandable. The latter can be dangerous in greedy hands.

You can buy a lot of tat with real money in GW2, it's true. It's even had a version of loot boxes from day one.

Thankfully the real-money stuff is largely cosmetic or convenience. I have bought a few items, but I do not feel a second-class citizen for not buying more. Indeed, I roll my eyes at the bizarre characters decked out in effulgent tat. If they want to support the game I enjoy to look like rejects from a bad anime, more power to them. I rather more a normal appearance, and there's plenty of options to get that by playing, not paying.

Exhibits A through D: Effulgent Tat

Maybe I'm a sentimental idiot, but GW2's soft-sell approach has made me sympathetic. When GW2 developers were laid off due to a "financial squeeze" I went and bought some gems. I feel they deserve it. Not like other companies who lay off staff when money abounds, just so they can cut costs.

You will see adverts for money-store items here and there, such as the login screen. But, crucially, it never interrupts your game with teasing messages along the lines of "if you buy XYZ, you can skip this".

There's also the daily log-in rewards and the character birthday rewards. These give a nice mix of the cheaper money-store conveniences and also grant access to things you can't even buy.

Explorable

Something that struck me very early about GW2 was the extent you can just wander around to level.

Progress by Wanderlust

See an interesting land-mark? Go wander over, you'll probably run into some quests. Cross paths with an event? Join right on in and help out. Harvest resources as you go. Kill monsters off the beaten track for extra experience.

There are other things to find to reward exploration. Mini-dungeons, mini-bosses, chests of loot, and even just really pretty locations. It feels really good when you say "what's over there?" and you actually discover something that's totally supplemental but also totally interesting.

One of the earlier off-the-beaten-track finds I made. A bandit's cabbage farm. Handy if you're into cooking.

Early on, I loved wandering to level. It made the grind of levelling feel more like exploration, like I was playing Morrowind or Skyrim, rather than an MMO.

Even now, years on, there are zones I haven't explored. I took the direct path through Living World Season 4's zones, and now I'm contently going back and exploring them top to tail. Nowadays I don't wander quite so randomly. I use the map markers to guide me, but I still have plenty of "what's that?" or "what's over there?" moments. I'm still finding stuff.

NPC Chatter

NPCs across Tyria talk to each other. A lot. It's all fully voice-acted and often interesting or funny as well.

I am still surprised when I stop somewhere quite isolated to clean out my inventory or fiddle with my traits and some NPCs strike up a conversation. It must be very tempting to cut costs by not having the random Inquest NPC in corridor A chat about his research with the other Inquest NPC.

A small thing, but it does make exploring that little bit more rewarding.

Not a great example for funny-factor, but a good example for isolation. To see these two hostile Inquest NPCs you'd first have to opt to do the Living World chapter their zone is in, then decide to explore beyond the story there, then happen down this particular corridor, and finally not kill them before they had a chance to talk.

Events and Meta Events

Events and meta events impressed me greatly as I discovered GW2.

Little Adventures

Early on, I was exploring Harathi Hinterlands, and I come across an event where Seraph NPCs (good guys) are defending against Centaur NPCs (bad guys). I help, the Seraph win. And then one of them announces they're moving on to their next objective.

I follow. Things escalate. About an hour later, we (NPCs, other players, and myself) have pushed into the Centaur base and are taking down their leader.

It made the world feel alive. Here was this war that was happening whether I was there or not. If I chose to pitch in rather than walk by, I would be treated to a little adventure: combat, loot, and a little story.

A limited-time event had players pursuing and then killing ley-energy people. I felt bad for the poor bastards, being chased by dozens of loot-crazed players. Not bad enough to not join in, though...

Putting the First M in MMO

Events are a reason for players to work together, in scales big and small.

On the small scale, it's always a relief to see some new players jump in and help you with a Champion when you're tackling it alone or in a small party. The shoe feels good on the other foot: it's fun to play the hero and jump in to help some scrappy players beat a champion they were struggling with.

On the big scale, maps like The Silverwastes and Dragon's Stand are dedicated to meta events. Groups of players must spontaneously split down multiple paths to achieve objectives in limited time. I've seen these fail often enough to know success isn't guaranteed.

Play with Friends

Despite the acronym, it's not easy to play with friends in every MMO. Here's a hypothetical exchange:

"Hey, you want to play that MMO?"

"Sure! It's more fun to play with friends."

"Okay! I'm on the Black Mountains server."

"Oh. I'm on the Dusty Gorge server."

"That's alright. I'll make a character on Dusty Gorge."

"Great! Where shall we meet?"

"Well I'm only level 1 on this server, so it will have to be a starter zone."

"Oh. The lowest character I have is level 20. So... I'll just one-shot everything, and I'll get no XP and useless loot."

"Ah. Well... I guess I'll get to level 20 and let you know? So, we can probably play in a week or so?"

"...Okay."

These problems do not happen in GW2 with the megaserver system and dynamic level adjustment.

When the game came out a group of friends and I quested through several zones together. This is us in the charr starting area.

(I don't want to pretend dynamic level adjustment is perfect. Because if you take your Ascended-item max-level elite-specialised hero to a starter PvE zone you are going to be more powerful than a new level 1 character. Not quite to the point of absurdness, but not far from it either.)

Any barrier that makes it hard to play with friends in an MMO is idiotic. I am very glad GW2 started with low barriers, and only made them lower over time.

A Better Grind

There's grinding in GW2. How could there not be, in a modern MMO?

I have seen people in GW2 doing what I consider painful, repetitive grinding. Armies running laps in the Edge of the Mists. Heroes repeatedly doing Fractals. Massive groups teleporting from one world boss to another on a clockwork schedule.

If people want to do that, more power to them. None of that is necessary, though. It's for bragging rights or as a faster alternative to levelling.

Look at the relative stats for item rarity. For a fresh level 80 character Rare equipment is trivial to get, and Exotic is very doable. This equipment is not that far behind the very best. Certainly the gap is much, much less than most other MMOs. And it doesn't go obsolete over time as new content is added... mostly.

Mounts are more than just a "go faster" convenience in GW2. They complement the exploration side of the game, with each able to run, jump, or glide differently. They have weight and inertia and are fun to drive. The optional, later-game mounts require some grinding to get; thankfully they are account-wide unlocks.

Is there any grinding required to just experience the game? The answer is "yes", but I think GW2 has taken the harsh edges off it.

If you enjoy grinding, is it really grinding? GW2 lets you enjoy grinding in two ways:

No Repetition

Get something once, and you don't have to do it again. That's good, because something only becomes repetitive if you have to do it more than once!

Very many things are account-bound. Progress can be made on any character. And once you unlock it, you have it on all characters.

Even something like levelling, which is not account-bound, doesn't have to be repeated. Level-boosting items are handed out as you play or as birthday gifts. All free; not paid-for. And handed out generously: I have enough to get about a half-dozen characters to maximum level. Even if you don't have quite as many as I do they will still speed up the levelling process.

Grinding by Playing

Many things you grind for can be earned doing a variety of things in a variety of places. This has the happy side-effect of making grinding goals come with just playing.

Suppose a friend newly joins GW2, and I'm tempted to join them in the low-level non-expansion zone. I won't be "wasting time" as I'll be earning masteries, gold and other currencies and crafting materials.

Photo-bombed by a hunter pet. Look at that smug expression on its face...

Combat Mechanics

GW2 combat feels pretty satisfying and fluid to me. I don't want to hold GW2's combat up as exemplary, because it isn't. Other MMOs do similar things; in many cases better.

But I like GW2 combat well enough. Here's why:

Movement. Many attacks can be avoided by moving away. In any half-way hectic combat you're constantly on the move, either to avoid enemy attacks or to better position your own. Having a dedicated dodge move adds to the experience.

Action Camera. Not everyone likes the action camera, but I love it. I can control the game like a shooter, not like some modded real-time strategy game.

Elegant Rules. Over time, MMO rules systems often turn into incomprehensible messses that no-one understands. Or they start out that way. GW2's rules are pretty complicated but it keeps things mostly comprehensible with a kind-of status-effect middleware that relies on common effects like boons and conditions. The programmer in me finds it quite genius and, frankly, elegant.

Weak Holy Trinity

In GW2 the healer, DPS, tank divide is de-emphasised. Every class does a little of each.

Yes, you can emphasise one over another, and if you're doing difficult content you probably should. But no class is defined by their trinity-role. You want to be a tanky thief? Do it!

Healing is especially unique. In old-school MMOs, healing is just "reverse damage". You hit me for 20 damage? I'll heal me for 20 damage. In GW2 it's a bit more nuanced, usually revolving around regeneration or other slower effects. Someone chucking out healing skills is a life-saver (literally) not because they're un-doing chunks of damage but because they're increasing survivability.

Amateur Theorycrafting

When I was levelling up my thief I found she struggled with survivability. I paused to re-consider my tactics. I decided on a condition damage approach, and picked weapons and skills that would make my enemies bleed. Caltrops, shrapnel bombs, and double daggers!

It worked! The thief was still fragile, but she could stack enough bleeds to kill most things, even many things at once. The caltrops helped: tougher bad-guys would limp in pursuit, bleeding to death.

My post-hoc re-enactment of that bleed build.

Apparently it wasn't an optimal choice: theorycrafters would pick other configurations. That's unavoidable. There is always a meta in any game made by mortals.

Yet I was pleased I had "figured it out" on my own, just by playing and experimenting. I didn't need an internet guide to survive. And even if it wasn't the best choice, it still worked well enough.

Having done the same on a few classes since then I feel GW2 is a game where you can tinker and customise and come up with things that work.

My current warrior setup tries to be tanky in a few ways; one of which is by combining For Great Justice with Might Makes Right. I doubt it's a "top meta" build but it seems to work well enough.

Rotationless

I hate rotations in MMOs. I get they're inevitable to some extent, but I loathe MMOs that embrace and build upon it as if it's a positive thing.

Well, let me back away from that a mote. I hate it when they do that and it's not opt-in. If people want to do it for some unique style or to get a few extra percentage points of damage, I don't mind.

I don't want to think about internal timers and priorities when I play. Those things are artificial. I want to think about the actual goings-on in combat. I want use Hundred Blades because I've moved into a position where I can strike mulitiple foes; not because a I've randomly proced a buff that enables or enhances it.

This is why Berserker Warrior is my favourite class in GW2. I can play it in a brain-dead way. The "auto attack" skill, plus one or two others, is all I need in a stand-up slugfest. Everything else is to respond to a situation: to move, to heal, to break, to push.

There are classes and specialisations in GW2 that do require something of a rotation. That's fine. I won't play 'em but I've no problem if others want to!

PvP and End-Game

I've not done much PvP stuff or fractals or raids. So I can't talk much about that. I wish I had tried these things, but such are the laments of a casual player with limited time.

I really love GW2's approach to remove gear and level restrictions in all PvP. It's great you can buy the game, log in, and play PvP or WvW on a mostly level playing field.

I also love the concept of World vs World. Both as a mode of competition and the way it allows for a variety of activities like soldiering, skirmishing, scouting, siege-engining and supply-hauling. You can even just potter around the WvW zone doing vistas or harvesting resources if you want to.

Some people will complain GW2 doesn't have enough end-game. They're probably right, in a sense: there are better MMOs out there for their needs. As a casual player, I'm largely happy with the balance GW2 had decided to strike.

A World to Escape To

Tyria is a welcoming fantasy world. Like a digital Narnia or Neverland it is a place to escape to. It's comforting to be there.

Of course escapism is part of many works of fiction. On the other hand, it's not something every work of fiction ought do.

If you're going to do escapism, do it well. GW2, I think, does it well.

Scenic

Tyria is a beautiful place. It was in Guild Wars 1. It still is.

The designers have a real knack for displaying awesome, yet realistic, environments. There are stunning settings in all manner of environments. Just look at the screenshots I’ve peppered about.

They especially do nature well. Some of the forests, with dappled lighting and weather effects, are gorgeous.

This isn't just a matter of graphics, or even art. It's a sense of moderation: it's knowing that if everything is epic, nothing is.

They know they rock the scenery. Why else would they make pretty views a big part of the game?

Race Realism

MMOs often have a problem where non-human races are... well... quite human. Sometimes in very silly ways.

Not so GW2. I love the charr. A "cat people" race that aren't humans with cat-ears and a tail. The charr are inhuman yet have animal traits that are familiar, from the loping all-fours run to the always-sniffing nose. They're well designed.

Charr posture though... All that weight bearing down on feet that don't have the benefit of heels? An awkwardly forward centre of gravity? They've got to be sore by the end of the day.

Pretty much all the races are done well, including monster bad-guy ones. There's a lot of detail put into GW2 creatures and it's a shame in a way that the nature of the game means we rarely get to see them up close and detailed.

Arguably GW2's weakest race, aesthetically, may be the humans, who all look like stock photography models.

After doing so well with the charr, I don't know what possessed them to give Rox ridiculously huge kitty-cat eyes.

Empowering

Thinking logically, Tyria really isn't a nice place. There are all sorts of problems, from local bandits to world-ending dragons.

Throw that logic out the window. What matters more than how many problems there are is how empowered you, I, or anyone is to solve these problems.

There's no problem in GW2 that can't be fixed. Bandits can be beaten up. Dragons can be defeated. Even racism can be fixed. (Yes, often violence is the only option, but that's action RPGs for you.)

There's a spirit of co-operation and capability that runs through GW2. You are not so much the mighty hero coming to save the helpless peasants. Rather you're mucking in with people already hard at work trying to fix things, be they grub-squashing farmers or dragon-killing soldiers. You just happen to be the tipping point they needed. Even in the story, when you're promoted to grand poobah, you're a pretty collaborative boss, tending to work with your comrades.

In GW2 hope trumps hopelessness. It's escapism. It's nice.

Story

GW2 has a number of stories you can embark on.

I have mixed feelings about GW2's story. Like most MMO stories, it isn't that great. I wouldn't suggest you get a bag of popcorn and watch all the cutscenes on YouTube.

But as far as MMO stories go, it's probably better than most. It certainly has its ups and downs. Yet in those better moments it can be quite enthralling. Living World Season 4 -- the most recent story section at the time of writing -- kept me interested and even tugged a little at my heart-strings.

Like a soap opera, the GW2 story makes up in quantity what it lacks in quality. Over time -- years and years, remember -- you get to know and love the world and the characters. And it's doubly engaging because you are one of the characters.

Characters

The best thing about GW2's story are the characters, especially in later content. Characters who are essentially RPG tropes are given personality by competent writing and voice acting. Canach's dry sense of humour always amused me, as did Taimi's energetic voice acting.

This is a well-calculated expenditure of effort. Good characters can make talking heads engaging. Bad characters can't be saved even by multi-million dollar effects budgets.

A cool little scene at the end of the Personal Story has your character striding alongside the members of Destiny's Edge.

War and Isolation

Many people don't like Orr, the final zone in the base game. I do.

As per the story, it's a warzone. And you can see it. It's like the D-Day landings over there. Scouts, transports, war machines; everywhere you go the Pact are battling the undead. There are no heart quests there, just dynamic events; and I think that reflects the epic goings-on quite well.

Likewise, a zone like Mount Maelstrom is meant to be a wild place far from civilisation. And it feels like it. There are people (someone's got to give quests) but they're either explorers, exiles, or strange native creatures.

These may seem like rather pedestrian observations. I bring them up because many MMOs get this stuff wrong. Epic war zones have maybe a few dozen NPCs battling but otherwise seem unaffected. Far-flung regions have just as many towns as the heart of civilisation.

Getting this stuff right provides a sense of place, and of progress (level-wise and story-wise).

Living World

I enjoy GW2's Living World episodic content. From a story and setting perspective it gives the world a sense of history and progression.

From a gameplay perspective it adds new content... and often a lot of content. Whole new zones are added. I have especially enjoyed Season 4's zones, which feel as richly developed as the normal zones.

Style and Polish

People often talk about Blizzard games in terms of polish (even Blizzard do). I feel GW2 has a certain level of similar polish. (Whether that's still true for Blizzard games is another matter.)

The art style is gorgeous and consistently applied from the grand stuff like character creation screens and loading art, right down to little touches on the UI. This consistency isn't exactly a key selling point but it does speak to a certain craftsmanship.

When you jump in the water, the lower part of your HUD gets "splashed" with drops in GW2's signature "inkbrush style". It's part of the transition animation from land to water skills. A tiny touch that is illustrative of GW2's attention to detail and consistency in style.

Wiki

Similar quality can be seen in the official GW2 Wiki which is informative, tidy and (as far as I've seen) complete. It's good to be able to look with confidence at a definitive source rather than look over a handful of fan MMOs trying to sort fact from speculation.

Conclusion

So... I like Guild Wars 2.

It's been the perfect MMO for a casual player like me. It respects my wallet. It respects my time. It offers variety, solid gameplay, and a comforting world to visit. It seems to have been made with real love.

Thank you to the people who made it. You should take pride in the countless hours of entertainment and joy you've given to me and so many other players across the world.

If you've stumbled across this and are thinking of playing, know that GW2 can be played for free. Why not give it a go?

#guild wars 2 #gaming #mmo #review

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skittymon · 8 years ago

Text

Succumb - 2

Sister work / kinda prequel to Succumb

Au where Rin, Ruri, Serena gave up their duties as Ray’s reincarnations and joined Zarc. Also Yu boys are the dragons here.

No pairings but can be seen as Apple, FallenAngel, and Predatorshipping.

The view from the Tops is as beautiful as Rin always imagined. The sky is clear of roads and smoke, the lights are dazzling, and everything is so clean.

A perfect place to watch Supreme King Dragon Servant Clear Wing - Yugo - destroy the Synchro Dimension.

St-

The Synchro Dimension is disgusting, and Rin has no qualms watching people and buildings alike burn up in flames. The people and city itself are vile. Letting only those win and win and win have comfortable lives and making it impossible for those at the bottom to become winners.

Zarc has no need for such a place in his universe.

-op!

Some duelists -a blue haired one who used a bee-like deck and an old man using a card-like deck - who had dared to oppose her and Yugo told her that the Synchro Dimension has changed. That everyone - Tops and Commons alike - came to the decision that the system was wrong and were making strides to create a City where Tops and Commons didn’t exist.

“Bullshit...” Rin slips out.

Rin was held captive in the Fusion Dimension for a couple of months, and in that short time everyone just magically decided that the world they were living in was vile and corrupt and wrong?

Where was that epiphany ten years ago? Five years ago? A year ago? Why was this decision made when she wasn’t there? When she couldn’t see the change with her own two eyes.

Stop!

“Oh, Ray?” Rin recognizes that voice anywhere. It’s like her’s but distinctively not. “Say Ray, when you split the world into four did you get a say in how the dimensions were formed? Did you make the Synchro Dimension like this or was fate just cruel?”

Silence.

Rin sighs, looks like Ray’s connection to her has been cut off once more. Maybe it was because of Zarc’s growing influence on her or maybe Ray doesn’t have the power to keep in contact with her reincarnations especially since she made no contact with them for fourteen years, even with Zarc’s coming and them being kidnapped by Ray’s father.

“Well, it doesn’t matter,” Rin walks over to edge of the balcony and sees Supreme King Dragon Servant Clear Wing flying towards her, most likely so Yugo can receive praise from Rin, “this dimension won’t exist soon anyways.”

With Heartland already being in shambles from the inter-dimensional war, Ruri and Yuto’s job of destroying the XYZ Dimension is fairly easy and doesn’t take much time.

So with Zarc’s quota of destruction for the day met, Ruri and Yuto have decided to reside onto of the few still standing buildings. Ruri lays on the floor curled up next to Supreme King Dragon Servant Dark Rebellion. Ruri starts scratching one of Yuto’s wings and the dragon lets out a pleased mummer.

Ruri laughs, “You always did like when I ran my fingers through your hair back when-”

When there was no war.

When people weren’t getting carded so they could used to bring back one girl.

When Shun was alive.

Yuto nudges gently at Ruri dragging her out of her thoughts and looks at her concernedly.

“Sorry, Yuto,” Ruri smiles sadly, “I was thinking back to when we were all together.”

Yuto roars, loud enough to scare away birds who were nearby the building they are located at. Ruri stares at Yuto and a few moments later she understands what Yuto is trying to convey.

“You’re right, Yuto,” Ruri reaches for the card holder on her belt, the one where she only puts important cards like Supreme King Dragon Servant Dark Rebellion. “We are together.”

In the card container were four XYZ cards and Ruri smiles when she looks at them.

Fairy Cheer Girl.

Heavy Armored Train Ironwolf.

Galaxy Eyes Cipher Dragon.

And RaidRaptor - Rise Falcon which is covered in blood.

Ruri holds the cards close to her heart, “The six of us are together, forever.” Ruri frowns for a moment and sighs, “I just wish Sayaka, Allen, and Kaito didn’t scream when we finally found them.”

Serena takes in the sight of the harbor town in the Fusion Dimension, a place that was so close her entire life but never got the opportunity to visit or explore.

Supreme King Dragon Servant Starve Venom roars loudly above the girl and Serena scoffs lightly, “Give me a second to look, then you can destroy everything, Yuri.”

Yuri reluctantly obeys, he understands that the Professor has taken much from Serena - including the all the opportunities for them to meet in their younger years.

Speaking of Professor...

Yuri growls angrily and Serena turns to see the man who started this whole ordeal in the first place. The fusion counterpart frowns, “Are you here to see Yuri and I destroy this town, Professor?”

The man is covered in scars and bruises, and hardly looks like the commander he once was. He looks weak and when he doesn’t speak, Serena continues, “Because I know there’s no way you can stop us.”

“Please...” the Professor breathes out. “You must stop this. You must stop Zarc.”

Yuri is about to fly over to the Professor when Serena raises her arm, making Yuri stop all motions and grumble in annoyance.

“I ‘must?’“ Serena parrots back. “Are you demanding that from one of your soldiers or your dead daughter?”

The Professor’s eyes widen, “Ser-!”

“Because I’m neither.” Serena cuts him off. “I stopped being your soldier when I joined the Lancers and I have never been your daughter. And right now I’m one of Zarc’s followers and there’s nothing you can do about that.”

Serena can’t help but find joy in the way the Professor is looking at her.

No longer is he looking at her like one of his many brainwashed soldiers.

No longer is he looking at her like she’s a ghost of someone.

No longer is he looking at her like she’s a piece of some grand puzzle.

Now he looks at her like she’s a devil.

Now she is free.

#yugioh arc v #arc v #yugioh #ygo arc v #rin arc v #ruri kurosaki #serena arc v #yugo arc v #yuto arc v #yuri arc v #people said they want more so here ya go lmao #skitty writes

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alcyone2305 · 8 years ago

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Insomnia

“An isolated nation protected by an ancient line of Kings. A modern civilization alive with crystal's songs of swords and sorcery. The city is a sprawling metropolis, inspired by modern-day cities like Tokyo and New York, and as such, is populated by skyscrapers and highways.”

First of all thank you to @the-galahdian-warrior for helping me out on the search for additional information. While I focused on what we get to see of Insomnia in Kingsglaive, they gathered a whole bunch of links with information. I guess I’ll try to pile everything together.

This is what we get to see in game of FFXV (at least on the map).

So on the in game map, the Citadel is barely missing. But I think we still underestimate the incredible size of the city. In the picture above, we can see one of the check points/gates in the lower right corner. On the map, that’s the entrance to the city beneath the word INSOMNIA. Considering the Kingsglaive return from one of their mission without passing lakes or the sea, they most likely entered the city this way, executed their mission either on the bit of land right next to the wall OR they entered the city from the West. (Now that I think about it, I believe they had their mission at the Western wall. Just looking at the map we can see huge, huge wastelands and I wouldn’t be surprised if the city devastated by the Niffs was located there.) Maybe a small fact to back up my assumption: It’s clear the gate is located at the corner of the wall which fits to the West wall on the in game map.

Hint hint, spoiler alert: I’ll also try to get every screenshot with one of the statues of the city. After I went through the movie and screenshoted the heck out of it, I was rather surprised how often we had a King’s statue in the picture. When I saw this picture, I immediately thought of New York.

At first, we’ll focus on what I call “the upper level” of the city. It’s what makes us feel amazed and impressed. Clean streets, amazing buildings and architecture, expensive shops.. Everything you get to see up there is just breathtaking and underlines the nickname of Insomnia being the jewel. The beautiful side of Insomnia.

The blue sign above the convoy of trucks reads “Citadel West Wall / Citadel”. Something that already caught my attention is how all the signs are always about “Walls” and the “Citadel” which already underlines the importance of those two objects. I wouldn’t be surprised if people communicated this way as well. “Where do you live?” - “Oh, in the xth district of xyz.” - “Where is that?” - “About 600 meters away from the Southern Wall.” I hope you get what I mean.

The red sign on the left side reminds me of the Underground signs in London so maybe the subway is down there? But the short scene following that, we also catch a glimpse of the not-so lovely side of Insomnia: As the Kingsglaive is still a bit away from the center of the city (where all the expensive and fine looking things are), they pass some drunk people sitting on what I assume to be cupboards, flailing and wobbling around.

We pass another statue! The first pic is slightly blurry, but this one is holding the trident. The red sign in the second picture actually reads “Spira” followed by Chinese signs. To quote the Final Fantasy Wiki: “Many of the businesses in Insomnia have names that allude to previous Final Fantasy games.” Hello, FFX! The flags read “Signing Ceremony 16th V 756″ and can be found almost everywhere once the signing ceremony comes around the corner.

Before we focus further on the main part of the city, let’s travel far away from the center and take a closer look at the check points.

This is what it looks like inside of them. I thought of them as just a gate to pass through, nothing more than we get to see in the movie. But it seems to have two parts? One outside which Nyx is guarding, another one inside as seen in the concept art. Now that’s what I call safety. And we finally get a feeling of how freakin’ tall the Citadel actually is. It’s towering over any other building even though we’re at the very border of the city. Dat shit is massive.

Let’s head over to another eyecatcher, the Onyx Monument.

This is the area right beneath the monument. The middle sign reads “Royal Museum of Lucis”. I assume this is the attraction which is referred to on some advertisement boards.

If someone knows something about the Onyx Monument, please tell me since I really want to know why it was built. It’s such an eyecatcher. So what kind of advertisements can we see? I’ll try to go from left to right but only few can actually be identified. BG&WD (no clue what this is about, maybe jewelry or cosmetics?) Beats (of course) Wataluxe – Lucis Wag (?) Center (Wag must be wrong. Help me out? Anyone?) Lucis Bank (Money, money, money..) Indicum Hotel Insomnia Centuluxe Audi Lucis Crystal (Jewelry?) Labyrinth

I’m struggling with the rest.

It’s scenes like this one which make me just love Insomnia when it comes to structure. Different levels and most of the streets are on the lower levels. We’re also informed some Lucian railways are suspended. Maybe it’s the same ones we can’t pass in the beginning of the FFXV game.

Japan Airlines Stone Solid – Outdoor & Camping Gear AUDI – Vorsprung durch Technik Lucis Bank UNIQLO Lucichrome CAELUM VIA Hotel&Resorts INSOMNIA (where Iedolas and Regis meet up)

We’ve already passed another Beats advertisement. The sign above Nyx’s left arm reminds me of a mixture of Chinese and Korean? The black sign above Nyx reads Ashtart. I also just noticed the building on the left seems to be all about interior, art gallery and similar stuff. Maybe it’s like a culture shopping mall?

The first time I saw the scene, I didn’t even notice the statue! We can see something like a highway going towards the statue but it’s actually in a tunnel. So maybe if you follow the road, you’ll drive right beneath it? Final Fantasy Wiki: “The green man symbols on pedestrian crossings in the city are a silhouette of a cactuar.” If you watch the night scene, you can see the outlines of the cactuar beneath the red light!

Wroom, wroom! Let’s follow the track Drautos and Nyx are taking to pick up the Princess! This is the moment I went silent for a second and thought “This city is more massive than I thought.”

The blue sign of the second picture reads: “Citadel North Wall / Citadel West Wall / Citadel East Wall”. The PASSIFLORA sign can be seen later on when we inspect the lower levels of the city.

Wherever this shot is taking place, this is the same area where the Indicum Hotel is located. It’s the blue sign at the very top of the picture. Okay, maybe there is more than one Indicum Hotel. But this is where one of them is at least. As we can hear Drautos accelerating, we know we’re leaving the crowded areas of the city and now are taking a highway.

“Citadel South Wall 6km” – “West Gate 4km” – “Exit” The Asian letters/words/Kanji signs most likely just say the same.

LOOK AT THAT MASSIVE CITY, HOLY DAMN. They didn’t even the ground when they built the city. Instead, they just let it be and built the buildings on top. Impressive. Though this causes highways and long tracks to be a necessity. Lower right corner: Another statue. Most likely the one Nyx and Luna pass when they are attacked by the Niflheim ship.

“(…) these stones divine, for the night (…)” – “(…) in the light of the Gods (…)” Sadly we don’t get to read more.

You have no idea how hyped I was when I saw those statues! They moved!! They’re alive!!! H Y P E! I wouldn’t say the spirits of the Kings live in those statues. Instead, it’s one way for the Kings to reach out to our world. There’s the ring being used to communicate and the statues are a different way for them to interact with us. And once shit hits the fan, they break out of those stone shells to take over.

Last picture of the upper levels, the beautiful side. Nothing too special but I found it bitter when I saw the red sign in the right upper corner: “All we can do is laugh” And maybe I was right that BG&WD is selling cosmetics. Are those lipsticks in the lower left corner?

Let’s go down, shall we? Welcome in the melting pot, where all the poor people and immigrants live. It may sound cruel but I love how the dynamic changes. It’s more crowded and more lively, it’s really a place where friends would meet up to enjoy the little things in life.

“Citadel 5km / Citadel Main Gate 2km” Holy damn, I was already aware of the Citadel being heavily guarded but having the gates about 3km away from the center? Let’s be honest: The lower you get, the more horrendous it becomes. At least when it comes to the appearance. The walls are dirty, trash bags are just thrown down. It’s not really a nice place to live in. It really pales in comparison to the shining side of the capital.

Notice how many languages we can see. Thai (I think), Japanese, English.. It’s really a place for all nationalities to live in.

PASSIEFLORA INCARNARA FOOD & TAVERN

The black sign with white writing on it reads “Luchi Bassu”, so Luci Bass. Maybe that’s a jazz bar or something similar?

Those scenes show us how run-down and shabby this area is. There is construction work going on though I doubt it will be down anytime soon. The living areas are small and tight, as seen with Nyx’s “apartment”.

SHOTS SHOTS SHOTS SHOTS!! Seven Soldiers Shot Bar on the right, though there’s nothing else on there. Some signs again, but except for the book store sign on the left.

Okay, I’ll give up now when it comes to the advertisements to be honest. Look at this link: Here. It may be in Japanese but I assume it lists all the boards we can see.

#bigger than i expected it to be #but satisfied #kingsglaive #kingsglaive final fantasy #final fantasy kingsglaive #final fantasy #final fantasy xv #final fantasy 15 #ff #ffxv #ff xv #ff15 #ff 15 #kudos to you if you read through the entire thing #holy macaroni

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music-et · 8 years ago

Text

~J-Hope BTS One-shot~

You’re dating J-hope from BTS. It was your birthday and J-Hope had a surprise for you. But, there will be fans, paparazzi’s everywhere and people trying to ruin your relationship. Will you let them come in the way of you relationship? Or not?

Jin, 23 years old. Suga, 22 years old. J-hope, 21 years old. RapMon, 21 years old. Jimin, 20 years old. V, 20 years old. Jungkook, 18 years old. You’re 18 years old younger than J-Hope by a month.

This one-shot is dedicated to my friend who is a big BTS Fan and her bias is J-Hope

3rd Person P.O.V

Date:

You and J-Hope have been dating for a year now, and today was your 1 year anniversary and your birthday. J-Hope called you told you that he’d give you a big surprise on your birthday and remember to where a dress, and he’d pick you up at 6pm. You were so nervous and excited for the surprise that you were so jumpy and happy for the whole day. Then, finally, at 4pm, you took a shower, then put on your dress and makeup, which was only some foundation, eyeliner and mascara.

Outfit: www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=158440478

Make-up: http://imgfave.com/view/2889158?c=166984

Foundation:http://www.google.com.au/imgres?imgurl=http://www.designsnext.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/natural-looking-wedding-make-up-tips-advice.jpg&imgrefurl=https://www.pinterest.com/sistersthelabel/make-up-inspiration/&h=499&w=400&tbnid=UGTJR2s0N3_EaM:&zoom=1&docid=9h5F72klP-LkNM&ei=cg5TVbeTCYS3mwWhoYCYCA&tbm=isch&ved=0CB4QMygDMAM

When you finished your doorbell rang and you ran to the door and saw Hoseok, a.k.a J-Hope, all dressed up, looking as handsome as ever.

J-Hope’s outfit: http://www.kimchicrew.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/jhope_concept1.jpg

“You ready jagiya?” He asked, “Yeah just let me grab my shoes.” And you grabbed your heels put them on then stood up, “Okay, now I’m ready.” You said he smiled at you and then got to his car, he opened the car door for you before getting in himself. The trip was quiet, well, not really. You had BTS’s music bursting throughout the car. You were in the car for 10 minutes then you arrived at the location but, J-Hope got out and opened the door for you and blinded your eyes, “W-What are you doing?” You asked. “It’s a surprise.” J-Hope answered. He guided you then finally you stopped. “You ready?” “Uh, ne.” And he took of the blindfold and showed you a beautiful view.

Date: http://hdwallpapers.cat/luxury_beach_picnic_by_night_island_view_hd-wallpaper-1558878/

It was where you had your first date. “Wow. This is where we had our first date. Did you and the guys re-make this place again?” you asked. “Ne. I knew how much you liked it so I asked the guys to help me. And so we made this. And….” He said as he guided you to your seat you saw the BTS members coming out in butler suits. “Uh…” “We’ll be serving you and J-Hope for the night.” Rap Monster said. “How much do you have to pay them for this?” You asked. J-Hope chuckled nervously, “About $100 each.” He answered. “WHAT?” you exclaimed. “But, it’s all worth it if you’re happy.” J-Hope said smiling. “You’re so cheesy.” You said, playfully punching his arm. “Yes, but you love me anyways.” “You’re right. Even if you’re cheesy and all, you were the guy in fell in love with.” You said. And Suga came out with your meals. It was Spaghetti Bolognese, “Yum.” You both said, and when you were eating, you ate the same spaghetti, and then you got closer and closer, sharing a spaghetti kiss. You both shared a sweet romantic kiss.

Break Up:

You were going to the BIGHIT Entertainment Building because J-Hope asked you to meet him there. Going up to the BTS practice room up saw no one up there, walking in you heard whispering ‘Wouldn’t she be heartbroken noona?” it was J-Hope’s voice, “She would, but just break it to her slowly. If you don’t tell her you’ll be lying to her so tell her and it should be fine.” It was Amber’s voice f(x). “Are you sure she won’t be too angry?” “Maybe, but I don’t think so. Anyways, everything’s set. Just don’t mess this up or else it’s over. And, I can’t hurt her anymore.” “What do you mean?” “Yeah, what do you mean?” You said stepping out. “(y-y/n)?!” They exclaimed. “(y/n), I didn’t know you were already here.” J-Hope said. “What is it that you wanted to tell me?” “Well, uh, I….We…” J-Hope started but he was paralysed, Amber sighed sadly, “I’m going to tell you straight out and I’m really sorry.” Amber began, “The truth is, is that, J-Hope’s been cheating on you with me. He didn’t mean it. I didn’t mean it. It was all an accident. We were all just really drunk.” Amber said. “Y-You’ve been cheating on me?” “I-I’m sorry. I really am. I didn’t mean it. Please, please forgive me.” J-Hope said. “No.” you answered. “N-No?” “No, I will not forgive anyone, any man, who doesn’t have the courage to say it to my face and let a girl say it instead. No offence though Amber unnie.” You said. “(Y-Y/N). Please.” J-Hope begged. “No, I’m sorry oppa. But, I’m breaking up with you. It’s over.” You said, you turned to leave but J-Hope grabbed your wrist, on his knees with Amber standing on the side shocked, “Please, I’ll do anything, please, don’t break up with me. Please jagiya.” You tugged your wrist away and left.

J-Hope was on his knees sobbing with Amber trying to calm him down for an hour. She didn’t understand why you would do this, normally you would’ve forgiven him and said it wasn’t a big deal as long as he promised never to do it again. That’s when she knew, something was definitely wrong. The rest of BTS walked in seeing J-Hope on his knees crying while Amber was trying to calm him down. “Hyung, what’s wrong?” Jungkook asked. “It’s over. It’s all over.” J-Hope sobbed. “W-What’s over? What happened? Noona? What happened?” Jimin asked. “(Y/N). It’s over. They broke up. She broke up with him.” Amber said. “What?!” They exclaimed. “I told her the truth. She was hurt and she broke up with me. I never should’ve told her. It’s all my fault!” J-Hope sobbed. “No, it’s not.” V said. “We’ll get you two back together. But, let her have some time alone. Don’t let the media know about it.” Rap Monster said. But then, their phones started buzzing. “Oh no, it’s too late.” Jin said.

“(y/n) (l/n) was found leaving BIGHIT Entertainment crying. Some reporters came and reported that ‘(y/n) and J-Hope from BTS have broken up.’ (y/n) was escorted back to her dorm where the rest of her group if resting at.” Suga read out, then J-Hope once again bursted into tears. His members tried to calm him down by patting and smoothing on his back calming him down. Once he calmed down a bit Amber left and BTS left for the dorm where J-Hope went to rest while the members tried to figure out what was wrong and how they could help or fix the problem from what Amber explained to the boys over the phone once J-Hope was resting in his room.

Meanwhile with (y/n)

(Y/n) came back to the dorm with tears streaming down her face, her members knew about the break up already. “So, how’d it go?” (1st/b/f/n) asked. “He already cheated on me with Amber unnie.” (y/n) answered. “WHAT?!” The 2 girls exclaimed. “I-It’s not like that. They were drunk and it was an accident. I don’t mind, I forgive him for it. I had to break up with him anyways. Sure the sasaengs are part of the reason but also because of the sickness.” (y/n) explained. “It hasn’t been confirmed that you have cancer yet.” (2nd/b/f/n) reasoned. “It’s okay though. Just in case. Besides, he’d be happier without me.” (y/n) said. (Y/n) then got up, she walked to her room and just laid on her bed as tears streamed down her face.

(Y/N)’s Band

The 3 girls, (y/n), (1st/b/f/n) and (2nd/b/f/n) were a trio, a girl group, they were called ‘XYZ’. (1st/b/f/n) was ‘X’, (2nd/b/f/n) was ‘Y’ and (y/n) was ‘Z’. They debuted with 7 different companies.

XYZ was signed with SM Entertainment.

XY was signed with JYP Entertainment.

YZ was signed with YG Entertainment.

XZ was signed with Pledis Entertainment.

X was signed with Woolim Entertainment.

Y was signed with BigHit Entertainment.

Z was signed with Loen Entertainment.

Back to story ~The Next Day~

X went to Woolim Entertainment for her solo work. Y went to BigHit Entertainment for her solo work. Z went to Loen Entertainment for her solo work. They decided to meet you at SM Entertainment at 5pm. (Y/N) went to her studio and practiced her songs over and over again trying to get J-Hope out of her mind but everytime she closed her eyes memories of her and J-Hope’s date flashed through her head, it broke her heart to see J-Hope crying so she decided to do what she does best, she went to her composing room, where she composes her songs. She decided to work on a song that’d express how she was feeling.

~Y (2nd/b/f/n) P.O.V~

I went to BigHit and as expected there’d be paparazzi there trying to get more information about (y/n) and J-Hope oppa’s break up. I ignored them and went into the building. I went to my studio and in there was BTS minus J-Hope oppa. “What are you doing in here?” they turned their heads towards me as soon as they heard my voice. “Y sshi, we want to know why (Y/N) sshi broke up with J-Hope, we know she wouldn’t just break up with him because accidently broke up with Amber sunbae.” RapMon oppa said. God Damnit, they figured it out, I thought. “I can’t tell you. If you want to know you’ll have to ask (Y/N) unnie yourself. I promised as well as X that we wouldn’t tell anyone. Unnie’ll be angry and hurt if I tell you.” I said. “Please, we want the two to be back together. You do too, don’t you?” Jimin oppa asked. “Even if I did, which I do. I can’t tell you. Even if it means you’ll hate me forever. Now, please get out.” I said sternly, opening the door for them to get out. They looked shocked and surprised, desperate even. The truth is, I really wanted to tell them, tell me the truth, but I promised (Y/N) unnie I wouldn’t. They looked so sad, as they walked out the door. Jin oppa then suddenly turned around saying, “If you change your mind please tell us.” I nod and closed the door.

~I week after (Y/N) and J-Hope’s Break Up~ ~At the Hospital~ ~3rd P.O.V~

“We’ve ran the tests and everything and it’s been confirmed that you don’t have cancer.” The doctor said. XYZ tears started to stream down their faces, “Thank you doctor.” “You’re welcome. But we’ll still need to keep a close eye on you (Y/N) sshi.” The doctor said. And (Y/N) nod and XYZ left the room. “Now you can get back together with J-Hope oppa and tell them the truth, right unnie?” X asked. “Um, about that…” Z started.

~Timeskip back to the dorm~

“WHAT?! You don’t plan on getting back together with J-Hope oppa?!” X and Y exclaimed. “I can’t do it. I’ve already broken his heart. I can’t do it again.” Z explained. “But-” “No. No buts. It’s over.” Z said and walked out the room as tears streamed down her face without her band members noticing, who were both too shocked.

~1 week later~ ~ (Y/N) P.O.V~

X and Y were both at JYP Entertainment today. And, I’ve had enough. I can’t bare to be alive without J-Hope anymore. Everytime I see him I turn away trying to get away without him noticing me, so today’s the day. I give up. I sat kneeling down on the carpet of the dorm, on the coffee table were pills, pills that’ll take my life away as soon as I swallow it. Ever since our break up, I’ve gotten massive depression and I’ve started to self-harm again. I haven’t told (1st/b/f/n) or (2nd/b/f/n) yet. I left 10 letters on the coffee table which were next to the pills. I took a deep breath and took out a hand full of pills and swallowed them. I felt myself lose consciousness when there was knocking and yelling coming from the door, ‘No!’ I thought before I closed my eyes and drew my last breath.

J-Hope P.O.V

X and Y sshi told us why Z broke up with me. It turned out that she had a high chance of getting cancer so she broke up with me. She didn’t want me to experience the pain of losing her but, her breaking up with me and telling me she didn’t forgive me broke me even more. The rest of BTS and I went to (Y/N)’s house, we knocked on her door calling out her name, after 5 minutes of calling and no answer, I knew something was wrong. We broke the door down to see (Y/N) unconscious with pills on the table and on the floor with a pill of letters on the table. RapMon ran over to see her pulse, but, he didn’t feel any. “Call the ambulance!” He exclaimed. Jungkook immediately called the ambulance. Jin hyung called X and Suga hyung called Y telling them to come to the hospital immediately. Jimin grabbed the pill of letters and I picked (Y/N) up and we all ran down to where the ambulance was waiting.

~At the Hospital~

(Y/N) was in the emergency center in surgery. All of BTS was outside waiting for (Y/N) while her band members, (1st/b/f/n) and (2nd/b/f/n) along with myself, sat outside with our head in our hands as tears streamed down our faces. “It’s all my fault. I should’ve pushed her to come with me to work today.” (1st/b/f/n) said. “Or I could’ve at least made sure she was okay before I left this morning.” (2nd/b/f/n) said. “No, it’s my fault. If I didn’t go to the party or got drunk in the first place none of this would’ve happened.” I said. Suddenly our phones started to beep, the news of (Y/N) incident has already reached the media and that she’s currently in surgery and there’s no guaratee that she’d be alive.

During the time they waited they read the letters:

Dear (1st/b/f/n),

If you’re reading this (1st/b/f/n) it means I might have already been gone. Mianhae, I’m sorry for doing this to you. We’ve been friends for years now, going through the training together, and when we debut, I decided to do this to you. Mianhae. I just can’t live like this anymore. When I broke up with J-Hope oppa, it took everything out of me. I couldn’t do it anymore. I really loved him. So, please don’t be mad at him, it’s not his fault. You were always like a sister to me. Saranghae, (1st/b/f/n), mianhae.

From (Y/N)

Dear (2nd/b/f/n),

If you’re reading this (2nd/b/f/n) it means I might have already been gone. I’m sorry to have to say goodbye this way. I know you hate to say goodbye this way. We’ve trained for so long and when we debut I decided to end my life when everything’s going to well. But, truth is, I really can’t live without J-Hope oppa anymore. I know that we made a pack, girls before guys, but I just really love him and mianhae. Please don’t be mad at him, it’s not his fault. You’re like a sister to me and doing this to you, mianhae. But always know, saranghae (2nd/b/f/n).

From (Y/N)

Dear Kim Taehyung oppa, (V)

If you’re reading this Taehyung oppa, it means I’ve given up. I’m sorry to do this to you. You’ve always been like a brother to me and here I go ending my life after all you shown me was kindness and you were really supportive. I don’t want you to be angry at J-Hope oppa for my death, I’m not worth it that you should mess up your friendship because of one girl. Thank you for your support. I’ll always support you whether I’m here or not. Do you best oppa! Saranghaeyo oppa!

From (Y/N)

Dear Park Jimin oppa, (Jimin)

I’m sorry oppa, now that you’re reading this, I’ve given up. Mianhae. You were like an older brother that gave me so much support and happiness. You helped me when I had a hard time when I was a trainee and now that I’ve debuted I committed suicide and all the time that you’ve spent helping me was wasted. Mianhae oppa. Saranghaeyo!

From (Y/N)

Dear Kim Seok Jin oppa, (Jin)

Oppa, mianhae. I’m really sorry I wasted all the time you spent on me, trying to help me and support me with my dream and when we succeed, I end my life. I let you and all of BTS and XYZ down. Mianhae. I don’t expect you to forgive me, but I hope you accept my apology and that you know I’m really sorry for doing this to you oppa. Saranghaeyo Oppa!

From (Y/N)

Dear Jeon Jungkook oppa, (Jungkook)

Mianhae oppa. I’m sorry to make you go through this. I didn’t mean for this to happen. I just didn’t want anyone to know that I could be dying. When I found out that I could be dying, I knew I had to end it with J-Hope oppa. But, by doing that, I caused you and everyone else unhappiness. I’m sorry that you wasted a lot of your time on me and I go killing myself. Mianhae oppa. I don’t expect you to forgive me but know that I’m sorry. Saranghaeyo oppa!

From (Y/N)

Dear Kim Nam Joon oppa, (RapMon)

Hi oppa! I’m really sorry for doing this to you. You had to lead a group but also make time to help me and the rest of XYZ to debut and after all that time you spent helping us, I leave in a blink of an eye and all the time you spent on us gets wasted. Mianhae. I don’t expect you to forgive me, but I hope you know I’m really sorry. Saranghaeyo oppa!

From (Y/N)

Dear Min Yoongi oppa, (Suga)

Oppa! Thank you for always treating me like your sister. You’ve always been there for me and XYZ, you really supported us. You helped me when I was still a trainee and after all that, I waste your time within a blink of an eye. I never meant to do this to you and BTS but, I guess I just can’t do it anymore. Mianhae oppa, saranghaeyo!

From (Y/N)

Dear Jung Hoseok jagiya, (J-Hope)

J-Hope jagiya! Mianhae oppa! I didn’t mean for this to happen but I love you too much to let you go and when I found out that I had a high chance of dying, I couldn’t stand to let you go through the pain if it was true, so, I ended our relationship. Don’t think this was your fault. I actually around forgiven you and Amber unnie, it was all an accident and we all make mistakes so it was okay. But, I had to end our relationship so you wouldn’t be so sad, but when I saw you when I broke up with you. I really wanted to tell you at that moment, but, I just couldn’t so I came up with an excuse. So, mianhae oppa. Saranghaeyo! After all your support, I’m really sorry oppa. I hope you find another girl who would be able to bring you happiness and make you happy and do all the things I couldn’t with you. But, don’t forget the things we had. Saranghaeyo oppa. Goodbye.

Also tell Amber unnie I’m sorry for doing that to her on the day we broke up. I didn’t mean to make her feel guilty or anything or get her involved. So tell her I’m sorry and I love her. And that I’ll never forget her.

From (Y/N)

Tears streamed down everyone’s faces when they read their letters. They couldn’t believe that she could really be gone.

~After 2 hours~

The doctor came out and all of us immediately stood up quickly looking at him with a desperate look on our faces, he had a sad look on his face, “I’m sorry, but, the surgery was a fail. The medication reached her bloodstream and got to her brain too quick. We were unable to save her. I’m sorry. You can go in a see her if you wish.” I collapsed onto my knees into loud sobs, as (1st/b/f/n) and (2nd/b/f/n) who were next to the wall, they slid down the wall in tears as the members who all looked too shocked and sad, tears streamed down their face. The doctor patted my shoulder and walked off. “WHY?!” (1st/b/f/n) and (2nd/b/f/n) screamed as they collapsed into a wave of loud sobs. “Why couldn’t it be someone else?” they cried. I took up the courage and walked into the room to see (Y/N) lying lifelessly on the bed. “(Y/N), I’m so sorry. This is all my fault. I’m sorry.” I cried. The members all slowly walked into the room.

3rd P.O.V

As soon as all the members walked into the room their phones started to buzz, checking it the head line was ‘Leaders of XYZ, Z, has passed away’. That made everyone sadder than ever. After 10 minutes of being in the surgery room, the doctor went into the room and said, “You should say your last goodbyes now. We’ve got to turn of her life support so we can hold the funeral for her soon.” Everyone went up one by one to say goodbye to her one last time. Just then, when the doctors were about to turn of her life support, a beep was heard, snapping their heads up the heart line beeped again until it beeped so fast and so much that the doctors ran to her trying to stop it, when it finally stopped at the right speed, and it stabilized. BTS and XYZ were really worried and didn’t know what just happened. “W-What just happened?” RapMon asked. The doctor turned around shocked and looked at them, “It turns out, that, she came back to life. It’s a miracle.” They looked shocked until the words sunk in and they started to cheer. After the cheered died down, “We don’t know how it happened. But, it’s a miracle. But, she’s currently in a coma. We don’t know how long she’ll be in a coma for, it could be a few days, a few months, a few years even and maybe even forever. But, we’ll keep you posted on her condition. And if anything happens, we’ll call you.” The doctor said. “Thank you doctor. Thank you.” BTS and XY said. The doctor nod and left the room. Then their phones started to beep, ‘A miracle has happened! The Leader Z, has come back to life after dying for 15 minutes’.

~1 Week Later~

One week after (Y/N) came back from the dead and still no news of her waking up. J-Hope stayed at the hospital every day, every night, just waiting for (Y/N) to wake up. No matter what the members say, he just won’t go. He swore, never to leave the hospital room until (Y/N) woke up, and that he’d be the first person she’d see when she wakes up. And every day, he’d talk to her about what’s been going on while she was in a coma and that how much he’d wish she wake up, because in one week, it’d be her birthday.

~1 Week Later~

It was (Y/N)’s birthday and BTS bought new clothes for J-Hope, he went to change while X and Y changed her clothes and BTS went out to buy the cake and presents and decorations for her birthday. When everyone was ready, they live streamed her birthday party, even if she was in a coma.

All her presents were left on one side with the cake in the middle, then, RapMon started to film the part, “Okay everybody, it’s (Y/N)’s birthday today. She’s currently in a coma right now and can’t celebrate her birthday but we want to wish her a happy birthday and want you guys to be a part of it.” RapMon said. And BTS and X & Y waved excitedly at the camera and J-hope brought out the cake.

Cake: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ez1f7mwPRQw/UEyxDhY54UI/AAAAAAAABf0/jhpK3IBGiEw/s1600/cake6.jpg

“Okay, Hana, Tul, Set…” and they started to sing happy birthday,

‘Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday dear (Y/N)! Happy Birthday to you!’

“Hip Hip!” “Hooray!” “Hip Hip!” “Hooray!” “Hip Hip!” “Hooray!”

After they sung happy birthday a lot of comments were posted saying ‘Happy Birthday Z!’ ‘Happy Birthday Noona!’ ‘Happy Birthday Unnie!’ ‘Get Well Soon Unnie!’ ‘Get Well Soon Noona!’ and many more.

When suddenly the heart monitor started beeping very loudly scaring the bands and viewers. Doctors and nurses ran into the room and started to wheel (Y/N) out the room, BTS and XY followed then while live streaming, they followed the doctors and nurses to the surgery room, “What’s wrong?!” J-Hope asked. “She’s in an unstable position right now. If we don’t start the surgery soon or find out what’s wrong soon, she’s as good as gone.” A doctor explained quickly and ran into the room and the door were locked and the red light switched on. BTS and XY collapsed onto their knees not knowing what to do or react, they’ve been in this situation before, but, they still can’t go cope with it. Forgetting they were still livestreaming, RapMon put the camera down on the chairs while J-Hope stays on the floor not knowing what to do while everyone else are crying their eyes out. The fans, viewer that were watching felt so sorry for them, they didn’t know what they could do to make them happy.

~1 hour later~

Within one hour, news spread everywhere, all around the world with headlines, ‘Possible Death of XYZ Leader’.

The members started to get really worried, they didn’t know what to do if (Y/N) died, right now, all they could think about was (Y/N) possibly dying, they prayed to God, just hoping that (Y/N) would be okay and survive this. Another 2 hours have passed and no doctor or nurse have left the surgery room and more panic flowed throughout the members.

Finally, the doctors and nurses came out the room, one of the doctors were pushed to the front to tell the members the news, “We’ve managed to stabilize (Y/N), but, we know, she’ll most likely never wake up. Those machines are the only thing keeping her awake. If one of those machines die out she’ll die immediately, meaning, she’s already dead, the only thing keeping her alive are those machines, the pills she took, the medication has spread all over her body already. It’d be a miracle if she’d wake up. So, now, you have a choice, to either pull the plug and let her go, or, keep her in pain, hooked to those machines to stay alive.” The doctor said as all the doctors and nurses stood behind him with pain all over their faces. “But, not only that, she used to cut, there were some fresh wounds on her arms that started to open when you brought her in and that made the medication flow through her body faster, when we were doing surgery on her, we noticed powder on her, turns out it was medications, meaning she put pill powder on her skin making it reach her blood stream from the outside. There’s almost no chance of her waking up.” The doctor finished. The members all collapsed to their knees in tears as the camera filmed everything.

“So, you mean, there’s no chance my daughter would ever wake up.” Spoke a voice, turning their heads, they saw (Y/N)’s family. Her mother, her father, her older brother and younger brother. “Mr and Mrs (L/N), no, that’s not exactly it. There is a very small chance, but yes, there’s almost no chance of her waking up. Only a miracle can help her now.” The doctor answered. Tears streamed down her families face. “I knew it. It’s all my fault. I never should’ve allowed this. This is all my fault.” (D/N) said. “It’s not, appa. Unnie will get better. She’s strong.” (L/B) said.

(If you don’t have one make him up same with the older brother)

“Now, Mr and Mrs (L/N), what do you chose, let her go? Or make her stay?” The doctor asked. “Can we have time to think about this?” (B/B) said. “Of course. You can go in and see her if you wish.” The doctor said and the nurse opened the door. The members and her family quickly ran into the room and RapMon grabbed the camera, still forgetting that it’s still on and that everyone’s watching. Going inside, RapMon placed the camera on the table side pointing it towards the members and (Y/N). Everyone could see (Y/N) very pale, with a face mask on her face, her eyes closed and barely breathing into the face mask, all sorts or machines hooked to (Y/N). It pained them to see (Y/N), they knew they had to let her go, but they just couldn’t do it. It hurts too much to let her go, but making her stay, making her go through this pain would be worse. They’d rather let her free than trap her in her own body. Her mother looked at her husband and they nod at each other, knowing what to do.

“We’ve decided, w-we’ve got to l-let (Y-Y/N), g-g-go.” Her mother said as she tried choking out every word as tears streamed down her face as her husband held his wife also crying. “Y-You’re not serious are you?” Suga asked, close to tears. “We’ve got to. I-I can’t let noona go through any more pain. It’s not right to make ourselves happy just to see her alive and let her suffer for our happiness, its only right to let her go hyungs, noonas.” (L/B) said, tears streaming down his face as he told them holding onto (Y/N)’s hand tightly not wanting to let her go. They looked at him shocked, they’d expected him to cry and say that he doesn’t want her to go and that he’d never want her to leave, but, they received the complete opposite, he may only be 8 years old, but, he was very wise for his age, and at times, even wiser than the adults. “We’ll give everyone all a week to say good bye, before we pull the plug.” (D/N) said sadly. The (L/N) all left the room, not because they wanted to, but because, they wouldn’t be able to face (Y/N) anymore. But, they saw, as soon as they said they’d pull the plug, they saw a smile, they saw that she was happy, happy that she’d be able to leave the world that’s caused her so much pain, but in her smile was sadness, sadness of leaving her friends, family, fans, and mostly, J-Hope, the man she fell in love with since the beginning.

And in the end, the camera was never turned off, everyone watching fell to tears, knowing that the Leader of XYZ was soon to die within a week. Everyone forgot about the live stream and the camera and it filmed the whole week, everything that happened and was never turned off.

~1 Week Later~

“Do you have any last words?” the doctor asked. “Yes, I do.” J-Hope said as he walked to the front. He held (Y/N)’s hand saying, “(Y/N), from the minute I laid eyes on you. I knew you were the one. I knew you were the one I wanted to spend my life with, I’m very sorry for what I did to you. I know you’ve forgiven me, but, I still haven’t forgiven myself for what I did to you, but there’s still one thing I have to say to you, one…last…time.” J-Hope said. He got on one knee and took out a ring. “(Y/N), I love you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Even though you will past, I want to marry you to say that no other girl shall ever have my heart but you. I love you and nothing is ever going to change that. So, (Y/N), will you marry me?” and a tear streamed down her face, a tear of happiness, a tear saying, ‘I love you too. And yes, I will marry you.’ Everyone rejoices and J-Hope slipped the ring on her finger.

Ring: http://sandiegophotographyweddings.com/simple-vintage-engagement-rings-ideas/

Then, one by one, everyone went up and said something to her.

“Congratulations (Y/N)! I really wish to see you in a wedding dress. You’ve been a great sister to me. I love you (Y/N) and I hope, I’d be your brother in the next life. I’ll miss you little sis. J-Hope hyung’s very luck to meet you. ” RapMon said and kiss (Y/N) on the head before leaving her side for Suga to come up. Before he left, a tear dropped on her face.

“Congratulations little sis! I’m so happy for you right now. You’ve been an amazing friend, you’ve cheered for us the whole way through. I’m glad J-Hope found a girl like you. I’ll really miss you, and I hope we’ll still be friends in our next life. I love you sis.” Suga said and kissed the top of her head, a tear slipped from his eye onto her face. He left her side for V to come up.

“You’re so lucky (Y/N), getting married at such a young age. I’m envious already. J-Hope hyung’s a very lucky man. You’ve been the best friend and sister. I hope maybe in the future in our next life I’ll see you again, but be your brother in the life. You’ve supported us throughout our journey. I’ll really miss you, I love you sis.” V said and tears fell from his eyes onto her face as he kissed the top of her head and left for Jin to come up next.

“Ah, (Y/N)-ah, you’re a lot younger than me and you get married before me. I’m jealous. You’re really lucky, no, J-Hope’s really lucky to find a girl like you. I’ll really miss you. I hope I see you and be your brother in our next life (Y/N). I’ll miss you little sis, I love you.” Jin said as tears streamed down his face which fell onto her face as he kiss her forehead, he left her side so Jimin could say something to her next.

“(Y/N), I can’t believe you’re getting married. Congratulations! I can’t wait to see you in a wedding dress. J-Hope hyung’s really lucky isn’t he? I’m really going to miss you. I hope I’ll be your brother in our next life. I love you (Y/N), I’ll miss you a lot.” Jimin said, and tears streamed down his face which hit her face when he leaned down to kiss her forehead, he slowly left her side so Jungkook could say something to her.

“(Y/N), I can’t believe it. You’re really getting married. You and I made a bet didn’t we, to see who’d get married first, turns out you won. J-Hope hyung better not go after any girls after he’s married you. If he does, I’ll kick his butt for you. I’ll really miss you sis. I love you.” Jungkook said and tears fell from his eyes onto her face as he kiss her forehead, he left her side so (1st/b/f/f) could say something to her.

“Aigoo, I can’t believe you’re growing up so fast unnie. It was only a dream when we were younger but I can’t believe it’s coming true. From the past to now, I have so much I want to tell you, but I guess there are still things I can’t tell you, and I regret that. I’ll really miss you unnie. You’ve been my bestest friend I’ve ever had, thank you. I hope in our next life, instead of being sister-like friends, I hope we’d be siblings. I love you unnie. I’ll miss you.” (1st/b/f/f) said and tears streamed down her face and onto (Y/N)’s face and she kiss her cheek, and left her side so (2nd/b/f/f) could say something.

“Unnie I’m so happy for you. Congratulations! I can’t believe I’ll see you in a dress other than the dresses I’ll stylist have chosen for you. I can’t wait. Thank you for being my bestest friend, you’ve been there for me from past to present from ups and downs. I owe you so much so (1st/b/f/f) and I will back up Jungkook oppa if he cheats. I hope we’ll be sisters in the next life not just best friends. I love you unnie. I’ll miss you very much.” (2nd/b/f/f) said and tears streamed down her face onto (Y/N)’s face and she kissed her cheek one last time and she left her side for her mother to say something.

“I’m really going to miss you (Y/N). I’m sorry for not being the perfect mother for you. You’re my only daughter and I hope I’d be a better mother for you in our next life. I love you my daughter and I’ll miss you very much. Nothing I can say will ever express how much I feel about giving you up like this. It’s hard for me to give you up. I really hope I’d never have to do this, I’m really sorry for not being there when you need me. I love you (Y/N).” Said your mother, tears streamed down her face to fast and fell on your cheek, she kiss your forehead before turning to leave so her husband could say something.

“I can’t believe my baby girls’ all grown up now. I wish I could walk you down the aisle in your wedding dress. You’re my only daughter and you mean the world to me. You’re the only other girl I love apart from your mother. I’m sorry for not being the perfect father. Nothing I can say will tell you how much you mean to me and how hard it was for me and your mother to make that decision. I’m sorry for not being there for you when you most needed me. I hope to be a better appa for you in our next life. I love you (Y/N).” Said your father as tears streamed down his face and onto your face, he kiss your forehead, turning to leave so your brothers could say something.

“Noona! I’m really going to miss you. You’ve been the best noona ever! I really hoped to see you walk down the aisle in a beautiful white wedding dress. You’ve always been there when I needed a shoulder to cry on when umma or appa or hyung weren’t there. You’ve been the best! I’ll really miss you noona! I love you. I hope to be your dongsaeng in our next life. ” (L/B) said and tears streamed down his as and he kissed your forehead and held onto your hand not wanting to let go, then (B/B) picked him up and put him on the bed next to you as he cried lying next to you.

“I can’t believe my dongsaeng’s getting married before me, that’s so sad. But, since it’s you I’ll be okay. I’m going to miss you a lot when you go (Y/N). You’ve been there for me when I needed to cry but couldn’t. You were like an older sister to me, maybe even a mother, I’ll miss you dearly little sis. I love you. I hope to be a better oppa for you in our next life.” (B/B) said and tears streamed down his face that hit your face as he leaned down to kiss your cheek.

Finally, as everyone said their finally goodbyes did the doctors come and pull the plug. And the loud ringing of the machine that supported (Y/N)’s life rang throughout the room as no one could hold it in anymore and everyone collapsed onto their knees and let out a loud cry, crying like not tomorrow and collapsed into loud sobs, everyone hugged the person next to them crying on each other’s shoulders as the cameras caught everything.

~1 Week Later~

News soon spread around about (Y/N)’s death, the funeral date was set and the location. On the day of the funeral, (Y/N) wore a beautiful white wedding dress with her makeup on lying in a glass coffin cover in red petals.

Dress: http://img3.dressretail.com/pri/o/201307/Beautiful-White-Satin-Zipper-back-Floral-A-Line-Sleeveless-Wedding-Dress-23156-84500.jpg

Glass Coffin with Flower Petals: http://modthesims.info/d/410446&h=760&w=1280&tbnid=9uJTaAu6fkPRcM:&docid=gT0DINTWL_d4PM&ei=Sn3eVav3FOPOmwWD8auoDA&tbm=isch&ved=0CB0QMygCMAJqFQoTCKvEntqiyMcCFWPnpgodg_gKxQ

Everyone dressed in black, it was a funeral, but, also a wedding. There was BTS, X&Y, her family but also many K-Pop Bands, J-Pop/J-Rock Bands, C-Pop/M-Pop Bands and Artists, A-Pop/A-Rock Bands there:

Mr.Mr, VIXX, SPEED, EXO, BigBang, DMTN, Shinhwa, MBLAQ, Teen Top, iKon, Seventeen, 1Punch, B.A.P, Super Junior, B1A4, Boyfriend, C-Clown, CNBLUE, XING, Epik High, SMRookies, 2AM, 2PM, GOT7, X-5, ss501,JYJ, 100%, Infinite, Ze;a, Block B,U-Kiss, TVXQ, SHINee, Double A, H.O.T, BEAST, WINNER, Nu’est, BTOB, JJCC, Boys Republic, B.O.M, Cross Gene, Chaos, V.O.S, 4Men, MyName, F.T Islands, 1TYM, Monsta X, UNIQ, A6P, History, Romeo, Twilight, Dynamic Duo, G.O.D, AST’1, F.I.X, F.Cuz, Brown Eyed Soul, Brown Eyes, Trouble Maker, A-Jax, Busker Busker, Double JJCC, LC9, Off Road, Topp Dogg, Orange Caramel, SNSD, 2NE1, F(x), Sistar, Tara, Miss A, Kara, Wonder Girls, After School, A-Pink, Girls Day, AOA, EXID, Secret, Nine Muses, 4minutes, Rania, The See Ya, Mamamoo, Dal Shabet, Ladies Code, Spica, Hello Venus, Crayon Pop, Ocean Girls, Many Solo Artists, Kelum, Soul’d Out, Da-ice, Nightmare, Uverworld, On/Off, One Ok Rock, SID, Aqua Timez, +Plus, Access, Sekai no Owari, Flow, Goose House, Asian Kungfu Generation, Granrodeo, Orange Range, Kat-tun, Baby Metal, Doll$Box, Dream, Tomboy, Wink, AKB48, Shugo Chara Egg, NO3B, French Kiss, Watarirouku Hashiritai, Watarirouka Hashiritai 7, Not Yet, SDN48, SKE48, NMB48, JKT48, HTY48, SNH48, Nogizaka 46, Alexandros, The Hopper, TFBoys, ATI7, Beyond, B2Y, Da Mouth, F.I.R, Grasshoppers, Mayday, Fahrenheit, My Little Airport, Nan Quan Mama, Phoenix Legend, Power Station, Roomie, S.H.E, Shin, Sodagreen, Twin, Many Female Chinese Artists, Many Male Chinese Artists, Black Veil Brides, Sleeping with Sirens, My Chemical Romance, Pierce the Veil, Big Time Rush, One Direction, 5 Seconds of Summer, Maroon 5, Nickleback, The Janoskians, The Vamps, Westlife, Backstreet Boys, Magcon Boys, King the Kid, NSYNC and Many Male and Female Artists/Actors.

There were also a lot of news reporters and fans there too.

They all attended (Y/N)’s funeral/wedding. (Y/N) was on stage laying still when her hand moved, when she suddenly snapped her eyes opened, and she woke up banging her head against the glass making everyone snap their attention over to see (Y/N) alive, rubbing her forehead from the pain of hitting her head against the glass. J-Hope and BTS ran towards (Y/N) and threw the glass of her, she sat up and spoke, “Did you all miss me?” She asked opening her hands. J-Hope tackled her into a big hug and everyone cheered. No one could believe it, it was dead for a week when suddenly she awoken. At that moment, no one cared how she survived, all they cared about was that (Y/N) was alive and that’s all that mattered. J-Hope pulled away from the hug and kiss (Y/N) passionately on the lips and everyone cheered louder than ever. Breaking away from the kiss, “How?” “I was told it wasn’t my time yet. And, he let me back. He saw how every one of you cried for me and left a tear on my face and all having the same wish, he was touched and gave me a second chance.” (Y/N) answered. J-Hope kiss her once more and (Y/N) got of the flower bed and gave everyone a hug. BTS, X&Y and her Family were so happy to have (Y/N) back, right now, that’s all that mattered. “Thank you for giving me a second chance God. Thank you for giving her back to me.” J-Hope whispered. “No problem.” Was whispered into his ear, he turned to see a shining light with a shadow figure of a smiling man.

The news spread so quick that ‘XYZ’s Leader came back to life.’

After (Y/N) woke up they continued the wedding.

J-Hope in Suit: http://btsjhopethaitrans.tumblr.com/post/69051341779/j-hope-in-black-suit-%25E0%25B9%2580%25E0%25B8%2594-%25E0%25B8%2581%25E0%25B9%2582%25E0%25B8%25AE%25E0%25B8%259B%25E0%25B8%25AD%25E0%25B8%25AD%25E0%25B8%2581%25E0%25B8%2587%25E0%25B8%25B2%25E0%25B8%2599%25E0%25B9%2583%25E0%25B8%25AA-%25E0%25B8%25AA-%25E0%25B8%2597-%25E0%25B8%25AB%25E0%25B8%25A5-%25E0%25B8%25AD&h=960&w=719&tbnid=QAVmu9y_aYiSiM:&docid=YL8w20BYo2KyXM&ei=ln_eVbWKNuLDmQXVioroCA&tbm=isch&ved=0CBwQMygAMABqFQoTCLWt8PKkyMcCFeJhpgodVYUCjQ

BTS in suits: http://data.whicdn.com/images/86405559/large.jpg

Her father walked his daughter up the aisle as her family watched her, they were so happy that their daughter was still alive and that God gave them a second chance. J-Hope held his hand out to (Y/N) and she took his hand.

~Skip to Ring Ceremony~

“Do you Jung Ho Seok, take (Y/N) (L/N) to be your lawful wedded wife, to love and to care for as long as you shall live?” The priest asked J-Hope. “I do.” J-Hope replied. “And do you (Y/N) (L/N), take Jung Ho Seok to be your lawful wedded husband, to love and to care for as long as you shall live?” The priest asked (Y/N). “I do.” (Y/N) replied. “I give you my blessing. You may kiss the bride.” The priest said as everyone in the church started cheering and J-Hope kissed (Y/N) passionately on the lips.

~Timeskip 1 year later~

“How’s my jagi?” J-Hope asked (Y/N), “I’m fine, and so will your child once you stop blowing on my neck.” (Y/N) answered. “How can I, you’re so beautiful jagi.” J-Hope replied. “You’re so cheesy.” (Y/N) said playfully hitting J-Hope’s arm. “I can’t wait for the baby to come in 2 months.” “I can’t wait either.” And J-Hope kissed (Y/N).

The End

#BTS #JHope #Kpop #XReader

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distantdreamboy · 3 years ago

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Okay, I think adding to the piece rather than creating a new one entirely for each subject is more helpful. Plus I can always look back for reference. Oh gosh, where do I start. Let's do the apartment since it was first on the list. That was one of the wildest experiences, one because it was inherently wild and two because I hadn't done it before. Not this intensely. This was the third time I was aiming to move out and...you know the saying--I thought this time would be the one. My roommate was someone I lived with previously and he and I work well. Both kind, polite, fun, empathetic, yet grounded when we need to be.

Because we were in separate states we took roles. He would organize and set up all the viewings and I would go to them. It was a pretty smooth system but I was ignoring how tired it made me. It was a lot on my body especially after working, but I didn't want to let him down. He was exhausted too, I guess he's just more comfortable working himself into exhaustion than I am? One thing about me? I'm going to take a nap.

Factors like credit, guarantor info, size, and location got in the way of us finding the right one. A lot of apartments have rooms that are pretty unlivable if I do say so myself with windows I wouldn't wish on a prisoner. Eventually we found one that would do...or so we thought. After applying and getting approved we checked online and found out that the apartment had an unsolved rat problem. RAT problem. The rambunctious teenagers of rodentia. Which made sense as to why they were so quick to get it sold. "This won't be available in a couple days" my ass. Thankfully a couple days later we found one that was MUCH better. It had EVERYTHING. Balcony, roof access, natural light, short walkup, great location---EVERYTHING. Even the broker was pretty cool. We applied for this one after withdrawing from the other one and thus began the most uncomfortable application process ever.

Although I didn't know this was unusual at the time, we were asked to meet with the landlord. We show up to the management office and see that it is a jewish company, a Hasidic jewish company. I have no issue with the community as I respect all but I can't say the same goes for them, especially when they walk in and see two black people in their office. I wish I didn't notice the surprised expression on his face. Not only was he 15 minutes late, upon arriving he slowly got a cup of water and left the room for another 5 minutes only to come back with a single piece of paper.

What we thought would be a casual conversation (because they wouldn't want to meet with us unless we got the apartment, right?) became more of a job interview. I fielded the first few questions but as it went on I understood that he was trying to find holes in our application. Any reason that could let them say "this doesn't work". However any question he shot at me, I had an answer for. "What's this?" Oh that's because of xyz. "And how did this get here?" Because of a misunderstanding where xyz. He was an asshole but I didn't let it phase me. He did the same to my roommate but we were both prepared. Tried to drill him but was met with answers at every turn. We even said verbatim that money is NOT an issue and provided proof to his stupid ass.

next: moving goalposts

This is both the closest and farthest I've been from myself and truthfully, I'm not sure if that's because I haven't written (ie. processed my emotions) in a while or because numbing has been the norm. Either way I'm feeling burnt out and needed this for a while. This was originally going to be much longer but since I have to be on my toes for work (ugh) and I have to wash dishes (double ugh) I can't stay. So until I can write an essay for each topic, here's what's gone down:

. New apartment: we came, we saw, we were approved, now we're off the lease. Yeah, it happened that quickly.

. I'm working on an indie movie which is a tremendous learning opportunity but I learned that stress can get in the way of learning when your boss quits...on a two person art team. Yeah, it happened the same day as the apartment fiasco.

. My roommate decided that he no longer wanted a roommate (for time reasons) and now has a studio...while I still live in Narnia.

. A friend of mine got too violent with me. I was astounded that even while I was in danger I hesitated to fight back for fear of being villainized. Then I went into a whole #GrowingUpGaslit spiral and realized how deep its affected me.

. I've returned to numbing myself which like the other times, was good until it wasn't. It's affected my appetite, mental space, and memory and don't even get me started on my anxiety. It hurts but I need help.

#thoughts #7th house hottie #didn't realize how upset this made me until weeks later #which is its own conversation

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allmyotps1 · 7 years ago

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darkcocosb:

empirestatesugar-deactivated201:

Invent fake facts about yourself. Create an email address specifically for sugaring and only email them there. Get the Google Voice App and create a phone number to text/call men from distinct from your own. Use a fake name for the first few dates. List the next town over as your location on your profile and never tell them the actual college that you go to — especially if it’s small! If they ask what your parents do for a living, make it up or be vague. Once you’re super comfortable with them, you can tell them “Oh my name’s actually Katherine, not Katelynn” or even give them your real phone number if you want to as I often snapchat with NASA. But he’s the only one of my SDs who knows it as Google Voice works flawlessly and the others don’t really need it.

On an opposite note, get as many details as possible about him from him or through background searching. If he tells you he’s the CEO of Apple, go to Apple’s website and confirm that. Also, invest in a Spokeo Account. Don’t be that annoying SB who begs girls to look men up for her. A lot of girls only buy the monthly plan which has a search quota so if these girls are kindly looking men up for you, that’s less POTs they can search for themselves. I think it’s like $49.95 per year and it’s well worth the money for the amount of information it gives you. You can reverse search his phone number, email, name, etc. to find out his address, income, family members — anything! I love to find their children’s names then look them up on Facebook to see how they live. Riding horses on vacation in Santorini as your cover photo? Okay, I’ll break bread with your dad tomorrow. Little Ashley’s making duck faces and wearing Abercrombie? Sorry, John, I’m actually no longer searching for an SD — best of luck!

Get as many photos as possible (5+) from a man you’re talking to so that you can reverse search them and find out company info, criminal history, or if he’s on any other sites to cross-check age, location, and other facts on the profile you first saw him on.

Before a first meet, Skype with him (for 5 to 30 minutes) to again make sure the photos he sent are of him and not some handsome model on JCrew’s website (guys on SD4M do this all the time — you’re not slick)! While you don’t want the skype date to replace the first date, it is a good way to keep and/or build up his interest and by revealing yourself in 3D and decreasing his chances of cancelling/flaking on you. New SDs in particular often get nervous by the whole process, especially if they’re married, so if he sees “Wow! She’s gorgeous/real/funny/witty/ and excited to see me Thursday!” he’ll be more at ease not only to go through with the meet, but to spend more chedda. Moreover, a Skype date can show you “Wow! He’s an asshole and begging me to slide the camera down to my boobs.” So you can know way before you spend hours on hair and make-up that the date will be a waste.

Need for discretion. If a man doesn’t tell you much about himself, his job, or his life, is using a GV number or a fake email, is going by a fake name, it does not matter at all. 9 times out of 10 I show up to POT dates knowing the results of their latest colonoscopy while they think I don’t even know their name. Focus on the steps above and let them think they’re slicker than you. Nigerian Prince never told me his real name. I knew it from 5 seconds after he emailed me, but I played along and feigned ignorance because I knew he was safe and rich and whatever other secrets he kept from me were irrelevant. After our first date, he revealed his real career, location, (still not his real name) etc. and I’d already known it all, but, like us, he was simply wary of giving too much info to the wrong person. My favorite is when a guy emails you from his real email using a fake name. “Inbox: New Email from Steve Jobs” “Hey it’s Mike!” lmfao Hey Mike! Whatever makes you comfortable enough to meet me for dinner and pay me. All this being said, sometimes a man’s “need for discretion” makes it fucking impossible to find out anything from him. In that case, I say “While I respect your need for discretion, it does not trump my need for safety and I would not feel comfortable meeting you for dinner without…(at least a skype date)(as many photos as I’ve sent you)(information about XYZ)(etc.).” If he refuses to accommodate, he’s blatantly disrespectful of your safety concerns and he’s not worth your time.

Asks for sexy photos. You really need to make sure your profile photos are serve their purpose and depict what you look like from head to toe. If you only include iPhoto face shots, that’s dandy but you need a full body shot of you in a cute outfit and I also always include a bikini shot. Nothing raunchy, just a fun day at the beach. If they’re asking for sexy photos and you already have full body shots on your profile, then kindly end it because they’re 12 year old horn dogs stuck in 45 year old bodies. But if your photos suck and they just want to confirm that you’re not Shrek, then you need to amp up your profile and oblige.

Asks your favorite position, kinkiest moment, sex history, what you’re into etc.There’s no space for immature, tacky, desperate rapid fire sex questions in the sugar bowl. At its core, sugaring is about companionship, chemistry, and fun times. If he needs a rap sheet of what you will and will not do in the bed room, then he should call up a pimp and ask for a very specific hooker. Even if you tell him this and he apologizes and stops, you still know that that’s his main incentive for joining this site so he’s probably looking for pay for play but has too much pride to admit to wanting a prostitute. If you’re fine with 4 hours a month with this man for however much you agree on, then boom! You just landed on easy money. But if you’re looking strictly for a sugar arrangement with outings, dinners, etc. then you need to move on. But be mindful that a lot of these men might be into BDSM, so if they ask specifically if you have interest in that then that’s not necessarily a red flag so much as them not wanting to waste either of your time. If you do say yes, however, and he presses you with sex questions, he’s equally guilty of the above offense.

Sleezy username/bad grammar. If “Hotsex69” messages you, you already know what he’s there for. He’s not a sugar daddy. He’s blatantly looking for pay for play.

Takes offense to your precautions. A lot of men will quickly realize that you both have iPhones and that your messages aren’t coming up blue. If he questions it, let him know straight up, “I’m using an app called Google Voice so that I don’t have to share my real phone number with strangers. Once I’m comfortable enough with you, I will give you my real number and you can reach me there.” 99% of guys completely get it and think “Damn, I wish I’d thought of that. She’s smart and safe and not full of shit! I can tell a lot of guys have wasted her time and I don’t want to be one, so I better step it up if I ever want the honor of using iMessage with this hottie!” The other 1% will cry like little bitches and be like “We’ve hit it off thus far! Don’t you trust me?!?” If he honestly thinks trust can be fostered after a few email messages, he’ll be equally pissy when you don’t have sex on the first date or when you reject his marriage proposal on the second date.

Insists on meeting for just drinks. 10:00pm drinks at the hotel bar so you can get drunk and then go upstairs? Um no. In a fun way, tell him you’d rather meet for dinner at this great restaurant you’re dying to try yada yada. I had this one guy come back at me with “How about we start with drinks and if we hit it off, then we can get dinner?” Lmfao why?! I literally see no incentive to that besides wanting to roofie me. If you’re that awkward and can’t be around a younger, more attractive woman without drinking then let’s drink at dinner. Have 10 glasses of wine with your food. I don’t care. But if I’m getting dolled up, I’m eating food. You are not skimping out on buying me dinner and you are not roofie-ing me and you are not getting me drunk so you can drag me back to your lair. I do too much damn cardio to drink my calories. Buy me dinner, you fuck.

Meet in a public place and STAY in a public place. Stroll in Central Park? Awesome! He wants to wander past the “DO NOT ENTER” sign and show you this ‘amazing view of the river’? Nope. Restaurants, coffee, theater — doesn’t matter as long as you’re surrounded by witnesses.

Have your own transportation to AND from a first meet. And from. And. From. AND FROM!!! Not “Oh I took a taxi here, but let me save $10 and go home with him — he was so funny and obviously legitimate!” Even if that’s true and he’s a sweetie and who he says he is, these men never need to know where you live. (Notice I did not say never should know. Doctor knows where I live and that’s fine. But he doesn’t need to.) If you ultimately decide you’re comfortable with having an SD over at your apartment, then that will come after several dates, not the first. Plus, the chase is half the fun for him. Don’t reveal all of yourself too quickly. For this same reason, never get into his car on the first date. Besides just safety reasons, you don’t want him to feel like (physically and mentally) that he has you 100%. Leave something to be desired.

Tell someone where you are and who you’re going with. If you’re close with a friend or relative who is non-judgmental, make sure they know where your date is and when you’ll be back. Otherwise, find a resource on here (I’ll gladly help you out)and text them (from your GV number) where you are going, when you get there, when you leave, and when you are home. Whenever I get in an SDs car for the first time, I always text my sugar friends his license number.

Some SBs insist on staying sober. I like to drink and I can handle it, so I do. But definitely don’t get drunk. It’s sloppy and unattractive but will also distract you from your goal of setting an allowance/arrangement in place and getting to know this man better. Plus, it will impair your judgment and prevent you from remembering the rest of these safety tips.

Doesn’t bring a gift or cash to the first date. Stop being so entitled. At this point, he owes you just as much as you owe him — nothing.

The car he drives. The $3000 allowance of a man who drives an Aston Martin is just as green as that of the man who drives a Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Offers you a ride there or back. He might genuinely want to save you the hassle of travelling. Most of these men are fathers and have that protective instinct. It’s 9pm, dark out, she’s waiting for a cab, this is nonsense, I’ll drive her. It’s not a redflag that he’s trying to be a gentleman, but either way, maintain your stance and politely decline.

Awkward behavior. Steve Jobs gave brilliant speeches, but outside of that, the dude was awkward as fuck. Nonetheless, he was richer than God. If a guy reaches to hold your hand on the first date and you don’t want him to, just say, “John, I’m having an absolute blast but I’m just not comfortable with that yet.” There’s no need to flip out and write a post saying OMG THIS GUY WAS SO CREEPY HE LIKE TRIED TO RAPE ME BLACKLIST!!!!! Doctor is the most awkward guy I’ve ever met in my entire life. Like him, many of these POTs were valedictorians of Harvard who went on to spend the next 8-12 years of their lives accumulating degrees in the dungeons of the Ivy Leagues. They lack sunlight and social skills. It’s okay. That doesn’t mean be wishy-washy when he tries to cop a feel. No. Be firm and put him in his place. If he makes you excessively uncomfortable, end the date and don’t pursue another. But if he stutters or can’t maintain eye contact or holds eye contact for too long or snorts or recites how beautiful you are or has a creepy smile, that doesn’t necessarily make him a potential serial killer.

Talks about hotel time, private time, intimate time, ‘getting away’. There will be no sex on the first date. There will be no sex on the first date. There will be NO SEX on the first date. If he thinks dinner and a few hundred dollars gets you two “alone time” at the Ritz Carlton, then send him packing. Be blunt and embarrass that loser. Literally say, “John, I’ve had a blast getting to know you thus far but I have zero interest in trading sex for lobster and a gas money. I’m a lady who is looking for a gentleman with the means to provide for her and support her. If you’re only interested in sex in exchange for money, then you’re looking for an escort, not a sugar baby, and a second date would be a waste of both of our time.” Scare the shit out of him and make him realize just how crass and pathetic he’s being. You wear the pants. He’ll straighten up very quickly, or realize that you’re right and head down to the corner of main street instead.

Cringes at the bill or what you’re ordering. If he can’t afford lobster, desert, or how many drinks you’re getting, he can’t afford you. This is an absolute no brainer. Even if he says he can afford your $3000 monthly allowance, if it means he’s going without food, laundry, or anything else just to afford it for you now, there WILL come a later when he leaves you hanging. A real SD loves to treat you and doesn’t care if you buy the bar!

Switches stories. It’s one thing from initially stating he’s in finance to getting more specific about which sector or region he works in, but if yesterday he was CEO of Apple and today he’s a professor, he’s probably full of shit. Don’t be afraid to call him out on it. “I thought you said —-?” Learn the dynamics of body language and be able to discern when someone is lying or hiding key information from you. He could very well be the manager of the local K-Mart hoping to spend as many free dates with you as possible before you catch him in his lie.

Insists on anything. If he’s choosing your meal for you, forcing you to ride home with him, or backing you into a corner in any way, ditch him. If he’s that pushy on the first date, he’ll be even more pushy on the second or on the third because you let him win this time.

Use a condom.

If you don’t use a condom, get tested regularly together and show each other the results.

Doesn’t meet allowance. If he owes you $500 per meet and misses a meet, he needs to bring it to the next meet, or else he’s breaking the terms of the arrangement. If it’s the end of the month and he shows up without allowance, he needs to send it to you/bring it to the next meet, or else he’s breaking the terms of the arrangement. Do not let him get comfortable and think of you as a friend or girlfriend. This is a SUGAR ARRANGEMENT. Do not let him treat you like something that you’re not and get sloppy with the reason why we’re here.

Wants to meet your family. Doctor still insists on introducing me to his sisters. Eck. Whatever. But he’s never meeting any of my family. I am not your girlfriend. This is not a relationship. We have no real future together. Read this haiku. It is the anthem of the bowl.

Insists on not using a condom, trying XYZ in bed that makes you uncomfortable. As always, don’t do anything you’re uncomfortable with and let them know. A real SD will put his desires aside for your safety and comcort. If he’s being pushy in bed or otherwise, he’s not there for your best interest.

Asks about your personal life. It’s not weird for a man to want to know what classes you’re taking or what’s new in your world. He’s not being creepy or nosy, he’s just curious about what makes you tick. He shouldn’t be prying into if you have a boyfriend or anything super specific, but don’t get weirded out if he asks a lot of things about you.

Asks for sexy pics or texts suggestively. After you’re intimate together, this really is fair game to ask. As always, you need not oblige, and if you do, play it safe and don’t include your face or use SnapChat. But just because he’s thinking of sex more doesn’t mean he’s still not invested in being a sugar daddy. If it makes you uncomfortable, say so. If he’s a true SD, he’ll respect your boundaries and get over it.

Is affectionate in public. Just because he likes to hold your hand and kiss you, doesn’t mean he’s thinking of you as a girlfriend and less of an SD and forgetting your arrangement. If PDA makes you uncomfortable and you need a bit more discretion, let him know. But just because he likes your soft skin doesn’t mean he’s going to propose and leave your arrangement in the dust. He might just like your soft skin.

Hates shopping. Not surprisingly, a lot of men hate shopping, especially for women or with women or in women’s stores. So just because he’s not buying you louboutins doesn’t mean he won’t give you the money to buy them yourself.

Your token line is: “I’m not comfortable with that (yet).” Don’t be wishy-washy! If he wants to have sex and you lie and say “Oh uh I’m on my period” he’ll just ask again the next time. Instead, be honest and be firm saying you’re not comfortable with sex, riding in his car, his hand on your leg, meeting his mom, etc. etc. etc. Drop this line WHENEVER you need to say no. It sets the tone that you are the one who sets the boundaries of the relationship and that those boundaries will not be crossed. If a man ever persists against something you’ve blatantly stated makes you uncomfortable, then you know it’s time to end things.

Never let the prospect of money trump the prospect of danger.

Great post. But Steve Jobbs is never richer than God.

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higuchimon · 4 years ago

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[fanfic] Rewards of Losing: Chapter 2

Yuuri didn’t really enjoy being around other Healers. Too many of them had a tendency to be annoyed because his talents lay strongest with poison plants – and not the plants that could also be used to heal other people. He took a rather deep pleasure in testing how far he could push a Healer’s immunity to plant-based toxins.

As well as an even deeper pleasure at realizing that the plants he crafted and grew himself would listen to him and no one else. Hearing a Healer scream as one of his favorite flytraps chewed remained one of life’s greater pleasures.

But as much as he disliked other Healers, he couldn’t let that show, not here and now. The invasion hadn’t begun. These poor XYZ using fools had no idea of what lay in store for them. He savored that moment. It couldn’t come soon enough as far as he was concerned.

“Yes, I am,” he answered the blond Healer who’d approached him. He’d heard the other give his name but Yuuri didn’t actually care about what other people called themselves. One had to be important to him for their name to matter. Off the top of his head, he remembered the Professor, Dennis Macfield, and Marufuji Ryou. No one else had interested him enough. “But if you want a duel, I can’t provide at the moment.”

He really would have loved to. But as long as he was here, he wasn’t allowed. Not now, at least.

The blond frowned. “Why not?” Oh, this was one of those true duelist types who could sense another duelist. That might make matters a bit iffier. Bu he kept his smile on.

“I don’t have my deck with me,” Yuuri said with a casual wave of one hand. “Or my duel disk.” That was true. He’d left both of those at Marufuji’s place before coming out to search for his wandering Firestarter-to-be. “I also don’t have the time.”

The other Healer tilted his head. “Somewhere to be?”

Was everyone in this world so intrusive? People never asked him questions at home. They were quite pleased to let him do whatever it was he wanted to do without them knowing about it. The less they knew about what he did, the happier everyone was.

“As I said, I’m here to meet with the Firestarter that I’m courting. Perhaps I’ll bring him by here.” Yuuri had considered that before even coming here. It was part of why he’d come in the first place, just to see if it would be worth their time. He still hadn’t made his mind up on that.

Though truth to be told, if he could have dueled, if the Professor's word hadn’t bound him to not doing so, he would have gleefully. He ached to test the skills of these duelists who used such a substandard method of summoning.

He is a Healer, though. Perhaps I’ll find him again later. The Professor wanted as many non-Healer and non-Firestarter duelists carded and those who were Healers and Firestarters brought back as captives for Fusion. Exactly what purpose he had in that Yuuri didn’t know. Nor did he care a great deal. If he were capable of capturing someone, then he would gladly do so.

His lips curved for a second. “Now isn’t a good time,” he acknowledged, “but perhaps this weekend?” He would test this Healer’s strength as a duelist to see if he were worthy of being brought before the Professor.

The other nodded, eyes lighting up at Yuuri’s words. “I’ll meet you here just after lunch. Is that good for you?”

“Of course. I’ll even bring Marufuji.” He would be able to judge the Healer’s strength as both a Firestarter and a duelist. If Yuuri missed anything – highly unlikely – then he wouldn’t.

Yuuri raised one hand in a farewell gesture before he turned and headed away. Marufuji would likely have finished with his tasks of the day and would be on his way back to his apartment, if not there already. Yuuri looked forward to some quality time with the taller duelist.

He could feel the eyes of the other on him as he departed the garden. There was a definite sense of protectiveness that one had over this place. Yuuri wondered what it would be like if he’d approached the Healer’s personal garden. Perhaps he’d get the chance to find out.

It didn’t take him all that long to get to Marufuji’s place. It wasn’t locked against him; Marufuji had installed one of the security systems from Fusion in this place when he’d moved in. Only those recognized by the system could enter now.

His lip curled when he took in the whole place. It wasn’t in a bad neighborhood, but it didn’t have the class or the style of Duel Academia either. It was a building that rented exclusively to Healers and Firestarters as well. Perhaps Marufuji had located others who would also be useful to take back home during his stay here.

Yuuri entered the apartment and made two cups of tea before he settled himself down on the couch. Not nearly as comfortable as the one in his own apartment, of course. He looked forward to spending more time there afterwards.

He glanced towards the door as Marufuji entered. His greeting died on hi lips at the sight of how unnerved Marufuji looked as soon as he registered he was in a safe space.

A part of him remained amused that anyone found a place where he was safe. But he could entertain himself with that thought later.

“What’s wrong?” Yuuri wanted to know. He didn’t get up. They weren’t bonded; Marufuji might still lash out in self-defense if something had truly disturbed him that greatly.

Marufuji’s head jerked towards him, tension rising for a few seconds before he started to relax again. “Nothing. Nothing’s wrong.”

Yuuri’s eyes narrowed at once and he rose to his feet. “Don’t try to lie to me.” That wasn’t the basis of a good Healer-Firestarter relationship. If they were bonded, then Marufuji wouldn’t be able to lie to him. He didn’t want the other getting the idea before then, either.

But the other shook his head. “It isn’t wrong.” Slowly he set the case of captured decks and duel disks on the counter and moved to settle down on his chair. Yuuri crossed his arms over his chest.

“Then tell me what happened.” He wasn’t going to let this sort of thing slide. That wasn’t allowed. He edged his tones ever so carefully in that way that Healers had; there wasn’t a Firestarter born that could deny a Healer, bonded or not, when spoken to like that.

Marufuji sighed a very annoyed sigh. “I saw something. I think I hit my head too hard in that last duel because what I saw isn’t possible. Or someone had some sort of Solid Vision hologram going, better than anything I’ve seen before.”

Yuuri moved closer to him. “Explain.”

One blue eye peeked towards him. He could see the annoyance there and didn’t care. He wanted to know what was going on.

“I saw a cat. A large black cat.” He raised one hand to about his waist to indicate the size. “And it spoke to me. Claimed that it was mine or I was its.” He shook his head. “That last duelist did get a couple of good hits in.”

Yuuri frowned. A talking cat? That didn’t seem right, but he had seen a few people out walking with large cats. They wore harnesses and while he didn’t get close enough to talk to people, he could have sworn the humans spoke to them as they would to another human.

“Don’t worry about it,” he said at last. “You’ve done enough for today.” He gestured for Marufuji to join him on the couch. He always hated that his prospective Firestarter was taller tha he was but he enjoyed being able to get him to relax. Marufuji was far too tense.

The other settled down next to him. Yuuri leaned forward to the table in front of them and picked up one of the teacups, offering it to Marufuji. The tired duelist accepted it with a courteous nod. Yuuri took up his own and settled back into place, quite enjoying this quiet time.

He took several sips of his tea and waited until both of them were far more relaxed before he spoke.

“Tomorrow night we’re going to the Night Gardens. I was there earlier and they’re – interesting.” Not as lovely as his gardens, of course, but he had a thought on something that they could do there. It would be very entertaining – by his standards, at least.

Marufuji nodded at that. He’d probably expected something of the sort. Yuuri only ever came here to take him on courting dates, after all. And to update him on whatever it was he might need to know about his mission and the coming invasion.

“Is there any new information?” Marufuji wanted to know. Yuuri shook his head.

“Keep doing what you’ve been doing. Have you noticed any Healers or Firestarters who might be useful for our cause?”

Marufuji didn’t answer right away. Then he slowly shook his head. “Most of them don’t seem as strong as ours are.”

“Choose some anyway. And a few who aren’t – for me to play with.” Yuuri chuckled. He had some very interesting plans for those people, common duelists who existed for no other purpose than to assist in a plan he’d been working on or months. Once the invasion began it would be much easier but until then, what the Professor didn’t know wouldn’t annoy Yuuri.

Yuuri recalled that one Healer duelist that he’d met. “This weekend, I’m also going to have a duel against someone here. I think you’ll enjoy watching me crush them.” He might not be able to card them afterwards – such an annoyance – but he could use all the practice against XYZ users that he could get. And if this one did happen to be of suitable skill, then Yuuri could identify him later for recruitment.

Whether the blond Healer would want to be recruited wasn’t the point, after all.

He sipped more on his tea, enjoying the heat between his hands as much as he enjoyed the heat exuding from Marufuji. That was a Firestarter’s purpose, after all, using their flames to keep a Healer grounded, as much as their garden did.

“I brought you a present,” Yuuri said at last, nodding towards the small box set on an out of the way table. It was within Marufuji’s reach and he pulled it over, curious. That was a much better look on him than being worried about a non-existent talking cat.

Slowly he opened the box and peered inside. A small flytrap raised its head to look up at him – as much as it could look when it had no eyes. But there was awareness there regardless.

“I grew this one myself,” Yuuri said, brushing one finger against the side of the fly-trap's mouth. “Give it a name if you like.”

Marufuji considered it. “It’s beautiful,” he said after a moment. It really was; Yuuri considered it one of his best works. Suitable for the Firestarter he courted, really. This one hadn’t flowered yet, but when it did, Yuuri had worked hard to ensure that the blossom would be as purple as he himself was. Possibly with some pink streaks to it. Not the usual coloring or the breed, but he was a Healer. He could do things like that.

“Let it taste you,” Yuuri advised. “Then it will know who you are and not to hurt you.”

Marufuji tilted his head around to look at Yuuri. “Would it hurt someone else?”

“It will hurt anyone who isn’t me – or you, once it tastes you. Granted, it’s not big enough to eat someone and it probably won’t get that large, but I added something.” Yuuri indicated the whiskers on the stem. “Those are poisonous. Extremely so. They’d probably just make you sick but they could kill someone who isn’t Healer or Firestarter.”

Marufuji nodded before he regraded the gift again. “I’ll keep that in mind. Does it need to be fed?”

“At least twice a week. I bred it to be very hardy. Insects will do. It’s not nearly big enough to eat people – yet.” Yuuri snickered softly. “But with any luck, the time will come.”

This was the offspring of one of his most favored flytraps at home. He went to a lot of effort to create plants that in many ways were like the plants he used in his deck. Not identical; some things not even he could do. But he looked forward to trying new things every chance that he had.

As they got comfortable once again, the plant now seated where they could see it, another thought passed through Yuuri’s mind. Some of those large cats that he’d seen – he’d definitely picked up Healer and Firestarter vibes off of them. He’d mostly ignored it. He’d seen them in areas where there were plenty of people and if these pets spent much time around a Healer or Firestarter, then it could rub off. At least that was what he’d told himself then. But with the mention of that creature that Marufuji had seen, he wasn’t quite so certain.

“Was there anything else about that creature?” Yuuri wanted to know. If it could somehow be trouble, he very much wanted to nip it in the bud.

Marufuji closed his eyes, thinking. “Before I saw it, I thought there was a Healer there,” he said at last. “But it was just the cat.”

“Maybe that doesn’t make a difference,” Yuuri mused. “I’ve seen large cats with people before. Perhaps -”

He could feel the tension seeping back into Marufuji and rested a hand on his shoulders. “It doesn’t matter. You’re going to be mine, not a cat’s, no matter how different it might be.”

He wasn’t at all displeased to see Marufuji agree. He still hadn’t made up his mind on if this was the Firestarter that he wanted but Marufuji had several good points in his favor – such as knowing when to agree with Yuuri and when to shut up.

“Could cats actually be Healers or Firestarters?” Marufuji wondered instead. “Why haven’t we heard about them before?”

“I don’t know.” Yuuri mused over that as well. “We’re meeting that Healer this weekend. We can find out then. Assuming that we haven’t learned anything beforehand. I’ll speak to the Professor when I go back home.”

If anyone would know anything about such an oddity, then the Professor most likely would. Yuuri made himself more comfortable, letting himself sink into Marufuji’s fiery flames, and relaxed into dreams of cards and carding and creating cards – one card in particular.

Ryou knew he needed to rest. He hadn’t eaten yet, however, and he’d neglected to pick up something on his way back. He hated being rattled about anything and the memory of a talking cat that could also be a Healer definitely rattled him. He fought to keep that under control.

Seeing Yuuri, feeling the strength of Yuuri’s Healer gift, and knowing that his flames wrapped so well around Yuuri, all of that made him feel a great deal better. So did seeing the little flytrap as it sat on the table, proud and beautiful. Giving a gift like this, grown from Yuuri’s own favorite flytrap, was one more step along their path to bonding.

Yuuri was the only person that he was allowed to consider bonding to right now. The rules of Academia applied even after graduation – both of them were part of the Professor’s army, after all. Healers and Firestarters needed to be bonded, to keep their sanity intact.

I’ve heard people say that Yuuri doesn’t have a lot of sanity to loose in the first place.

When the fact he and Yuuri would be courting one another had made its way through their fellow graduates, more than one person made a point to pass by Ryou and express their sympathies. Everyone knew that Yuuri grew some of the most monstrous plants in the entire Fusion dimension, even more so than most Healers. Whispers ran riot about what happened to those unbonded who dared to enter his Garden. Some said they knew those who’d never returned.

Ryou saw nothing at all wrong with that. Trespassing in a Healer’s Garden, especially one as powerful and high-ranking as Yuuri, carried a high price. If someone had touched his rocky garden, then he would unleash his own brand of death on them. Granted, his would be far quicker than what Yuuri did. Yuuri liked to hear screams and made no bones about it.

That cat wouldn’t like that. That cat seemed to think there was something wrong with what he was doing now.

It’s wrong. It’s only a cat. What could it now about what’s right or wrong? It probably ate live mice. Or worse, if it were a stray. Strays did that sort of thing, or so Ryou had heard. Truth to tell, now that he thought about it, he’d never seen a stray cat at Academia. There were a few on the mainland, but not on the island.

Something about that seemed off, now that he considered the matter. True, most of the teachers weren’t the type to want a pet that couldn’t devour someone whole and the Professor looked down upon eating the students. But what about other people? Students weren’t allowed pets of any kind. No teachers had any. But the others? The staff? Surely they could have had pets. But none of them did.

And now that he thought about it more, he could remember seeing people who walked around with large cats. He’d thought nothing of it. Merely the fashion here to have a large cat with a harness on, he presumed. Surely some of them were assistance animals. He’d heard of those before. There were even a few Academia students who had such creatures, though never a cat.

But they’d given him that same feeling that the cat he’d seen had. He'd merely paid no mind to it.

Perhaps that hadn’t been the best idea.

To Be Continued

Notes: Everything is domestic and tranquil – for now. The process of shattering that tranquility has already begun.

#fanfic #higuchimon writes #ygo gx #ygo zexal #ygo arc-v #marufuji ryou #mizael #yuuri (arc v)#ygobb2020 #chapters: rewards of losing #au: healer firestarter

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