#so she's pretty chill in comparison to the others....which is probably why it's harder to get her engaged

[ofgentleresolve]

( updates. )

i know this was like a really quick turnaround, but i think?? i'm mostly finished with renovating this blog ( i didn't end up changing the url just bc i think it still can work for the muses here...that and i can't really think of a good one at the moment, if i do though i might go back and change it then... ) - i still do need to update the bonds page on some of my muses though!!

but for the time being, aside from switching to a simpler theme ( and darker aesthetic ) here some overall changes i made to the roster:

rewrote & condensed my rules.

moved ga-ram, nell, & alfred over to to main muses status. will eventually make full profile pages for nell and alfred ( planned on doing that for a while anyways - this way, i feel like i have more permission to go ham with them ^^ ).

moved mana & aeri over to request muses. please note, i'm not dropping any threads or dynamics with them- this is just because they both don't have as many active dynamics and threads as the others do.

also moved raphael over to request muses- i was going to take him off, but i know there are still some ppl whom i'd like to throw him at. at this time all threads with raphael are dropped, however.

that's it for now bc i'm tired and i wanna do something else, but hopefully i can get to writing something maybe on sunday/monday, we shall see!!

[x688plsloveme]

Companions react to someone saying something Insanely insulting to them and a usually calm Sole loses their shit, as in whoops their ass?

In their pre-war profession, Sole learned to take a lot of shit. They even had a retail job when they were a teenager, so most of what the average wastelander could spit out was usually nothing in comparison.

They'd just pretend the person in front of them was a usual customer and tune them out until they were done. Most regarded them as having the patience of a saint. They just thought it was due to not growing up in an overly impatient wasteland.

Either way, Sole had never even come close to the volume that they used on this idiot.

No one talked bad about their friends, no one. So when they heard the insults thrown at one of their best friends? They went off. Hurling anything and everything that came to mind at the dumb wastelander that thought it was a good idea to mess with them and theirs.

ADA: Although she wasn't hurt by the random human she didn't even care to know, she was touched by Sole's anger on her behalf. She was a tad surprised that her usually mellow was acting in such a way, but quickly adapted to the situation. She allowed Sole to continue their loud ranting for a few moments longer until gently stopping them. "Before he urinated on himself." Was her excuse. Sole snorted and told her it'd be funny, but ultimately let him go because Ada was probably right.

CAIT: The only thing that could've stopped her from punching the waster's lights out herself was the shock she saw from her well mannered friend. It literally stopped her mid-punch. All she could do was look slack mouthed as Sole ripped into the man in front of them verbally. They were usually the one who told her to ease up on her aggression, so seeing this was a treat indeed.

CODSWORTH: The only other time he saw his sir/mum blow up so.... Loudly. Was when they thought their spouse was cheating on them. To see them so upset over someone calling a mere Mr Handy names...it was truly moving. He was sure to clean up around their settlement extra meticulously as thanks.

CURIE: Sole was a sweet person, particularly to her who didn't know the ways of the wasteland quite yet. They were always calm and collected and Curie always admired them for it. Especially in a proverbial hell hole such as this. So the loud, started gasp she let out at Sole's outburst was very much granted. She had a million questions running through her mind that she had to ask as soon as possible. And she did, right after Sole drove away the rude man that sparked their wrath.

DANSE: He was very grateful to his friend for sticking up for him so readily. He didn't have the best mental state, and it seemed Sole picked up on how the insults were affecting him. He guessed that someone that would save his life would care enough to stand up for him, but seeing it - especially from such a nice person - was something else. He gave them a very long hug afterwards.

DEACON: He feels like he should be most surprised of all, seeing as he had been following them up until they discovered the railroad. Not once has Sole ever raised their voice that high, let alone rudely and directed towards another person. He was frozen in place, completely shell shocked. It was only later that he realized they blew a fuse because of what that nobody waster was saying about him. He felt tears as he thought about how much Sole has to care about him even though they don't really know him. He vowed to tell them the real, genuine truth next time he saw them.

DOGMEAT: He was a smart dog, but not even he could keep up with all the strange words Sole used. He had no idea what a "mutfruit humper" was, but he did recognize the angry tone his owner was using. He decided to help by growling alongside Sole to back them up. He kept rapt attention to the now distressed waster that was the object of their wrath in case they tried anything funny. After the whole ordeal was over, Sole spoiled him a little harder than usual, much to his immense pleasure. Extra snacks are always a good thing in his book.

HANCOCK: "I always knew you had in in ya Sole!" He proceeds to laugh until his stomach hurts. Seeing someone as calm as Sole losing it? Comedy gold in his eyes. He does give his best friend a hug when they're done though. He appreciates them so, so much for caring about a worthless ghoul like him. Doesn't mean he's not gonna retell this story to each and everyone of Sole's friends though.

GAGE: When he heard the yelling, he just thought it was more raiders causing a ruckus as usual. But when he identified the voice as his one and only calm overboss, he did a double take. Even as the boss of raiders, he had never seen Sole blow up at anybody, let alone raise their voice. He knew they were loyal sort, but he didn't know it was to this extent. It made his otherwise cold heart warm a bit at the thought that he was one of the people his boss was fiercely loyal to.

LONGFELLOW: He didn't have many people close in his life, so Sole was like a ray of sunshine in an otherwise foggy world. They were very pleasant to get along with and actually seemed to enjoy his stories, which was rare with people that young. They would often sit next to each other in complete silence and just relax without any awkwardness whatsoever. He didn't believe what the others told him about them going ape-shit on people who've insulted their friends until he saw it himself. Now... He enjoyed the calm and quiet, but he would be a liar if this wasn't the funniest shit he'd ever seen. When they were done scaring away the waster that had the bad luck of running into them, he pat an out of breath Sole with a smile on his face.

MACCREADY: He always thought himself as a pretty laid-back guy, but not even he could hold a candle to have chill Sole was. He never ever ever thought he'd EVER see them yell at somebody over a couple insults. Sure, they were directed at a close friend, but it was still jarring. Heck, seeing them flip reminded him of his younger years when the Lone Wanderer would scold him for being rude. He almost let out a few involuntary sorrys himself.

PIPER: As someone who liked getting Intel on everyone and everything, Piper was curious to what Sole looked like when they got truly mad. She heard everything from amusing to scary and just about everything in between, but all she wanted to do was see it for herself. It took a while of her tagging along whenever Sole went, but it was well worth it when some rando finally picked on her bad enough that it send Sole over the edge. Seeing it for herself, she could attest that all of their comments were correct ones.

PRESTON: He didn't like yelling at all, which is part of the reason he enjoyed Sole's company so much. He had never seen anyone so composed while face danger or the rare rude retort. They always took care of it gracefully. No one glanced twice at a mere minuteman soldier like himself, so he had never been witness to one of Sole's rare "blow ups" that he had heard from some of their other friends. But the day it happened.... Well let's just say he was very humbled for not only being cared about so much, but also the sheer force of their yelling was scary enough to remind him of him mother whenever his siblings got into trouble.

STRONG: Needless to say, he is very happy with these turn of events even if he doesn't quite grasp why Sole is doing this. As it stands, it hypes him up to the point that he joins in the yelling and the two of them make whoever was foolish enough to insult him in front of Sole scared out of their minds.

VALENTINE: He always appreciated how calm and collected his friend was. They were always on the same page in that sense. Never letting anything bother them for too long, even if it was truly personal. Just looking ahead and forgetting about things that could sway them from their goals. Nothing could have surprised him more than Sole suddenly started screaming at a particularly rude waster that would not leave him alone. He didn't even know his friend was there until they started screaming. It made him happy to know that the one time they lose their cool, it was for him.

X6-88: No one admires Sole like he does. There's no one else that could earn his respect, let alone friendship. His friend was always on his wavelength - serene and collected in even the most stressful situations. Sure, no one had insulted him quite like the random waster, but he was ready to scoff and brush him off like any other. He refused to admit that he was hurt even slightly, but it seemed like Sole was as sharp as ever and picked up on it. He never in a million years would've guessed that they could carefully and precisely cut into a person with mere words. But he also never guessed that Sole would ever raise their voice so he supposes surprises are a given. As he watched his one and only friend defend him, he let a small, rare smile show on his face.

[fenristheorem]

Lance Romantic Headcanons

(Technically part 2)

I’ve had a few of general / romantic headcanons running through my mind for a while now regarding Lance, so as part of my weeks away I decided I wanted to write about this. This isn’t to be confused with my two request writings (part 1 and 2) asking for headcanons of Lance in Guardienne in a relationship, although, the subject is very closely related so it’s probably a bit of a sister series lol.

~ Under the cut ~

I'm going to jump right into this: I think Lance has a dirty secret (many secrets actually, but I’m only sharing this one for now 😉). I theorize he secretly likes sensual dancing; soft yet intimate or intense music playing, and either watching his partner dance around or dancing with her. Being able to grasp her hips gently and sway with her, nuzzling his face into her neck, and pressing her body against his could definitely bewitch him into falling in love with is partner all over again. For this reason, he'd also like when his partner gives him lap dances - if that's something she's interested in doing - especially if she’s being subtly dominant about it. However, this isn't anything that's necessary, more like something that he enjoys when offered due to the intimacy of it. He'd never admit his interest in this, though - except maybe to his partner - and he'd certainly never do any of this in public.

He’s probably into massages - both giving and receiving - as this includes a lot of physical touch, too. Being a warrior and the Chief of Obsidian, Lance probably has a lot of stress on himself and undoubtedly works himself until he bleeds, which means he’s probably tense all the time. Provided his partner can get him to sit or lay down for long enough to give him a good back or shoulder massage, he’ll eventually melt into it until it’s hard to get him back up and moving. Massages can literally make this guy melt. He’ll enjoy giving his partner massages for reasons different than why he enjoys receiving them, though. Being able to lay his partner down and use his strength to sooth her ignites something deep within him, a sort of feral protective instinct, possibly because the act of massaging someone is similar in motion to kneading (like a cat) and providing comfort to your partner is usually pretty nice anyways. This can actually influence him into turning the simplest of massages into a long night of gentle touches where his partner doesn’t need to worry about doing anything except laying beneath him and letting him do all the work. Frankly, saying that he likes massages is an understatement, he probably loves them due to the simplistic intimacy of it.

Lance is definitely into aggressive cuddling as well. He likely has aggressive moments through out the year, almost like how a woman's temperament may change based on her menstrual cycle (yes, I did just say that lol), and it can make him crave his partner's touch more or less in certain moments. Based on his internal time clock, he'll have days where he'll come back to their shared room at night, strip off his armor until he's wearing only his pants, grab his partner - gently - and throw her - gently - onto the bed, and cuddle with her. He'll wrap his arms tightly around her, may possibly lay on top of her - as long as he's sure she's not suffocating under his weight - and he'll refuse to let her up for anything. She can argue him all she wants; he'll either argue back or shut her up with a kiss, which could probably lead off to another type of aggressive cuddling 😉. 

He can also be somewhat aggressive during these moments... but not exactly in a distasteful way.

“Hey Lance, can I get up?”

A grunt.

...

“Please?”

Another grunt, and a shifting of his grip to hold her tighter.

“Oh come on! I need to see Karenn about something!”

“You’ve seen her enough this week.”

She can start to struggle against his arms and chest, but he’ll pull her into a death grip and wrap his legs around hers so it’s harder to move.

A frustrated sigh as she relaxes.

...

More struggling. He’ll growl and lightly nip her neck or shoulder, following up with a few gentle kisses if he’s feeling kind. This gets her to stop.

“I promise I’ll come back and then we can continue!”

He’ll raise his head and look at her with a raised eyebrow.

“Is it urgent?”

“...Yes?...”

“No.”

“Why!?”

“That ‘yes’ had ‘no’ written all over it.”

His hand will press her head against his chest again as Lance nuzzles into her hair.

“Is there any way, in any possible world, that I could possibly leave for just a few seconds to tell her something?”

“No.”

Better luck next time, maybe. Once Lance is set on something, it’ll take the sky falling to change his mind... and even then his stubbornness may still prevail.

While we’re on the topic of close contact with Lance; he probably has a very specific scent to him that isn’t even remotely similar to any one else in the guard.

His profession requires heavy manual labor, and although he probably isn’t fighting most of the time - maybe not even training depending on the day - he still has to lug around heavy armor and weaponry, and he probably has a somewhat routine schedule of walking around the guard to check in on how his sentries are doing (was it ever confirmed that there are watchmen stationed on the walls of the guard? Anyways, I headcanon that if it wasn’t already confirmed). Lance probably does a lot of moving around each day; be it training, fighting, working out a bit to keep in shape, embarking on missions, or just patrolling the guard to assure everything is alright. This means he probably does sweat a bit, and of course that hightlights anyone’s natural scent. It’s hard to say exactly what his natural scent may be like, but I image it’s a bit musky with a hint of a lighter chill to it.

Of course, he probably deals with the forge a lot, too, so the scent of the oil, leather, and smoldering steel he works with likely rubs off on him quite a bit. At nearly any time of the day - but especially later in the day - his partner is likely to find him smelling like the heavy musk of leather and heat, mixed with his own faint musk, and a tinge of nipping cold from the soap he showers with.

I’ve noticed that people rarely ever mention Lance’s neck injury... but I think his injury may actually have some impact in his relationship. There’s very little detail known on his injury, but regardless, it’s still a major weak point for him and was probably life-threatening at some point, so I don’t think he takes people being around this injury - or his neck in general - very lightly.

He’s likely very sensitive about his neck, even with his romantic partner. It’s less of a trust thing and more of an instinctual, self-preservation thing. There was a point in time where his life was threatened because someone was inflicting an injury to his neck, and it is known that it’s a weak point for Lance, so it would make sense that he would be very defensive about his neck.

It would take a while for him to open up to his partner about the details, and he may lean away from any touch on his neck for a long time until he learns how to feel comfortable with it, so in that time his partner would need to be understanding and accepting. She can hug him, kiss him, lean against him, anything... but avoid touching his neck.

Lance would likely be startled if she did this without warning, possibly to the point of clearly jumping or immediately backing away from shock. As it is, other’s don’t really touch him in a kind manner, so to have someone - even if it is his partner - touch him without warning, gently, on his neck, will usually come as a surprise. However, this is really only in the beginning of their relationship, and he’ll calm down in time the more he adjusts to physical touch around that area.

In the mean time, his partner would need to get used to his skittishness, but if it’s really a problem for his partner and he agrees, they can start to rehabilitate him to physical touch around his neck, starting by getting him used to touch around his neck and his partner eventually moving her hands closer and closer to his neck until he’s calm enough to let her touch his neck. It would be a slow process, but - provided he trusts her and feels safe when they try it - he’ll slowly relax in time.

This would be unlikely to cause major issues in their relationship unless his partner obviously doesn’t seem to care about his uncomfortable feelings, so as long as she gives him the time he needs to adapt and trust, he’ll calm down. In time he’ll fully enjoy her touch on his neck.

This is relatively short in comparison to the rants I usually go on but I’m glad to have finally written these out. Technically, I had more headcanons I could have added to this, but since they’re a bit more specifically about Lance’s dragon genetics I decided to split those off onto their own post. Fortunately I think these are fine as they are!

Thanks for reading!

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[imaginedcreaderinsert]

She's got a boyfriend anyway — Jason Todd x Reader

WARNINGS: some cussing words here and there, implied fighting and blood, allusions to depression? or at least anxiety, and sexual implications.

WORD COUNT: 2575.

10. “Friends don’t do this kind of shit!

He is frustrated, and has yelled so out of emotion – and yes, you know it, you know how impulsive and unstable he can get to be when he spirals down in strong human emotions. And well, you were the one correcting him the first time he said so about himself (like he wasn’t human, like they were foreign, which made you sad), but right now you strongly emphasize them because out of the two, you feel like a monster, and he is pure and raw emotion.

—No, I-I refuse!—. He stammers with his own words out of rage as he bolts up from the sofa you’ve been previously kissing on—. I can’t believe you-I won’t, (Y/N)! Fuck no, you don’t say or do that shit with friends! And don’t fuckin’ bring Chad into it.

Chad. He pronounces it like it burns, like it disgusts him, and he is in his own right to do so, but it makes you sigh. Briefly, you wonder, what would have happened if you had invited him over instead of accepting when Jason just called you with the tempting offer of just pizza, Netflix and Chill and some cuddles. Maybe you’d be sexting instead of shouting (and maybe you wouldn’t feel as guilty as you do now).

—Todd, I told you-

—Lose the Todd, sweetheart, we’ve been fucking for months now, is a bit late now, isn’t it?!

He won’t understand. He doesn’t want to understand. Nothing that comes out of his mouth will help, and it will only dig a grave deeper than it really needs to. And, even if right now it’s not the best example in your favor, you really care for him. And fuck yes, you only wanted to spend a sweet and careless night of making out in the sofa, moving it to bed and having some pancakes in the morning. But as of right now it seems out of the question, and there seems to be no possible scenario in the future where you get him to tone it down a notch and it all ends up with both of you okay. And you don’t want to cry, you don’t want to make him more upset, which is probably the only outcome you visualize at this point. So you stop him.

—Just go.

—No, fuck no, we are going to talk about it now, cuz’ I know-

—Jason, I’m not going to repeat myself. You came here for the fuck and stayed for the feelings, Christ, deal with it. I didn’t ask for it and I was perfectly clear the first time it had happened and you agreed to every single thing. So just… Go. We’ll talk in the morning.

You had nursured him. You had seen him broken (with eyes just like the ones he’s giving you now, but younger), beaten up – which is why you two failed as youngsters your first year in uni; why it was the worst because of that. Restless nights of wondering if he ever got home, if he would appear with new marks, bandages, in the hospital! No, you couldn’t deal with it, it was too distressing. And you didn’t actually mind much the fact that he stood you up a couple of times. Gotham was quite big, after all – and even with his resources, the Wayne resources he had been slowly accepting, it was still impossible to get that fast to places that were that far away. No, you didn’t care much about the tabloids and the gossip magazines that “caught him” in the company of one or two pretty girls, you weren’t actually the jealous type and really trusted him, but you couldn’t rest. Ever. He took your heart with him at every single mission, patrol, stakeout… And all you ever wondered was if he would come back okay. And you shouldn’t have deal with that alone for almost an entire year; not with your projects, your anxiety and the pressure of succeding in uni like every other familiar you have. You couldn’t fall back or rely on a comfortable trust fund, unlimited resources like he could, if he wanted to. And by no means you are saying, implying, that he is entitled, that he has it easy… You are with him every night he stays in, when he wakes up in cold sweat, heart in his neck beating like its going to explode and sometimes (they were becoming fortunately more and more rare) shouting. He once choked you – almost did so. He cried after, and you comforted him all night with sweet nothings and reassuring kisses.

But you did have enough. And the question had been quite easy, quite simple: “Would you be able to resist that dangerous lifestyle in the future? Would you able to drop it all?”, to which he had, obviously, hesitated. Jason had feel cornered, and you knew you were not fair, since you both knew all your vulnerabilities, your weak points, but he had pushed you to that limit the night he almost did not make it, the time that Dick had to come inform you after it had gone wrong. You couldn’t stop crying at his side, in his bed – it was truly a cumule of everything academically and emotionally speaking – as he rested in the Wayne Manor. You had skipped exams, you had given everything up, which is why you didn’t hesitate to ask the same thing perfectly knowing your own answer when he threw it back at you:

—In a heartbeat.

So you two had been at different places in the stages of love, but it didn’t mean he loved you any less, he didn’t care when he heard you got a new boyfriend on campus at the ending of the second year. He was brilliant: part of the Student Committe, came from an excellent family, had both the grades and the looks… It was like the only thing that he didn’t have he achieved without making much effort. He didn’t actually see you fall in love with him, but you shared friends, even when you two broke up they tried to keep it “normal” if there was ever a defintion like that applied to him. But he too had eyes, with which caught on the smallest things: the small presents; the occasional blush on your cheeks and faint smile when you received a certain text; the rush with which you picked up your phone when “someone” called you; the hangouts you passed on not because of him, but because of “Him”.

Year three had come, and Chad and her had been dating for some months, but something felt on, and Jason interceded. He reappered in your life with a blank slate, apparently – no resentment, no blaming, no love. Maybe that’s why it had been so easy to fall back into his arms that night Chad had presented you to his parents. They hated you, and you had a breakdown in a freaking Wayne gala in which the only thing he said was “Don’t worry about them; just go to a bathroom and get yourself pretty again. I like it when you smile” which you assume should have made you smiled, but it only made you cry harder as soon as you were out of sight.

Jason knew about the difficult relationship you had with your own family: having another one hating your guts wasn’t the best outcome, no. But Chad hadn’t asked; you didn’t bring the topic to the table, but you assumed he should have asked at some point, because he cared… Right? Full of doubts, feeling broken and pathetic, Jason Todd had come to the rescue. He had noticed you, had seen everything: he wasn’t the jealous type, but he knew that one wasn’t the right for you. And no, he wasn’t stating that he was but… He would treat you better. He would try, at least.

You both that night attacked the secret shelf which Batman, not Bruce Wayne, used to attack whenever his bad went kind of wrong (never fully, he was always proud like that) to get back up. The alcohol was strong and it made your nose burn, but it also made you giggle to the stupid shit Jason said, and you had comfortably (just numb enough) accepted his kiss. You were both in front of the fire, and he had been trying to take the bottle from your drunk ass who was stumbling in high-heels, complaining about dresses and galas and parents… And he had simply growled something (you can’t remember, didn’t care much) which made you almost drop your panties. Jason had a fucking sexy mouth and-

That was the only clear thing you remember from that night. Memories can’t be relied on, but on that one you can count on. He kissed you, and he backed you up to the wall, grinded into you: you had moan in his mouth, had sticked out your tongue for him to take, and just like that, it was spring again when he had kissed you for a second “first” time (the first had actually been on a game) and your fingers were laced on the grass, sun bathing his form, his beautiful white lock, his incredibly attractive jaw, his beautiful and gorgeous eyes-

You didn’t make it to bed. It sounds cliché, but he didn’t let you, as much as you almost crawled into your room; the sofa had been nice enough the first time. Not much better for the second. But at the third, you explained the situation, the rules: “no love, no drama, no strings or uncomfortable questions. Just lust”.

So for everyone’s surprise you were instantly friends again. First they thought you were just fucking, but soon after you had finally introduced Chad to them and all rumors died, which was the main purpose. Jason was just a comfortable fuck where no questions were asked and where you just felt… Good again. Your boyfriend was good to you, yes, but too perfect sometimes, too unberable for someone with anxiety and a constant pressure of being just like him. But the truth is, there’s no point of comparison: for him is just as easy as breathing to be that kind, that good – but it takes the life out of you to be like that, so docile, so good and so excellent all the time. And Jason knows, understands. He murmurs into your hair that you are perfect and you believe him.

He makes you feel pretty, enough; and you need when all Chad cares is his own family, his grandes, his status, his position. It’s him him him all the way. And this time you mind being stood up, you mind him being late, you can’t stand him flirting with other girls, even when you have no right to complain (having fucked Jason for three months kind of takess off the right).

Were you his charity case? The broken girl from the bad neighborhood who made it into uni who he had comforted “and saved”?

It’s been eight months, and even through your second anniversary, you are more and more sure of it. And you actually start cancelling more dates, being more passive with him and start fucking Jason more. It’s just that, it’s nothing more – and while you run from your “perfect” future by his side (you try to, knowing perfectly Chad is everything that would make your family happy, would keep you content and safe), Jason falls more and more in love with you.

The way you need him: your nails digging in his skin, your hands pulling his hair like you need something desperately to hold onto – him and only him being able to do so, bring you to your peak everytime before he can even come close… Your perfect legs that open with a kiss on your thigh, how you trust him to make you feel good without questioning. You love the way he makes you feel about yourself, which is probably selfish, but you couldn’t care less. He accepted, he was fine with the rules: and thus you exploit his love, he gets way into it, into you, even when alarms go all around his head telling him “no”, trying to stop.

But it’s too late, and you feel just a little bit cruel:

—You are great.

—Really now? Does it have anything to do with the pizza, or the fact that I eat you out like a champ?

—Why can I only choose one? God, Jason, it’s like you’ve never read Tolstoi. Things are not all black or white. Dumbass—. You giggle, getting closer to him in the sofa where your hair is spread, almost naked; Jason has put his boxers on, and he’s tracing lazy patterns in your skin.

—First you quote Tolstoi, paraphrase him rather, and then you say “dumbass”. Yer’ an idiot.

It makes you both laugh, and when it kind of dies down, you press your forehead against his and you search for his lips. He concedes, biting the inferior one, marking it.

—Oh, come on, you know you can’t leave marks on. He will see.

—Yeah, and we wouldn’t like that, would we? End this rendez-vous or affaire, however fancy way you want to call it because you love him soooo much—. You roll your eyes, and he smirks. You hate it when he feels he is right (he never is).

—Two things: one, I do like him, however i decided to manage our relationship it’s between him and me; and two, I don’t like to be marked because I’m not “a thing”, Jason. Definitively not yours.

His smile falters. You know you are on dangerous ground. Pizzas are about to get there, why couldn’t you just shut down your mouth?

—So you’re his?—. He gets all possesive. You know when he slightly puffs out his chest. It makes you get up, search for the cushions you both had dumped to the floor. It makes you not look at him directly, distract you—. Then who-no, what are we? Fuck buddies?

—Try friends?—You sarcastically try and throw, but it ends in the most of the miserable ways.

—Let me back up a bit, but I’m pretty sure Roy and I don’t do this at least once a week. Do you have any other special “friend” you do this with this ritually?

—I didn’t mean it like that…

—Well now I do, so answer, (Y/N). Do you?

You massage your nape, bite your lip.

—No, Jason, I don’t. And you know I don’t—. You answer and it kind of feels like he sighs in relief, which annoys you—. It wouldn’t matter anyways, because we would just be friends!

—Friends like what, you and I?

—Yes, Todd, just like you and I!

—Well newsflash (Y/N)! Friends don’t do this kind of shit!

The anger, his voice, had scared you, and it brings you to the present. His eyes beg at you to say something; any sense of regret and he will stay, he will make it work somehow, but you are too tired. So you just give him your back and turn around to face Gotham and its darkness: one that has taken you over the years, that has fucked you up and that will probably break two hearts in one night.

[incorrectprodigalsonquotes]

Carved in the Cradle Chapter 3

Chapter 3

“Okay, and then you just attach the other wing like the first one.” Dani instructed as Malcolm carefully finished changing Isabella’s diaper.

“Kind of like Velcro sneakers” Malcolm considered as he fixed Isabella’s clothing and helped her sit up.

Dani chuckled, “I don’t think that’s a comparison I’ve heard someone make but sure.”

“Hoo! Hoo!” Isabella exclaimed as she started flapping her arms. Dani and Malcolm raised an eyebrow at each other as the baby girl exclaimed again, “Hoo! Hoo!”

“Does she not know who we are?”

Isabella flapped her arms again, “Hoo! Hoo!”

Malcolm’s eyes widened as he let out a laugh, “Oh!”

“What is it?” Dani asked.

“I think she wants her owl.” Malcolm went over to the stroller and found the pink owl left in the seat. He picked it up and Isabella’s squeals got louder as she flapped her arms harder the closer he got with her stuffed animal, “Isabella? What’s this?”

Isabella giggled, “Hoo! Hoo!”

“That’s right.” Malcolm grinned when Isabella immediately wrapped her arms around the plush. “You really love your owl, huh?”

She giggled again, “Hoo! Hoo!”

The two adults smiled at the child as she started trying to chew on her stuffed animal’s head. “I think she’s hungry.” Dani remarked.

“You’re right, I’ll get her some formula ready and she can snack on that while I get the high chair set up.”

“I can help with that.”

Malcolm smiled, “Thanks but you’ve already helped a lot, you’re probably kind of tired.”

“I don’t mind Bright. Really.” She then smirked, “Besides you need to get at least a few hours of sleep so we can take shifts.”

He smirked back, “In case you haven’t noticed, I thrive on lack of sleep.”

Before he started setting up the highchair, Malcolm did make a bottle for Isabella as promised. As he set up the furniture, Dani took over the duty of feeding the little girl. Malcolm had been distracted with building the high chair and didn’t notice Dani looking at him with an amused expression as she lightly bounced the baby on her hip.

Isabella pointed in Malcolm’s direction as Dani helped her hold her bottle steady. The detective chuckled silently as Isabella kept staring at him, “Yeah, I get what you’re doing.” She whispered, “It’s not easy to get a good read off of him.” Isabella just smiled and let out a tiny giggle as she continued to drink her milk. Dani noticed Malcolm drop the screwdriver on his foot and silently curse. She smiled as Isabella giggled again, “Yeah, Bright’s kind of funny, huh?” Isabella began to grab at Dani’s shirt collar and tug on it. “I haven’t known him for that long but… he’s a good person. He might not be able to see it but he means well and most of the time, he does well. When he says he’ll help… he helps.” Her expression softened as she looked down at the little girl who still seemed so unaware of losing her mother. “And don’t worry, we’re going to make sure you’ll be just fine.”

Malcolm didn’t hear any of what Dani had been saying to Isabella but when his eye caught the detective holding the infant girl, he couldn’t help but smile. He definitely didn’t know what he was doing but he was glad that he had a friend like Dani to help.

(~**~)                  (~**~)                  (~**~)                  (~**~)

Malcolm wondered to the roof of his building. He didn’t understand what drew him there but what he saw when he got there horrified him. Dani was laying on the edge of the roof, unmoving and clearly unconscious and next to her was one face he never thought or wished he would see in his home.

“Malcolm, my boy.”

“Dr. Whitly…” Malcolm’s eyes moved from his father to Dani then back to his father, “What are you- How did you-”

“I wonder…” Martin questioned to himself as he loosened his grip ever so slightly, “What would happen if a person fell with nothing but a cold hard pavement to catch them at the bottom?” He loosened his grip again, “Could the fall itself kill them first or the landing? Or would they just slowly lose themselves to the sweet release of death?”

“Dr. Whitly. Don’t do this. You’ve already taken twenty-three lives.”

Martin chuckled, “Well, why not make it an even two dozen?”

Malcolm tried to reason with the man he once considered his father, “You don’t have to do this.”

“Give me one good reason.” Malcolm hesitated but it gave Martin all he needed to know, “Oh, Malcolm, my boy…” The Surgeon gave a grin, the one that now made chills run down Malcolm’s spine. “You care about her, don’t you?”

“Yes.” Malcolm said without hesitation, “She’s my friend. Of course I care about her.”

“My boy… don’t you know by now?” Malcolm paused at his father’s words, “If you don’t have their complete and utter devotion… love is simply a weakness.” With those final words, he pushed the unconscious Dani off of the balcony.

“No!” He ran but Martin held him back, “No! Let me go! ”

“Calm down my boy…”

“Let me go! No! No! NO! NO!” He finally broke free from his father and ran the ledge and saw what had become of Dani.

“NO!” Malcolm jumped up as his eyes shot open and his arms tugged at his restraints. He gasped heavily as he spat out his mouth guard.

He didn’t even hear Dani run over and check on him. “Bright?” He didn’t notice she was there until she sat by him. “Bright?” He continued to breath heavily which prompted Dani to place her hands on his shoulders, “Hey. Bright? Look at me.” Malcolm’s slightly wild gaze met her calm one. The light from the sunrise hitting her face as it made her brown eyes turn amber. His head was still shaking so her hands move to gently grip his face, “It was just a bad dream. It’s fine. Everything’s okay.”

He began to calm down, “You’re okay.” It was more of a statement than a question.

Dani was slightly confused but indulged him, “Yeah, I’m okay, I’m fine… and you’re fine. You just had a bad dream.” She gave him a sympathetic look as she removed her hands from his face, “I’m sorry, I meant to wake you up, I must have dozed off.”

Malcolm slightly shook his head as he leaned back and rested against the headboard, “It’s not your fault.” He gave a defeated chuckle, “I would have had a nightmare at some point.”

She gave him an incredulous smile making him smile back.

Just then, high pitched screams were heard coming from Isabella’s crib. Dani shot up and ran over to the crib as Malcolm quickly uncuffed himself from his restraints. Isabella had kicked her blanket to the side and flailed her little arms. Dani carefully picked her up and let the little girl cry into her shoulder and gently started shushing her.

Sunshine chirped loudly, getting Malcolm’s attention. “Don’t worry Sunshine. I think she just got scared because she woke up somewhere she didn’t recognize.” Sunshine chirped again, getting Isabella’s attention. The little girl sniffed as her tears started to slow down and she turned her head, pointed in the direction of the bird’s cage and let out a squeal. Dani gave Malcolm a look before handing Isabella off to him. He brought her closer to the cage as the baby looked at the yellow parakeet in wonder. He smiled, “Isabella, this is Sunshine.”

“Hoo?”

Malcolm chuckled, “No, Sunshine’s not an owl, she’s a parakeet.” Isabella didn’t respond, instead she just looked at Sunshine with furrowed brows and a puzzled gaze. Malcolm thought for a moment, “Sunshine doesn’t hoo, she chirps. You know? Chirp, chirp?”

Sunshine chirped again, flapping her bright wings. Isabella’s furrowed brows slowly began to separate and her tiny mouth began to form a smile before she kicked her legs and started giggling again. Her sweet laughter only made Sunshine want to chirp more.

Malcolm smiled at the little girl in his arms as she seemed to be feeling better. He turned his head to Dani and mouthed, “Thank you.”

She gave him a smile and just as she opened her mouth to reply, her phone rang.

Dani answered her phone, “Powell.” She paused, “Alright, we’ll be there ASAP.” She turned back to Malcolm and Isabella, “That was Gil. He said Edrisa says she discovered that there’s something off after completing the post-mortem.”

“Then we should head over.” As Malcolm was about to place Isabella back in her crib, he paused, “Wait.. what about Isabella? I’m no baby expert but I’m pretty sure morgues are not the best outings for infants.”

Dani thought for a while before letting out a sigh, “We might have to get creative.”

(~**~)                  (~**~)                  (~**~)                  (~**~)

“You brought the baby here?” Gil exclaimed.

“Well, obviously, we couldn’t leave her alone and the precinct doesn’t have a daycare… plus this roof thing of her stroller is on so she’s not gonna see anything, she’s napping right now and I got her one of those stuffed animals that smell like strawberries to sort of… mask the smell of the morgue.” Malcolm quickly replied with a sheepish grin as he stood in front of the stroller.

The older man sighed, “Bright-”

“It was my idea.” Dani interjected.

“Powell?”

“Bright was worried about what to do with Isabella seeing as there’s not really anyone we can just hand her off to.”

“That’s true…”

“Look, I know. It’s not ideal but we do need to keep an eye on the baby and… Bright’s good at taking care of her.” Malcolm’s eyebrows shot up slightly at Dani’s compliment. At least… he was pretty sure that it was a compliment.

Gil shook his head and turned to Edrisa, “You said that something’s off about the victim?”

Edrisa nodded, “While the heart-shaped scars were carved post-mortem, after my examination, I realized that I was wrong. The major stab wound we thought was the cause of death was also created post-mortem. Like literally directly after being killed which explains the major blood loss.”

Malcolm furrowed his brows, “What?”

“Wait. So if the stab wound isn’t what killed her and she was already dead when the carvings were made, what did kill her?” Dani inquired.

“She was suffocated.” The coroner replied.

“But there isn’t any bruising around her neck.” JT noted.

“Nice catch. There’s no bruising on the neck and there were no fibers of any kind in her mouth or throat to suggest that something was stuffed in there. She was definitely suffocated in an unconventional way.” Edrisa said as she lifted the sheet, “I didn’t notice this at first because of the carvings but upon completing my post-mortem, I noticed that she has almost a perfect hourglass figure.”

Gil furrowed his brows, “So?”

“At first I thought, ‘Wow, good genes’ considering she had also given birth within the past year but when I finished my examination, I realized her figure has been trained to become like this but not as if she had been training with an intense exercise regime.”

“Then with what?” Malcolm asked.

“An old fashioned trick; corsets.”

Dani raised an eyebrow, “Corsets? Like waist-trainers?”

Edrisa shook her head, “Yes and no, I’m thinking more Victorian and less Kardashian.” She placed the white sheet back over the body, “There’s bruising on her ribs that had developed over time but they’re also very recently broken. Somehow whatever corset she was wearing last had been tightened to a point where she suffocated within minutes after putting it on.”

“So the major stab wound-”

“Was created almost immediately after death, almost as if to throw us off but it was suffocation that killed her.”

“But she wasn’t wearing a corset when we found her.” JT remarked with confusion.

“No, but I did find fibers in the stab wound that did not match the clothing Arianna was already wearing.”

“So you’re saying that someone suffocated Arianna until she was dead with her own corset then proceeded to stab her and then removed the corset?” Gil asked.

“That’s what makes the most sense right now.”

Gil noticed the way Malcolm was staring intently at the sheet-covered body, “Bright?”

“This killing didn’t go to plan.” Malcolm said as he stared intently at the covered body, “It was messy, almost as if every move was thought of in the moment.”

“What does that mean for us?”

“The killer wanted us to think that this death was connected to the other killings but made a lot of mistakes.”

“So this is a completely different killer than the one we’ve been looking for?” Dani asked as she crossed her arms.

“The profile I have is similar with a few key differences. For Arianna’s killer, we’re most likely looking for a male. White –big surprise however he’s probably, at the very least, someone she trusted.”

Dani furrowed her brows, “How did this killer know about the torture method then?”

“That… I don’t know quite yet.”

“A different killer would explain why the carvings on her body are difference than the other victims.” Edrisa nodded.

“The questions now are why did Arianna wear corsets and what does it have to do with her murder?”

Now I know what you’re thinking… would they even be allowed to bring a baby into the morgue? I… honestly have no idea. Probably not but… this is my story >:3

I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter, hope I came up with a good little twist for the case.

Please let me know what you guys thought and if you have any theories of what’s to come. I’d love to hear your thoughts. Have a great day!

[imadeletingmysocials]

My Final Say On The Final Fantasy 7 Compilation:

DILLY DALLY SHILLY SHALLY!

Now let me say something: I don’t fully hate the remake, my feelings are at best mixed towards it, because of course it plays on my heart strings at moments, I grew up with Final Fantasy 7, I recognize and fall for the fanservicey recreations of PS1 moments, I just hate it’s tone and different atmosphere because I recognize this is obviously fanservicey everywhere you go and rarely comes as close to the original feel, more on that later of course, here’s what’s core: Final Fantasy 7 Remake at best feels like a compromise between the new and the old fans, with some old fans not really feeling 100% about it from what I gathered around many people I know. Everything I hear is “The gameplay is fun and engaging! but some shit is definitely silly and could have been cut” stuff like: the amount of filler, characters that honestly don’t add that much to the world building, and the saturday morning cartoon prolongation of certain moments which were straight to the point in the original, this is a remake where you get to see fast-paced deep cut moments turned into a slow agonizing over-redundant slow insertion of a knife, it’s like using a butter knife to cut a well done stake.

Again, a compromise with the fandom, THAT fandom, the fandom that scared everyone into playing Final Fantasy 7 which was at best a REALLY Good regular JRPG, and it really was like this weirld proto-cringe culture built around a cult, Final Fantasy 7 was this grimdark game about ecology, direct action, the over reach of corporate control on resources, spirituality and all that, and it was ALL REDUCED TO YAOI SHIPPING, I will never forgive you guys for reducing Final Fantasy 7 to that shit and it is one of the main reasons why the Compilation became this anime shit, I’m not even someone who unironically says “this is too anime” but that’s my attitude with a lot of the compilation, there is stuff in this compilation series that makes it all feel like a fucking parody of Dragon Ball Z when outside of that, the original was pretty grounded.

The original was so grounded that it’s still debated if Final Fantasy 7 is cyberpunk AT ALL if not dieselpunk, with the compilation and remake adding more cyberpunk and high-sci-fi aspects like China-like social credit, or VR, and they’re all ham-fistedly added additions to the series, it’s just them running with the idea of “I guess we’re considered cyberpunk now, better play the part and add these cliche tropes”, Final Fantasy 7′s world clearly has a class division when it comes to who has technology and who doesn’t, some technology in the FF7 world is old and some is new, but in the original it’s really just a select places that hold power towards technology: Like the facilities of Midgar or the Golden Saucer.

Adding a lot of these sci-fi aspects and prolonging on the midgar section of course adds plot holes: In the original, the Midgar section flies so fast it’s just one event after the other WHICH IS GOOD, not letting air to breathe in your structure keeps the plot tight, keeps the momentum and pacing good, allowing that air to breathe too much results in what I like to call: Nomura’s Awkward Silence. You’ve probably seen it in Kingdom Hearts quite a lot but Nomura is a shitty director who manages to make scenes so badly and prolonged that by the end any logical person would go: “...But? Wouldn’t that not work?”.

FF7′s Midgar was fast-paced cuz this is a group of eco-terrorists which are on a constant verge of being caught so they’re constantly on the move, plot hole nitpicky shit starts to happen when you don’t have a fast-pacing to keep most hooked and here are examples which aren’t helped with the new plot device additions:

Why doesn’t Tifa confront Cloud’s past since they now have a lot of time to catch up

Why would a terrorist group just... Hire someone and let them stay in a normal ass 

Why is Avalanche just chilling around the sectors when they all live in a mass surveillance state, no really adding that mass surveillance plot device really makes everything fall apart, in the original SHINRA just IMMEDIATELY after the first bombing bombs sector 7 with absolutely no-restraint, them seeing AVALANCHE bomb one of their reactors makes them go: “Oh we can kill them all in one swell swoop and put the blame on them no problem we just giving them a false means of comfort” and the new bombing of Sector 7 REALLY does showcase my annoyance with all of the minor changes that were fine and better in the original: This is also best exemplified by how reno in the original just presses the button and is done with it but the remake prolongs this scene so much, that RENO has to fight you first??? Even if he is literally facing the fucking button??? cuz ANIME FIGHT! and then they make RUDE press the button when before they developed him as “somewhat nice guy” which only clashes even worse with the fact that he was the one who presses a button to SUPPOSEDLY kill an entire sector, well I say supposedly cuz now, there is no weight in that, Barrett doesn’t shoot the fallen sector’s walls in anger and (that’s what motivates him to go to Shinra once and for all) because actual stakes? what are that? No, everyone evacuated this time and the new NPCs are all fine :)

Throughout the whole game, they play up characters who are minor in the original but are FULL BIG FUCKIN IDOLS in the remake now, and as a result, the “bad guys who become good guys as the game on” HAVE TO HAVE CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT IMMEDIATELY. Fuck pacing! We need to show that the HEROES HAVE A CONSCIOUSNESS NOW! and STILL MAKE THEM DO EVIL THINGS. Like what is the point in developing your villains and showing they have a conciseness if they are still going to do bad things? In FF7 the only start developing a consciousness AFTER the bad things, like ff7 remake makes Dude somewhat decent and showcases Reeves as a nice person but they still did evil things regardless so it’s uselesss. Now I won’t say FF7 doesn’t do this and shows Reeves has his gripes but it doesn’t go

Again, BARRET HAS A FUCKING GUN FOR AN ARM, HE SHOULDN’T BE OUT IN THE PUBLIC... AT ALL, HE SIGNED HIS DEATH WARRANT WHEN HE GAVE HIMSELF THAT ARM AND DEDICATED HIMSELF TO THE CAUSE, THIS IS WHY HE ALWAYS LIVES ON THE MOVE AND ALWAYS HIDING. 

Again, why did they introduce the idea of everything being a mass surveillance state if Cloud, Tifa and Barret can literally storm Shinra’s headquarters and Shinra workers are just... chilling in the lobby, it’s all empty, but in the original you had a somewhat sense of danger and the only way to progress was through going through specific corridors in a certain order or tricking Shinra workers.

Every single time the dementors appear.

Examples of the anime-transformation of the remake and making everything a lot harder to not take seriously are: 

Scarlet being a comical dominatrix who like a cartoon character smacks the character when in the original she was truly like a serious fucking villain.

Aeris (or Aerith, not sure anymore) pretty much becoming a Disney Princess

Every single villain going to saturday morning cartoon levels of overreduncancy. 

And of course I hate this shit, I have a connection with the original you know, if it wasn’t called a remake or if it didn’t touch the original maybe I wouldn’t have thought otherwise but because of the fact that it goes out to make these ridiculous changes feels like some sort of insult in a way. Minor inconveniences start to become major inconveniences and Final Fantasy 7′s remake is CHOCK FULL of it. 

It’s the weirdest comparison I know, but the one I feel still works is: You know how Disney movies would a TV adaption? Like how Disney’s Hercules had a Hercules TV show and it went on to develop background characters you barely knew, while basically overly expanding on that interlude of the movie? Well that’s what Final Fantasy VII remake feels like, some even said that this remake feels like as if they made a MCU movie series based on the original, honestly I don’t know which one is worse, sounds pretty bad which ever way you put it.

A controversial opinion but one that never the less is true is that: Midgar was not supposed to be ANYTHING BUT A SET UP, it was just there for the sake of world building, now I guess it’s just me and a couple of friends but we aren’t part of the gang of “I didn’t play Final Fantasy 7 pass Midgar” which apparently is a thing, it goes as far as cultural video game stereotype, I’m one of the few people who played passed Midgar, and i’m one of the few people who prefer the game past that section as everything when the world begins to open starts to build on that set up Midgar introduced, like Midgar isn’t everything FF7 has to offer, it’s just the setup, Midgar is the BIG BAD, but you need to recgonize how Midgar is pretty much a plot device at best and what is more important is the villages of the planet and how each are affected by Midgar’s reach and corruption, like Red Canyon, small villages with rocket projects or Wutai (which the Compilation LOVES to set up as the other super-power against Midgar, rather than letting Midgar be the only superpower like in the original I guess).

Midgar is structured like this fast-paced action film, beat by beat, in fact following the same structural high points of an action movie. Midgar was always designed to be a 2 hour experience, like a fun roller coaster ride or romp, it wasn’t meant to be the WHOLE GAME or that prolonged. 

And a lot of those things will be gone and sacrificed in the remake: For example, you cannot recreate well-placed shots and angles in the remake cuz it doesn’t have pre-background sets like the original. In doing so, you sacrifice shit and make choices LIKE THIS: 

Rather than the slow-panning of the shot that results in this iconic scene:

I want to be clear here: I do not hate Final Fantasy 7 remake for it’s lack of subtlety, whenever Final Fantasy 7′s remake has the chance to be political and preachy about it, that is actually where it expands VERY well on the original (unlike the whole fucking Compilation shit or the annoying quirky NPCs they introduce which honestly don’t add much and kinda remove and detach from what’s kinda important at the matter, again the pacing fucking sucks), the original works as it is with short burst of dialog without dwelling on actual political theory (It can get annoying of course for example: Barrett in the remake every 10 seconds talks about how he wants to save the planet, while Barrett in the original doesn’t need to be that repetitive, in fact I think you can count every time in the remake he says “SAVE THE PLANET”  almost as much “DARKNESS” is said in Kingdom hearts... NOMURA!!!), you know keeping it simple for all of the teenagers playing it in final fantasy 7, vague enough to be accessible.

I could go on about all of those weird changes in the remake which could have been left as it is, like almost every single side-mission, I don’t know of a single side-mission in FF7 I left thinking “Wow that was really worthwhile, thought provoking and added quite a lot to the world building!” cuz guess what, it didn’t. The children don’t add much like we get it children are not immune to SOLDIER propaganda (Cloud is literally the personification of this did we really need this), the angel of the slums shows stealing from the rich is good (like the entire game is about killing corporate people and despite Barrett feeling a lil bit remorse in his methods he never feels remorse in killing anyone related to SHINRA), like oh thanks for showcasing to me that thieves can be good people like the child I am. These are all engineered to make people who didn’t get the point in ff7, messages which feel are for children, which I guess a lot of gamers are, the dumbification of video games as a whole angers me but that’s a completely different subject, you ever notice how characters in the past didn’t talk about every single action they should be performing but every game after 2010 has to be annoying about that?

I still have mixed feelings on FF7R. Little things that are lil fanservice can be nice, but then the final fantasy 7 remake just throws the cake onto the ground as soon as it seems tasty, the best example of this would be the cutscene showing Shinra’s plan in Shinra’s headquarters, it is an EXCELLENT COMPLIMENT to the original, like the original has about the same amazing world building set up of how 2000 years ago FF7′s world was just a regular Final Fantasy world! Final Fantasy 7 is special because of that this particular world building, and compliments to that realism and tone ARE GREAT! Those are moments in which the tone of the game SHINE! It makes you go “Aw that was a nice recreation and it complimented the game fine” but then Sephiroth. You know... That one villain who isn’t supposed to be appearing every single second in the original but since the pacing is dogshit I guess he’s basically become Cloud’s little one winged angel on his shoulder that has to appear IN EVERY cutscene, I really do hate this mother fucker. I hate that Sephiroth bitch, I hate that he became more of an mascot for FF7 to the point it overshadows his role as just a pawn of a more deeper evil (JENOVA) sephiroth was nothing but the representation of soldier exploitation going wrong, and how that symbolically is connected to the end of the world and an evil very alien. Sephiroth was never supposed to be this actual character, in fact he stopped being a character when... you know.

Somehow Palmer can see Sephiroth but that makes 0 sense and is the dumbest fucking addition... Aren’t only people with Mako supposed to see him? And the idea is that Sephiroth can only gain physical form through the bodies of SOLDIERs cuz he’s more of a virus now. But you know... Sephy-kun is a star now! SO HE NEEDS TO SHOW UP EVERY FUCKING SECOND and PRACTICALLY SPOIL THE WHOLE ORIGINAL GAME, what clearer message of “we hope you played the original or else” than all of those forced flashbacks, and how funny that the original demon of FF7remake was straight forward and didn’t include sephiroth flashback but as soon as the game released they put them in! HM, I WONDER. I WONDER. That really does feel like a “haha you actually bought the game! sucker.” 

But by that point I’ve basically become that fan that goes “you should read the book, I don’t like it that in the movie they did all of these little changes”, but truth be told Final Fantasy 7 remake turned me into that kinda person. Again: It doesn’t help that this is literally not a medium conversion, but a full on re-writting from the people who worked, and I don’t care what Nomura considers a “remake”, this makes the original story flow a lot worse.

“You fuckers asked for it! So here it is” says Square Enix when people were angry that FF7 was being re-released over and over again, teased with tech demos since the PS3 era! Truth be told, I was always on the fence for a Final Fantasy 7 remake, I was fine with the original, I cannot speak for everyone else but on my side it was just people going “I REALLY FUCKING HOPE THIS ISN’T COMPILATION BULLSHIT“ AND hahah AHAHAHAH well

Final Fantasy 7 remake’s structure is... AMAZINGLY WELL PUT WHEN YOU START TO SEE THAT THE LONGER IT GOES, THE MORE IT STARTS TO STRAY AWAY FROM GOD’S LIGHT, In fact I think that’s brilliant, it’s like a well made bad prank, you get to see people in real time react to this shit and it’s almost a universal experience so props to the designers for managing to do that, at first it starts building your immunity with like dementors and you’re like “why the fuck did they add this? oh well i guess I’ll just keep going” but then by the end of the game throws shit at the fan and some people are devoted to those changes saying “ah fuck it” or you know: This is dumb. I’d say that 35% of Final Fantasy 7′s remake’s content compliments the original and 65% is modern Square Enix’s shenanigans.  

The rest of this thread is pretty funny also:

This might sound controversial but: When your shit is edited in the editing room, maybe, just maybe, there’s a reason it was edited out. Final Fantasty 7 Remake has this attitude of “WE GOTTA ADD EVERY SINGLE DELETED CONTENT WE COULDN’T HAVE PUT IN THE ORIGINAL, WE HAVE THAT POWER NOW TO GET SILLAY!” which is often the downfall of a lot of video games and their artistic integrity, it’s a constant thing and I’m sure I won’t be visiting it for the last time: video game directors are often these egoistical people who are left like children with this amount of power to just do dumb shit and because video games are an exceptional quirky medium, people just let bad writing and anime shit fly, I mean this is what I have always meant by video games as a medium being like b-movies and kitsch at best, you rarely see this medium be high art.

I think the best example of this is comparing to the movie medium, most importantly: George Lucas, George Lucas was a guy who because of a lot of editors their story became something that even overshadowed themselves, have you seen Star Wars without an editor? It sucks. This showcase should have killed the auteur but in the industry sometimes this is not the case, what results of that is a huge inflation of one’s ego and they start getting more and more power to direct stuff in whatever way they see fit!

The Video game medium has allowed the auteur theory to test it’s limits, I don’t know if it’s fair to blame everything on the black sheep Nomura (I mean Motomu Toriyama is as much to blame here, if not even worse, this is the guy who directed X-2, I’m sure if anything he might have done more harm) it is kinda hard to detach the directors from the product however, especially in this case when a lot of people’s gripes come from unnecessary filler, tone, and terrible pacing. That’s kind of all the directors job you know? 

I detest the idea that a good tone is only set by the standards of western cinema or the soviet montage standards. You can accomplish a good and serious tone by a lot of means, it doesn’t need to be 100% serious, but I don’t want it to become as ridiculous or redundant as a low-budget shonen anime. It doesn’t help FF7 Remake case because it doesn’t go out to compliment FF7 that well. It doesn’t matter what Nomura thinks a “remake’ entitles, because regardless, the changes in this will forever be compared to the original, FF7 remake does not exist in a vacuum, it isn’t a stand-alone original game, it just feels like a weird adaptation that doesn’t fair well to the original plot structure.

Which is where I’ll start to bring this long commentary to a halt! If Nomura himself admits that FF7′s Remake is Final Fantasy VII Compilation Part 5 well all I have to say, and what has and will always be my stance of this so called “compilation” is:

The compilation of final fantasy 7 has always been over redundant filler. It’s all either so bad it’s good or so fanservicey it’s obnoxious. Every single compilation is a mixed bowl of “This is actually cool” and “this is just dumb and unnecessary”. The novels, the side-entries on flip phones, they all feel as if they come from a smug aura of “Clearly you didn’t get the plot from one game alone so we clearly have to expand on it so we can get EXTRA MONEY!”

Oh and the whole one winged angel shit (now a plot device thanks to crisis core) and the NOMURA idea of “you gotta play all of the entries to understand this shit” fucking sucks man! 

Nomura games are so close to being so good, but there’s always that fucking CRINGE that appears, and this kind of shit makes me actually sincerely use the word “cringe”, cloud might as well pull a fucking keyblade in which LIGHTNING from Final Fantasy 13 is there saying how she is THE BEST CHARACTER EVER MADE whatever! Consistency and tone is dead, we get it. 

Every single sequel to Final Fantasy 7 is just cashing in on the fame and it’s unnecessary, you can enjoy FF7 on it’s own. It’s feeling a LOT, A LOT like Disney’s approach to Star Wars, you didn’t have to do all of this for Star War’s simple premise. I feel like that ungrateful child who got a shitty present: You really shouldn’t have.

I mean don't get me wrong, the original has that pre-famous Square Enix comic relief, and the only time you ever got that kind of subtle comic relief again was in Final Fantasy 9, the last call-back to the series being traditional. I think it's impossible to recreate Final Fantasy 7 in the style and tone it was created in 1997, because that WAS LITERALLY before Square Enix became famous and that fame went up to their head.

That's like expecting a “Final Fantasy 6″-type game to not be made by an indie developer or a small dev team today, it's not gonna happen. An AAA developer just does not have the soul to do that today. Many people were like “What if they just did the same thing as the game but with jus priddy graphics” well given the crusty JPEG skyboxes in the remake they couldn’t have even concentrated on that alone it seems, also my answer to that is: of course they’re gonna do that. Square Enix has just enough of an ego to not let shit be simple.

I mean it’s a given right, a lot of people were angry about Chrono Cross because it wasn’t quite Chrono Trigger either (at this point Square Enix was already transitioning into Final Fantasy 8-stuff and going all over the place in terms of quality, with multiple teams developing multiple games, trying to catch the high of Final Fantasy 7, but not really seeing what FF7 did to hook so many people, namely on how FF7 is the most serious and accessible entry in the whole series that isn’t Final Fantasy 6 (although Final Fantasy 6 wasn’t as cinematic which the 90s video games loved the opportunity with the gift OF 3D!).

Also:

Bull fucking shit, I am not convinced you aren’t gonna plaster Sephy-kun flashbacks at every single moment like you have, like if you really were to do a beat per beat Final Fantasy 7 remake after that that’s just so funny. 

"OH WE JUST FUCKING SPOILED THE WHOLE GAME IN THE FIRST ACT"

"BUT THE REST OF IT WILL BE NORMAL'

Like... How? Will you lower the budget for the next parts of the remake. That would legit be kinda funny,  "we just wanted to make midgar really long and weird like that, thats all, the rest will be 100% a remake! The alternative universe ghosts won’t come this time.” I just cannot believe that until I see it.

Uh what should I end this long rant with uhhhh...

[wellamarke]

Ooo another one: Athena and to some extent, V

(For context, this is about this character Q&A challenge thing that I reblogged back when series 3 was airing!)

WOW OKAY so I was just thinking to myself that it was weird that I couldn’t remember what I’d written about V for this, because I wanted to compare if I still felt the same about her after the finale episode, and Lo and behold (haha, see what I did there) I find that I actually never finished answering, which is why I couldn’t remember what I’d said!

(I know, I know, reading that was tiring, but imagine having to BE me)

Looking back now it’s super unfortunate that I didn’t write the V section when this ask first came in, because it would have been an interesting comparison… but I think I was felled by not having much V content to go on, before 3.8, whereas now I can talk at much more length!

I had, however, finished the Athena section, so here you go, this is what I had already in the draft:

First, Athena:

• Do I like them? Yes, she’s a brilliant character!

• 5 good qualities: She’s SO SMART, oh my life, major brain crush. She uses her intelligence in a way she considers ‘pure’, despite the more lucrative options that are open to her, so she has a strong moral code in a climate ruled by selfish gain. She’s motivated by her love for her daughter, which defies all odds and succeeds in pioneering an entirely new scientific field - what an icon! She takes crap from exactly NOBODY and is sassy as hell in the process. And she’s willing to help Karen, for which she’ll always have a special place in my heart.

• 3 bad qualities: She wasn’t exactly quick to accept synth consciousness, umm, so she killed a bunch of them pretty callously. Like Ed, she was able to convince herself they weren’t really people long enough to serve her own purposes, so that’s… I’m less keen on that. Umm.. she can be a little brusque, I didn’t particularly like her scene with poor Helen Aveling, who was another lady in science trying her best! No need to put her down! I guess from a narrative perspective, I could say that Athena is a little superfluous, especially since she doesn’t seem to be coming back. We’ll count that! Lots of her harder, colder edges are due to her grief so I can’t really find it in me to pin them as ‘bad’. Have I mentioned, this show does amazingly with its characters, particularly its women?!

• Favourite episode: 2.8 was the goodbye to V, right? Ugh, heartbreaking.

• OTP: … this is kind of out of the blue but I could see her and Laura, mayhaps? Certainly there aren’t any human men left alive in the show who could hold a candle to her. Oh, but how interesting if she and Neil Sommer had dated in the past. Heh heh heh.

• BrOTP: Well, I’m so glad that she’s got Karen’s brain scans, so that she can recreate her perfectly and they can love and support one another!

• OT3: Athena & V & a weekly lunch date where V shows up on her tablet screen and checks in with what she’s been doing/how many synths she’s resurrected in her Mind Meadow.

• NOTP: Athena and her kind of boring husband, what was his name? One of those unisex names? I want it to begin with L? Oh well.

• Best quote: “Nothing really bad has ever happened to you, has it? Because when it does, you don’t need reminders about your insignificance to the universe.” I’m quoting from memory so it might not be the exact wording. Amazing line, anyway.

• Head canon: I like to think that Athena did, in fact, have something to do with Leo’s early treatment. I mean, Max isn’t even with him when it happens, so at some point the Elster sibs must have pooled resources and talked about what was going to happen with him. (They probably moped about their literal surgeon brother not being there too). Anyway, somehow they found Athena and she did some salvaging (having also recently practiced with Pete when she uploaded his consciousness, pending upload to a new body) and later handed over to Anatole. Basically my headcanon is that nobody has really died in this show since Athena and V were introduced. Athena knows how to save human minds and V can grab the synths. Sorted.

Now V! The only one I had previously answered was this:

• Do I like them? Yes, bless her digital cotton socks!

Although now I might slightly rephrase that in favour of:

•Do I like them? I think so! But in the words of George Millican, she worries me! Moving on to the rest of the questions…..

• 5 good qualities: She cares about others, and is benevolent towards the synths even though she is a separate species in and of herself, with a less defined concept of “them” and “us”. Where she can, she acts to relieve suffering (giving Odi the rest he wanted, even if we’d rather she hadn’t). She’s resourceful. She’s developing/has developed a strong sense of herself and her chosen role, which is lovely to see as growth since her confusion in series 2. Aaaand, she recognises Niska’s worth and potential (even if… well, see next part).

• 3 bad qualities: She’s not too bothered about Niska’s personal agency, and would rather focus on convincing her to carry out her will. Speaking of her will, she does seem to think her way and ONLY her way is the right way for both organic and synthetic humanity - and while she might be the best disposed to predict future events, having access to the entire world’s knowledge etc…. that still doesn’t make her Actually Omniscient, I’m sorry. Whatever she thinks. And for a third, hmm, maybe she was a little harsh to leave her mother all of a sudden, but for all we know they’re back in contact now?

• Favourite episode: whichever one it was in series 2 where she starts to piece together who she was but refers to Ginny as ‘she’ rather than ‘I’ - that was so powerful and chilling.

• OTP: I’ve never thought about an OTP for V, ha. Hmm, not in the romantic sense, but I think she and Niska COULD be a winning combination, if nothing goes to awry in s4, but I am on standby for Niska having to stand against her at some point and take her down in some epic, badass way. ALTERNATIVELY, can V make Q properly conscious, and we can see what on earth a ship between 2 non-corporeal AI characters looks like? Or rather, doesn’t look like?

• BrOTP: Supposing that V stays nice, I would like her and Astrid to bond about how much they value Niska, possibly for Astrid to give V a talking to about straight up manipulating her, but in general for them to team up in making sure Niska is taking care of herself during her difficult reign as Queen Indigo.

• OT3: Well, Niska and Astrid and V, I suppose, given my last two replies!

• NOTP: That creepy dude with eyes on his eyelids can stay far away from the Synth Who Sleeps that he’s so obsessed with, thank you!

• Best quote: Listen, I will NEVER not get chills about “Why did you ask me to lie to him?” Every time I hear that line, I am there in the auditorium watching the extended trailer for the first time and it’s just SOOOO GOOD.

• Head canon: ahem, okay, buckle up kiddos because this answer requires some backstory. So, since the age of like 14, my favourite book has been Speaker for the Dead, which is basically about future humanity trying to peacefully coexist with a new alien race, centuries after they wiped out the first alien race they encountered. The main character, Ender, is friends with an artificial superintelligence called Jane, who like V, has access to every piece of information on every computer, can process billions of thoughts at once, keeps her existence a secret from most of the human race, and can appear as whatever image she likes on a screen. (Unlike V, she grew out of a computer game rather than being a transferred human consciousness). Aaaanyway. In the book and its sequels Jane shows an interest in helping humanity & the aliens to understand and accept each other, and partly it is because she’s just a sweetheart, but partly, too, it’s because she hopes that if humans can understand the Pequeninos, who have physical bodies, as they do, but are fundamentally different from them in many ways… if they can learn to live with and value this alien race, then maybe one day, Jane hopes, they will also be able to understand and accept her, too, even though she’s not got a physical form and is fundamentally different from them. Sooooo, I immediately loved V in series 2 because she reminded me of Jane and I love Jane, but now with her new role in series 3 I can see even more possible similarities. My headcanon (the point of this entire essay if you’ll remember) is that V’s quest to end conflict between synths and organics is not quite as altruistic as it might seem, but is rather part of a larger plan to gain acceptance for herself. There’s this amazing quote from Speaker, about Jane who, being aware of all the science fiction the human race has come up with, therefore knows how many of us fear the potential of someone like her coming to exist, and how many stories there are about her final destruction. V doubtless knows all the same stories. It’s in her interests to foster an environment of human acceptance of AI consciousness, to set the stage for her own emergence. This is probably a conclusion that is easily drawn without bringing Jane and Speaker into it, but what can I say, I love it when parallels between my favourite things present and deepen themselves. Okay, that’s probably enough of this, hmm?

Since apparently I’ve woken this again, why not send me a character! If you want! Or reblog the thing!

[anamelesstraveler]

| AO3 | FFN | Wattpad | Link for mobile |

Standing Invitation.

A SniperPilot fanfic. Rated G.

2,615 words

There’s a vampire in Bodhi’s house.

Bodhi returns from a late shift to find an unexpected guest has used his home as a safe haven.

Unfortunately for Bodhi, Cassian Andor is entirely too attractive.

This story includes vampires, modern urban fantasy AU (where the supernatural is known), blood drinking, Vampire!Cassian Andor, and human!Bodhi Rook - who has no chill whatsoever.

FINALLY managed to wrap this fic up - it would NOT. END. But I’m pretty happy with the result. :D Enjoy, friends!

There’s a vampire in Bodhi’s house.

He’s never met a vampire before, but he’s heard enough of the signs (both the exaggerated stereotypes and accurate descriptors) to know what he’s looking at. He might not be able to see the glint of fangs or glowing eyes, but the way the shadows of his dark living room seem to lean into the man is telling enough. Bodhi stands frozen in the doorway, wide open and perfect prey, but too dumbfounded to consider it.

The man’s head tips gently in Bodhi’s direction, the light from the street lamps outside throwing his profile into stark, backlit contrast. The scream builds in his throat.

But before he can even take a breath to shout, the creature is in front of him, pressing him back against the door without so much as a sound. A cold hand clamps over his mouth, smothering the scream into a tiny squeak.

“Shh,” the man breathes. The hands holding Bodhi immobile and silent are like iron, but the voice is gentle. Bodhi’s heart pounds a heavy staccato against his ribs, a siren song that has the vampire’s eyes dipping down and back up involuntarily. Bodhi mentally curses. “I’m not here to hurt you,” the vampire says.

‘You’re in my house!’ Bodhi thinks hysterically.

The man smiles. It’s a… nice smile, actually. Not hungry or full of fangs. It would be even nicer if the he wasn’t currently invading Bodhi’s home or his space. “My Keep is being watched by the First Order. They followed me up this way, and I ducked in here. Sorry.” There’s a tense silence, and Bodhi is increasingly aware of the meager space between their bodies, that shrinks with every rasping breath Bodhi takes.

The vampire breathes - that’s not something Bodhi expected.

“I’m going to let go,” he says. “Don’t scream.”

Bodhi nods, and gasps as he’s finally released. The intruding vampire takes a polite step back, still watching Bodhi with intent eyes. They’re warm - a surprisingly normal shade of brown that only flickers deep, glowing amber when a shadow passes over his face. It’s a handsome face, is Bodhi’s frenzied thought. All lean angles and a strong jawline covered in what is truly an attractive scruff of a beard.

‘Oh... no.’ And the man is just… in Bodhi’s house?

Bodhi shoves that flustered line of observation away.  He thinks instead of the black SUV he remembers seeing on his way up the street. He hadn’t even given it a second thought then. “Why’s the First Order after you?” he croaks.

The vampire shrugs, and somehow makes it look elegant. “Why are they after anyone?”

Because they’re dicks. Fair enough. Bodhi offers his hand and finally introduces himself, because, well, it seems rude not to at this point. It’s no less absurd than anything else that has happened in the last several minutes. “Bodhi Rook.”

If he’s not mistaken, there’s a spark of delight in the vampire’s eyes. His cool hand slides into Bodhi’s own, and he has to suppress a shiver. “Cassian Andor. Thank you for… sharing your home.”

“How did you even get in here? I thought you guys needed to be invited into private places.”

The smile he gets is less charming this time, more of smothered smirk. Like the man is trying very hard not to laugh. “Did you know your welcome mat says ‘Come in!’?”

Bodhi is going to kill Jyn Erso.

----------------------------------------

Actually, Jyn is probably going to kill him. Because Bodhi?

He invites Cassian to stay for dinner. Not only that, he offers the use of his bedroom for the day.

It’s not nearly as illicit as it sounds in his head. Dinner is leftover Chinese that Bodhi had ordered earlier that day. There’s nothing glamorous (or romantic, Bodhi thinks wryly) about reheated Chinese food at four in the morning. But his mother taught him better than to kick a guest out without offering them food.

(Casian seems to be genuinely taken aback by the proffered meal. “Most think I don’t eat at all.”

Bodhi smiles sheepishly, and adds a second plate to the table. “I wasn’t sure, to be honest. But if I didn’t offer, I think my mother would come back to life for the sole purpose of telling me she raised me better than this. Uh. Shanghai beef or cashew chicken?”)

The offer of a room doesn’t come until later, when a surreptitious glance out the window reveals that the same black SUV is now parked down the street. With Cassian forced to either wait it out or attempt to escape before sunrise, Bodhi finds himself gesturing towards his room. “I’ve got sun-blocking drapes since I work the graveyard shift.” And oh, is that some kind of irony. “They’re bound to be gone by mid morning, right? I can sleep in the guest room.”

The look Bodhi receives is nothing short of unreadable. And Bodhi isn’t sure if all vampires have such intent stares or if Cassian just an especially piercing gaze. (It’s not as if Bodhi has any frame of comparison.) But Cassian ends up nodding and disappearing into the bedroom, quiet as… well, the grave.

Though Bodhi isn’t sure that’s accurate, now. He doesn’t know much about vampires, but Cassian certainly doesn’t seem undead to him. He eats. He breathes. He smiles. His eyes light up when something amuses him.

Bodhi settles onto the couch with his phone, intent on wasting as much time as possible before going to sleep himself.

And anything to keep from dwelling on the First Order staking out his street. Perhaps even his house in search of his unexpected guest. The thought sends a truly worrying surge of protective anger through Bodhi. One that he will not examine too closely.

Alright, maybe that’s a lie. Bodhi finds himself tossing his phone onto the couch beside him with a frustrated groan.

Cassian is incredibly attractive. And really kind of sweet.

“This is stupid,” he mutters, even as he hauls himself to his feet, and walks towards his bedroom.  “So stupid.”

Cassian is awake, not at all to Bodhi’s surprise. The vampire lifts himself into a sitting position at the first hint of light from the hall. He’s been lying on top of the covers, Bodhi observes, only taking off his coat and his shoes. Still, his hair falls alluringly around his face now, his dark lashes like soot against his pale cheeks. His eyes burn a gentle amber in the gloom. “Yes?” he asks casually. Not shocked at all to see Bodhi entering the room.

Bodhi isn’t sure if that should be infuriating or not.

He opens his mouth, but he finds that no words will come out. So instead he stands there watching Cassian, who merely watches him back. Waiting. He always seems to be watching and waiting, dissecting Bodhi like a particularly interesting puzzle. He wishes Cassian would explain what he’s seeing, because Bodhi has no earthly clue what he’s doing.

“You’re really cute,” he blurts, and promptly wishes the ground would open up and swallow him. He rubs a hand over his face, and fights not to groan.

Cassian’s expression goes slack now, brows shooting up. “That’s… not what I was expecting you to say.”

“Y-Yeah?” A high-pitched laugh escapes him. “What were you expecting?”

“For you to ask me to leave.” At Bodhi’s abrupt, horrified silence, he shrugs. “It would not be the first time.”

“I wouldn’t do that,” Bodhi says fiercely. Again that hot rush of ire, indefensible after meeting the man a few short hours ago.

“Because you think I’m… cute,” Cassian adds, though by his tone he scarcely believes it.

“No! Well, yes, sure.” His face hot, Bodhi paces towards the bed and sinks down onto the edge near Cassian’s side. “But I already told you, you could stay here. I’d be a dick if I turned around and kicked you out.”

Cassian says nothing to this. He... hasn’t even responded one way or the other to Bodhi’s haphazard confession either. He fights not to squirm, or to let it show that his heart is rapidly sinking into his feet. This is fine. He’s alright with this. Bodhi casts about for a diversion, which is harder than it sounds when he can barely look the vampire in the face. It takes him a long, agonizing stretch of silence to realize that the other man appears pale and drawn, that the even minimal warmth has gone from him.

“Are you alright?” he asks. “Do you need anything?”

The question seems to catch Cassian off guard. “Sleep. And to feed, at some point.” Both are said flippantly. And yet, Bodhi’s mouth goes dry. He’s having those thoughts again. Those crazy thoughts that lead him to inviting a vampire to dinner, and to stay the night.

The crazy kind of thoughts that Jyn is definitely going to kill him for.

Whether Cassian reads his expression, or his keen senses pick up the sudden spike in his heartbeat, doesn’t matter. His eyes actually flash, bright liquid gold in the dim room, and then narrow. “No,” he says roughly.

Bodhi swallows. “N… No?”

“You’re not offering that.”

Well, now that’s just insulting. “I could be,” he mumbles defensively.

“No. You gave me a meal and a room for the night. I’m not about to let you give me this too.”

‘You’re too goddamn kind,’ Bodhi thinks reproachfully, and the voice sounds disturbingly like Jyn in his head. ‘You’d give someone the shirt off your back if they catch your attention and it looks like they need it.’

He squares his jaw. “What’s the big deal? You guys don’t need much, right? I don’t believe those stupid stories about vampires draining their prey. It’d be just like donating blood - I bet you wouldn’t even take as much--”

He ends in a gasp, swaying back a few scant inches because Cassian is suddenly very close, amber eyes boring into his. “Bodhi,” he rumbles. The way his mouth curls around the words draws Bodhi’s eyes. Is it a trick of the light, of the proximity, or do his fangs look sharper? There’s no hiding his shiver this time. “If I ever drink from you, it’s going to be far more intimate than just donating blood.”

‘Is that a promise?’ The words don’t leave his mouth, thank god. He wets his lips, mouth feeling bone dry. And his heart leaps, because Cassian’s eyes follow the movement.

Oh. Oh.

“I’d let you,” Bodhi rasps. He manages not to jump as Cassian moves closer, as arms slide around his waist and pull him in, almost onto the other man. Cassian’s hair is soft against his face, and Bodhi’s hands twitch in the air with the urge to bury them in it. But the hint of cool breath against his throat freezes him in place. His heart pounds, his entire body thrumming with it.

“You’re afraid.” The whisper against his skin almost goes unnoticed.

He laughs, not just from nerves but how absurd this all is. “That and other things.”

Cassian’s body jolts, arms cinching tighter around him. It takes Bodhi a second to realize that he’s laughing . “Yeah, I can feel that.” Bodhi’s face goes hot, but Cassian doesn’t sound too put off about the whole thing, so he shifts, settling more fully across the vampire’s lap and balancing his hands on broad shoulders. Cassian’s hands tracing up and down his spine has a dazed smile spreading across his face; incredulous and giddy.

Soft lips finally press against his throat, painfully gentle and electrifying and intimate. “I shouldn’t,” Cassian sighs, sounding conflicted.

Bodhi finds himself scoffing, tugging at Cassian’s shoulder. “Do you need a personalized invitation for this too? Do I need to bring my welcome mat in? You seemed to get that one.”

Cassian huffs, and draws back. His smile is downright wicked, entirely too beautiful. “Maybe I’d like you to give me one, Bodhi.” His head tilts, eyes crinkling at the corners. “What would you give me, if I asked?”

His heart says everything, a thought too riddled with dazzling lust and with no restraint whatsoever. So Bodhi leans in and kisses him instead. It’s hesitant and chaste, Bodhi’s hoping it comes off sweet, but he quickly sinks into it. Cassian cups the back of his neck, keeping him there, lips parting to deepen the kiss. Bodhi melts into the embrace, losing track of the minutes, kisses blurring together until Bodhi feels like he’s going to shake right out of his skin.

The shift comes slowly, Bodhi isn’t sure if he’s the one who tips his head up or if Cassian guides him back. The kisses trace along his jaw, lingering longer and wetter along his throat. “S’it going to hurt?” he whispers, and tries to cover up the note of apprehension in his voice with a playful, “Those teeth of yours look really sharp.”

“Only for a moment,” Cassian soothes. The point of fangs scrape against his pulse point, and Bodhi gasps. “I won’t hurt you, querido.” It’s a mirrored promise from the first words he’d spoken to Bodhi hours earlier. Bodhi swallows thickly, and tells himself to relax.

He’s not aware of the fangs sinking into his flesh until a few seconds after the bite. Cassian’s grip tightens, restraining his jolt, but the pain is only a flash of sensation. And then it’s a shivery ache soothed by the hands stroking his back, keeping him close. His breath comes in sharp, shallow bursts, sagging into Cassian’s hold. The world narrows into the exceedingly gentle mouth at this throat, drinking greedily from him but so heartbreakingly careful about it, and the throbbing of his own heartbeat in his ears.

Bodhi isn’t sure exactly when Cassian pulls away. He’s dizzy, and not entirely sure that can be blamed on the blood loss. But fingers - warm now, but still so tender with him - stroke along his cheekbone and card through his hair. A soft “Thank you” is pressed in kiss to his forehead. The world tips, and Bodhi finds himself laying on his bed, curled beneath the covers. He blinks, wondering just how many minutes he’s lost. Cassian is coming back over to the bed from somewhere, though for the life of him Bodhi can pinpoint at exactly which moment the man had gotten up.

Cassian slides in next to him, the flush back to his skin now. “Hi,” he greets softly, his smile so soft and breathtaking. “Back with me?”

“Didn’t realize I was gone,” Bodhi says, reaching up to rub at his eyes. The exhaustion hits him all at once. It has to be close to sunrise now.

“It happens,” Cassian explains. He rubs a hand along Bodhi’s arm. “It can be overwhelming for most people. You’re alright?”

He nods. But now that the moment is over, now that the rush has been cooled, the silence seems to grow between them. “So… what now?”

“Now? Now…” Cassian trails off, but doesn’t give him the chance to second guess the pause, because he leans over and kisses him softly. His mouth tastes of mint. “Now I’d like to take you to dinner. ...Once you’ve slept it off.”

“Mm. I’d like that.” Bodhi smothers, no doubt dopey, smile against the pillow. Maybe he can blame the erratic swoop of his heart on the bite. After a moment, he glances back up, and finds Cassian still gazing at him with warm eyes. “Did you... use my mouthwash?”

That is definitely a flush rising in Cassian’s cheeks. “I didn’t think you’d want me to kiss you tasting like blood.”

Bodhi laughs. “Maybe I’ll try it next time. No promises.”

----------------------------------------

END.

[imagineproduce101]

Picture Perfect Ch. 4

You buy Woojin a meal to express your gratitude, and you two get to know each other along the way.

special thanks to @wannaonescenarios for helping me w writing pls check her out her blog is amazing and her bf!aus are the best thing on this planet i squeal every tiem

Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3

“Thanks for the ride, Baejin!” You smiled widely at your classmate, waving to him as you quickly got out of his car. As a gesture of gratitude, you’d offered to buy Park Woojin meat, and the only restaurant that his company allowed him to go to, due to their specialty in keeping paparazzi away and maintaining privacy, was all the way across the city, so you’d asked Jinyoung to drive you there.

The restaurant had a modern look to it, with sleek black walls and hardwood floors. Each booth was partitioned off, and you were quickly led by a waitress to where Woojin was already sitting.

You greeted him a bit awkwardly, not really knowing what to say. “Did you have to wait a long amount of time?” You asked him, taking a sip of your water.

“Ah, no,” Woojin shook his head, “I just got here.”

“That’s good,” you grabbed a menu, looking at it, “I wonder what’s good here? You’ve been here before, right?”

“Ah, yeah,” Woojin pointed to one of the pictures on the back of the menu. “The marinade they use for the bulgogi is really good, and our manager really likes their pajeon, if you like that.”

“You like the bulgogi?” You asked, scanning over what else they offered. “Let’s get that, then…” You pursed your lips, wondering what else was good. At least the prices weren’t awful, in comparison to what you’d been expecting from such a fancy place. “Are you okay with non-marinated stuff?”

“Yeah, that’s fine,” Woojin shrugged, setting his own menu down. Out of nowhere, a waitress popped up, notepad in hand.

“Hi! Welcome to One Grill, may I take your order?” She asked politely, pen ready to start scribbling.

“Yeah, can I get one order of Bulgogi, two of Galbi, one of Jumulleok, and one of Samgyeopsal please?” You asked the waitress, handing her a menu.

“Oh, actually, you wanted bulgogi, right?” You checked with Woojin, who just nodded, mouth slightly open in awe at the sheer amount of food that you had ordered. “Yeah, actually two orders of bulgolgi.”

Once the waitress had left, Woojin started laughing. “You really think we can eat that much?”

“Uh, yeah,” you grinned, “I eat a lot. Plus, you should eat a lot too! I’m paying.”

“I wish I could,” Woojin responded wistfully, “but the managers have me on a diet right now.”

“Seriously?” You gaped at him, “To lose weight? You’re in shape, though, that makes no sense.”

“That’s the life of an idol, I guess,” Woojin shrugged.

“Being an idol sounds difficult,” you mused, “long practices, trying so hard to debut. Honestly, I really respect people who pursue such a difficult dream like that.”

“Whaddya mean?” Woojin asked as he took a sip of his soda.

“My dream is fairly straightforward, to be honest,” you confessed, moving a piece of kimchi around on your plate with your chopsticks, “finish college, apply for a job, work, retire. But for people like idols, achieving their dream is so much harder and takes so much more effort.”

“Really?” Woojin looked up at you, “I mean yeah, I’ll admit that being a trainee and now an idol has been really difficult, but I also think that even the act of getting into a good university is equally challenging, let alone succeeding and finding your dream job.”

“I guess,” you mused, “but for me, since I want to be a photographer, it’s less hard work and more just putting the time in.”

“I don’t think you should be down on yourself for being dedicated and committed to something,” Woojin said firmly, “if you’re trying hard to chase your dreams, acknowledge that.”

“Wow, you should pick up inspirational speaking on the side,” you joked, watching as the waitress carefully set the plates of meat onto the table. “I can cook, so don’t worry about it.”

“Ah, thanks,” Woojin smiled, clearly more comfortable than when you’d first arrived.

“No, don’t worry about it,” you waved a hand, going to grab the tongs, “seriously, thank you for the camera. It’s way too expensive, I’ll have to take you to like, twenty more dinners in order to pay you back.”

“This is fine,” Woojin replied quietly, giving you a slightly timid smile. He sighed deeply, raking a finger through his dark red hair. “If we’re being honest, sometimes I feel like everyone treats me like I’m made of glass, since our group has gotten so much recognition. You’re the first person to not act like that, and it’s like a breath of fresh air.”

You shook your head, amused, “I’m just thankful. But you really are an artist, just the way you speak is so lyrical.”

“And you?” Woojin asked, fixing you with an intense look, “do you see the world through a camera lens?”

“Me?” You were surprised—no one had ever asked you that before, so you’d never been forced to think about it. You thought about what he’d said, studying the intricate details of his face. It wasn’t a perfect face, by Korean standards, but there was something charming about it that made you want to whip out a camera and capture the boyish charm he held. “I guess I do see the world through a camera lens, always trying to find that perfect angle or light.”

“Have you ever found it?” Woojin’s gaze was heavy, laced with an unfamiliar connotation.

“The perfect angle?” You sighed, loading up a plate with the cooked meat. “I don’t think so. I think if I did, I would know.”

“How long have you been into photography?” Woojin asked, spooning rice and meat into his mouth.

“Since high school,” you responded, “my dream has been to work for a magazine and travel the world, taking pictures of beauty. I feel like there’s so much in the world that I just want to attempt to capture. I’ve been developing my portfolio, but I’m missing a lot, especially nature.”

“Nature?” Woojin cocked his head in confusion.

“Yeah,” you pulled out your phone, pulling up the folder that had a copy of the pictures you’d been curating as your growing portfolio. He scrolled through them, nodding appreciatively. “When I apply for jobs, I use this to show off my skills, but I don’t have many pictures of nature, which I feel like I need. I just don’t know where to go.”

Woojin handed your phone back to you, studying your face quietly for a beat. “You know, if you want, I can show you this park I always go to,” he offered, shrugging nonchalantly, “it’s really peaceful and quiet, and I go there when I want to clear my mind. You could try starting there.”

“Really?” You asked, perking up, “are you sure? If that’s your like, sanctuary, I don’t want to disturb anything.”

“Somehow, I don’t think you would,” Woojin responded with a small smile, “just text me what days would work for you, I know Seonho mentioned you have a pretty large workload from uni. We’re in between albums right now, so I have a lot of free time.”

“Wow, thank you,” you shook your head, stunned. “I feel like you’ve given me so much, I don’t know what to say.” Woojin just shrugged.

“This is nice,” Woojin responded quietly, obviously a bit embarrassed, “I don’t get much down-to-earth interaction with other people my age, other than my members. It’s nice to just sit and talk.”

“Speaking of your members, what happened to that asshole manager?” You asked, “sorry, it’s probably kind of rude of me to ask, but I seriously hate that guy.” Woojin grinned, snickering.

“Honestly, none of us like him,” Woojin informed you, “we were all glad that you got him to look so bad, since it means we have a better chance of getting rid of him. He’s been putting a lot of pressure on us to lose weight—he’s why I’m on the diet—and he’s been saying really rude things to Donghyun-hyung and Daehwi.”

“Ah, I can’t tell anyone this, right?” You asked, frowning. Woojin shook his head. “Man, if Seonmi knew someone was hurting her precious Daehwi, it would be world war three on that manager.”

Woojin chuckled at that, “I wish that could happen. He’s such an asshole.”

“Right?” You groaned, shaking your head, “man, I could talk shit for days.”

“Yeah, so I’ve witnessed,” Woojin smirked as you buried your head into your hands.

“Hey, I’ll have you know, normally I’m not that vocal,” you defended, “he was just being really rude to Seonmi, and that’s the one thing that gets me pissed off.” Woojin nodded.

“I understand that,” he replied, “if someone says something negative about me, I brush it off, but if someone has something to say about one of my members, I get pretty defensive.”

“You know, you’re actually a pretty chill guy,” you mused, stuffing a meat and lettuce wrap into your mouth. “I kinda thought you’d be stuck up from what I’ve heard about idols, but you’re really down to earth,” you explained around your mouthful of food. Woojin laughed.

“I’m glad to have passed the (y/n) test, then,” he replied, handing you a napkin.

“So, about that park idea,” you began, pulling your phone out to start planning. Woojin did as well, and soon the two of you were discussing the details of your next plans.

:)))))))) hope u enjoyed will update soon pls anticipate gracias 

[scrapyardboyfriends]

1 August 2017

[Outside The Cafe with Robert and Victoria with background cameos from Aaron and Adam]

ROBERT: So...my life post Aaron is really sad. I’m stuck in a room with no natural light and the fans love my face in natural light. Boxes would be insulted by this box room.

VICTORIA: *Enjoying the end of my brother’s marriage far too much Face*

ROBERT: Oh and I have to deal with Eric Pollard! *Does a bang on impression of Pollard* #GetThisManAComedyPlot

*Aaron and Adam are walking by at the speed of the Plot*

VICTORIA: The Plot would like me to remind you that staying at the B&B is going to cost you a fortune.

ROBERT: And apparently the Plot would like me to forget that I have a small fortune in the bank. You’re right, the B&B is not cheap. I didn’t really sleep either. I don’t do well when I’m not cuddled up with Aaron. #AreWeBackTogetherYet

VICTORIA: Yeah...break ups are so hard...I mean look at me, I’m clearly suffering over Adam...really...I swear

ROBERT: Yeah...that’s not convincing at all. Me on the other hand...I’m actually suffering. I just have to figure out what the Plot wants me to do now.

*Aaron and Adam are still walking by at the speed of the Plot*

VICTORIA: Well it’s obvious! You should totally move in with us, that’s right, me and Rebecca, the woman you slept with and knocked up to create this impossible situation that caused this whole break up in the first place!

ROBERT: *Eyes wide* *But Aaron’s within earshot Face* Vic!

VICTORIA: *Looks over and sees Aaron and Adam finally heading into the cafe* So what?! Can’t imagine why what I’ve said is possibly a problem?!

ROBERT: Are you kidding me? That’s hardly the most sensitive thing for him to hear! He’s been a victim to this Plot long enough, let’s not make him suffer more.

VICTORIA: If anyone’s been a victim to this Plot it’s me! That’s actually what Vic is short for these days, ‘Victim’ not ‘Victoria’. I mean, apparently, I “Captain of your Ship” as the fans say, don’t care anymore, cause you’re over, right? Now none of that matters. We can just put him in a box with Adam and forget they both exist.

ROBERT: This would be me effectively moving in with Rebecca, who as you pointed out is the entire reason that this depressing stage of the Plot exists...well her and a whole bunch of unresolved issues from before we even got together properly that we never dealt with because we rushed into things even though we were ‘taking it slow’. But I digress. Me moving in with HER is probably going to make him spiral more! I don’t want to be responsible for anymore of his pain via the Plot. Like I said, he’s been through enough. So what then?!

VICTIM: Well there are lots of other people who can deal with that now. He’s got that husband of mine I pretend to care about when you’re sad about yours and you know sometimes his family actually remember he exists. Robert, Robert, Robert, I thought you got the memo that you’re self serving. You’re really dropping the ball on that character trait you’ve had since birth with this whole ‘caring’ act of yours. Get with the program! Drink the Kool-Aid! I did. It was great...it was Plot flavored.

ROBERT: *What has the Plot done to you Face*

[The Cafe with Robert, Victim, Aaron and Adam]

ADAM: Cheers Bob! *Grabs coffee*

BOB: No! Come back! I want to be in Plotdale again!

*Aaron and Adam walking out as Robert and Victim are walking in*

ROBERT: *Hobble Hobble Hobble* Aaron! You were in convenient earshot while Vic and I were discussing the Plot.

AARON: *I’m deaf to your Plot now I’ve got my own Face*

ADAM: What he said with his scowly face thing! We’ve got better things to be doing than listening to you go on about your Plot!

ROBERT: Yeah, but the Plot wants us to discuss this, I’m sure of it.

AARON: Well go on then, for old time’s sake.

ROBERT: I just wanted to let you know that I would never ever ever move in with Rebecca. Not even for the Plot. #PlotResistance

AARON: *Walls Up* Why do I care where the Plot wants you to live Robert? You need somewhere to go and Vic’s is convenient. I notice the Plot has forgotten all about your secret money again. Funny that. Come on Ad, we should get back to our Plot.

ROBERT: Adam wait! I don’t care what Vic or that other guy says, I don’t want to be self serving. I’m still going to care more about Aaron’s happiness and well being than my own for as long as the Plot will allow it. So...he’s gonna be alright, yeah?

ADAM: Of course, I’m an awesome Aaron Sitter. It’s what best mates are for and he’s got me for another six months. Man, I really hope this Plot is over by then… #Relatable

*Adam leaves*

ROBERT: *I hate this Plot Face*

VICTIM: Seems like a green light to me to move in with me and the Problem!

ROBERT: Yeah...it did. Damn… *I fucking hate this Plot Face* #AreWeBackTogetherYet

[The Woolpack with Aaron, Adam and Charity]

AARON: You’re really bringing this up again? You were the one going on yesterday about everyone repeating Plot Points.

ADAM: Yeah, well you’ve not said anything all morning...cause, you know, normally you’re a real chatterbox.

AARON: There’s nothing to say mate. It’s Plot. It is what it is. Obviously since the Plot forgot about his money again, he can’t stay at the B&B forever. He also can’t get a new place since he has to stay in the village so we can keep having awkward run ins. So Plot logic says that he has to move in with Vic. I’m sure there’s some extra bit of Plot that will come later that this is all a setup for.

ADAM: And you’re okay with that? Him...moving in with Rebecca? Cause none of this makes sense Bro!

AARON: Look, Ad, I’m trying really hard not to care okay. Detachment is key. If I pretend not to care, it can’t hurt me. So, I don’t care either way. Honestly! You’re taking this whole thing harder than I am!

ADAM: *Me and the fans Face* The fans and I just want to know you’re alright.

AARON: You mean am I going to hurt myself? No, I’m not. I know it’s what the Plot always reverts back to but I think, maybe, it might actually get a little better this time. But if it makes you and the fans feel better, let me just establish that I still have that counselor and I’ll talk to her. Now...shut up about Robert’s Plot already.

ADAM: Sorry, no more Hell Plot Talk.

AARON: You want another beer before I run off shiftily.

ADAM: Sorry, where are you going?

AARON: Well Uncle Zak finally remembered I existed so I’m going to go meet him. Business stuff. We’ll probably have a catch up considering I haven’t seen him since my wedding.

ADAM: Yeah go on...get another round in.

AARON: Charity! Get Adam a half pint and I’ll have an orange juice.

CHARITY: I’m sorry, what? Who are you and what did the Plot do with Aaron Dingle?

ADAM: Yeah that’s what I’ve been wondering…

AARON: *Nope not letting my chill exterior crumble yet Face*

[Outside The Cafe with Adam, Pete, Belle and Bob...oh and Rebecca blinking in the foreground]

PETE: My mum hates everyone and is going to flip out when she hears I’m engaged to Leyla.

ADAM: Yeah your mum is kind of a nutjob, but hey thanks for confiding in me. Now that Aaron needs me for his Plot, I get to have screen time with other characters too since I’m already in the episode. It’s pretty great. Anyway, you’ve got time to figure out how to tell her haven’t you? Isn’t she off communing with god or summat?

BELLE: Hi I’m taking my turn as a Plot Device today and I wanted to let you and anyone who happens to be listening that I saw Emma go into Laurel’s earlier.

BOB: *Ooh you mentioned the Plot I’m in Face*

ADAM: Oh well you better figure out how to tell her quick then...or you could avoid your Plot and come hang out with me and Aaron...if I knew where he was that is? I’m failing at being an Aaron Sitter already. Hey Belle, wanna help me with my Plot too?

BELLE: Yeah, but first, can I have a tea Bob?

BOB: Sure, but first I have to run off and deal with my Plot which sucks because I was almost close to being relevant in this Plotdale.

BELLE: Oh...well okay. So, yeah Adam, I saw Aaron up at Wishing Well but well I didn’t pay much attention. Don’t want to get involved in anyone else’s Plot in a serious way. I’ve got enough problems of my own since my Plot decided that I should try and have a relationship with Lachlan of all people. Ugh. #LetSerialKillerLachlanRise

ADAM: *Looks up ‘Aaron Sitting for Dummies’ on his phone* *I used to be better at this Face*

[Home Farm with Lawrence and Rebecca]

*Blah Blah Blah Lawrence is a lying liar who lies and can’t tell the truth to save his life or his relationship so Ronnie left him. If you missed it cause you only watch Robron scenes, just go back and watch the scene where Aaron leaves for Ireland because that’s basically what the Lawrence and Ronnie break up scene was like...except with white hair and more yelling*

REBECCA: The best piece of advice you ever gave me, dad, was to never give up and never stop fighting. It’s why I kept trying my hardest to break up Robert and Aaron cause I wanted Robert back for myself, despite the fact that he apparently used me multiple times. Of course now that I’ve succeeded the Plot won’t let me be happy about it. The thoughts the Plot puts it my head are really confusing sometimes.

*Blah Blah Blah to continue the Lawrence and Robert comparison, Lawrence then proceeds to go do some heartbroken dancing, which results in injury and a trip to the hospital #Dejavu*

[Wishing Well with Adam, Zak and Sweaty Boxing Aaron]

ADAM: *To Aaron’s voicemail* Come on Aaron! I need my drinking buddy! What’s the point of this Plot if it’s not to hang out all the time? *Hears sounds coming from the barn he’s conveniently standing next to* *Goes inside to see Sweaty Boxing Aaron* *Less appreciative than the fans* (FANDOM: And oh do we appreciate!)

SWEATY BOXING AARON: *Punch Punch Punch*

ZAK: Hey we need to ease up, lad!

SWEATY BOXING AARON: *Punch Punch Punch* - If I ease up I might lose my chill. Can’t have that. Robert is moving in with Rebecca for Plot reasons and I have some aggression to work out - *Punch Punch Punch*

ZAK: You need to ease up so you can have a chat with Adam.

SWEATY BOXING AARON: *Punch...punch……...punch*

ZAK: Nothing wrong with–

SWEATY BOXING AARON: *Punch*

ZAK: *Gets hit by bag* –letting off a bit of steam!

ADAM: *What Plot did I walk in on Face*

SWEATY BOXING AARON: As far as I can tell, it’s a boxing Plot. I mean, I know there were sources that said it had never been done before and I totally had a punch bag in the garage the first time I had a Self Harming Plot, but maybe there’s something we’re missing.

ADAM: You sure this isn’t just another way of self harming? I mean, the second time you had one of these Plots it was running? So...you never know.

SWEATY BOXING AARON: I feel pretty confident that I’m gonna be fine. I mean *Punch* I can’t stop *Punch* punching this bag even though I’m having a conversation with you *Punch* so I could be wrong but *Punch* for now *Punch* I’m just imagining that this *Punch* is *Punch* Plotbert *Punch* and Plotbecca *Punch* and their whole stupid Plot *Punch* that I’m thankful *Punch* that I’m not a part of anymore *Punch* So stop worrying.

ADAM: *Worrying*

[bangtanbombimagines]

89 with Taehyung please

Lessons in Love (Taehyung x Reader Fluff)

Prompt request: “Are you hitting on me?”Summary: Taehyung flirts like a 12-year-old, but you’re able to figure everything out anyways.Word count: 1.5k words

“I don’t know if this is a good idea,” you frowned, looking at your friend, Yuna, who had dragged you to her mathematics study group. “You know I’m terrible at math.”

“So this is a chance to learn!” Yuna answered with a smile. “We’ll help you study, it’s not a problem.”

“You and your friends are so smart,” you whined as Yuna dragged you through the library towards the private rooms. “I’ll look so dumb in comparison.”

“Trust me, they’re not like that!” Yuna comforted, finally stopping in front of a closed door. It led to the room her study group booked every Wednesday. “Besides, you’re like the English god, so if anyone needs help with that you can pay back the favour.”

“If you’re sure,” you conceded, albeit hesitantly. Yuna nodded enthusiastically and turned the knob, swinging the door open to reveal the small room behind.

There was a single table surrounded by three other students. One girl, who you vaguely recognized, was sitting closest to the door. The head of the table was a boy named Namjoon, the certified genius on campus. Beside him was another boy, but this one you didn’t recognize.

He had messy brown hair and tanned skin. His lips were a little pouty, and his nose was strong. When your gaze traveled up, you saw that his dark, long eyes were ringed by thick eyelashes. He was also staring right back at you.

Blushing, you quickly averted your gaze and turned uncomfortably to Yuna.

“Hey guys!” she chirped. “This is my friend, Y/N. She’s in the other class, so that’s probably why you don’t recognize her.”

“Just to preface this, I’m pretty shit at math,” you said, wanting to address your discomfort immediately. “I know you guys are all really smart but I don’t want you to think I’m, like, taking advantage of you. If you need help in literally any other subject, I’m here.”

“Nah, no worries,” Namjoon responded with an easy smile. “We’re not math elitists or some shit. I’m Namjoon, by the way.”

“I’m Jisoo,” the girl added dully, briefly glancing up from her laptop in front of her. You smiled, but Jisoo turned back to her screen too quickly to catch it.

You turned to the handsome boy beside Namjoon, waiting for him to introduce himself. He blinked owlishly at you for a moment, his face expressionless. Slowly, his eyes met yours and his mouth began to open.

“Your shirt looks weird,” he said. You looked down at your t-shirt, which had a print of an old anime series you used to watch.

“I, uh–you–okay?” you spluttered, confused by the boy’s comment.

“What the hell, Tae?” Namjoon asked, bewildered. He turned to his friend, his eyes narrowed. “I thought you liked–ow!”

The boy turned to glare at his friend, and when you looked back at Yuna in confusion, she just rolled her eyes at you.

“Just ignore Taehyung,” Yuna snorted, grabbing your arm and leading you to the table. She pulled you down into the seat beside hers and turned to address the group. “So! Let’s start reviewing for the quiz next week.”

You glanced at the clock beside your computer. It read 3:04 AM. Groaning, you looked at the stacks of sheets in front of you, and then at the textbook filled with highlighted text and sticky notes. But for the hours you had spent studying, you learned next to nothing.

In a moment of desperation, you logged into Facebook and open your study group chat, which you had been added to after your first sit-in.

Y/N 3:06 AM

SOS!!! Is anyone online!!!

Tae Tae 3:10 AM

ya sup

Y/N 3:11 AM

I don’t understand anything??? Pls help

Immediately after you hit “enter,” Taehyung viewed the message. But no response came, and the typing bubble didn’t appear either. You broke out into a nervous sweat, overwhelmed by the fast approaching quiz and your lack of understanding of math in general.

Then, a message notification popped up onto your screen. Taehyung had messaged you separately from the group chat.

Taehyung 3:14 AM

lets just dm. dont wanna annoy the others

Y/N 3:14 AM

Ok

Taehyung 3:15 AM

so what don’t u understand?

Y/N 3:16 AM

Everything!!!! All the stuff we went over last meeting has completely left my brain.

Taehyung 3:17 AM

ok prepare urself this is gonna be a long lesson

So, for the next hour, Taehyung did his best to explain the different concepts and methods to you, while you scribbled notes furiously on your worn notebook. By the time he had went through all the material, your hand was throbbing and it was well past 4AM.

Y/N 4:37 AM

Thank you sooooooo much Taehyung! I owe you my life

Taehyung 4:38 AM

no thnx

Y/N 4:39 AM

Ok, rude. But seriously, thanks. I don’t know what I would have done otherwise

Taehyung 4:39 AM

no probs. but u owe me now so don’t forget

Y/N 4:40 AM

I won’t!!!!! You’re the best!

Taehyung changed your nickname to “idiot.”

The day of the quiz came quickly, but when you sat down at your desk, you felt more relaxed than in any other math class. This time, you were actually prepared and confident in your abilities. So when the quiz arrived, you whizzed through every page.

Everything Taehyung had explained to you was on the quiz. You were sure that if you found the quiz easy, Taehyung could probably do it in his sleep. Even though you thought he was a bit annoying, he still had saved your ass.

When the test period finally finished, you grabbed all your belongings and darted from the testing centre. You spotted one of your friends, Jungkook, dashing towards the exit as well.

“Hey, Jungkook!” you called. He turned around, and once he spotted you, he smiled and waited for you to catch up. “How was the quiz?”

“You know I’m the fucking worst at math,” Jungkook scowled, crossing his arms as you walked together. “Fuck, why is this a mandatory course. I’m in liberal arts for a reason.”

“Tell me about it,” you replied, laughing humourlessly. “Luckily, this time I had help. The quiz wasn’t so–”

“Y/N!” someone yelled suddenly, their deep voice booming throughout the hall. Startled, you glanced up, spotting Taehyung a few meters away from you. He hurried over, nearly tripping over himself in the process. “How’d the quiz go?”

“Really well, actually,” you replied. “Everything you explained to me was on it, so I could answer all the questions.”

“No way,” Jungkook snorted. “Y/N, good at math? That’s fucking new.”

“What the fuck?” Taehyung growled, narrowing his eyes at Jungkook. “Watch yourself, you prick. Y/N isn’t stupid.”

“Woah, chill man,” Jungkook replied, putting his hands up in surrender. “I was making a joke. Calm yourself.”

“Let’s all just relax a little bit!” you exclaimed tightly, grabbing Taehyung’s arm and pulling him away from a very volatile Jungkook. He put up little resistance, letting himself be led around the building. When you reached an emptier hallway, you stopped and look back at Taehyung. “What was that all about?”

“He was implying you were stupid,” Taehyung mumbled, his eyes downcast. “And you tried really hard to study for this quiz.”

“You probably tried harder than me, if I’m being honest,” you said. “Plus, you call me stupid all the time. Are you the only one who can say that?”

“No,” he muttered, still unable to meet your eyes. He said something, but he was speaking too quietly for you to understand.

“Sorry, what did you say?”

“I said,” Taehyung began, clearing his throat awkwardly, “your hair looks bad.”

Reflexively, you reached for your long hair. You had slept with it in a bun last night, so your hair fell in loose waves. Objectively, you knew it looked pretty nice. You looked at Taehyung, confused, but when you saw his expression, suddenly everything clicked.

His cheeks were dusted in pink, and his eyes were darting around everywhere but your face.

“Are you–are you hitting on me?” you asked slowly. Taehyung’s cheeks darkened into a deeper red, and he bit his lip. “Oh my god, seriously? Are you twelve or something?”

“What!?” Taehyung whined. “You’re cute and it’s intimidating! What else can I do?”

“Ask me for my number or something?” you suggested, trying to hold back laughter. “Like a normal person our age?”

“Well, if that’s the case,” Taehyung said, finally lifting his gaze to your face as he scratched his nape awkwardly, “can I cash in my favour for your number?”

“I think I can do that,” you smiled, reaching for Taehyung’s phone once he fished it out of his pocket. “I might even say yes to a date, too.”

RECEIVED 4:07 PM

hey dumbo

- Girl in Luv

Wow I’m done and it’s 3AM. Nice. This is unedited, so I’ll go back and make corrections later. Hope you all checked out our masterlist! Happy 3k woot woot! Thanks for everyone who’s stuck with us. We’re so glad you guys are enjoying our imagines. Happy reading

[pxiao]

I’m sorry.

Arc-V post canon fic. As Yuya and Yuzu attempt to deal with their new living situation, they find that while everyone tries to get used to it, Yuri alone seems awkward about the entire thing.  Side note I’m sure @justanotherotakuandartist, @jirehthedisciple, @pendulum-sonata @reijiakabutt, @chromsai, @chibicrow and @corxavis would like this

After finally saving the dimensions Yuya and Yuzu first took a break from well ..... everything. Luckily school was willing to give the Lancers a month off for their efforts with Reiji personally saying that Yuzu was a major help in their cause. But while Yuya and Yuzu would have loved to just kick back and watch tv or play a video game, they had to explain their new situation to their friends and family. For Yuzu, it wasn’t too bad as their friends were used to dealing with Yuya having absorbed Yuto. Shuzuo just hugged Yuzu, saying if each of her counterparts were also her then that just meant his treasures increased by three and happily adopted them all. For Yuya it was a bit more awkward while everyone accepted Yuto and Yugo just fine, Yuri was a different matter entirely. A lot of people, Gongenzaka especially felt uncomfortable with the fact that Yuya had to share a body with the kid that tried to card them all and in some cases actually did. But shockingly the Bracelet Girls defended Yuri, even more than Yuri did himself. Yuya noticed that Yuri didn’t really speak when their friends rejected him and even hid away from everyone, Yuya, Yuto and Yugo included. But Yoko and Yusho just laughed it off, Yoko saying she dared Yuri to card her while Yusho just gave a hearty smile and replied if Yuri helped Yuya, then that means he’s willing to change and that’s good enough for him and they happily adopted Yuto, Yugo and Yuri. 

After that interesting discussion, Yuya and Yuzu spent the next few days together with Yuya and Yuto trying to teach Yuzu and her counterparts how to switch control between them as both Yuya and Yuzu felt it wasn’t fair if the rest of the counterparts were stuck as spirits forever. But Yuya and Yuzu weren’t complaining, they just wanted to be with each other as much as possible after they spent so much time apart.  Though the counterparts happily realized that they could see and talk to any of the other counterparts even if they weren’t in control of their respective body with Yuya guessing that was because each of them being in one body, Yuya and Yuzu had the full powers of Zarc and Ray respectively and technically Yuya and his counterparts are duel spirits due to having been Supreme King Dragon Zarc once. Yuya and Yuto was actually shocked and a tiny bit annoyed that Yuzu and her counterparts were able to switch between each other in a much shorter time than they did. They then spent days with one of their counterparts in control as they got used to the new living arrangement. Yuya and Yuzu even set up a planning board for when the counterparts wanted control over the body. To Yuya and Yuzu’s annoyance, none of them were willing to take over during school. But Yuya soon realized despite this, life was a bit interesting to say the least. Yuya always had an argument over what to eat when their mom wasn’t cooking, bathroom trips were much more awkward and nights were harder to deal with as Yuri still enjoyed trolling both Yuto and Yugo, making it hard to fall asleep. Yuya was pretty jealous when he learned Yuzu didn’t have as much trouble but either way the eight of them started their new life. 

But as time progressed, Yuya realized that Yuri didn’t really ever take control of the body. In comparison, Yuto took over once a week and went with Ruri to visit Heartland, their friends and Shun. Yugo took over at least twice a week to build a new D-Wheel with Rin, which Yoko happily helped with. Serena even took over twice a week to visit the other Lancers, Reira and even Yuya himself. The other counterparts noticed that Serena seemed a bit nervous but at the same time a bit excited whenever she visited Yuya and by the time she left, she seemed a bit disappointed. While the other counterparts had guesses, most just decided to not ask her and open that Pandora’s box. 

A week after Yuya and Yuzu started attending school again, Yuya and Yuzu left school planning to go straight home instead of You Show as Yuto and Ruri planned on going a date tomorrow night. As Yuya walked home, he sighed a bit causing Yuzu to look at him with worry.

“What are you sighing about Yuya?” Yuzu asked worried. 

“Oh, it’s Yuri.” Yuya replied. 

“Is he giving you trouble?” Serena wondered. 

“Actually no, the problem is he’s too quiet.” Yuto replied. 

“Speak for yourself, he messes with me every moment he gets” Yugo grumpily answered.

“How so?” Yuzu asked. 

“He keeps calling me Fusion!!!” Yugo roared. 

“You idiot, he’s just doing it to get a rise out of you. Stop reacting and he’ll stop.” Rin exclaimed. 

“But RIINNNN!!!!” Yugo whined. 

“Well Yugo is right, Yuri does talk to us just fine.” Yuto reflected. 

“Then why are you sighing Yuya?” Ruri asked. 

“Well he’s just so quiet when around others. Including wait that’s wrong especially around you four.” Yuya stated as he looked at Yuzu, Serena, Rin and Ruri.

“Now that you do mention it, he’s not here right now.... Is it even possible to hide himself.” Yuzu wondered.

“Well before I dueled Jack, I didn’t hear these three so I’m guessing it’s possible.” Yuya said weakly. 

“Well as bad as this sounds isn’t that kinda of a good thing.” Rin said slowly. “I’m not attacking him but lets face it everyone is a bit nervous around Yuri and if he doesn’t like taking over then that would save everyone an awkward situation.” 

“Even if it means he becomes a NEET?” Serena asked causing Yuya and Yuto to frown a bit while Yugo started laughing.

“Yugo, stop laughing this is serious.” Ruri reproached.

“I’d rather not have a fourth of Yuya be a Neet” Yuzu stated.

“So then we have to do something about this then.” Yuya concluded. “But after Yuto and Ruri have their date” Yuya said with a cheeky smile causing both Yuto and Ruri to blush. “And then mine and Yuzu’s date two days after.” Yuya exclaimed as he ran.

“Wait what date?” Yuzu asked. “What Yuya you didn’t just ask me out on own first date like that!!!” Yuzu yelled as Yuya laughed at having annoyed Yuzu. 

“Sooooo Rin since the others are going on dates .... wannaaa” Yugo started. 

“No” Rin quickly shot down. 

“Why?!!” Yugo said nearly crying. 

“You have to be more romantic than that. I don’t want you to follow Yuya’s example on dating.” Rin said with a small blush. 

“RINNNNN!!!” Yugo said with tears of joy in his eyes. 

A day after Yuto and Ruri’s and Yuya and Yuzu’s date, Yuri woke up with a weird sensation .... he felt sensation. After fusing with Yuya, Yuri hadn’t felt anything besides what Yuya was feeling, it was odd at first but he quickly got used to it so feeling the fluffy pillow on his head and the springy mattress under his body was a surprisingly nostalgic feeling.  Yuri quickly ignored his feelings and asked ,“Hey supermarket trio. Why am I in control of the body?”.

“For the last time our hair does not look like food.” Yuto tiredly refuted. 

“Whatever you say eggplant, hey tomato why am in charge?” Yuri calmly asked. 

Yuya just sighed having gotten used to the nickname and replied, “Well the rest of us are tired.” 

“From what? We spent the last month messing around.” Yuri pointed out 

“Well if you weren’t hiding like a baby, you would know we were very busy!!!” Yugo refuted.

“Oh really? What you did do Fusion Banana” Yuri joked. 

“MY NAME ISN’T FU---” Yugo roared. 

“Yugo chill, remember what Rin said.” Yuya cut off Yugo.

“Fine.” Yugo said annoyed. 

“Anyway, well me and Yuto just went on dates with Yuzu and Ruri respectively and ...” Yuya stated. 

“That’s it? So we who have the power of Zarc get mentally exhausted by two dates?” Yuri snarked. 

“Sorry, sorry” Yuto sarcastically replied as he rolled his eyes. 

“Well if we’re tired, lets just sleep.” Yuri calming said as he stated his mind.

“Wait you’re in control and that’s all you want to do?” Yuya asked incredulous.

“What else is there to do? If I duel anyone they have to be at least Jack or Reiji’s level for it to be a challenge.” Yuri arrogantly stated which all the counterparts annoyingly admitted was true.

“But today’s a school day.” Yuya said causing Yuri to glare at him.

“Nope, nope. I am not going to school for you tomato head!” Yuri nearly hissed at Yuya while he glared. 

“It’s not, I was joking.” Yuya quickly said. Yuri quickly checked and saw it was Sunday and just fell back onto the bed. 

“Ok I really am just going to sleep the day away now from that fright.” Yuri shameless said.

“Wow you really are a NEET.” Yugo openly said which caused Yuya to cringe while Yuto facepalmed. 

“Whatever banana head, at least I’m not a masochist like you and Yuya” Yuri replied calmly. 

“What!” Both Yuya and Yugo said in unison.

“Oh come on, your girlfriends hit you.” Yuri accused. 

“Yuri!!!! Someone is here for you!!” Yoko’s oddly energetic voice filled the room.

Yuri looked surprised as he was sure no one would visit him. Any of his other selves sure but not him. He decided to ignore it, seeing it as him mishearing her. As he laid in bed, he heard footsteps thinking it was probably Yoko walking up he turned his head away from the door. After a few moments the foot steps were replaced by knocks on the door. After a few minutes the knocks were replaced by silence as Yuri waited on his bed. And then that silence died when their door was kicked off the wall as Yuri jumped in shock and saw Serena in front of him with her Cat Dancer. 

“You’re going to have to pay for that” Yuri snarked as he pointed to the door flat on the floor.

“And you’re going outside you NEET.” Serena stated as with a cocky smile. 

“Why would I listen to yo--” Yuri started before he saw Serena crack her knuckles.

“Put on your clothes, I’ll be downstairs and your mom is help me, so don’t think about of getting out of this.” Serena stated as she walked out. 

“Just walk into my room and threaten me,  if the genders were flipped this would be sexual harassment.” Yuri mumbled under his breath as he got off his bed.

After a few minutes Yuri got into his new clothes that Yoko and Yusho bought for him and he and Serena took a walk around Maiami City. Together the two of them walked in silence as Yuri looked around his new home. Well if he had to be honest, Academia was never a real home for him just a place he lived at. 

“Lets go sit there.” Serena said as she pointed to a bench in next to a bridge, Yuri just nodded as they walked towards the bench. 

When they sat down, Yuri quickly remarked with a smile, “It only takes a few minutes of walking to make you tired? I mean you four are pretty much muscles heads, I would hope you guys had more stamina.”

Serena quickly lift her arm about to deck him when she heard the voices of her counterparts. 

“Wait don’t! This would just be proving his point!” Ruri tried to argue.

“At least slap him, there are somethings that need to be punished or he’ll think it’s ok for him to say these things to us!” Rin argued for back. 

“Use my Harizen, there is a reason I carry that with us everywhere. Give him a good few slaps!” Yuzu backed Rin, causing Ruri to sweat drop wondering if her counterparts were a bit blood thirsty. Unfortunately this little argument slowed Serena enough that Yuri was able to dodge at the last second with his trademark cocky smile on his face. 

“Too slow.” Yuri mocked.

Serena clenched her teeth before calming down, remembering the reason why she came over. But before she could say anything Yuri quickly said. 

“You seven planned this didn’t you?” Yuri accused.

“What no?” Yuya said as he looked away. 

“Never!” Yugo said as he tried to whistle while Yuto looked at Yuya and Yugo in disbelief.

“So why do you want to meet me? Probably not to duel me, as I would just win.” Yuri said with a cocky smile and this time Serena really did hit him with Yuzu’s harizen while Rin and Yuzu cheered causing Ruri to look at them in disbelief. 

“Damn it! You muscle head, I’m not a masochist like Egao Fetish and Fusion are!” Yuri yelled causing Yuya and Yugo to rage.

“But you’re just as stupid as them! So you need someone to correct your behavior like they do!” Serena argued back while Yuzu and Rin nodded their heads in agreement. All the while Yuto and Ruri just floated next to each other just glad to not be in the middle of the chaos and enjoying each other’s presence. 

“Too late for that” Yuri bitterly replied as he looked away from Serena. 

Serena quickly went silent when she saw how different Yuri just acted.And finally asked her question. “Yuri when we all came back after Yuya and Reiji’s duel, why did you smile?” 

Yuri’s eyes widen in surprise but he quickly calmed down and just asked, “why did you smile back at me then?” 

Serena’s jaw open and closed as she attempted to organize her thoughts before saying, “I was happy.” 

“Well duh.” Yuri mocked with a bored tone and his eyes half closed. 

“I can hit you with my fist this time you know” Serena threatened causing Yuri to shut up. 

“Well each of my counterparts are so close with your counterparts and since we’re fused, I can feel their feelings and I’m .... I’m ... I’m jealous ok!” Serena blurted out. “Growing up I didn’t really have any friends and while the Lancers are my friends now, I don’t have what they have with your counterparts either.” 

“So Miss. Amazon wants to fall in love? Hahahaha” Yuri laughed. Serena was about to deck him before Yuri continued, “you should chose someone better though.”

“What?” Serena said in confusion. 

“While I am a gorgeous badass, I’m also a piece of shit that no one really likes.” Yuri answered with a bitter smile causing Serena to widen her eyes. “In the Academia, while I was one of the strongest students no one really liked me unlike Asuka. And to be honest I can’t blame them, in the end I became a sadistic monster that enjoyed carding people. The only people that can stand me are well me.” Yuri said as he looked at Yuya, Yuto and Yugo. “I smiled when you all came back because I was happy that at least you guys came back. I stole you all from your homes and precious people, at the very least you four were alive. It was a smile of relief that I didn’t mess up that badly at least.” 

“Yuri ...” Serena said attempting to comfort him. 

“So why?” Yuri continued.  “When everyone doubted me, why did you four stand up for? When I kidnapped you! When I carded so many people for fun! When I was a monster even worse than Zarc at his worst!” Yuri screamed when he looked at Serena, Yuzu, Rin and Ruri.

“To be honest, we haven’t fully forgiven you either.” Rin stated still remembering when he cornered her.

“But we all believe in a second chance.” Ruri continued. 

“We know that you were influenced by the Professor and Zarc since youth, so it wasn’t completely your fault either.” Yuzu said with a smile. 

“But I still did them and even enjoyed myself while doing it.” Yuri said as he turned away from their smiles.

“Also because I did the same thing too.” Serena said causing Yuri to look at her in shock. “Yuri you started kidnapping us and carding us because the Professor asked you too right?” 

“Even so, I ..” Yuri tried to rebut. 

“I also carded Hokuto and even tried to card even more people because I wanted the Professor’s approval.” Serena shut him up. “I almost went the down same road as you if Yuzu hadn’t set me straight.” Serena finished as she smiled at Yuzu. “I have no right to call you monster and you just showed, you do regret your actions right?” Serena asked with a smile.

“But ...” Yuri tried to argue.

“And if Leo hadn’t separate us when we were young, maybe we would have been like the others? I don’t know if that is what is going to happen but I do want to try, what about you Yuri?” Serena asked as she stood up and extended her hand towards him. 

Yuri looked around while his face was a red as Yuya’s hair. 

“Oh would you just grab her hand so we don’t have to see this awkward romance!!!!” someone yelled behind the bridge causing Yuri to jump. 

“Sawatari ,you idiot.” Someone with a deep voice said as a loud smack was heard. 

“OWWW, Gongenzaka what would happen if you damaged the Super Ultra strong mega badass cool Neo New Sawatari!” Sawatari yelled in anger. 

“Sigh, everyone come out.” A more cool and collected voice stated causing everyone behind the bridge to walk out.  

Yuri nearly jumped in shock when he saw how many people was behind the stupid bridge. He realize how out of it he was if Reiji, Gongenzaka, Sawatari, Shun, Tsukikage, Sora, Yusho, Yoko, Shuzuo, the three You Show kids, Jack, Crow, his three kids, Shinji, Tokumatsu, Edo, Asuka, Kaito, Gloria, Grace, Himika with Reira in her arms and even the Professor could sneak up on him. Hell Dennis in all his sparkling glory and his students were there!

“Out of question how long were you --- “ Yuri asked mentally begging they weren’t there too long.

“When you mocked Serena’s endurance.” Dennis happily stated causing Yuri to drop his head while mentally swearing revenge on all seven counterparts especially Yuya. 

Yuri was knocked out of his thoughts when Serena hit his back. HARD. 

“Come on everyone is here, don’t you have something to say to them?” Serena prompted him. 

“Maybe later.” Yuri said trying to leave with some pride. 

“Really?” Serena asked causing Yuri to sigh and give up. 

“Everyone, it’s hard to say but..” Yuri started as he started grabbing onto his pants and bowed. “I know I don’t deserve to say this but I’m sorry. I’m sorry for tormenting you all. I stole people you cared about, I tried to card you and in some cases ..... I ... I actually did. I understand if you don’t believe me and still hate me but ... please let me express my regret. I really am sorry and I know nothing I do could every fix what I’ve done. I’m sorry, I’m sorry” Yuri repeated as tears started to fall from his eyes. 

“Please lift your head.” A loud, bombastic voice said. 

Yuri stood up straight and saw Yusho in front of him. Yusho moved his arm and Yuri closed his eyes, only to open them in shock when he felt a hand on his head. 

“But why? I carded you in front of Yuya.” Yuri asked. 

“I’ve already said, if the Academia truly regrets what they have done I would forgive them. And you already showed that you regretted your past mistakes. Yusho replied with a big smile.

“Yusho ....” Yuri said in amazement causing Yusho to stop smiling. Yuri worried if he should have used Yusho-san. 

“Dad.” Yusho blurted out. 

“Huh?” 

“I think you mean dad” Yusho repeated. 

“Da... yes dad.” Yuri said with some effort causing Yusho and Serena to smile.

“Oh you’re so adorable!!!!!” Yoko screamed as she ran and hugged Yuri on the spot. 

“You’re hurting me a bit” Yuri complained. Yoko just looked at Yuri and he quickly added, “mom” with a bit of blush causing Yoko to hug him even tighter before finally letting him go.

“Well if Yusho-san says so, why would I, the man Gongenzaka have any issues.” Gongenzaka said as he gave Yuri a thumbs up. 

“This just means another rival for the legendary Duelist Sawatari to defeat! I welcome the challenge!: Sawatari arrogantly stated. 

“Well like Serena said, we would have also gone on the same path as you did if our friends didn’t smack some sense into us.” Asuka comforted Yuri with a smile on. 

“Well some of us faster than others.” Sora snarked. 

“If the people around me are willing to accept me after leading the destruction of the Xyz Dimension, I see no point in not offering the same response to others.” Edo replied.

“We also carded a bunch of people and enjoyed it, not like we have any reason to mock you.” Gloria said calmly. 

“Besides since you’re one with Yuya, you have the best teacher to learn how to duel properly” Grace added with a smile.

“Indeed, if you are with Yuya, I am confident you can learn the true way to duel.” Tsukikage added calmly.

“When Yugo finally makes that D-Wheel, lets duel! I know that you’re a worthy challenger!” Jack challenged Yuri. 

“Hey don’t leave me behind, I hear you’re one of the strongest duelists between you, Yuya, Yuto and Yugo! I got take you on!” Crow excited added on. 

“Hold on, hold on. Don’t forget me! I’ll beat all of you with my Entertainment dueling. Just cause I’m older doesn’t mean Enjoy Chojiro can’t take you all on!” Tokumatsu excitedly challenged everyone!

“Yuri, I also made a lot of mistakes in my time and that why I know you can try again.” Shinji melancholy said and then with a smile added, “besides I want to see how my Bee Force would deal with your Predator Plants.”

“Yuri” a strong calm voice talked causing Yuri to turn his head to the owner of that voice, Kaito. “It’s true that you have done a lot of horrible things, but I’m sick of being filled with rage. If you want to make a better life, I know you can do it because just like you I have also carded a lot of people and I’m finally at peace again.”

“Besides if Serena, Ruri, Yuto and Yuya are willing to give you a chance, I see no reason to not trust you.” Shun said with a smile. 

“It was partly my fault anyway” Leo started talking causing everyone to look at him. “I took you away from Serena and then set you on that path. To condemn you as a monster? I never had that right.” Leo remorsely said.

“I ordered the Xyz Dimension to be destroyed but here I am happy with my students. So you can definitely have the right to live your life! Right kids!!!!”  Dennis shouted as his students also shouted in agreement.

“We have all made mistakes. As long as you realize them, you can always start over again.” Reiji stated as he walked up to Yuri.

“Besides if you’re also Yuya, Yuto and Yugo then that mean I can entrust Serena to you like I did for Yuzu, Ruri and Rin.” Shuzuo walked up to Yuri in tears and grabbed his hands. 

“Wait ENTRUST!” Serena exploded at Shuzuo before Yuzu took over. 

“I ... I haven’t planned that far DAD!!!” Yuzu also exploded before Rin took over

“Why would you plan to give me to that IDIOT!!!” Rin yelled as she pointed to Yugo. 

“Who are you pointing to?” Shuzuo asking as he couldn’t see Yugo’s astral body. 

“Arrgh!” Rin yelled in annoyance before Ruri took over. 

“Thank you, dad.” Ruri thanked Shuzuo shocking Yuzu, Serena and Rin over how easily she admitted her feelings.

“ahahahaha.” Yuri gave a huge laugh giving everyone a shock. After that huge laugh, Yuri walked to Ruri and asked, “Ruri could you switch with Serena, I have something to ask her.”

“Of course.” Ruri said with a grin.

“Wait, I’m not ready!!!” Serena tried to protest but before she knew it she was in control of the body again. When Yuri opened his mouth she jumped, red in the face. 

“Wait, wait, Marriage is a bit.” Serena frantically replied. 

“Of course. Or did you really I would ask for your hand in marriage? Who would have thought the muscle head’s secret dream is to be a bride.’ Yuri said with a snark. 

Serena calmed down and promised to punch one more time before the end of the day. But was shocked when she saw Yuri put his hand in front of her like Yuya did when Yuzu had finally returned. 

“Like you said, my other selves have close relationships with your other selves and if you’re willing to try, I would love to build a relationship that doesn’t lose to theirs.” Yuri said with a clear smile. 

“Su ... sure.” Serena said as she took his hand with a blush. 

As Yuri and Serena shook hands, the other counterparts look down with smiles. 

“Well glad we fixed that even if it was a pain.” Yuya said with a smile. 

“I’m glad, Serena was a bit depressed there. I guess she really did want to get to know Yuri after all. Yuzu reflected as seeing that Serena had been depressed for the last few days. 

“Also yet?” Yuya said with a smile causing Yuzu to blush hard. “So how far have you thought up Yuzu?” 

“Yuya!!!!” Yuzu screamed as Yuya smiled. 

“Riin. Did you mean that?” Yugo said with tears in his eyes. 

“Yes. But maybe, I mean just maybe if you weren’t such an idiot. I would say yes. This is a big maybe.” Rin said with her head as red as Yuya’s hair. 

“RIIIIN!!!” Yugo screamed as he tried to hug her.

“I’m glad that everyone is happy.” Yuto said with a smile. 

“Everyone’s so cute huh?” Ruri added with a smile. 

“Yeah.” Yuto agreed. 

“Almost as cute as you Yuto.” Ruri said as she launched a sneak attack on him. 

“yyyeah.” Yuto weakly answered as his face was red with a huge smile on face causing Ruri to smile as well. 

As Yuri watched the idiot couples in the sky flirting, he smiled. He reflected that while his life wasn’t how he thought it’s turn out, it wasn’t half bad as he smiled at Serena who gave a warm smile in return.   

[failes-xtra-bits]

Prince’s Gambit Review: Ch 6 (aka the chapter of increasing sexual tension)

This review is basically the entirety of chapter 6 copied and pasted (because it was too hard to pick only a few quotes :P) with a few dumb comments thrown here and there XD.

All quotes are in normal text and anything I’ve written will be in bold.

‘I want your best room,’ said Laurent, ‘with a big bed and a private bath, and if you send up the house boy, you’ll find out the hard way that I don’t like sharing.’ (You’ll probably remember he says the same line at the brothel.)

They sit down

Then Laurent rose and made his way around the table, sitting himself beside Damen, close as a lover.

‘What are you doing?’

‘Verisimilitude,’ said Laurent. The earring winked at him. ‘I’m glad I brought you along. I wasn’t expecting to have to tear things out of walls. Do you visit brothels often?’

‘No,’ said Damen.

‘Not brothels. Camp followers?’ said Laurent. And then: ‘Slaves.’ And then, after the satisfaction of a pause: ‘Akielos, the garden of delights. So you enjoy slavery in others. Just not in yourself.’

Damen shifted on the long bench, and regarded him.

‘Don’t strain yourself,’ said Laurent.

‘You talk more,’ said Damen, ‘when you’re uncomfortable.’ (I noticed this too. I thought it was kind of cute that he’s an awkward talker :P) …

Laurent was watching Volo with the same expression with which he had regarded the women in the brothel. (And somehow Damen still assumed Laurent was straight.)

He goes to play cards.

Damen extended an invitation for the man (Charls!) to join him if he wished, which the man very much did, hiding his curiosity about Damen only imperfectly, under a blanket of merchant manners… Damen gave an obscure name and pedigree from Patras.

‘Ah, Patras! Yes, you have the accent,’ said Charls. (So observant as always Charls.)…

Charls leaves and Laurent returns.

Damen said, ‘If you wanted a drink and an old hat that badly, you could have just bought them from him. Cheaper and quicker.’

‘It’s the game I like,’ said Laurent. He reached over and appropriated another coin out of the purse Damen carried, then palmed it. ‘Look, I’ve learned a new trick.’ When he opened his hand, it was empty, as if by magic. A second later, the coin dropped out of his sleeve onto the floor. Laurent frowned at it. ‘Well, I don’t have it quite yet.’ (I love this bit! It’s the first we see of Laurent’s more adorable side.)

‘If the trick is making coins disappear, I think you do have it, actually.’ (As much as I love Laurent’s sass, I do love a bit of Damen sass too.)

‘What’s the food like?’ said Laurent, his eyes on the table.

Damen tore off a piece of bread, and held it like a treat to a house cat. ‘Try it.’

Laurent looked at the bread, and then he looked at the men by the fire, and then he looked at Damen, a long, cool look that would have been difficult to hold if Damen had not had, by now, a great deal of practice.

And then he said, ‘All right.’

It took a moment for those words to penetrate. By the time they did, Laurent had settled next to him on the long bench. Laurent straddled it, facing Damen.

Laurent was really going to do it…

Laurent ate the bread. It was like feeding a predator, the same feeling. Laurent was so close that it would be easy to wrap a hand around the back of his neck and draw him closer. He remembered the feel of Laurent’s hair, his skin, and fought the urge to press against Laurent’s lips with the pads of his fingers…

Another piece of bread. Laurent’s lips brushed against his fingertips. It was brief and soft. This wasn’t what he’d intended when he picked up the bread. He had some sense that his plans had been overturned, that Laurent knew exactly what he was doing. The touch resembled the first brush of lips in the kind of sensual kiss that begins as a series of smaller kisses, and then, slowly, deepens. Damen felt his breathing change.

He reminded himself forcefully of who this was. Laurent, his captor. He made himself recall the fall of each lash on his back, but thanks to some misfiring of the brain, found himself instead in the memory of Laurent’s wet skin in the baths, the way his limbs fitted together like a hilt fitted to the blade of a balanced sword.

Laurent finished the morsel, then rested a hand on Damen’s thigh, and slowly slid it upward.

‘Control yourself,’ said Laurent.

And shifted in, until, facing one another on the straddled bench, they were almost chest to chest.

Laurent’s hair tickled against Damen’s cheek as he brought his lips to Damen’s ear.

‘You and I are almost the last ones here,’ Laurent murmured.

‘And so?’

The next murmur slid softly into Damen’s ear, so that he felt the shape of each word, made of lips and breath.

‘And so, take me upstairs,’ said Laurent. ‘Don’t you think we’ve waited long enough?’

It was Laurent who led the way, trailing up the stairs, with Damen following. He was aware of each step, and he found his pulse beating fast beneath his skin.

They go upstairs and meet the messenger. They speak, Laurent gives him signet ring and he leaves.

Damen rose and gave Laurent a long look.

‘You look pleased.’

‘I’m the type who takes a great deal of pleasure in small victories,’ Laurent said. 

Laurent goes to bathe and Damen goes downstairs. On his way back up he brings a plate of food for Laurent.

‘Here,’ said Damen, and passed him the plate.

‘Thank you,’ said Laurent, looking at the plate with a blink. (Still surprised anytime Damen does anything good or nice :P) ‘The bath is free. If you like.’

He bathed. Laurent had left him clean water (Even though Laurent himself does nice considerate things)…

When he returned, Laurent had carefully eaten half of everything on the plate, and had placed it on the chest where Damen could get at it if he wanted it. (and again) Damen, who had eaten his fill downstairs and who didn’t think Laurent should be able to take over his bed when he had left untouched the vast comfort of his own, ignored the plate and came to stake his claim beside Laurent, on the blankets by the hearth…

The fire was warm. Damen enjoyed the feel of it against the bare skin of his torso.

After a moment, Laurent said, ‘I don’t think I would have arrived here without your help, at least not without being followed. I am glad you came. I meant that. You were right. I’m not used to . . .’ He broke off. (Laurent slowly warming up to Damen and his hatred melting away ever so slightly.)

His damp hair, pushed back as it was, exposed the elegantly balanced planes of his face. Damen gave him a look.

‘You’re in a strange mood,’ said Damen. ‘Stranger than usual.’

‘I’d say I’m in a good mood.’

‘A good mood.’

‘Well, not as good a mood as Volo,’ said Laurent. ‘But the food’s decent, the fire’s warm, and no one’s tried to kill me in the last three hours. Why not?’

‘I thought you had more sophisticated tastes than that,’ said Damen.

‘Did you?’ said Laurent.

‘I’ve seen your court,’ Damen reminded him gently.

‘You’ve seen my uncle’s court,’ said Laurent (Yes! A point I make all the time lol) …

‘Tell me something,’ said Laurent.

He spoke after a long and surprisingly comfortable silence. Damen looked over at him.

‘What really happened to make Kastor send you here? I know it was not a lover’s quarrel,’ said Laurent.

As the comfortable warmth of the fire turned to chill, Damen knew that he had to lie…

‘You were half right,’ he heard himself say, as though from a distance. ‘I had feelings for . . . There was a woman.’

‘Jokaste,’ said Laurent, amused.

Damen was silent. He felt the ache of the answer in his throat.

‘Not really? You fell for the King’s mistress?’

‘He was not the King then. And she was not his mistress. Or if she was, no one knew it,’ said Damen. Once the words started, they wouldn’t stop. ‘She was intelligent, accomplished, beautiful. She was everything I could have asked for in a woman. But she was a king maker. She wanted power. She must have thought her only path to the throne was through Kastor.’

‘My honourable barbarian. I wouldn’t have picked that as your type.’

‘Type?’

‘A pretty face, a devious mind and a ruthless nature.’ (XD)

‘No. That isn’t—I didn’t know she was . . . I didn’t know what she was.’

‘Didn’t you?’ said Laurent.

‘Perhaps I . . . I knew she was ruled by her mind, not her heart. I knew she was ambitious, and, yes, at times ruthless. I admit there was something . . . attractive about it. But I never guessed that she would betray me for Kastor. That I learned too late.’

‘Auguste was like you,’ (interesting how early he makes that comparison despite his hatred of Damen) said Laurent. ‘He had no instinct for deception; it meant he couldn’t recognise it in other people.’

‘And what about you?’ said Damen, after a difficult breath.

‘I have a highly developed instinct for deception.’

‘No, I meant—’

‘I know what you meant.’

Damen had asked it in an attempt to turn the questioning back on Laurent. Anything to close the doors. Now, after a night of earrings and brothels, he thought: Why not ask him about it? (I love how 2 chapters ago Damen makes a point of how uninterested he is on this subject and now… XD) Laurent didn’t look uncomfortable. The lines of his body were relaxed and easy. His soft lips, so often drawn into harder lines, their sensuality suppressed, at this moment expressed nothing more dangerous than mild interest. He had no difficulty returning Damen’s gaze. But he hadn’t given an answer.

‘Shy?’ said Damen.

‘If you want an answer, you’ll need to ask the question,’ said Laurent.

‘Half the men riding in your company are convinced you’re a virgin.’

‘Is that a question?’

‘Yes.’

‘I’m twenty years old,’ said Laurent, ‘and I’ve been the recipient of offers almost as long as I can remember.’

‘Is that an answer?’ said Damen.

‘I’m not a virgin,’ said Laurent.

‘I wondered,’ Damen said, carefully, ‘if you reserved your love for women.’

‘No, I—’ (insert gay judgement meme) Laurent sounded surprised. Then he seemed to realise that his surprise gave something fundamental away, and he looked away with a muttered breath; when he looked back at Damen there was a wry smile on his lips, but he said, steadily, ‘No.’

‘Have I said something to offend you? I didn’t mean—’

‘No. A plausible, benign and uncomplicated theory. Trust you to come up with it.’

‘It’s not my fault that no one in your country can think in a straight line,’ said Damen, frowning a touch defensively.

‘I’ll tell you why Jokaste chose Kastor,’ said Laurent…

‘He was a prince,’ said Damen…

You don’t understand the way a mind like that thinks. I do. If I were Jokaste and a king maker, I’d have chosen Kastor over you too.’

‘I suppose you are going to enjoy telling me why,’ said Damen. He felt his hands curl into fists, heard the bitterness in his throat.

‘Because a king maker would always choose the weaker man. The weaker the man, the easier he is to control.’

Damen felt the shock of surprise, and looked at Laurent only to find Laurent gazing back at him without rancour. The moment stretched out. It wasn’t . . . it wasn’t what he had expected Laurent to say…

‘What makes you think Kastor is the weaker man? You don’t know him.’

‘But I’m coming to know you,’ said Laurent.

[markyishanthonymartinez]

3/10/17

haps haps haps.

good day yay. 

ye

okay so got up and ate a nice healthy breakfast cause growing boys need that kinda stuff ya’know. wait i take it back. not growing boy. never growing. they can't make me grow up if i’m in neverland. 

uh but yes food and got all dapper. 

Just for comparisons sake, I got up about an hour and a half before class to make sure I was completely ready to go to my interview straight after class. Bags got up about 15 minutes before class. 

Walked to class. I’d hate to say this, but paid very minimal attention in class. Just couldn't do it today. Took notes here and there, but I was pretty checked out and played pokemon on my phone lol. 

Then went to the ecc with poles, jeff, jt, bags, ya’know the usual. I printed out resumes and researched southwest gas and listened to the best of tunes. oh also i studied for our quiz in systems. 

quiz sucked.

i hate systems.

wait no i take that back. i wouldn't actually know if i hate systems because i don't really know what systems is because our teacher is a fucking jfapoiehgalkdhg;ajkr. one of those. 

but yes so v frustrating it makes me want to lay in a hole and not get out of that hole ever.

dipped tf outta there after the quiz. wanted to get on the way to carson. but poles said the last half our of class was a huge waste of time so i really didn't miss that much. 

walked to jeff’s, hopped in da whip, went to carson.

the drive was super lax, i had never made that drive before and really didn't know what to expect, but it was cakey wakey. buuuut, i could definitely imagine it being a headache if there was poopy weather, so hopefully that never happens ever when i make the drive. (it will duh)

got to carson pretty early, but that’s exactly what i was planning on. went to walmart, copped a padfolio cause i had been needing one anyways and this was the perfect excuse to finally get one. then was v hungry and i realized that i defs didn't want to tummy rumbling and grumbling during my interview so i hit up the yelp-mobile. decided on this chinese place across the street, went. it was super quiet and qt. got yummy food. probably ate too fast but i was nervous okay. sat in my car practicing interview questions and ya’know, just making sure i hadn't nervously forgotten the entire english language. 

i hadn't.

for the most part.

hit up yung linda, she let me in the front door. sat me down in the conference room and that was where i waited nervously. not that nervously tbh. the mountains looked rly prtty outside the window so i kinda just leaned back and took them in. 

then the ladies who were interviewing me came along.

(okay this is gonna sound kinda dickish, but i was immediately relieved when i found out it was two women who would be interviewing me cause idk i know i’m charming and clever and i think i’m most effective in those things with the opposite gender)

that wasn't really that dickish. just saying it gave me a bit more comfort/confidence. 

they had a lot of fucking questions

so many

sooooo many

like 12. but not like twelve little “oh hi, 1. what is ur name? 2. why are you dumb?” but like full multiple-part, open-ended, thought-inducing, questions. hellllla putting me on the spot. honestly i slipped up on when and kinda lied lmao. but other than that i was clutchhhhhh. idk they seemed to like me. i talked a lot but they seemed okay with it so why the heck not, i love talking about myself. 

LMAO NO THAT SOUNDS SO DICKISH. i mean i do, but idk. doesn't everyone love telling other people about things they’re passionate about? like that’s something i crave. not only to tell people and share my own passions, but to allow people to tell me their passions and have them shared with me. passion is a great thing. (i’m probably just saying that cause i’m 1000% the most overly passionate person on planet earth).

but yeah answered hellllla questions and did my thang. then they had me talk to another dude after them, cause i guess he wanted me to “stop by his office.” he asked me “those” questions. greatest strength. greatest weakness. why should we hire you?

those are pretty standard and i was ready for them, but, this goes back to what i was saying earlier, he was so much harder to manipulate with my language. like he wouldn't react to things i said in the way you’re supposed to.

“supposed to” lol

this totally isn't a sexist thing tbh. maybe it’s just that most guys suck at talking lol. 

like me

but yeah i thought it went really well and fingers crossed, i should know in a few weeks is what they said.

fingees crossed.

drove back, listened to a lot of angry music. i promise it wasn't me, shuffle was just feeling angry so i went with the flow. 

got back, played some video juegos, changed.

then i went to get hellllla unlimited steggs with poles. which really meant get one serving of eggs and just keep asking for more steak. 

at first we were just chilling, eating our steggs, watching that march madness action. 

but

then the boiiiiii, the one and only, the man the myth the legend, double b spots us from across the room and waves to poles.

lol not me, i swear he only waved to poles. dead serious. kinda sad

but then he came over to us and sat with us and we all started talkin’ it up, what we’ve been up to, how stuffs going, the usual.

but then that yung nevada game starts and we start talking about sports and you couldn't shut us up if you tried. i never realized brett was so into sports, but being able to have multiple conversations about different sports and different aspects of them and all encompassing ish was so clutch. he was our boy the whole night. then brian poles rolled up with his bae and one of his homies and we became the popular af table. met hella tke’s cause apparently everyone loves brett. 

nevada won, this puts them one game away from the automatic bid to the tourney and i am so hyyyyyyyyype. the comeback was too real. 

talked it up with a bunch of homies, came home, played some games with kyle, decided i was done, been sitting in my room alone typing this out for about an hour now. 

final thoughts: 

um im not trying to toot my own horn here, but sometimes i feel like my brain is hecka great. like idk how is it that i can develop well-thought ideas about math and the government and energy and sports and religion and politics and psychology and so so so so so many things that i am interested in, meanwhile there’s still people sharing obviously fake articles on facebook without reading them.

like idk yin yang i guess.

dab on em//stay beautiful

- mark gasthony martinez