#spoilers obviously as i continue to yell about them in the tags
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lyssq · 11 months ago
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Realising I have a new type of fictional guy (silly/pathetic member of the friend group turns out to be an immortal being who is weighed down by the terrible things they've done and carries deep regrets and wants to change but isn't sure if they're capable of it after so long)
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simplyluunaa · 6 months ago
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˙⊹ ੈ✰[Falling asleep on them]✰ ੈ⊹˙
-ˏˋ. rules + masterlist ˊˎ-
Fandom: Danganronpa
Characters: Gonta Gokuhara, Kirumi Tojo, Tenko Chabashira
Warnings: !!NOT SPOILER FREE!! Fem reader implied in Tenko’s part
Tags: Established relationship/mutual crush, fluff, cuddling
A/N: This is purely self-indulgent, I fear. This one is also kinda short, but I just had thoughts. Also, can y’all tell Tenko is one of my favorites? I literally love her so much <3
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˚₊·—̳͟͞͞♡⟢Gonta Gokuhara
He might be a little concerned at first
Like did you not sleep much last night? Why are you so tired?
But he wouldn’t wake you up
He’s a gentleman after all!
He stays as still as possible, to not disturb you
He also does his best to make sure everyone around keeps kinda quiet
If you’re tired enough to fall asleep on him, you obviously need your rest!
If needed, he will also carry you back to your room
⋆⁺。˚⋆˙‧₊☽ ◯ ☾₊‧˙⋆˚。⁺���
˚₊·—̳͟͞͞♡⟢Kirumi Tojo
It’s probably during one of the rare moments she doesn’t have anything to do
She’d probably be reading a book, possibly reading out loud to you while you laid your head on her shoulder or lap
When she realizes you’ve fallen asleep, she just smiles
She’d probably very carefully shift you to a more comfortable position, cover you with a blanket, and continue reading
Whether or not she lets you continue to sleep on her depends on if you two are in a relationship or if it’s just in the crush phase
If you two are dating, she allows you to continue sleeping on her lap
If not, she probably lays you down off of her, but she stays near you 
⋆⁺。˚⋆˙‧₊☽ ◯ ☾₊‧˙⋆˚。⁺⋆
˚₊·—̳͟͞͞♡⟢Tenko Chabashira (Fem reader implied!)
She instantly gets flustered
Immediately freezes up, being as still as possible
Would probably accidentally wake you up by yelling at someone else to be quiet
If she somehow doesn’t end up waking you up, she gradually relaxes bit by bit
She’s blushing the whole time
Her mind would just be filled with thoughts about how cute you are while sleeping, and how she’s so happy that you ended up sleeping on her instead of someone else
⋆⁺。˚⋆˙‧₊☽ ◯ ☾₊‧˙⋆˚。⁺⋆
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toointojoelmiller · 10 months ago
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Update: I continue to work on all things! Nothing is abandoned! New chapters will come!
The actual, fun and exciting update: I'm going to start recommending a few AMAZING TLOU fics that you might have missed on my blog every Saturday for the next while.
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I hope you find some new great reads to keep you going while we wait for season 2 - our fandom is seriously so freaking talented, and there are SO many incredibly written fics out there that I want to yell about a bunch of them! Please reblog!
These fics will vary re: how closely they stick to canon and what themes they explore, but you can expect them all to be wonderfully written and, obviously, heavily feature Joel Miller.
Some of these, including this weeks, may include mature content - make sure to read and heed the trigger warnings listed on ao3!
I have never really been interested in fan fiction with OCs, so I missed out on this week's recommendation for a long time and I bet a lot of you did too. It's both a wonderfully told Joel love story and a fic that, in my opinion, really honours the world and characters of TLOU.
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Go Your Own Way by @chronicallyonlinewriter 232,575 words || 31 chapters rating: mature [see ao3 tags for full content warnings] featuring: post season/game 1 life in Jackson, angst, fluff, action, romance, smut, plenty of protective Joel and parent Joel
You can check out a review from @march-flowerr below, describing some of what makes this story so special: (vague general spoilers re: themes and mature content)
“Go Your Own Way stands, in my mind, as one of the most well written piece of fiction on Archive of Our Own. Nandorluna has such an intimate and authentic take on the existing characters that we know and love (on Joel and Ellie and all the Jackson gang) but it’s her ability to create stunning, well fleshed out original characters that drew me to her story initially. Her main character, Benny, moves across the story in such a visceral and realistic way; her arc spans not just the present canon timeline, but transports us through an entire lifetime: from childhood to outbreak, to first love, to first loss, to heartbreak and grief and then finally, to her heart’s final resting place: Joel Miller.
Zee manages to write about and embrace such difficult topics as assault, pregnancy loss, and grief without ever once making a show of it. She handles each moment with quiet dignity and intense self reflection; she draws beauty from the hollow depth of heart ache and despair without ever once losing the thread of hope that The Last of Us is known for.
At the heart of Go Your Own Way is the love story of Joel and Benny. Zee manages to create a compelling story about brokenness and connection and the raw, rare glory that is finding someone with whom you can begin to fit yourself together with again. It’s a story of family - of people who when left to wander, find their hearts drawn to each other. It’s a story about love - each relationship, from Benny and Alexei’s long friendship, to Ellie and Joel’s turbulent first years, to Benny and Joel’s steadfast devotion for each other, caters to the soul. It’s a story that I’ve found myself returning to, again and again, in all moods and places in life. If I could change anything about it, it would only be that it did have to end after all."
If you read and love this, please please show the author some love and leave a kudos and comment!! Happy fandoming y'all.
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karliahs · 4 months ago
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okay just for fun i'm going to compile the garbled knowledge i have about what happens in bnha going forward (so everything after season 5 episode 8/middle of the joint training arc).
this is a few years of passively picking stuff up through tumblr, ao3 and a friend who reads the manga and would periodically upon request tell me how my kids were doing
so...bnha spoilers below the cut, including fairly recent manga spoilers. except they are incomplete, garbled and possibly entirely wrong
upcoming arcs: endeavour internship arc, plf arc, ??? other ones probably, final war arc
bakugou, midoriya & todoroki intern at endeavour's agency. endeavour redemption arc continues to be a thing that is happening
midoriya develops the past OFA users quirks - blackwhip first, then float, and then the others are i think...danger sense, smokescreen, some kind of...healing thing? i have definitely seen them all referenced in fic but i mostly just remember float and blackwhip
touya reveal!! dance with your son in hell!! we stan. i have no idea what the outcome of this is other than that i believe natsuo never gets on board with endeavour redemption but fuyumi does. i think maybe shouto as well...
at some point things about hawks?? and the hero commission's...stuff?? with hawks?? gets revealed publically and contributes to growing unrest about heroes' roles in society. and the touya stuff i think also gets revealed and contributes to this
oh kurogiri obviously. that's season 5 i'm pretty sure. kurogiri is a noumu made from oboro shirakumo, aizawa & mic's (& midnight's?) UA friend who they thought died under some rubble during agency placements. it was actually aizawa they were after but they got oboro instead. aizawa & mic go to confront him and try to get through to him and it initially does not work
while i'm on aizawa knowledge: he gets shot with a quirk destroying bullet in the leg and fucking cuts his own leg off to try and stop it from working. and on what is maybe a separate occasion he loses an eye, i think to shigaraki. idk if eri rewinds one of both of these injuries??
eri does successfully rewind mirio's quirk back. and at some point midoriya loses his goddamn arms?? but eri fixes that. so often when i asked my friend for updates it would end up being about how many limbs my faves currently had
midnight dies. idk how or why. twice i think also dies. again, no context.
aoyama is revealed as the UA traitor. he was born quirkless and was given his quirk by AFO. it was an overall sympathetic he had v few good choices kind of situation i think
at some point everything kind of collapses. i think this is to do with public reaction to hero stuff?? but the whole city seems kind of wrecked and a bunch of people are sheltering on UA's campus i think...and then midoriya for reasons i do not really understand runs off on his own for an iconic yellow scarf of sadness era of going rogue. and 1-a has to track him down and yell a lot about how they love him and he needs to cut it out. this includes a bakugou apology i believe
i think the midoriya run away coincides with OFA reveal?? he writes them letters i think...then he comes back and there's a lot of discussion about baths
climactic midoriya shigaraki fight...we find out shigaraki used to be quirkless. i think AFO gave him the quirk used to kill his family or something equally fucked up. midoriya...throws all his quirks out? to like? achieve something? so he (temporarily) is quirkless...
bakugou dies but they fix it. i think with...shigaraki...somehow. oh and at some point during all this i think kurogiri does do some helpful for the heroes teleporting?? so they maybe did get through to him in the end?
timejump and SHINSOU IS IN 2-A. this is the only thing that matters actually!! my boy!! he did it!!!!! he took aoyama's spot bc aoyama didn't feel like he could come back even tho he'd pretty much been forgiven. so we just missed canonising the iconic 'shinsou hitoshi is in class 1-a' tag bc it's 2-a and fully did not canonise the 'shinsou hitoshi replaces mineta minoru' tag
skjdhfh i'm sure i'm forgetting a bunch that i do actually know and just can't think of rn so i will maybe reblog this if i remember more
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san-fics · 2 years ago
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Alternative Motive
OR 4 times Felix manages to find an excuse to take care of Marinette and one time he doesn't hide that he cares
Felinette
Part 1/5 (Ao3 / Wattpad)
Summary:
“And why would I bring coffee for all of them?” He asked with an annoyed voice, finally slipping the cup into her hand and letting it go.
“And why would you bring coffee for me?” She asked with the same suspicion with which she was still looking at the cup of heavenly drink in her hands, which instantly warmed her palms in the chilly London wind.
“Lest you fall asleep on my shoulder and wrinkle my suit, obviously.” Felix replied as if it should’ve been understood even without explanation, and got on the bus, walking past her.
Oh.
Right.
That explains it...
Of course the coffee he brought was just to keep his flawless suit flawless! And how even for a second it could have seemed to her that Felix Fathom – always cold and impartial – was capable of caring for someone other than himself.
FULL STORY IS AVAILABLE in patreon.com/san_fics
Spoilers:
p. 2/5
Marinette was beginning to feel uncomfortable.
Or rather, to her sleepy mind and to the sensations of her weakened body it felt way too comfortable to leave the hotel in Felix’s coat, holding his hand, getting with him into the taxi that was waiting at the entrance and going somewhere at night, as if they really were a couple in love and just decided to run away from everyone…
And the comfort of it all made her quite uncomfortable.
*
p. 3/5
“Did you have to carry m-me into the house in your arms?” The question escaped her lips before she had a chance to think it over, and the fact that Marinette realized what she was asking in the middle of the question only made her nervously stutter.
“I knew what I was signing up for.” Felix answered, narrowing his eyes slightly at her, as if studying her reaction.
What is that supposed to mean?!
*
p. 4/5
“You didn’t buy my coffee at the coffee shop.” Marinette spoke quietly, standing next to Felix a little behind their classmates, who were listening to another architectural tour, huddled around the tour guide.
“No, I didn’t.” Felix confirmed without even turning his face to her.
“But you said the croissant came with coffee.” She reminded him to make it obvious to him that she had caught him in a lie.
*
p. 5/5
“Listen, girl…” She began cautiously, keeping her worried eyes on Marinette. “You didn’t do anything stupid yesterday, did you?” And while her friend’s eyes widened in surprise at what these words implied, she continued. “I mean, I know he’s good looking and all, – he has Sunshine’s face, after all. But we all know he’s a jerk, so I don’t think he could have any good intentions if he tried… you know…”
“Alya! What are you talking about?!” She yelled, although Marinette was sure she knew exactly what her friend was talking about.
Felinette Tag list (ask me to join)
@mochegato
@thepapillonnoir
@snow-leopard-777
@loves-books
@turiankitty
@toodaloo-kangaroo
@readingismyoxygen
@aespades
@starlightshield
@jessigurl-design
@trippingovermyfeet
@apasponsor
@avs17
@fangirlingfanatic
@psychicdelusionwerewolf
@ur-beautiful-when-u-smile
@spicemallow
@kking13
@frieddonutsweets
@miraculous-panic
@ateneagirasol
@its-maemain
@unoriginalmess
@achaoticmess1
@starfire21
@peachayim
@starling218
@iloontjeboontje
@jennifer-rose123
@a-slytherinish-gryffindor
@wegetitethan
@jacimari
@hammalammadamdam
@rosewood1sedona
@rosesandsailboats
@soap-lady
@queens1234
@cafedeagua
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ador3him · 2 years ago
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hello ! i want to request a quackity x reader imagine. anyways , it starts with reader, quackity and quackity’s friends all playing a game together something like amongus. throughout the game reader is ignored and spoken over by everybody including quackity (not meaning to of course), reader starts to feel sad and feels like they are being annoying, chat notices, reader decides to end stream, lies and says they are going to sleep. After the game ends quackity goes on twt and sees the reader’s name trending, he decides to click through it and sees a “compilation video” of reader being ignored throughout the game and everybody talking about it. Quackity realizes his mistake and pays the reader a visit. You can add/change stuff if you’d like!
pairing: quackity x gn!reader
requested: yes by anon
warnings: none i think
word count: 687
a/n: sorry this took awhile!! idek why it did i j didnt feel that inspired to write it until now, its such a good request im j lazy lol!!
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“Yooo! I literally told you Sapnap was imposter but no body fucking listens! No don’t listen to Tubbo!” Tubbo yells into his microphone. Sapnap is laughing as the ‘DEFEAT’ animation shows up on everyone’s screen apart from his.
“I died you guys didn’t avenge me. It was so obviously Sapnap what the fuck!” Karl groans through his head back faking frustration. Quackity and George are fighting with each other over who said Sapnap was the imposter (spoiler it was only Tubbo). Wilbur and Tommy are complaining that they got voted off for no reason and y/n is just sitting on stream their music playing in the background. No one talked to them through the whole round and the round before that and surprise the rounds before that. Of course, they could’ve talked to them first- oh wait they did! No one listened, just cut them off or plain ignored them and no they weren’t on mute.
They sigh knowing that if they continued to play, they would still be ignored. Ultimately, they decide to say their goodbyes to their stream while on mute before bracing themselves for the overwhelming ignorance that’s about to come to them.
“Hey guys I think I’m going to go now, I ended my stream it’s getting late where I am,” y/n tries to talk as loud as they can without it passing as yelling. A few protests slip through from Wilbur and Sapnap but other than that everyone said quiet and quick goodbyes. They click ‘Leave Call’ as all the pfp icons disappear from their screen they shut their PC down. Jumping into bed not bothering to change as they are in their sweatpants and a Quackity hoodie he sent to y/n as a birthday gift.
Their phone is on their side desk fully charged, they take it off charge and open Twitter. Notifications flood in, their name on trending and compilations of them from not only their stream but others as well of y/n being utterly ignored and talked over throughout the game. They throw their phone on the other side of the bed and turn over cuddling into a pillow drifting off to sleep.
Quackity is still streaming, he is in the middle of the game when his phone is blowing up from Twitter which the notifications are usually on silent apart from y/n’s. When they get tagged, replied to, or posts he gets a notification. He picks up his phone to look at the swarm of posts and clips of y/n being unnoticed in everyone’s streams. His heart sinks feeling so guilty, he was so caught up in his stream and fighting with George the whole stream that he didn’t even get to talk to y/n nor notice what was happening instead accidently encouraging it.
“Hey guys I think I might go can yall vote me off?” Quackity says when a body gets reported. Everyone protests saying how their stream would suck without only making him feel worse. “Please? I really need to go I forgot about this paper I have due.” Everyone obliges voting him off, he says goodbye to his stream and leaves the call.
He practically runs to his car and makes his way to y/n’s apartment. When he makes it there, he doesn’t bother texting them, he uses his key that they gave him for ‘Emergencies’ which was basically their way of asking him to come over more.
“y/n? mi amor?” He calls out from the living room as he makes his way to their bedroom, he carefully opens the door to see them sleeping. He blushes at the sight of y/n in his hoodie, he sits beside them gently brushing the hair off their face, they looked so relaxed and not at all sad which relieved him slightly. He took off his shoes and climbed into y/n’s bed beside them wrapping his arm around their waist.
“I am so sorry, mi amor,” Quackity whispers pressing a kiss onto the top of their head before hiding his face into the back of their neck, falling asleep hoping they will forgive him when they wake up.
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itsallyscorner · 4 years ago
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Teaming Up with Sam and Bucky ft Zemo
Pairing: FEM!Reader; Bucky Barnes x reader, Sam Wilson x reader; platonic(?), let’s throw in some Zemo x reader
Summary: What it would be like to team up with our favorite duo. Takes place during TFATWS.
Warnings: none, TFATWS SPOILERS. Lowkey a mess :D
A/n: Ever since TFATWS came out I’ve been reminded of how much I love Bucky and Sam. Also I have a new found love for Zemo. I’ve just been so obsessed with this series and I’ve been reading so many fics about it, so I decided to finally write my own :) Enjoy my loves❤️
。・:*:・゚★,。・:*:・゚☆
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✧───── ・ 。゚★: *. ☽.* :★. ─────✧
You’re basically working with a bunch of children.
The children mostly being Sam and Bucky, though Zemo does have his moments once he joins you three.
You’ve known dumb and dumber for a few years now, being part of the Avengers, you’ve worked with Sam on multiple missions. The friendship blooming somewhere in between.
You were also close friends with Steve; when he first came out the ice, you were assigned to help him adjust to the modern world by Fury. He would tell you a bunch of stories of him and Bucky running into trouble or Bucky always saving his ass whenever he was getting beaten up.
Eventually, you finally got to meet Bucky, though he wasn’t Bucky, he was the Winter Soldier. Your introduction to each other was quite memorable to say the least.
He choked you with that metal arm of his and for a split second you swore you might’ve found it attractive—till he threw your body against a car.
You sided with Cap during the accords and helped him protect Bucky. When that whole mess was over, Steve asked you to stay with Bucky in Wakanda to make sure he would be safe.
You were the first person to have some kind of bond with Bucky. Before and after he was freed from Hydra’s hold on him, you were always someone he knew he could trust.
When Steve told you what he was going to do while retuning the stones he told you to watch over them.
“Promise me you’ll keep an eye on Buck and Sam?” He asked you, sitting on the edge of your bed. He had snuck into your room late at night, knowing you were wide awake.
You squeezed his hand reassuringly, a lazy smile on your lips, “They don’t need me, I’m sure they’re capable of surviving on their own.” Steve breathes out a laugh and shakes his head, “You’d be surprised.”
“But seriously, (y/n), they need you. You know how they get when they’re together. You’re the only person in the world who knows how to deal with the both of them at the same time.” Steve reasons, his baby blues sparkling in the darkness of the guest room of Tony’s lake house.
“Make sure they’re not on the verge of killing each other or running into too much trouble?” You tiredly nod, sleep slowly consuming your body. “I promise, they’re gonna be alright, Steve.”
Sometimes you found yourself looking up at the sky, cursing at it—or Steve—for leaving you with two of the most childish and stubborn men you’ve ever known in your life.
You were like the mother of the group; breaking up fights, making sure they skipped no meals, patching up their boo-boos, etc.
“Will you stop staring at me?” Sam snapped, tossing his goggles onto the seat beside him to glare at Bucky.
“I’m not staring at you.” Bucky remarked from across Sam. His flesh and metal arm crossing with each other as he stared at Sam challengingly.
“Yes, you are. Your eyes are connecting with mine. You’re literally staring at me right now!” Sam pointed out, to which Bucky rolled his eyes at.
“Because I’m talking to you, genius. I wasn’t staring at you.” Bucky quipped.
“Yes you were!”
“No I wasn’t!”
This continued till they were sick of bickering with each other, finally yelling out your name for help.
The arguments were straight up petty. Bucky wouldn’t admit it, but he was the pettiest.
Exhibit 1: “LoOKiNG StrONg jOHn!”
Like seriously? Bucky’s the pettiest bitch, nobody can tell me otherwise.
You and Sam would definitely find it amusing how Bucky doesn’t trust Redwing.
Obviously, you all despise John Walker. Just the thought of him left a bad taste in your mouth.
He was like a fly that you all couldn’t get rid of. But because you were all painfully patient people—mostly you and Sam—you had to deal with his bullshit despite the way he annoyed you all.
Totally loosing your shit when Bucky helps Zemo break himself out of prison.
“Please tell me you didn’t do what I think you did.” You groaned, fingers pinching the bridge of your nose together.
Bucky looks at you with feign innocence; his mouth agape and puppy eyes. “I—didn’t do...anything(?).”
“You helped Zemo break out of prison didn’t you?” You crossed your arms at him, hip jutting out. As if on cue, Sokovian sugar daddy walks into the abandoned garage you were all in.
Before you can explode on him, Bucky tried to calm you down, “Wait, I technically didn’t do anything though! It was his plan!”
Zemo definitely lives up to being the ✨Sokovian Sugar Daddy✨ of your dysfunctional group.
I think you’d all be surprised at how rich he was. The amount of connections he had wasn’t that big of a shocker.
No like seriously, homie was pulling all sorts of shit out his ass; cars, private planes, houses in different countries, etc.
You all had a love hate relationship with Zemo. On days when he was actually helpful, you all got a long. On the days when things got horribly messy, Zemo couldn’t even let a word out since Sam would tell him to “shut up”.
Though that still doesn’t excuse the fact that he got the Avengers to spilt up and go against each other.
When you guys are all hiding out in one of Zemo’s apartments or homes, you would probably cook breakfast, lunch, or dinner for everyone.
They actually loved it when you cooked because it made the atmosphere feel a bit homey and calm compared to the current situation you were all in.
You were the person they can all go to. You were easy to talk to, making it easier for them to open up to you.
You always checked in on them mentally and physically. For example, you knew Sam felt guilty about giving up the shield, but Bucky never made him forget about his choice. You were there to reassure him that he thought he was doing the right thing and didn’t know the hidden agenda of the government.
You were like their on the go therapist, babysitter, and partner.
Sometimes Bucky and Sam would even argue for your attention.
“Can you stop hogging (y/n) please? Her ears might fall off from hearing you yap all day.” Bucky said as he gently took your arm and dragged you away from Sam.
“You literally spent the whole day with her yesterday, you’re the one who needs to stop hogging (y/n).” Sam argued, grabbing onto your other arm.
“I didn’t get to spend time with (y/n).” Zemo mentioned from his seat in the kitchen, a glass of whisky in his hand. Bucky simply turned to him and pointed, “NO!”
Honestly what’s a friendship with Bucky and Sam without some harmless flirting. They weren’t gonna lie, you were gorgeous, the most attractive one out of the group.
When you guys had to go undercover at Madripoor, both times with Zemo and Sharon, you had to wear dresses that were a bit revealing. Maybe your chest was a bit shown, but the dress definitely showed off your legs.
“So what do you guys think?” You stopped at the bottom of the stairs of Sharon’s apartment, doing a little spin to show off your outfit.
Both Bucky and Sam’s jaws drop, Zemo probably nodding in approval in the corner.
You can’t forget about the nicknames: maybe doll, sweetheart, or darlin’ from Bucky and the typical Louisiana Cher from Sammy.
While fighting against the Flag Smashers or anyone in general, you guys always had each other’s back.
You could directly be fighting someone, but you’ll naturally have an eye on Sam and Bucky to make sure nobody was sneaking up on them.
It’s a given that you all patch each other up after some fight.
You were all very protective of each other. If there’s one thing Sam and Bucky can agree on, it’s their instinct to protect you.
Like how you kept an eye on them, they also kept their eyes on you. Even though they knew you could hold your own.
“Could you walk?” Sam asked you as you laid on the concrete floor. You were double teamed by a couple of Flag Smashers. Two super soldiers against a normal person, you totally got your ass handed to you.
You pushed yourself up to rest on your elbows, “I’m fine, just got dropped kicked twice, but I’ll be fine.”
Sam smiled at you, “That’s my girl.”
Though the two can be a handful and argue almost every minute, you loved the both of them tremendously. You wouldn’t have it any other way.
。・:*:・゚★,。・:*:・゚☆
🏷 Tags ↴
*If your name has a line through it, it means tumblr won’t let me tag you*
Marvel Cast/ Avengers Tags
↪︎ @ximaginx @lozzypoz321 @sunwardsss @pokemonbong @pjokotlcmarvel201 @whoslili @111111111111111sblog @marvel-is-a-mood @blckyungblood @astroponyo @universemarvel @imthebadguyyy @roseke @bi-myself-forever @httpscarletwitch @millenniumloki @cristin-rjd @swords-are-cool @melaninfalconbucky @deamus-liv @elvish-sky @catsandbooksandsstuff @ellajoy419 @moonlight-babe99
General tags
↪︎ @quxxnxfhxll @just-here-to-escape-from-reality @thegirlwiththediary @agustdowney @bi-lmg @rqmanoff @sesamepancakes @stardustofreading @dracoswhore007
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dailytatsu · 3 years ago
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Heya! Can I request an Aether/Lumine & reader?
So reader is basically an immortal half-elf who've lived for centuries and a well refined fighter. Well at the beginning even tho they volunteered to tag along on traveler's journey to find their sibling, reader is rather obnoxious and a lazy-dork who only help when actually needed. But as the journey continues, they began to act like traveler's bodyguard after witnessing (archon quest spoiler!) traveler almost getting killed by the Shogun? And maybe random shenanigans happen between them (ft.Paimon). I don't mind if you do either Aether or Lumine if you feel pressured 🙏
Hi! This kind are my favorites! Tysm for requesting! (๑>◡<๑)
I did this with Aether since he is my favorite is who I chose, and I feel more comfortable writing with guys than with girls.
I know they have some different personalities but I can help but see Lumine as the all mighty abyss princess.
Hope you enjoy!
➷➹➷➹➷➹➷➹➷➹➷➹ ➷➹➷➹ ➷➹➷➹ ➷➹ ➷
Aether & Half-elf! Reader
GN! Reader
Inazuma Archon Quest Spoilers!
Request are open; sorry for any mistakes!
Genshin Impact Masterlist
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Aether always thought that immortality brought with it wisdom, beings who live for much longer than an ordinary human tend to gain an understanding of life and changes in the world after years of appreciating the passing of the ages.
But when he met you he couldn't help but feel that all his beliefs were based on fiction and old rumors from other worlds. You were anything but wise, not even his first choice to be the voice of reason.
Even Paimon takes her role as his guide seriously.
But what was so wrong about you that get him on his nerves all the time? And most important, why does is he still dealing with you?
To be fair, maybe he was waiting a little too much from you. After all, he always forget that you still have half of a human’s nature.
“Mmh? What are you doing?” You asked Aether the first time he removed your hair from your ears to see if they were pointy. They were, and Paimon yelled kind of a objection when she realize she had to pay for losing their bet.
Not a human, not a elf, but a hybrid between them.
The first encounter was really something he would never forget. Rumors about treasures and requests from the guild made them follow some clues to find a cave that was marked as lost, impossible to enter and explore.
But “impossible” is a word that doesn’t exist their vocabulary. Yet is common that regretting comes along when you’re that bold and risky.
At the very end of that strange cave there wasn’t a treasure waiting, not even a new clue to keep going with the mystery. Instead, was a humanoid silhouette, they seemed to be meditating, not showing a single interest in their voices neither getting nervous because of Aether and Paimon taking some steps forward to have a better look.
But they were breathing, and both could see the pupils moving slightly under their eyelids. Eyebrows twitching now and then, like they were having a nightmare, one of which they couldn’t wake up.
Paimon encouraged him to get even closer to shake that person's shoulder, while she was hiding behind some rocks, obviously.
Aether summoned his sword and then he approached slowly until touching them with his fingertips, waiting for some kind of jumpscare.
The stranger raised their arm, carefully but also in a robotic way. Their fingers were tense, as much that it was painful just looking at them. Like a quiet call, like a order that couldn’t be heard, from the pile of rocks where Paimon was hiding something emerge, breaking through the stone and letting a rusty polearm to be seen.
Their fingers closed around the weapon, bringing them back to reality.
“Master and weapon, reunited again, rise so the world can meet their end!”
Or at least that's what he would have preferred to find. A servant guarding a lost relic, a soulless body moving by a curse, perhaps even a fate that death could not prevent.
But instead it was something really underwhelming, something that broke the mystical and strange atmosphere. That person opened their eyes, annoyed by the light of the torches and disoriented by the situation.
With their body in pain and numb at the same time, how long have they slept in that position?
The first thing they did after waking up was sneezing.
‘So much dust…’
Never accepting missions for exploring legendary caves ever again. Nope. Negative. He refuse to.
What if they find another (Y/N)? Thanks, but no. One is more than enough.
“So what you mean is that your parents' families exiled you and locked you up in the cave for being an ‘abomination’ to both species?” Paimon confirmed once the three of you were back in the surface again. Her hands moving side to side to explain -in a very expressive way- everything you told them.
“It seems that we found the remains of an ancient race that used to exist in Teyvat.” Aether said, still surprised by the way you roamed to feel the wood of the trees and the grass under your bare feet. Kind of heartbreaking.
“Like the boar we found with Xiangling!”
He wasn’t sure if it was okay to compare both encounters but he could see her point.
“… ‘Wait for us’, they told me, ‘think about your existence and find the answer to why your conception is not the atrocity that everyone says you are. May their words not reach you, because we have long ears to hear the words of the gods and not the ones of those who defile earth’… ” You pronounced after decades of not needing to use the language you were taught, with one hand on your chin and eyes closed to concentrate. All you had left was the few memories you preserved inside your mind and heart.
“With ‘they’ you mean your parents?”
You nodded.
“And what happened next?… ” Asked back the tiny companion of the blond guy that rescued you.
“I got bored and I fell asleep.” You admitted, carefree about it, shrugging your shoulders and sighing.
A total waste of your youth.
“Eh!? Then you didn’t thought about those things? That sounded important!” Paimon seemed disappointed for your answer, while Aether held his forehead, without having a clue of how he was supposed to react.
That was the day you joined their party! New team member, (Y/N) strikes in!
Or something like that,,
“H-Hey! We could use a hand over here!… woah!” The little white girl scold you but from your high sit on the top of a big rock only a exaggerated yawning can be heard. Paimon crossed her arms to almost immediately duck down to dodge a fire bullet from the Fatui. Aether didn’t say anything, he was concentrated fighting.
“Oh, yeah… You’re doing great. Go, Aether, go…”
“Was that supposed to be a cheering?!”
“Hey, calm down” You said “He doesn’t need my help. Just take a look, he’s an adventurer. If I meddle it will be really boring for him.”
“Hmp! Now Paimon believes that you were lying when you said that you were a well refined fighter!” She was floating around you, ignoring the battle of his blond friend. Like a pesky bee, the only thing you did was avoiding her furious gaze. “Don’t ignore Paimon! How can you not hear with those ears!? That’s it! Paimon will give you a ugly nickname!”
“What about ‘extinct deaf elf-der’?”
“Yeah, that’s a good one!” She agreed immediately, then she shook her head, pointing at you like a guilty criminal. “Wait, Paimon doesn’t need your suggestions!”
When the last Fatui was defeated Aether turned back to face both of you, sighing because of the new arguing between you two. His sword disappeared and some steps were took to get closer.
Your eyes met each other, a slight smile in your face after looking him safe and sound. So confident but so unaware of the remain danger hiding. Your expression became a surprised one, then your gaze sharped like a killer sight.
You left Paimon on top of the rock when you jumped down, summoning your own weapon you ran straight to where Aether was. The traveler panicked just a fraction of second before loosing sight of you.
Next thing they know was that a you were behind him, facing at the nothing with a defensive pose, just a second of silence before a impact could be heard. Some dirt and dust was lift as the pair of Fatui Pyro Agents became visible again. They stayed there, defeated in one hit.
“Like I said. It would be pretty boring if I meddle...” Aether and Paimon were shocked, none of them felt their presence, not even the heat of the pyro delusion. Your weapon disappeared in the air, and your hands rested on your waist. “Dear Seven, that was intense.” Looking at your friends you sighed, with the laziness on your body language. “It was my turn to cook dinner, right? What a pain having to eat again… ”
Acting that relaxed after that really made them went Ô_Ô and Ö
A silent speech, where devotion and gratitude are the best topics of conversation. The message that is heard even if there’s no words in between. Just a exchange of gazes. Little signs of affection that are shown when it’s necessary.
Your family was gone. No clues about their whereabouts could’ve found in that cave of where you came. Not even the skeletons of a couple holding their hands and petrified in a sobbing position. Not even ashes.
When you have been thinking about the most unimportant things in the universe for so long you can deal with the lost faster than anyone else. Getting the idea of no remain evidence of your parents and feeling that it wasn’t that heartbreaking.
Maybe because you gained a new family almost immediately.
Still you could empathize with Aether, he still had his precious memories with his sister, still remember her face and her voice. And most important was that he knew that she was still roaming Teyvat, waiting for him.
Even if they leave behind Paimon and you at the end of the trip.
Or even if they just leave you behind.
‘I’m okay with that.’
You thought, stroking Paimon’s hair when her head found a comfortable place to rest in your lap. You thought, moving your shoulder so Aether wouldn’t have neck pain. Both sleeping peacefully and you staying awake night by night.
You’ve slept enough, for so long besides.
Somehow the flames of the campfire are warmer now that you have someone to look how the fire dance in the night.
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“I see, so you were serious when you told me that your companion was a mystical extinct creature, weren’t you?” Albedo’s hand went up to hold his chin, analyzing you from distance.
“They are half of it, actually.” Aether answered back, notice how Sucrose was asking you permission to check your features. The sparkle in her eyes made you accept her petition after feeling with the back against the wall.
“Your ears are like mine! Look, look!” Klee pulled your shirt, then she pointed at the side of her head.
“… Still the shape of both are quite different, the length too.”
Years of isolation really are hitting hard right now. You felt overwhelmed and somehow shy when Sucrose hold your face to have a better look.
You follow the traveler to everywhere, no matter the place, you were there. Like a shadow, sometimes just a spectator, other times like an actual active team member.
“Who would’ve tell that our Honorary Knight also has his own knight watching his back.” Kaeya’s voice has that joke but charming tone, as always.
Day after day, it’s the same, everyone talking you through Aether. Like some kind of translator.
“More like a human shield.” Your hand landed on top of Aether’s head, not agreeing with his explanation.
Bonk.
“I guess everything’s better than being Emergency Food.”
“Hey!”
“Haha! You three are quite a team, aren’t you?”
Of course you were. Mondstadt, Liyue, you name it. You could assure that every place in this two nations have at least one story about the team.
You knew that the most brave and magnificent outlander in Teyvat didn’t need a guardian, he can defend himself (somehow even if he’s still using that dull blade).
Bodyguarding also sounds like such a hassle…
You only provide a last resource help when was needed, sometimes also helping with some puzzles and mysteries.
The long eared people was known to be wise and smart people that searched for the full comprehension of the world. Also such a nerds and fans of knowledge. So, even if you considered yourself dumb, in your blood was the instinct of looking for the truth, and sometimes that impulse could be really annoying.
You were always near enough to reach him. Pulling his scarf from behind to move him away from danger. Countering after he gets hit.
Always in a place where you could reach him.
You just needed to extend your arm and you would catch Aether. It was always like this. Always with you jumping in the middle of the crossfire to shield them if it was necessary.
It’s always like this.
Until the day you three set a foot in Inazuma’s land. And a bad feeling of a imminent catastrophe made your shiver.
A new nation, a new problem to solve. But a war? Boldness and stupidity sometimes looks like the same thing, but no matter how many times you repeat this to Aether, he would still ran into problems.
And you would follow him, until your debt is paid, until his travel is done.
It used to be like this.
But then you failed him after being unable to move because of the fear that paralyzed your body. The day Aether faced Shogun Raiden in the ceremony. The day you heard the broken voice of a god inside the Shogun you also fell apart. It was painful, cruel, a void of anger and sadness.
Jumping into danger, without you behind.
You tried to ran between the goddess and your savior, you tried to get closer to at least be useful one last time as the shield you promised to be.
You tried.
But, for the first time, your hand didn’t reach him.
The void of despair and darkness that could be heard inside the Shogun devoured him.
The tears of panic and fear in Paimon’s eyes. The way the Shogun lifted her sword to end his life. The way you were paralyzed because of her presence, forced to be part of the crowd and presence his execution.
That day your facade of laziness faded away, the real feeling of being a knight burnt along your proud. It was so annoying, it was so unnecessary, but still you couldn’t ignore it.
“Are you… are you sure that you’re okay? We don’t have to find the Sangonomiya resistance today. If you need to rest then-” Your hands were shaking when you placed them in Aether’s shoulders, holding yourself for tearing up.
“We have to keep going. I’ll be fine.”
“Besides, if we stay near Inazuma this night they could find us! Paimon won’t be able to sleep like that!” Your mouth opened to counter their arguments, but not a single word dared to go against Aether’s plans.
They could see it in your face. The worry, the remains of shock and fear, the guilty.
“Don’t try to look strong then. If you get tired, tell us. I can carry you in my back.” Even if you were offering help your voice was serious, so cold but so hurt at the same time that nor Aether or Paimon knew what to said to bring the old you back.
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“… Aren’t you coming?” You could hear how the door was slid to let him saw you. The lighted spots on Aether’s clothes were purple, just as the lighting that almost end him. Your lips made a concerned and stressed grimace.
The young traveler took a seat next to you, outside the structure, sitting on the wooden steps and looking at the starry sky. The wind was cold but still the soldiers of the resistance were talking normally and the slight feeling of discommodity because of the excessive presence of other people was climbing up your back.
“(Y/N), there’s no need of guard us every night. You also need to sleep.”
“I'm not tired, I think I've gotten enough sleep, at least not to need it until the next century.”
Aether’s expressions went into a sarcastic one, asking if you were serious with just his gaze.
“That’s not how it works.” He said, trying to change the mood. “And if it does, then why are you always snoozing during the day in every chance you get?”
You had the answer to that, but you weren’t sure about telling him.
“Because everything supposed to be boring. Nothing really changed a lot and… looking at the familiar places was depressing.” So easy, so simple, but still enjoying the company, still enjoying the sound of theirs laughs and their own shenanigans. “… Lately, I’ve been thinking that I should not had left the cave. Don’t get me wrong, I do appreciate that you two helped me to be back at the surface, and I really want to help you on your journey, but if you still run into the chaos by own decision I think I could not follow you any longer before being a burden in your adventures.”
Overprotection, an unbreakable shield, frequently avoiding fights, always being pulled back to not be part of the battle. Enemies of the braveness of the traveler.
Worry, panic, an overreaction due to fear of loosing everything again.
‘let me do it’, ‘I got it’, ‘wait here’, ‘don’t get close’.
These day could be described like that.
“So, before I do something worse as an excuse of defend you, please let me find a cave to await. You do what’s is needed and… call me back, or leave me there, anything you think it’s better… ”
You could be pronouncing the words from the very bottom of your heart, but still your face was the same seriousness as the accident almost happened.
And even with that you felt his gloved hand removing the hair that was covering your right ear, revealing how it slightly leaned down, showing sadness unwittingly.
“Hey, cut it out… I’m serious about this… ”
“It doesn’t matter if you think that it’s the best option, you’re still sad about leaving.”
“… That’s cheating.” Removing his hand away from your hair you tried to act indifferent.
“You know the reason why we invited you to came along?”
‘You felt sorry for me.’
“I can’t totally tell the exact reason, but it wasn’t for you to pay us some kind of debt because of saving you.” He crossed his arms, looking at the stars, wondering if his sisters was doing the same. “We don’t need a guardian, we need our friend back. And I know you care about Paimon and me, but still you must enjoy the journey. It’s not fair that you are always aware of every potential danger while we mess around lately.”
An eternal silence, your response is late to appear but somehow Aether can tell that you already have something on your mind.
“Then apologize.”
“… Why?”
“For believing that playing as the hero and jumping to face the Shogun was something you had to do.”
“… but-”
Neither Aether nor you slept that night, the blonde had to listen for hours to all the things that you ever wanted to complain about since you arrived in Inazuma.
You made your position on joining the army of the rebellion very clear, you had no intention of fighting to seek "justice" or "peace". Because after all, that fight did not correspond to you, but if he asked you to, you would protect some soldiers or help to guard the barracks, if he asked you to, you wouldn’t complain about it (at least not that much).
Both had enough of each other’s attitude, but it was okay. Because that was what all of you chose in first place.
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allredphoenix · 3 years ago
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Shelia's Lore Drop from Episode 3: Daddy
I've transcribed the scene, you know the one, as a treat. Love that good, Hatchetfield lore. Obviously there are spoilers, I do my best to tag, but sometimes things get through.
Timestamp in the episode is approximately: 0:55:40
This is a long post so it goes under the cut:
Narrator: In a vast, black room in the west wing of the mansion, Shelia secures Frank’s restraints. He lies bound to a marble altar.
Shelia: My first husband, Sherman’s father, was a great man. Great and powerful. He was the one who first gave me the Gift. Who showed me the power of the Black Book. But his life was cut short by those disgusting, inbred Hatchet Men. They may have founded Hatchetfield but it’s the Church of the Starry Children who made it what it is.
Frank: What are you talking about?
Shelia: Then one night, every member of the Church was chopped to bits. And the Book was lost. Luckily, my husband had the foresight to have certain passages transcribed.
Narrator: Shelia opens a granite box and removes a handful of thick, yellowed pages.
Shelia: You know, people ask me all the time: “Shelia, why do you look so young? What’s your secret?” Well, this is it.
Frank: Huh?
Shelia: Like so many before you, I lured you to my home. And now, your remaining years will be mine, added to my life. Do you know when I married Sherman’s father? 1920. A hundred years ago! Oh, how time flies.
Frank: That’s- that’s impossible. It’s- it’s just impossible.
Shelia: Don’t believe me? I’ll show you.
Narrator: Shelia lifts her hands into the air. On the ceiling, is a painted mural, depicting a twisting horde of nightmare things. She reaches toward them, worshiping them, coveting them.
Shelia: I invoke the names Pokotho, Bliklotep, T’noy Karaxis
Narrator: Frank feels the energy in the room shift, like the atoms in the air are being charged, corrupted. The mural on the ceiling begins to change. Frank doesn’t see it happen, exactly, he perceives it with some unknown sense. A thousand eyes open and roll in his direction. A creature with a goat’s head screams with laughter. Shelia continues:
Shelia: -Nibblenephim, Wiggog Y’wrath!
Narrator: At the name, the room quakes. Shadowy tentacles slither to life on the mural above.
Frank: What’s happening?!
Shelia: And now, the words.
Narrator: Shelia flips through her manuscript, this collection of esoteric spells. She finds the page she’s looking for, and freezes.
Shelia: What the fuck?! Sherman! Get your little ass in here!
Narrator: From the doorway, her son peeks inside.
Sherman: Yes Mother?
Shelia: What is this?
Narrator: She holds up the pages. Scribbled on top of the text is a cartoonish drawing of smiling, fanciful critters.
Sherman: Well, that’s Rainbow-Heart and that’s Soggy-Tail.
Shelia: Do you have any idea what you’ve done? I needed those words and you’ve covered them with bad drawings of those fucking squirrels!
Sherman: Don’t yell at me.
Shelia: You idiot! You stain on the family name; you’ve killed us all! You are never going to the toy store again! I’m going to burn every goddamn doll you have.
Sherman: It’s not my fault you didn’t memorize the words!
Shelia: It’s a bunch of gibberish! No one could memorize those words!
Sherman: I did.
Narrator: An evil grin comes to Sherman’s lips.
Shelia: What?
Sherman: Then I drew all over the pages. There’s only one place the spell is now, and that’s right up here.
Narrator: Sherman advances on his mother. She steps back, realizing she said too much. Realizing the drawing was a trap. A test of her love. A test she failed.
Shelia: Sherman… dear…
Sherman: A stain on the family name? I always suspected that’s what you really thought of me and now I know!
Shelia: Calm down.
Sherman: You never gave me the Gift cuz you had power over me. You let me get old! Well. I’ve outgrown you, Mother.
Shelia: Sherman don’t!
Sherman: You wouldn’t give me the Gift so now I’m gonna take it! Happy Birthday to me!
Shelia: Sherman please! I’m your mother!
Narrator: Sherman raises his hands into the air and chants:
Sherman: (Chanting- sounds like: Humdee dah dah day! Humlee-ah!)
Shelia: Sherman no!
Sherman: (Continues chanting- Kahli karakena maybe? Ah-nibble-something)
Narrator: The nightmare creatures in the mural roar with delight. The room trembles, electricity flies through the air.
Shelia: NOOOOOOO!
Narrator: Shelia howls in pain as her flesh writhes and tears. Her hair turns white. Her eyes and tongue rot in her skull. Her stomach splits and her guts shoot out. They are decomposing, crawling with maggots. A bolt of lightning strikes the living, screaming corpse and Shelia Young explodes into a cloud of dust.
Frank: Holy shit!
Narrator: The Shelia dust swirls around Sherman. He sucks it in, gulps it down. Then, a burst of light and silence…
A few quick notes:
First, I hope my grammar and formatting is ok. If you find a mistake, please let me know. Also there are a few words that I wasn't entirely sure what was said (was it "and" or "then"?). I did my best to be as accurate as possible.
I went a little further than just the lore that Shelia says, because I felt the ritual (both the beginning that Shelia says and the ending that Sherman says) and the narrator's description of it was interesting.
I capitalized the "Gift" because it feels like it should be.
Are Rainbow-Heart and Soggy-Tail considered one word? Two words? Hyphenated? Are they capitalized? I have no clue. I made them hyphenated and capitalized.
I did my best with the chant Sherman says. I've really got no clue what was said, especially since the captions didn't work. As Shelia herself says, "it's a bunch of gibberish!"
I have thoughts about the ritual: which of the LiB "move" in the mural, the order their names are said in, Sherman's "trap" for his mother, the music Matt chose, questions about how many years are gained from each person sacrificed (Sherman goes from 41 to "no older than seven" - that's at least 34 years), when did Sherman's father die, it's a list... Maybe I'll post about it if I can put some semblance of order to it all.
Finally don't think I didn't notice that Sherman's father is never truly named, Lang brothers. I noticed. I will be thinking about that along with all the other mysteries you've created.
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sfb123 · 4 years ago
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Sapere Aude - Part 9
Book: The Royal Heir
Pairing: King Liam Rys x Queen Riley Brooks
All characters belong to Pixelberry.
Catch Up Here
Series Description: I developed a theory of what I think will happen in TRH Book 4, and I was encouraged by some very lovely people to turn my theory into a fic, so here it is. Basically, Riley is recruited to join the Via Imperii, this series will follow her as she joins them to try and bring them down from the inside, and all of the drama and bombshells she learns along the way. Sapere Aude is Latin for “dare to know” it seemed like an appropriate title.
Rating: PG-13 Adult language, allusions to smut (but nothing graphic), discussions of death, conspiracy, blackmail, and other adult themes.
Warning: The Royal Heir Book 3 Spoilers all over the place.
Word Count: 2,655
A/N: Before I dive in, a little bit of unpleasant business to address. As you may know, there is another writer that is also working on a Via Imperii themed fic. We had been working together to make sure our stories didn’t overlap to the point of plagiarism, sharing ideas and pre-reading each others work. That partnership was abruptly, and unbeknownst to me, put to a halt this week (3/28/21). She has not read this chapter, and I have not read any of hers past her chapter 9 (which I don’t think I ever saw the final version of, so let’s safely say chapter 8). I just wanted to put that out there in the universe, I don’t want any previous approvals or conversations to be implied or carried over into work I have not, and will not, see. No ill will, it is what it is, I just want to make sure that nobody is misrepresenting anyone’s involvement in anything. 
HUGE shout out to my hype squad, @jessiembruno & @txemrn. It’s no secret that I haven’t been feeling to great about myself lately, and they’ve been so great about talking me through it and encouraging me to keep going. 
As always, shout out to @twinkleallnight for my amazing, and updated, moodboard!
Tags: I think my tags actually got figured out, so tags are below, but not in the comments as I usually do. If you don’t get the tag, let me know (which is a weird thing to say, because you might not even be seeing this).
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Riley stood at the stove, scrambling eggs, when she suddenly felt Liam’s arms wrap around her as he kissed her neck. “Good morning, love. You’re up early.” He said in between kisses. 
“Hey you.” She shut off the burner and turned in his arms, reaching up to cup his cheek. “How are you feeling?” She looked at him with worry in her eyes. 
“I’m...past the worst of it, thanks to you.” He kissed her softly on the lips. “I’m just ready to move forward and come up with a plan to end all of this. Then I can deal with everything else.”
“You don’t have to bottle it all up until this is over, Liam. You can talk to me.”
“I know, you’ve more than proven that to me.” He winked, a slight smirk on his face. “Taking them down is how I need to work through it. It seems as though a majority of the struggles we have faced have been at the hands of the Via Imperii. Getting my revenge and eliminating them will be a cathartic, healing experience. It needs to happen for the country, and for my own piece of mind.”  
She nodded and pulled out of his embrace, taking his hand and walking him toward the island. “Good, that’s what we’ll do then. Sit and I’ll get a plate together for you. I need to fill you in on the rest before everyone gets here.”
“Everyone?” He asked as he watched her walk back to the stove and put two plates together. 
“I texted Maxwell this morning, he’s going to come back with Drake so that he can work with us on a plan. He’s already had time to process his dad’s shittyness, so you and Drake won’t have to do all the heavy lifting while dealing with your news.” She placed a plate down in front of him and sat down.
Liam looked at her confused, “Why would Drake still be processing my news? You told him the other day, didn’t you?”
Riley took a deep breath, there was so much she didn’t get a chance to tell Liam the night before. She would have to get through it all now. He had to be completely filled in before Drake and Maxwell arrived. “Not your news, Liam. I had some for him too.”
Riley filled Liam in on the rest of the information she had learned that weekend. Treading lightly when he spoke about Eleanor, making sure not to refer to as his mother, she would simply say ‘she’ and Liam understood. Liam sat there, pushing his own pain aside so he could focus on the task at hand, while also being there for Drake. He knew Drake, and he knew that he was likely feeling a similar storm of emotions, but being the selfless kind hearted soul Liam knew he was, he wasn’t dealing with any of that. Instead, Drake was keeping himself busy by taking care of his friends, just like he had his whole life.
After breakfast, Liam rescheduled his and Riley’s meetings and commitments for the day so that they could focus on the task at hand. Eleanor had her lessons, Drake planned on dropping her off in the Great Room when they arrived at the palace, giving them a couple of hours to talk. Liam and Riley finished getting ready for the day, and headed into the living room just in time to hear the knock on the door. Liam answered. 
Maxwell was the first to enter, bounding in and raising his arms over his head “The party is here.” He walked up to Riley and gave her their secret handshake before pulling her into a hug. 
Drake entered and Liam shut the door behind him. They turned to face each other, and nodded in silent understanding. Liam extended his hand and Drake took it in a handshake that was quickly, and mutually, pulled into a hug. They stayed like that for several moments speaking to each other in hushed tones that only the two of them could hear. 
After a few moments, Maxwell spoke up. “Hey, how come you guys never hug me like that?”
“Maxwell!” Riley yelled in a hushed tone as she elbowed him in the side, making a rapid throat cutting gesture when he looked at her, signaling that he should leave it alone. 
They finally pulled away, clearing their throats as they separated. Drake walked up to Riley, giving her a hug, as Liam approached Maxwell and shook his hand.
“Let’s sit, there’s a lot to go over.” Liam signaled toward the couch as he approached Riley, wrapping an arm around her waist.
Riley gave Liam a reassuring look. “Should we get Bastien in here as well? He should be a part of this.” She suggested. 
“Absolutely. You sit, love. I’ll go get him.” Liam walked her to the couch and kissed the top of her head as she sat, before going back to the front door to retrieve Bastien. 
Once everyone was there, Riley looked to Liam for the next move. She wasn’t sure which of them would take the lead on this conversation, not knowing if Liam would be able to get through the parts of the story that he had learned the night before. He took her hand in his and nodded at her as a signal to begin the conversation. 
“Ok, so we have a new threat. Well, an old threat, but in a new and soul crushing package.” She paused for a moment and looked around the room. Liam and Drake were fully filled in, Bastien was partially aware of the situation, and Maxwell was completely in the dark. The best thing to do would be to start at the beginning. 
With that, Riley explained everything, her conversation with Eirik at Applewood, the meeting in Portavira, and of course everything that had happened during her Valtoria trip. She made sure to grip Liam’s hand a little tighter when she got to the part about Eleanor, when Drake also reached over and placed a comforting hand on his friend’s back. The news of Eleanor and Jackson’s involvement, on top of Eleanor not being quite as dead as everyone thought, obviously, a total shock to those in the room hearing it for the first time. Maxwell’s jaw dropped, his hand quickly moving to cover it as tears welled up in his eyes. For the first time in his life, Maxwell was speechless.
Riley looked over to Bastien, who was standing by Drake’s chair. She was surprised by the emotion etched in his typically stoic face. Then she realized, she had been so worried about everyone else, that she didn’t consider how difficult this news may be for Bastien. Jackson Walker had taken a young, fresh-faced Bastien under his wing when he first joined the King’s guard, and invited him into his family. Bastien had been alone most of his life, so becoming an unofficial Walker gave him a sense of belonging and home that he hadn’t felt since he was a little boy. He had known Jackson was a member of the Via Imperii, he was trying to recruit Bastien prior to his death, but the way Jackson talked about it didn’t line up with what he had learned in the last couple of weeks. Suddenly it all made sense, the information he was getting was based off of the original plan that Jackson had been working on. If he was killed for going against them, it would explain why they stopped pursuing Bastien after his death. He always found something a little suspicious about Jackson’s death, this just confirmed it, and made him want to exact his revenge for the man that had given him everything. 
The room was silent as everyone continued to process the information. Maxwell was the first to speak up. “You guys, I don’t even know what to say. I mean my dad was bad news, but this is a whole other level.” He looked at Liam, “I mean, a coma is one thing, but to pretend to actually be dead? And then to find out you have a brother?!” 
“Thank you Maxwell. It has been a...trying few hours to say the least.” Liam squeezed Riley’s hand a little tighter to keep himself calm. “But that is why you are here. We need to work together to remove them once and for all.” 
“So, what do we do?” Drake chimed in. 
“That’s what we need to figure out. How do you take down a group that nobody even knows exists?” Riley looked around the room, hoping one of the men might have a suggestion. 
Bastien cleared his throat to get the room’s attention. “Perhaps we start by getting some form of hard evidence against them. Something tangible, and undeniable.”
“Yea, we could release it publicly. If everyone knows they exist, and what they’re up to, they won’t have any power.” Maxwell agreed.
Riley nodded. “Ok, that could work. How do we do that? I mean, I’m a member or whatever, but I don’t think you can just borrow membership records, or like walk in taking pictures.” 
‘We could send you in with a hidden camera or recorder of some kind.” Liam suggested. “I don’t want to get Amalas involved, we can’t be certain where her loyalties lie, but Olivia could be of help to us on that front.”
Drake interjected, skepticism in his tone. “Yea, but can we trust her? Her family isn’t really known for their loyalty to the crown.”
Liam stood from his seat. “Historically, you are correct Drake. The Nevrakis family has never been particularly with their standing within the monarchy, but I think that Olivia has more than proven herself. Not only in her loyalty to the crown, but in her loyalty to me personally.”
“Yea Drake, she’s had our backs through everything.” Riley also stood, linking her arm with Liam’s in a show of support. “Besides, in the few conversations I’ve had with these people, they don’t speak too highly of the Nevrakis line, they don’t seem like they would have much interest in bringing her onboard.” 
“Alright, let’s get her involved.” Drake ran a hand through his hair, still not fully convinced, but knowing he was outnumbered. 
“Great. Liam, you and Drake should work with Olivia to get it set up. I’ll talk to Mara and see when I will be meeting with them next, so that we know our timeline.” Riley turned to Bastien, “Bastien, since Hana is in Shanghai, I guess you’ll be taking her place in this mission.”
“Of course, your majesty. Should we make our way to the boutique so I can assist you in finding something to wear?”
Everyone stared blankly at Bastien, the corners of Riley’s mouth slowly turned upward. “Bastien, did you just make a joke?”
“Yes your majesty, I know you all tend to try to add a little levity to situations such as these.”
“Correction…” Maxwell stood up and positioned himself in front of Bastien, “I add levity. I’m the funny one, not Hana. Know your role.”
“My apologies, Lord Beaumont.” Bastien bowed out of respect, but mostly to hide the grin that started to spread across his face.
As the group continued to chat, there was a knock at the door. Soon after, Eleanor came barrelling into the room. “Mommy, daddy, I’m home!” She ran straight for her parents who knelt down to greet her. 
“Hello princess, we missed you so much.” Liam wrapped Eleanor in a hug. 
As he held his daughter, Riley noticed Thomas entering the room. She stood, giving Drake, Maxwell, and Batien a concerned look. This would be the first time Liam would be face to face with him, knowing who he was. 
Bastien rushed over to him, trying to usher him out of the room before Liam noticed. Just as he reached Thomas, the King stood up and looked directly at Thomas, his eyes going wide at the sight of his brother. He quickly shook his head and put his most stoic expression in place. Everyone exchanged worried glances. Riley turned to Liam and linked her hand with his, giving it a gentle squeeze to reassure him that he wasn’t alone. 
“Your majesties, Eleanor did wonderfully today. I was very impressed with how much she learned today.” Thomas bowed as he addressed the King and Queen. 
Liam gripped Riley’s hand tightly, as if he were falling from a building and she was the ledge preventing him from plummeting to his death. He opened his mouth to speak, but he couldn’t manage to get any words out. It didn’t matter, even if he could find his voice, he had no idea what he would say. 
“Thank you Thomas, that will be all for today.” Riley jumped in to break the silence. 
Thomas bowed and exited the room. Bastien gave the group a sad smile before bowing and following him out of the room. 
“Hey Eleanor, weren’t you telling me about a new dress you were excited about? Want to do a fashion show for Uncle Max?” Maxwell held his hand out to Eleanor, knowing that he needed to give Liam a moment. 
“Fashion show! Fashion show!” Eleanor grabbed Maxwell by the hand and pulled him down the hall. He looked back and nodded at his friends. Riley mouthed a silent ‘thank you’ to him as he rounded the corner. 
“Liam?” Riley turned to face Liam, placing a hand on his cheek. Without a word, he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her flush against him, burying his face in her hair. “I know Liam. It’s ok, we’ll get through this.” She peered over his shoulder, giving Drake a sad look. 
Drake approached the pair and patted Liam on the shoulder. “For what it’s worth, you handled it better than I would have.”
Liam pulled himself from Riley’s arms, and scrubbed his hand over his face, letting out a deep sigh. “Thank you both. That was...difficult.” 
“Should we talk to Bastien about having him reassigned?” Riley looked up at her husband.
Liam shook his head. “No, the timing will make it too obvious, they will know you told me. I won’t put you in danger like that.” His face had a slight look of panic. 
Riley was reminded of the conversation they had much earlier that morning, and Liam expressing his fear of losing her. She knew she had to do something to bring him back from that place. She gently placed one hand on his cheek and drew his face down to hers. As their foreheads met, she whispered “I’m right here. Always.” Before placing a gentle kiss on his lips.
“All we can do right now is get to work so that we can put all this behind us. We’ll deal with Thomas, and everyone else, after that.” The sound of Drake’s voice brought Riley and Liam out of the moment. 
Liam cleared his throat before turning to address his friend. “Right. Olivia will be here in a couple of days for the council meeting. We will speak with her then.”
Drake nodded. “I’ll go grab Maxwell and we’ll get out of your hair.” He approached Liam and placed a hand on his shoulder. “You’ll reach out if you need me?”
“I should be asking you that question.” Liam arched an eyebrow in response. “One of us is significantly more forthcoming with our emotions than the other.” 
“Touché.” Drake laughed as he clapped Liam on the shoulder. 
Maxwell and Drake said their goodbyes, and headed out leaving the royal family to themselves. They had a big fight ahead of them, but in this moment, Riley and Liam just wanted to be a family. Not a King and Queen with the heir, not warriors preparing for battle, a husband and wife spending time with their daughter. 
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mmilkbreadd · 4 years ago
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Chapter twenty five: “The End”
Masterpost - Prev.
Warning(s): a bit of swearing ; post-timeskip manga spoilers!!
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Or aka, ‘The Sakusa Kiyoomi Theory’
Act One: “Who is Sakusa Kiyoomi?”
Saturday, 6:23 am, “y/n's home”
“You're late,” said y/n with crossed arms, she was already waiting for him at the door of her house. “I hope this doesn't become routine.”
It was already morning in the streets of Paris. Tendou Satori and her neighbor (and best friend), y/n l/n, were walking towards their famous bakery and chocolate shop, ‘Sweet Strawberries.’ It was a small place with a few tables to sit for tea and delicious things to eat. Also, although it was small, it was quite crowded.
“Woah, how angry you are today, little baker... More than usual, actually” y/n shook her head at her friend's comment. “But obviously I already know why, and it seems that you know why too.”
Y/n decided to ignore what Satori had said, and keep walking quite ahead of him. It was still an hour before the store opened, but they already had several orders that were due to deliver around nine in the morning. A three-tier wedding cake, forty heart-shaped chocolates for the anniversary of a married couple, and of course, the strawberry cake for someone named Sakusa Kiyoomi.
Around a quarter to seven, they arrived at the bakery, and they got down to work to get all the orders completed on time. 
Tendou was more dedicated to the chocolate part, of course, and to serve customers. Despite y/n had advanced a lot in terms of her social skills, she still needed to learn a little about how to communicate normally with a person.
“That 'Sakusa Kiyoomi' has a Japanese name, do you think he is too?” y/n asked, wiping flour from her hands.
“I don't know, they could be. But doesn't that name sound too familiar to you?”  Satori replied.
“That's exactly what I was thinking!”
“Weird.”
“Yeah... Anyway, the customer asked not to make the chocolate so bitter so add more milk to that please.”
“Yes, boss!” Satori made a military signal and continued his work.
Act Two: “Pretending to be Sakusa Kiyoomi.”
8:39 am, “Paris” (?)
Bokuto Koutarou, along with Miya Atsumu and Hinata Shoyo were lost in Paris. They had circled the Eiffel Tower at least five times. But it seemed they hadn't realized it yet.
They were more lost than Bokuto studying math. But a simple city would not defeat them so easily... would it?
“Maybe we should have brought Sakusa,” Hinata said after round number six.
“And hear him complain about how dirty everything is? No thanks,” Atsumu Miya replied, shaking his head. “We don't need Omi-Omi. I, Miya Atsumu, am enough to know where we are.”
Atsumu put a hand on his chest, pretending to be offended. Bokuto and Hinata looked around, ignoring the enormous tower behind them, wondering where they were.
“And where are we then?”
“Paris, of course” he replied. “I can’t believe you’re seriously asking that, Shoyo.”
Hinata and Bokuto looked at each other, unable to believe what their teammate was saying.
“Sure…” Bokuto said, getting his phone out of his pocket. It was time to be the serious person of the trio. “Akaashi, we got lost” and that time was now over. Koutarou was crying as he spoke to his friend, who was on another continent. “No, I can't stop crying, Akaashi. I swear I was following the steps you wrote on the map so we wouldn't get lost, but Atsumu wanted to take the lead, so he broke the instructions, and we don’t know where we are. It's all his fault...! No, Sakusa has not come either.”
“Hey! It wasn't my fault,” the dyed blonde complained, crossing his arms. “And we never needed Omi-Omi!”
“Okay, Akaashi, I'll do it. Bye, love you… As a bro of course” Bokuto finished saying and hung up. “He told me I have to call Tendou. Is the only way.”
Hinata started shaking his head from side to side, while Atsumu slapped his forehead with his hand. Then a message came from Keiji; It was the number of Tendou Satori himself. Bokuto started dialing the numbers that appeared on the screen of his phone, on Hinata's.
“Wait wait, shouldn't I speak? He might recognize your voice” Hinata said, awkwardly taking the phone from Bokuto's hands. 
“He would also recognize yours, Shoyo. I'll do it.” Atsumu snatched the device from him and pressed the call button. “Hello, sir, what’s up? I'm Sakusa Kiyoomi, could you help me get to your store? I'm a bit lost... How did I get your number you ask? Eh– It's on your website dude! You should delete it, some people pretend to be someone else and you should not fall for that...”
Act Three: “If Sakusa Kiyoomi was real, we should have brought him.”
10:04 am, “Sweet Strawberries Bakery and Chocolate Shop”
“I can't believe it took us almost two hours to get here! It wasn't even that far from the hotel” Hinata said looking towards the building that was a few meters in front of them.
“Six blocks. Can’t believe it either.” Atsumu wiped the sweat from his brow. “And now that? Are we going in or not?”
Bokuto went pale. He was going to see you, after so many years without communicating or having exchanged glances. He never imagined that he would see you again after that cold day in Miyagi. He had made a thousand scenarios in his head of how you two meet again: in some distant future you visit your hometown and he visits Hinata, and thus you meet in the park or on the street. You would have your own family, and he would have his. But that would happen in many years, not now. Not at this moment, when neither of you had grown enough... When he hadn't managed to forget you yet. But these weren't Koutarou's inventions, this was reality.
The incredible and stupid reality.
“I don't want to go in,” Bokuto said suddenly and stopped walking. “I’m not ready.”
Atsumu, who was already one step away from the door, turned to see him. Hinata collided with Miya's chest because he was walking right behind him.
“What are you talking about? Let's go in now” Atsumu said walking towards the ex-owl. “We didn't change the whole tour just so you don't go see your little girlfriend… We change it so you do! Don't be scared, do it now or you'll regret it for life. I remember how you talked about her during practice, and I even want to meet her after that! Come on dude, use the little braveness you have left.”
It seemed that Atsumu's words, or Hinata's smile next to him, made Bokuto take courage and head towards the entrance of the shop. 
A bell rang before three pairs of feet echoed through the small place. There was a great smell of chocolate that invaded every inch of the establishment. Hinata paced around the place until the sound of a door opening made the three teammates turn their heads to where the sound was coming from.
“Welcome, what can I offer-- So all of you are Sakusa Kiyoomi, huh?” Satori Tendou said, coming out of the back-room. “You see guys, I never believed this would happen. It makes me think a lot too… So, is Sakusa Kiyoomi even real?”
Atsumu, Hinata, and Bokuto were paralyzed in place for several seconds. The former Shiratorizawa monster stood with his hands on his hips, staring at them.
“Is it Sakusa Kiyoomi? Tell him I'm coming in a minute!” y/n yelled from the back room.
“Oh no, y/n, it’s someone much better!” Tendou replied, holding back his laughter. “You won't believe it even if you see this!”
Then, silence took over the place until a few quick steps interrupted it. A figure appeared through the door, with several boxes in their hands. A pile of boxes so big it covered their face.
“Help me, Satori, I'm going to fall” y/n complained, and after Tendou took out the boxes that covered her view, she saw her friend smiling widely. “What?”
Satori, who couldn't contain his laughter anymore, gestured with his head towards the three statues in the middle of the place. And finally, seeing her friend's face, he started to laugh out loud.
“Kou?”
“A-and Hinata!” shouted Bokuto nervously. Shoyo looked at him and then pointed at Atsumu.
“And also Atsumu!”
“And Saku– shit, we should have brought Omi-Omi after all…”
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Note: I am very very very very sorry for not posting this sooner, but I had thousand of things going on in my life. Now I’m better and ready to finish this beautiful, and crazy, love-story.
I hope you loved it as much as I did. I truly enjoyed it writing, and I’m happy to finish it too.
I’ll appreciate it a lot if you comment down below what you thought about the series. I’ll read you later -Tina.
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Tags in reblog!
Thanks for reading🥰
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secretpeachtea · 4 years ago
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Onigiri Miya Tidbits Ch 7
Title: the fox’s den
Genre: gen fic, reader insert
Word Count: 5.4k
Summary: Onigiri Miya is now hiring and you just happen to be the right person for the job. The business has been gaining popularity since its grand opening, and many customers travel from different cities just to have a bite of Miya Osamu’s delicious recipes. You did expect some craziness from working in food services, but what you didn’t expect was to be bombarded with frequent tomfoolery from a bunch of attractive volleyball players during your shifts.
disclaimer: manga spoilers
A/N: Hey y’all! There’s gonna be quite a lot of dialogue in this chapter, but I hope it’s not too boring. I was really excited to write this chapter since Inarizaki is my favorite team :D Hope you enjoy!
Previous///Next
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There was always something entrancing about the second half of the year when the green and gray streets transform into a multicolored wonderland as a response to the incoming shift of seasons. You admire the different shades of red, orange, and yellow that litter the ground that you’re walking on as you make your way to work. The only things going through your mind right now are serenity, peace, and-
“‘SAMU, YOU BASTARD!”
At the sudden voice, you almost trip on your own feet in surprise. Once you’re sure you won’t fall flat on your face, you look up and see two familiar twins right outside the front door of Onigiri Miya, clear irritation written on their faces.
“How could you say that?! Do you know how ridiculous you sound right now?” Atsumu yells at his brother while clenching his hands by his sides.
Osamu’s eyebrows are furrowed in distress. “I’m pretty sure I’m the one with common sense here. I’ve done what I can to convince you, but you just won’t listen to me!”
You start to worry now as you continue to watch the two glare at each other from where you’re standing a few feet away. You know it’s best not to interfere, but there’s a part of you that wants to stop them before things get out of hand. It seems like you don’t even have to make a decision as Atsumu’s eyes meet yours. “Hey, sweetheart! Come over here and tell this tasteless scrub that he’s wrong!”
“Who you calling a tasteless scrub, you uneducated swine!” Osamu crosses his arms in disdain but softens his gaze when his eyes land on your approaching figure.
“Hold up. What are you guys even talking about?” You try your best to keep your voice as relaxed as possible but still proceed with caution in case one of them were to blow up again in anger. 
What you didn’t expect, however, were the next few words that came out of the blonde’s mouth. “The best Disney princess is obviously Rapunzel, but ‘Samu doesn’t agree!”
“You just like her ‘cause she’s blonde! Clearly, Belle is the superior princess!” The other twin spits back.
You pause for a moment to process the situation. That’s...not exactly what you expected when you first saw them arguing outside of the shop (and quite loudly too). A deep sigh leaves your lips as the two childish men in front of you continue to banter.
“Oh yeah?!” Atsumu suddenly directs his attention on you and places his hands on your shoulders for emphasis. “Sweetheart, who do you think is the best Disney princess?”
Already feeling an incoming headache, you just say the first thing that pops into your mind in hopes of stopping this madness. “Oh, uh...I don’t know. I think Mulan is pretty badass.”
The twins go silent as they contemplate your response for a brief minute. It seems like you gave a satisfactory answer because they both make eye contact with each other and nod their heads. Their strange twin telepathy is something you’ll never understand. 
No longer having the patience, you just brush off Atsumu’s hands and use your spare key to open up the front entrance of the shop. The two men just follow you inside and the blonde is the first one to break the silence in a much calmer tone than before. “Okay, fair. But, I really do think-!”
Atsumu halts his footsteps as you and Osamu just glance at him confused. The blonde gasps dramatically as he stares at the new additions to the shop’s walls. “HEY! Why do you have their autographs on your wall?!”
Not wanting a part 2 to the previous fiasco, you just head over to the back room to put your belongings away and get yourself ready for work. Securing the cap on your head, you walk out of the room and stroll to your spot on the register. It seems like Atsumu is a lot more fired up than usual because he’s still arguing with his brother. 
It took everything in Osamu to keep his voice at a normal level while responding to Atsumu’s pettiness. “They came over to eat one day and I thought it would look good for the shop.”
“Don’t you know that we’re ultimate rivals?! You can’t be siding with the enemy!”
“They’re your rivals, ‘Tsumu. Everyone’s technically considered a customer to me.”
“Traitor!”
You swear you saw puffs of smoke pop from Osamu’s ears from his frustration. You were about to place a hand on his shoulder in hopes to keep your boss from throwing something at his brother, but a smooth voice interrupted the tension in the room.
“Calm down, Atsumu.”
You and Osamu jumped in surprise, while Atsumu let out a startled yelp at the unexpected guest. The three of you turned toward the front entrance to see who showed up an hour before opening. Although you only heard one voice, three tall figures in casual clothing stand at the doorway. They step inside the building and you vaguely remember seeing their faces in a picture Osamu once showed you from high school.
The person in the middle of the group brushes away a couple strands of his gray hair with black tips while his other hand sits on top of the handle of a small suitcase. The one on the left has a built body with dark skin sporting a kind smile. The one on the right has a lanky body and long fingers that reach up to his face to cover a yawn on his bored expression.
If you remember correctly, Osamu had told you about some of his former teammates and the ones standing in front of you were Kita Shinsuke, Ojiro Aran, and Suna Rintarou.
The twins brighten in recognition and make their way over to the newcomers. “Kita-san! Aran-san!”
“I’m here too, you know.” Suna comments.
All of the guys greet one another in the middle of the room with smiles on their faces. You’re not really sure what to do since you’re the odd one out.
You stand off to the side behind the counter awkwardly, but you are interested in their little group dynamic. The Inarizaki alumni all hold completely different demeanors and postures, but one thing that they all share is that all of them are incomprehensibly attractive in their own way. Why are all of the former and current volleyball players that you’ve met so far like this?
Lost in your thoughts, you didn’t realize that you’ve been staring at Kita in particular for a couple minutes. He must have felt your eyes on him because he momentarily looks away from his current conversation to make direct eye contact with you. You let out a small squeak after getting caught staring, but it doesn’t seem like Kita is bothered at all.
“Ah, sorry about that. I didn’t mean to ignore you.” Kita leaves his group to walk over to where you are and this catches the attention of the other four males as well. 
“It’s no problem! I wanted to give you guys room to catch up.” You lift up your hands to wave off his apology and give Kita a bright smile as you speak. “It’s finally nice to meet the oh-so-praiseworthy rice provider for the shop, Kita-san.”
Your reply elicits a soft laugh from the man’s mouth. “Nice to finally meet you too, (Surname)-san.”
“You know my name?” You ask, surprised.
“Aside from looking at your name tag, yes. I’ve heard some things about you from the twins,” Kita answers.
Your cheeks turn a bit pink in embarrassment because you completely forgot that you were wearing your name tag for work. Your embarrassment doesn’t last for long, however, when you quickly realize what Kita had just implied about the twins. You shoot an intimidating look at the two culprits and neither of them meet your gaze. “They talk about me?”
“Only good things. No worries.” Kita tries his best to reassure you that there hasn’t been any slander against you, but you still feel a bit insecure.
Knowing that feeling this way is probably unnecessary, you just resort to a little bit of teasing. “I don’t worry so much about Osamu-san. It’s the other one that needs to be kept in check.”
“Hey!” Atsumu’s head quickly turns to your direction at your very obvious accusation.
Suna snickers while ignoring his friend’s outburst. “She’s a smart one.”
“Hey!”
Aran chuckles in amusement and Osamu just smiles at his brother’s distress. You try to fake exasperation by placing a hand on your cheek and Kita’s smile falters as he catches something from the corner of his eye. The charm bracelet that you received from Osamu is secured to your wrist with the small onigiri charm shining under the fluorescent lights.
 “Oh, so you’re the one…”
You look back at Kita in confusion. “The one what?”
Kita hesitates for a moment before simply shaking his head in dismissal with a knowing grin on his lips. “Ah, it’s nothing.”
You’re bewildered by his mysterious response, but it doesn’t look like he wants to talk about it anymore, so you just brush it off for now. 
As everyone else continues their own conversations, Kita thinks back to a conversation he had a couple months back.
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“The rice should be coming in a couple days, Osamu.”
“Sounds good, Kita-san.”
“Is there anything else you need?”
“Actually...I have a quick question.”
“What is it?”
“What would you...um...give to someone who just graduated that’s not so generic or meaningless?”
“...Are you asking for your coworker?”
“Scary! Are you sure you don’t read minds or something, Kita-san?”
“I don’t believe I can. But, to answer your previous question, if you want to give a gift that holds more meaning, I would say buy or make something that’s personal to both of you. It could be from a fond memory you share or a common interest. However, based on the positive things I’ve heard about her, she would probably appreciate anything you give her.”
“Hm…”
Kita is pulled out of his thoughts when he hears Osamu’s voice nearby. “I’ll get you guys the usual, right?”
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The rest of the guys all nod their head and Aran makes the motion to take out his wallet. However, before he can do so, Osamu lifts up a hand to stop him. “No worries, Aran-san! All of this is on me!”
Atsumu’s ears perk up. “You’re not gonna make me pay for my food this time, ‘Samu?”
Kita looks towards Osamu and slightly tilts his head in confusion. “You make your brother pay for his food?”
“Always.” Osamu answers without hesitation and with one of the most deadpan expressions you’ve ever witnessed on him.
“I see.” Kita simply nods his head in understanding. “It would be detrimental to your business if you gave things out for free too much.”
Atsumu grabs onto his former captain’s arms in exasperation. “Kita-san!”
A quiet giggle leaves your mouth at the scene in front of you. It seems like the twins are a bit more competitive and bicker more often when their former teammates are involved. Seeing this side of Osamu amuses you since you’re more used to his laidback nature.
Eventually the brief comical moment calms down and Osamu begins to prepare all of the food. Kita and Atsumu seemed to be in their own world, so you decide to try and speak with the other two people in the room that you have yet to be acquainted with.
Suna and Aran seem to have been thinking the same thing because they are already walking up to the counter in your direction. Suna raises his right hand in greeting, while Aran gives you a polite smile before speaking, “You must be (Surname)-san. Apologies for taking so long to greet you.”
“No worries.“ You wave off the apology. “You guys were also teammates with the twins in high school right? The only thing I really know are your names. What were your positions?”
“I was a wing spiker. I’ve actually known the twins since we were in elementary school,” Aran replies.
You clap your hands together in realization. “You guys are childhood friends then! I’m surprised you haven’t come up in my conversations with them more.”
“Those two were always running around all over the place just to compete against each other, so I wouldn’t be surprised if they don’t remember half of the things they experienced in school.”  Aran lets out a deep sigh, but you couldn't detect any real annoyance. 
If the counter wasn’t in the way, you definitely would’ve patted the man on the shoulder. “Well if you’re as patient and calm as you are now with their antics for all those years, then you definitely deserve the appreciation, Ojiro-san.”
“You deserve it just as much since you see at least one of them almost every day now.” Aran sends you another kind smile and you can’t help but mirror it.
Not wanting to leave out Suna from the conversation, you turn your head towards the male who is just listening with his hands shoved into his pockets. “What about you, Suna-san? What was your position?”
“Middle blocker. Although, I did work as a part-time witness to the twins’ stupidity.” The stoic male smirks and looks at you in the eye. “Seems like you’ve taken up that job?”
You burst out laughing. “I can’t really deny that. We should be compensated for all this work.”
Suddenly, you feel a heavy weight on your shoulder that catches you off guard. When you look up, Osamu’s elbow is leaning on your shoulder and there are pieces of rice stuck to his fingertips. He has one of his eyebrows raised in suspicion. “Hey, why do I get the feeling that you guys are talking behind our backs?”
Suna looks directly at Osamu with his usual expression. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
Feeling a bit playful, you also answer with the same deadpan tone. “Yeah, we’re just bonding over some relatable stuff.”
Suna takes one of his hands out of his pockets and raises it up next to you. Without hesitation, you give him a high five while holding back your smile. Aran just chuckles at the unexpected tag team between you and his former teammate. 
Before your boss could make any more comments, his phone dings from where it’s sitting on the counter between his work station and the register. Osamu seems briefly conflicted since his hands are covered in rice but quickly comes to a decision. “Hey, (Name)-san. You mind holding up my phone for me? I think it’s a message about a shipment for some ingredients we needed to restock.”
“Yeah, sure!” You pick up the phone and a picture of Onigiri Miya with a large ‘Grand Opening’ sign in front of the entrance illuminates the lock screen. “Oh, you have facial recognition. I’m gonna have to borrow your face for a bit, Osamu-san.”
Osamu leans down as you place the phone in front of him for a couple seconds, but nothing happens. You try to angle the screen differently and wait a little longer, but it’s still not unlocking. Across the counter, Atsumu watches the two of you struggle through a few more attempts before losing his patience. “Just put the phone up to my face. It’ll probably work.”
A bit curious to see if the phone will actually unlock for the other twin, you move your arm to where Atsumu’s waiting. You keep the phone up for a few moments, but there’s still no response.
The blonde just stares at his brother’s phone in disbelief. “What the hell? Why isn’t it working??”
“Wow, even my phone can tell who the uglier brother is.” Yup. Osamu’s definitely feistier today.
“WE LITERALLY HAVE THE SAME FACE.”
The twins look like they’re about to start another round of unnecessary bickering. From the side, Kita sighs at the idea of having to intervene in yet another argument. He opens his mouth to stop the madness, but you beat him to it. You shove Osamu’s phone into his face again and surprisingly it unlocks. “Alright, guys. You can shut up now. I got it to work.”
Both Atsumu and Osamu shut their mouths immediately. They still looked a bit irked at one another, but no longer have the will to fight. Kita stares at you with shock. He’s never seen anyone other than himself dissipate the twins’ bickering so quickly and you haven’t even known them for as long as he has. Even Aran gives up at some point. Perhaps you are a much more important presence than he realized.
Clicking on the message notification, you lift up your arm just enough so that both you and Osamu can look at the screen comfortably. The message consisted of a picture of a shipment with a list of items. The list is barely legible due to the small font, so the two of you have to lean in closer to the screen. 
“The text is so small. Can you read anything?” You ask as you bring the phone closer.
Osamu squints and wipes one of his hands on a clean towel before placing it over your own to steady the phone. “Barely. Why did he send such a terrible picture?”
The close proximity and subtle touches between you and your boss do not go unnoticed. As you’re discussing the contents of the picture, Suna and Aran share a knowing look with each other.
After a couple minutes of trying to decipher everything in the message, you and Osamu have successfully written down a complete list of all the shipment contents on a napkin. Osamu pockets his phone and the napkin before turning to look at you. “Okay, I think everything’s all good. Thanks, (Name)-san.”
“No problem!” You rub your eyes from the slight strain and move back to where you were standing before while Osamu finishes up making the last of the group’s food. Suna and Aran just watch you both go back to whatever you were doing before as if your cheeks weren’t millimeters away from each other a few seconds ago. The two males make eye contact once again, but just shrug their shoulders.
“Food’s ready! Grab your onigiris and drinks. We can sit at the table for a bit.” Osamu announces to his friends. Your boss turns to you briefly as he starts going around the counter. “Wanna join?”
“No, that’s alright. You guys use this time to catch up. I can take care of setting up the shop on my own, so take your time.” You give him a reassuring smile and he returns a grateful one back.
While the guys chatted about their lives, you set up the chairs and checked each of the sauce bottles to make sure none of them were empty. About fifteen minutes went by and you now had a broom propped up against your shoulder after sweeping. On your way back, you pass by the table where everyone is still talking with one another. 
“I am funny! There just wasn’t anyone competent enough to get the joke!” It seems like Atsumu was yet again becoming a victim to the endless teasing of his former teammates because his face is slightly flushed and he’s fidgeting with pent up frustration. In hopes to ease his heated face, Atsumu roughly starts refilling his cup with ice water with a tight grip on the glass.
Suna shakes his head. “I thought it was funnier when you almost passed out from being overheated from the Jackasuke suit.”
“What?!” Atsumu abruptly stands up from his chair and in his haste, he doesn't realize that he had also raised his cup just as quickly causing the water to splash onto the nearest thing which just so happened to be you. “Oh shi-! (Name)-chan!”
The front of your shirt is entirely soaked and water drips down from your face and the tips of your hair. You mentally thank your boss for making the uniforms black. Lucky for you, your pants are completely dry because your apron took all of the damage. Aran, who is the next person closest to you, takes the broom from your possession and hands you a couple napkins to at least dry your face, but it’s definitely not enough to make a dent in your drenched clothes. 
Atsumu frets over you with a look of immense guilt in his eyes. “I’m so sorry, (Name)-chan! I-I didn’t mean to do that!”
“It’s...it’s okay. Just try not to lose your cool so easily next time.” You can’t really say you’re happy about your current predicament, but it wouldn’t do anyone any good if you lash out in anger. The running A/C is much more apparent now that it’s much easier to feel the circulating cold air and you start to shiver a bit.
Osamu catches your attention from the corner of your eye when he stands up from his seat. “You good, (Name)-san? You should probably go put on a jacket or something.”
“I didn’t bring a jacket or any extra clothes with me today.” You sigh at your misfortune at how something like this happens on the one day you don’t have your hoodie with you.
Osamu’s frown deepens at the growing unfortunate circumstances. “Ah, damn. We usually have extra shirts in the back, but I left them at home to wash.” 
You dread at the thought of either working with a wet shirt or having to walk all the way back to your apartment to change while suffering through the chilly breezes. However, the universe must be taking pity on you when you hear another voice join in. 
“(Surname)-san, I have some spare clothes in my suitcase.” Kita pats the suitcase that he had brought into the shop with him. 
You know that the best and most efficient way to get out of your misery is to accept his offer, but you’re still reluctant. “Oh no! It’s okay! I wouldn’t want to cause any trouble for you.”
“I don’t mind. It wouldn’t do you any good to go around with wet clothing. You might catch a cold, especially since the weather is becoming cooler.” Kita immediately brushes off any concerns you may have. He zips open his suitcase and grabs a simple navy sweater from his pile of folded clothes. There’s a slight pause when he holds out the shirt to you before continuing the conversation, “It would mostly cause Osamu to be very distressed.”
There isn’t much room for arguing, so you slowly take the soft sweater from the older male’s arms and nod your head in understanding. “Yeah, I guess he would have to work twice as much if I’m not able to help out.”
Kita blinks at your oblivious rationale. “...right.”
You hear a hint of something in his tone but don’t dwell on it for too long because another blast of cold air hits your body causing you to shiver again. Muttering a quick thanks, you rush to the bathroom to change. After peeling off your uniform shirt and bundling it up with your apron, you wipe off any water that remains on your skin before slipping on the borrowed sweater. It’s much larger and warmer than you thought it would be. After gathering the wet pile of clothes, you head out of the bathroom in your new attire. 
The table that everyone was sitting at is now completely cleared of any food and some of the guys are sitting at the counter while Osamu is washing all of the used dishes. Atsumu’s head is laying on the counter and still has distraught laced into his expression. He immediately stands up to apologize again when he hears you come out of the bathroom, but his words get caught in his throat when he sees you.
Kita’s sweater is definitely too big for your frame. The sweater reaches your mid thigh, but you’ve opted to fashionably tuck the front of it into your pants. The sleeves go past your hands only exposing your fingers and the collar reveals a sliver of your collarbone. The overall fit of the sweater creates an image that can make anyone stop and stare.
Atsumu’s ears redden at the sight in front of him and Osamu is frozen in front of the sink. Even Suna and Aran have briefly halted their conversation to stare silently. The only one who is visibly unaffected is Kita.
Kita decides to walk over to where you are and hands you an empty plastic bag. “You can place your wet clothes into the bag so it doesn’t get anything else wet. You can return the shirt to Osamu and he can give it to me before I head back home.”
“Ah, thanks! I’ll wash it tonight and give it to Osamu tomorrow when I come in for work.” You smile at him gratefully and do as he suggested. During the process, your sleeves roll down uncomfortably and you have to constantly pull at it so that it doesn’t get in the way.
Kita notices the way you are fidgeting and gives you an inquisitive look. “Are the sleeves bothering you?”
“Oh, um...just a bit, but it’s not too bad.” You reply.
The male just pulls the plastic bag away from your hands and puts it off to the side for the time being before holding out his own hands in front of you. “Here, let me help.”
You accept his assistance and hold out one of your arms to him. Kita calmly folds the sleeves to a proper length while you just watch quietly. Once he’s finished with one arm, he gently lifts the other and proceeds to fold the sleeve as well. 
The rest of the guys were just watching silently. The entire scene is almost like it’s from some kind of shoujo anime. Atsumu swears there is even a sparkling background with multiple flowers to match the sweet moment. There’s a strange feeling bubbling inside Osamu’s chest, but he chooses to look away and continue washing the dishes. You and Kita looked really good together.
“Thanks again, Kita-san!” Once Kita finishes up the last sleeve, you smile at him once again. “I guess I was lucky that you decided to visit so suddenly today or I might’ve been in trouble.”
“You’re welcome.” Kita returns the smile. “We were all busy on the twins’ birthday last week, so it’s a good thing we rescheduled to today.”
“What.” You blink once. It takes a few seconds for you to process what the man in front of you had just said, but once it clicks, a wave of shock passes through your body. “What?!”
You scramble over to where Osamu is avoiding your gaze and grab onto his arm. “Why didn’t you tell me your birthday was last week?!”
“Oh uh… it never came up?” A bead of sweat runs down the side of your boss’ face.
Still enraged, you swerve your head towards the blonde twin and point an accusing finger at him. “And you! I would’ve expected you to be all over having the attention!”
Atsumu shrugs his shoulder in an uncharacteristically nonchalant way causing you to drop your arm in confusion. “Meh, I’m not really all that big on birthdays. I thought my brother would’ve told you.”
When you look back at Osamu, his hand is rubbing at his neck sheepishly. “It was your day off and you looked like you weren’t feeling well the day before, so I thought it’d be best if you rested.”
You’re not sure if you should feel touched that he noticed that you weren’t feeling so great last week or upset that he didn’t think to tell you about such a special day. Your boss has also been pretty busy lately due to work, so there is a part of you that is understanding of the situation. There isn’t really anything you can do about it now since it’s already too late, so you just sigh in defeat.
Kita decides to intervene before you get even more upset. “No worries, (Surname)-san. There’s always a next year for birthdays. If you wanted to spend time with him, I’m sure just asking will suffice.”
“Indeed. Osamu would definitely not mind making time for you, (Surname)-san.” Aran adds.
Atsumu seems to be feeling a bit left out and chimes in, “Wait, but what about me? It was my birthday too.”
“It’s not like Osamu knows how to do anything but play volleyball and work. Might as well take him out somewhere nice.” Suna mentions while ignoring Atsumu’s outburst for the nth time today.
“Woah, guys!” Osamu’s face flushes a bit from the teasing. You laugh at the group's antics and feel your frustration melt away.
Suddenly, a phone alarm goes off and Kita pulls out his phone to shut it off. “Well, we should get going now. We wouldn’t want to be in the way of your business, Osamu. We’ll see you tonight with the rest of our former teammates.”
“Yeah, I’ll see you guys later.” Osamu replies with a wave of his hand.
“I have to get to practice too, so I’ll walk out with all of you.” Atsumu walks towards the exit with his hands folded behind his head. Aran and Suna get up from their seats to get ready to go as well. The two say their goodbyes to both you and Osamu before stepping outside to catch up with Atsumu.
Kita is the last one out, but before he closes the door he gives you one last glance. “It was nice to meet you, (Surname)-san.”
“You too, Kita-san!” Your lips curve upwards at being able to have met yet another kind person at work. Kita finally closes the door and now it’s just you and Osamu left in the shop. After having such an eventful morning, the peace and quiet is pretty refreshing.
Osamu looks at you from the corner of his eye thoughtfully. His gaze then shifts down to where his former captain’s sweater rests on your figure and he feels a twinge of irritation but keeps his expression neutral. “Are you sure you don’t want to go home and change? You live pretty close by too.”
You think for a moment but eventually shake your head. “Hm...no it’s fine. I wouldn’t want to miss work just to change into another shirt. I think my extra uniform needs to be washed anyway. Is there something wrong?”
“...no.”
“Jealous that I talked to your friends more than you?”
“N-no!”
A giggle escapes your lips when you hear your boss stutter. “You know you’re my favorite onigiri chef, right?”
“I’m the only onigiri chef you know.” Osamu points out and you giggle even louder. The male can’t even be upset because your laughs are quite contagious. Although, he does make a mental note to bring one of his own sweaters to keep at the shop from now on.
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Leftovers
The Miya household is a simple two bed apartment with a decent view of the suburbs around the area. Both Miya twins are considered residents of the complex, but Atsumu usually stays in the dorm available for MSBY players. Today, both twins are in the apartment.
“‘Samu, I swear this shirt makes me look fat-...?” Atsumu barges into his brother’s room without knocking but cuts off his words when he sees his brother intensely staring at a pile of hoodies scattered on his bed. “What are you doing?”
“I’m trying to figure out which hoodie I wanna keep at the shop.” Osamu responds distractedly.
Atsumu stares at him incredulously. “What? Just pick whatever. It’s not like you don’t go to work every day. Why does it matter? ”
Osamu pauses for a moment. “...for emergencies.”
“Whatever, man. I’m heading out to go buy some new volleyball shoes with Shoyo-kun.” The blonde shrugs off his brother’s strange behavior and chooses to just walk away since he needed to leave soon. He momentarily looks out the window and notices some dark clouds filling up the sky. “And, I’m taking your umbrella!”
Osamu doesn’t hear what Atsumu says and barely registers the slam of the front door because he’s too deep in thought. What was your favorite color again?
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A/N:  Ouch. I realized that if you were to actually follow the haikyuu timeline, some of this wouldn’t actually make sense. BUT I don’t care :D Also, not me indulging on some Kita action cause I am whipped for this man (but not as much as Osamu hehe)
taglist: @kiyoo-omi​ @tris-does-stuff​ @livshotel​
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chalkrevelations · 3 years ago
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WELL. Episode 3 of Word of Honor.
First of all: If you are NEW or JUST VISITING, this is a re-watch, so there are SPOILERS not just for this ep, but for the ENTIRE SHOW. A lot of them, actually. Scroll away and come back later if you haven’t seen all 36.5 eps and want to watch it unspoiled.
So, this ep feels a little disjointed. I don’t think it actually is, not in the way the back nine are a speedrun where the writing starts to feel like it’s thisclose to coming off the rails, but it feels like it, in that we’re now getting a double handful of threads thrust at us that are only just starting to be woven together into a plot, and it’s the kind of hot mess that any fiberwork looks like before the pattern starts to show itself, particularly when you’re using 15 different color threads from jump. There’s generally a major theme or issue or overriding concept that stands out to me in each ep that, you may have noticed, gets primacy of place in these reactions, but honestly, y’all, I really struggled to figure out what that might be for this episode, because a lot of this, on re-watch, strikes me as groundwork for later developments. Wen Kexing gives us an “as you know, Bob” speech about the Amory and the Glazed Armor, we meet approx. 3.2K new characters, and I feel sort of like I should start keeping a chart of who’s supposed to have a piece of the Glazed Armor and who actually does have a piece of the Glazed Armor, but it’s already so confusing that it might be too late.*
ANYWAY, on re-watch, I can absolutely see the value of spending Eps 1 & 2 on introducing us to Zhou Zishu and Wen Kexing and getting us pulled into their orbit, because then we have scenes we’re already invested in to maintain our interest as the background politics begin to frustratingly play out with a bunch of people we don’t know or have any investment in yet. I mean, y’all. I forgot just what an ill-tempered gremlin ZZS was in these early eps. He is so fk’n put out that these people will not let him drink himself to death in the gutter in peace! Or, you know, in occasional Nightly Nails Torment. And the exasperation from both ZZS and Chengling over WKX’s antics – both of their faces are priceless in the scene when they discover he’s the one who’s bought out all the rooms at the inn. I literally lol’d. Again. Even knowing it was coming. All of this interaction is so delightful. This is actually the ep that provoked my very first WoH keysmash flailing Tumblr post and inaugurated the “wen kexing’s thirst is practically a third character” tag. I guess the biggest throughline for this ep is that we can continue to see how everything changes when we know about their previous relationship – things like WKX’s insistence that they have a “deep bond through fate” take on additional layers of meaning rather than just sounding like some dude who’s trying to pick you up at last call. Interesting that ZZS describes WKX at one point during their push-pull conversational dance as “like a wretched soul that keeps haunting around.” You mean, like a GHOST? Like a Ghost Valley ghost? Like the almost forgotten memory of a past life ghost? ZZS wants to know why WKX keeps following him around, and it would be nice if WKX would just come clean, but that would be too easy, wouldn’t it?
ZZS, re: Chengling: I do my best to ensure what was entrusted to me.
WKX: :makes (already! in ep 3!) yet another in a series of bad decisions not to say anything about the fact that he, himself, was in fact entrusted to ZZS:
Show: Here’s the first of many helpings of heartache to come. EAT IT. EAT IT ALL.
(Me: Well, here’s another AU idea: What would the course of this relationship be like if WKX flat-out asked ZZS what ZZS’s relationship to Four Seasons Manor was, and bare-faced claimed sanctuary as long-lost shidi Zhen Yan at this point? Because I bet there are plenty of ways that could actually go wrong. Not to mention the deliciousness of just watching them navigate a relationship shift that sudden. I feel like, at this point, WKX would have to be actively confrontational about it, would have to throw it in ZZS’s face – it would need to be something he did in the heat of anger, in order to have this pushed out past all of his fears. Like, you say that, but where were you when I needed you? Also, you think so, well what if your responsibility actually turned out to be the TERRIFYING GHOST VALLEY MASTER, what then, huh? And ZZS, still pretty actively suicidal over all of his failures, having to deal with what’s now being presented as YET ANOTHER FAILURE.)
Also, the theme of “knowing” (zhiji, the one I know) is starting to slide in sideways – we’re seeing a lot of back and forth between them asking about seeing the other’s “true face.” WKX says that he’ll tell ZZS what he (WKX) wants from him once he gets to see ZZS’s true face (LIES, it’s going to take a lot longer than that). ZZS asks to see WKX’s figurative true face, and WKX looks kind of sad and contemplative as he warns that it may be unappealing or terrifying. So, you know, we’re starting to poke at all the softest, most tender places and the issues that are going to stab me repeatedly in the heart for the rest of the show. We’re also already seeing the way Xiao Chu just layered in references throughout the script when she wrote it that call back to each other – it’s like almost any line of dialogue references three other lines of dialogue (and that’s without even getting into all of the literary references that I’m missing because I don’t have cultural context). You get things like WKX’s little speech right at the end that it’s hard to tell a ghost from a human, which on its face might be referring to the two “ghosts” that were coming for Chengling that he took care of and act as an admonishment to ZZS not to be so quick to assume they’re actually from Ghost Valley, but it also refers to WKX, himself, and specifically lays the groundwork (“someone wearing a ghost mask is not necessarily a ghost”) for his conversation in a later ep with ZZS when he asks if ZZS thinks he’s a good person, and also calls back (“someone who looks human may not be human”) to the line from earlier in this ep, itself, when WKX tells ZZS that perhaps WKX’s true face is terrifying. And so we get a nicely little wrapped package of the dichotomy of WKX and his issues. (As a somewhat related aside, A-Xiang’s little face when Zhou Zishu says all of the ghosts of Ghost Valley are full of evil (at 6:55). D: This reaction is obviously for herself, but also may be the first time she acts as proxy for Wen Kexing, as well.)
What else, what else?
So, nobody has a good opinion of the jianghu. WKX is going to be constantly all, “You killed my father, jianghu, prepare to die,” but ZZS also goes off about how it’s just about greed, hatred and ignorance, and yeah, I guess he’d have a pretty bad impression of it, when Prince Jin and Tian Chuang seemed like a better option than the pressure he was facing, trying to keep Siji Manor Sect alive back in the day. We talk a lot about WKX’s childhood trauma, because it’s so awful and right in our faces, but I don’t know how much we actually talk about the fact that ZZS was a teenager not much older than Chengling when he inherited a sect and tried desperately to keep it from being torn apart by the rest of the jianghu. I think we see some bitterness come out in the first few episodes – frankly, in this ep, he doesn’t seem to make much of a distinction between Ghost Valley and the rest of the jianghu. Also interesting that the metaphor he uses about the jianghu’s and Ghost Valley’s greed for the treasures of the Armory is “reaping without sowing,” given what we find out is actually in there in Ep 36.
We see our metaphor of light get pulled out again – this throughline strikes me as more like beads on a string than a thread, at this point, but maybe I’ll notice it more on this second time through … Anyway, WKX’s comment at 9:11 that it’s almost dawn is notable. Indeed, but is it because your plan is beginning to work and you can see the destruction of Ghost Valley and the jianghu coming down the pike, or is it because you’ve found your shixiong?
I notice WKX has color-coordinated ZZS and Chengling in the robes he bought for them, has already grouped them together, marked them as belonging to each other – he’s already subtly treating them as each other’s family. The show, with a particular lack of subtlety, also will have ZZS there to wake up Chengling from nightmares later in the end of the ep, as Chengling calls out for his dad in his sleep.
OK, Deng Kuan is the guy in charge of the Yueyang sect contingent that arrived in time to see the Mirror Lake chaos in Ep 2 and has taken charge of cleaning up the bodies in this ep. I actually overlooked him, pretty much, the first time around, but here, he’s already got Shen Shen yelling at him (in a completely ridiculous fashion) for not getting there in time to save the Mirror Lake Sect, so he’s just going to be a punching bag through the whole show, apparently. Shen Shen is wu-di, fifth (little) brother, and he refers to Chengling’s dad as si-ge, fourth (older) brother, so Shen Shen appears to be the youngest of the Five Lakes sworn brothers, leading me to believe that some of what makes him so insufferable through a lot of the show is baby brother syndrome. Also, Shen Shen and his group find the Soul Winding Threads of the Hanged Ghost … supposedly. I mean, the Hanged Ghost was the guy who we saw get got in Ep 1, soooooo …. (remember these Soul Winding Threads, btw).
*This got super long so I’m’a put this last bit under a cut, but I did try to start a running tally of who’s holding a piece of the Glazed Armor:
Each of the Five Lakes Alliance sects is supposed to have a piece of the Glazed Armor, yes? So, as of the end of Ep 3 (hierarchical bro-titles are from didi Shen Shen’s POV):
- Yueyang Sect, led by Gao Chong (da-ge) - presumably still has his
- Tai Hu Sect, led by Zhao Jing (er-ge) – presumably still has his
- Danyang Sect, led by Lu Taichong (san-ge, presumably) – apparently the sect has already been attacked off-screen (by “Ghost Valley?” and WHEN?), as we learn in Ep 3 that Lu-zongzhu has been killed and his remaining two tiny disciples have fled to the protection of Ao Laizi and Tai Shan Sect, one of the lesser sects, and are believed to have taken Danyang’s Glazed Armor with them. We learn this from Tao Hong, Lv Liu and Begger Gang Chief, but I notice that Gao Chong only mentions the Mirror Lake massacre as the precipitating event for the Hero’s Conference and total war on Ghost Valley – he doesn’t even mention Danyang Sect, so does Five Lakes not know about this yet?
- Mirror Lake Sect, led by Zhang Yusen (si-ge) – Zhang-zongzhu killed by “Ghost Valley” in Ep 2, Glazed Armor “missing” and speculated POST EP 2 to have been taken by Ghost Valley (but will turn up in a few eps, thanks to our little Goldbean)
- Dagu Shan Sect, led by Shen Shen (wu-di) – presumably still has his
And then we move to:
- Tai Shan Sect, led by Ao Laizi – in-world speculation is that he now has the Danyang Glazed Armor. We do see him near the end of the ep with the two tiny Danyang shidi, where he makes the intriguing comment that he’s going to follow their shifu’s last wishes and keep their Glazed Armor from falling into the hands of the Five Lakes Alliance, so what exactly was going on between San-ge and his sworn brothers at the time of his death? This group also is apparently being pursued by Shen Shen to get their Glazed Armor, and they make him sound awful. You need better PR, Shen Shen.
- Ghost Valley – POST EP 2, speculated to have taken the Mirror Lake Glazed Armor (FALSE)
NOTABLY, “Ghost Valley Master” set a lot of this chaos in motion in Ep 1 when he claimed that Hanged Ghost (who got got a scene earlier) had stolen HIS piece of the Glazed Armor, although he shouldn’t have a piece (supposedly) until after Ep 2, when he’s believed to have taken Mirror Lake’s. So, what piece would that be, exactly, Terrifying Ghost Valley Master? You wouldn’t be lying in pursuit of chaos would you? (Somewhere, WKX gasps theatrically behind his fan, and he doesn’t even know what motivated it, this time.)
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iwaisa · 4 years ago
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request. ok hear me out,,,, a date with yamaguchi at the aquarium or your bf yamaguchi working as a tour guide. he surprisingly has good knowledge on sea life and somehow gets you special access to personally meet the sea otters. they’re cute, but he’s cuter - @yamagucji​
a/n. finally !!! my first yamaguchi request !! i’ve been waiting for this tehe thank you for requesting ! <3 (also you are SO big brained this gave me so many ideas-)
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► now playing...
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- genre. fluff!
- pairing. yamaguchi x gender neutral reader
- warnings. manga spoilers :(
- word count. 1.3k+
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“yamaguchi! what’s this one?” yamaguchi panicked as you ran up to another tank in the middle of him explaining the last one that had caught your eye. “uhmm...this one is a...” yamaguchi trailed off as he flipped through the pamphlet he picked up at the aquarium entrance. “mahi mahi!” the two of you said in unison. “ha. i beat you, yams.” he chuckled as you stuck your tongue out at him playfully. the two of you stared in silence at the tank in front of you, which was filled with bright and exotic colours. you and your crush continued to point out the different fish, with yamaguchi scrambling to find the corresponding picture in his little booklet. you laughed freely as he recited each fact on the page in a dorkish newsreader voice.
the loudspeakers sounded, announcing that the sea lion showcase would be starting soon. you and yamaguchi excitedly made your way towards the exhibit, with him suddenly grabbing your hand to pull you along. you prayed he couldn’t hear your sporadic heartbeat as you sat squished together with him, waiting for the show to start.
you always harboured feelings for the freckled boy, and you were extremely surprised when he expressed those same feelings towards you during your first year. bowing slightly, the green-haired boy in front of you asked you to go on a date to the aquarium with him, and he swore his heart palpitations almost caused him to faint on the spot. with the way you had smiled at him that day, he hoped he would always be the reason for that beautiful expression. 
although he has yet to ask you formally to be his s/o, he hopes that by the end of this date he would be able to. 
you nudged him excitedly as the first sea lion began waddling its way down the dock, with the audience laughing as it waved its fin quickly. you were so captivated in watching the quirky animals that you hadn’t even realized the sweating boy next to you. yamaguchi couldn’t calm his heart or the swarm of butterflies in his tummy as he slowly slid his hand towards yours. he looked up to your face, and the feeling of butterflies became borderline overwhelming. 
the look on your face was breathtaking to say the least. your smile was one of the biggest yamaguchi has ever seen, and the way your eyes sparkled made him fall in love all over again. he looked back down to his hand, still working up the courage to simply link his pinkie with yours. tsukishima surely would’ve tantalized him for not being able to make a simple move such as that. the thought of embarrassment of not being able to make a move on you was enough to push him into sliding his pinkie over yours.
your breath hitched upon feeling his soft skin brush against yours, and you snapped your head to the side, your face growing warm as you were met with a giant pair of olive green eyes. you gave him a soft smile and began slowly scooting closer towards him, leaning your head on his shoulder. the bump of his head onto yours made you chuckle, and yamaguchi swore it was the most beautiful sound to ever grace his ears.
before both of you knew it, the show was over, thus ending your thrilling first date. the two of you made your way towards the exit, with your hands interlocked. “can we take a picture?” yamaguchi pointed towards a statue of a gigantic whale, tilting his head. you nodded, running up to the nearest person to ask for them to take the photo.
as the flash was going off, yamaguchi whispered in your ear if you would be his s/o. the smile on your face that day was by far the biggest you had ever worn.
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yamaguchi finished buttoning up his shirt as he stared at the photo on his homescreen. the smile you adorned as he asked that risky question was enough to make him feel as though he could do anything he put his mind to. which is exactly what he did.
applying for a job at the aquarium wasn’t an easy task for a quiet soul like yamaguchi, but with your encouragement he felt more than confident. after two years of studying a plethora of different fish, plants, and other aquatic life, he felt more than ready to earn his first job as an eighteen year old. he was lucky enough to be the captain of the volleyball team, but nothing could top the feeling of being in a loving relationship for what would now be three years. 
he glanced back down at his device upon hearing a notification sound off. you were waiting for him at the front entrance of the aquarium to receive your first private tour with your boyfriend. he fixed his name tag and his hair, checking to see if anything looked off. he gave himself a thumbs up in the mirror, before bolting out to retrieve you.
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“you WHAT?” yamaguchi failed to shush you as you began freaking out upon hearing what he had told you. “you’re telling me that you got me a private pass to meet the sea lions?” you whisper-yelled excitedly. yamaguchi nodded proudly, pulling the lanyard out of his pocket. he handed it to you, chuckling as you studied the private pass with your name on it. “’dashi,” you whined, staring at him with big eyes. “you didn’t have to!” he waved his hands in front of his face, “i wanted to! i know how much you love the sea lions, and i really wanted to do this. you know...as a thanks for being by my side and taking care of me for three years now.” you swore that if you weren’t in public, you would be ugly crying. “i can’t believe its been three years since our first date. and it was in this very building too!” you sighed in reminiscence. 
the two of you continued on your private tour, with yamaguchi perfectly reciting the facts he’s learned over the years about certain sea creatures. he still couldn’t get over the childish gleam in your eyes as you studied the animals. the tour was cut short by the loudspeaker announcing that the show would begin, and you whipped your head towards your boyfriend. “you ready?” you nodded excitedly as he took your hand in his.
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you weren’t even focused on the sea lions as you watched your boyfriend, decked out in a wetsuit, feeding the sea lions. you couldn’t help but admire him with his muscles very obviously outlined through the material. his hard work as captain only made you admire him more, and you swore you couldn’t be more in love. 
the crowd reacted loudly as yamaguchi threw a fish in the air, with the sea lion jumping to catch it. you giggled as yamaguchi proudly turned around to lock eyes with yours, holding a thumbs up at you. he began talking to the crowd through a microphone, asking them the scripted questions he was trained to memorize in order to spark more interest in the exhibition. you were too busy staring lovingly at him that you hadn’t even realized he was holding the bucket of fish out towards you. “wanna feed them f/n?” you were more than excited to be able to meet and pet the sea lions, let alone feed them. in that moment you realized how amazing your boyfriend truly was.
yamaguchi laughed as you attempted to keep the fish in your hand, getting ready to toss it towards the intrigued sea lions. tossing the fish up, you clapped in excitement as the creature quickly jumped to grab it in its mouth.
by the time the tour was finished, you were wiped out. yamaguchi had taken you into every single room of the gigantic aquarium, and you were exhausted to say the least. heading back to your house with your boyfriend in hand, you smiled knowing there were many more days like this one to come.
and little did you know, yamaguchi was already planning something big for the future.
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jokertrap-ran · 4 years ago
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(未定事件簿) EVENT! 「异乡行歌·上篇」 [Tears of Themis] EVENT: Romantic Rail Getaway- First Half Translations (Lu Jinghe’s Route)
Day 2: Mangrove Park― [Investigation!] Root-carving Art Area (红树林公园: 根雕艺术区)
*Tears of Themis Masterlist / Mobile Masterlist *Spoiler free: Translations will remain under cut *The tracking tag for ALL Event Stories will go under: #Tears of an Event
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Location: Mangrove Park
After visiting the Mirage Trail and the Root-carving Gallery, we enthusiastically walked along the path, heading towards the next attraction—― Canoe Rafting.
But before we could get any closer to the trail towards it, a puff of smoke arose from the bushes, choking me and causing me to erupt into a coughing fit.
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MC: *Coughs*... Something's on fire!
Lu Jinghe: Yeah, someone's burning something in the forest!
The Mangrove Trees free along the edge of the tidal flats, the surroundings humid with water all around; there wasn't a high probability of a fire breaking out here.
It was obvious that someone had deliberately set fire to something on the edge of the woods.
Lu Jinghe: I'll notify the staff first; we can check it out later.
MC: Okay!
☆⋅⋆…⋅─────────── ⋆⋅✾⋅⋆ ───────────⋅…⋆⋅☆
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There were scorch marks everywhere on the grass and shrubbery alike, and the further we went, the more choking the smoke became.
In the midst of chaos was a group made out of several people dressed in Tanbuyani's Aboriginal Outfits.
Some of them held torches to light the bushes on fire and blaze the grass. Some of them wielded axes, chopping trees and clearing the debris.
MC: What are all of you doing!?
My voice attracted their attention, and a man that appeared to be their leader stepped forward.
Aboriginal Chief: We're making the land arable.
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Lu Jinghe: Come now, friend. That doesn't sound quite right. You guys are obviously setting fire to the forest and indiscriminately felling trees.
Someone was already yelling a retort the moment he was done speaking.
Aboriginal A: Leader! Hurry and chase them off!
Aboriginal B: Yeah, yeah! What do outsiders know! Don't get in our way!
☆⋅⋆…⋅─────────── ⋆⋅✾⋅⋆ ───────────⋅…⋆⋅☆
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Aboriginal Chief: We have our reasons for doing this. Outsiders, I ask of you to not poke your noses into places where it doesn't belong.
The Chief brushed it off lightly, as if cutting down trees that had been growing here for countless years were no different from pulling weeds out of a courtyard.
This is too much! There's no way I'm going to let this pass all so easily!
I gave it some thought before deciding to say something else to buy more time for the staff to arrive on the scene.
☆⋅⋆…⋅─────────── ⋆⋅✾⋅⋆ ───────────⋅…⋆⋅☆
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≫Inquiry Start≪
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▷Choice: Reason for burning the forest
MC: Can't you tell me the reason why?
Lu Jinghe: Yeah, leaving the conversation dangling halfway like that really makes us outsiders even more curious about it. 
Aboriginal Chief: You outsiders are so troublesome!
He appeared to be visibly annoyed by our questioning, placing the tools in his hand down as he started explaining.
Aboriginal Chief: Using such a big plot of land to grow so many of these useless trees is so wasteful! Why don't you just clear it all and let us have the space to grow our Parrot Tail Flowers!?
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▷Choice: Parrot Tail Flower
MC: Y-You guys want to grow Parrot Tail Flowers!?
Weren't they rare flowers that PAX researchers had only found recently?
It wasn't just me; Lu Jinghe also had a look of astonishment on his face.
But that soon changed into a professional-looking business smile.
Lu Jinghe: What is that flower you speak of…? I don't think I've ever heard of it before.
Aboriginal Chief: It's the celestial flower of Tanbuyani. Eating the petals of this flower will eliminate all diseases within your body and keep you safe and healthy forever.
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Lu Jinghe: So, you won't fall sick ever again if you eat this flower?
Aboriginal Chief: Yes, otherwise why else would it be called a celestial flower? Outsider, do you wish to buy some to bring back with you and give it a try?
Lu Jinghe: Sure, how much does it cost?
It's amazing how he does it. With the tone he was speaking with, he sounded no more than an utterly clueless and easily bluffable outsider.
The Aboriginal Chief gradually lowered his guard, becoming a lot more energetic compared to before.
Aboriginal Chief: Make friends and then we'll have a good negotiation about the price.
Aboriginal Chief: We have our flower fields elsewhere; shall I bring you there first to have a look?
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▷Choice: Location of the Flower Field
Lu Jinghe: Where's the flower field? Can you give me a discount if I buy it in bulk?
Aboriginal Chief: Humph, don't worry about it! We have a large flower field of Parrot Tails in the Imana Forest, so I guarantee you that we'll have sufficient supply for your needs!
Aboriginal Chief: And as for the discount… Well, that depends on how much you want to buy.
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≫Inquiry End≪
☆⋅⋆…⋅─────────── ⋆⋅✾⋅⋆ ───────────⋅…⋆⋅☆
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MC: (If we continue down this line of questioning, these Aborigines will really end up bringing us to see the goods down at their own flower fields.)
We've already dragged it out for so long, so the staff should already be reaching here soon.
Aboriginal Chief: I've already said so much; do you guys want to buy it or not?
I quietly tugged at Lu Jinghe's sleeve, signalling to him that it was almost time. He turned to look at me, understanding my silent cue.
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Lu Jinghe: I've given it some serious thought and found that this… Isn't very reliable.
Lu Jinghe: Plus, you should think about your current situation before attempting to do business all that enthusiastically here.
Aboriginal Chief: What!?
Not too far away came the sound of sirens and wheels.
Seeing the prior plan crumble to pieces before their eyes, the Aborigines all displayed angry looks on their faces.
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Aboriginal Chief: How annoying you outsiders who only get in the way are!
However, it didn't matter how angry they were, for it didn't help matters at all as the staff and police rushed towards the scene to control the situation at hand.
So, this matter was considered closed; for now.
☆⋅⋆…⋅───── ⋆⋅ Romantic Rail Getaway⋅⋆ ────⋅…⋆⋅☆
Previous Part: (Day 2: Mangrove Park― Mangrove Scenic Spot) | Next Part: (Day 2: Mangrove Park― Unexpected Hurdle)
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bxthharmon · 4 years ago
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Never Go Home Again, Pt. I || JJ Maybanks x Reader
Words: 2667
Series Warnings: violence / talking about abuse / toxic relationships / talking about nudes sex tapes and sex tapes / drugs / underage drinking
Pt. Warnings: self harm (kind of?)
Series Summary: A new girl, a shoebox of old memories, a past she’s trying to forget coincide with a hotheaded, but selfless, boy.  teenagers getting in way over their heads
Pt. Summary: the second time she saw him, it was at a kook party.
A/N: Okay so I KNOW i havent finished WB (im not even halfway lol) but i got this idea from rewatching euphoria. you dont have to look too closely to see that ive mirrored a couple of seens, but the plot, while inspired by euphoria, wont be the same. let me know what you think, or if you wanna be tagged!
Chapters linked in my masterlist.
“masterlist”
This story does follow the plot, so beware of any spoilers.
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This town seemed too perfect. Sure, you were on the poor side of the town, but the houses were well kept and everyone was happy and friendly. It was as far from home as you could get. You hated this. The boxes stacked up in the boot, and the bags piled up in the seats behind you. The fact that you were over two and half thousand miles away from home. The fact that this was a new beginning you were sure you didn’t need. 
You watched as people loaded boats with shopping bags or crates of beer, and how they all seemed to be happy with their small roles in this small town. It was everything you hated and more.
You looked at your dad, in the seat next to you. He kept his eyes on the road, glancing down while he tried to find a radio station with decent music. He settled on reggae track by Bob Marley, and hummed along. You rolled your window down, smelling the salty air that blew in from the coast even as you wound your way further into the poor housing of this end of the island.
That was when you saw him.
He was on his bike, no helmet, his longish blonde hair waving around his face, and a baseball cap slung backwards over his head. You drove past, pushing your head out of the window to keep the view, and his eyes found yours in a way you couldn’t describe. You held his gaze until the car turned, pulling into a driveway. Your new house.
Your dad turned to you with a long sigh.
“I know you’re not happy about this.” he started, and you looked at his concerned face.
“I just don’t understand how moving almost three thousand miles will change anything.” you reasoned.
“Well, you know why. She’s not here, and you won’t have to deal with all of that shit that happened at school.”
“So we’re running away?”
“Y/N, just give this place a chance.”
You nodded. “Dad, how can we afford this?”
He looked at you defeatedly.
You continued, “I mean, with the divorce, and what she did, how could we afford the moving fees and the house? Cross-state moving fees are mad, let alone when you’re on an island too.”
“Hey,” he shook his head, “I’m the adult, I’ll worry about that.”
In your first week on the island, you made friends with a girl called Sarah. She was from Figure 8, but had explained the dynamics between the pogues and kooks to you, and invited you to a party. It was her boyfriend, Topper’s, but she explained that plenty of pogues and tourons would crash anyway.
You arrived without her, a pair of cycling shorts and a crop top thrown over your bikini in a minimal-effort kind of way. Your one stab at an effort was the blue and purple glitter dabbed over your cheek bone to recreate a highlighter effect. When you got there, you could immediately tell you were underdressed. Everyone else were in shirts and dresses, and your glitter was definitely too ‘city’ to be cool here, so you stuck out, obviously the only pogue there. You spent twenty minutes trying to find Sarah, picking up some vodka on your way around. 
Eventually, after leaving a few texts, you sat down on the kitchen counter and nursed your vodka. You had no idea how long you sat there for, but at some point, Sarah’s brother stormed in. You recognised him from one of Sarah’s instagram posts, but you knew he’d never seen you in person. He looked high. And angry.
“Get out of the fucking kitchen!” he was yelling, and people began to filter out, but due to your obscured path, you couldn’t get out. He turned on you.
“Who the fuck are you?” he demanded, “‘Cause I don’t fucking know you!”
“Uh,” you mumbled, “I’m Y/N, I got invited by a friend.”
Where the fuck was Sarah?
“Well I don’t know any Y/Ns. And I don’t see any fucking friends!” He yelled, slurring and stumbling. “Does anybody know Y/N?” 
You looked around the gathering crowd, trying to spot Sarah, hoping she would appear and get you out of this.
“I said, does anybody fucking know Y/N? What the fuck are you doing in this house?” He cornered you, and you were beginning to panic. How the fuck do I get out of this situation?
You didn’t even realise what you were doing, but you felt yourself grab a knife from the counter and thrust it towards him. He stumbled back and you stepped forwards.
“Don’t fucking yell at me!” you shouted, watching him lean back against the wall in fear. You didn’t even register doing it but you felt the blade slice your arm.
You stepped back, addressing the shocked audience. “By the way, I’m Y/N,” You looked around, finding those blue eyes you’d seen a week ago. “And I just moved here.”
You dropped the knife on the counter and pushed your way out of the house, pulling your phone out when you got to the pavement. You checked your messages with Sarah.
You: just got here, where r u?
You: girl, where u at?
You: sarah, i dont know anyone, where r u?
You: im going home, shit turned sour. Msg me later.
Putting your phone away, you looked around. You hardly knew where you were, and you were desperate to get home.
“That was quite a show.” You heard a voice behind you. Shit.
You turned, and saw your blonde haired boy. “Well I knew someone was gonna get hurt either way, so I chose to deescalate the situation, you know?”
He nodded, reaching for your arm, looking at the cut. “You need to get that looked at.” 
“You offering?” you asked, pushing down a smile. 
“Sure.” he shrugged. You looked at him. He looked at the ground, an uncharacteristic shyness taking him over, “Can I stay at yours?”
You watched him stare at the ground, and however much you wanted to ask, you chose not to. “Sure, we just gotta be extra quiet.” 
He grinned, “‘Course.”
“Okay,” you sighed, “This is where I confess that I don’t actually know my way home.”
“We’ll work it out.” he grinned.
When you reached your house, learning that it was only a minute down the road from the blonde boy’s friend's house, you opened the door as quietly as possible, the pair of you pulling off your shoes and carrying them for extra quiet. You snuck up the stairs, trying to avoid the creaky stair boards, and pausing in terror every time there was a creak. By the time you’d made it to your room, the only other room upstairs being a bathroom, you both relaxed. You searched your moving boxes, finding your brother’s old sweat and tee for him, and going to the bathroom so that you could change into an oversized top and old gym shorts.
When you came back, a first aid kit in hand, the boy sat you down on the bed and began to address the cut.
You watched him work in silence. “What’s your name?” you whispered, and he glanced up at you, a smile on his lips.
“JJ.” he said simply, a small smirk adorning his lips as he finished dressing your arm.
You flopped down, so that you were lying on your back in the bed, and he looked at you with an odd sense of curiosity. “Lie down.” softly, you coaxed.
“Usually I get to know a girl before I get in her bed.” he joked, and the way you laughed made him want to freeze the moment in time. 
“Why do I feel like that’s not true?” you snarked.
He gasped, putting his hand to his chest in feigned hurt, “Oh Y/N, I’ve known you for an hour and you’re already breaking my heart!”
“What can I say?” you bantered, “I’m just pure femme fatale.”
He crawled onto the bed, resting his head on the pillows above you. “Oh,” he replied, “I’m sure.”
You flipped onto your stomach, looking at him, relaxed, head on the pillows, gazing down at you. “At home, there weren’t any guys like you.”
He laughed, unsure of himself, “Love, there aren’t any other guys like me.”
You hummed, fiddling with the corner of your throw blanket, looking at him through your lashes, you giggled. “You’re so full of shit.”
He grabbed a pillow and threw it straight at your head. You picked it up, your face scrunched up from the impact, and he laughed. You sat up, crossing your legs, and threw it back at his face, only he caught, laughing, saying something about you having a bad throw. He put the pillow back, and you crawled back up the bed, lying on your back, your arms touching as you both stared at the ceiling.
You glanced at him, taking how his warm tan contrasted the blue light of the moon that shone through the large window above your bed. You took in the way his muscles gave him definition, and how the top stretched slightly over his chest, and how his long blonde hair splayed over the pillow, your own, waist-length hair tickling his arm as you lay there. You took in the curve of his nose and the tiny, mischievous smirk that never seemed to leave his face. You took in his long eyelashes and the blue of his eyes and the pink of his cheeks.
At some point, you drifted off.
When you woke up, you were tucked into him, your legs tangled in his, hair spread over his arm. His eyes were still closed, and you didn’t move from your spot, keeping your eyes on his face.
“You know,” he murmured, “If you take a picture, it’d last longer.”
Blushing, you pulled away. “I don’t know what you’re on about.” you sat up, feeling his fingers trace the curve of your back as you moved out of his reach. You left the bed, looking back to see him sit up, rubbing sleep out of his eyes, and you watched him take in the way your top fell over your frame. You searched your moving boxes again, looking for an outfit for the day. You really needed to move everything into the wardrobe. Eventually, you pulled out a bikini and shorts. You looked back at him, and he grinned at you.
You looked at him curiously, “What are you doing today, JJ?”
He thought for a second, electing against going home, but rather to go to John B’s for a day of weed and joking around. “Introducing you to my friends.” he shrugged, “The one who lives a minute down the road.”
You nodded, “What are we, in a relationship?” you joked, “Introducing me to your friends? Next thing I know I’ll be round for dinner.”
He felt dirty when you said that, shrinking into himself, hoping that you would never experience the shit that came with meeting his dad. You must have realised you’d hit a nerve, because you backtracked, saying you’d been stupid and whatever you’d said to upset him wasn’t intentional. When he looked back up, he saw how the tears of worry were building, and he immediately changed his demeanor, rushing forwards to hug you, assured you that it was all good. 
You went to get changed, leaving him in your room. 
He looked around. The corner was full of boxes yet to be unpacked, the open ones mainly clothes. There was a desk under the window, with some makeup, a book and a notebook thrown on top. The wardrobe doors were open, revealing that the few clothes that were in your wardrobe were very messily so, most either hung up or on the floor. There was a shelf above the hangers, with a shoebox pushed carefully to the side. He pulled it out, conscious that he was snooping. He pulled the lid off, and saw a set of pictures.
The first - you at a funfair when you were a little, a boy two years older (must be your brother) and a woman, almost identical to you, hugging you close. The second, you were older, perhaps twelve - you were wearing a Christmas onesie that matched the woman’s, your brother and dad laughing as you and the woman - your mother - danced around. The third - you were in a hospital gown, and your mother was crying, holding you close. 
There were more, but he didn’t look. Under the photos, there was a tiny crocheted rabbit and a baby blanket with little elephants on it. He heard your bathroom door open, and rushed to put the lid on, putting the box back. You walked in, smiling at him as you checked your phone.
Dad missed calls (6)
Bro missed calls (3)
Sarah missed calls (11)
You sighed, checking Sarah’s messages.
 Sarah: Sorry!! I heard what happened, i should hv been there. Meet up 2day?
You: Rain check? I met a guy last night and he wants to introduce me to his mates.
Sarah: U go girl!! Enjoy urself, msg me if u need me <3
You flicked off Sarah’s messages, glancing back at JJ, who was looking at your make up.
Mom: Darling, call me when you can.
The last text made you want to throw up, and you tossed your phone on the bed, drawing JJ’s attention back to you. “You okay?” he asks, and you nod, grabbing your purse and picking your phone back up, and getting ready to go.
“Okay, I’ll go down first, I’ll signal if there’s no one there so you can come down.” you ran down the stairs, checking the kitchen and living room, then giving JJ the all-clear. You left the house, letting him walk you to his friend’s place.
He took your hand, guiding your through the front door and into the house. You wrinkled your nose at the mess, food, clothes and empty cans littering the room. “This is a mess.” you muttered, stepping over an empty packet of sweets.
“His mom left when he was three and his dad’s missing, the lack of adults means… well, you can see what it means.”
You nodded, only just noticing a boy asleep on the sofa next to you. JJ leans over, sighing. “That’s Pope, I’ll go get John B and see if Kiara’s here.” he let go of your hand, walking down the hall, leaving you with the sleeping boy. You watched the boy shuffle and then open his eyes, jumping at the sight of a stranger standing over him. 
“Who are you?” he asked, sitting up and staring at you. 
“JJ’s friend.” you said, and he raised an eyebrow. 
“You’re the girl who cut herself.” he said, recognition relaxing his features.
“My reputation precedes me.” you laugh, and he stands up. 
“Food?” he offers, walking to the kitchen.
“Y’all have food here? It looks like you live off Swedish Fish and beer.” 
He grins, “That’s the life.” he jokes, pulling a slice of moldy bread from its packet, and then throwing it straight in the bin. “That said, John B does need to get groceries more.”
“I do?” you heard a voice behind you. You turned, and were met with the sight of a tall brunette boy. He stares at you for a second, and rather than Pope’s blunt recollection, he grins, “You’re Y/N, right?” You nod, “You left quite the impression at Topper’s party.”
“What can I say?” you laughed.
JJ came back from the hallway, accompanied by a girl. “You must be Y/N!” she greets, smiling brightly, “I’m Kiara.” 
“Well…” JJ pipes up, “Let's take the HMS out to the marsh and introduce Y/N to the OBX properly!”
“I’m down.” Kiara shrugged, “I don’t have any shifts today.” 
“Sure,” agreed Pope.
“Leave in twenty?” John B offered.
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