#the new skills get crazier and crazier and it stopped being fun especially for a f2p account 😵

[mirensiart]

Ah well, I was a 99.9% fire emblem blog (more specifically sacred stones and engage content) before the zelda brainrot took over 🤭🤭 you'll find A LOT of fe content if u look into the fire emblem tag in my blog

Every time things get tough, I remember Innes' defeat quote. If he's determined to not give up and keep going despite being almost dead, then I can get through this too 💪🏻

[iwritejustforfun]

Coconut scented ꩜ .ᐟ (part 2)

part 1 👈

part 3 👈

Chishiya Shuntaro x reader

Word counts: 1.2k

Summary: Reader was a hairdresser back in the normal world, when she met Chishiya, she was determined to take care of his hair.

Warning: The second part of this series. It’s a whole lot of fluff, just declaring Chishiya’s feelings for you. I used different colors to distinguish each character’s words.

Writer's note: English is not my first language so i'm extremely sorry if my grammar is not correct, feel free to correct me, thank you and enjoy 🫶

It's not wrong to say that Chishiya slightly regrets not stopping Kuina from instilling confidence in you, because the way that you’re walking around in that tiny bikini is driving him crazy. Luckily for him, that doesn’t happen too often, you still want to protect yourself from crazy perverts – like Niragi, to be exact. But the thing is, it's not just the fact that you're wearing a bikini that distracts him, it’s everything that you do. He can’t pinpoint the exact moment when everything changed, but now, every word, action, and smile of yours makes his heart flutter. He can’t help the feeling of wanting to get closer to you.

But what drives him even crazier is the fact that he had never felt these feelings before with any other woman, so why you? Even though in the back of his mind, he knew that he was falling in love, because that is how love is, you can’t control it, nor you can control who you fall in love with. But he just can’t bring himself to accept it. He’s in denial that the cold hearted Chishiya is developing feelings, he didn’t want to feel attached to anyone, especially in the Borderlands – where anyone could die tomorrow. Although that man is overly confident in his intelligence, he suddenly became stupid in love.

He had tried to stay away from you, but never succeeded. Occasionally, he still lets you take care of his hair, and he would always console himself with the fact that he only does it because you’re really good at your job (not because he actually loves the way you touch him).

And now, you’ve gained a new hobby, which is practicing makeup on Kuina. Every night you two would leave him behind and hide in the room to have your own fun, doing makeovers and putting up fashion shows with the variety of clean bikinis that you found. The truth is, the two of you did invite him, you said something about how makeup would suit him really well, but he pretended not to be interested, because he don’t think he could control himself if you get that close to him. Until one day, you both managed to lure him into being your judge for your little show. You and Kuina will compete to see who gives the other person the best makeover.

You are the first one to show off your skills, a few days ago you found a sailor hat along with a really cute sailor bikini laying around, it must be one of The Hatter’s kink (ew), but you decided to wash and keep it anyway because you know it’ll suit Kuina really well. You make her change into the bikini, then take off her pony tail and turn her dreads into low pig tails so you’ll be able to put the hat on her. For the make up, you gave her thick eyeliners with a blue under eye that matches her outfit, then you draw on a tiny anchor on her right cheek and finishes it off with a red lip. Damn, you’re so proud of your work, she is drop dead gorgeous, you’re for sure going to win this.

Next it was Kuina’s turn. Now some people might mistake her for an absent-minded person, but she is actually quite sharp. She knew that Chishiya has a big fat crush on you, and it’s so funny that someone as perceptive as you can't figure it out, cause come on, he makes it so obvious. So with this opportunity, she has decided to mess with him. And lucky for her, the day before she found a leopard print bikini in the unused pile, it was tiny - perfect.

Saving the best for last, she starts with your make up, deciding to give you smokey eyes with some freckles, brown lip liner and gloss. Then she tops it off with some chunky gold jewelry that she had collected around The Beach. For the hair, she just let you wear it down. Satisfied with her work, she thrusts the bikini into your hands and pushes you into the bathroom to change.

When you took a good look at the bikini, you were shocked at how small it was, so you called out to her – “Kuina, this is tiny!!! I can’t wear this!!!”

“If you don’t then you’ll just have to admit your defeat” - she challenged, knowing that you're a competitive person.

At first you were hesitant, but thinking that you could show off to Chishiya, you confidently stepped out, wanting to see what his reaction would be. And let me tell you, that man’s eyes almost fell out, jaw dropped to the floor. Damn, you have him in a chokehold, he’s so thankful he had agreed to this. He wishes that you could always dress like this, but then again, it’s not really a clever choice in this environment (and it’ll be a big distraction for him).

So without any hesitation, he chose Kuina as the winner, his reasoning was because he likes cat. That is such a stupid excuse, but he doesn’t give a fuck, you look good and he isn’t going to lie about that.

Kuina jumped for joy when she knew she won. But you were not buying it, you outfit was AMAZING, how could you lose??? “I want a rematch” - you said, with a displeased look.

“Chishiya, let me do your make up”

“What?”

You then walk over to him and push him down on the bed – “I’ll show you that you’ve made the wrong decision”. Without saying another word, you climb on top of him and strangle his body in between your legs, making him sit still.

Oh, this is going to be interesting.

He tries resist a little but is now pinned down by your body, he could clearly feel the way your skin was rubbing against him, making the blood rush straight to his …ahem… so he stops moving, afraid that if you push down any harder you’re going to be able to feel him.

He is now completely at your mercy.

So you pull out your make up bag again and begin your revenge. You decided to give him smokey eyes that matches yours and cat-eye eyeliner to enhance his sharp gaze. Then you put on some light contour and blush to make him look absolutely snatched. Finally, you finish off his look with a pink-ish gloss and accentuate his beauty mark. Done, you then give him the mirror so he can admire your work.

When he saw his reflection, his jaw dropped, even Kuina standing next to him was surprised. Damn, you have done a really good job, he has never looked so fabulous in his life, and he can’t even deny that he’s feeling himself. So with a nod from Kuina, he admitted that he made the wrong decision, you are the true winner.

As soon as that was said, you cheered in joy. You were celebrating your victory when you realized that you were still sitting on top of Chishiya, so you awkwardly cleared your throat and quickly moved away from him, but still continued to celebrate your victory, making him instantly miss your touch.

But when he saw how happy you were, the way you playfully teased Kuina and how your bubbly laughter instantly lit up the room, he knew. He knew that he couldn’t push back his feelings any longer, he’s long been lost in your eyes, captivated by your lips and lovely smile, never wanting to escape. He can feel himself painfully yearning for you, and he will willingly do anything, anything, to be able to call you his.

You have to belong to him.

[spotofimagines]

Rivals Last ~ Jadon Sancho

A/N: So I had this in my drafts before he signed with man united but that's fine, we move, we adapt. A third piece for the @footballffbarbiex summer challenge. Hope you enjoy it :)

Warnings: none - reader is female

Summary: You love both your brothers dearly, but being in the football world with them can make some things a little complicated.

gif by @archivesbvb - gif by @ermuellert - gif by @italynt

Being a footballer meant living in a special world. Being in a footballing family meant living in a special world too. Being the younger sister of Lucas and Theo Hernandez meant living in a really special world. But nobody told you just how crazy it would be for all three of those things to apply to you.

You truly love watching your older brothers play football. They teach you something new during every match you see; even though you play as a striker, their movements and handling of the ball always inspire you to play better. After all, it was their defensive skills that helped you become a good goal scorer growing up since they never let a tackle go unchallenged in the park and you had to find out how to manoeuvre around them. A lot easier said than done.

Currently Lucas is signed with Bayern Munich. In his time there so far, he has learnt the heritage, history, and importance of wearing the badge and defending its honour in every match they play, especially derbies. Having supported Lucas, it quickly became easy for you to support Bayern Munich too and celebrate their victories like it was your own team. You'd always managed to do it with the clubs both your brothers played for, letting the atmosphere of the fanbase carry you away.

You have just finished your second season in England with Manchester City women's team. You'd settled in nicely now, having learnt a lot of the English language and culture already. The experience was made so much easier because of the help given by your welcoming teammates and the staff that translated things into French and Spanish during your first months there.

Fans were a little disappointed during the 2019 summer transfer window when it was confirmed all three Hernandez siblings would be leaving Spain to play separately in England, Germany and Italy, joking that no one could know what might happen with you all so far away. However, to you, it made things easier, as Lucas and Theo would stop making so many awful jokes about each other's clubs, only to join forces to diss your club even more afterward. Now the only connection you have to the clubs you all play for is the want for your sibling to win with them. And it is a great feeling. A welcome change of pace.

But no new change to your life felt as good as your blossoming "relationship", situationship, whatevership, you have with Jadon Sancho.

It all started with you flirting back and forth on social media, which turned itself into countless hours of DMs no one else could see. You congratulated his goals and he congratulated your wins. All the light-hearted teasing and the warm-hearted compliments stayed in your own little bubble. The only thing peeking out was your silly inside rule that if you were going to comment on a post, it had to be emojis only, stretching to a few words if you really couldn't help yourself - but it would earn you taunts from the other for the rest of the night.

Some eagle-eyed fans noticed how you'd been liking each other's posts every time they appeared for a while now, but it just added to the fun and thrill you got from flirting with him so much.

You weren't meant to be forming a bond with Jadon. He played for your brother’s rival. He was supposed to be the enemy. Someone you should dislike with a snap of your fingers. Certainly not a boy to fall for like you have.

You couldn't help yourself. Lucas and Theo had helped you since you moved to England by being the steady rocks they always were, cheering you on from afar. Your new teammates had helped you since you moved to England by introducing fun things for you all to do together and taking you under their wings. But Jadon had helped you in a different kind of way. He gave you a new kind of comfort and reassurance when you talked. He became someone to turn to with all your interesting news and your curious problems. He told you the good places to visit around the city that he remembered from his time there and taught you English slang to make your teammates laugh. You spoke three languages to varying degrees now, and you'd managed to pick up more German vicariously through Lucas in two years faster than Jadon had done living in Germany in four years, so you'd clue him into rude German phrases you had asked Lucas about, alongside the French and Spanish swear words he used more often than English ones now when you text. 

Even though a language barrier comes up once in a while, you have both learnt behaviours from each other and crave the contact you share. Jadon was starting to drop everything to send replies to you, a change his teammates have noticed and jokingly mock him for. Little did they know the unknown girl they joke he is smitten over is the sister of their rival.

Theo is the one in your family you usually tell about the boys you go out with; boyfriends and dates have been shared with him since you were 13 and doting on your first crush. He does the same with his girlfriends; asking advice and telling you more than you need to know at times. So, when you all went home for a bit of family time around Christmas, nothing could stop him from noticing the tell-tale signs that you had something going on. He already figured out through persistence that it was another player you were getting involved with, and his insistent questioning hasn't stopped in his search for who the player is.

But you keep it hidden from Lucas, and you don't know when you'll tell him. He has been your protector since you were kids, comforting you on sad nights when no one else was there, teaching you little secrets about how to navigate through the world, he even punched a boy who teased you once at school. The idea of telling him you were chatting romantically to another player would be trouble enough, but telling him it was a Dortmund player might just end up in another schoolground incident. You hadn't wanted Theo to know for fear he'd go dishing your dirt to Lucas, but he discovered it on his own and there was nothing you could do.

Who knows what might become of this thing you have with Jadon, and lord knows your eldest brother owns a hard as nails death stare that just might do Jadon in, but for now you actually quite like having the secret. A little mystery tucked away up your sleeve.

The rush you always get when Lucas calls your phone as you're typing a text to the Englishman,  feeling as though the first words from the other end will be shouts of how he knows everything and he'll never speak to you again for keeping it a secret, fills you with dread at times. But it never is the reason he calls, and it turns out he is just making plans or has something funny to tell you. But the way your heart thumps as you go back to texting Jadon, that is part of the chase you have to admit you enjoy.

Hardcore fans online have noticed the past few months that when you do interviews in English, the odd slang term comes up during jokes - terms you hadn't used before and stem more from London boroughs than northen towns - so speculation of how you'd learnt these things easily coincided with dating rumors.

Lucas had seen the speculation online; seen fans trying to put your interactions with the Dortmund player together through both your instagram stories and comments and the tweets you both had liked about the other. Lucas had even grown suspicious of the little questions you asked him about Germany, German phrases and his lifestyle there, not knowing why you would need nor want to know those things. But Lucas doesn't believe it. He knows that you know better to mix with a Dortmund boy.

Sometimes an older brother just doesn't get it quite right…

Soon, the chance will come to really see if your connection is something you can build on. Jadon's new signing with Manchester United has been confirmed and he will be moving back to England. It is a great opportunity to get to see him more often, rather than the odd rendezvous point or clandestine trip during small breaks in the season. You'll spend more time face to face instead of over the phone. You'll get to wake up in his bed and him in yours, without needing to sneak away from hotel rooms afterwards. You'll maybe even get to go on a proper date, just the two of you, where you can flirt across the table your joined hands rest upon. Hanging out with Jadon won't be the first time you've spent time together in person. However, getting a full day with only the two of you where you won't have to pretend you hardly know who he is, and you won't have to pretend your eyes aren't meeting across the group of people you're in - it fills your stomach with knots and butterflies.

A certain pressure has fallen off you now Jadon has no growing rivalry with Lucas, but not completely. You won't be able to take back the way their teams made the other feel in the past, but the fact there won't be more of it next season comforts you a little. The biggest thing that will hold you back from going public before the new season starts will be the media, but that is an issue you can't even begin to worry about yet. You are too caught up in the excitement of being in the same town as Jadon to care. Rumours are spinning crazier than ever about you two as some of your liked tweets about his move got reposted by sports pages and fan blogs - now joking about him being your rival instead of your brother's - and yet it didn't stop you, no longer all that bothered about keeping a low profile now you both will be living away from Lucas. If he gets mad, all he will be able to do is shout down the phone, and whilst you never want that to happen, you know the time to flourish with Jadon and capitalise on the foundation you have already built is better than ever, brothers be damned.

There are big changes coming for the both of you, yet one thing will remain the same no matter the outcome of your relationship. You can't quite stop being football rivals.

[rymndsmth]

**** alphabet (ft. raymond smith)

this was a request from an anon so uhh. here it is! (also i censored it because i dont want tumblr to come for me, and it’s the first one of these i ever did so be nice)

A = Aftercare (what they’re like after sex)

Ray is comforting. He kisses you softly, especially over those spots he tends to grip you hard during sex-your hips, thighs. A quick shower with you afterwards is always preferred, but if you’re too knackered, he just helps you with the essentials. A good snuggle, however, is non-negotiable. Ray likes to be the big spoon, enveloping your body with his as he nuzzles your neck. 

B = Body part (their favorite body part of theirs and also their partner’s)

Nothing drives him crazier than feeling your hands touch his back. Your soft fingers caressing from the base of his spine to his neck never fails to make every inch of him stand to attention. As for you, god, it was nearly impossible for him to single out which part of your body was his favorite. Nearly. 

He loved your legs. The curves of your supple thighs, your calves. His favorite feeling in the world was how they felt wrapped around his waist as he drove into you endlessly, feeling your muscles flex and coil. Their silkiness against him as you lied lazily in bed came a close second. 

C = Cum (anything to do with cum, basically)

The sound you made when you were just about to cum was one he ached to record. Breaths going in and coming out, each quicker than the last until they seemed to cease entirely. And then that little ah. With your brows furrowed, and your mouth agape, you’d finish it off with some combination of Ray, fuck yes! or right fucking there, please don’t stop Ray. It took everything in him not to lose it each time you did.

D = Dirty secret (pretty self explanatory, a dirty secret of theirs)

Ray can be submissive. There are times where he pins you to the bed and fucks you mercilessly, but he desires to be led. He likes it when you pull on his hair harshly, when you tell him to stop messing around and take you harder, deeper, faster. A little bit of degradation is fine too; he gets particularly turned on when you call his efforts pathetic. 

E = Experience (how experienced are they? do they know what they’re doing?)

In terms of the amount of people he’s slept with, there actually haven’t been many. Ray isn’t one for casual sex, he usually keeps the same partner for a few months if not years at a time. But he’s always been open and experimental, so he knows how to do quite a wide range of things in the bedroom. 

One time he surprised you by expertly hogtying you after you gave him shit about being neurotic. You were left absolutely defenseless, no amount of writhing helped as he teased you from your hardened nipples to your throbbing core. 

F = Favorite position (this goes without saying)

Cowgirl. He loves it when you get on top, taking control. Ray got to see your beautiful body on display, your breasts bouncing. He could run his hands up your thighs, grab your hips, give your clit some attention. It was the best of all the world’s possible. 

G = Goofy (are they more serious in the moment? are they humorous? etc.)

He’s definitely serious about everything he does in the bedroom. What could start out as a fun, banter fueled makeout would always end in a heated round (or two) of sex. In fact, oddly enough the ones that started off light-heartedly ended up being the most passionate. Lots of shoulder and collarbone bites, hickeys on inner thighs, bruised hips. 

H = Hair (how well groomed are they? does the carpet match the drapes? etc.)

Ray likes to keep himself trimmed, but not completely bald. Sometimes he would leave a landing strip because you told him you think it’s sexy. 

I = Intimacy (how are they during the moment? the romantic aspect)

You’ve never had a lover as romantic as Raymond Smith. He would run warm baths filled with your favorite washes and oils, sometimes adding in flower petals. His hands and lips learned and re-familiarized themselves with every square inch of your skin. He was always attentive, listening to cues spoken and unspoken about your desires, and fulfilling them well beyond your expectations. 

J = Jack off (masturbation headcanon)

Since you two have been together, he rarely needs to take care of himself anymore. But on the rare occasions that he does, he’s definitely thinking about that time he’d taken you in the backseat of his car. It was at the beginning of your relationship, and you’d just been on a date together. He lightly suggested continuing the fun at his place, and the tension was just too much to bear. 

He would tug at his swollen cock, remembering how you couldn’t even make it inside. Right there in his driveway, you ripped his clothes off and rode him until your eyes brimmed with tears. It always brought him to his release faster than any round of sex he’d ever had. 

K = Kink (one or more of their kinks)

Spanking! Ray loved the way your ass bounced and reddened under his palm. He especially enjoyed the high pitched cries and sharp inhales you gave in response, not to mention how your juices coated your folds the more his hand met your flesh. 

He was also very into gagging. Seeing your mouth stretched around the ball, full lips slick and swollen, his cock twitched at the thought alone. 

L = Location (favorite places to do the do)

He wasn’t awfully picky about where you had sex, but preferred it to be in his home. The room or surface it occurred in depended on his mood. Often, if he was frustrated, he’d take you standing, pressed against a wall in the corridor. When he’d come home and you’d just look too fuckable to resist, he’d give it to you on the dining table. 

M = Motivation (what turns them on, gets them going)

Ray didn’t have difficulty getting aroused. He could think about the way you chewed on your lip while scanning the book you were currently reading, or the way you ran the top of your right foot over the back of your left calf as you made tea and his pants would tighten. 

If he was crossed with you, though, he was a hard shell to crack. Luckily, you knew all his soft spots, so you’d chip away at his walls one by one. Caressing behind his knees, tracing your hands up his back, biting the skin behind his ear. He fell apart every time. 

N = No (something they wouldn’t do, turn offs)

Like most men, he’s not fond of having sex while you’re experiencing your time of the month. He also isn’t a fan of being called daddy (i just can’t see it lmfao!!). 

O = Oral (preference in giving or receiving, skill, etc.)

It was 50/50, but only because you were so damn good at giving blowjobs. Other than that, he would lean more towards giving than receiving. Ray was as good as they got, he knew exactly how to lick and suck, when to pull and how hard. He reveled in feeling you twitch against his face, rubbing your core up and down, back arching as you tried to get as much out of him as possible. 

P = Pace (are they fast and rough? slow and sensual? etc.)

It depends on the circumstances. If he didn’t have a lot of time, Ray liked to pin you to, or bend you over whatever surface was nearby and fuck the breath out of you. Otherwise, he liked to take his time with you. Ray preferred to worship your body, to feel your soft to his hard. He loved taking it slow because it gave him the opportunity to really soak in how lucky he was to be the one making you hiss and moan. 

Q = Quickie (their opinions on quickies, how often, etc.)

As a busy man, Ray was a fan of quickies. The pace, intensity, and rawness. It was the only sloppy, disorganized thing he liked in his life. They happened more than he liked, but he couldn’t find it in himself to be mad about that when he was driving in and out of you. 

R = Risk (are they game to experiment? do they take risks? etc.)

He’s definitely open to experimenting. Ray likes to ask you if there’s anything you’d like to try, and suggests a few things as well from time to time. He tried new positions often, bending you ways you wouldn't have known was possible unless he put you there. 

There were times where he pushed the limits to see if you two would get caught. You nearly were that time you did it in Rosalind’s auto shop. Mickey was running late for a meeting and you made the mistake of bending over in that little black skirt. A few seconds more and his boss would’ve seen more of you than he cared for. 

S = Stamina (how many rounds can they go for? how long do they last?)

There was never a time that he’d tapped out first. To you, his stamina knew no end. Ray’s record was four consecutive rounds, each somehow lasting longer than the last. If you had to guess, you’d say he averaged about twenty minutes for duration. If he really paced himself, he could make himself last up to an hour. 

T = Toys (do they own toys? do they use them? on a partner or themselves?)

He doesn’t own any toys, but you own a vibrator that he doesn’t mind incorporating from time to time. His favorite thing to do with it was pressing it onto your clit while he ate you out. He also enjoyed watching while you used it solo, how you’d get into it, swirling your hips and massaging your breasts as you neared your climax. 

U = Unfair (how much they like to tease)

Ray is a firm believer in foreplay, but doesn’t stall too much. Not unless you’ve done something to make him upset with you. Then he turns into the most sadistic asshole you’ve ever met. Your throat would be hoarse from crying out and begging, stomach cramped from him bringing you to the edge only to recede at the last moment. He’d look down at you, a hint of a smile on his lips at his handiwork of completely unraveling you before filling you up.  

V = Volume (how loud they are, what sounds they make, etc.)

Ray tends to be pretty quiet. He’s the most vocal when your lips are wrapped around him. Groans and grunts leave him as he hits the back of your throat and beyond. He also makes the most delightful noise, something between a moan and a sigh when your walls close in on his cock as you cum. 

W = Wild card (a random headcanon for the character)

He onced asked if you wanted to try roleplaying. It did not go as expected. You couldn’t keep a straight face for more than a minute at a time, he was such a horrible actor. And the cowboy hat, as much as you thought it would turn you on in theory, only made you want to break out into fits of laughter. 

X = X-ray (let’s see what’s going on under those clothes)

It stunned you the first time you saw him naked. Ray was carved to perfection like a statue, his skin pulled taut over hills and valleys of muscle. Not to mention the length and width of his cock, it was literally the perfect size. Nine inches if you had to put a number to it. 

Y = Yearning (how high is their sex drive?)

Ray has a slightly above average sex drive. He’s not bouncing off the walls horny, but he’s pretty much ready to go whenever and wherever. 

Z = Zzz (how quickly they fall asleep afterwards)

It depends on how long you take. Ray likes to comfort you until he feels your breathing even out. Only then is he ready to succumb to sleep himself. 

[recentanimenews]

FEATURE: Every Crazy Aqua Face in KONOSUBA

  This article written by Joseph Luster was originally published on April 30, 2020

  Like any good story, KONOSUBA -God’s blessing on this wonderful world! starts out totally low-key and gradually intensifies from there. Alright, I can’t even pretend that’s remotely true, but if there’s one thing we’ve scientifically determined, it’s that Aqua’s already pretty crazy facial expressions get even crazier over time. 

  If you haven’t watched this delightfully ridiculous anime in a while, or at all — seriously, now’s a great time to start! — we’ve got the overview you’ve been dying to see: Every crazy Aqua face in KONOSUBA! These are in chronological order, starting with KONOSUBA Season 1, Episode 1, and moving all the way through the finale of Season 2 and including both OVAs. Truly, this gallery is a blessing on OUR wonderful world. 

  WARNING: There WILL be KONOSUBA spoilers, in that we WILL spoil all of Aqua's absurd reactions. 

  Aqua Ramps Up in KONOSUBA Season 1

  How else should a goddess — useless or not — react after finding out the ridiculously embarrassing way our lead protagonist Kazuma died? Getting isekai’d may sound like fun, but not when it comes at the cost of your dignity. Aqua eventually composes herself, but it isn’t long until we’re treated to a season full of absurd reactions and unforgettable faces. 

    When the shut-in otaku you’re dealing with makes the one choice you didn’t expect:

      When you find out everyone isn’t worshipping you exclusively: 

    When the all-powerful God Blow move fails to faze a giant toad:

    When Kazuma tells you he just netted a cool million as a reward:

    When you get busted for being Megumin’s explosive accomplice: 

    When you’re seconds away from using Kazuma’s tracksuit to kindle the fire: 

    When Kazuma completely KOs you with a door in a haunted mansion: 

    When you realize you’re the reason the mansion was haunted in the first place:

    When you absolutely insist on eliminating the succubus Kazuma ordered for himself: 

    When some shut-in NEET drains your holy power so a two-bit lich can save the entire town: 

    When you definitely didn’t eat half of Kazuma’s yakisoba bun: 

    Aqua Knows KONOSUBA Season 2 is About to E.X.P.L.O.D.E.

  When you support Kazuma but aren’t trying to join him in the slammer ...

    … but you’re all about a good ol’ prison break:

    When the court seizes your most prized possessions (seriously, I was gonna drink that well-aged booze!):

    When Kazuma’s new snipe skill is all that stands between you and another toad’s belly:

    Ah, yes, that all too familiar feeling:

    When every little noise in a dungeon shaves a day off your life:

    When you’re desperate to tell Darkness what a scumbag Kazuma has been while she was gone:

    When you can’t hold a straight face to save your life:

    When Darkness’ ideal romance monologue leaves you speechless:

    When Kazuma refuses to stop being a dumbass:

    When you’ve had enough of dungeons:

    When you might be in the biggest trouble ever:

    When Kazuma surprises you with a legit strategy:

    When your actions complicate yet another simple Kill Quest:

    When you can picture Kazuma slapping adventurers’ faces with wads of cash: 

    When you lose a round of rock, paper, scissors and it’s TOTALLY UNFAIR:

    No, seriously, Kazuma’s a shameless cheater! 

    It’s gotta be some kind of special cheating ability! Quit pulling my cheeks! 

    Harrumph!

    When a stampede is heading your way and it’s probably your fault again:

    When you make, like, 30 souls rest in peace, including Wiz's:

    When you’re trying to live your best life as a goddess and Kazuma confesses unforgivable sins: 

    The story of Aqua’s life:

    When you REALLY need Darkness to back you up in front of your followers: 

    When those same followers don’t believe you’re who you say you are:

    Getting stoned by your own followers … This one’s gonna sting for a while:

    Especially when they accuse you of working for the Devil King and kick off a literal witch hunt: 

    ABORT! ABORT!!

    When you finally find the source of all your haters:

    When Kazuma is ready to give up on the most important mission ever:

    When, at the end of the day, you just DON'T MESS WITH AQUA: 

    When you won the battle of the hot springs but somehow managed to screw up in everyone else’s eyes: 

    When you think Season 2’s over but a bunch of annoying ghosts get the drop on you:

    When awakening the beautiful girl golem was definitely not your fault:

    And just like that, Season 2 is over! Hey, there’s always the KONOSUBA: Legend of Crimson movie, which you can watch on Crunchyroll right now! 

  Did we miss any crazy Aqua faces? Let us know your favorite from the world of Kono Subarashii Sekai ni Shukufuku o!, AKA the glorious KONOSUBA, in the comments! 

    ----------------

  Joseph Luster is the Games and Web editor at Otaku USA Magazine. You can read his webcomic, BIG DUMB FIGHTING IDIOTS at subhumanzoids. Follow him on Twitter @Moldilox. 

By: Guest Author

[ikesenlemonadestandstories]

Level 13

IT’S A LEAP YEAR! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL THOSE LEAP YEAR BABIES WHO ONLY GET TO CELEBRATE ONCE EVERY FOUR YEARS! Aren’t leap years wild? Can you imagine being born on a day that only pops up every four years?

Tagging: @loudartanimeeclipse​

Master List here or check the tag Ikesen AFK

Warnings: mentions of alcohol

Happy Reading, T~

Level 13

For a Friday, work had been incredibly slow, so slow you nearly blew your door off the hinges in your rush to get home and logged onto your game. There wasn’t anything crazy exciting going on, but you didn’t want to chance missing EdoPorcupine again. You were determined to sit around and wait for him to come on-line all day if it meant you could apologize for last night.

After what felt like an eternity on the loading page, you were finally logged in. Sitting around and waiting had sounded like a good idea, but the practical application was always messier than the theory. There was no guarantee that your new friend would even log on today, and if he did, you weren’t sure he’d want to talk to you after you didn’t show up last night. Especially when you had given no warning you weren’t going to make it, not that you had any way to actually tell him you’d be late, but still. You felt bad. 

Your quickly spiraling thoughts were interrupted when the list of online players to your right refreshed, and a little green bubble popped up next to EdoPorcupine5661’s name. Yes, excellent, now to jump on him before he could log off or disappear into a quest. 

I’m so sorry! ← WildCyt0m3rty 

EdoPorcupine5661 → What for? It’s not like I expected you to wait around for me forever.

Huh? ← WildCyt0m3try 

EdoPorcupine5661 → I’m talking about yesterday. I stood you up.  EdoPorcupine5661 → Sort of, I had a reason.

Well damn. I actually no-showed too. ← WildCyt0m3try Got stuck at work. ← WildCyt0m3try

EdoPorcupine5561 → Good. We’re even.  EdoPorcupine5561 → Shall we begin?

Yes please! ← WildCyt0m3try Lead the way Sensei ← WildCyt0m3try

EdoPorcupine5661 → Only if you never call me that again

Okay! ← WildCytometry What should I call you then? ← WildCyt0m3try

EdoPorcupine5661 → Edo

Saying you were struggling was the understatement of the century. As promised, the monsters in this field were manageable, and you’d be able to come back on your own and train your bow skills when EdoPorcupine wasn’t able to make it. That was nice and good, but the grinding was driving you insane. On any given attack you did, at the most, five damage; That’s if you were lucky or had a weapon advantage. 

The battle was literally dragging, and you felt bad that your friend was subjected to the torturously slow pace. He just kept typing, “it’s not like I’ve got anything better to do.” over and over again. At first, it had been a little off-putting, but the more it was used, the more you felt it was his way of not having to admit he was enjoying himself. 

Despite his generally sour attitude, Edo, as he’d requested you call him, was a surprisingly patient teacher. Giving you pointers and items to make sure you got the most out of the maps you were being carried off to. With a bit of practice, you were sure you’d have this new weapon’s stats up to par with your lance skill. 

With the monster maps all cleared out and your training bow nearly broken the both of you decided to stop the grinding and head off on a few quests with several others from Team Azuchi who had logged on throughout the evening. You were having fun and with some good back-up, were even able to use the steel bow you had picked up in an earlier raid in battle. A shining moment for you if you did say so yourself. 

OneEyedDrag0n → Would you look at how Kitten purrs. Proud of yourself over there?

Of course! It was a great shot! ← WildCyt0m3try

EdoPorcupine5661 → It wasn’t bad.

See! Wasn’t bad! That means I did great. ← WildCyt0m3try

4myLord → Looks like Wild’s got Edo’s sour personality down to a tee. 

EdoPorcupine5661 → Sour? Who’s sour?

B00kOfLife7 → He’s not sour, that’s just how he shows his affection. Isn’t that right @EdoPorcupine5661

EdoPorcupine5661 → No, I’m sour.

OneEyedDrag0n → You’d do anything to argue with him! lol OneEyedDrag0n → How’s that make you feel @WildCyt0m3try? Special?

Of course, then again, my mother always told me I was special. ← WildCyt0m3try

EdoPorcupine5661 → Something tells me that’s not what she meant.

Guess you’ll never know ← WildCyt0m3try

B00kOfLife7 → Why not? It’s an easy enough fix. You just have to ask your mother.

EdoPorcupine5661 → Except I don’t know her mother… EdoPorcupine5661 → It’s trouble enough knowing the rest of you lot in person, the last thing I want to do is meet a stranger's mother. 

OneEyedDrag0n → What about meeting...not a strangers mother?

EdoPorcupine5661 → If she’s anything like your mother, than no thank you.

4myLord → Fair point, but I’m sure @WildCyt0m3try has a very nice family

Thanks for trying to save my ego @4myLord, unfortunately, I have to report my family is the screaming the opposite of me. ← WildCyt0m3try

EdoPorcupine → Oh, so they are normal?

Terribly so. ← WildCyt0m3try

You were laughing out loud, you hadn’t had a conversation this crazy with online friends in ages. Sure the banter between Rose and Yuki was always exciting, but Kenshin or Shingen usually cut in and ended it quickly. This seemed to drag on for as long as it remained entertaining and light-hearted. From what you had gathered, everyone on Team Azuchi knew each other, having all gone to college together, the real kicker was that they had gone to the same university as you. Even crazier, you probably had seen a few of them around campus unknowingly, assuming they were your age. 

The plan was to log back on after you had finished your dinner and run through a few missions with Team Kasugayama. Rose had messaged you just before you had logged off, letting you know they had made plans to get on this evening. A large part of you wondered what sort of job Yoshi held that they had to start their team quests around 11:30p every other night, but that also wasn’t any of your business. 

“I’m here, are you guys ready to go?” You asked over the microphone.

“About time,” Kenshin mumbled behind a chorused yes from the rest of the group. Making you laugh. 

The communication lines were quiet for a long time, nobody really talking as they played through the more challenging map. Happy with the damage your lance wrought upon your enemies, you were beaming. This was so much more satisfying than your earlier grinding kills. 

“So, I see we’ve added some wings to the group?” You heard Yoshi ask through the mic. 

“See, and you’d know that if you had come to karaoke last night. Though, I’m happy to report that I’ve been pleasantly busy.” The unmistakable pride in your voice carried through the otherwise quiet chat. 

“Ah, I was wondering why Shingen hadn’t given me a hard time about that yet. They sent you to do the dirty work instead.” Yoshimoto laughed

“Nope. I volunteered.” You stated, drawing out the vowels in your response. 

“Either way, I quite like the aesthetic it adds, not only to your character but to the team as well.” Yoshimoto complimented. 

“Oh, I mean, I know I look good, but I'm happy it makes the team look equally as awesome.” You snickered into the mic realizing the two of you were in your own private chat window. 

“So humble.” There was a soft tisk to his voice that he tried to use to hide his own laughter. 

“And here I thought you enjoyed my confidence.” Choosing to sound wounded. 

“Oh, hush, I’ll have none of that.” Yoshimoto’s was scolding before it turned serious yet soft. “Your unabashed confidence is what makes you so stunning.”

“What do you want?” You rolled your eyes knowing full well he couldn't see you and continued to fight your way through a group of soldiers who had been hiding in a thicket off to the group’s left. 

“I want to know where you got that bow.” 

That explained the private chat. Yoshimoto wanted information, and he wasn't sure he wanted everyone else to have the intel yet. It was a well-known fact in your group that you were also a registered single player and often competed by yourself, but that still wouldn’t explain how you had managed to get your hands on anything other than a training bow. 

“A friend.” You answered as cryptically as possible. 

“Oh? I’m a friend, I didn’t give that to you.” Yoshimoto’s tone was suspicious.

“You’re right, maybe we’re not friends after all.” You feigned surprise and tried to bite back laughter when he scoffed audibly in your ear. 

“You’re something else. You know that?” He sighed as you snickered.

“I know, had a whole conversation about it today.” You couldn’t hide the amusement in your voice as you continued on. 

“Oh? Yukimura picking on you again?” Yoshimoto’s voice remained light as he teased.

“Not today, I’m actually on another team. Play with them when you guys aren’t around.” You stated matter-of-factly

“Cheating on us, are you now?” 

“I couldn’t help myself. If it makes you feel better, they’re definitely my side hoe.” You tried to remain as serious as possible, despite the turn in the conversation. 

“Alright, that’s it.” laughter filled the speakers of your headphones, and you found yourself laughing along with him. “How is it that I’ve not yet had the pleasure of meeting you in person?”

“You work terrible hours and never show up to sing with us.” You replied.

“You don’t want to hear me sing,” Yoshimoto assured you.

“And now I do.” 

“How about this? I’ve got work in a gallery late tomorrow night, stop by. I’ll see if I can pick you out of a crowd.” Yoshimoto suggested. 

“Sounds like my kind of challenge.” Excited, you agreed. 

[smuttymess]

bts astro soulmate reading | for cat

sign: leo sun | scorpio moon | capricorn rising

lover: Park Jimin | soulmate: Jung Hoseok

This reading is for the lovely Cat, a J-Hope bias with a particular weakness for Jimin & V. It’s more rare for people to actually pair with both their bias and wrecker astrologically, so she has pretty much hit the jackpot on this one. I hope you enjoy ;) 

This specific star sign placement denotes a unique blend of ambition, power, and rebelliousness - a lethal combination that both intimidates people to their core while drawing them into you like moths to a flame. Your Leo Sun establishes you as the bold, go-getter of the zodiac who stops at nothing to reach greatness in all areas of your life.. The vibrant, outgoing, upbeat nature of your Leo is often exists in tandem with your moody, darker inner Scorpio Moon which also wants power but craves control and your Capricorn rising that presents a very  You are able to use traits from both signs alongside your wide emotional range to your to your advantage, your deep knowledge of people and their wants, needs, and desires getting you very far in your work and personal life. Some may call your skills dramatic and manipulative, but your intentions (however deliberate and calculated) are rarely deceptive and come from your innately passionate and ambitious nature. When it comes to your friends and family, it is hard to find a kinder or more loyal protector than you, the fierce nature of your Leo and Scorpio making you a true force to be reckoned with. Your Capricorn rising makes you a gentle, caring, big-picture thinker who is very aware of the world outside of yourself, and someone who actively seeks to make said world a better place. A natural leader, you are equipped with the energy, tenacity and optimism that makes people follow you in support of whatever lofty goals you have in mind - anything seems possible with you at the helm, and while people may not fully understand you they certainly respect you. 

Not one to stand still for too long, people are in your sign are likely to be found in high-level positions and involved in humanitarian efforts, mingling with the world's elite and moving progress forward. Your natural knack for communication lends to an actively social calendar, which on a cool fall night brings you to a fundraiser at a Seoul gallery where you are talking up your next project which has become your newest focus. When you believe in a cause, there is no fundraising goal you can't exceed or person you cannot sway into opening their purse. Strong, sexual and intuitive, you possess and air of power that is almost irresistible, which attracts many benefactors including one very special guest, Jung Hoseok. Like attracts like, and within seconds his Aquarius senses that beneath your cool and confident exterior that you are someone with equal fire, depth and passion to match his own - a true rarity that he must explore further. His eyes moving over your body, the buzz of the room doesn't hold a candle to the burning sensation taking over you as your eyes eventually meet his dark, knowing stare and he makes his way over to introduce himself.  Fueled by emotions on all cylinders, you are known to think with your heart instead of your head, your moon, sun and rising all lending to impulsive behaviors in the name of pleasure - your Capcicorn Moon makes you slow to commit emotionally but when it comes to physicality you can be all in. So it not too surprising when less than an hour later you find yourself getting against the wall of the coat closet, your skirt hiked up around your waist and your panties on the floor, Hoseok's gorgeous hands muffling your moans as he expertly thrusts his length into you, his voice hissing in your ear. Is this what you wanted, beautiful? You may just make me write a blank check. You're perfect, fucking perfect.

From the start, it is clear that you and Hoseok have a magnetic sexual connection that almost transcends logic. For you, sex and love is an all-consuming experience, one that you're not afraid to dive into headfirst without hesitation - a trademark trait of your fiery Leo/Scorpio combo. This pairs almost perfectly with Hoseok's Aquarius sun which seeks adventure, spontaneity, and intention in every movement he makes. At first, you two are less romantic lovers and more so the ideal fuck buddies, his Aquarius enthralled by the chase of the wild Leo, wanting to conquer you mentally and physically. For him, sex is something to be fully experienced with your entire body, a trait of his extremely intense Jupiter in Scorpio and also his dancer background. Coupled with this mind-body awareness and devotion to pleasure is his Mercury in Taurus and Venus in Pisces, making him both wildly unpredictable, dreamy, and playful when it comes to setting your body on fire. When your imaginative, enthusiastic and strong-willed signs come together, there is nothing that is off limits, with sex soon becoming a place for you to experiment and explore your bodies in ways that simply never were possible before.. Your sign is the "king" of the zodiac, and Aquarius impulse to is to break you down and bring you down, begging and to your knees - literally. He wants to consume every inch of you and make you crumble under his touch, sending jolts through your spine as he buries his perfect tongue in between your dripping center and his hands hold your bucking hips in the back of his car. Any thought of ruining the leather interior is gone as he looks up, eyes ablaze as he watches your head roll back while you clench tightly around his long, skilled fingers. This pussy is mine. Say it. Louder, baby, I want to hear you. I love it when you purr for me. Sometimes you wonder why you even bother wearing panties when you know he'll ruin them before dinner, the group of friends you're meeting completely unaware of the the fact that your juices are still lingering on his lips as he charms the room over rounds of soju and his signature charm.

Problems arise when you, Leo, want to connect emotionally with your Aquarius mate. Over time, you begin to demand more attention and affection from Hoseok who seems to be the one person you cannot fully crack - challenge accepted!. While you are highly independent, Leos innately want to be the star of any show, to be admired, courted and to be seen as friendly, fun, confident and generally likable, investing lots of energy into this persona but also keeping your secrets close. Nothing drives you crazier than being ignored, dismissed, or anything other than fawned over by others, especially your partner who you expect to walk to the end of the earth for you with no questions asked. Unfortunately, Hoseok's Mars in Aquarius can make him quite emotionally detached from a situation, able to strategically compartmentalize work and romance unlike anyone else. While that ability helps drive him towards success in his career (a total turn on for you), you also have expectations of a wildly successful partner who can offer the level of attention you require - the best sex of your life isn't enough to keep you satiated. You want Hoseok’s full attention outside of the bedroom, and when you don't get it you work double time to receive affirmation from others, which only seeks to turns him off further. Ultimately, perfectionist Hoseok can only give you a fraction of what you need - his Mercury in Taurus and Venus in Pisces often making him ego-driving and self-satisfying/generally allergic to difficulty and conflict. With you unable to fully let him and him unable to read your mind , he eventually decides a romantic relationship is something that he can offer.

Far be it for your to sit around and brood in misery, your Leo Sun likely throws yourself into a new activity, job, or person as a way to shift the focus away from the depths of your turbulent emotions. In contrast to Hoseok, you want someone who will tell you their deepest, darkest secrets and give you the keys to their heart without hesitation - it makes you feel like you're in control. Enter Park Jimin, who you meet while out at a very decadent club while abroad. As you move around the dance floor, the shimmer of the lights hits him perfectly, illuminating his already ethereal beauty which radiates throughout the room. When you is the champagne, the vibration of the instruments flowing through you, or some combination of the two, but it is not long before you find yourself sauntering towards him, bringing your bodies so close that you can feel the heat emanating from his skin. Looking up at him in a flirtatious invitation to dance, you become more intoxicated by the sparkle in his eye, the peak of collarbone poking out from his shirt, the plumpness of his lips that you could easily kiss right then and there. Jimin is a true Libra, dripping with elegance, charm and sex appeal. Without saying a word, you fall into a sway, and in that moment and the months that follow its as though nothing else in the world exists except for the two of you and the music.

A Leo/Libra pairing is all about pleasure in each other's company and in showing off your love to the world, your sociable, charming combination a true joy to be in the presence of. Jimin's desire to balance the scales balance, peace and harmony while you want to rebel and shake things up makes you a fantastically entertaining and attractive duo, the popular couple that hits red carpets and high-profile events, generating buzz attention wherever you go. Jimin's Venus and Mars in Scorpio makes him extremely romantic and passionate, his arm firmly wrapped around your waist and the top of your ass as he plants little kisses on your cheeks in front of the cameras. This translates to sex too, where you two are fully immersed in each others and sensuality and intensity. There is no such thing as a quick fuck with this pairing as you both are gluttons for pleasure and satisfaction in all ways, happy to spend hours beneath the highest quality silk sheets. Your confident Leo Sun shines with with the dreamy, romantic Libra who wants to worship you while you take the reigns which you do without hesitation. Few things bring you more satisfaction that watching his his eyes light up and cock twitch in anticipation as you strip down in front of him to reveal your sexiest lingerie set, his hardness clearly straining against the fabric of his briefs. You adore the power you hold over him, the way his lips slightly part as he takes in the sight of you as you tease him with a finger slipped in between your legs while the other hand caresses your nipples. Suddenly the strong, confident Park Jimin is reduced to a whining, pouty mess as he sits there, eyes glued to your frame and practically begging for you. He's practically irresistible in this state, his chest heaving as you bring the coated fingers to his lips as you straddle him and slide down onto his length, his breathy moans filling the room. His Saturn in Pisces makes him determined and energetic, wanting nothing more than to hear you scream his name and tell him how amazing he makes you feel, which you do over and over as he rubs your clit, thrusting in and out of you until you practically combust. Be a good boy for me and show me how much you love me. Just like that.

A fundamental, essentially inescapable component of this relationship is envy, which slowly erodes the partnership over time. Your signs make you both dependent on and competitive with each other, with you wanting Jimin's full devotion without revealing too many of your secrets so you do not lose the game of love and get hurt again. You both want desperately to be the center of attention, with Jimin's Sun and Mercury in Libra often seeking approval through others by playing to his people-pleasing tendencies, and his ability to flirt as easily as he breathes makes you feel out of control. While Jimin is initially attracted to your spontaneity and fiery Leo spirit, he feels threatened when you are weaponizing your power in a room full of admirers, his Venus in Scorpio moving the spotlight away from you in order to protect his own ego. Your Moon in Scorpio makes this type of control unbearable for you, making you likely to retaliate by pushing the envelope further, deliberately flirting in his line of vision just to punish him. While jealously can make for some exceptionally good make-up sex and public role play scenarios, at this level it does not bode well for a long-term relationship between these two signs as you cannot trust each other to be faithful and as a true partnership. As hard as it is to walk away from this genuine connection and the sex, this pairing is unlikely to go the distance. 

A cooling off period to reassess feelings is quite possible in the love story of a Leo and Aquarius. Absence always makes the heart grow fonder, and while whatever resentment you felt towards Hoseok subsides when you see his name reappear on your phone, calling in attempt to reconnect after months of reflection and introspection. While your Leo Sun is highly emotional and pretends you are above any pain, your Moon in Scorpio and Capricorn rising ties you deeply to the people you care about and making you intensely loyal once you have finally opened up. It is almost impossible for your to cut ties with those who you have grown to love, and your connection with Hoseok is not something you can ever let go. The power in your Leo nature w/ Capricorn rising is your ability to melt even the coldest, most protected heart, and it is that kind of gentle, idealistic, all-consuming love that his Aquarius soul needs.

Leo/Aquarius duo is an a textbook example of two extremely independent, passionate individuals who can make an almost perfect match if they learn to really let each other in, shedding any walls and false ego or confidence that serve as protective barriers to intimacy, which you both deeply crave. With a lot of communication and problem-solving, this is a relationship that can thrive beyond measure based on your shared qualities. Ultimately, the biggest lesson here is to learn the art of losing control in your love life, knowing that this is a person you can fully let go with. Once you are able to fully safeguard each others hearts, there is nothing that this incredibly creative and energetic duo cannot accomplish. Be it utilizing platforms to advocate for critical humanitarian efforts, or traveling to a new continent to consume new culture and experience, this is a power couple in the truest form that does not subscribe to traditional roles or modes of living, constantly thinking outside of the box and paving their unique paths through the world as an unbeatable team.

[purplesurveys]

689

Has the person you like ever seen you in your pajamas? I mean I don’t own any literal pajamas because I find them too warm to wear, but yeah she’s seen me in the clothes I typically wear at home. 

Did the last person you kissed celebrate your last birthday with you? No, and I get upset thinking about it so let’s skip this one, lmao.

What’s the first word of the last text message you received? “hi”

Do you think you’ve changed at all over the past year? I guess a little bit. I got elected to a certain position in my org that basically required me to be the face of the org itself – so it forced me to be extroverted and made me have to be friends with the representatives of all the other orgs so that we maintain a good image in the campus. I also had my first internship last year, and that also tested my social skills and gave me a glimpse of what it’d be like in the workplace, whether it’s having a 9 AM to 6 PM shift or taking calls.

Is there a song that reminds you of your ex? Do you still listen to that song? Yeah but it’s a bit different with me. I have songs that remind me of the time Gab and I were exes, but I don’t have any others. I’m okay with listening to them.

Did you tag anyone in your last Facebook status? No, but I did tag my sister in the second to the last thing I shared.

How do you behave when you’re drunk? I’m louder, a little crazier, a lot friendlier, and I start liking dancing. I also become willing to do a lot of stupid shit, like driving or spending all the money in my wallet. It’s basically a more fun, even friendlier version of me haha.

What color was the last car you travelled in? I barely remember the last time I was in a car, but I’m pretty sure it was our white one.

What is your least favorite type of chocolate? I like all three types, but it’s the stuff that’s put in the chocolate that I have a problem with, like raisins, nuts (except when it’s Ferrero Rocher), or fruit.

When was the last time you felt disappointed? What was the reason? Yesterday - I got word that Pat, an old friend, thinks I’m plastic. I haaaate when people say untrue things about me - and it made me feel worse because I hadn’t even seen her in like four years now - so I felt insecure the whole night.

Is there someone that can make you smile, even when you feel like crying? My dog.

Is there a certain person on your mind right now? Tell me about him/her. Nope. I’m taking this survey precisely so that I don’t have to think about anyone or anything, or else my mind will just go back to ^ what that person said about me and then I would feel bad the whole day.

You’re getting ready to go to bed, and the last person you kissed shows up, what do you do? I’d be shocked at how she got past all the checkpoints considering the entire region is on lockdown. Then I’d scold her for it, ask if she has a plan for going back home, and since she’s at my place anyway, I’d get her something to eat.

What was your last thought before you went to bed last night? That I couldn’t be left alone with my thoughts because of what Pat did, so I should sleep with YouTube autoplay on.

Do you think someone is thinking about you right now? Doubt it.

Are you okay right now? Not really, but it’s manageable for the most part.

Do you get along with girls? More than guys, for sure. I’ve gotten better with guys through the years, but I’m still ultimately more comfortable hanging out with a group of girls, or at least in a group where there are more girls than boys.

What time did you get up today? 9:30, but only because my mom woke me up for breakfast which I hate.

When was the last time you saw your mom? A couple of hours ago.

What is the last thing you drank? Water. But now I want coffee.

Do you dislike/hate anyone? Just dislike, I think. I hate the government though if that counts hahaha.

Where is your best friend right now? We’re all at home as we’ve been in the last three weeks.

When will your next kiss be? The week of April 14th, whenever we decide to see each other then.

Will you be up before 7 am tomorrow? Definitely. It stopped being my usual wake-up time during the break.

Does anyone completely understand you? I don’t think so. Angela doesn’t know some of my triggers, and Gab will still sometimes miss certain cues of mine... and there are times I don’t understand myself as well, so it’d be selfish of me to want my best friends to have that ability for me.

Who was the last girl you hugged outside of family? Damned if I remember...Gabie? I think? I’m 80% sure she was the last non-family member I hugged before they suspended classes.

What are you listening to right now? My sister’s listening to the new 5SOS singles a bit loudly, so I have no choice but to hear it. My brother’s also playing 2K at the moment.

Have you held hands with somebody in the past three days? Nope.

What will you be doing in 3 hours? Either drinking coffee and taking more surveys, or taking a nap.

How often do you straighten your hair? Never. I hate the way straight hair looks on me, never again.

What are you currently looking forward to? GOING OUT OF THE HOUSE. But that’s another three weeks away, uuggghhh. The house is starting to feel smaller by the day and I just can’t wait to drive again.

Who did you last hang out with? Family. This lockdown is really ruining most survey questions for me, lmao.

Doesn’t intentional bad grammar annoy you? No not really. Memes will sometimes use bad grammar on purpose and it comes out hilariously, and generally, bad grammar doesn’t annoy me a lot as someone who has English as my second language – the only time it grinds my gears is if someone like an American hasn’t mastered English, especially if it’s the only language they know and they can’t even get it right lol. Asians speak better English sometimes...

Did anyone see your last kiss? No, we were alone in her place that time.

Could things possibly get any better? It always could.

Do you know who you’ll even kiss next? Yep.

Do you ever sleep in jeans? Only if I’m drunk crashing on someone’s couch. < This. Otherwise I hate the idea of spending the night with jeans on.

Whose birthday is coming up? Aubrey, I think – and this is only because I tend to remember birthdays well. But if we’re talking about people still in my life lol, probs Luisa.

Name something you dislike about the day you’re having? I can’t stop thinking about what Pat said about me and how many minds she’s possibly changed with calling me fake. I just have to remind myself that high school people aren’t worth shit anymore and that I’m more than happy with the friends and family I’ve gained in college.

Did you get a full 8 hours of sleep last night? Nah, but close. I got 7 I think.

Are you in love lately? Yesss. Even more now that I can’t see her.

How often do you see your ex?

Where did you buy the shirt you’re wearing now? I got it from my old school.

Who was the last person to text you? Gab.

Do you believe in love? Sure.

Do you curse a lot? Yeah I can.

Did you like anyone last summer? Yeah, the same one for the last three summers.

What’s the closest red object to you? The shirt my dad is wearing.

Who have you texted in the last 48 hours? No one. I don’t have to put load on my phone these days because of the quarantine requiring me to stay at home, where I have internet to communicate anyway.

Last time you had a sleepover? Like a month or two ago, I think.

[omegatheunknown]

AEW Fyter Fest

AEW keeps the momentum going with a card that was a little less prestigious, but a little more chaotic, but overall entertaining and plenty filling.

- What’s the draw of the ‘Buy-In’ pre-card, especially when the whole show is free? Obviously don’t give away your best offerings for nothing, but if the point is bringing eyes to the product and having them follow-up by buying the event... these pre-cards are not going to do that. - I sort of love the introduction of JR with entrance music as a ‘and now the real show is beginning’ signifier. JR’s really got some of his passion back, and the combination with Excalibur continues to be a surprisingly satisfying one. May Alex Marvez stay out of the both indefinitely. - Camera cuts have calmed down. I think this event was at .5 Dunns for unnecessary cuts, which is still far too many, but at least they stopped stacking cut/cut/cut and opted for more of those lovely crane shots. Entrance music should be way louder, the pyro was fun, the dumb fyre fest gag at least allowed for a colourful set design and AFAIK no legendary Canadian grapplers fell off the stage trying to head straight back up the tunnel. So that’s a big win.  *Pre-Card Best Friends v SCU v Private Party (**) - Three way tag-team matches with only two active teams is always an odd stipulation and as fun as that match was to get the party started, the format leads to any finish getting a bit dusty as a result. Really enjoying Marq Quen and his Wesley Snipes-in-Demoltion Man fit. Allie v Leva Bates (dud) - The Librarians are an intentionally awful gimmick with plenty of winking going on, which is fun on BTE for thirty seconds a week but the live crowd seems to be beyond done with Bates and Avalon and the shushing. I will admit it took too for long it to click for me to realize the heelish potential in wrestlers attempting to keep the crowd as quiet as possible, but as fun as that meta-irony is, it meant this slow moving match which should’ve hyped up the crowd on the debuting Allie (The Bunny alive and well after being killed to death by Su Yung on Impact, Cherrybomb’s current whereabouts unknown.) looked worse than it was and was the worst thing on the card. Michael Nakazawa v Jebailey (**) - I have heard the name enough by now that I know that Jebailey is ‘the’ CEO guy but I don’t really know what that means or what he does in everyday life but he’s certainly a non-wrestler and yet he showed a decent grasp of the fundamentals and Nakazawa ran him through what was a DDT-esque comedy match with some funny spots and a nice turn for Bryce Remsburg as wrestling’s most committed comic referee.  *Main Card CIMA v Christopher Daniels (**1/2) - Daniels has never felt like a bigger deal than he does now, on the edge of fifty. Hard not to root for a guy with 25+ years experience trusted to have an explosive curtain jerker and get the crowd into the evening. CIMA’s an excellent foil, the pair are so smooth and deft at building a match I only wish there was more at stake between them, which is maybe the through-line of the whole evening barring some exceptions. They’re putting in groundwork elsewhere for the fall, but before AEW gets to TNT they’re going to do some more of these exhibition style affairs. Riho v Nyla Rose v Yuka Sakazaki (***) - A pox on B/R live or my friend’s wifi for stalling and so we missed Yuka’s amazing theme song, but AYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYA aside, this was a really nice match with a bit of sloppiness that nevertheless made up for the kneecapping of Nyla via Awesome Kong last month. Nyla looked every bit the powerhouse, pulled off a couple really nice high-energy maneuvers (knee drop from the top rope to the rope-hung Riho was nuts.) Conversely, there were definitely moments early on where it looked too much like a two-on-one match, though it did ultimately build to a satisfying bit of anguish for poor Yuka. Hangman Adam Page v Jimmy Havoc v Jungle Boy v MJF (***) - Prayers up for the audience-cutaway victim of MJF’s savage (rote but knocked out of the park) promo. Salt of the Earth. - Wondered what Havoc was bringing to the match until I realized it’s nice to show him in a more conventional competition and it doesn't harm him in the least to eat a pin. A good showing, though I miss the AFI. - Jungle Boy is going to be great. Got in some really bananas aerial stuff, and like... not to put too fine a point on it, but he looks like Luke Perry. - Adam Page is money. I don’t remember exactly but how is it he was more or less randomly assigned to Bullet Club-RoH as ‘just a guy,’ just three years ago? Sure, he was 24 years old and still finding his pace in the ring, but everyday there is less and less doubt that he’s a top guy, he’s your big beautiful babyface hero. Match was as good as one could reasonably expect from a four-way. Cody v Darby Allin (****) - A lot of the cards for All In, DoN and Fyter Fest have been exhibition matches for skill and style. Cody, probably recognizing where his strengths as a wrestler lie, has been the big exception -- nothing at All In had the emotional resonance of Cody winning the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, nothing at Double or Nothing (or most of wrestling in 2019) could touch the intensity of the Rhodes vs Rhodes match, and last night Cody delivered another of the best version of himself and helped Darby Allin make himself a big fucking deal. The kid is nuts, though I have to assume some skateboard bumps put falling on mats to absolute shame. Maybe my friends and I are nuts, but we were all pretty sure that the controversial post-match chair shot was largely taken on the shoulder with some accidental (and sharp) contact to the head. Also is it really a Cody match if he doesn’t gig? Apparently there have been some subsequent developments suggesting they really did intend for one (1) unprotected chair shot for the love of the sport, to which I say, again, Cody is his father’s son.  The Elite v Lucha Brothers & Laredo Kid (****) - 100% exhibition, 100% spot fest, despite the pseudo-feud going between the Young Bucks and Los Hermanos de Lucha, this was bound to be one of those pure sprint ‘show me what you’ve got’ type of matches. Emotions, strife and storytelling are integral to the wrestling theatre, but so is the actual wrestling. The Young Bucks and their perfect opponents -- Penta & Fenix, also the Motor City Machine Guns, also SCU, also the Briscoes -- are the finest purveyors of tag team wrestling in form of the free-flowing, spot-to-spot-to-spot kinesis that they’ve made their name on and this was no different from the ‘usual’ mind-bending and entertaining spectacle possible when The Elite are in the ring. That Laredo Kid came out and hung tough with 5 of the best wrestlers in the world is astounding and marks him as one to watch. - Of special note, as usual, is Fenix, who is better and crazier every time I see him, like he’s in the process of a Hiromu Takahashi-esque supernova. Legitimately might be the best talent to appear in the ring for AEW.  Jon Moxley v Joey Janela (***1/2) - Loved the work Justin Roberts did to introduce this match. Such gravitas. So silly. - Moxley’s back in his element, and I’m suddenly a huge mark, though I am way more excited about what he’s been doing in New Japan, up to and including his choices in ring gear. Though at least he’s out of jeans and wife beaters. Match was well-paced for a deathmatch style, no doubt owing to both party’s absurd enthusiasm for this sort of utter nonsense.  - Joey Janela has way too much of a Mick Foley (for the fans, for the love of pain) in him and I don’t think any amount of beatings will beat it out of him. Though Moxley seemed game to try. - Barefoot thumbtacks is decently fucked up, I think. The level of mayhem was balanced nicely between sadism (tacks, barbed wire boards,) wrestling nonsense (barbed wire wrapped chair) and satisfying spots (Joey’s big elbow drop.) - Kenny getting his revenge was necessary but seemed a bit half-hearted, almost? I’m plenty excited for their match as is, all he needed to do was assault Mox in the ring and peace out, but I guess tit-for-tat is the law of the jungle.

[damiennazario]

The Girl With the Broken Smile

Pairing: Maxwell x MC

Summary: In which Maxwell’s rooftop confession comes a lot later - at Liam and Madeleine’s wedding.

Genre/Warning: Fluff, PG

Words: 4,754

Notes: boi ... i never expected to slide my booty over to maxwell. but y’alls prayers have been answered and now this ass belongs to him. i dont know a liam and neither does the mc in this fic. enjoy this overly-fluffy piece of garbage!

You’re watching King Liam and Queen Madeleine's first dance as a married couple.

The two look as stiff and awkward as ever, despite their obvious skill in the Cordonian waltz as high-ranking nobles. Liam is standing a quite notable distance away from his so-called bride, his arms wrapped loosely around her waist, and her face is pasted with a flimsy smile. Nevertheless, the King Father, the Queen Mother, and all the other nobles that are present look on at the king and his wife as they glide across the floor - if you could even call it gliding, Liam looks as if he’s dragging Madeleine across - with thoughtful reverence.

Of course, all of the other nobles except for the members of House Beaumont, Drake, Olivia, and Hana.

You should be more hurt to see this farcical display than you are at present. But the truth is, you just feel numb, the same way you've been feeling ever since the events of the Coronation; and now even more so, given that Tariq has disappeared without a trace, and took along with him your chances of gaining your rightful place alongside Liam, reigning as Cordonia's true queen.

You told Liam that things would be over between you two once he married Madeleine, because no matter how much you loved him, you couldn't stand any more lies or sneaking around, especially considering that it would only get harder to be together once they got married. He and Madeleine may even be pressured to start a family together, while you remain the other woman with no happy ending in sight for either of you. Go figure - starting a family in a loveless marriage while the woman Liam truly loves is left to suffer. How could you possibly keep yourself in a situation like that?

Deciding you're sick of reducing yourself to watching this charade play out - because, after all, you had to sit through the ceremony - you promptly excuse yourself without a word. Everyone's so busy watching Liam and Madeleine that they don't even notice you leaving, but even if they did, they wouldn't care. You were essentially part of the common rabble, anyway. You didn’t have much of a right to be here.

Suddenly, you hear your name, clear as the peal of a bell over the din of the music. It's none other than Maxwell, running up to you with a bewildered look on his face. His presence - and voice, for that matter - seem to shatter the spell induced around you, and a few nobles break their attention away from the dancing newlyweds to scowl at you two.

"Hey, where're you going? I've been looking all over for you," he says, shoulders heaving with the gasps of air he's taking in from running. The last you saw him, he was sitting beside you at the ceremony, holding your hand tightly in his and rubbing his thumb in circles against the back of your hand for encouragement and giving you tiny squeezes every now and then, while you held his hand lamely and gave him weak smiles every time he looked over at you with sadness in his eyes. He gave you the strongest and longest squeeze when Liam kissed Madeleine on the lips for the first time, officially declaring them man and wife. Since then, you felt like you needed some space, since a usually-cheery Maxwell giving you all these pitying looks was too much for you to handle, so you tried avoiding him as much as possible, along with all your other friends.

You smile a sad smile. "I'm just going out for some fresh air, Maxwell. I'm fine, I promise."

Maxwell pouts, his deep blue eyes darkening dolefully. It pains you to see him like this because he's worried about you. Where's the Maxwell you know and love, remaining optimistic and bubbly in any situation? It definitely would've made you feel at least a little better to see that his mood hasn't changed, but now he's much too preoccupied with concern for you to even bother with his mischief, intentional or not. "But you're not fine. You're my best friend, I know when you're not fine. Drake, Hana, me, and even Olivia - we're really worried about you. At least let me keep you company."

You sigh impatiently. "I don't need you all worrying about me. I'm fine. I just want to be alone right now."

Maxwell sighs in return. He knows better than to argue with his little blossom, especially considering how scary you could get when you get angry. Of course, you’ve never once directed your anger at him, but he didn't want to keep pushing your buttons and find out what it would be like on the receiving end of it. So he concedes - if only a little.

"Okay. I'll let you go... on one condition." His lips split into a wily grin. You roll your eyes, cursing whatever it is you said about missing his mischief, because there’s a time and a place for that, and this is definitely not either of the two. Even so, you cross your arms, knowing there's no way you can stubborn your way out of this one.

At this point in time, Liam and Madeleine have separated from each other completely with a mutual curtsy as their dance and the music comes to an end, and the nobles circled around them begin to clap and cheer.

In the midst of the applauding nobles, Maxwell says, "If you're really fine.." he holds a hand out to you, the corners of his mouth turned up in a full-fledged smile that reaches his once-again bright eyes, "you'll dance with me."

You start to turn around exasperatedly. "Maxwell, I don't have time for this -"

Before you can turn around completely, Maxwell has already grabbed your hand, pulling you back around slightly to face him. "Come on, it'll be fun! Don't you remember how fun it was practicing it together? We can show Liam and Madeleine how the Cordonian Waltz is really done."

You sigh and avert your eyes from his expectant ones. Despite Bertrand's ever-growing list of complaints and critiques about your footwork as he observed you both, you did have a lot of fun dancing with Maxwell; he was an amazing dancer and an even better partner, always encouraging you and patiently guiding you every step of the way, literally. And he always managed to make it fun, what with his goofy faces and terrible puns - that is, until Bertrand would reprimand him to stop and ‘train his face’ so he would regard you stoically, as is customary with the dance - or at least Bertrand thinks so.

By the time you've mastered it enough to do it for fun, it felt as though some of his talent and confidence rubbed off on you, and you were more than grateful to him for being such a great teacher. Perhaps, in a way, this would be paying him back.

Against your better judgement, you sigh again and cave to his demands. He cheers and pulls you to the dance floor without missing a beat, barreling through and knocking your body against clusters of several nobles and evoking annoyed outbursts in the process.

Luckily, the two of you have reached the dance floor by the time the next song begins, all angry nobles aside. You recognize it as a pop song you’ve heard back in America a few years ago - perhaps it was selected for its time signature, perfect for waltzing. It’s quite a strange selection when you consider the people involved, especially since this is a royal ceremony, but the fact that you recognize it will make it easier for you to get comfortable, so you won’t be tempted to look over at Liam and Madeleine every two seconds.

Maxwell smiles down at you and pulls you in closer to him, one of his hands acting as a gentle presence on the small of your back, while you lace one of your hands in his opposite hand and place your other hand on his back just under his arm. The good thing about this dance is that there’s no Bertrand here to nitpick every move you make - you’re not the only ones on the dance floor, nor are you the focus of the dance itself, so you don’t have to worry about ‘performing’. Like Maxwell told you, it’d be fun. You take a deep breath and surrender under his gentle hold, allowing him and the music to take you away and lead you into the first move, the box step.

I’d never gone with the wind Just let it flow Let it take me where it wants to go ‘Till you open the door There’s so much more I’ve never seen it before

You feel Maxwell’s hand applying a gentle pressure on the inside of your palm, and thanks to your various lessons, it automatically registers in your head to begin to move backwards, so you do, and he follows your lead. Throughout all your lessons, though, you’ve never once noticed how soft and warm his hand feels against yours. It had simply never occurred to you - it was like a new feeling entirely. You squeeze his hand and look up at him through your eyelashes shyly, and he responds with a smile, leaning in to whisper in your ear, “You look wonderful tonight."

You giggle and feel heat rushing up to your cheeks from the compliment. You’re more than used to getting compliments from Maxwell, but somehow, this one was different. More.. intimate. “Thank you,” you say bashfully in return.

I was trying to fly, but I couldn’t find wings But you came along and you changed everything.

You lift my feet off the ground, you spin me around You make me crazier, crazier.

As these lyrics play, he quite literally leads you into a spin on your tippy-toes that could dizzy anyone, but you’ve trained for this; you’re accustomed to the dizziness by now, and you know to focus on something stationary to ground yourself, so you pick Maxwell. You feel yourself being lifted off the ground in accordance with the lyrics, and squeal with glee because nobody's stopping you, not even the guests dancing around you, and because Maxwell's never done this during your lessons, lest he get a tongue-lashing from Bertrand. But he doesn't have to worry about him now. It's all about you both, and it isn't at the same time. His bright eyes capture yours as you're giggling and squealing and it's as if you're weightless, soaring through the air, free as a bird - you never knew Maxwell was this strong. But the moment is short lived, because he unceremoniously plops you back down on the ground, winded. Looks like he isn't that strong after all.

Feels like I'm falling and I I'm lost in your eyes You make me crazier, crazier.

Maxwell blows a tuft of hair out of his face and smiles at you sheepishly. "Sorry," he says, quickly taking you in his arms again and leading you into the next move, a slower twirl. You can't help but chuckle and shake your head, saying, "It's okay. I was gonna tell you that I didn't know you were packing so much heat under that button-down, but I guess I stand corrected." Maxwell chuckles bashfully in return, leading you back into the box step.

I watched from a distance as you Made life your own Every sky was your own kind of blue And I wanted to know How that would feel And you made it so real. You showed me something that I couldn't see You opened my eyes and you made me believe.

As the chorus repeats, Maxwell begins to spin you again, but knows better now than to bite off more than he can chew and lift you this time. But lo and behold, you focus your gaze on Liam and Madeleine as you spin, and it's like something's knocked the breath out of you as soon as you see how close they are now. You hate yourself for feeling this way. You know what they have is not, and never will be, real. So why does it bother you so much? You suppose it's because they got their happy ending and you didn't, and it just isn't fair. Watching them for so long makes you lose your footing, so you collapse into Maxwell's arms, dizzy. Luckily, he's quick enough to catch you.

"Hey, hey," he says, rubbing your back and tilting you forward so you can stand on your two feet again, "I've got you." But you don't budge. You keep yourself splayed against his chest, burrowing your head deep enough that you can hear his heartbeat, whose rhythm is slowly but surely picking up.

"W-what's wrong?" He babbles, obviously flustered, but making no move to remove you from his chest. He doesn't wait for an answer, though - all he has to do is look beyond you to see Liam and Madeleine, and he knows. He sets his jaw in consternation.

"I just... wish I never put so much faith in fairytale endings,” you say, your voice muffled from speaking against his chest. “I should've known they could never happen to someone like me."

"What do you mean?" Maxwell questions, sounding genuinely oblivious.

Baby, you showed me what living is for. I don't wanna hide anymore.

You pull yourself away from his chest to face him, tears brimming in your eyes and your voice shaking like a leaf. "Don't you get it, Max? I'm nothing special. I'm just some nobody waitress who grew up in some nobody town. I don't know anything about royalty or being royal beyond Disney movies and Henry VIII's wives. I don't have a title or fortune to my name, and because of that, I lost out on my happy ending. I'm starting to wonder why I even thought I could ever get it in the first place."

Maxwell's face begins to become more sorrowful. "Hey, don't say that -"

You cut him off. "Don't say what? The truth? You said Bertrand had faith in me, but I know he's always seen me as the nobody I've always been, and always will be. So does everyone else in this God forsaken country. They don't think I deserve a happy ending, and it's time I realize that they're ri-"

And just then, as the chorus plays one last time, you feel Maxwell's hands on your cheeks, pulling your face to his and pressing his lips feverishly to yours. You're rendered momentarily immobilized by this gesture, powerless to do anything but close your eyes and relish how soft his lips feel meshing against yours.

But just as suddenly as it started, it ends the same way. Maxwell yanks himself away from you, looking completely startled. You can still feel him lingering on your lips. “Oh, God, I’m so sorry. I’m such a screw-up, I’m sorry, I-“

“Maxwell,” you cut him off abruptly, reaching up slightly to brush his cheek and to turn his head a little to face you, his longing eyes holding the image of a rolling sea under the moonlight. “It’s okay.”

He uses his thumb to rub away a dried stream of tears from your cheek. “I just can’t stand hearing you talk like that. I think you’re amazing, and you’re the strongest person I know. I’m really sorry you had to go through this tonight, but I know your happy ending is out there waiting for you to find it. That’s a promise.”

As the song comes to an end, you let go of him, offer him a mutual curtsy, and a “M’lord” and “Milady” exchange, but when he looks up, he does not meet your eyes.

“So. A deal’s a deal,” he says flatly.

“What do you mean?” You ask, furrowing your eyebrows.

“I said I’d leave you alone if you danced with me, and you did. So if you need me, I’ll be on the rooftop.” He doesn’t even give you a chance to respond - he just pivots on his feet and eases his way through the crowd, towards the elegant spiral staircase to the rooftop. It doesn’t take you too long to lose sight of him completely.

With that, you’re left feeling lost and completely confused, and that damn tingly feeling still on your lips. What kind of guy kisses you like that and exalts you to the moon, only to leave you so abruptly? Sure, a deal was a deal, but you never would’ve expected him to actually leave you alone after something like that - especially not Maxwell. What the hell is up with him?

Meanwhile, out of the corner of your eye, you see two people seemingly fighting over a microphone - or, rather, one person is pushing the microphone in someone’s face, while the other is pushing it away from their face. When you walk towards them to get a closer look, you see that it’s Drake and the wedding officiator, probably fighting over the best man’s speech.

“Look,” you hear Drake say, “If you think I’m going to put on a show and say some bottom of my heart nonsense about that viper, you’re out of your damn mind, friend. I’m only doing this for Liam, so I’ll only acknowledge Liam, got it?”

The officiator shakes his head and shoves an index card in Drake’s face, most likely listing what it is he should say to the royal couple. Drake responds with, “And how am I supposed to wish them ‘fertility and prosperity’? She probably lays eggs.“

At this point, the officiator has given up, throwing the card aside and muttering something about commoners as he walks away. Now that he’s out of eyeshot, Drake, currently nursing a glass of whiskey, spots you and waves you over, so you take a seat beside him.

“What’s up, New York?" he says to you, sliding you a glass of champagne with one hand as his opposite arm is slung around the crest rail of the chair. "Haven’t seen you since the ceremony.”

“Oh, you know,” you say, shrugging and looking dejectedly into the glass, “I’ve been here and there.”

He lowers his head a little to look into your eyes. “You holding up okay? I realize how hard this must be on you.”

You keep your eyes trained on the bubbles in the honey-colored liquid as they drift to the surface. “I’m fine. Just confused, is all.”

“About?”

Finally, you turn to face him, wrapping your fingers around the stem of the glass.“Well… say you were in my situation. How would you feel if your best friend just kinda kissed you after you were whining about never getting a happy ending just to get you to shut up because he thinks the world of you, apparently, and then just runs away?”

Drake raises his eyebrows, his eyes widening almost comically. “Wait.. don’t tell me this is about Maxwell.”

“The one and only," you say into your glass as you take a sip.

He mirrors you and takes a sip of his whiskey, still looking surprised. Then he chuckles. “Jeez. That’s definitely something. Never knew he had it in him.”

“What do you mean?” you ask warily, setting the glass down.

“Well, to me, it sounds a lot like Maxwell’s holding a torch for you, but doesn’t know how to deal with it. Explains why he kissed you so out of the blue like that, and then left you so easily. He might’ve been embarrassed or afraid he’d come on too strong, especially after all that’s happened to you. This might be his way of giving you time to breathe, out of character as it is for him.”

You furrow your eyebrows pensively and stare at your glass again. Maxwell? Holding a torch for you? That couldn't be right. He's acted as nothing but a good friend to you all this time, always there when you needed him. In fact, he was always the first one there when you needed him. When you left for your flight back to New York after the Coronation, he was the first one at the airport - along with Bertrand, of course. But you remembered what he said to you as he wrapped an arm around your shoulders; "We could never forget about you! We came here as soon as we could." It was so like all the other encouraging things he's said to you, yet so.. distinct at the same time. It was exactly what you needed to hear.

After a while, you realize you've drifted off. Drake waves a hand in front of your face. "Earth to New York, do you read me?" he asks in a deadpan tone. You shake your head and blink a few times, apologizing.

"So now that you've had some time to breathe and reflect.. allow me to pick your brain. How do you feel about all that's happened?" he says, crossing his arms. It's now that you realize that Drake could be an excellent therapist.

You shrug noncommittally. "It's.. really strange, actually. I'm.. picking up on little things that happened throughout our relationship." You then go on to list the various sprinkles of things that you've discounted before, like when you danced with him and told him there was no place you'd rather be, and he said you shouldn't talk like that, because you're here to become queen on behalf of House Beaumont. You tell Drake how great of a friend Maxwell has been to you, always there to pick you up when you're down, and how he's always been your number one cheerleader, no matter what. Liam might've wanted to be there for you after the events of the Coronation, but the fact of the matter is that he wasn't. You didn't resent him for it, but his intentions didn't make you feel any less alone or hurt. At least you found solace in the fact that Maxwell was there for you, if no one else.

You also tell Drake about how Adelaide told you two how cute you looked together, and you joked around saying you did, while he got flustered, but played along anyway. Then, when Penelope was looking for a bachelor, she wondered if she and Maxwell would make a good match, but you tell Drake that you disagreed and listed qualities of someone you thought was his type, and how her saying, 'Someone like you?' really caught you off guard. It wasn't what you meant to insinuate at all, but when you thought back on it.. perhaps those qualities did sound a bit like you.

And then.. there was the camping trip. You regale Drake on all that happened inside the tent with Maxwell - how you tackled him and how nice hugging him felt and how you suggested you cuddle to keep the ghosts away. You may not have been afraid of any ghosts like he was, but you still felt safe there with him.

Finally, you tell Drake how you felt something while you danced with Maxwell tonight. Something was different from all the times you've danced with him before. Perhaps it was the way he complimented you - sure, he always compliments you, but something about it felt different this time. It seems to have touched you in a different way.

You don't understand why it took you this long to figure out, but maybe there really is something between you both. Perhaps it was all the crazy things happening at court and you being too focused on trying to clear your name and secure your rightful happy ending to pick up on all of this, but now you know you have to tell Maxwell.. something.

All the while, Drake nods intently, taking sips of his whiskey. "Well, wherever he is, I'm sure he's waiting for you, so..."

You smile and reach over the seat to wrap your arms around Drake's shoulder in a sort of awkward, yet tight, hug. He's stiff against you at first, most likely taken aback by the randomness of the gesture, but he embraces you back after a while. "Thanks, Drake. I won't forget this."

"Heh. As if I'd let you," he says as you get up and wave at him from over your shoulder, heading towards the elegant spiral staircase that leads out to the rooftop.

The rooftop offers a gorgeous, expansive view of Cordonia. Cute little townhomes dot the hills with their lively light. Crickets chirp above the light hum of the music downstairs, and you catch sight of Maxwell standing at the railing, looking out at the deep purple night sky. It shimmers with stars, a quite unusual appearance in a region polluted with light, but beautiful nonetheless.

You walk towards him and place your elbows on the railing, joining him as you gaze out at the full moon. If he notices your presence, he makes no indication.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" You say suddenly. Maxwell jerks away from you with a yelp, startled. Looks like he really didn't expect to see you here.

"Sorry, sorry," you say with a light chuckle, remembering how jumpy he could get.

"It's okay. But, yeah.. it really is." You would think he's referring to the sky as he says this, but instead, he's looking over at you with this longing in his eyes, taking you in as if for the first time. You notice his Adam's apple bobbing.

Before you can open your mouth to say anything, he begins to speak. "Look, I just wanted to apologize. For everything. I know I'm a screw-up, and I only made your situation worse by kissing you after all that's happened. I just.. didn't want to keep hearing you talk about happy endings you won't ever get when it's not true."

He pauses to shut his eyes and take a deep breath, then starts again. "I don't know how it happened, but somewhere down the line, I fell for you. I kept it to myself because I didn't want anything getting in the way of you getting the crown... especially not me. I never would've been able to forgive myself. But now that that's gone.. that just leaves us. I know I don't have everything. I can't give you that fairytale ending. But I want to at least give you a happy one... if you'll let me."

"Maxwell.." you breathe.

He keeps going. "If not, that's okay, too. I know you must want some time to yourself after all this. You can take all the time you need. But, again, I'm sorry for everything. I'm sorry for confusing you. I'm sorry for being a screw-up. I'm sorry -"

You decide to rudely interrupt Maxwell's pity party with a kiss equally as sudden and passionate as the one he's given you just moments before, cupping his cheeks. Once you trace your tongue along his lower lip, it doesn't take him long to relent at all. You feel his arms encircling your waist as the kiss deepens, and the brisk evening wind is completely nullified with the warmth of his body against yours.

"Stop apologizing. You promised me I'd find my happy ending, and now I’m realizing that it's been disguised as my best friend all along," you say once you pull away, your hands resting on the nape of his neck. You lean in for another kiss, but he places his hands on yours, stopping you.

"What is it?" You ask.

His cheeks are pink and his eyes are bugged out in his traditional flustered expression. Never in your life have you ever seen anything more adorable. "Well, I just.. uhhh.. was wondering if this means you.. like me, like me," he stammers.

"Depends. Does this mean you like me, like me?" You tease.

"It does," he says without a moment's hesitation, smiling as though he's won the lottery.

"So there's your answer, silly," you say, loping your fingers through his hair and pulling him in for another kiss.

[markleetrashh]

Nct as Youtubers

Request: Do you think that maybe you could do short headcannons of the members as youtubers please?? Like, you said in the makeup voiceovers that they were also on YouTube but didn’t really describe in depth what they’re like so maybe that could be a thing(??) sorry if it doesn’t make sense

A/N: i hope this is what you were looking for!! i’m sorry if it’s short or repetitive, this was so fun to write, i hope you enjoy reading!

——

Taeil:

started out his channel for fun

mostly makes song covers & also tag videos

didn’t thought his videos would blow up

when he realised he was shookt??

because he’s such an awkward bun, his videos usually consists of his friends

and they help him out a lot because when he’s on his own filming most of the time he doesn’t know what to do or say

tries his best to reply to comments

when people recognizes him irl he gets all blushy and shy

“i’m not that popular!! you’re all so sweet”

we all know you are taeil

Hansol:

that one youtuber who posts random videos at the weirdest timings

his videos range from dance covers, to vlogs, to gaming then to even unboxing videos

despite all that he still gains much attention?

hardly ever talks in his videos but when he does all his subscribers get heart palpitations because wow

dance covers gets the most views and likes because they’re always on point?

promotes his channel on his instagram

random posts with captions

“new video”

“✌✌ video?”

see what i did there hansol he needs to stop with his peace signs

another one who’s awkward when fans recognize him in real life

but if they ask for pictures he wouldn’t mind so!!

Johnny:

mostly reaction videos

and probably many vlogs too

gaming occasionally, but only when he’s with his friends

has the funniest and most dramatic reactions to videos ever

tries to make his subscribers by making puns and jokes

“i guess you could say… that video was pun-believable”

daily updates on social medias

“how are all of you doing today? the weather’s great so i hope you all are well!”

doesn’t reply to every comment but he likes them

treats his fans like family and tries to chat with them he can

which is why when one meets him in real life he’s super friendly and tries to start conversations

an angel tbh

Taeyong:

cooking tutorial videos

alongside with song covers too

sometimes he writes his own songs and lyrics too

often goes live so that he’s able to chat with his fans

one of the most genuine and sweetest youtubers!!

would reply to every one of the comments, and he never forgets to thank them for their support

“I’m stressed & tired” captions on his social media websites always scare fans but turns out it’s only because of the other boys

gets all shy when people recognize him

even when he’s rushing for time he wouldn’t hesitate to take photos or chat with his fans

the youtuber you just want to protect with everything tbh

Yuta:

gamer

also makes prank videos occasionally

and probably also videos on current issues/problems

and he shows so many different sides his fans love it,

especially when he talks about current issues he gets all smart & serious and is so good with his words he leaves everyone shookt

but on prank videos he’s all giggly and immature laughing at his successful pranks

while his gamer side can sometimes can aggressive and competitive

but despite all that he’s super sweet to his fans

holds meetups often and treats each of them like angels

smile and laughter can brighten up anyone’s day

Kun:

mainly vlogs

travelling & visiting ones to be exact, together with his friends

takes really good videography and editing is on point too

another one who’s smile could make anyone’s heart burst

always recommending new places for people to go to, be it cafes or countries to visit

kun’s recommendations are trustable™

loves hyping his friends up in videos

doesn’t hesitate in promoting their channels too

deserves so much more subscribers & views

Doyoung:

versatile videos too

song covers, reaction videos, vlogs, challenges & tag videos

is really well known for his talking skills and his intelligence

and also his sweet voice who puts people to sleep

cherishes friendships and often shows it in videos where he vlogs about outings with them

updates daily for fans too and tells them how much he’s grateful for them

also asks them for suggestion for new videos

probably nags at and gets upset with his fans when they do something that isn’t too his liking

“you all waited in the rain for an hour because of me??? what if you all fell sick omg please don’t do that again”

but it’s because he cares and loves them so

Ten:

king of dance covers

makes dance tutorials too

when people want to learn a dance, ten’s videos would always help because they’re so on point?

random videos of him in stores and supermarkets

with him being amazed by new things he sees or learns about

attempts to make cooking videos too but fails

almost burnt himself and was caught on tape, uploaded on youtube & viewed by morw than hundreds of people

his fans’ words give him energy and he’s always thanking them

a little shy when gets recognized but he doesn’t show it, only that cheeky smile on his face

Jaehyun:

hypebeast who makes videos of new clothes he got and hauls too

random late night videos where he answers fans’ questions and it’s just him chilling

food reviews too!!

his favourite videos because you can tell he gets all excited when he sees food

makes sure to update every week so his subscribers will be well fed

loves having live videos too because he’s able to interact with fans

holds giveaways for subscribers every time he reaches a milestone

acts all calm when people recognize him

but inside he’s super happy and excited because he feels extremely loved?

likes photos that fans uploaded together with him,

making them go even crazier

WinWin:

that one youtuber who’s always being complimented and praised by other youtubers

because he’s super sweet and soft?

pretty boy who shows off his face routines and tag videos

because he’s so shy he finds it hard filming videos alone too

which is why he calls his friends to join his videos

aka kun

they often go shopping together and you can tell he looks super happy and excited

vlogs about his daily life and has the cutest edits ever

even more shy in real life, he’d get super embarrassed and shy, cheeks flushed red if he notices people recognizing him

but he’d feel bad for rejecting them so he takes photos with them anyways

super cute

Mark:

endless talents and seems to be able to do everything?

playing the guitar, song/rap covers, reaction videos, dance covers, gaming

he’s able to film quality videos

and at the same time he’s super humble and sweet it makes others love him more

has many collabs with other youtubers

his fans are blessed because they’ll always be a video related to him

a super shy ball in actual fact

when he does live videos he already gets all blushy and red when people compliment him

irl you can actually see him wanting to hide and run away because he’s super shy when it comes to compliments

but also tries to be friendly and talk to his fans when he can

Renjun:

mostly posts videos at night

so his subscribers can fall asleep soundly after watching his videos

mostly reviews

on clothes, food and other things

smile is the sweetest thing you’ll ever see

is also the softest when it comes to his fans

sometimes would also post short korean classes too

and his drawing videos

just really calm and satisfying videos honestly

super happy when he receives positive comments

still your no.1 moomin fan who has a big moomin plushie in his background of videos all the time

Jeno:

videos that are guaranteed to make you smile

like him playing with puppies and small fuffly animals

or even interacting with children at playgrounds in his vlogs

they’re guaranteed to make you s o f t

an angel who smiles and laughs at everything

super positive!!!

tries his best to reply to every comment and prove to fans that they’re noticed

mainly just vlogs of his daily life

but he’s always super cute in videos so!!

still the same angel irl because he’d be the one suggesting to take photos

and probably give you autographs too

sweetest little thing ever

Haechan:

games often

and always wins in games for some reason

also many prank videos too

and they’re always super creative and new

and you can see the look of satisfaction on his face whenever he succeeds in pranking his friends

really strong bond with his fans

they’d probably have inside jokes too

“thank you for always supporting your handsome donghyuck”

never runs out of ideas for videos

and loves it most when people leave positive comments

it makes him all happy and excited like a small child

and he’s ten times cuter irl like that because he’d have the biggest smile ever with his pink cheeks??

Jaemin:

does weird challenges

and probably being a meme in every video

with thousands of different expressions ready for his fans to screenshot and use

also does tutorial videos

and tag videos

he loves talking and discussing about popular topics and sharing his opinions

loves spreading positive vibes too

super flirty & sweet with his subscribers

calls them his babies??

would occasionally film vlogs so as to show his fans his life

which is usually just him being that same meme and having fun

i miss him dkdndn

Chenle:

super energetic and fun

when you watch his videos, they’d immediately cheer you up because he’s always so happy?

makes reaction videos a lot

which ends up in his fans mentioning how their ear drums ache everytime they watch them because his dolphin laughs and screams

loves taking videos of sceneries and views during vlogs

but other times vlogs would just consist of his face

“my handsome is enough for you all”

knows he’s popular but still gets shy when he’s noticed

he’d always give that same cheerful laughter and thank his fans for their support

Jisung:

dance covers

ten is his role model

would film freestyle dances and also dances he’d choreographed and ask fans for their opinions

occasionally, he’d also film tag and challenge videos so his fans are able to know him better

super shy at first but as time goes by he opens up and he’d joke around a lot

still a child who gets fascinated and amazed by new things

still learning and is trying his best for his channel

which is why he’s super happy when he sees the amount of support and love he gets

making him blush like mad all the time

[magnetic-force-of-a-may]

Now I See Daylight: Lover is Taylor Swift’s Brightest Glow-Up

I wrote a ~2,000 word review of Lover. I’m so proud of you @taylorswift buddy, and as someone who majored in literature, I always like to close-read and write about the art I appreciate. and I love love lover, and I hope you’ll like my review (skip to the last paragraph if it’s too long hehe). <3 @taylornation   The musical event of my year transpired last night when Taylor Swift released her hotly anticipated 7th studio album, Lover. It’s Taylor’s 13th year in the game, my 11th year as a Swiftie, and we’ve both never been better. After dancing/crying/listening to Lover since last night, I’m finally ready to write my review of this triumphant, exuberant pop masterpiece.

It’s been a whirlwind past few months, from five holes in the fence to the star-studded, not-without-controversy YNTCD to the gorgeous title track that is “Lover.” As always, Taylor and her team have orchestrated a business-savvy album roll-out, complete with an elaborate, year-long, Easter Egg hunt. There is always much speculation about a Taylor Swift album, and a marketing campaign structured around clues is a smart way of creating the speculation, shifting listeners’ attention somewhere productive; in this case, re-watching the “ME!” music video over and over to catch all the eggs and amp up the video’s views. But to hear Lover in its entirety at the end of an Easter Egg journey is ultimately rewarding and intimate. “I am an architect, I’m drawing up the plans,” sings Taylor in “I Think He Knows.” The Lover era confirms her skills as a powerful architect; she builds speculation, constructs masterful bridges (she really went to “bridge city” with many songs on this album), and shows no signs of stopping.

The opening track, “I Forgot You Existed,” is an understated earworm that essentially bids the reputation era (and the Kimye drama of 2016) adieu. “It isn’t love, it isn’t hate, it’s just indifference,” Taylor shrugs. Vocally, the song has a colloquial quality; throughout, Taylor speaks, laughs, even trails off. It’s the equivalent of the throat-clearing that launched Track 1 of reputation, “Ready For It.” The first and essentially last song about “drama” on Lover, “I Forgot You Existed” clears the path for the 17 raw, emotional tracks to come.

The immediate next track, “Cruel Summer,” is an absolute pop-bop that immediately takes us to the higher register (Taylor in soprano-mode is sublime). It’s likely the next single (Tay teased the title in the YNTCD video and in a recent Amazon ad). This is the first song on the album that takes us to BRIDGE CITY—Tay practically screams “he looks up, grinning like a devil” in the bridge, and it’s amazing. We get to hear several New Taylor Sounds in this album, and it’s a lovely surprise each time. The trumpet(?) tease that opens “False God” and the way Tay sings “lo-o-o-o-ve” in the chorus prove that it’s all in the details. Structurally, the song staggers the lyrics in the chorus, such that each bleeds into the next (“Religion’s in your lips / Even if it’s a false god.” The religious imagery in Taylor’s past two albums is fascinating). Something similar happens, with even more syncopation (and brass!), in “It’s Nice to Have a Friend,” which is the grown-up, dreamier version of “Mary’s Song.” Speaking of the debut album, the way Taylor sings the bridge of “Cornelia Street” (“Barefoot in the kitchen…”) sounds just like the chorus of “Invisible.” Are these callbacks to her debut album coincidental? Knowing Taylor, likely not.

Indeed, many moments in Lover remind us that the old Taylor is far from dead, as she previously proclaimed in LWYMMD. "Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince” makes a direct reference to Tay’s song from the Hannah Montana movie (I looove “Crazier”), and in “Daylight” she sings that she used to think of love as being “burning red,” a lyric from “Red.” And Track 12 of Lover, “Soon You’ll Get Better,” is like Track 12 of Fearless, “The Best Day” (one of my all-time favs)—both are songs about Taylor’s mom, Andrea Swift, who is currently battling cancer. “Soon You’ll Get Better” is the album’s #1 tear-jerker, and features Andrea’s favorite band, The Dixie Chicks. It’s the closest thing to country on the album.  

But on Lover, we are undeniably listening to a new Taylor who brings the storytelling traditions of country into the energetic world of pop. This Taylor writes about love from a stronger place of growth and self-confidence. You know that meme that goes, “I’m you but stronger”? That’s Lover to Taylor’s early discography. Tay’s confidence jumps out clearly in ME!, which was the first single Taylor released on 4.26 and honestly still one of my favorite tracks from the album (catch me yelling “HEY, KIDS! SPELLING IS FUN! on tour). I truly love Brendon Urie’s part in that song. Although “ME!”might have a reputation for being a “kids’ bop,” it channels a form of self-awareness that we also get on “Afterglow,” which is about a lover who understands her own flaws: “It’s all me, in my head.” Both “Afterglow” and “ME!” speak to the beauty and possibility of experiencing a storm with someone and recovering together afterwards, be it in the rain or in the light. It’s not just self-awareness that Taylor demonstrates on Lover, but also social awareness—this is the year she finally became vocally political, after all. “YNTCD” was her first LGBTQ anthem. Although some have accused Tay of “queerbaiting” (there’s always some flaw to pick out, isn’t there), the song is truly Taylor’s love letter as an ally to the LGBTQ community. Then there’s “The Man,” which slams the patriarchy by imagining a world in which Taylor is not a woman, but a man. “If I was out flashing my dollars I’d be a bitch, not a baller,” she sings. She also gives Leo Dicaprio a well-deserved roast; while Taylor’s dating life has received extensive scrutiny, tabloids don’t hate on “Leo in Saint-Tropez” the way they lambast Taylor for ‘serial-dating.’ “The Man” also sounds very much like HAIM’s “Forever” (“Dress” on reputation gave me HAIM vibes too). And I’ll forever stan Taylor x HAIM.

In Red, Taylor sings “Stay Stay Stay” to someone who later likely breaks her heart. Interestingly, the song on Lover that sounds like a musical echo to that track is “Paper Rings,” an adrenaline rush of a song about getting married. The song is another perfect 60s bop, and I love all the counting that happens in the song; it lyrically and spiritually channels the “you’re the only one I want” energy from Grease. “I like shiny things,” sings Taylor (we know) “but I’d marry you with paper rings.” And theother elephant-in-the-room song about marriage is of course “Lover,” which has literal wedding vows in its beautiful bridge. Of the three marriage-related songs on this album, “Lover” wins my heart (and it’s Taylor’s favorite song that she’s ever written, I hear). It’s a beautiful ballad that comes straight from the heart. Like the best Taylor Swift songs, it’s personal. We get straight to the time and place, like in “Cornelia Street,” the street on which Taylor used to live. In fact, the song’s melody seems to share the same musical pattern as “Delicate,” and some fans even speculate that the “third floor on the West side” from “Delicate” is on Cornelia Street. Another song is that is very location-specific is “London Boy,” which is a personal favorite for its allusion-heavy lyrics and catchy beat. I know that some Londoners are shaking their heads at the lyrics, but oh well—it’s a cute nod to Taylor’s current boyfriend of three years, Joe Alwyn, who (if you haven’t figured it out by now) is the inspiration behind many of the songs on this album.  Another standout, should-be-a-single track is the aforementioned “Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince,” which demonstrates Tay’s exquisite, imaginative storytelling style and mastery of metaphor (“Getaway Car” was the masterful-metaphor song on reputation). I could really write a paper on these lyrics. The Guardian seems to think it’s about living in Trump’s America? It’s a song that, along with “The Archer,” is reminiscent of Lana Del Rey’s dreamy pop (although the latter, while lyrically lovely, has yet to totally grow on me). Taylor has long been outspoken about her love for Lana’s music (they also share a producer: the amazing Jack Antonoff). If this means that Taylor’s music is beginning to take on a slightly indie-rock quality, I’m not complaining. For instance, “Death by a Thousand Cuts” has a slightly Vampire Weekend-quality to it, especially with the freestyle piano tinkling that emerges towards the chorus. But it would be remiss for me to compare Taylor to other artists (although maybe this at least proves that I listen to other music hahahahahah). As she sings in “ME!”, she’s the only one of her(!), and Lover proves this to a T (see what I did there?). From the records it broke even before release day to the pop perfection we’re getting on every track, Lover is bold and brassy, and Taylor knows it.

A few months ago, Taylor wrote in an Elle listicle that she has learned to “step into the daylight and let it go.” That line has indeed revealed itself to be a lyric from the final track of Lover, “Daylight,” a 5-minute long song that beautifully closes the album. “I don’t wanna look at anything else now that I saw you,” sings Taylor to her lover. But she also ends with a monologue: “You are what you love.” For Taylor, to love someone is to also love yourself. And that message of self-love radiates throughout Lover.

Earlier this year, I read an article with the headline, “Sad Taylor Swift is the Best Taylor Swift.” While it’s true that artistic production does often come from places of suffering and heartbreak, Lover steps into the daylight and delivers songs on an album that is wonderfully bright. The album cover, shot by the talented Valheria Rocha, captures the softness and loveliness of this glow. In Lover, Taylor is not our heartbreak princess. And we don’t want her to be, either. She’s braver than “Fearless,” and she’s more than simply “Clean.” I’d like to argue that Taylor is at her best at her brightest, which is to say at her clearest and cleverest. She’s someone who shines, inside and out, in her music and in her life. The illuminating, skin-clearing grace that she delivers on Lover lights up my room. This review is glowing, and so is Lover.

[scummy-writes]

(1/2) I don't know if you've been asked this before, but what are your thoughts on the story and script quality of MM? Personally I thought it was fine, a good balance between drama and comedy, until the secret endings. The secret endings felt awfully like an effort to "rail-road" the story, to the point of reducing MC's role to less than a bit character, and the resolution itself was kinda rushed. I do agree with your opinion on V that, ultimately, it was necessary for him to die in the story

(2/2) But his character suffers because of the terrible handling of ANOTHER character: Rika. It's obvious that she was meant to be a tragic, sympathetic character but falls short of the "show, don't tell" trope because the game never shows us why, only spelling it to us via the other characters that she used to be a sweet person (and even that is dubious). Compare Saeran, who comes off as crazier but garners sympathy by *actually* showing us how he used to be and why he's like that now

(3/3, got longer than expected) The complete lack of consequence was more of a pet peeve, as I find it unlikely that after the meltdown at Mint Eye hq there wasn't any police investigation or testimony sheding light over what happened. That could have been easily handled by showing Seven or Jumin intervening (they would). So yeah, sorry for barreling you with this lol, I just love discussing narrative tropes and found your thoughts on V and Rika very interesting

It’s okay! I like trying to discuss this kinda stuff! It’sfun! I think they’re called Metas?

This might be a little long! As a side note, this is just mypersonal onion about the whole thing. In no way do you have to agree, nor do Iexpect anyone to. 

In terms of storytelling and scripts, I think that for anotome phone game it does a good job. Maybe arguably great, but nothing ‘superduper amazing!!’. Don’t mistake my words though, even though it might not bethe best, doesn’t mean I don’t love it to death. I have just seen freebiegames, even with hardly any dialogue, show a more concise and followingstoryline than MM does.

Granted, I think some obvious faults come from translationerrors, or maybe forgotten notes on characters. A small example that I’ve knowngo around a bunch is Yoosung complaining that he can’t type well on histouchscreen, when in CGs and the RFA handbook we know Yoosung has a flip-phone.So, excluding those kinds of mistakes, which I believe can happen when you havemultiple people working on one game, the main storytelling is a little messy attimes. I think a lot of that has to deal with the fact that they tried to makeeach route vastly different.

For replay value, and to make each route special, they didhave to have them different. And I think a good way to see it is that all ofthe characters routes are AU’s against the True Route, which is Seven’s.Because of this, we sometimes run into the characters acting vastly differentat times, and we’re left to scrape up all these ‘facts’ and try to use those tobuild-on to these characters. At times this is difficult, because they cancounter each other. Usually its small things, but I think there’s a bit ofinformation that gets missed about Rika because of this. Like with the factthat she was adopted by Yoosung’s aunt and uncle, apparently. I think that’sonly mentioned on one route, and referenced in the VIP book where her sectionof family is literally scribbled out, but if we didn’t run into that, we wouldbe left to assume that Rika is Yoosung’s cousin by blood.

Which…Is weird because I think he may say that he’s relatedto Rika by blood during a moment where he’s angry at V.

(Don’t even get me started on how Rika isn’t even her name?Apparently??)

In a way, the storytelling is a bit creative on a wholebecause of that. They change it up so you’re not bored replaying new routes,and so you get to possibly see other sides of characters, but it does fuck someinformation up about the characters themselves at times. There’s probably moreexamples than what I gave.

Though they did manage to make each character soundrespectfully different through the dialogue alone. Not the voice actors, butthe written dialogue. I know there have been many times where I’ve seen ascreenshot of a phone call with no context on the caller, and it’s been very easyfor me to figure out who it was in just a few seconds. That takes some skill!

But to tackle the True Route after ends. Unfortunately tosome, Seven is the true route, since Saeran is the main ‘antagonist’ for awhile, next to Rika. In order to give context for Saeran existing, his motives,and to explain Rika’s absence, they made Seven the True Route. (I’m assumingso, anyway). Now, it is true they could have found a way to include each of theroutes to display the information that Seven’s does, but I think it would havebeen a huuuuge fucking mess. It’s much easier to follow and make if they have a‘True Route’. How the game is needed to be played if you want the ‘full’ story.The other routes are just AU’s that can possibly fill in some gaps ifyou know what those gaps are first.

Annd this is where Rika falls in with your ask (that took mesome time ahbfhs). If we don’t play the True Route, we’re left to assume Rikawas a sweet and helpful person who had an aching heart of suffering shewitnessed, and also suffered from what seemed to be depression since shecommitted suicide.

Now, I don’t know about any of you, but because I’m afiction whore, I called that bs out when V always dodged questions about herdeath. Am I always doubting fictional characters since I play detective gamesmainly? ….Probably, but in all honesty I figured there was more to it thanthat.

Then we get to the True Route and the mess that happens inthe After Ends- V revealing she’s not dead, she’s alive, she’s a cult leader,etc etc. We all know what happens in that mess, though with some randomprevious information, we can infer a few things about her that we weren’tdirectly told.

She was most likely very manipulative from the start. Idon’t know if this would be a learned behavior from Rika’s true family, or thereasons she would be adopted later on, but it is briefly mentioned (I think)that her adopted parents regretted taking her in.

She was possibly using V the whole time, and didn’t actuallylove him.

She used the RFA as a front to get Political Leader’s infoto officially jumpstart her ‘perfect’ world one day. (KINDA obvious but Ididn’t realize how serious it was until a bit after I had played the AfterEnds).

Buut, we never know what led to these thoughts and behaviors.We’re just left to assume that it’s either A) Her MIs, or B) A combo of thatand her real family.

There is a high chance they didn’t write a full fledgedbackstory like we get with the others, about their childhoods at least, becauseof the chance of portraying MIs very very very very verypoorly/stereotypically. It could be argued that it was handled poorly as theyhave it now, but it’s still not nearly as bad as other cases I’ve seen.Instead, like you said, we get second hand info from Yoosung and V mainly, abit from Jumin as well.

As for the dramatic throwdown that happened at the HQ, Ithink that went well. It’s true that it could be possible that Seven or Jumincould have had better timing, stopped Saeran from shooting, stopped a lot ofstuff from happening, but I always assumed that they were unable to reach V dueto all of the members blocking their path, and any general hubbub that couldhave been happening due to Jumin’s security slamming in. And, as we’ve noted,that I still think for the story V couldn’t have survived.

However, with the police investigation, I think it’smentioned they purposely avoided that because of the Choi Boys existence. Theywere never supposed to be alive, and were doomed to hide who they were fortheir life. A police investigation would have brought forth that, and for Rikato be arrested and tried, and if that also happened, Choi Boys (again) are atrisk.

I can see how it’s all “There def should have been one”, butunfortunately to some, money can stop that from happening, especially if itskept under wraps. It seems like Jumin, Seven, and the cult members familes tookcare of the others that were affected…I think that’s what happened.

And in terms of MC being kinda pushed to the side during the After End of his route, I think they had to happen in order to tell the whole story. Because the stuff that happened to Seven was never about us to begin with- We just managed to stumble in and make the Choi’s reunion actually take place, but from that point on it’s all about Seven’s past and Saeran’s past, explaining the whole plot of MM. 

I mean, granted, it might have taken years if for them to reunite again, if they ever did, without us. But at the same time, at that point, it’s still not about us or our choices. 

Does any of this make sense? It’s a lot longer than I meantit to be...;;;

[feministformation]

“Wonder Woman” Review

Wonder Woman Review By Krista Kangas

As a huge Wonder Woman fan and expert, this film has been something I have been looking forward to for a loooooong time. However, when I first saw some promotional shots and trailers I was a little upset at a few things, but still kept my hopes high. The origin of Princess Diana (Wonder Woman) has always been the same from 1941-2011. The creator, William Moulton Marston wanted to create a superhero that was as strong as Superman but would win with love. His wife suggested this character should be a woman. As a feminist himself, Marston also thought women should rule the world. So he created Wonder Woman and the Amazons. The Amazons were created by the goddess of love, Aphrodite, to counter the war and hatred of Ares, god of war. In a later story it was a few goddesses that brought life to these Amazons. Wonder Woman herself was molded from clay by the queen of the Amazons, Hippolyta, and breathed life into by the goddess, Aphrodite. (Because the goddesses gave life to the Amazons, this origin is easy to believe and understand) It was goddesses and one god, who gave Diana their powers. I personally like to the think of the one god, Hermes, who gave her flight/speed, as the representation of male feminists fighting alongside women. Now...in The New 52 (2011) goddesses were not a part of her creation. Instead she is the daughter of Zeus, who gave her powers as well. The emphasis goes away from the goddesses and toward one god. On top of that it makes her a ripoff of Hercules. It takes away any unique, female-based origin story. Watching the trailers and posters she looked very much like Xena, warrior princess, which I think instilled further this idea of Wonder Woman just being a hot warrior, and not a Amazon with powers and god-created weapons as well. And the Amazons looked like thin models. The story was also taking place during World War I. While the Golden Age Wonder Woman origin story took place during World War II, I’m not upset about this change. However, since Captain America came out before Wonder Woman, there has unfortunately been some comparisons of her being a “female captain America.” I think a modern day Wonder Woman film (Such as the animated film Wonder Woman in 2009) could have a lot more impact, power and relatability tackling issues today. Although the sequel I’m sure will come out would take place during the current day so you never know...

Spoilers Ahead!!!

To start things off, I found the new D.C. intro interesting. No longer was it the cool comic book pages flipping but just pictures of the members of the Justice League (obviously to promote the new film to come out). The history of the Amazons is seen as weird paintings you might see at a museum, which I thought could have looked better in a different art style or better yet just a flashback. A main part of the film was capturing who Wonder Woman is. At her heart of hearts she truly wants to help people and has love and kindness. The film really shows how important those things are during this horrible war, and not in a mushy or silly kind of way. Which is really important! I think what messed up Man of Steel was the film was trying to make Superman edgy like Batman, but a Superman film isn’t like that. Wonder Woman is also seen as vulnerable because unlike her sisters, she was the only girl on the island and her mother, Queen Hippolyta, did not want her to learn how to fight although her aunt (aka Princess Buttercup from The Princess Bride) did teach her so when her island is attacked, and she didn’t showcase any of her training her aunt taught her, I was a little upset by that. One of my favorite things about Wonder Woman is her comments on society. Since she is from an island of women, and warriors with great education no less, she stands out from all the other women in the early 1900’s. She also has great remarks about men and women, especially in the boat scene between her and Trevor. And when no one else can decipher two languages in a male-only meeting, she just translates, and simply shows up to another important meeting of men-only. While I would have liked to see Wonder Woman use the FULL extent of her powers alongside her fighting skills and weapons, eventually more of her abilities were shown, especially after she gets mad in relation to Steve Trevor’s sacrifice during the fight with Ares. I would be fine with a film that gradually had more of her powers come through based on her progression in life. When Wonder Woman followed Steve Trevor back to London, she had a mission. Ares was responsible for the war and hatred around the world. If she killed Ares with the God Killer sword, all of it would end. Not only did she kill the wrong person, who seemed to be the obvious Ares, the real Ares easily destroyed her sword. When she killed the fake Ares she was baffled the war didn't end because to her she sees things simple. Destroy the heart of evil and it goes away. However, she wasn’t seen as naive, just heartbroken. Throughout the film she is followed by a group of guys who support her, although they don’t believe in this Ares thing, she kind of comes off as this warrior woman that believes in this evil god she has to kill, but oh well, she kills the enemy so we’ll follow her! Which was kind of funny. Now Ares was an interesting casting choice. While I liked the idea that Ares was not someone obvious but rather the most unobvious person, it goes alongside the fact that Ares said he doesn’t create wars but whispers ideas and thoughts to humans who in turn create their own wars. When he talked about ending all of the horrible things in the world and bringing the world back to what is once was before men made it worse, and calls himself the god of truth, not the god of war, you can see how that could be appealing, especially because he comes off as very unintimidating. However, I couldn’t help but think of Professor Lupin in Harry Potter, and I thought the casting could be a little better. Dr. Poison was cool. I liked her casting, but I think she could have been seen as even crazier and even more memorable. Etta Candy in the golden age comics was a short, pudgy girl who ate chocolate and candy. She beat up Nazis alongside the Holiday Girls (a group of college girls) who helped Wonder Woman. In the 1970’s Wonder Woman show Etta Candy is very sweet and also chubby, and the Etta Candy in this is based more of that Etta Candy, but with even more sass and is really fun. Steve Trevor needed to be a big casting choice. And the film nailed it. While in some of the earlier comics Steve just wants Wonder Woman to marry him and isn’t really likeable, Nathan Fillion portrayed him in the animated Wonder Woman film (2009) in a genuine way. He came off as a womanizer but then you saw more of who he was. In this film, he is just really likeable and Chris Pine gives a powerful performance. Lastly, the casting of Wonder Woman. While I had some reservations, mostly because Gal Gadot looked so thin and not like an Amazon warrior, I wanted to give her a chance. And she delivered! She showed a variety of emotions from heartbreak to a curious fish-out-of-war to someone purely outraged at the injustice around her. She also looked incredibly badass fighting. Most importantly, I think she captured the essence of what Wonder Woman was meant to be. A strong woman who truly sees the horrible evils of the world and has such a passion to stop it and instead bring about love towards others. Overall, definitely worth seeing! Go watch the wonder!!

[wonderwomanwins]

“Wonder Woman” Review

Wonder Woman Review By Krista Kangas

As a huge Wonder Woman fan and expert, this film has been something I have been looking forward to for a loooooong time. However, when I first saw some promotional shots and trailers I was a little upset at a few things, but still kept my hopes high. The origin of Princess Diana (Wonder Woman) has always been the same from 1941-2011. The creator, William Moulton Marston wanted to create a superhero that was as strong as Superman but would win with love. His wife suggested this character should be a woman. As a feminist himself, Marston also thought women should rule the world. So he created Wonder Woman and the Amazons. The Amazons were created by the goddess of love, Aphrodite, to counter the war and hatred of Ares, god of war. In a later story it was a few goddesses that brought life to these Amazons. Wonder Woman herself was molded from clay by the queen of the Amazons, Hippolyta, and breathed life into by the goddess, Aphrodite. (Because the goddesses gave life to the Amazons, this origin is easy to believe and understand) It was goddesses and one god, who gave Diana their powers. I personally like to the think of the one god, Hermes, who gave her flight/speed, as the representation of male feminists fighting alongside women. Now...in The New 52 (2011) goddesses were not a part of her creation. Instead she is the daughter of Zeus, who gave her powers as well. The emphasis goes away from the goddesses and toward one god. On top of that it makes her a ripoff of Hercules. It takes away any unique, female-based origin story. Watching the trailers and posters she looked very much like Xena, warrior princess, which I think instilled further this idea of Wonder Woman just being a hot warrior, and not a Amazon with powers and god-created weapons as well. And the Amazons looked like thin models. The story was also taking place during World War I. While the Golden Age Wonder Woman origin story took place during World War II, I’m not upset about this change. However, since Captain America came out before Wonder Woman, there has unfortunately been some comparisons of her being a “female captain America.” I think a modern day Wonder Woman film (Such as the animated film Wonder Woman in 2009) could have a lot more impact, power and relatability tackling issues today. Although the sequel I’m sure will come out would take place during the current day so you never know...

Spoilers Ahead!!!

To start things off, I found the new D.C. intro interesting. No longer was it the cool comic book pages flipping but just pictures of the members of the Justice League (obviously to promote the new film to come out). The history of the Amazons is seen as weird paintings you might see at a museum, which I thought could have looked better in a different art style or better yet just a flashback. A main part of the film was capturing who Wonder Woman is. At her heart of hearts she truly wants to help people and has love and kindness. The film really shows how important those things are during this horrible war, and not in a mushy or silly kind of way. Which is really important! I think what messed up Man of Steel was the film was trying to make Superman edgy like Batman, but a Superman film isn’t like that. Wonder Woman is also seen as vulnerable because unlike her sisters, she was the only girl on the island and her mother, Queen Hippolyta, did not want her to learn how to fight although her aunt (aka Princess Buttercup from The Princess Bride) did teach her so when her island is attacked, and she didn’t showcase any of her training her aunt taught her, I was a little upset by that. One of my favorite things about Wonder Woman is her comments on society. Since she is from an island of women, and warriors with great education no less, she stands out from all the other women in the early 1900’s. She also has great remarks about men and women, especially in the boat scene between her and Trevor. And when no one else can decipher two languages in a male-only meeting, she just translates, and simply shows up to another important meeting of men-only. While I would have liked to see Wonder Woman use the FULL extent of her powers alongside her fighting skills and weapons, eventually more of her abilities were shown, especially after she gets mad in relation to Steve Trevor’s sacrifice during the fight with Ares. I would be fine with a film that gradually had more of her powers come through based on her progression in life. When Wonder Woman followed Steve Trevor back to London, she had a mission. Ares was responsible for the war and hatred around the world. If she killed Ares with the God Killer sword, all of it would end. Not only did she kill the wrong person, who seemed to be the obvious Ares, the real Ares easily destroyed her sword. When she killed the fake Ares she was baffled the war didn't end because to her she sees things simple. Destroy the heart of evil and it goes away. However, she wasn’t seen as naive, just heartbroken. Throughout the film she is followed by a group of guys who support her, although they don’t believe in this Ares thing, she kind of comes off as this warrior woman that believes in this evil god she has to kill, but oh well, she kills the enemy so we’ll follow her! Which was kind of funny. Now Ares was an interesting casting choice. While I liked the idea that Ares was not someone obvious but rather the most unobvious person, it goes alongside the fact that Ares said he doesn’t create wars but whispers ideas and thoughts to humans who in turn create their own wars. When he talked about ending all of the horrible things in the world and bringing the world back to what is once was before men made it worse, and calls himself the god of truth, not the god of war, you can see how that could be appealing, especially because he comes off as very unintimidating. However, I couldn’t help but think of Professor Lupin in Harry Potter, and I thought the casting could be a little better. Dr. Poison was cool. I liked her casting, but I think she could have been seen as even crazier and even more memorable. Etta Candy in the golden age comics was a short, pudgy girl who ate chocolate and candy. She beat up Nazis alongside the Holiday Girls (a group of college girls) who helped Wonder Woman. In the 1970’s Wonder Woman show Etta Candy is very sweet and also chubby, and the Etta Candy in this is based more of that Etta Candy, but with even more sass and is really fun. Steve Trevor needed to be a big casting choice. And the film nailed it. While in some of the earlier comics Steve just wants Wonder Woman to marry him and isn’t really likeable, Nathan Fillion portrayed him in the animated Wonder Woman film (2009) in a genuine way. He came off as a womanizer but then you saw more of who he was. In this film, he is just really likeable and Chris Pine gives a powerful performance. Lastly, the casting of Wonder Woman. While I had some reservations, mostly because Gal Gadot looked so thin and not like an Amazon warrior, I wanted to give her a chance. And she delivered! She showed a variety of emotions from heartbreak to a curious fish-out-of-war to someone purely outraged at the injustice around her. She also looked incredibly badass fighting. Most importantly, I think she captured the essence of what Wonder Woman was meant to be. A strong woman who truly sees the horrible evils of the world and has such a passion to stop it and instead bring about love towards others. Overall, definitely worth seeing! Go watch the wonder!!

[lesbianlametron]

Bokuroo Week Day 3

Prompt: Moon and Stars

Title: My Universe is Empty Without You

Rating: T

Summary: Time has a way of changing relationships. It can tear them apart, but it can also mend them back together. Then there are those relationships that can transcend time. Even though they both change, their relationship is always the same.

Inspired by “Home is Such a Lonely Place Without You” by Blink 182

“I feel like the moon is spinning into outer space without you.

             The universe, an empty place without you.

             I wish that we could save today

             But I know we can’t stay the same

             And I keep pushing you away

             Don’t wait for me.”

The days were bearable, there were plenty of things he could distract himself with like his job and his workout schedule, but the nights were impossible. He could drink and go out with his friends to dull the pain, but during a work week, it wasn’t the best idea. There were only so many shows or movies he could binge watch on Netflix. Especially when he rooted out “their shows”. Sometimes he would just have to deal with the loneliness. It hurt him like a wound, whose stitches refused to stay closed, and left a need, a longing that nothing could fill. Not binge eating, not drinking, not sleeping, or even running until he couldn’t breathe. There was an empty hole in his heart that was exactly Kuroo-shaped.

             He saw Kuroo everywhere. At their favorite coffee place or the brunch place where they spent most of their hungover Sunday mornings, and in the park where they would for lunch on nice afternoons. Especially, he saw Kuroo in their shared apartment. When he closed his eyes, he could still see Kuroo cooking breakfast in the mornings, humming to himself as he did. There was a Kuroo shaped dent in the couch from many hours when they were too lazy on the weekends to go out and do anything at all. He didn’t dare go into Kuroo’s home office because that had Kuroo’s scent all over it. His musky, slightly fruity cologne clung to everything in there, the keyboards, the mouse pad, and even the microphone on his headset. It hurt Bokuto’s heart to even step foot in there.

             Tonight, was the same as all the nights had been since Kuroo had left. Bokuto was in agony. The phone calls and skype sessions helped, but it wasn’t the same. He couldn’t cuddle with his phone or his computer. He couldn’t feel Kuroo’s warmth or his soft lips against his skin. The calls got few and few as the years dragged on until they stopped all together. The longer he stayed in the apartment, the lonelier he felt. He sighed and shoved his feet into his shoes and went for a walk. He wasn’t purposefully trying to go anywhere. He just listened to his music and let his feet guide him. It wasn’t a surprise that he ended up at park. He remembered the hours they used to spend here as kids.

             “I’m going to get out of here Bo. I’m going to see the world.”

             “Not without me, you’re not!”

             Young Kuroo, with his even crazier hair had looked at him with wild, excited eyes. “Of course not! You’ll always be by my side. We’re best friends, remember? That means to the end.”

             Bokuto shook his head and sat on top of their hill. But you did, you got your dream, but you just didn’t live it with me. You said you’d come back when you were satisfied, when you had seen all you wanted to, but you didn’t. I still tell people you’re my boyfriend sometimes because it hurts less that way. It hurts less to pretend we never broke up, to pretend you actually had plans to come back.

             Bokuto looked up at the stars and the full moon. Sometimes he would get lost in the vastness of space and it would clear his mind. Other times it would only remind him of Kuroo. He would reminisce in the times Kuroo would tell him about the different stars and constellations. Kuroo loved space and all its possibilities. It was times like this that he wondered if Kuroo was out there somewhere looking at the same sky marveling at the trillions of stars with someone else.

Kuroo was a video game designer and a one in a million at that. His games caught on fast and he was a millionaire by the time he was twenty-five. They lived in a simple two-bedroom apartment because Kuroo wanted to conserve his money for traveling. Bokuto lost that dream long ago. Kuroo was thrilled when he started planning all the places they would go and they would see. It was until he about to buy plane tickets that Bokuto spoke up. He wanted to stay in Tokyo and play Volleyball for the national team and maybe the Olympics. He couldn’t afford to travel the world. When Bokuto didn’t defend his thoughts with music, he could still hear their fight in his head. Tetsu, if I knew it would be like this, I would’ve taken it all back. I would have gone with you and it would have been enough just see the joy on your face.

             “Tetsu, I’m not going.”

             Kuroo was so taken aback that he nearly fell off of his computer chair. “What do you mean? We’ve been talking about this since we were kids. I worked my ass off on the video games. Sure I loved them, but it was all for this.”

             “I stopped wanting that dream years ago. I have other things I love now. Remember when we used to love volleyball together?” Bokuto still ranted about his new team and they talked about ways to improve his skills, but Kuroo stopped playing mid-way through college. It put strain on their relationship, but they made it through.

             “I still love volleyball, I love watching you play. I know you’re making good money playing too, but you don’t need to. And I thought you wanted to get out of here?” Kuroo looked not only stunned but deeply hurt.

             “I want to keep playing for Tokyo. I still love volleyball like your love for seeing new things. I want to qualify for the Olympics next year and I can’t do that travelling with you.”

             “Why the fuck are you just bringing this up now?”

             Bokuto snapped. He’d been barely responding when Kuroo planned different trips. Hadn’t Kuroo noticed how much he wanted his own dream? “Why the fuck are you just noticing this now?”

             “You don’t want this anymore? I always dreamed it would be with you…I guess I can put it off for a while.” Kuroo slowly closed his laptop. He wasn’t angry like Bokuto was, he was just hurt. Maybe he had been a little selfish, but he loved Bokuto. His dream wouldn’t be the same. He wanted to travel, but only really with the love of his life.

             “No. You can’t do that. You’ll pretend everything is okay like you always do, but you’ll resent me. I can’t stop you from living your dream just like you can’t stop me. Go and come back to me when you’re done.”

             “That’s just it, Babe, I don’t know when I’ll be done.”

             Bokuto glared at him. “Then why did you think I’d be okay coming with you? I’m your boyfriend, but I’m not going uproot my whole life for you. I like having a place to call home. I like my life and my friends here. Those were just childhood dreams. I grew up, Tetsu.”

             Kuroo gritted his teeth together and crossed his arms, squaring off against Bokuto. “Are you saying my dream is childish?”

             “No. I’m saying your lack of consideration for me is. I know you lose yourself when you get excited about things, but come on! I have responsibilities. I know we used to run from those in college, but this isn’t college. I’m going to only have a few year window to qualify for the Olympics. I want this more than I’ve ever wanted anything.”

             “I know you do. And I want this just the same.”

             “Then go! Go off with all your money and no concern! Maybe I’ll be here when you get back or maybe I won’t.” Bokuto shouted at him and Kuroo immediately shrunk back. Bokuto let his emotions get the best of him again. He let his anger rule his thoughts and said everything he didn’t mean.

             “Fine! I don’t need you. I’ll do this on my own. I’m probably better that way. Good luck pulling yourself out of those dumb mood swings of yours. I won’t be there at your games to tell you how awesome you are anymore. Akaashi stopped doing that for you because he has his own life and now I won’t anymore. Do whatever with the rest of my stuff. I’m taking what I need with me. I’m sure you can afford the apartment on your own now.”

             Kuroo had packed his bags and slammed the door. That was three years ago and Bokuto hadn’t seen Kuroo since. He had apologized a week later over many voicemails and they started being friends again, but it wasn’t enough.

             Bokuto sighed and looked up at the stars again. “I quit volleyball because of you, do you know that? I lost interest. I played for a year after you left, but I didn’t go for the Olympics. It didn’t matter without you, you asshole. Are you out there? Do you still care?!”

             “You did?”

             Bokuto felt his heart stop and his blood felt like ice in his veins. It didn’t matter how long it had been, he’d know that voice anywhere. He tipped his head back and saw Kuroo’s upside form standing behind him. He quickly righted himself and stood up. “Tetsu?”

             Kuroo smiled a weak half-grin and waved. “Hey Bo, it’s been a while, huh?”

             “Three years, Testu.”

             “Why would you quit volleyball? You loved it more than anything. You were better than any ace in country. That’s why you made the Tokyo team. I used to love seeing the joy on your face when you played. I never once felt that happy over doing anything.”

             Bokuto shook his head. “I already told you. Didn’t you just hear me?”

             Kuroo stared at him in disbelief. “I drove you away from volleyball…”

             “Sort of. I don’t know.” Bokuto looked down and started picking at his fingernails to avoid eye contact with Kuroo. “You were right, without you, no one could pick me up out of my moods.”

             A lump formed in Kuroo’s throat and his heart felt heavy in his chest. “I never meant any of that. I was trying to get back you for hurting me.”

             “Well, it worked.”

             “Bo—”

             Whatever Kuroo was about to say, he didn’t want to or was not ready to hear it. “Did you have fun in all your travels? Did you meet some hot international boy to have a fling with? Did you find what you were looking for?” Bokuto painted a smile on his face that he knew Kuroo would see through.

             “I did have fun, but no to the other questions.” Kuroo picked up one of the bags on the ground and lightly tossed it at Bokuto’s feet. “Open it.”

             Bokuto gave him a strange look, but did as he was told. He gasped when he managed to get the zipper open with shaking hands. It was filled with little trinkets and souvenirs, but they weren’t just any souvenirs. He could tell with one look that each was specifically picked out with him in mind. He had received many gifts from Kuroo in the past and he knew Kuroo’s style of giving. It was one of three types: something that made Kuroo laugh, something that Bokuto would actually use or something stupid that pertained to one of their many adventures together over the years. Bokuto fell to his knees and felt tears pricking the corner of his eyes. No, I won’t cry in front of him! He doesn’t deserve anymore of my tears.

             “I was done after two years, but I was afraid to come back. I thought of you everywhere I went. I would see a thing or a place and think ‘Koutarou would love it here or he would love that’. I wanted to come home, but I didn’t know if you’d still care or even want to see me. I left you, and I wasn’t even sure I had any intention of coming back.” Kuroo swallowed and tried to gain the courage to continue. Bokuto’s gaze was even, even in the dark, Kuroo could tell. Bokuto no longer looked at him like he used to. Bokuto was no longer the sun and Kuroo was no longer in his orbit.

             “And then when I called you, your life was different. It was the same, but different. You still went to volleyball practice. You still raved about your killer spikes and the serves you were learning from Oikawa, but I wasn’t a part of your life anymore. You moved on without me. Honestly, I wanted to come home the minute I left. But then nothing would have changed. I remembered your words ‘I can’t stop you from living your dream’. I didn’t want to resent you for being the reason I didn’t.”

             Bokuto stood up and stepped closer to Kuroo in his anger. “But it was the same with you! Every time you were in a new town, a new country. I always saw new people in the backgrounds of your face time calls. You always looked so happy.” His tone had started off angry, but by the end, he couldn’t stop it from turning sullen and wistful.

             “So, did you. I guess we were both putting on show because of our pride, huh?” Kuroo smiled again it was just as forced and awkward as the first. Bokuto still didn’t answer him, but Kuroo had a sad realization that he was right. Bokuto had been hurting just like he had all this time. Kuroo could have tried to get over Bokuto, but he didn’t even try to date when he was abroad. “I went by our—your—place before I came here. I was surprised you didn’t change the locks.” Kuroo held up his key, sheepishly.

             “That would have been too much effort.”

             Kuroo chuckled a little, but there were tears in his eyes. “I’m sorry I caused then end of your volleyball career.”

             “How did you know I’d be here?” Bokuto asked suddenly, changing the topic anywhere but volleyball. He didn’t want to talk about that.

             “Come on, Kou, I know it’s been a long time, but I used to know you better than anyone. You always come here at night when you can’t sleep. We both did.” Kuroo winced when the words left his mouth because they only caused Bokuto’s shoulders to tense up again.

             Bokuto wanted to yell at Kuroo. He wanted scream and tell him how much it hurt to be left behind. He wanted to blame Kuroo for tainting this town with his memory, but he couldn’t. He was tired of fighting, the bigger part of him just wanted to give in. It wanted to collapse into Kuroo’s arms and let Kuroo tell him everything would be all right like he used to. So, for once, he kept quiet.

             Kuroo knew they were still hurting and they were a long way from being okay. But if he didn’t try, then coming back would be for naught. “Can I…Can I come home?” Bokuto shook his head and Kuroo’s hope crashed down to Earth like broken rocket. “Well then, I hope you still keep those, they’re every moment I thought of you when I was away. I…I think a part of me will always still love you.” Kuroo picked up the rest of his bags and turned to leave.

             “I’m still upset with you.”

             “I can tell.”

             “And you’re on probation until I can forgive you.”

             Kuroo turned around and dropped his bags in surprise. “What?”

             “You’re lucky I somehow still love you, but I’m very mad at you.”

             Kuroo put a hand over his mouth to cover the sob that escaped his lips. “I’ll make it up to you. I’ll find ways to do it, I promise.”

             “As long as you don’t leave.”

             “Not without you.” Bokuto’s lip trembled at that nostalgic sentence and couldn’t stop himself. He ran forward and into Kuroo’s arms. He moved Kuroo’s hand and kissed him on the lips. It was angry, sloppy kiss, but neither of them cared. They were finally, finally home again.