#the same energy back and i have to conclude that either i have a very different mindset when im walking into conversations or else im just

[opens-up-4-nobody]

...

[pers1st]

you open yours

pt 2 of when every door closes

pairing: leah williamson x reader

notes: mentions of ed, j*rge vilda, lots of angst

Settling into Arsenal again was difficult, but it couldn’t have been more difficult than leaving, once more, for international break. The World Cup qualifiers were coming up quickly, and despite the fact that it felt as though you still hadn’t dealt with your early out in the Euros, there was no time to dwell on the past as Jorge Vilda made sure every player knew the gravity of the next few matches. With more and more players from Barcelona filling into the squad, you were subconsciously worried for your position. It was no secret that Barça was dominating European football, but somehow, for the qualifiers, you kept your head and spent every last second of every match on the pitch, even when the physios concluded you were very close to tearing your hamstring, much to the dismay of your teammates. It wasn’t that they didn’t want you to play- you had quickly proven to be a valuable part of the team, not quite the brick wall Mapi was, but an agile defender that solidified every win with perfectly-timed tackles and a good oversight of the play.

It was rather the fact that you so desperately needed a break, and everyone saw it but you. Every step you took on the pitch hurt, and if it wasn’t for María telling you to cut back on the painkillers, you possibly wouldn’t have even noticed if you’d torn your hamstring fully. You had, in addition, settled back into your club well enough to rely on nutritional energy yet again, with the help of your girlfriend, your teammates and the club’s psychologist, but all of that went to waste the second you saw Jorge Vilda before boarding the bus towards the team’s camp.

You weren’t done yet- Leah had told you as much after the Euros. You weren’t where you wanted to be, not with the Spanish national team, at least. A World Cup was the least you could achieve to compensate for everything you were going through, but during the camp, you and many other girls realized that there was a lot more you should, or well, a lot more you had to reach for.

So, to you, it wasn’t surprising when you came home with an open letter to the RFEF and a vision of how maybe, one day, playing for your country wouldn’t be your nightmare.

“Are you sure, love? I mean, aren't there like, really bad consequences?”, Leah asked confusedly, her hands around yours as you sat on the couch, you still wearing the same sweats you had worn on the plane.

You nodded, wandering back to the monologue Mapi had held about all of the possible outcomes of what you were about to do. Her voice had been hushed as she explained the ban you could face, which would affect all of your teammates, except Ona and Lucía, more than you. Not playing in the Spanish league wouldn’t hurt you as much, so long as Arsenal stayed your home, which you intended it to. Not playing for the Spanish national team- well, you trusted Alexia when she said that no one would face a ban, and you didn’t particularly want to think about what would happen if she was wrong. You were possibly throwing your national career away, and your stomach turned at the thought. But either way, you knew that playing in the environment that had been created recently, you would rot away anyways.

“I don’t know. Maybe. But what can be worse than this?”, you chuckled bitterly. Knowing well how dangerous it had been, truthfully, to play all those minutes, you knew that you would stay on the bench for a significant amount of time to recover, but you also knew that no matter what you, or your hamstring did, you would be called up for the next camp.

You couldn’t risk your career, not while you were this young. And if everything went according to Irene’s, Mapi’s and Alexia’s plan, you wouldn’t have to.

“If you’re sure, I am, too. And no matter what happens, I will support you. You know that, right?”, Leah asked, almost desperate to reassure you, but all you could do was nod absent-mindedly.

You were different, this time. Different from how you’d been after the Euros, but your girlfriend didn’t dare to ask what had happened for you to be this- reserved, almost. As if you still didn’t dare to speak, guarding your tongue harshly as if your manager was just around the corner, ready to jump at you for whatever it was you couldn’t say.

The night you spent tossing and turning didn't guarantee much sleep, but you were still surprised that your absence had woken Leah up, as she slung her arms around your shoulders slowly in her dark flat, the only light illuminating the kitchen from the little nightlight near the coffee pot. 

“Come back to bed”, your girlfriend mumbled, voice still thick with sleep, pressing a kiss to the top of your head. Your stomach warmed slightly at the gesture, but you were too encapsulated in your phone to really react to her presence, not letting her pull you back into false comfort. Nothing of what was about to happen, in merely four hours, would be comfortable. 

“Can’t sleep”, you gave back, your fingers tapping away on your screen as you replied to Ona’s message, who seemed to sleep as little as you did.

You knew that Leah didn’t know Spanish, and you knew that she was still staring at your screen, noticing how your phone lit up once more with a text that even you could barely detangle. Taking a deep breath, you clicked the call button right next to Ona’s contact, barely noticing how Leah detached herself from you to start a pot of coffee.

Ona’s words were messy, and you were barely able to understand anything besides the gut-wrenching fear that filled your apartment, all of a sudden. Her Catalonian accent was thick, and you knew that her emotion was taking over her, more so than it was affecting you. You had, sort of, gone numb.

“Ona, va a estar bien. No te preocupes”, you tried to calm your friend, who you could tell was biting back tears.

“Ale said it’ll be okay. Do you trust her?”, you asked as you didn’t receive an answer.

“Sí”, Ona mumbled, to which you nodded, forgetting the fact that she couldn’t see you.

“Then it’ll be okay. What are they going to do? Ban sixteen of their best players?”

“No sé. Maybe they are going to ban just me”, she huffed.

“No, Ona. That won’t happen”, you calmed her yet again, and stupidly enough, you actually believed yourself. 

The open letter went online while you were at training, which you were quite grateful for. None of your teammates had a clue, except for Leah, of what was about to happen, although they could all tell something needed to happen.

In the short twelve days the team hadn’t seen each other, you had lost a noticeable amount of weight, and hadn’t touched your breakfast, blaming your lack of appetite on the lack of sleep you had gotten. You stuck to Leah’s side like glue, more so than you usually did. And by the time the team was ready to step onto the field for the first training session of the year, you mumbled an excuse to leave the changing room into the wrong direction, and headed to the physio room without looking back.

After sending Jonas a text in the early morning, somewhere between your phone call with Ona and Leah dragging you back into bed, the physios were very well aware of your hamstring issue, and spent a lot of time analyzing your muscles and how bad exactly your injury was. It seemed as though it was quite bad, as most of the treatment was silent, and none of the physios reacted to how you flinched every time any of them even reached out to touch you, but you hoped they wrote it off as a mere reaction of you being in pain. You didn’t know if they could handle the truth. Didn’t know if you could handle the truth. 

Still, the events of the day couldn’t take your mind off the fact that your phone was likely exploding with notifications as the public and the RFEF reacted to your protest. Sixteen players were withdrawing. Sixteen. You didn’t believe Alexia, although she had promised there would be no serious, no negative

consequences.

And you were right not to do so.

Leah picked you up from the medical room, in which you remained long after the treatment, scrolling through twitter and multiple Spanish news outlets in hopes to absorb every single comment, every single word in reaction to your letter. 

“Hey, you”, she smiled softly as she found you lying on the bench, phone in your hands as it always seemed to be, allowing for it to drop onto your chest as you smiled back at her.

“Hey”, you mumbled back.

“How bad is it?”, she asked, and you didn’t know whether it was her calf or everything else she was responding to.

“Grade two tear. Eight weeks, at least. They don’t want to risk anything.”

The fact that your hamstring actually was a grade two tear should’ve surprised you more than it had, but at this point, you didn’t put it past the Spanish medical team to actually hide the information of your injury from you. You didn’t put it past Jorge to let you play on an injury that potentially worsened with every step you took.

“I’m sorry, love”, Leah sighed, gently moving closer to you.

“It’s okay. Home?”, you asked, hesitant to accept any kind of gentleness from your girlfriend. At this point, you weren’t sure whether you deserved it or not. That’s how far Jorge had gotten into your head.

“Yeah, yeah. Let’s go”, Leah smiled as she stuck out her hand for you to take, and you reluctantly accepted it, the warmth being unfamiliar to you.

It took a few days for the RFEF to formally respond to your protest, and in the meantime, you drove your girlfriend insane. She had no way of reaching you, although she tried her hardest. Holding you as she slept, only for you to slip out of her arms once you knew she was lulled in sleep. Getting up in the morning without you just to find you in the kitchen, drinking coffee and being glued to your phone as you over analyzed every detail that was revealed to the public. By the time Arsenal’s first match after the

international break came around, she was truly at her wit’s end.

“I don’t know what to do anymore. She won’t talk to me, won’t tell me what’s going on, it’s just- I really don’t know”, she tried explaining to Kim, who had, in the past few days, begun catching a glimpse of just how bad of a situation you were in. It was clear as day to the whole team that you were struggling again, but the others quickly grew used to your reserved nature, though it was so unlike you.

“What can we do to help?”, Wally asked, gently crouching down in front of your girlfriend and rubbing a circle over her knee comfortingly, her face as somber as Kim’s.

“I don’t know. I tried giving her space, but I’m not really sure it’s helping. It’s like she’s just drifting away”, Leah cried, gently wiping a tear from her cheek. She needed to be strong, now. For you. Crying would be no use.

“She’ll come back to you. Wait for the RFEF’s response, and see how she is afterwards. Maybe she just needs to reach a breaking point”, Kim tried to reassure her vice-captain, but the only reason Leah nodded was because she didn’t have a better idea, although she didn’t like the idea of waiting for you to crumble completely and being there to pick up the broken pieces. It proved, though, that this was exactly what you needed.

The official response of the RFEF came while you were sitting in the cafeteria, slowly picking apart the food Leah had gotten for you as an ice-wrap around your thigh forbade you from walking too much. Your phone lit up with a message from Alexia, and at once, you dropped your fork, instead focusing on the little device in front of you.

¿Has visto?

No, you hadn’t seen. Not yet, anyways, but at the notification, you reached for your phone, quickly opening the internet to search for an article reporting on the matter. It didn’t take long to find, and your stomach turned at the sight your eyes met.

El futbolista Y/N Y/L/N le prohíbe jugar al fútbol por España.

Your breath caught in your throat as you read the words over and over again, your vision blurring until the letters tumbled in front of your eyes, spinning in circles as you drowned out the world around you. You weren’t aware of how Leah, Kim and Wally were glancing up at you, didn’t register how Leah’s hand

caressed your knee as she noticed your breath quickening, didn’t hear the words of your teammates surrounding you, asking what was going on, as you kept skimming the article, desperate to know more.

You were the only player out of the sixteen to be banned. It was because you had just begun playing, had been cared for during your injury and were disrespecting your country for diminishing their efforts. If you’d had any air to, you would’ve laughed. But you didn’t have any. Leah’s eyebrows furrowed as she caught a glimpse of your screen, moments before you rose from your seat, clenching your teeth in pain as you got up and left the cafeteria, leaving behind a group of confused women, none of whom dared to find you, right now. None except for Leah. She was on her feet within seconds, calling after you to slow down as she could barely keep up with your strides. You didn’t care about the fact that you bumped into Jonas, almost making him tumble over as you were focused on your phone, didn’t hear how he called after you, didn’t hear how he called after Leah. You simply kept walking and walking until you found the media room, which you knew would be empty right now, and slipped through the door, letting yourself slide down the wall.

“Love? Hey, talk to me! What’s going on?”, your girlfriend’s voice rang through from what felt like a thousand miles away. You felt as though you were under water, waves washing over you and trapping you in your head. You couldn’t answer, couldn’t force any words out of your mouth as you, instead, choked on a sob.

Within seconds, you felt arms around you, pulling you into your girlfriend’s chest as you sobbed, struggling to breathe.

“I’m out. Leah, they banned me”, you cried out, gripping fists of her shirt as you desperately tried to fight the way your head seemed to spin. 

Leah’s soothing words fell on deaf ears as the noise around you was quickly becoming far too much, and you fell into your own little word, sobbing into her shoulder as she held you tightly. It felt like hours until you calmed down, but slowly, your breaths began to even and as you drew away from your girlfriend, your lips twitched upwards at the realization that she was still there.

“Hey, baby. You’re back with me?”

You nodded at that, slowly letting go of her shirt as you leaned your head back against the wall. It was pounding, as though knives were flying through your scalp, but you didn’t have the energy to complain.

“This isn’t forever, love. We’re gonna keep pressuring them, Alexia is gonna keep pressuring them, and one day they’ll fire Vilda and you’ll be back. Okay? I promise, it’s going to be okay”, she spoke, hands landing on your cheeks as she tugged your face towards hers. 

“And no matter what happens, I’ll be with you, for every step of the way. I won’t leave you, okay?”

“I can’t do this on my own”, you mumbled, the weight of the situation hitting you, though less quickly, more deeply now that you knew you’d need to face it.

“You don’t have to. I’m behind you, and so is everyone else. You don’t have to do anything on your own, my love”, Leah promised, bringing your head into the crook of her neck once again as she closed her arms around your fragile frame.

Leah’s words quickly came true, as you realized that each and every one of your teammates, whether it was from Arsenal or Spain, voiced their support for you. Whether it was Jonas in a press conference, Alexia via an Instagram post or Ona via countless text messages and insisting on coming to London to see you. Slowly but surely, you recovered from your injury and found your footing again, suddenly enjoying the time you got to spend with your or Leah’s family whenever she was gone for international duty. The World Cup was a totally different story, as you flew to Australia with Leah to watch every one of the Lionesses matches, but none of your own nation. You skipped the final as well, not able to let yourself daydream about being on the pitch again. Though you were happy for Ona, Alexia and your other friends, you couldn’t help the anxiety over the fact that Spain was just as good of a team without you, Mapi, Pina and Patri.

And although you were still anxious, you reluctantly accepted when the RFEF lifted their ban after Jorge’s sacking, proposing for you to wear your nation’s colors another time. 

[fangsandfeels]

I think about protective Astarion a lot:

I strongly support the idea that he is Tav's protector as much as Tav is his. He is more closed about discussing his concerns with others - even on happily concluding the romance, he maintains his coy behavior and rebuffs all attempts at prying. But as always, there is a lot going on under the layers.

- I believe he stops seeing Tav as his protector/meatshield even a bit prior to the confession. He has always been more comfortable with “I’ll watch your back if you watch mine” arrangement, but he only fully embraces it after either Tav takes his side in his argument with Araj or helps him murder the orthon and learn more about his scars. Before that, he still subconsciously relies on Tav for safety to the point of rationalizing the necessity to do what he doesn’t want to do just because Tav told him to.

- His best and usual protective side is that he is always there to catch Tav when they fall. To drag them to safety, help them get up, and keep them going. He is there to talk and hear them out when something is weighing down on them. He drops all this flamboyant flirtatiousness he wears when discussing his relationship with others the very instant Tav needs him. He is calm, firm, and attentive because Tav needs him. Being strong for someone else is a very new feeling for him, but it also comes naturally. He doesn't like seeing his partner in pain, but finding himself as someone's source of strength and support is life-changing for him. He likes to realize that he is capable of caring about someone. That part of him is still alive. Like no other, Astarion knows that sometimes you can’t slay all the monsters and terrors that haunt your loved one, but you can be there for them when they fight their own battles. And that’s what he does. His approach is similar to Karlach’s in that regard: if you can’t walk, I’ll carry you, if you need a hand, you have mine, you you need to talk, my ears are all yours.

- After he stops seeing Tav as a protector, he is much more aware of Tav’s vulnerability. Tav isn’t invincible. Tav gets hurt. Tav can be in danger. It becomes particularly glaring when it’s revealed that they all haven’t turned yet because a rogue illithid holds their lives in its webbed hands. A rogue illithid who was lying about a cure all this time. Who never had any intention of removing the tadpole. Who saw ceremorphosis as something good. The Emperor has almost the same hold on Tav and all of them as Cazador on his spawns. It would have puppeteered them into doing its bidding hadn’t it been spending its energy on resisting the brain. This is why Astarion calls Tav a “mindflayer thrall” during their argument. Because this is what they are as long as their safety depends on the Emperor’s good mood. It’s not their fault, really. But Astarion clearly has been thinking about it and worried about it. He probably wished not to be stuck between a rock and a hard place for once, not having to choose between two evils, to be strong enough to get them both out of it. So, he doesn’t exactly lie or try to manipulate Tav when he says he wants to keep them both safe. He wants it. He hates to be helpless, but what he hates even more is to watch Tav trying to keep their spirits up and looking for a way out of their predicament while thing just invades Tav's dreams or invites itself into their skull whenever it wishes. He hates wondering what will happen if the Emperor stops playing nice one day. Oh, if only he could be stronger.

- In general, it seems that he is most riled up and protective of Tav when there is a particular type of threat. Tav can handle themselves in a fight. They take a beating sometimes, but they bounce back (what can’t be said about the other guy) and if they don’t find a fight, the fight finds them. Astarion knows it and he doesn’t really mind. He loves the thrill: his spawn endings made it clear that the man embraces the chaos of making decisions and choosing paths with a smile. Danger is part of the fun. It makes his heart beat.

- He generally does his best to be strong for Tav, just like they stay strong for him. But there are also moments when Tav is in danger, and Astarion sees red. And I imagine it’s not only when Tav ends up at the death’s door. It’s also when something directly challenges Tav’s autonomy. A crazy drow wants to run experiments on Tav? Absolutely not, what the fuck? Even if Tav agrees, Astarion is still uncomfortable with the thought and doesn't hide it. Had Araj tried to force her experimentation on the unwilling Tav or trick them into participating, she would have been turned into a dagger cushion very quickly. Cazador calls Tav cattle (another lover to follow Astarion and lose everything, even their right to their soul and body, because of him)? The mere thought of it, the association, the hint at him being a failure dragging his lover down with him makes Astarion lose his composure and just go for the jugular. The idea of Tav enduring the same abuse or being forcibly changed terrifies him. When Tav does it to themselves, it hurts already. However, if someone does it to Tav without letting Tav have any say, then Astarion would go absolutely feral. If that someone can be stabbed, they will be stabbed. If they can’t be stabbed, Astarion WILL find a way to stab them and eviscerate them. Then, regardless of whether Tav is alright or not, Astarion will experience an emotional breakdown that he will then refuse to discuss with anyone else. He has come a long way, but certain negative emotions are still too much to handle.

[astroyongie]

BTS May Reading 2024

note: please take the readings with a grain of salt

RM

love: His love situation is complicated at the moment. The couple is traveling into troubled waters. I think this is just a passing thing and that it will eventually stop. but at the moment things are complicated, there’s some tension and the contact isn't much. 

career: I truly believe that RM doesn't want to stay in the situationship that he is currently in (when it comes to his career). he probably doesn't want to continue in that company and he might want to revise his contracts. although they didn't news for him, i believe it reached a point were the toxicity is too much for him

self: he doesn't know what he should do with his life at the moment, either it is with his family matters, with his investments, with his career or his relationship, he is walking into a troubled period where choices need to be made. but he doesn't have his head focused on these which is making things complicated for him. 

Jin

love: I feel like his relationship with his person is equally going through a troubled period, although this is mostly due to Jin’s current situationship (military) which is not allowing him to take care of things. His partner probably wants him to focus on the relationship but jin has a hard time letting go of his career

career: talking about his career, there’s a lot coming for Jin the moment he comes out of his service. I believe that he will release a single and an album a few months after he comes back to active idol status. 

self: he is fine overall, his ehealth is doing well and he isn't troubled with much things other than his love relationship. he is happy and healthy

Suga

love: I believe that he is currently dating someone. This doesn't feel like an idol but with someone that works inside the music/media industry and who has a very high/important status. I feel like they are close (they probably participated a lot on Suga’s latest projects). 

career: he is super happy with everything that is happening on his life. his life in the military is going super well, better than what he was expecting (he ain't doing much to be honest) and he is also eager to come back because he has many projects that need to be concluded as soon as he finishes his service. 

self: Despite all, i think he is also the type that struggles a lot with his mental health and he sometimes has high and lows that can be quite extreme. at the moment it feels like he is coming out of a low period and slowly shifting to his higher self 

J-Hope

love: still dating the same person as ever and the relationship seems to be going particularly well. jhope and his partner are moving with their couple, they have a god relationship and a great connection as well 

career: things are  a little complicated when it comes to his career situations. I believe that ever since he got into the military, he has lost a few friends inside the industry. Furthermore, I believe that he also probably wants to change something about his career (the group? the company? that a question without answer) 

self: he has been a little bit bitchy or at least people around him might find that he has been low in energy and in a foul mood lately. this is probably because he has a lot on his mind or also because he can give the energy of being slightly arrogant with certain people 

Jimin

love: like i said on the podcast, he isn’t dating anyone however, Jimin has a lot of people he sees in an non official way. He has several people interested in him, either idols or non idols and honestly he is just having fun with whatever comes his way 

career: i see something shifting for him as well. I don't think that Jimin is aware of the consequences or the changes that are happening behind the scenes, on his contract. there’s the chances that a lot of things will change once he gets out of the military 

self: his mental health hasn’t been good lately. his head feels in the clouds, he probably has a lot of sleeping troubles and he doesn't find much peace once the sun sets down. he needs to take care more of his inner self 

V

love: V is currently dating. Everything seems to be going well, since his relationship with his partner is strong and reliable. They don't see each other much due to their own schedules, but despite that things seem to be doing well. 

career: he is super disappointed with the things he has learned about the industry but at the same time he isn't surprised. He is probably pondering what he should do next, once his service is finished. a lot on his mind concerning his career 

self: there’s a lot going on inside his mind. He often feels overwhelmed with emotions or with the things that happened in his life overall. He has had a hard time managing his inner feelings but it's not something one should worry too much about. 

Jungkook

love: i honestly can’t understand his current situation. there's two possibilities. Either he is with someone but he has no feelings for them and he is completely uninterested by them. Or, he isn't in a relationship but he sees this person often. He has feelings for them but doesn't want to commit due to his status. 

career: just like the rest of the members, i feel like there’s a big shift that is going to happen when it comes to their contract or their career in general. For Jungkook, I see his name being used in either  scandal or a rumor, or just something happening involving him directly. 

self: his energy is a little bit chaotic. Lately he has been using a lot of his influence and of his power to get his way through the military. He needs to be careful because people can see him as rude.

[lxmelle]

Sometimes I wonder to myself, what did Yuta hear from Miguel about Geto, seeing as they were from the same “family”/group/cult/side. They did train together for a few months in Africa.

Headcanon/Speculation post under the cut:

After events in jjk 0, considering how hurt his friends were, and Geto’s motives that would’ve been at the expense of his life, I wonder if he ever changed his mind about Geto or even warmed up to the idea of him as a person. I mean, he ended up being friends with (or should I say, student of?) Miguel and also Gojo? People whom we can safely say were close to Geto.

Nevertheless, he looked past that and in the Culling Games, he put his respect for his sensei (Gojo) above any personal feelings he might’ve had for Geto. Still pictures Geto like an evil dude though, LOL.

So Yuta expresses his desire to spare his sensei from killing his best friend again.

At some point, he must have deduced that Geto was the one who Gojo was referring to in jjk 0. He was perceptive - below are snaps of the light novel translations and the manga. What does Yuta surmise from this?

At some point, Yuta seems to have a strong idea that Geto is someone really irreplaceable Gojo, even if he personally cannot relate; hence, I guess, still viewing Geto as a villain. Yuta also encapsulates a philosophy surrounding friendship and empathy:

There is no confirmation to my knowledge of what happened to Geto’s body that allowed Kenjaku to inhabit it. All we know is that Shoko wasn’t given his body for a proper... processing, and that it could either be to spare her, or spare Gojo’s feelings or thoughts about what Geto would’ve wanted, I’m inclined to believe the latter is more probable. Because Geto’s principles were self-sacrificing as such: for his family to escape - even if it meant HE DIED as the cult leader, that their safety was his main priority. He was kind (albeit selectively). And I guess his legacy could go on - somehow. I don’t think he cared too much about himself.

Anyway, Gojo’s returning of the body to Geto’s family may be what he opted for: as these people were important to Geto, they are therefore important to him. This may have put him in contact with Miguel, and led to Yuta training under him too.

But this is all speculation on my part. Yuta does have a very strong sense of comradeship/kinship and it is no surprise he thinks like this, whether or not Gojo had a part in shaping this. Nevertheless, it seems clear that he has an understanding of what Geto meant to Gojo.

This is partly light-hearted, but whatever Yuta concluded, Gojo isn’t likely to have a girlfriend (LOL).

Miguel doesn’t want to see Gojo for some reason (LOL) was he a bit traumatised from the battle? Or was it also to do with Geto being killed by his hand? Oh, to be a literary fly on the wall within the series to hear all these conversations!

And just side-stepping here:

Gojo has been trying to adopt these to/be-executed kids to change the world, hasn’t he? Gojo carries on his trial-and-error form of delivering a form of justice (in a much much more pardonable/acceptable and measured way compared to Geto), delaying execution orders for people whom he takes on as students. But this is also quite typical of Yin and Yang energy they each represent which I’m in midst of gathering my thoughts about… for another post.

I think we can speculate easily that he was seeing if there could ever be an opportunity for Geto to “come back home” to their side. He tolerated a lot; both parties thinking of each other like a game of cat and mouse where the cat permits and allows the mouse some ground to wander, until lines are crossed and his hand is forced.

Satosugu dynamics and their shared goals and their yin&yang and how much they needed each other... brainnnnrotttt...

Anyway, this is kinda all over the place but I wanted to add this nugget too:

The panel is referring to playful cloud. At first glance, it read to me as if Gojo saw cautioning Megumi because it was a precious item. It sounded like a threat: don’t you dare lose it. In Japanese, there is also emphasis on “absoluutely don’t (lose it)”. Of course Gojo lightens the mood with making it about a monetary thing (which is comparatively safe territory) rather than giving other reasons why.

I like to think he was a bit sentimental, but also happy to share this tool with his precious students, knowing that the shared memory within this object can also help make them stronger. Much to maki’s distaste though, lol. It was the last tool that Geto had used, and was now in his possession. He was happy for making to use it; despite her reservations over it, but her emotions may encourage her to become skilled at it. As Gojo says, tough love!

And Yuta’s ID - the last thing Geto gave him (aside from his life - ouch).

I wonder how long it took him to return it? By this time, Yuta has a new uniform that is now not a special grade (but it apparently just takes him 3 months to get promoted again).

In my mind, it seems clear that Yuta was perceptive enough or was told by others / heard from people around him about Geto and the relationship he shared with Gojo. He respected his sensei enough to share the sentimentality over his relationship, and from a reader’s perspective, there are so many parallels in jjk 0 that are impossible to ignore.

Anyway, as I’m writing this, there are so many things popping into my head, it’s no wonder fans call this obsession BRAINROT.

I hope this post made for an interesting read, even if some of it becomes repetitive if you consume a lot of what many other writers put out there! I can only hope I have some of their talents in articulation.

[nkirukaj]

The Radio Demon & the Billboard Doe (2)

It's a double feature! Here take it! Take Chapter 2!

Pairing: Alastor x Fem! OC

Warnings: Swearing and mentions of sexual activity?

Genre: Angst?

Word Count: 3.8K

<Chapter 1

2. Freaky Face

“You’re a deer!” Was the first thing she said in response

“Indeed I am, darling. Though most tend not to mention it.”

“That’s cool!”

Alastor’s smile grew wider at her child-like reaction “Why thank you.” was all he said

“So what’s your name, you cutie patootie?” Charlie interjected, lovely as ever “We gotta have your name if you’re gonna stay here!”

“My name? It’s…” she stared at herself in the mirror, thinking of what she was now. She was different, yet felt the same. “My name is Voe.” A mix of the old and the new. “Yeah, Voe.”

“Amazing! Love it! Now let’s get you settled, Voe!”

Charlie had felt the need to show her absolutely everything, including the floors that she wouldn’t be staying on. The room she would be staying in was on the 9th floor. The room was equipped with a bed, a small closet, and a full bathroom, including a tub and a shower. She spoke very fast and very much. She spoke about everything. It got to a point that Voe started to tune her out. Her voice became background noise as she studied the patterns and pictures on the walls, wondering how she had the time to do this with every new guest that came to the hotel. Vaggie and Alastor had decided to join them as well, however they were not speaking. She examines the girlfriends’ faces. Charlie had her arms open and was gesturing around quickly, and her eyes were wide and alert, while Vaggie’s eye was somewhat lidded, and her arms were focused inward. Her eye was only focused on either Charlie or the floor. Voe concluded that Charlie was the bright and friendly one, whereas Vaggie was the more standoffish one. 

Alastor though…she could not get as much of a read on him because he chose to stay at the back of the group, and she couldn’t exactly get a clear look a him without very conspicuously turning her head. What she had seen of him that she could picture was his lankiness and his large sharp smile. His smile was constantly in place with only slight deviations between moments. In the time she’d had to look at him, his smile did not budge. 

“And that’s the end of the tour. Any questions?” Charlie beamed at the doe

“Um, so you have like magic right?”

“Well, yes…but I meant questions about the hotel-“ the princess mumbled under her breath

“Can you fix my glasses?” Voe pulls the cracked frames out of her pocket, the lenses gone and legs off-kilter. Charlie leans down and examines them.

“I don’t know, but I’m sure Alastor can help!”

Alastor blinks as if he’s just been brought back down to reality “Hmm?”

Voe turns to him “Can you fix my glasses?” She asks in a flat tone

“Of course!” He puts his hand out and she places the frames in them. Green and black energy starts circling the frames and they pop up as good as new

“Nice!” She takes the frames back and looks at them

“Aww, I’m so sorry! You were walking around here blind and I didn’t even notice!”

“Well, I actually don’t need them,” She smiles “I can see just fine. But I like to have them,” she places the glasses on her face. 

“Oh,” Charlie’s eyes widen as she turns to her partner

Voe turns back to Alastor, who is grinning absentmindedly. She stares at him for a moment before his pupils move down to focus on her

“Did you need something else, my dear?”

She cocks her head “No…” she drags the word out, slowly turning away from him

____________________________________________________________

Voe laid on her back in the bed of the hotel room that Charlie had shown her. What does it mean to be redeemed? How would she know when she was? Or if she was?

There were a lot of things she didn’t know, but what she did know for sure was that she would definitely go stir-crazy if she was kept in this room with nothing for her to do. She left the hotel room and sauntered down to the front desk where Charlie and Vaggie were standing and having a conversation

“So…Charlie!” She interrupts them with a wave “Would it be possible for you to give me money? Because I think that it would make my path to redemption a whole lot easier if I had a phone, a camera, and a laptop.”

“Hmm, I guess that’s true.” 

“Wait wait!” Vaggie stepped in “How is that essential to your redemption?”

“Because…” Voe drags out her words, looking for something to say “It gives me something to do. I personally feel that if I’m being productive, I will be a much better person. You know, instead of feeling awful about myself because I’m just sitting in bed all day.” She glances at Charlie, whose eyes turn sad

“I don’t know about Charlie just giving out money.”

“Oh nonsense! Charlie loves giving out money! She talked about it on the tour!” 

“I did! I do!” Charlie drops a stack of cash into Voe’s open palms

“Amazing, great. You’re the best!” She called to Charlie as she was on her way out the door.

When she returned, she had a plethora of bags. About 10, 5 in each hand. She’d developed the skill of carrying lots of bags in life, and luckily for her, it became easier in death.

“Geez! How much fucking shit did you buy?” A tall and thin white spider. Voe’s jaw dropped when she saw him, she run’s over bringing the bags with her

“Oh my gosh! You’re so beautiful! And you look social! Hi, I’m Voe!” she waves at him

He sits up and smiles “Well thank you. Finally, someone’s appreciatin’ my good looks! And the name’s Dust. Angel Dust.” he does sparkly fingers over his face

“Angie ya bitch! How gay can you be?” A sexy Cyclops woman with a crop top, ripped jeans, a boot, and a flat.

“How much of a whore can you be?” Angel says with a smirk

“I’m a whore?” She laughs, punching him in the shoulder

“Yeah, I do it for pay!”

The Cyclops woman punches him a few more times before noticing Voe “She’s still standing there,” she whispers to him. He looks back over to the doe.

“Welcome to the Hotel! Wait, what I am doin’ I don’t work here.” Angel slinks back down, the length of his body taking up the entirety of the couch.

“Hi, you’re sexy. I’m Voe! What’s your name?” She asks to the Cyclops

“Cherri Bomb…nice to meet you.” She looks a bit apprehensive before turning to the deer. She sits next to Angel, lifting his legs and letting them lay over her lap. He sits up and removes his legs

“Do y’all have Sinstagram? This is mine.” She shows Angel Dust her phone

“Voe the Bee-ow?”

“It’s pronounced like ‘bow’. It’s rhymes!”

“Oh.” Angel looks towards Cherri, silently asking for her to save “That’s nice.”

“Well, we’re gonna go,” She leans down to whisper to Angel “I got some wicked LSD, we can forget whatever the fuck that was”

“Aw Cherri, you know I’m tryna get off that stuff,”

“Alright stay then. Stay here ya’ lousy bitch!”

He scrambles to get up “I’m still comin’”

Cherri and Angel speedwalk out the hotel doors, leaving Voe on the couch alone. They were nice. She thought.

Technically, Voe did ask Charlie for money to get a laptop, a camera, and a smartphone. However, Charlie, being so nice, gave Voe way more than she needed for everything, so she also decided to make some stops at other stores, to get things like a tripod, a ringlight, and maybe some clothes. She set up all her electronics, making sure that the ringlight was in the right place to highlight her best features, and then pressed record.

“Hey, I’m Voe the Beau and I’m here to give you all my opinions on things such as makeup, beauty trends, and technology! Today I’ll start by showing you my outfit hall from today.”

She tried on dresses, blouses, shirts, pants, leggings, and shoes all for the camera, making comments about every single one.

“Now I love the pattern and length on this blouse, but the trimmings make it look like I’m about to go churn some butter,” she chuckles and snorts “and some of these shirts are not ear-friendly. So if you have ears at the top of your head like me,” she points to her ears “Then watch out. Maybe avoid this brand?” Voe zeroes in on the tag “Sinners’eye? Yeah, don’t shop there if you have ears like mine. The hats they sell don’t even have holes in them! So non-inclusive! Also by the way does anyone know a brand or store that sells satin bonnets with ear holes? Because it is incredibly uncomfortable to sleep with my ears covered. I feel like I’m deaf! Or at least like anybody can come into my room without me knowing, like shit! I will say that the shoes come with a hooves-friendly warranty which is great, not for me personally, because I don’t have hooves. No sir, I traded that for this big black schnoz.” She points to her nose. While trying on another dress, she tells the camera “I kinda dig having a tail.” She yanked on it with a bit of force on camera “I’m like a dangerous furry” she growled jokingly with bared claws. She stands directly in front of the lens once more ”I’m thinking of trying makeup next for my video, comment some brands that you think I should try. For makeup, clothes, or tech. I’m Voe the Beau, so let me know!” She wiggles her fingers as a goodbye and gets up to stop recording. 

After sitting in silence for a moment. Voe gets up to retrieve the camera. After connecting it to her computer, she turns it on and sees herself. 

“Hey everybody! My name is Voe! Ugh no. Hey, what up motherfuckers! Ugh, what? That’s way too tryhard. My GOSH, let me just do it.”

She turns on presses record again and suddenly she’s live. 

“Hey, what up Pentagram City? Y’all can call me Voe the Beau, and I’m here to tell y’all what’s Gucci and what needs to go kablooey! As you can see I love rhyming ha ha!” Is heard from demon’s smartphones, tablets, and computers. She hadn’t exactly been expecting zero views, but she definitely wasn’t expecting to get around 1,000 on her first live. 

What can I say? I really am that bitch. 

“So I just got down here to Hell and let me just say, why do we just fall out of the sky into concrete with no idea where we are or what we’re doing? I can goddamn guarantee you that the souls that go to Heaven don’t have to go through that! There’s no welcome committee or nothing. Nothing to ease you in, and I’m like ‘damn’! It’s like getting rammed in the ass with a cactus. And why is everything red? I swear the sky is red, the buildings are red, everyone wears red, or like shades and accents of it. It’s like the only color you see around here is red. I, myself am partial to the color pink. Specifically hot pink, as you can see from the fabulous outfit that I have on right now. Do you guys want to see my outfit? Of course, you do.”

She pushes her chair back and stands in front of the camera, showing off her hot pink blouse and black pants with hot pink wedges.

“I adore these shoes. Do y’all like my shoes? I got them from Sinnera’eye, but beware to all you cats and rabbits, and other animals with ears on your head they don’t carry clothes for you. You can see my full review in the video I’m going to upload later!”

Words begin scrolling up the screen and Voe leans into her laptop to read them.

“Who am I? Well, I’m Voe! I said that at the start. Someone needs a lesson in paying attention. And as you’ll come to learn-I am that bitch Any other questions? How old am I? I’m 27 and like I said, I just got down here to Hell.”

Oh Christ Gen Z is dying now

Do you guys think she’s in Hell ‘cuz she’s gay?

Are you gay?

“Yes, bitch I’m gay as fuck! I love me some pussy! I could eat that shit day in and day out. It’s my favorite snack!”

Is that your real name?

Are you Italian?

“As far as you need to know, yes that’s my name. And no I’m not Italian, I’m blickity Black!”

Does this bitch even know the difference between race and nationality?

“Yes, I know the fucking difference! I wasn’t fucking done. Slut!” She shoots back at the commenter “I just wanted to let y’all know that! No misconceptions. ‘Cuz people used to say I was Hispanic or something all the time when I was alive, and I sure as fuck ain’t letting y’all whores do it!”

Her voice is heard from many devices in Hell, including some in the hotel. Demons are crashing into walls or falling down the stairs from the sheer captivation of her sound and her image.

“So I’m staying at the Hazbin Hotel, run by Charlie...? Charlie something, she ain’t say her last name. And she is cute as fuck. Charlie is so adorable, she’s so light and bubbly and I’m like that could never be me.” She cackles into the camera “Running a Hotel of a bunch of ungrateful ass bitches, could never be me! She got a girlfriend too. Her name’s Vaggie! She is so pretty, honestly, they are both mad cute and they cute together. I’m not gonna break them up like I used to do to people. Hmm? She’s the what? Princess? Holy shit, Charlie’s a Princess? Lucifer? That motherfucker’s real? I need to meet him. Is he hot?”

While walking down the halls a certain facility manager of this hotel seems a bit put off by the lack of people that are running at the sheer sight of him, only to discover that they are glued to their devices. He rolls his eyes. Demons don’t know true entertainment anymore. Back in his day, whole towns used to gather around the radios and listen to what stories the hosts were about to spin. Now everyone’s addicted to these miniature picture boxes that rot their brains even faster than the real thing.

Although walking past these wayward souls had the Radio Demon’s ears pricked at a certain sound. A certain voice. He halts his pursuit to listen from afar.

“Apparently, I’m a doe which is super sick, and I’m the only one that I’ve seen for the few days that I’ve been here. But there’s a stag here with me. Well, not with me, but like-“ the voice pauses “No, here at the hotel. Huh? He’s like tall and really thin. Nah like lanky, bruh.” she laughs “It’s not bad! I didn’t even say anything mean! Yeah, yeah, yeah. And he’s got on a bunch of red, with little antlers on his head. Yeah, he’s got ears on top of his head, it looks like hair, but it’s ears. A doe knows.”

Alastor could hear the smugness in her voice. Who was she to be discussing him on her pathetic technological picture box? Who was she at all?

“Yeah! He’s got this big ass grin all the time.”

The comments start flooding in much quicker than before.

That’s the Radio Demon!

You’re there with the RADIO DEMON

THE RADIO DEMON DIDN’T KILL YOU?

the radio demon isn’t even all that i heard he got his ass kicked 

FUCK THE RADIO DEMON!!!!!!!!11!!!!1!!!!11!

“The Radio Demon..? Huh? This guy said his name was Alastor”

THAT’S THE RADIO DEMON

THAT’S HIS NAME 

OMGGGGGGG!!!1!!1!1!!1!!!!!!!

“Oh. So Alastor is the Radio Demon? Why ya call him that?” 

Alastor’s grin grows knowing that his reputation is still intact and keeps on his merry way. Still wondering why this girl felt the need to bring him up at all. Still, he would find that all out in due time.

______________________________________________________________

Charlie had asked for all the residents to be down at 8:30 in the morning, which is a disgusting time to expect people to be awake and ready to interact with people. So Voe came down at 9, even that was pushing it.  All the other demons were already down, so Voe commanded all the attention when she strutted in like a celebrity.

“Sorry to be late, but 8 AM is ridiculous.” She plops down on one of the couches

“That’s okay!” Charlie reassured her “We just finished breakfast and now we’re doing the first activity of the day!”

Angel points to one of the plates on the table “There’s still toast.” He glances back down at the plate, “Oop, well there’s crust.” Niffty runs by and grabs the plate “Never mind.”

“It’s fine, I don’t need to eat.”

“Huh, I guess you don’t” Angel returns to his phone.

“All right, everyone!” Charlie tries to get their attention “Everyone! Oh gosh, we’ve never had this many guests before” she whispers to Vaggie. She gets slightly louder. “Everyone! We’re just about to get started, okay so everyone listen up, please!” Everyone lowers their volume, though some, including Voe, remain distracted by their phones. The click-clacking of dress shoes is heard descending the stairs, everyone turns their heads to see Alastor approaching the parlor.

“Alastor! You’re just in time for our first activity of that day!” Charlie smiles widely at the red demon

“Oh? So it appears I’m early..” He turns on his heels and retreats back up the staircase.

“Oooo-kay! So, we’re going to go around and introduce ourselves and say one interesting thing you did while you were alive!

Ugh. Voe always hated these when she was alive. It’s always so nerve-wracking to think about. What do other people find interesting? She could never figure it out! They went all the way around, from demons talking about how they’ve hosted the 7’o clock news, to catching butterflies, to fucking 5 bitches in the same night.

“I tried Heroin for the first time and then died.” Angel offered

“You only tried it once before dying?”

“Well, I’d already done a bunch of drugs that day, but when my friend came with the horse, I knew I had to try it! Then I died.” 

“No way! I died with an actual horse! It kicked me in the ribs!”

“This is going great! Not exactly what I had planned but this working Vaggie!” Charlie is filled to the brim with excitement 

“No one gives a fuck about your horse,” Angel responded. “I was talking about heroin.”

“I know…” the girl said, sounding disappointed

“What?”

“Why can’t I make any friends?”

“You’re up new girl,” Angel gestured to Voe, who sat in silence for a moment, still pondering on what to say. She started sweating from all the pressure of the eyes being on her and her being unprepared. She couldn’t think of anything, at all. All that she could remember was her little sexcapades. She was rich of course, she had done cool things, so why couldn’t she remember any of them?

“Hey,” Angel Dust interrupted her thoughts after what seemed like forever “Weren’t you on live yesterday?”

Voe’s demeanor brightens up “Oh, yeah! I’m guessing you caught it?”

“Yeah, I caught that live too!” another demon chimed in, soon the majority of the room was buzzing about her live. Voe beamed at being able to speak on something she was prepared for.

“So you into Freaky Face or something?”

“Angel! Don’t just assume things!” Charlie butt in, also interested in the live

“I’m sorry, Freaky Face?”

“Alastor.” The whole room responded to her

Voe shakes her head quickly, “Oh no no no. I was just commenting on the fact that he’s the only deer I’ve seen besides myself.”

“Mhmm, I guess you could say mating season is open.”

“Ha! That was funny ‘mating season’” said the horse girl, to which Angel responded with a blank stare

“He’s good-looking! I can’t be the only one that thinks that. I am not the only one that thinks that. Stop making me look crazy!”

“No one even said anything,”

“Actually mating season for deer is between October and December” Voe interjects

“Well,” Charlie tries to take charge of the conversation “Alastor is a very nice-looking male.”

Vaggie speaks from behind her girlfriend “He’s…okay. But did we forget that he’s a vicious overlord who not only owns many souls but is a psychopathic, deal-making, mass-murdering cannibalistic monster?”

“Really? But he’s like…” Voe trails off, making gestures with her hands

“Like what?” Angel Dust probes

“Like,” she thinks “Cute.” some of the demons are taken aback by her claim

“You think Alastor is ‘cute’?” Vaggie questioned, hands on her hips and full of skepticism. 

“Yeah,” Voe shrugged “Like, it’s giving…stuffed animal. Or like a pet dog”

“Nah she hasn’t seen all the creepy shit he’s done around here yet. That opinion’ll disappear real soon.” Angel Dust took a swig of his drink “Don’t say that shit to him!” he laughs to himself.

“What is… ‘it’s giving’?” Charlie asked innocently 

“Ugh.” Voe slapped her hand on her forehead “It’s just… I don’t know like, that’s a vibe.”

“Vibe?” 

“It’s just the feeling you get from someone or something,” she shakes her head “I forgot y’all are ancient.”

“Wait, so what do you think of him though?” Angel questioned point-blank

“I don’t think anything about him, I don’t know him.”

“So why’d you talk about him during your live?”

“I don’t know, because he’s a buck! That’s literally it!”

“Mhmm.” Angel takes another swig

“Wait, are you shipping us just because we’re both deer?” Voe looks confused

“I’m so glad that you all feel a sense of community!” said Charlie, after having clearly lost control of the conversation. Vaggie tapped her shoulder to tell her to just give it up. Most demons were just talking amongst themselves at this point, including Angel Dust and Voe, when the very demon they spoke about made his appearance once again.

“I hope that I’m actually on time now.” Alastor stands just outside the parlor, as the demons are instantly quiet in the presence of a supposedly cruel overlord. He had all the eyes in the room on him, saying nothing.

“Well, Alastor we just finished our activity.”

“Wonderful, so I am on time!” He glances at the clock above the fireplace “Well, I have errands to run.”

“You literally just got down here,” Vaggie spoke with annoyance in her tone

“And now I literally have to leave. Best of luck chums!” He exits the hotel and the air is filled with noise again. Voe stares after him. She didn’t notice before that he had a radio filter on his voice. Was that natural or on purpose? 

“Whatcha lookin’ at toots?” he whispers in her ear

Voe looks back at him “Oh, um nothing.”

“Uh huh, maybe you’re not so weird,” he tops off his drink

“Thanks?”

Chapter 3>

[love-takes-work]

Hi, I started wondering something about SU and wanted to get some other perspectives:

Do you think Steven would have been able to fix the crack in the geode in "House Guest" if Greg hadn't lied about his leg being healed?

It's really hard to say. Steven's healing powers in the show don't have a lot of consistency to them.

On the one hand, it's obvious his emotions and confidence and state of mind have a lot to do with how and whether he can access his powers.

But on the other hand, the healing powers don't seem to always obey the precedents. Steven's first known use of healing powers was an accident that developed while he was feeling low and rejected and hopeless (specifically about his powers): He "healed" Connie while being super sad that he hadn't been able to heal Amethyst. So that seems like an awfully weird time for his healing powers to START working if they depended on him believing he could do it.

(I also think it's kinda weird that "healing" Connie was presented as adjusting her eyesight to typical vision settings. That wasn't a wound or an illness. It makes me wonder if Steven's spit would "heal" other things that were nonstandard but not wounds, like closing up people's pierced ears or whatever. But we never saw anything like that before.)

So the healing powers seem to be a passive thing; if Steven puts his spit on something, it heals. He doesn't necessarily need to be thinking about or doing anything. There were several times when he tried to use his healing powers and nothing happened, so I guess we can conclude it's some kind of substance or energy that either is or isn't being produced in his spit--and when it's not there, it's not there, regardless of how he feels. If Rose's fountain can heal even without her being there, that means her healing tears worked the same way.

I'm guessing he suddenly stopped being able to heal when his dad made him think he hadn't succeeded at it for a reason, but I feel like his "you can't do it, therefore you're not useful to the team" feeling was VERY similar to how he was feeling when his healing powers FIRST manifested. So I'm not sure why feeling low and unconfident didn't affect his powers the first time but the second time the same feeling deleted them from his arsenal for over 60 episodes. (And since the first thing he healed--also accidentally--when his powers came back was a teddy bear, we know it doesn't have anything to do with whether the intended healing subject is alive.)

I feel like the healing powers in particular aren't written with a lot of consistency, but I think that contributes to the overall understanding of Steven. He IS inconsistent! He's growing up with a lot of unknowns, so it makes sense that at least one of his abilities would be sort of fickle.

[scalproie]

ALSO I have been tagged... last week (I'm so sorry) by @kazamajun for wip wednesday and I finally have smth I'm comfortable sharing so. there we go.

Also I would like to tag... idk who currently has wips. @eldragon-x I think you do. @kazooyah you too (if you want to ofc). Anyone else tell me so I can tag you and also you are tagged anyway.

OK LET'S GO

---

The fight was as fast as it was intense.

The King of Hell made the first move, absolute in might as ever, doubtless eager to finish it quickly, but his powerful strike never came into contact with the goddess' body: her palm met his fist halfway and she used his momentum against him, redirecting the blow and gracefully dodging out of the way, before grabbing his arm, dealing him a swift chop to his neck, bringing him to his knee with a well-placed kick, and slamming her elbow to the back of his head. Unrelenting, she then concluded the throw by tossing him overhead.

But as expected, it did nothing to keep Kazuya down for more than a second. A kick to get her away, and he got back up with a dangerous red gleam in his eyes.

She mainly focused on evasion and redirection, turning his strength back on him all while doing her best to avoid his attacks, as it was evident that he had immense destructive power on his side, and knew how to utilize it at his very core.

She could not espace every of his moves however, and the punch that followed an axe-kick of his hurt her more than from anything she ever faced before. It unfortunately wouldn't be the last blow that would breach her defenses.

The first electrically charged attack that hit her thorax had her stopped breathing momentarily, and at one point he got back at her by grabbing her leg and slamming the goddess to the ground.

She did not spend the whole fight evading or trying to, however, her fighting techniques were as refined as his were perfected. To hit her, he would need to reach her first, but she would hit her mark almost everytime, forcing him to block her blows.

He found no luck falling back on his other abilities either: pure white bird-shaped energy crashed into and nullified flying purple laser-shooting crystals more than once. Her light was on par with his demonic electricity, and she had him panting as much as he did her.

It was clear still that neither of them has ever faced such an fierce opponent before.

She knocked him out of his devil form eventually. A single contact of her light was usually all it took to purge all demonic energy of those from below; he, on the other hand, endured the full force of it fifteen times before a light-infused fist send him flying and purple scales dissipated from the King of Hell to reveal a humanoid form much more similar to her own.

That did not made him any weaker, or any less determined.

Eventually, they each dealt each other a killing blow.

True purifying light from her hand obliterated his demonic insides from behind his chest, while highly concentrated infernal electricity fired at point blank from his remaining third eye tore right through her stomach. Neither knew who delivered which first.

Both fell to the ground the same, in opposite directions, across of each other.

Both also knew that they would be dead soon. Well, as temporary as being dead was to a god.

The physical part of the fight ended, but the battle still wasn't over: the winner of this encounter would be decided by which of the two would see the other die first.

Everything was silent in the clearing save for the two gods' ragged breathing.

Already the woods were giving back to She who made them: small orbs of light emerging out of the spring, the trees, the plants and the grass, were making their way over to her, envelopping Jun's wounds in a warm embrace.

She forced her eyes to stay open to see the god on the other side, being reclaimed by the depths of the earth, tendrils of blood creeping up and dragging him down. With his last bout of strength he was clawing at the ground toward her, still glaring at her.

But was he? Jun looked deeper at the red eyes fixated on her before realizing they were in fact looking past her, pleading past her.

Not yet, not yet, not yet. Not again.

She was no longer the enemy he was fighting.

Without knowing why, on pure instinct perhaps, her hand extanded with the intent to reach him: in her exausted state, maybe her eyes no longer saw an adversary to defeat, but someone in need of help.

Her eyes closed on their own before they could meet his lifeless ones.

[katyahina]

I remembered your post about dead kin sprouting life from them, and that made me think. Could the wandering nightmares come from the same thing? The picture of stuff growing out of the dead kin in Byrgenwerth made me think of them. I assume that the bloodstones you get from them would probably be the only "kin" part of the kin that's actually left. Maybe they're the end product of a dead kin? It may make sense as to why you find so many in the nightmare frontier. Looking at the concept art, they also seem to have eyes growing out of them, or at least the large ones do. Looking closer at the skulls, a few of them also seem sorta similar to the labyrinth madmen. Actually, looking closer at the concept art, the big ones appear to have some sort of mouth coming out of their backs. Looking at it that way, it almost looks like a bearded head.

!!!!!!!! Bobbie, your brain is HUGE! This is a really good observation, and by now I don't even have an idea how came that I forgot about Wandering Nightmares in that post! + I am going to add the post and the image in question for the context just in case:

Basically for all two of my new followers, IN THE PREVIOUS EPISODE we concluded that the skulls are likely part of the curse and this sort of 'pollution' might have been the reasoning for snake infestation too. But the 'curse' is a lot of spirits of the dead lingering within the blood of humanity (and Pthumerity):

Themes of "superior" being born atop, or upon merging, variety of "lesser" lifeforms are also in the design of Kin like Brain of Mensis (made out of many melted corpses and some Micolash's hair because BB's lore is very normal) or Winter Lanterns (with their heads being many melted Messengers)! As for Kin being born by using humans as surrogates, the cord Arianna drops and Annalise's purpose also offer some Insight (🥁) on it:

Worth mentioning again that Annalise did have a Great One infant herself ( x ), and the implication here is kinda plain again. Blood Echoes are actually 'dying wills' in Japanese, mostly Hunters kill them because they absorb the most 'spirits' through the hunt, Blood Dregs even look like many sperm cells yet having small faces, and Vilebloods are more fit for carrying a Great One infant because their blood is especially full of this.. "energy".

^ There is a reason to think that maybe Wandering Nightmares are connected with these guys; either could not petrify, or broke free of petrification! And honestly normally I'd stop here, but your idea on what Wandering Nightmares are is MUCH more interesting and morbid! Basically you're saying that they are dead Kin, and amalgamation of skulls is the spirits within trying to tear free from being stuck like this. With the fetus we find at Byrgenwerth, the skulls are kinda tiny and frozen, saved the torment that Wandering Nightmares apparently are experiencing. Can't perish to give a way to a new lifeform, can't JUST peris, and also can't become free spirits and be set free.

I've also noticed just now that one of the faces on smaller Wandering Nightmare has a similar structure to enemies Giant Lost Child, who are found exclusively in the Nightmare realm too! But actually you might have just helped me to find a good explanation on WHY they are said to have been abandoned at birth! They could have been early Pthumerian (Loran?) experiments on carrying a divine infant, but were born no human/Pthumerians, nor Kin, and thus discarded as "failures"! I was thinking that the reason Mergo's real body is a Lithopedion, stuck within mother's womb is lacking 'circulation' of curses and spirits within the blood at that era that is now "fixed" since humanoids have been doing blood and hunt for a while since Pthumeru Ihyll and Loran. Now, this might add substance to it, so thank you!

The large variant DOES have a few eyes even in the ingame model, although not as easy to see as they are on the concept art!

There is also a video that offers a better look:

AND it seems like the implication is there for small variants too:

These skull-like spirits do not have eyes, nor do their way more 'physical' forms erupting, so... yeah, I agree that the eyes on their "bodies" are meant to be the Insight-eyes, not THEIR eyes. Heck, don't forget about Ludwig's interesting transformation as well, with his second mouth being full of eyes now!

Large Wandering Nightmares DO have a functioning gigantic shared mouth on their backs, yes. It is visible more in the video I've shared! Damn.. I feel even more validated about my idea that Ludwig's transformation is all on his own rather than being fused with a horse! He himself functions not unlike these Wandering Nightmares with sprouting 'physical' eyes and multiple chaotically-placed legs that are not a thing any other beast has, yet coincidentally what Wandering Nightmares have!

__________________

Thank you for an ask! I am convinced! You always know just the most thought-provoking thing to question about!

[ff6webcomic]

Hello everyone! How are you all doing? ^_^ I came to give you an important update about Final Fantasy VI Webcomic!

You guys may have noticed that we got an unplanned full month break in March, and we didn’t get any new pages for two weeks during June. The gap between chapters 7 and 8 has been longer than chapters 6 and 7 as well. There’s a reason for all of that and I’d like to explain it to you!

FFVI Webcomic came back with full force in May 2020 after some extensive hiatuses. One of the biggest reasons for that strong return was the COVID pandemic. Everyone had to stay at home and a lot of people were short on jobs. With that, there was plenty of time to entirely dedicate myself to the comic. With a steady schedule, more and more patron supporters came along and the comic could continue successfully. Our Patreon has grown a lot over these last three years! However, as the time passed and life returned to normal, new goals and new expectations were beginning to show up in my life once again.

As these three years passed, new opportunities were emerging and I’ve been finding less and less time to work on the comic. Even with a tight agenda, I was always doing my best to have FFVI Webcomic have constant updates because this comic and its readers are really important to me. However, I need to be aware that FFVI Webcomic is a VERY big and VERY ambitious project. We’re talking about 10 years of project and at least 10 more years to be concluded, if we’re lucky lol xD And, as much as I love this comic, I can’t sacrifice other aspects of my life to be able to fulfill the comic’s goal.

So with all of that explained, it is with great sadness that I’m announcing that FFVI Webcomic will now be updated with one page per month instead of the usual one page per week. 

I know, I know… This was not an easy choice to make and my heart even feels heavy as I’m writing this…This was not a sudden choice either, I’ve been considering the idea for a while and had to make an ultimate decision.

I’m IMMENSELY grateful for all the support, comments and positive feedback that you guys give to this comic! If I could use all that hearty energy to fuel my livelihood I would be rich and wouldn’t have any more financial worries xD FFVI Webcomic is my dream project and if I could make it full time, I would, but we live in a capitalist system and that means you gotta make money to pay up your bills.

Does that mean that FFVI Webcomic will continue with one page per month until it reaches its end? Well, not necessarily. Is that same old thing: The more support the comic receives, the more pages are possible to make. We can still increase the release of new pages but, as its current state, making one page per week as it used to be is unfeasible.

Rest assured that FFVI Webcomic will continue, regardless of how small or big the financial support is! You guys have no idea how many scenes like the Phantom Train, Battle for Narshe, Floating Continent, “Searching for friends”, etc are already done in my head! And as long as Square Enix doesn’t give us a FFVI remake, I’ll be making this comic lol 😂 There’s still plans for that physical book as well! And I’m even considering turning FFVI Webcomic into a collaborative project in the future, instead of being a one person team 👀

With that, I thank you all for your understanding and continuous support throughout these years! This is not the end of FFVI Webcomic. It’s just a different path that this project is taking!

[meekmedea]

conversations over tea (III)

previous

~~~~~~~

Clemensia has a theory. 

Though she tells him of the most mundane, trivial things, he is paying attention – at least to some extent. 

Like how one Saturday, she had offhandedly mentioned that she had lost out on the chance to purchase chestnut tarts at Ambrosia – a cafe known for its exquisite pastries and how fast they sold out.  

On their following meet up the next week, the very same pastries were served during their tea. 

`

It was a similar thing with the cucumber sandwiches. Personally, they were too bland and he never partook in any either. 

So after a few weeks of them being served and left untouched, they no longer appeared as part of the refreshments available to them during tea. 

It’s been months and she still hasn’t figured out what he wants from this. 

Is it for the company? Because for all she knew, he wasn’t spotted out much with friends, much less family. In fact, he’s known to be quite devoted to serving Panem as President.

Because it certainly isn’t for her name. There are families whose names are considered far more prestigious than hers. Nor was it for her money. 

The only time she’s seen him socialize is when he goes to the parties that those in their social circles host. And even then, he only ever goes to a select few. 

~~~~~

And so their weekly teas continued, with Clemensia being no closer to her answers than she had previously. 

Her attendance is impeccable – by this point, he’d stopped sending her invitations, rather it was a mere, “I shall see you next week then?” from Coriolanus when their tea was concluded. Which would then be met with an agreement from her. 

~~~~~

The streak of perfect attendance falters one Saturday when she wakes in the morning. It’s off to a terrible start when the simple act of getting out of bed makes her head spin. Exhaustion seeps out of her bones and she wants nothing more than to lay back down in bed. 

Her throat felt parched, and though Clemensia wanted water, the trek to the kitchen suddenly seemed so far away. 

Short as the distance is, it feels like an eternity before she makes it to the kitchen. It’s a struggle in itself to pour a glass of water. 

The room was too warm, and she’d open up a window if she had the energy for it. Clemensia felt like she was overheating, and the kitchen floor tiles were looking more and more attractive with every passing second. Sliding down, she sat on the ground of her kitchen – the cool tiles offered a brief respite.

The phone rings obnoxiously as she sips at her water. 

Getting back onto her feet and making the trek out of the kitchen was out of the question in her current condition. So she let it ring uninterrupted – if it was truly important, they’d leave her a voicemail. 

Leaning against the bottom cabinets, Clemensia sighed when the phone began ringing seconds after it had stopped. 

Was it really that urgent? 

5 more minutes, she told herself. 5 more minutes of rest before she got up. Oh, and she’d probably have to call Coriolanus too to tell him she wouldn't be able to make it today. 

~~~~

But somewhere down the line, she must have dozed off because the next time she comes to, she’s laying in her bed. That itself causes a little bit of a panic as she sat up because Clemensia has no recollection of doing so. 

The sight of someone standing in her bedroom doorway doesn’t help either. Because why on earth is Coriolanus here? In her home? 

“You didn’t pick up.”

Was that worry that she detected? Her mouth opened to explain, but he beat her to it. 

“I know.” He came a bit closer to where she was laying. “It was rather obvious when I found you unconscious on the kitchen floor.” 

Clemensia had little opportunity to speak as she was badgered into laying back down. She would have put up more of a protest if he hadn’t pressed a cool, damp washcloth to her forehead. 

“Rest,” he tells her. 

She’s not sure why she listens. But she does, and the next time she does awaken, she hears his voice from outside her room. He’s talking to someone, likely on the phone because she couldn’t hear the other person’s voice. 

Still drowsy, her eyes close and she lets Morpheus lull her into his domain once more. 

~~~~

“You need to take better care of yourself,” Coriolanus says when she wakes. In his hands is a steaming cup of tea that he drinks from. 

“Says the man who adds far too much sugar to his tea,” she blurts out. Although her mind is no longer drowsy from the lack of sleep, it’s still clouded by the fever. Idiot! Why had she said that? 

He blinked owlishly at her – Clemensia swears there’s the briefest flash of amusement in his eyes. “Well I see you’re feeling better now. I suppose it’d be best to leave you to the care of your maid now. She has your medication and such.”

“Medication?” For what? 

“Your fever,” he says, amused. 

“Oh.”

“Until next week then. Take care.” 

~~~~

All in all it’d been a confusing encounter. One that Clemensia might have chalked up as a fever dream had her maid not confirm the next morning that he’d really been present. 

She still wonders how he’d gotten in. 

President Snow is a curious man. An enigma at times. 

Luckily for Clemensia, she is fond of puzzles. Sooner or later, she’ll figure out his motive. 

first part

next part

[theninthdoor]

Any skz reading planed for today love?

love update here! 😎 was just looking for the ask, but I'll just end up using this one instead

Bang Chan || nine of swords, four of cups, knight of wands: Chan has been pursuing a love interest, yet the task turned out to be a lot harder than he had expected. Nothing he does gets the reaction or result he wants, and it just makes him feel bad about himself. Instead of pushing forward with this, he might start looking for attention elsewhere, even if it that's not really what he wants.

Lee Know || three of pentacles rx, the world: A relationship is coming to an end for him. Things have stopped working; him and his partner are struggling to keep it together. They're realizing that their goals and/or values are way too different and there's no chance of growth or compromise.

Changbin || four of swords, two of swords: He's single, for sure. Although I see someone around him, he has not yet decided whether or not he wants to give them a chance. There's a lot of indecision in the air.

Hyunjin || ten of cups, the moon rx: Hyunjin is dating. At first, the relationship might've been filled with anxiety, misunderstandings, faking their tastes and personalities in order to please the other person, however, that has passed. They have finally arrived at a place where they can be themselves, and it's been very enjoyable for both, so far.

Felix || knight of swords, queen of pentacles rx: Felix's cards took an eternity to come out… I just feel like he's very, very annoyed with something; so much so that he doesn't even wanna talk about it. I don't see a relationship here, but he could have been talking to someone as of late. The QoPrx is the social climber card, someone materialistic and manipulative, too, and that might be the case here. He's now realizing this person's true intentions towards him, perhaps?

Han || six of pentacles rx, temperance: Han has recently taken a step back regarding a connection he was building with someone. Either he concluded they were going too fast, and that made him uncomfortable, or he's simply not so sure of whether or not they are a good match, after all. I just see him taking back an offer OR declining an offer after initially accepting it - likely a date?

Seungmin || eight of pentacles, king of pentacles: I believe he's still with the same partner. The relationship remains solid; they're both committed to making it work, put in all the effort necessary. However, in comparison to last time we checked, Seungmin doesn't seem as starry-eyed or absorbed in the relationship - he's finally managed to shift the focus back to himsef and everything else that needs his attention (mainly his career), without compromising the connection.

I.N || strength rx, page of cups rx: There's a situation here that reeks of immaturity… Can't tell if it's him, the other person or both, but there's someone here who's letting their insecurities get the best of them, for sure. They're co-dependent, attention seeking and very selfish; every little thing is enough for them to make a scene out of; no argument is ever dramatic enough for them. The Magician is at the bottom of the deck, so I believe they talk mostly through text messages or social media; or that could be at the center of their issues.

(Disclaimer: Based on current energies. All readings are alleged and for entertainment purposes only.)

[jcbbby]

First CONGRATS! ☺️☺️☺️💐I just wanted you to know that your account makes me smile every day! Can you write Jamie x reader fluff🖤 and if this will help here is a line: "I will always choose you"

🎉JCBBBY'S 500 FOLLOWER PARTY🎉

our first party post!!! thank you so much!! I'm so glad what I post makes you happy and that you're here! :) thanks for the prompt, I hope you enjoy! <3

-

"I will always choose you." warnings: none! but not proofread, ignore any mistakes!

-

You had been friends with Jamie for quite some time. Was it, what seven...eight years now? Long before the Stranger Things whirlwind. You met in a quiet coffee shop in East London, both of you trying to avoid the classic English rain plaguing that summer morning. He had accidentally grabbed your drink from the pick up counter, you interjected before he could take a sip.

"Oh, wait sorry, that may be mine..."

He furrowed his brow, looking at the name written on the cup.

"Oh, you're right. I'm sorry! It looks like we ordered the same drink." He smiled, handing you the cup. "Nice to meet you, Y/N. Great taste in coffee."

You let out a gentle laugh. "So do you, er- what's your name?"

"Jamie!" The barista called out, setting down a drink identical to yours.

Jamie reached for the drink the barista had just set down, giving a quick "thank you" to the worker. "I'm Jamie." He reached his hand out, inviting you to shake.

"Jamie." You smiled, taking his hand in yours.

You spent the next two or three hours chatting away by a window, waiting for the rain to stop. He went on to say he was actually an actor and musician, he had actually just finished up being in Bend It Like Beckham on stage. Eventually you recognized that he had been in Sweeney Todd and gushed a moment about how you loved the film. He blushed lightly as you complimented him.

Towards the end of the conversation, as the rain seemed to let up outside, he asked for your number, hoping he could treat you to coffee next time perhaps? Your face fell slightly as you had to inform him that you actually were not currently single. Your heart sunk a little because truth be told, you had been flirting a little. His charismatic energy was almost impossible not to return.

While he did look disappointed, you quickly assured him that you had a great time, and if he was interested in still chatting and meeting for coffee as friends, you'd be happy to give him your number. And that is how you started meeting Jamie every Sunday morning for coffee and brunch.

Over the years of your friendship, you became very close. You shared deep conversations with each other about life and your values. You supported one another. You were a shoulder to cry on with one another. Not a day went by where you didn't communicate in some way. Sometimes, to the annoyance of your respective partners who occasionally felt jealous or threatened by your closeness.

But the timing never seemed to line up for either of you in terms of anything turning romantic. After you had broken up with the person you were seeing when you met Jamie, he had already begun dating someone else. When they broke up, you had just started a relationship with someone new as well. You both had concluded secretly to yourselves that it just wasn't in the cards, but that was okay. You thought you were too mundane for Jamie anyway. He was a talented and loved performer, and you were just...you.

-

Jamie had been in America shooting Stranger Things for some time, but he was finally coming back to London. The two of you excitedly arranged to have a movie night at your place that evening after he had flown in. You spent the day tidying up your apartment and grocery shopping for all his favorite snacks.

A knock finally came upon your door, 20 minutes after Jamie had texted he was on his way over. Flinging the door open, you leapt into him, throwing your arms around his neck.

"I missed you!" You exclaimed.

Jamie chuckled, enveloping your shoulders into a tight hug. "I missed you too, love. Five months is too long..."

You released each other from your embrace and let him step inside, closing the door behind you. "So...I got all your favorite snacks, and I was thinking we could watch Pearl and X." You smiled, walking over to the couch, motioning to the generous spread of sweet and savory treats you had arranged.

"Look at all this!" He chuckled. "We won't even need to order take out."

You both settled on to the couch, him immediately reaching for a small handful of M&Ms. The two of you sat next to each other, thighs just centimeters from each other. You started the movie and your attention focused mainly on the screen. Jamie fidgeted multiple times and began shaking his leg rather quickly. You looked over to him, noticing he wasn't even looking at the TV, but slightly next to it. Almost as if he had zoned out.

"Hey...you good?" You asked leaning forward to get a better look at his face.

"Hmm?" He snapped his head towards you. "Oh, oh. Yeah...I'm good." He smiled.

You stared, studying him, furrowing your brow. "...No, something's off. What's up? What's on your mind?" You paused the movie.

Jamie sighed. "I...I broke up with Amanda."

You frowned. "Oh, I'm sorry... What hap-"

"Because I'm in love with you." He blurted, interrupting you.

Your lips parted slightly, hoping to say something, but nothing came to your mind. Any words were replaced by the sound of your heart thumping in your ears. He continued.

"I just...it was never really the right time. We never had it line up right. But you know, you've been single for a bit, and things just weren't that great with her recently and I just... I hoped... I hoped it would be the right time to tell you now." He looked into your eyes.

"Jamie..." You began. "I...I'm in love with you too." You smiled gently.

A large, full smile spread across his face, wrinkling the corner of his eyes. "You are?"

You nodded. "I am...I've just been afraid to say it because... well, why me, Jamie? I mean, look at you, you can have anyone, you know?"

He gently took your hands in his, pulling them to rest softly on his lap. "Because you're everything. You've always been everything to me. I chose you eight years ago. I will always choose you." He brought one hand up to place a kiss on your fingers.

"Jamie..." You smiled wide, pulling your hands free from his, bringing them to either side of his face.

You pulled him in, planting a firm kiss on to his lips. His arm slinked around your waist, pulling you in closer. As you pulled away, his arm remained, softly caressing just above your hip.

"I'll always choose you too."

[hockeygossipdaily]

Anon that y’all labeled “Sammy defender” here. And just fyi, me having a different opinion then you does not mean im trying to salvage her name because i think she’s pretty. But anyways this is me honestly trying to understand where you guys are coming from cause there’s stuff that’s been concluded that makes zero sense to me.

How does her sitting on a guys lap automatically equal her cheating on jack? We don’t know if they discussed boundaries and have said that stuff like that with close friends is ok. Relationships are all different and heck maybe the guy is gay and that’s why she felt comfortable doing it. Also exactly what proof is there that jack cheated on Sammy? If it’s true I feel like this is yet another case of women getting vilified for doing the same thing men do while men getting very little criticism. Cause I have heard no one complaining or spam commenting on insta or giving Jack grief for being a cheater but Sammy (allegedly) cheating makes her scum of earth. People constantly excuse jacks part in this relationship as it being a toxic relationship. Oh it has to be “toxic” and he has to be “trapped”. But maybe just maybe, jacks a bad person too.

I am also trying to understand why you guys call her a Zionist? Is it solely because she is presumably Jewish and visited Israel? And the luke thing. I think it’s insane that Sammy, from what i understand, was allegedly rejected by Luke and threw a fit and then randomly was still able to get with jack?? Cause honestly if that’s the case it’s on jack 100%.

You guys are saying that Ellen and Jim are PR freaks and that a lot of media that has come out with jack and Sammy, they look really happy. But then say that things are awkward between Sammy and jack and his family BECAUSE of media that has come out? Media and pictures can be misleading. Quinn and Luke both can look veryyyyy awkward in pictures but that doesn’t mean they hate their friends or brothers who are in the pic too.

Also I don’t know if you guys have just forgotten but sienna got a lot of hate on other discussion boards while she was dating Jack. It was mostly after they broke up that people started liking her.

On a real note, I don’t have any particularly strong feelings towards Sammy but I have period of being on and off tumblr and recently when I came back I was just so taken aback by the extent of bashing and personal attacks against her. It is truly a way higher amount of hate towards her than any other wags recently. And I see common phrases being used like “I think”, “I feel”, “yeah I could believe that”, and comments talking about energies when making statements about Sammy. It starts as theories and speculation, and gets repeated so many times that people on tumblr believe it as fact. Please remember everyone to be kind and keep in mind that we are all human. Mental health matters and really anything can be interpreted in a million different ways.

I’ll try to answer each of your questions:

1. Being in a relationship and sitting on another guys lap some don’t take to that lightly especially the boyfriend. You’re right in saying we don’t know they’re dynamic as both have slept with other people and they’re still together. Her sitting on a guys lap may not be physically cheating but it’s definitely wrong

2. Her and her friends went on a mission trip ( that’s the closest thing I can compare it to) to Israel . There might be photos but I can’t remember

3. Jim and Ellen want what’s best for the boys and after Jack and Sami hooking up if that hadve gotten to the public that would’ve put a dent in his reputation. So the PR thing was to keep Jack in everyone’s good graces. As far as how the family views her and actually thinks of her idk. However with evidence provided from other anons who have said things that turned out to be true Sammy did try to go for Luke so I can see him being uncomfortable around her and if Quinn knows I can see him not taking a liking to her either. Her parents, like Luke, probably are trying to stay cordial with her again to keep the peace because their family is in the public eye and now one of the most famous hockey families so they have to keep a certain image.

4. I didn’t start hockey till after they had broken up so all I saw was people saying they liked sienna but I didn’t see the hate. Some Jack fans are gonna hate who he dates regardless of if they’re nice or not but I don’t think sienna did half of what Sammy did

What really turns people off is that anons have been correct in her being mean or making mean comments to people and the SA joke really turned people off because why are your friends making that joke in a comment section and your agreeing by liking it?

[koifishart]

I want to be Your Koi Fish - Nine Tails

Warning: +18 content, criminal underworld, intercourse, strong language - and so on

Fanfiction based on: "Baki" by Itagaki Keisuke

>14<

It's been a long evening. All night, in fact. She finished her story in the morning, shortly before sunrise. It was hard to digest all this information, especially the last one. He was involuntarily wondering what would happen to little Fubuki after all this. It seemed that the only thing left to do was to wait for events to unfold. She still had something to say.

- I took the opportunity to ask Sakurai if she knew anything about my connection with Yui. Why is she Yang and I am Yin, even though it seems like it should be the other way around. Especially since the family was expecting a boy, not me. - she said finally, her voice a little hoarse. - You remember what my great-grandmother looked like, don't you?

He nodded immediately. Yes ... he remembered. Hanabi was very much like her, but the First Kitsune had a much more mature type of beauty. Long, silky, coal-black hair, calm look of pale green eyes, dignified, slim figure with very feminine shapes, moving with unforced grace, like a real geisha. The makeup on a fair face, typical of Foxes, added an alluring hint of ferocity to this oasis of inner peace, hiding untamed energy in its depths. It was hard to forget that sight, especially with its full set of white tails and protruding ears on top of the head. He wasn't sure if Hanabi's great-grandmother was standing in front of them fully material, but ... it's not something that easily flies away. He caught his wife's scrutinizing gaze. He must have thought too much.

- Now imagine that she is standing in front of us saying something like, "Well, I was at the birth of each of you. I got fucked up with Kokko ... there was no power to reverse it, so I left it." - She blurted out seriously.

- At least we know who you are cursing thanks to. - he concluded with a half-mouth smile, pulling her closer to him.

- Be glad I'm not that cold bitch. - Muttered, reaching for the blanket lying in the corner of the couch.

>>><<<

If Kaoru thought she would approach him completely unprepared, he obviously didn't know her as well as she thought. When he was working, and she just had time off, Hanabi used the extraordinary facility she had forced the keys to from Kizaki. It turned out that one of the rooms on the ground floor had a gym that could be used by his people and, of course, Hanayama himself - which he didn't do because he didn't think he had to. After all, the best training is a real fight! She had a slightly different opinion, and since didn't have to run with the bag halfway through the neighborhood, she made efforts to open the door to the room she cared about and which she found out about only now. Her husband's deputy, being an unrepentant traditionalist, objected in every way possible, but eventually succumbed to the yoke of her "boss's wife" title, which she had promised herself not to overuse. The only condition she had to agree to was the presence of a man during her training. It wasn't always supposed to be Kizaki, but she wasn't allowed to be left alone so that in the event of an unforeseen breakdown or the risk of injury, someone would always jump between her and what was threatening her. "Maybe You used to run to the gym once, Hanabi-sama, but there was always someone there, so we won't leave You alone this time either." That's what he said. She capitulated, squinting and sighing disapprovingly. On the same day, she developed the first few training plans so as not to hurt herself, and the body got a signal that it was time to work. She also wrote down a shopping list to deliver at least a few hundred of the planned 10,000 calories as cleverly as possible. She wasn't going to eat all the time, had to get around it a bit, so she went back to the good old protein supplements, carbohydrate gels, and her beloved peanut butter (whose home supplies were running out anyway). They were always great for exercising, and she found a spare locker at the gym to stuff everything. When she got motivated enough with mobility training and made it more flexible with yoga sessions, it was time to slowly implement strength training: she started with calisthenic sequences involving body weight, then with rubbers, and finally returned to her beloved free weights. It took a while to get ready, but it was worth it. The reflection in the mirror, and most of all strength and efficiency, were the perfect proof of this. She was shaking with excitement and joy as she approached a silver barbell with a full bar, with a cast iron load weighing 40 kg, which she planned to lift in the deadlift, and Yoji standing behind her was trembling against her spine and hands. She rattled the earrings, throwing the ponytail from her shoulder onto her back, grabbed the load, tucked her pelvis, tensed her legs, buttocks, correctly positioned shoulder blades and shoulders... Muscle memory was doing its job - she could do more than she had thought.

Kizaki cheered on them more than she could have imagined, while also surprising them at every possible step. As usual, in the morning he came to tell Kaoru about the plan for the next day, slightly disturbing breakfast. She got used to it so much that she planned to prepare more so that he could sit, but when she suggested it one time, the deputy himself announced that it would only take a moment, not to worry, and besides, it was only time for them. Hanabi capitulated. So she listened to the meeting list, slowly eating rice from bowl and washing it down with miso soup. This time it looked quite fat, something every hour, with little breaks. In fact, she had often wondered how Kaoru had embraced it all when he had taken over the business at only fifteen, while admiring him for it. Fortunately, she thought she had made a decent bento. When the flow of work-related words died down, she reached for green tea, not expecting a continuation.

- And I have a flight to Wakayama scheduled for next week ...

A dull slurp broke him. At the last moment, she refrained from swallowing, so as not to accidentally choke on the sensation. After the first surprise had passed, the warm drink trickled down her esophagus. She looked speechless at her husband. Kaoru also seemed to have no idea of the sneaky little plan that made the man in front of them, brushing his hair back.

- I am aware that this is some kind of abuse on my part, but I remember that Hanabi-sama proposed to leave together a long time ago. Things seem to be stable in the city, so I thought it would be good if you could use this time to relax a bit. - he explained hastily.

- I am amazed by your care for our rest, Kizaki-san. - Hanabi sighed, putting her cup down gently. - What do you think, Kaoru?

- I don't mind. - Hanayama replied, putting his arm around her. - It will be nice to go somewhere just the two of us again.

- So it's settled! - the deputy applauded cheerfully. - I'm getting down to work to make sure everything is buttoned up to the last button.

He left the apartment as joyful as she had never seen him before. Kizaki rather belonged to subdued people, unless the situation demanded or forced something else. She leaned on his massive torso, looking up.

- Was he always like this? - she asked softly.

- Are you kidding? He's changed since you came along. - he muttered calmly, kissing her forehead.

She thought about the cold, suspicious look, as she appeared in the conference room talking to her father about smuggling. She was then just a high school student who shouldn't have been there. In addition, she became very familiar with the yakuza. Kizaki didn't know then that she had slept with his boss, especially since she had intended to kill him earlier. He looked at her askance for a long time, with a great distance, even when he himself invited her for a private conversation in a cafe. Then she thought he was just used to her presence, but judging from his behavior at the wedding, he must have liked her. She looked flirtatiously at her husband. There was nothing left but to slowly pack the bags.

At the last minute, shortly before leaving, it turned out that Kaoru had to straighten one thing in order to be able to disappear for a moment with an absolutely pure heart. Kizaki had arranged the hotel ahead of time, so Hanabi had to go alone - rebooking one ticket for the next day was no problem. Eventually she wore maroon leather pants, a thin charcoal long-sleeved blouse, and as soon as she tied the strings of equally gray high heels, she reached for her luggage and closed the apartment door behind her. She stuffed the suitcase into the trunk and was about to get in the car when she turned around and almost collided with the man behind her. She stunned to see a young karate man, the headmaster of the Shinshinkai Karate school, dressed in loose-fitting sweatpants, an unbuttoned sweatshirt and a snow-white, tight-fitting t-shirt through which she could easily see the outline of the musculature. He beamed at the sight of her, protecting to keep her balance, but she quickly broke free from his embrace.

- Hanabi-chan, are you back? - he asked, playfully winking in her direction. - I didn't think that while walking from training I would have the opportunity to meet the real star in the sky!

- Come on, those cheap lines of yours don't work on me, Orochi. - she grunted. - Besides, I remind you that I am married.

- So a compliment to a beautiful woman isn't recommended anymore, because she has a ring on finger? - he laughed lightly.

- Sorry, I don't have time for word games, I'm in a hurry. - she replied stiffly, turning back on him. - The plane will run away.

- Then I'm not disturbing you, Mrs. Hanayama. - he bowed slightly. - A fruitful return to nature!

Hanabi frowned as she watched him disappear behind closing door with deeply tinted glass. "Return to nature"? She never stuttered a word where she was going! But she didn't have time to deal with such trifles, wanting to be on time.

Soon after, Hanabi was seated in the comfortable seat of the VIP cabin of the plane flying to Wakayama, to finally stand again at the airport there. The sun was fine, she put on sunglasses and briskly headed for the hotel. She thanked Kizaki silently. He chose one located in the center of the capital of the prefecture, with excellent communication, with restaurants and small, quiet pubs scattered around, as well as cafes, from which appetizing, sweet smells reached her nostrils, although she planned to visit only one specific one. Hanabi's ears were pampered with the pleasant buzz of the neighborhood, conversations in the Kansai dialect, quick, energetic, with sweetly falling tones at the ends of sentences that she had almost forgotten living in Tokyo, especially with a businessman as a husband. Kaoru's reputation had already reached Wakayama. It was enough that she mentioned her name at the reception desk, and the woman in a tight-fitting suit standing behind the counter stiffened, fading slightly, taking on color as soon as, almost running in high, elegant stilettos, she left for Hanabi, leading her to the room. She collapsed onto the rather firm mattress, sighing as she let the air out of her lungs as she looked around the room. Kizaki definitely chose it. The highest standard, tradition and elegance, all in modern, subdued colors. Mrs. Hanayama's heart skipped a beat at the thought of the whole week spent only with her husband.

[lmelodie]

The Santa Clauses

Okay so the series has concluded, and this is my series wide review of the entire thing (Long ramble under the cut). And just as an aside, if you did enjoy the series all the props to you! It’s got some good stuff in it truly. But for me personally it’s complicated. 

Regarding the story, the writing was lacking to say the least. The story feels disjointed and the pacing is all out of whack, it feels like it was still trying to figure itself out in every episode. As is, I feel like it would've been better off as a movie, the episodic series format doesn't seem to gel with the story they tried to tell. But even still it was all ruined by THE ENDING. Nothing spoils a piece of media (good or bad) more than an unsatisfying ending. 

I LOATHE that Simon as a character was utterly wasted the entire time. He just got to go up to the pole, cause a big mess and then get “dusted” and not remember anything at the end. I was really rooting for him to actually be reformed in some way and to end up being the next Santa instead of Scott COMING BACK. In universe it's explained that he wasn't even supposed to retire that early anyway, but I got the vibes from the entire series that the Santa position was supposed to properly go to Simon, and he learns a valuable lesson about family and charity and he gets to be a good Santa after that, and then Scott can be with his family.

Another personally niche qualm that I have, is that this series has many callbacks and references to the first two movies, BUT THEN TRIES IT'S HARDEST TO SWEEP THE THIRD FILM UNDER THE RUG. In fact, the existence of Buddy and that one half mention of Jack in the first episode are THE ONLY indicators that the third movie ever happened in this series. And I just think that's a shame.

An unexpected saving grace of this series is to actually leave out the legendary council and the Miller family, so that they are all spared of the inevitable butchering their characters would have gone through, had they been included. Unfortunately I cannot say the same for Charlie and Bernard.

Overall, the series fits in well with the movie trilogy in that it has a lot of good ideas! It is chocked full of great concepts, THAT THEY DO NOTHING WITH. All of the good world building ideas are either heavily fumbled, completely unexplained, or utterly retcons other established ideas in the trilogy. 

Examples being Charlie and Bernard, whose appearances in the series were very welcome! I loved seeing both of them back. But I just wish that they were maybe written a bit better. Bernard especially, THEY FUMBLED BERNARD SO HARD. Also Carol's Mrs. Claus storyline was also extremely fumbled, it didn't have an impact, it raised a lot of questions but then gave absolutely zero answers.

On another note, here is a brief list of all the things that I actually enjoyed about the series:

Buddy as a character. His himbo energy was one of the few saving graces of the series, it kept me going through the entire thing and he was actually very funny. He takes a firm second place on my list of favorite characters.

FIRST PLACES GOES TO THE MARRIED COUPLE BETTY AND NOEL! They are my entire world and they will absolutely be included in writing stuff if I get the chance. Girlboss x malewife couple? Best decision this series made. 

La Befana also has my entire heart!! I love that SHE WASN'T A VILLAIN! She was just a chill cottage witch living in the woods the whole time and I love that for her. Her vibes are so on point as well.

Bernard brought THE SASS. Bernard's energy was very very welcome and I do very much enjoy his appearance. Could've done with more screen time, but I'm just glad he's here at all.

The existence of Krampus is also very welcome. I love this funky little goatman, and I'm glad he's cannon, I just think he's neat :)