#oh my god this has been in the drafts since SEPTEMBER???

[bulbabutt]

this is soooo my niche but i go crazy every time i see anyone try and seriously criticize the romances in 12 without ever mentioning the agency of the female characters as the core problem.

because that IS the problem with every single relationship in the show.

like you can make all the points about poor writing you want, keep bringing up that karai and leo are related, talk about donnie not taking a hint, that mikey's affections arent even returned etc etc, but if you ignore that the main issue with every single relationship is the misogyny of the writers you're not even saying anything!

the women's feelings dont matter in any romance INCLUDING raph and mona lisa's, because every part of their romance revolves around mona choosing raph over herself and her people.

every one of these romances wouldnt be as poorly written if the women involved were being treated as whole people and not just accessories to their male love interests.

it doesnt matter to the show if karai is related to leo by blood or not, cuz the show never bothers to ask HER how SHE feels about that OR how she feels about leo! it doesnt matter if renet likes or doesnt like mikey cuz the writers only throw her in to that so mikey has someone (esp since he's crushing on karais gf before this). and it SUPER doesnt matter if april ever liked donnie back cuz despite it being the inciting incident of the show they neeeeeever let you know what she actually thinks about donnie! because they DONT care!

literally that is why the only healthy relationship we see grow over the show is bebop and rocksteady AND IM NOT KIDDING! ITS A JOKE BUT ITS NOT BECAUSE BOTH OF THOSE MALE CHARACTERS WE UNDERSTAND THE DESIRES OF MORE THAN ANY WOMAN IN THE SHOW!!!

like its so funny cuz people use it as proof of like "oh you shouldnt do turtle romance" and its like THATS NOT EVEN THE PROBLEM! THE PROBLEM IS THEY NEED TO WRITE THE FEMALE CHARACTERS WITH SOME LIKE.... IDK. DESIRES OF THEIR OWN?!?!?!? SOME AGENCY???

sorry. just you know.... if you DONT bring up the misogyny as the core issue youre not actually talking about the real problem. you havent analyzed anything.

[moldy-flowers]

Izuna x Tobirama au in which Izuna or Tobirama is kidnapped by the others clan and held captive but Tobirama slowly comes to the horrifying realisation that izuna is a yapper

(RELATED TO THIS POST IN WHICH I TALK ABOUT AN HC THAT ALL UCHIHAS ARE SECRETLY YAPPERS BUT ONLY TO LIKE, ONE PERSON)

See, now Tobirama doesn't know about the whole "there's only one person they'll be comfortable yapping to" and he thinks that this may be some weird tactic to get information out of him.

Like Tobirama, kidnapped in enemy territory. He's thinking through every situation possible. He could get out. Except someone with equal power to him just walked through the door, he closes his eyes and looks away, as long as he's looking away they can't get him. He knows who he is just by the way he walks, the way he breathes and the way his heart beats.

Ba-bum, Ba-dum.

He stops approximately a metre away from him.

Ba-bum, Ba-dum.

He crouches down, getting eye-level with Tobirama.

Ba-bum, Ba-dum.

Tobirama would not submit. No matter the torture he be put through by the Uchiha before him. He had danced with swords in the midst of the evanescent flames with Izuna, he felt the burn of the fire and the cool sweat dripping down his temple. He knew all of that Bastards tricks, how to counter them and how to block them.

Ba-dum, Badum.

Izuna opened his mouth to speak, pausing for a short moment to collect his thoughts. 'I will not yield, I will not yield,' Tobirama chanted to himself silently, mind racing he of every angle he could go at this. He knew Izuna well enough to know what his counter would be. But he knew Izuna would be thinking of ways to counter his counter attack.

"Do you know the breed of dog that's native to the mountains in the East? The small ones with the fluffy coat."

Ba-dum Ba-dum Ba-dum Ba-dum Ba-dum Ba-dum.

"...What?"

Oops went on a bit of a writing spree whoopsie daisy's!!!!

But ANYWAYS you get the jist. Tobirama sits there really really confused while Izuna talks his ear off. Like Izuna cannot physically control himself from the yaps. Like their convos are 25% Izuna angrily insulting Tobirama for some sort of information and 25% is him Snarkily yapping about anything that interests him and 50% willing him to open his eyes in silence, like way to close to Tobirama's face. (It's a scare tactic, obviously!!)

Tobirama is originally upset confused and pissed off till Izuna brings up Madara. Tobirama is like "This is my chance im gonna learn all their weaknesses" Izuna complains about how Madara idk is way too strict with routines or something and Izuna was just a little tiny itsy bitsy bit late and he got chewed out. Its not like Izuna did it on purpose‼️ Usually he's very punctual (kind of) but a bunch of suitors kept bothering him‼️ oh uhmm btw bc he's like 19-20 (he was like 24 when he died i think) now and bunch of people of the clan want to get married to him bc Madara has made it clear he won't be taking any wives and threw them all on Izuna, anyways isn't it so rude for Madara to be mad at that like its his fault anyways that Izunas late and omg you'll never guess what he said during training too.

So Tobirama has technically picked up some good information but not really like what he was expecting? He knew that he'd have to read between the lines to try and actually get any actual info that would help him but he just really doesnt know what to do with what he was told. Like he didn't want to know that Madara keeps getting into arguments with the lady that trades fruits in the North East East centre of the Uchiha district over how 1 watermelon should not cost 26 apples. But uhh... its nice to know??

At some point Izuna storms into the room and yells at Tobirama cause Izuna assumes that Tobirama has used that weird idiot fucked up brain of his to make a jutsu that forces Izuna to yap. Like, Izuna can be a little yappy sometimes but it's never this bad and NEVER to a prisoner what did that bastard do to him‼️‼️

This whole time Tobirama actually assumed that it was some stupid tactic to make him talk, but apparently Izuna is under as much stress as he is. Well, not really but he's in an amount of stress that is not insubstantial

I cant think of anything else for this one someone do it for me!!!!

OR if we go the Senju kidnapped Izuna route it could just be Tobirama trying to get information from Izuna and all Izuna will talk about is random bullshit that's kind of relevant and maybe a little helpful but like only really specifically. Like the Senju are totally prepared to fight that one Uchiha with the three ponytails who snores, not loud, but really squeaky like.

They think Izuna is just immune to intimidating tactics but in all reality they're working, but working in a way that he's like "If I'm being interrogated cruely here then what's happening to the Uchiha what if they're all dead omg oh no omg" he just misses his home and he doesn't know if Madara or the clan is okay without him there he is literally in the worst state of his life and when hes anxious he starts to yap and its especially bad when he's with Tobirama. Like the words are just flowing out neither he nor Tobirama can stop it. Like at some point Tobirama isn't even trying to use scare tactics anymore he just sits there and listens to Izuna anxiously waffle about literally everything. Like just when Tobirama thinks he has spoken about literally everything that can be spoken about but somehow Izuna just keeps talking.

And like at some point Izunas throat is a little raw bc he has been speaking non stop for like two weeks and he's trying desperately to keep quiet, he's like spaced out multiple times and not realised what he's been saying for all he knows he's told Tobirama all of his clans secrets and hes getting more and more anxious and just when Izuna manages to stop his 1 hour rant about the bird that used to follow him around and shit on his food there's just like a minute of silence that Izuna desperately wants to fill with the rest of the story about the bird (He still has yet to tell Tobirama about the bird somehow projectile shitting onto lamb he had yet to trade, but bc of the crap on the meat nobody would take it and he swears he heard that bird laughing he KNOWS it!!!!) And he's tweaking trying to keep quiet, till suddenly Tobirama starts talking!! He's lowered his guards!!

Ofc Tobirama isn't going to like tell Izuna all of the clan secrets, but he tells a short tale about Hashirama gambling his shoes away to a six year old child and having to walk home shamefully while Tobirama stared on in silence. Izuna, who has only seen Hashirama in the most serious of circumstances, almost crys from laughter (his vocal cords are DYING) Izuna, after getting a drink of water then tells a story about Madara getting a squirrel tangled in his hair, and not noticing the crying critter for about 5 hours. After this event there was then a game among clansmen, "How many things can we put in Madaras hair before he notices" Tobirama thinks this is hilarious of course, and the both of them bond over their brothers being absolute fucking idiots.

And in like a meeting where everyone wants to know what information Tobirama is getting, and he, who is still on a high after sharing a good laugh with his prisoner, tells everyone about the game. Now- they have word that there will be a battle in the land of ice quite soon, (why? I don't know why are you asking me) and Hashirama feels all left out,,, he wants to stuff random crap into Madaras hair too!!!!

Madara, of course, is so not happy about this WHERE the hell is his brother he is tweaking the fuck out and this battle will be the one where Hashirama dies. The clan has literally been in the worst panic ever since ever and nobody is okay. Even the mean fruit lady looked upset!! They have seventeen different invasion plans and all of them are gory and very sort of glass half empty situation. Like everyone genuinely believes Izuna is either dead or dying and has been traumatized on every level.

Hashirama however has different plans (apart from the plans to put feathers in Madaras hair) see he's a smart lad and he's noticed that Tobirama is a lot more chipper than he used to be. And being the good brother is, he spies on them both. And it was heartwarming!! I mean it was a little mortifying hearing his beloved brother and Izuna laugh at the time Hashirama tried to cut his own bangs and absolutely tear him to shreds but after he got over that he was absolutely giddy!! They're just like Him and Madara were back then frfr!! This could be their chance for peace!!! I mean, out of all of them Izuna was the one who was the most against a peace treaty!!! He doesnt seem too against it now seeing as he's comfortable enough to have general banter with Tobirama!!! Oh well they're quiet now, wait no they're not, holy shit are they making out wait what no maybe its not like him and Madara uh oh maybe he should leave this feels a little private um. Uh..

I don't really want to think of the details on how Izuna actually gets out cause that sounds boring so like Hashirama probably assured Madara all is well or whatever and said some talk-no-jutsu shit to calm Madara down and bring him to some peace grounds or something and get Tobirama to get Izuna back. Which Tobirama doesn't want to do but despite Tobirama being funny and interesting and so cool Izuna really really wants to see his brother and clan mates again and he will chew through Tobirama if it means getting home.

Anyway I'm thinking the war ends with like Izuna getting sent from the Uchiha to marry Tobirama as like a peace offering or smth. The Uchiha are like really sympathetic towards Izuna like "Oh we're so sorry it had to be you this must be so hard for you I saw how you were like totally interested in the women of the clan" and Izunas like "Ikrrr its so terrible I'm sooo totally sorry i couldn't marry any of the girls of the clan boooo :("

Happy ending, TobiIzu are together, Izuna can yap freely, bc of the newly opened trade paths the price of watermelons has lowered to 14 apples, Madara has multiple caterpillars in his hair and almost all of both of the clans have lost respect for Madara and Hashirama and now treat them as those silly guys and not powerful political figures.

[someprettyname]

Pairing : Bachira Meguru x Reader

Basics : SFW, aged up readers, reader is a certain someone's sister

Your eyes observe the light bounce off the golden of your champagne as you swirl it in your flute. Well, that's all there was to observe anyways. 

You sigh and look around. God. Why did you let your brother drag you here to begin with? 

"Careful!" Your head whips towards the source of the warning, an eyebrow raised. "You might step on my heart which just fell for you." 

You blink slowly. Did he just.... Oh. Yeah. He really just used that on you. You scoff in amusement.

Then why is it that you are NOT unimpressed? 

You scan him up head to toe - blunt bangs, highlights, blazer rolled up and first two buttons unbuttoned. 

Quirky yet mature. 

Hm. Is that golden retriever energy that you sense? 

After your initial silence (in your defence, you didn't expect to be hit with such a cheesy pick up line NOW of all times) you speak up, "Good for you, I'm a very careful person." Your tone was hostile enough to let him know you aren't going to entertain another man just looking for hookups but all your initial suspicions are thrown out of the window when he grins. 

Oh. 

Adorable. 

"Well good for me i found YOU of all beautiful then ~" 

Yeah. DEFINITELY golden retriever. 

You couldn't help but let out an amused chuckle, cheeks flushing slightly. And if you were looking up, right at him you'd have seen the way his eyes lit up with you smiled. 

"Y/N," you look up, "in case you wanted to put a name to this beautiful face."

"Meguru," he offers you his hand with sparkly eyes, "Bachira Meguru." 

Despite your scepticism (or tiredness, could be either at this point of this time), you couldn't help but smile at his energy as you shake hands, "It suits you," you take a sip as he takes a seat beside you. 

He was about to say something in turn when your brother appears behind you, "Bachira!" You almost roll your eyes, "I thought you'd left," he then looks down at you, "enjoying yourself?" You simply shrug. 

Are you? 

Isagi sighs internally, "In any case, now that you're both here let me introduce you to each other! Y/N this is Bachira, Bachira this is Y/N, my sister." 

a/n : i was just in a mood to write and this has been sitting in my drafts since September so i decided to give it a direction. This is my first time writing him so I honestly dunno what I'm doing. If you have any feedback, please do give me. I'm also very tired of electrochemistry. I'll write a part 2 too maybe, i just haven't seen any fics with Bachira where she's isagi's sister so i thought it'd be a fun dynamic to mess with :]

divider credit - @/cafekitsune

[menlove]

[image id: an ask from @harbingerofskulls that reads: "im gonna b real i only knew the jerking off i would love to hear you elaborate more if you want to go on the whole situation" /end id]

answering here so i can save as a draft without risking the ask disappearing bc tumblr's been doing that lately but

oh god </3 for everyone else- it's talking about this post. sooo i'm gonna go through each one bc i've been feeling insane for several weeks. i'll do my best to cite my sources lmao

i don't know (johnny johnny)

this is referring to this unreleased VERY early beatles track from 1960. the audio quality is absolute shit & as such unfortunately people love to put words to it that don't make much sense in either direction (i.e a lot of mclennon fans want to hear "you're in love with me" and a lot of people that hate mclennon will just make up the weirdest lyrics that make 0 sense so it's Not Gay). some of the lyrics that ARE clear make it obvious this song is about the two of them running away together- at one point i'm fairly certain paul says "how am i gonna tell my father that we're leaving town?" probably referring to them leaving to hamburg. which would be fine but some of the other lyrics areeeee..... very..... Hm. like multiple times paul refers to john as "my boy" and there's bits of them talking about not knowing what to tell their friends & wanting to just run off together alone. if i were the other members of the band having to record this i would have killed them with hammers <3 also the entire end is just paul going "oh johnny" like 1 million times. okay. sure. also since the lyrics ARE so garbled i mean i guess people could be right about it saying "how am i gonna tell my father you're in love with me" but i just don't hear it. still, a very gay song about running off together and getting away from everything and everyone, complete with moaning the other's name </3

2. paris

this one is a huge part of McLennon Fandom Lore lmao but for good reason. not citing sources on all this bc it's one of those that's just Fact & can be found in like any beatles biography or thebeatlesbible.com (my savior) but. for john's 21st birthday, he got 100 pounds from a rich relative. instead of taking his girlfriend or any of his other friends, he decided to use the money to take paul to spain. but they stopped in paris on the way and just decided to stay there. which i mean like. taking your best friend over your girlfriend to the city of love is a little weird but it's not THAT weird. it's everything else that makes people want to chew glass about it. including some of the other things on this list. like this audio of john just goofing around singing about paris and paul, with such hits as "my cheri, my pau pau my pau paul." which is :| okay best friend. and paul has this picture hung up in his house that he took of john sleeping in paris. okay. sure. why not. (although ig there's some doubt about if the photo is from paris? either way it's a picture paul took and has framed in his house which is incriminating enough my man). also NOT in the original post but may pang, a woman john had a brief affair with in the 70s, wrote a book called loving john. in it, there's this quote:

After a late lunch, Linda launched into a long paean to the joys of living in England. When she was finished, she turned to John and said, “Don’t you miss England?”

“Frankly,” John replied, “I miss Paris.”

okay! also in an interview once he said:

The thing was all the kissing and the holding that was going on in Paris. And it was so romantic, just to be there and see them, even though I was twenty-one and sort of not romantic. But I really loved it, the way the people would just stand under a tree kissing; and they weren’t mauling at each other, they were just kissing.

(interview with david scheff for playboy in september 1980)

3. if i fell

this one i already made an insane post on that started my spiral into posting about the beatles publicly </3 but, essentially, the song "if i fell" by john is..... well it's most likely about paul. he said it wasn't about his wife but that it was auto-biographical and he never really had any public affairs that weren't flings, certainly not a lover. but most damning is he wrote the complete lyrics for the first time on a valentine's day card addressed "to paul with love" with some hearts and arrows pointing to where the lyrics were written. absolutely insane. made me insane.

4. oh! darling

rawest paul song of all time if i do say so myself lmao. but it's just.... Highly Suspicious, that's what it is. a Lot of beatles fans/historians will admit this song is most likely about john but they won't admit that it's fucking romantic if it is. like.

like that is so blatantly romantic idk what to say other than that. also, in the official recording on abbey road, there's Several points where paul says "darling" that sound more like he's saying "johnny" which is what he called him. people brush it off by saying it's his accent, but there's a very clear difference between when he's saying "darling" and when he's saying "johnny". i mean the Lore behind this is that it was written right when things were splitting up between them (& the rest of the band) so it makes sense and it's why most people are willing to accept it's about john. it's just insane to me that they'll accept it's about john without considering the implications of that.

5. the real life demo

this one made me want to light myself on fire i won't lie to you. but here it is! john had a song called "real love" and this is a very early demo of it. but instead of the lyrics that came to actually be in the song (which are thought to be about yoko but let's not get into the fact that it was on a tape labeled "for paul" but whatever), it includes john fucking crying as he sings saying:

"was i just dreaming or was it only yesterday? i used to hold you in my arms. and now a baby and another on the way... la la la la farm..."

which can quite literally be about no one else but paul, as this demo was recorded when he'd just had two children with his wife linda and linda was pregnant with their third child. they'd moved to a farm in scotland. hearing this audio clip did genuinely make me want to lie down in the dirt for a week. also "i used to hold you in my arms" just... yeah. god. when people think it was unrequited idk what to say, really.

6. If Paul Were A Woman-

shoving these two together but. in april of 85, paul said in an interview about john and yoko's relationship:

"I mean, I couldn’t stand in the way of someone who’d fallen in love. You can’t say, 'Who’s this?' You can’t really do that. If I was a girl, maybe I could go out and…"

okay bestie <3 and what would make your relationship different if you were a woman? interesting! and yoko had something similar to say. in this audio, she says:

"I’m sure that if he had been a woman or something, he would have been a great threat – because there’s something definitely very strong between John and Paul."

just reminds me of being a kid and telling my best friends "if i were a boy i'd date you" lol. incredible. does anyone here know about bisexuality.

7. stuart!

not much to say here except that john had a best friend, stu sutcliffe, who died young & before that had been the bassist in the band. paul fucking hated him sooo much oh he SEETHED. a lot has been written on that relationship but it was.... very interesting to say the least. it could have just been about the band, or just jealousy over john's friendship, but take that with a lot of john biographers suspecting john had feelings/even a sexual relationship with stuart and it paints a very Interesting picture to say the least

8. john's bisexuality

here's a compilation of quotes about it, but john was more than likely bisexual. which has nothing to do w paul, really, but more to do against people that like to claim they were both Heterosexual Men. although an interesting quote in this compilation is him saying he's "had paul" lmfao

9. paul's post-beatles work

there's just.... there is so so so much here i don't even know where to begin. @ringompreg has a good compilation of paul songs here. a lot of them do take a bit of Lore but like..... it comes down to the fact that both him and john have/had admitted many times to using their lyrics during The Breakup Years to talk to/reference each other and sooooo many of these lyrics are insanely blatant. the two i mentioned were tug of war and let me roll it, both of which are acknowledged to be about john by most people WITH NO ONE BOTHERING TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE IMPLICATIONS OF THAT which..... tug of war has this:

we could stand on top of the mountain with our flag unfurled? dancing to a beat played on a different drum? this is what gaylors think gaylor conspiracy is but paul mccartney is really out here saying this shit.

and let me roll it is so fucking blatantly romantic but every reviewer is like haha! what a cool song that's "making fun" of john and clearly in his style! like are straight people stupid genuinely. anyway:

bonus to that but about JOHN'S solo work :)))))) he wrote a song called "watching the wheels" and when you consider he very much responded to MANY of paul's solo stuff it's :)

which as a response to let me roll it would just be... so devestating but it may be a stretch idk if i'm onto anything there it's just worth Mentioning

and there's a lot of others, a lot of them in that post up there. like far too many where paul mentions falling in love with a friend like Alright.

10. paul's first lsd trip with john/"i know" "i know"

this one is less blatantly romantic but it is just insane. here's an article. and a quote from george martin about it. the first time paul tripped on acid w john was bc john accidentally took some and he took him home & then took acid w him bc he didn't want john to be alone on the trip :( but, notably:

"And we looked into each other’s eyes, the eye contact thing we used to do, which is fairly mind-boggling. You dissolve into each other. But that’s what we did, round about that time, that’s what we did a lot," the singer recalled, "And it was amazing. You’re looking into each other’s eyes and you would want to look away, but you wouldn’t, and you could see yourself in the other person. It was a very freaky experience and I was totally blown away."

he also apparently saw john as the, and i quote, "emperor of eternity" during this trip??????? okay

SOMEWHERE i can't find it rn and i'm getting lazy but somewhere they (i think paul?) talk about the fact that they used to just stare into each other's eyes and then say "i know" "i know" which. considering john's song "i know (i know)" makes me crazy

11. in my life/i will

these are really just some devastating songs with lyrics that make you really raise your eyebrows. for in my life, written by john, it's just an incredibly romantic & sweet song that is again, not about his wife. given that the lennon estate is still out here posting pictures of paul to those lyrics i have to say it's a liiiiittle suspicious. and i will is...... it's one that paul insists is not about his girlfriend at the time, jane asher. and when you look at the lyrics vs how him and john met.... like. the song goes:

and the story of how they met was that paul saw john repeatedly before they ever met, when he didn't know who john was other than that he thought he looked cool & admired his sideburns (lmfao). and when they did finally meet, it was when john was singing at a garden fete (party) and paul was in the crowd just Mesmerized. so. well. you can see.... you can see how fitting that is. makes me crazy makes me want to chew glass actually

12. "we were each other's intimates" and other insane quotes

"we were each other's intimates" is a paul quote about john which is just insane but that's not even the tip of the iceberg. here's a ton of quote compilations.

13. "literally everything else"/honorable mentions

some honorable mentions go out to: john going on stage w elton john & playing i saw her standing there and introducing it as "a song by an estranged fiance of mine" okay! the "just like starting over" demos. okay! which isn't even to MENTION the fact that paul locked himself away in the studio listening to "just like starting over" on repeat for DAYS after john died like???? john saying repeatedly that he considered paul & yoko to be his two major partners in life including in an interview the literal day he died. a whole ass rpf movie where they kiss & talk like they're ex-lovers and dance in central park (two of us) made by the same dude that made the let it be movie like. he knew them personally? he worked with them closely? and the only thing paul had to say about it was just essentially that it was what he wished would've happened like???????? i can't find a super reliable source for this so take it w a grain of salt, but apparently paul referred to mclennon fanfiction as "beautiful stories" and doesn't mind them being written. paul also had a cat that had kittens & he named two of the kittens pyramus and thisbe after fictional lovers he and john played and he gave pyramus (the character paul played) to john :|

and literally so much else like all of this and it's not even all of it. it's not even close to all of it. i didn't even get to talk about the way in "get back" the documentary, paul started talking about john leaving the band for yoko and how john would choose her over them and then he got teary eyed, started choke laughing, and then started singing "build me up buttercup" before looking at the cameras and stopping. what the FUCK was that about! IT'S NOT EVEN GETTING INTO THE SONG "TWO OF US" THAT'S SO OBVIOUSLY ABOUT JOHN THAT IT HURTS. it's. it's not even scratching the surface. they were just genuinely insane about each other.

[hardtchill]

I feel stupid asking but I didn’t watch NWSL before 2024 and it still confuses me, but I often see people talk about the way Tobin left thorns and how it seemed she was bitter, do you mind explaining why? I’ve tried to look in to it I’m just completely lost. Sorry to ask!

oh god anon you just unlocked my hidden rage. Strap in, this is going to be a wild ride.

Tobin played for the Thorns ever since the start of the NWSL (2013), she was the biggest and most popular player there. She was loved in that city and she wanted to be there. If you don't know Tobin well, you need to know this part. Tobin didn't really consider any place home and traveled all the time. When she got to Portland she started to settle down and actually said she finally found her home. She had said multiple times that she wanted to finish her career in Portland. She even tried to get Portland to sign Christen so they could finally live in the same city and play together. I cannot overstate how much Portland loved Tobin and what an icon she was for that team.

Fast forward to 2020 and covid hitting. Tobin by then has bought a home and she spent quarantine in Portland with Christen. The NWSL wanting to be the first professional sports league back decides to organize the challenge cup in june 2020. Still one of the stupidest and most reckless ideas in NWSL history. Tobin (and Christen) elect not to play which Portland, turns out, really did not like. In september 2020 Tobin (and Christen) are signed by Manchester United to play overseas because they did want to play again (but somewhere safe).

It is important to note that Tobin's rights were still owned by Portland because in the NWSL players aren't human, they are cattle. In the 2020 expansion draft in which Louisville joins the league Portland decides not to protect Tobin and Louisville takes her rights (again, cattle). Everyone and their mother knows this is a foul thing to do and Tobin (and Christen) completely ignore Louisville up until this day. Portland got huge criticism for the way they treated Tobin, feeling like not protecting her (and also the lack of attention to her being drafted) was disrespectful to a player so important to the club. Portland also did nothing to trade her back which would have been perfectly allowed.

Afterwards Louisville being the cunts they are refused to give up Tobin's rights even though Tobin never wanted to play there (keep in mind that rights doesn't mean contract, tobin got no choice in the matter). Tobin couldn't sign with another NWSL team as long as Louisville refused to trade her rights or give them up. So Tobin decides to spent another year in England playing for Arsenal. She got injured again which what we now know to be a chronic knee issue. She returned to the NWSL briefly to join Reign (after Louisville FINALLY pulled their heads out of their asses) but never truly got back to fitness.

Basically Tobin's story is a classic example of why the NWSL will never be a professional league until they consider players to be humans who deserve human rights.

[matchaizuku]

august bnha fanfic recommendation post

hello! this post has been in my draft since early september because i forgot about it, but people seemed to enjoy my first “fic rec” post, so here’s another one!

also, can you tell time travel is one of my favourite tropes?

one-shot and completed works:

just the two of us (we can make it if we try) by ijustwanttodestroy [8k]

“This is super cliche, actually.” “I need you to shut up,” Hitoshi says. “You think they have cameras? Like you know, Saw type of shit? Are they watching us?” the criminal squints at the ceiling corners, his handcuffs rattling as he shifts in his seat. “Oh my god, what if they’re live-streaming this to some sick fucks on the dark web or something?"  Detective Shinsou Hitoshi is trapped in a room with a criminal. One of them has to die.

alternate universe. thriller/crime/mistery vibes. gen. it’s super cool. it’s written masterfully.

Broken Hearts With Hope Seeping Through by Liridus [8k]

Todoroki Natsuo has always been one to deny hope, but here he found himself hoping again. - Natsuo tries to find a place in Touya's life again, regardless of how much he wonders if that's something he deserves.

natsuo being a med student. todoroki family bonding. toga being a younger sister to all of the todoroki brothers. it’s set during canon (and it’s what touya deserved).

i think i want to save you by phanatics [12k]

Dabi wakes up twelve years in the future with a new face, an ugly cat, and Hawks, who loves him.

dabihawks. time travel. it manages to be both cute and introspective. (honestly, to me this is the ending that touya deserved). i’m actually quite picky when it’s about dabihawks fanfiction, but this is definitely worth a read. 

Things that Haunt Our Hallways by ghostwriterofthemachine [14k]

“It was a kid,” Yagi gasped out. He had his hand balled up into a fist and the fist pressed to his lips, as if to remind himself that he could not start screaming. “Or. Young person, maybe 20. Homeless, I think. Activated their Quirk on reflex and then ran. The kids—” Here, he pressed his fist harder to his mouth, sucked in a wheezing breath, as if the air itself was pushing down something with physical weight. “The kids—” “Scattered immediately,” Aizawa finished for him, and Yagi managed a nod.  Yagi’s eyes were so dilated that the blue was almost invisible. He shook violently. He looked like a scarecrow in a windstorm.   Someone activated a Fear-Inducer Quirk so powerful that it reduced All Might to this — of course Aizawa’s class had bolted.  Or: A Fear Gas fic, BNHA style.

this is my absolute favourite bnha fic ever. it has lots of kudos and lots of bookmarks, which means a lot of people have read it, but if you haven’t: go read it now. but don’t forget to read the tags first. it’s gen and hurt/comfort and the whole class relying on each other, and also incredible all might characterisation.

By Any Other Name by SatelliteBlue [258k]

Through some freak accident of the universe, Dabi has been invited to compete on The Bachelorette. Have they actually seen his face? Surprisingly yes, and they still want him. For this season they apparently need a ‘bad boy’ to both balance out the hero contestant (why in hell is Hawks involved?) and to trash talk the show in interviews to appeal to audiences who don’t like the scripting. Getting sent on a vacation away from his annoying bandmates to complain and eat as much free food as he wants? Sold.

the dabihawks bachelorette fic. if you haven’t read it yet they you should, it’s great. bachelorette au, obviously, hawks is still an hero and dabi isn’t a villian, but he’s also not a normal civilian (read to find out why!). i don’t like reality tv but this made me want to watch the bachelor(ette) ngl. the sequel has only 5 chapters out but it doesn’t end in a cliffhanger, and actually it ends in the perfect place.

incomplete works:

Skip by GrumpySunshine [46k]

Aizawa Shouta was tired. Crouched on the edge of the roof as he was, he observed the streets below him silently. He was coming to the end of his patrol, and if everything remained as it was, he'd be able to catch a decent nap before having to report in to the school for another round of proctoring.  Which, of course, is when he saw the kid being chased down the alley.  *** Or Izuku is your average 21st-century kid. Being sucked through a time-traveling portal and dropped in the middle of a fantasy world with supervillains was not his idea for a good start to the new school year. Good thing he has everyone's favorite underground hero keeping an eye on him. With a hero by his side, how much trouble could he possibly get into while trying to find his way back home?

alternate universe + time travel (can you tell that it’s one of my favourite tropes?). yes, it’s incomplete, but it does not end on a cliffhanger. great friendships (it’s a gen fic), super funny, great characterisation of dadzawa and of 21st-century midoriya. definitely worth a read.

[autumnslance]

Year of the OTP - September 2023 - I Wrote This For You

("Meet the Family" has a...long draft I'm still not happy with after 2 years of Endwalker. So have some 885ish words of yearning instead.)

[A letter in nearly type-perfect cursive font, the envelope also containing a pressed white flower yet retaining its sweet scent, delivered surreptitiously via postmoogle to the top of a certain gunbreaker’s pack…]

This is not at all fair.

I toss and turn, staring into the darkened ceiling and wonder when I became so restless. So needy.

I sprawl across the mattress, too big for only myself, missing you. It’s only been hours since we parted, only last night that we held one another, but that doesn’t seem to matter.

It’s not quite an ache, but almost, and I’ve no other words to describe it, running up and down my arms, my legs. A need to be touching, to be holding—but there’s only empty air.

A very specific not-quite-heated-ache low in my abdomen, between my legs, a sensation that will not be sated except by your touch.

I roll over and bury my flushing face in a pillow.

I didn’t used to feel such things. I used to not understand what others meant when describing wants and aches and needs. It was surely an exaggeration. Hyperbole for poetry and songs.

Even when we first met, and others hurled themselves at you, insistent—even desperate—I rolled my eyes and thought they were overdoing it. Certainly, physical intimacy can be enjoyable, but so is a game of tag, or cards, or simply sitting together discussing a book. Handsome you are, but I was convinced they were playing it up to win your attention.

Then somewhere, somehow, though I didn’t mean to, along our long and winding way I fell for you. And it seemed as if my entire world shifted.

The gleam in your eyes, the crook of your smile, the gentle roughness of your hands, the steady beat of your heart in your warm chest when pulling me close. All of you is a conspiracy to rewire my every reaction.

I understand now what it means to melt after seeing the ways you look at me. You ask me to tell you what I want, voice low and rough, and the frisson it causes is not imaginary. It shivers through me now, even just imagining you leaning over my back, calloused fingers on my skin, puff of hot breath on my neck, the rumble in your voice pitched just so…

I flip over again. Still alone. 

I could never be mistaken for wanton. There’s still much I don’t understand. I still need to be coaxed and encouraged because this is all so new and a little embarrassing and a lot messy and I worry my inexperience, my need for guidance, just isn't enough to keep you.

I’ve come to realize there are times you neglect your own wants and needs to tend to mine. And while I am grateful for your attention and your patience, I need your happiness too. 

There’s my blush again, as I think about not just your happiness but your pleasure, in duet with mine. The clench of your fingers in my hair, the tension in your neck and jaw as you arch. The way you moan, or call my name.

Your pleased reactions please me. And gods, the thought of seeing, hearing, feeling them again brings a fresh wave of aching in my limbs, more heat pooling low.

I want you. I need you.

I didn’t used to feel this way.

I didn’t see you, after hours or days or weeks, and think about how much longer it will be until I can have you alone, and then in my bed. Until we’re holding, kissing, touching…

There’s so much more to us than this; after all this time, all we’ve been through together. Some days I only want to sit silently in the same room, each doing our own work or play, basking in your company, your presence in my life more than enough.

Then there are nights like this, when I realize oh no, it wasn’t hyperbole, wasn’t exaggeration. That another person, that you, can make me burn and those desires will be the most wonderful and terrifying sensations.

I miss you, though it’s barely been twelve hours since you kissed me goodbye.

And so, since I cannot sleep, here I am writing down all the ways you make me yearn.

How I am counting the time until I have you here again, wrapped in each others arms, breath catching as lips and fingers find those perfect spots we each know so well on one another’s skin, your voice rumbling in my ear, demanding I tell you what I need but it’s you, just you, moving against me, with me, in me, until we both sing.

I would never have written anything like this before you. I would never have dreamed of sending such words as a letter. But I need you to know how loving you has altered my internal chemistry, and that cannot wait until we are face to face once more.

For one thing, you know I will be too shy to say it aloud. I can see you in my mind’s eye, smiling as you imagine my blushing.

But we have ever connected over written words, so here are mine, for you to hold and read and reread and imagine me imagining you until we are together again.

[beauty-grace-outer-space]

Oh my god I'm going to lose my mind.

Back in Fall of 2017, I auditioned for a local professional choir. I got in, I joined up, yippee. I did the fall/winter season and then returned for the spring season, and it was fun. I did choir my entire life growing up, audition/honor choir 12-18, and musical theater in college. I had missed singing with other people a lot, and it seemed like a good opportunity to be social and get to sing in a group. I even got a few solos; good times.

Fast forward to Fall of 2018. I return for the fall/winter season. Shit is hitting the fan with my grandmother and that whole situation. My mental health is in the gutter. My self esteem tanked out entirely. I was barely making it through. Then the conductor starts introducing "choreography" and I tried, I really did, but I ended up leaving rehearsals (repeatedly) in tears because I was so embarrassed. Finally I hit a breaking point and went "I can't do this anymore, I need to get myself together". So I made my apologies, notified the proper people, and withdrew from the choir. Thought about going back in 2019... didn't. Then COVID hit, and things went virtual for 2+ years. I wasn't interested. Then my mom got hurt, and I have essentially been a caretaker since then. My time was not my own. The choir started meeting in person again this January. I missed singing. I missed the people. I rejoined. Six weeks later, my uncle got sick and died very suddenly. It was extremely traumatic for my family. I became overwhelmed emotionally and in regards to time management. When it became clear I was going to miss more than three rehearsals, I made my apologies and withdrew from the choir, but always with the intention to return for the Fall season. This is something I made explicitly clear to the conductor, the manager, and the staff as a whole. Then in August, my grandmother died very suddenly. Far less emotional fallout, but my time was-- once again-- not my own. I had no idea what dates or deadlines we'd be dealing with, what all needed to be done, etc. but I knew we would have to clean out their apartment, move my grandfather in with family, and handle all of the post-death bureaucracy. The choir season started; I did not join. One week later, everything wound up resolved and wrapped up and I realized I really miss choir and will be able to make rehearsals, at least September - December... so I send a message to the conductor asking if it's alright that I return. No response. I messaged a friend who is in the choir and she told me to just come to rehearsal (something that is done all the time). I notified the manager and relevant staff, filled out the paperwork, and went to rehearsal. I had the most fun I've had in weeks. People were excited to see me, and I them. The music for this season is gorgeous and it felt good to remember that I can look at music and know how it reads and how to perform it. It felt good to remember another language I speak outside of writing alone in my room: music. I went out for drinks after with one of my closer friends in the group and we chatted for hours. I made plans to hang out with a few others, and I got excited about the prospect of the retreat this weekend, spending a whole day working on music in a beautiful building instead of the usual pre-birthday sobbing alone in my room for three straight days. And then the conductor emailed me. I am certain I'm reading too much into it, but it basically said, "You're a flake and I want you to think long and hard about the commitment you're willing to make to this choir." And she CC'd the new head of the organization, a woman who has never met or spoken to me. All the good feelings instantly vanished. I'm sad and frustrated and angry. I waited a while, and cried a lot. I drafted a few different replies. I finally returned her email (and CC'd the same person so she'd see my reply as well). I politely but pointedly said "I had two deaths in the family this year unexpectedly, which changed my schedule dramatically in a way that was out of my hands. I did ask your permission to come back, but since you didn't reply I figured it was better not to miss another rehearsal than to wait on an answer. Let me know what you want me to do. If it's preferable I'll just return the music ASAP and remove myself from the roster."

I'm not going to the retreat on Saturday. I'm convinced I made up all of the positive reactions to my presence in my head and now am wondering if people asked her to try to get me to leave because they probably don't like me, anyway. I'm reviewing and overthinking every interaction I had, and I keep coming back to standing in a group of a few of us, looking for an excuse to go out to dinner or karaoke, and one of them saying, "Well my birthday is October 3rd." I said, "And mine is September 24th!" (which is stupid and I should not have said anything and I hate that I said anything at all). And then they just continued, "Oh, yeah let's go out for (other girl's) birthday!" and that was that. And I do not like my birthday. I do not want to do anything for my birthday. It's already miserable and it hasn't even come yet. But now, of course, in my head it's like, "No shit, Sherlock. No one gives a fuck about you or your birthday, just keep your fucking mouth shut, idiot." When the conductor finally replied to my email, she basically just said that they expect singers to commit September - June, and not much else. I feel like I'm out of ways to say, "I can give you September - December, but I can't promise anything past that. If that's not ok, please tell me now." I just want her to tell me, because if *I* make the decision to leave based on what she's saying, I'll look like I'm proving her right and flaking out. But if she tells me, hey, sorry, that's not gonna work then I can at least be like, "Oh, there were logistical issues." So now I'm just stuck in this spiral of: no one likes you, no one wants you around, everyone thinks you're unreliable and a bad friend and annoying, just shut the fuck up and go away and for the love of god stop trying.

[golbrocklovely]

since i do plan to see mtrench in late september, i think doing a review on their new album is necessary lol

feel free to read if you wanna. i know most of you that follow me aren't doing so bc of this band, but i do love them so much so i figured doing a review would be fun :)

i've been a fan of marianas trench since i was 11ish, circa 2006/7. just in between my fall out boy and jonas brothers phase. i've seen them three times in concert, and this will be my first time seeing them alone, so i'm excited. and i miss seeing them live.

i'm also gonna meet them, but let's not think about that rn.

so for this album, when i heard A Normal Life, i was so immediately into the album. i truly miss their big orchestral pieces and just how good their music can be, so hearing something new was amazing. it's definitely one of my favorites, even now after hearing the whole album.

the other singles… they were a bit of a build up to loving them, minus Down To You. that one i instantly loved as well.

after hearing the entire album, i do want to note one thing.

i love mtrench, have been a fan of them for a majority of my life. however, this album is definitely gonna have to grow on me. the lyrics are very hit or miss. Phantoms (their previous album) also had this problem with me. the music itself is great, the vocals are on point, but the lyrics are so… bland. like, they feel like a first draft. or like when they did pop 101, the whole "higher/desire/fire" lines… yeah, making actual lyrics like that isn't as funny as it was back then when you were mocking pop music.

and the thing is, i don't mind simple lyrics. i truly don't. but josh has talked about going thru some crazy shit over the past couple years. and i thought that maybe that would show up in this music, and it does to some extent. but it just feels like he didn't really tap in enough. i miss the anger and frustration of Fix Me. i will literally give them all my money if it means they come out with a new pop/punk album or SOMETHING like that. the pop music is great, i will never not like the rock opera elements they continue to do. i just wish the lyrics were deeper. they feel surface level at times in the album.

okay, enough of that. let me break down each song and my overall score.

A Normal Life: fucking amazing. again, one of my favorites for sure. a great opener. sets the scene for the rest of the album. i know hearing this live is gonna change my life lmao favorite line: But what about all those voices in the night? / Whispering the things that keep me from a normal life rating: 5/5

Lightning and Thunder: this was a bit of a slow burn for me. originally when i heard it, i thought it was fine, but not my favorite. truly only listened to it maybe twice before the album came out. but now i like it a lot. i think lyrically it could be better but i don't mind it. it kinda reminds me of 'remember this' by the jonas brothers lol vocals are top notch tho ! favorite line: But sometimes I feel my mother and father in the room / It's like their hands are on my shoulders / So I think they feel us too rating: 3.5/5

I'm Not Getting Better: so when i saw this title, i was so excited. i was like 'omg this is gonna be my song' bc i think we can all kinda relate to that feeling. but…. damn does this song disappoint lol first off, it sounds like blank space by taylor swift. so extremely dated, but not in a fun way. the lyrics are like a nothing burger. you could just make "do do do" the lyrics and they would hit about as hard as these do. i like the falsetto. i love the vocals. the chorus is definitely the best part of the song. but i just hate how bland this song is. i expected so much more by the title. at least the song is a bit catchy. favorite line: Oh well / Who said I was getting better? rating: 2/5

Down To You: so this came out like right before the album did, and i was so let down from INGB that i didn't want to listen to this one. but i did, and thank god i did. i fucking love this song. i will say the only thing i don't love is that this song is similar to 'need you to stay' by kid laroi. especially the chorus. but it's not exactly the same, so i don't mind it. this is an example of the lyrics, again, not being deep. but i don't mind it as much bc the song itself is fun and everything hits well together. so idc that the lyrics aren't deep or whatever. can't wait to hear this one live. also something about this reminds me of masterpiece theater (the album) in the best way. favorite line: So here we are / But something's changed / A broken heart / And now I'm drinking in the dark rating: 5/5

Now or Never: this song reminds me of astoria (the album), but i can't place what song, especially towards the end of the song. i quite like the lyrics. the vocals are top fucking notch and i cannot wait to hear this song live. this is honestly such a sweet song. and the first one i heard from the album after the singles so… pretty good starter. i will say this is when i started to realize… where are all the bridges?? i love a good bridge and this song should have had one lol favorite line: It's now or never / I don't believe in crying more / Now I know better rating: soft 4/5

Into the Storm: this is like a hybrid baby of masterpiece theater and phantoms. the baseline reminded me of fix me, tho. again, another song that could have had a bridge. lyrically it's fine. i kinda wanted more, but it's not bad. love how the song starts slow and then builds. the ending was awesome. favorite line: Just repeat this / Long goodbye / A broken record always on the radio of mine rating: 3/5

Ancient History: so when i saw the little description of this song, "allies", idk why but i thought that i was gonna love this song/this was the song i was claiming as mine. and in a way, i kinda agree with my earlier belief. this song is really good. obviously inspired by 'yesterday' on astoria. the saxophone is fucking crazy in the best way lmao this song feels like the 80s (or what i would assume the 80s felt like since i literally wasn't alive lol) favorite line: Who we are now / Whoever we are now / It's never without our history rating: 4/5

Stand and Fight: this song could easily be on astoria. i honestly really like this song. i think this could be one of my favorites later down the line. as of right now i like it but it's not a favorite just yet (at least i don't think so lol). these lyrics are better, still a twinge bland but honestly i don't mind it. vocally amazing. that one "so stand and fight" where his voice breaks a bit… omg kill me that hurt. this is gonna be so awesome to see live. favorite line: To all those years we don't get back / To every hope that we hold tight rating: 3.8/5

Turn and Run: ngl these titles are very boring lol but i do like that they are referenced thru out the album. this song tho… it's like a little bit of every album from them, which is so cool. it first reminded me of astoria, then ever after, then phantoms, and towards the end it sounded like fix me. honestly this was a bit of sleeper hit, bc when i listened to this song first time i was into it but haven't listened to it since, and now?? might be a late fav of mine. favorite line: Tears that we've shed / Are stones we lay on roads that lead us to the end rating: 4.5/5

Worlds Collide: i remember first hearing this song and thinking this should have been the closer, bc that's how epic sounding it was first listen thru. when i heard the "you're beautiful" line, i immediately smiled. i didn't even realize 'cross my heart' was also in there too. this really is a mashup of masterpiece theater and ever after in the best way. like honest one of the best songs from this album for sure. favorite line: The stars should point you home but who knows where you are / You disappeared for years out there rating: 4.5/5

Nights Like These: this song reminds me of a song that gets played a lot at my work (which i looked up and it's 'i got you' by olivia lunny) so immediately… not a favorite of mine. i think the lyrics are really sweet and obviously very personal to josh. i just.. can't vibe with this song. it's very basic and kind of boring. i know that makes me sound like an asshole since it's about his son. but it's just a very meh song to me. if they end up not playing this song live, i won't be upset about it. sorry lol favorite line: We were lit by a candle / Got stuck in the storm / And as the rain fell we stayed / Close to keep warm rating: 2/5

Remember Me By: giving astoria vibes, very much michael jackson/shut up and kiss me. love it so much. such a fun song. and i love the lower vocals (go ian) and it's just a great way to almost close out the album. and the change into the next song??? awesome. very ever after coded. favorite line: I'm desperate / Like a small-town Juliet rating: 4/5

Haven: such a great closer. starts out similar to phantoms but then goes well beyond that. little bits of the other albums are thrown in too. someone pointed out that they should have used the line "And the road home is paved in star fuckers requiem" which would have been INSANE honestly. but regardless, this song is definitely one of my top favorites. expected nothing less from mtrench. favorite line: I don't know why it makes no sense / But my premonitions in past tense / I can't see past today's midnight rating: 5/5

overall i think this album is good. i won't say it's my favorite yet (but that will probably happen by the 20th listen thru or something lol) but i do think it's pretty solid all things considered. i wish the lyrics were a bit deeper or meaningful. also, someone else pointed it out but i have to agree - i miss when they wrote harder, sadder stuff. and i get that josh is in a better place in his life than he was back when he wrote fix me or masterpiece theater, but damn do i miss that sound and those lyrics. if i honestly think about it, i haven't related to a lot of the lyrics in recent years. but i also don't mind that to some extent. i just kinda miss when things were a bit more relatable to me. also i'm hoping that two of the songs from this album don't get played live and something else instead is played, like literally anything from fix me lol

overall ranking of the songs:

Down To You

A Normal Life

Haven

Worlds Collide

Turn and Run

Remember Me By

Now Or Never

Ancient History

Stand and Fight

Lightning And Thunder

Into The Storm

I'm Not Getting Better

Nights Like These

[blizzardsuplex]

20. What’s a favorite title for a fic you’ve written?

22. Do you know how your fic will end before you start writing?

29. Share a bit from a fic you’ll never post OR from a scene that was cut from an already posted fic. (If you don’t have either, just share a random fic idea you have that you don’t plan on getting to.)

20: running to my list of titles...I think my top three (not in order) are "be my sunshine and sing", "butterflies from new york", and "grown on the edge of the ocean".

22: usually? Yes! At the very least I think of how I want the ending to FEEL, even if I don't have the exact scene or happenings planned out yet.

29: the original draft for the first chapter of the influencer AU was completely different from the 550 mark on, part of which I share here under the cut:

“Well,” Kyle begins, “do you remember the part of last year’s report about your viewer demographics?” “...kind of?” Isn’t dealing with all that stuff for me what I keep you on for, Adam almost says but ultimately decides against. He can guess how the other might react to those words in the middle of what is now ostensibly a professional conversation, and at 8 A.M. it’s way too early in the morning to argue. Oh, and it might hurt Kyle’s feelings, too. I guess. So instead Adam has to suffer through Kyle’s irritatingly patient tone. The things he does for friendship and/or good relations with an excellent manager… “Okay, I’ll remind you. We’re experiencing stability in key groups, and even noticeable growth in engagement from those in the 18 to 49 year old female demo since September—” (Oh. He remembers that, at least. He’d been a bit hesitant to do that Japanese hot springs stream at the time, but he couldn’t deny it got results. He hadn’t even been the one to pay for the trip!) [...] Kyle rolls his eyes. “No, my phone’s fine. But that’s not what I said—that’s what you said at the New Year’s Eve party. Word for word, actually. In front of everyone.” “Everyone?” “Yep. Pretty emphatically, too.” An amount of smirkiness just small enough to be plausibly deniable enters the other’s voice. “You stood up on a chair and everything.” “...uh.” God, he honestly doesn’t know what to say here. That’s always made him uncomfortable, and so he falls back on his default: immediately shifting any potential blame from him to anyone else. “No way I said that and meant it, dude. Were you drunk? Did you not eat enough peanut M&Ms with your champagne?” “No, but maybe you should have…or not.” Kyle shrugs, mostly chill as ever. “You honestly made some pretty good points about untapped potential and stuff like that; the sponsors were nodding along the entire time.” Now it’s Adam’s turn to roll his eyes. “We both know that doesn’t mean anything! As if they know anything about market trends and statistics." Neither does he, really—he's not that kind of nerd—but this is a rare instance where he is thankful people aren't talking about him.

[gwil-lee]

Hello everyone, how have you been? 🤗

It seems like forever since I’ve been here, but I feel like I might slowly but surely return. I tried it back in September I think, and I don’t know, it was just really difficult to get excited about things. I have to admit that the last year has been rather weird and complicated, and things are not at all working out for me the way I want them to, but that’s life I guess.

So yeah, I’ve been lurking here for a few weeks now, saving things into my drafts (which will explain why in the future I’m reblogging stuff that you posted a month ago or so). I don’t think I’ll be giffing anything though, at least not right now. My laptop is barely functioning as it is and you’re all so inredibly talented that I just can’t compare. So I’ll be more than happy to just be here and reblog your gorgeous gifsets!

By the way, the most exciting thing that happened to me while I was gone? I saw Queen + AL a month ago in Switzerland and OH MY GOD!! The best day ever! And since I’d bought tickets to the golden circle, I got to stand maybe like 5 metres away from them???!!! Honestly, it was really the best and I’m super happy I got to share this experience with the most wonderful @tynatheavocado💙💜 I’ll be sharing pictures and videos tonight, if you’re interested 😊

I’ve missed you all so, so much 💜💜💜

[captainsjack]

gus has been planning his and shawn’s wedding since the 8th grade.

it started out innocent enough, just gus thinking about how he’d like his wedding to be - colour schemes, ties, food, etc, and eventually he even made a little binder of magazine cut outs and his own written ideas, with colour coded tabs, each section cross-referenced with various forms of organization. and then, eventually, somewhere along the way, he realised he was probably, most likely, in love with his best friend, and all of the sudden that ambiguous figure in front of the altar now had shawn’s face, and then gus started thinking about what shawn would like at his wedding - their wedding.

and the binder then became more detailed and more packed with papers, and it was something gus turned to along the years whenever he was feeling particularly depressed about being in love with his best friend.

he keeps it under his bed, hidden away, and only pulls it out when there’s something more he wants to add or when he really can’t stop thinking about how much he loves shawn.

when shawn leaves after high school without saying goodbye, gus almost burns the binder. the only reason he doesn’t, is because it’s actually filled with some good ideas and he doesn’t want all of that to go to waste. so he keeps it under his childhood bed while he’s at college, and the person in front of him at the altar isn’t shawn anymore - it can’t be. no matter how much he wants it to.

when gus packs up his stuff after graduating, after he’s finally found a job and a decent place, he doesn’t really think twice about packing the binder too. he just takes all his things, and the binder is in a box of other important papers that gus brings along.

gus hasn’t thought about the binder in years. when shawn moves back, they fall back into their rhythm pretty quickly, and soon enough, gus realises that those feelings from so long ago never really went away.

the longer shawn stays, the harder it is to stuff those feelings down, and it’s not long before gus is looking over the binder once more. (he’s reread and edited his vows plenty of times, and now gus considers writing a new draft - one that wasn’t written by a 12 year old). as he reads it over again, he realises that he was in love with shawn before he even could put words to it. the unnamed person at which the vows were directed, ones he’d written 20 years ago, everything he’d written about him, were all things he could say to shawn - things he wanted to say - and it was clear to him that the person he was describing had always been his best friend.

they’re at gus’s apartment one night, and apparently gus had been a bit careless this time, because shawn walks out of his bedroom (having just changed his shirt - he’d spilled salsa on it and gus was Not going to have whatever shawn couldn’t or wouldn’t wipe off get all over his couch and pillows) holding the binder, a confused little smirk on his face, and he asks “dude, what’s this?”

gus freezes as he realises what shawn’s holding, and can barely restrain himself from physically punching himself in the face for not putting the binder back under his bed where it belonged.

“nothing,” he chokes out.

shawn flips through a couple more pages, tilting his head a little, and gus is absolutely frozen - his mind completely circuiting out, and shawn looks at him and says, “wow man, you put a lot of thought into this!”

a part of gus relaxes, because, oh, good, maybe shawn hasn’t seen the parts with him in it, maybe he just thinks this is gus planning his own wedding. so he stumbles out with a “uh, oh yeah. i kinda forgot about that, i think it’s from high school,” and turns back to putting their dishes away.

and shawn still has that irritating little smirk on his face and he looks back down at the binder and says, “yeah, cool wedding, but why’s my name in it?”

gus thinks that somehow, all of the oxygen in his apartment has disappeared, and he’s looking anywhere but shawn, when he quickly says, “i have to account for best man stuff,” and hopes to god shawn buys it.

shawn hums lightly, still looking curiously at the page, as he casually makes his way over to gus. “i’m pretty sure vows aren’t directed at the best man.”

oh.

shawn flips through a couple more pages, and gus is absolutely, completely silent, seriously considering just running the fuck out of the place and starting a new life in mexico.

he’s staring at the bowl of apples on the table, body frozen solid, and gus is quite sure he hasn’t breathed in about 3 minutes.

shawn looks back up at gus, tilting his head a bit, and gently puts the binder down on the table.

gus hasn’t moved.

he hasn’t moved, and he’s not planning on moving - he’s perfectly content standing here pretending he doesn’t exist, until he feels shawn’s hand on his face, feels the warmth of his shoulder as it brushes his own, and then shawn’s lips brush against his lightly.

gus is still frozen, but shawn moves closer to him and presses his lips against gus’s again, this time a bit harder. and he kisses him again, and again, and again, until, finally, gus kisses back.

as shawn pulls away once more, hands curled around gus’s neck, his nose brushing his, he smiles against gus. “i like september better, august is too hot,” he murmurs.

eyes still closed, hands slightly loosening on shawn’s hips, gus is only half aware of what’s going on when he says, “but i like summer colors.”

shawn pauses in consideration, lightly pressing another kiss to gus’s mouth. “june then,” he says.

and as gus finally opens his eyes, his brain finally caught up to speed but still filled with so many questions, he smiles softly at shawn and says, “deal.”

shawn grins back and kisses him again.

[stayarmytinyzenmoa-l]

oh pfff i was wondering why september 23rd seemed to be such an important date in my mind ever since you posted the prominence thing and that's the day nct 2020 had their collective vlive last year 😭

Ding ding!!!! You got it!!!! September 23 is when I started drafting Prominence, actually, I was like "mm big vlive lots of nct members lets write a fic about this"

Of course said fic was the darker version of Prominence, I don't think I made the comedy switch until October but yeah!!!!!

Also I recently opened the notes for Viridity (the darker Prominence) again just cuz so here I'll drop more stuff I found there for you lollll

TW: Kidnapping Mention, Saesang Activity, Hospitalization

So, important note, the day the whole kidnapping takes place was right before ANiMA's comeback. Obviously, SM pushed back the comeback because one of their members is missing and etc. Moving on, I had this segment where there's a breaking news thing that YN's been found and Hwa rushes to the hospital because he's technically her next of kin since YN's (hypothetically) a foreigner so her family's overseas and since he's her boyfriend he's the next best thing. So in this whole scene man is listening to the doctors who are explaining the multitude of emergency surgeries YN has to undergo but he really doesn't understand much of anything, but it's when he's signing the consent forms where he realizes, and I quote, "I feel like I'm signing her away to her death." And he just sits there the entire night waiting for her and none of the NCT members can come since they're not technically family so finally when she's moved to a private room because she is a well known celebrity so girl needs her space, Seonghwa, Saeron, and Taeyong do rotating rounds to watch her and make sure she's good. There's also a note in there how Seonghwa's mom makes them all dishes because she realizes that YN doesn't have her mom in Korea so she'll step in for that role since YN's parents can't come to the country at that time because awwwww. Anyway, one day on Seonghwa's turn man knocks out from the stress of it all because it's been five days why isn't she waking up? And basically while he's asleep leaning over slightly with his head resting on the bed surprise YN wakes up and she just rubs his head softly and obviously he wakes up too and just tears everywhere cuz oh my god she's okay.

SM then had to jump on and explain to the fans that YN's awake and all so then they send in the Manager and the rest of ANiMA to discuss the group proceedings. This is when YN finds out that Fifth Member has been kicked out and black listed and when she says that she still wants to stay in the group despite it all. Also, yes, there's a harsh burn in the official statement that literally says "All four members of ANiMA have agreed to release the Music Video but will not be promoting" cuz duh. They ended up editing fifth member out and having Taeyong re-record fifth member's lines etc.

Also, yes, both groups are doing promotions at this time and everyone has to act like they're okay.

I also had a side note that maybe NCT Dream was doing the virtual fansigns and one of the fans basically asks Mark if he's doing okay with the whole situation going on because everyone knows that Mark and YN were close close and man just smiles and nods and fan just says "it's okay to cry, Mark, we understand" and then he just starts sobbing because it's fucking hard.

I also have more stuff on after YN goes home from the hospital but this post is getting way too long LMFAO so yeah have fun with that new info :D

[cotncandyboifics]

1989 [High School AU]: Chapter 1

AO3 Link

Masterpost

Chapter 2 ~ Chapter 3 ~ Chapter 4 ~ Chapter 5 ~ Chapter 6 ~ Chapter 7 ~ Chapter 8 ~ Chapter 9 ~

Pairings: slight Logince, eventual Prinxiety & Logicality

Word count: 1,780

Story summary: Roman Prince is your stereotypical Jock, with everyone swooning after him. Every day a crowd of people follow him around, only to disperse at his personal whim. In reality, he's lucky to have such good acting skills that help him cover up the disdain he has for his life. He only wishes he could use his skills properly.

Patton Whitelock's always there to lend a helping hand, no matter who you are. If you need a favor or just need someone to talk to, go to him. In reality, he's been taught from a young age that kindness should be held above all else. No one suspects that he took it the wrong way.

Logan Montgomery is the smartest boy in the Senior class. He's stern, and most people are too intimidated to speak to him. In reality, he despises most all of his fellow students. He sticks to his studies and doesn't stray, for fear of being stuck in his father's shadow his whole life.

Virgil Black is the most emo kid in school, let alone 12th grade; everyone knows to leave him be. In reality, he's very fortunate. He has two parents who love him dearly. But everything beyond his life, everything within his mind, is utter chaos and turmoil.

what will happen when they're assigned a biology project together?

General CW: food, swearing, implied s-lf h-rm, non-graphic descriptions of s-lf h-rm scars, graphic and non-graphic descriptions of anxiety attacks and panic attacks, drug abuse, minor character intoxicated on heroin, non-graphic drug overdose description, sickness/description of sickness, blood, non-graphic descriptions of needles, (will be added to as I write more)

Chapter CW: <none> (let me know if i missed anything please!)

Author notes: hook chapter go brr

...

Nice to meet you, where you been?

I can show you incredible things

Magic, madness, heaven, sin

Saw you there, and I thought

"Oh my god, look at that face

You look like my next mistake"

Love's a game, wanna play?

Roman checked his watch discreetly as he walked down the hall toward his first class. 7:58. He was almost late, but not quite. As he walked in, earning a glare from Mr. Berry and a few students, he glanced at the whiteboard. It read: "Tuesday, September 3 / Classwork: OT essay workday / Homework: OT Analysis and Essay due FRIDAY". The word "Friday" was written sloppily large and underlined. Roman just kept his sleepy poker face and walked to his desk, in the second-to-last row in the middle. He'd not noticed the shrunken figure at the desk next to him, whom everyone knew but no one liked. Virgil Black.

New money, suit and tie

I can read you like a magazine

Ain't it funny, rumors fly

And I know you've heard about me

So hey, let's be friends

I'm dying to see, how this one ends

Grab your passport, and my hand

I can make the bad guys good for a weekend.

Virgil shoved his hands in his hoodie pockets as he glared in Roman's general direction from behind bright purple bangs. His scowl deepened as Roman pulled out his notebook but didn't take his single earbud out, proceeding to doodle on the margins of his notebook.

Roman propped his head up on his right palm, tilting his head carelessly as he drew stars around a stick man's head. By this time, the plump red-faced man known as Mr. Berry, teacher of English 12, had taken his respected place at the front of the class for a quick lecture before they began classwork.

So it's gonna be forever,

Or it's gonna go down in flames

You can tell me when it's over,

If the high was worth the pain

Got a long list of ex-lovers,

They'll tell you I'm insane

'Cus you know I love the players,

And you love the game

"Good morning students," He said in a blubbering gritty voice, the sagging skin below his chin bouncing comically as he did so. "I trust you completed reading the rest of the book. Now, as I'm sure you've noticed, the Analysis and quotes along with your essay's final draft are due - both printed - on Friday. If you turn it in on Monday, it'll drop two letter grades, and any time after that is a zero. I should hope this first assignment will get you in the punctual mindset for my class." The large man was walking about the room, between desks checking for cheating or kids working ahead. He was strict, and didn't tolerate out-of-line behavior. As he completed his sentence, his eyes fell on Roman, who was still slouched apathetically, doodling, earbud in. The students watching Mr. Berry saw his face somehow achieve a deeper hue of red and his eyes bulge, as a bull does when it spots it's target. Roman however, didn't notice; a pale-faced Virgil tried to get his attention without the teacher noticing.

'Cus we're young and we're reckless,

We'll take this way too far

It'll leave you breathless,

Or with a nasty scar

Got a long list of ex-lovers,

They'll tell you I'm insane

But I've got a blank space baby...

And I'll write your name.

"Psst. Roman." he hissed in vain. Roman's earbud was in his right ear, the same side Virgil was sitting on, so quiet noises from that direction were inaudible to him. Despite the class's uneasiness as Mr. Berry made his way to Roman's seat, and though Roman was fully aware of the fat fuming man advancing on him, he made no change in expression or focus; merely, filled in the dark half of the yin yang he had sketched next to his name as he lightly mouthed the words of the song.

Mr. Berry stopped right in front of Roman's desk, looking down at him furiously. When Roman ignored him, he took further action. Just as Roman had completed the yin yang, a fat red hand came down loudly on his desk and a sudden "MR. PRINCE!!" Erupted from the old man's gullet.

Cherry lips, crystal skies

I can show you incredible things

Stolen kisses, pretty lies

You're the king baby I'm your queen

Find out what you want,

Be that girl for a month

Wait, the worst is yet to come... oh no.

Roman looked up at him slowly, but no trace of fear could be found on his face. Even, a slight smirk hinting at the corners of his mouth. But, not enough for the old man to notice.

"What sort of media is emitting from those... earphones?" Mr. Berry said, bug-eyed.

Roman held up the earbud that wasn't in his ear, looking at it. "You mean these?" He said.

Mr. Berry simply sighed and rolled his eyes frustratedly. "Yes, 'in those', Mr. Prince. You'd better have an adequate response."

Screaming, crying, perfect storms

I can make all the tables turn

Rose garden filled with thorns

Keep you second guessing, like

"Oh my god, who is she?"

I get drunk on jealousy

But you'll come back each time you leave

'Cus darling I'm a nightmare dressed like a daydream.

Roman held the old man's gaze, as if searching for something within his grey-brown orbs. After a moment, he sighed quietly and said, "Taylor Swift."

His response earned a few snickers from other students, to which Mr. Berry scanned the room to see if he could bust two students in one go.

Most of the students thought he looked like Napoleon from the 1954 animated movie based on Animal Farm, a fair comparison. His balding head and fat body gave him an appearance that was quite comparable to a pig.

After a moment of glaring at a few of the known renegades of the class, he returned his focus to Roman. But, this time, he didn't appear as angry; rather, he was smiling gently, but his eyes still held an angry glow. "Since you see no point in listening to my lecture, I'm sure you wouldn't mind showing the class a sufficient outline for your first draft essay? Along with the requirements, of course," the senile man's smirk curled up into a grin as he spoke, tilting his head a bit. Roman merely smirked himself, and stood.

So it's gonna be forever,

Or it's gonna go down in flames

You can tell me when it's over,

If the high was worth the pain

Got a long list of ex-lovers,

They'll tell you I'm insane

'Cus you know I love the players,

And you love the game

Mr. Berry watched in moderate surprise as Roman walked swiftly past the rows of desks to the whiteboard, uncapped an expo marker, and began writing in neatly printed lettering. "Ok, so the final draft is due on Friday," He began, "So you should have your first draft completed by tonight. The essay must have at least five body paragraphs, a minimum of two quotes each-" Virgil watched, shocked, gripping his pencil so that his knuckles paled. "So I hope you've picked out your quotes already. The thesis needs to answer the prompt, obviously. Conclusion should be at least five sentences. So overall, about two or three pages. I'd recommend using this class time to create an outline in your notebook, and typing up a first draft. Have your second draft done tomorrow, and final details on Thursday. And because Mr. Berry is too... behind the times to use Google Classroom, you'll need to print it out and hand it in physically. I'm sure Mr. Berry isn't partial to the trees we're killing, so if you're in Environmental club, I'd not bother complaining." And with this final sentence, Roman touched up his writing on the board and walked back to his seat, never taking out his earbud.

'Cus we're young and we're reckless,

We'll take this way too far

It'll leave you breathless,

Or with a nasty scar

Got a long list of ex-lovers,

They'll tell you I'm insane

But I got a blank space baby...

And I'll write your name.

Mr. Berry was still standing over Roman's desk, now staring down at him with large eyes. He opened his mouth slightly to say something, but was interrupted by another student asking a question. From then on, Mr. Berry ignored Roman, which was an easy feat, as Roman did the same.

After a little over half an hour, the bell rang, and Roman slung his backpack over his shoulder and walked out. Mr. Berry considered asking him why he'd only doodled for the entirety of the class period and not worked on his essay, but his pride got the best of him, and he watched as the young man walked out of the room confidently.

Virgil had slipped out before Roman, and was now pretending to exchange things in his locker, which was unfortunately right next to Roman's. The tall jock walked up to his own locker, earning a scowl from the darker boy.

"What? Enjoy the show I put on in Mr. Diabetes' class?" Roman said, leaning against the lockers as Virgil shut his own. The dark boy just grunted and walked off, feeling Roman's eyes watching as he turned a corner. Roman smirked for the hundredth time that morning when he was gone and turned to open his own locker. When a few girls from the cheer team started to linger, flipping their hair and puffing out their chests, and Roman actively ignored them until he walked past close enough that a few of them let out squeals. He heard the usual murmurs from behind him, "he's so hot," and "I'd kill to be his date to Homecoming." He smirked to himself again, making his way to his Physics class.

...

Virgil spotted is best friend Patton in his usual seat as he walked into his second period Economics class. The boy smiled at Virgil up on seeing him, and waved happily.

"Hello Virgil!! how are you feeling this morning?" He said cheerily as Virgil took the seat next to him, sliding his backpack under the desk.

"Alright I guess." He thought about telling Patton about Roman, but thought better of it; Patton had enough on his plate to worry about as it was.

As for Patton, he had already taken to pulling out his notebook, preparing for a long class of note-taking. Economics was one of the most note-heavy classes either of the boys had, and usually required all their focus. As the teacher stood from his desk and turned on his projector, Virgil could've sworn he saw Patton staring at someone, but as soon as he looked, Patton focused on the teacher, readying his pencil. But, Virgil being the parano- vigilant person he was, followed what he thought was Patton's line of sight to... Logan Montgomery? What? Upon realizing who he had thought Patton was looking at, he brushed it off. There's no way Patton would be looking at him. is there?

[hot-soong-type-summer]

Tag Game

OH MY GOD HOW LONG HAS THIS BEEN IN MY DRAFTS?? mid april at LEAST, o shit o fuck. it was all filled out already (except the tagging other people section), so here it is.

Rules - tag 8 people you want to get to know better

I was tagged by @lyrslair thank yooouuu! 💖

Relationship status: Married to Mr Roboto for almost 9 years, together for 11. we r so old

Favourite color: still on foresty greens, but I have recently developed an appreciation for orange

Three Favourite Foods: Chicken in like, any form, but especially nugget.  chocolate cake. and salmon.

Last thing I googled: list of lutes in the sims medieval lmao

Time: 12:56 am

Dream trip: in the year of our lord 2021? ANY TRIP. We are planning a trip to washington in september. it’s for a WEDDING and I am very excited cuz I LOVE weddings. My SO’s cousin lives up there, so we’re planning on staying with him.

Tell me what you want what you rlly rlly want - for it to be May 9th lmao. I work at a dance studio, and our spring show is on May 8th. We’ve been working on it (Alice in Wonderland) for two years now cuz it got cancelled last year. I’m so sick of the musicccc.

(the music is really good for the most part, especially the songs we’re using from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by The Royal Ballet, which very good and parts of it are on youtube!)

(edit from when I'm ACTUALLY posting this, this was before I knew said studio was closing after the 8th. nothing cures burnout like knowing the thing you're burnt out on is going away forever hahaha,,,i was planning to leave that job within the next year or two anyway, so I'm good! it's just a big adjustment, since I'd been working there since 2010, and dancing there since like, 2004. sry this got long lol)

I tag: well tagging the Piss Man Gang went well last time so I'm shall do it again @intergalacticpanic @datacream @mostly-natm @liquidxsin

sorry if you already did this like two months ago when Lyr did it 😂

[nitewrighter]

Omg I loved the ASOIAF Gency post you wrote recently! Can you write more?

God this has been languishing in my drafts since... September?? Jesus...

Anyway, a continuation of these ficlets!: 1, 2, 3

-----

“I mislike this,” said Orisa as Efi carried her helmet over to her, “I am your sworn shield, I will not have my oaths or her family’s... undermined like this!”

“And I’m quite capable of traveling on my own!” said Angela but both Efi and Orisa gave her skeptical looks and her lips thinned and she glanced off. No woman in her right mind would travel the Stormlands alone, but then again, no woman in her right mind would flee her betrothal with the intent of lying her way into the Citadel at Oldtown, either.

“This isn’t just about her, Orisa,” said Efi, “I want to go to Oldtown when I’m old enough, too. And I don’t want to be married off, either.”

“Your dowry could be in the form of books?” Orisa said a little helplessly, “Perhaps even Valyrian manuscripts!”

Efi gave her a half-lidded look with one corner of her mouth tugged up.

“...the marriage is the problem,” said Orisa, glancing off.

“The marriage is the problem,” said Mercy in agreement.

“It would only be to get her to the Citadel!” Efi insisted, “Then you could come right back to Aurochs-ford!”

“Taking the marriage out of the equation might force the Storm lords to re-evaluate their little feud as well,” said Mercy, “Disrupt things enough so they cool their heads. Maybe buy enough time for the Iron Throne to step in.”

“See?” said Efi, “You could be saving the Storm Lands in the long run! This definitely falls under ‘Sworn Shield’ duties.” Efi gave a glance to Angela, “If we can give her a chance...then maybe when I’m old enough...”

“You can forge your own Maester’s chain?” said Orisa with a tilt of her head.

“Not a full chain,” said Efi, “…Gold, iron, and black iron links for sure, though...” she said, trailing off thoughtfully.

“I only need the one,” said Angela, “Silver.... though... lead might be useful as well...”

“If you’re still at the Citadel when I get there, we’ll get a Valyrian steel link together!” said Efi, her hands balling into fists with excitement.

Angela chuckled a little, “I think we’re getting ahead of ourselves.”

“Indeed. Neither of you are at Oldtown yet,” said Orisa, flatly. She looked back at Efi, “I will see her safely to Oldtown at your request, my lady,” she said with a bow of her head.

Efi touched a small hand to the side of Orisa’s face, her brown eyes bright.

“And then I am coming right back to Aurochs-Ford,” said Orisa, furrowing her brow.

Efi giggled and brought her skinny arms about Orisa’s neck. Orisa pulled herself up to her full height to embrace her, bringing Efi up off the floor.

Right back to Aurochs-Ford.

Right back to Aurochs-Ford.

Orisa’s eyes opened in a gray morning light and she quickly sat up in bed and gauged her surroundings. She was in a bare, wooden room, the foliage of a tree outside suggesting she was on the second floor of a building. Her own well-rested state quickly set her on high alert. She sat up in bed--Bed--right, they were in an inn. The mattress was stuffed with hay but it was still the finest sleeping conditions Orisa had since leaving Aurochs-Ford. She wondered if Lady Efi was doing all right. Probably still puzzling over those dusty old books of Valyrian alchemy and inventions, maybe even bogarting the castle blacksmith to forge her another obscure and specific little gear for her devices.

Orisa flinched in bed to see the door opening, her hand quickly going for the sword hanging on her bedpost, only to see Mercy in the doorframe, the very image of a pleasant septa with a tray of honeyed oatcakes, boiled eggs, and mugs of weak ale and goat’s milk.

“I overslept?” Orisa said looking out the window.

“No, I just woke up early to check on our lordling,” said Mercy, setting the tray on a table. She smiled a little. “He’s still alive---in remarkably better shape than last night, as well.” The relief in her voice gave Orisa pause.

“Do you still wish to go through with this?” said Orisa.

“What, I could bring books as a dowry?” said Mercy with a huff as she flaked shell off of her egg with her thumb, “I’m sure they’ll be perfectly wonderful reading when Lord Akande puts our houses to the torch.”

“You seemed to get on well with him,” said Orisa, frankly looking for any excuse to end this folly of a quest and get back to her young charge.

“Even if I did tell him--what would happen then? ‘Oh, by the way my lord, I’ve been lying to your face for the past three days because I’ve been desperately fleeing our marriage!’ That’s a wonderful start to things!” She huffed, “No,” she said, taking a bite out of her egg, “I said I would go to Oldtown, and I’m going to Oldtown, but if you wish to go back--”

“No one in their right mind would travel these lands alone,” said Orisa, flatly.

Mercy gave her a steady look, her mouth slightly tight at the corners in a not-quite smile. They were both highborn, but Orisa’s family had let her pursue knighthood while Mercy had seen more instruction in courtesy, embroidery, and the arts expected of ladyhood. There was admiration in Mercy’s eyes, maybe even a little envy. An idealist who longed to be practical, she gave off the air of someone who never quite fit the role set for her, and she had Orisa’s sympathy for that. Believing in the ideals of knighthood, that was a solid thing to believe in--but it definitely got more complicated being a woman.

“...I’m going to Oldtown because I--I don’t want to be a burden,” said Mercy, taking a bite out of her egg, “But I feel like a burden on you.”

Orisa glanced down, “I am doing this for Lady Efi,” she said, snapping an oatcake in half, “I want to believe in the world she believes in... but she is young and idealistic, and I know, being older, you have a greater understanding of just how much stands in your way.” She took a bite of her oatcake and chewed.

“I won’t let her down,” Mercy said, her eyes fierce, gulping down her own mug of goat’s milk.

“Intention and execution can be two very different things,” said Orisa.

“...well,” said Mercy, standing up, “We’ll set deeds to words, then. We’ll get out before our lordling wakes up. You finish breakfast and get your armor on, and I’ll saddle Dynast.” Her hands balled into fists with determination. “I’m already packed.”

Orisa gave a short huff through her nostrils. “That may be your most practical suggestion since this whole quest started.”

Mercy beamed before slipping out the door.

Mercy grabbed her satchel from her room and made her way to the stair leading down to the inn’s ground floor, humming. She froze at the sight of a dark haired figure on the stairs, his hand braced against the wall and his body tensed. Unthinkingly, her foot made contact with the first step and it creaked beneath her weight, and the figure on the stairs flinched at the sound and looked sharply over his shoulder at her.

Genji. He was awake. How was he awake already?! There was still a weary shine to his eyes, he still wasn’t back to full strength from his injuries, but there was an alertness in his stance that filled her with dread.

“My--?” she nearly started saying, ‘My Lord?’ but he put a finger to his lips and she quieted herself as she craned her neck to try and see what he was seeing.

“I’m only asking if you saw someone bearing a standard with two dragons on it,” A woman dressed in black and white with white hair--Lysene, perhaps--was addressing the innkeeper. Behind her were three men, of equal height, too lean to be highborn, the lower halves of their faces obscured by yellow cloth. Mercy would have tried to identify the sigils on their tunics but her own fear at being seen forced her to draw back behind Genji.

“I’m not at liberty to discuss who’s currently staying here,” said the innkeep.

There was the hard metallic ting of a dagger piercing wood and a long period of silence.

“...as innkeep it is my duty to assure my patrons safety so long as they are under my roof,” said the innkeeper, “You want to wait for them on the road, you can wait for them on the road. But there’ll be no bloodshed here.”

“A woman of business,” said the Lysene woman. There was the clink of coins in a sack hitting the wood next, and both Mercy and Genji tensed.

“...They’ve paid, too. And my service they’ll have,” said the innkeeper.

There was the sound of steel being drawn and Mercy’s breath caught in her throat.

“...leave her,” said the Lysene woman, “We’ll get what we need, with or without her.”

Silently, a bead of sweat quivering down his temple, Genji slowly backed up the stairs. Mercy tried to follow suit as silently as she could, but then one stair creaked loudly beneath her foot and the Lysene woman’s head swiveled sharply to the stairs.

“Go—Go!” Genji hissed under his breath as they both rushed back up the stairs.

“Septa—?” Orisa was stepping out of her room,  holding her sword in its scabbard, not yet belted to her hip, when alarm filled her face at the sight of Genji next to Mercy. “You’re—?” Orisa started but then cut herself off as the Lysene woman and her three compatriots rushed up behind them. Orisa read the situation in an instant and sidestepped in front of them.

“Find another exit,” said Orisa.

“What other exit?!” blurted out Mercy, but Genji hurried down the hall to an unglazed, shuttered window and threw it open, “Genji—I mean—My lord!” Mercy’s head jerked back to Orisa at the clash of steel on steel behind her. There were a few panicked seconds where Mercy was transfixed, watching as Orisa blocked the short sword of the Lysene woman before clocking one of the cloth-faced sellswords behind her with her buckler-bearing arm, dazing him before a hard kick in the stomach sent him tumbling backward and she once again clashed blades with the Lysene.

“Septa!” Genji’s voice sounded behind her. He had one leg out of the open shutters of the window, one arm braced on the frame, the other out toward her. She hiked up her skirts and rushed after him, hearing Orisa’s sword sing and gauntleted fists make contact with grunting flesh.

“It’s one knight!” The Lysene woman was barking behind them, “You fools can’t take out one knight?!” before there was another loud clang of steel.

Mercy felt Genji grab her forearm and she stumbled out the window after him onto wooden shingles that creaked with rot. Genji was already nervously sidestepping across the short row of shingles that formed an awning around the ground floor of the inn’s exterior, before Mercy saw he was moving towards the stables.

“We can’t just leave her!” said Mercy.

“She’s in full plate armor, she has a better chance if we get the horses and she’s not worried about us being in the crossfire,” said Genji, still edging forward.

“It’s four on one!” said Mercy, one hand against the side of the inn and the other bunching her skirts up for easier movements as she sidestepped after him. There was a sudden clatter behind her and her head swung around to see one of the brigands tumble out of another shuttered window, and roll backwards off the awning before landing with a grunt in the mud below.

“...three on one,” said Mercy, blinking incredulously.

“The skill of the Warrior and the strength of the Smith,” Genji said, impressed, “I guess the Seven really are with you two!”

“Genji, the stables!” Mercy said furiously, still sidestepping forward.

Genji gave her an odd look.

“My lord, the stables,” huffed Mercy, another prickle of stress burning on the back of her neck, wondering if her panic in the situation had given her away in other ways.

“...you can call me Genji,” he said, still sidestepping forward, “I rather like the way you say it, Septa.”

“That is not appropriate,” Mercy said, glancing down and blushing furiously.

“Well you’ve already seen me naked, I’d say we’re well past--” He reached the edge of the awning closest to the stables and sucked in a breath, “Oh this isn’t going to be pleasant.”

Mercy closed the distance behind him. “Do you need--?”

“You can barely move in those sept skirts as is--I’ve got this,” said Genji, dropping to a squat and positioning himself with his back to the edge, He braced his hands on the shingles and then pushed his legs out over the edge, grunting in pain as he dropped to a hanging position before grunting in pain again as he dropped to the ground, the length of his own body significantly reducing his fall. “Ah---” his hand went to his side as his feet hit the ground, but he shook his head, “Okay, your turn.”

“Right--okay--” Mercy started haltingly as she reached the edge and turned around but then she heard another groan and craned her neck over to look at the sound’s source. The sellsword Orisa had knocked out of the window was stumbling to his feet, muddy, shaking his head out of a daze, and he saw Genji. He drew a short dirk from his side and broke off in a stumbling run toward genji. Genji followed her line of sight but his injury slowed his reaction. Mercy wasn’t fully sure what compelled her to suddenly leap off the corner of the awning, but there was a half-beat where she felt the cold morning air rushing up her skirts and her arms flailing with nothing to grab before she dropped like a stone... right onto the sellsword with a grunt and a splatter of mud, her elbow slamming his face into the muck. She rolled off him and stumbled to her feet, panting. Genji looked from the unconscious sellsword in the mud, up to her.

“...don’t know which of the seven to thank for that,” he said, his eyes wide.

“Come on!” said Mercy seizing his arm and rushing to the stables.

“Ow--injured--ow!” said Genji as the muddy Septa pulled him into a run.

-----

The Lysene woman fought with both a short sword and a dirk, and her attacks were relentless. But her remaining fellow sellswords seemed to be more of a liability than a threat if they didn’t have the element of surprise. Orisa’s biggest disadvantage was the narrowness of the hallway they were in... if she could just find a way to get her opponents down stairs to the Inn’s dining area, maybe she could more properly maneuver... or maybe that would give them more space to flank her. Orisa had at least successfully backed them up to the point in the hallway so they couldn’t access another window to go after Genji and Mercy, but her brow furrowed as the Lysene woman and her two remaining compatriots kept their blades pointed at her.

“You were sent by Lord Akande, I take it?” said Orisa.

“I’m afraid the answer to that’s going to cost you,” said the Lysene woman.

“I’ll take that as a yes, then,” said Orisa.

“The Shimada lordling slipped from our grasp before... but we had expected him to die, I suppose we underestimated his house’s banner lords...” said the woman.

“I am under no banner but the Seven’s,” said Orisa, and she felt a surprising strength in what had previously been merely a cover story. To have a sword sworn to the Seven, to defend this grievously injured Lordling purely because he was attacked out of treachery rather than on the field of battle, it was thrilling, it was knightly.

The woman gave a derisive snort. “So I can’t expect you to counter Lord Akande’s offer with one of your own. No amount of piety will make a hedge knight anything more than a hedge knight.”

“...and I can’t expect you to hold to any word,” said Orisa, her eyes narrowing.

The woman grinned wolfishly before lunging forward, Orisa stood her ground, meeting the woman’s long blade with her own before glancing off the woman’s dirk with her buckler. Orisa’s shield and helmet were still back in her room, so she could count on the Lysene to go for the face. The woman kept up her assault and Orisa gave a bit of ground. Her attacks were aggressive, clearly she was trying to use the advantage of lighter armor lending greater stamina to keep up a relentless barrage of attacks, but Orisa remained calm. This was waves breaking on stone. One of her compatriots flanked Orisa only to get a hard buckler to the face, Orisa using the movement to pivot and yield space to back into her room where her helmet and broadshield were. The Lysene woman lunged forward with her short sword and Orisa tilted her torso in its movement to grab her shield. Orisa knew she wasn’t a small target, but the right movements could send virtually any blade scratching uselessly across the plate of her armor--and just in time, too. In seizing her shield, she yanked it up, her arm only looped in one strap, and used the weight of it to slam it hard into the shoulder and side of the Lysene woman sending her staggering to the side trying to regain her footing. Orisa kicked the other closest sellsword in the stomach, knocking him onto his back, only to see the third man in the doorway, pointing a crossbow at her. Orisa froze.

But then, there was a shattering sound and the crossbow-bearing sellsword’s eyes rolled back in his head, goat’s milk dripping down his piecemeal armor and he swayed and collapsed onto the floor. Mercy was standing behind him, the lower half of her skirts caked in mud, the broken top half of the jug from their breakfast in her hands. Orisa blinked in surprise, and even Mercy seemed a bit stunned at the collapsed sellsword drenched in goat’s milk at her feet before she seemed to snap out of it and shake her head.

“You--!” the Lysene woman scrambled to attack Orisa from the side, her attack panicked and messy, only to get cuffed hard in the face by Orisa’s buckler and get splayed out on the floor. The other sellsword, seeing the only two backing him up now unconscious, scrambled to the side of the Lysene woman, shaking her shoulder. “Lady Ashe?! Lady Ashe, get up!” but Orisa was already rushing to the door, properly strapping up her shield and grabbing her helmet as she and Mercy hurried down the hall and down the inn stairs.

“Genji’s gotten the horses,” said Mercy, as they darted across the tavern floor, tables groaning against the wood as Orisa’s armored frame shoved them aside, “Come on!”

They rushed out into bright, damp morning air to see Genji astride Dynast, holding the reins of a large honey-colored mare. 

“You made it!” said Genji, as Mercy scrambled up onto the saddle behind him and Orisa swept up onto the mare and they all took off into gallops down the road from the inn.

“Who’s horse is this?” said Orisa.

“Didn’t have time to ask! I imagine it’s one of the sellswords’!” said Genji, they were all half-yelling over the thundering hooves. 

“We’re stealing a horse?!” Orisa blurted out.

"Borrowing!” said Genji.

“IT IS NOT KNIGHTLY TO STEAL A HORSE!” said Orisa, her pauldroned shoulders bunching up.

“They attacked me,” said Genji, “Hardly good folk. You, on the other hand, have valiantly defended a grievously wounded storm lord and commandeered a mighty steed.”

Orisa blinked a few times. ‘Oh...I... I suppose I did.”

“It was like something out of a song!” said Mercy, her eyes bright.

“A song...?” Orisa started hesitantly. She tucked a stray braid of hair back, “...I suppose it will be a good story to tell Lady Efi when I return.”

“...Lady Efi?” said Genji, “I thought you said you were sworn to the Sev--”

“To Oldtown!” said Mercy, spurring their horse forward.

“To Oldtown!--Ow--ow..” Genji had punched a fist into the air with excitement, quite forgetting he was still injured. The dew seemed to make everything sparkle. Orisa wasn’t sure if it was the rush of adrenaline confusing the senses, making the light seem brighter, the sky bluer, the air cleaner, or perhaps it was the days of rain before. Orisa rolled the grip of her gauntlets on the reins of her own mare, a bright flare of thrill thumping with her heart in her chest. She looked over at Mercy, her arms gingerly wrapped around Genji’s waist, avoiding his injury as they rode, then Orisa scoffed a little, her own expression partially hidden by her own horned helmet, and her sound silenced by the thunder of galloping hooves, feeling the Inn shrink into the distance behind them. This was a terribly foolish thing they were doing, but at the same time, would anything but something terribly foolish give her the excitement she was feeling now? Were valor and stupidity two sides of the same coin? Perhaps theirs was a tale like Florian the Fool. 

Like a song, indeed, Orisa thought with some amusement.