#this board isn't as good as my other ones - sorry bout that

[zipzapzopzoop]

"That's Uncle Joe! He works out!"

Joe Robinson | Meet the Robinsons (2007)

[ep2nd]

@anxious-anon-time sorry for being late, was really busy this weekend

I'm very sorry this is 2 weeks late, had to board a plane, then was relaxing on Vacay, then had to catch up in school the next week

"What do you think of the Ink Scroll arc"

I absolutely stinking loved it.

Now here's the essay you ask for (or didn't, I just want to write an essay)

1. Love the foreshadowing/self awareness. Ex. When MK says "Maybe this the part of our journey where things get DARKEE" the poor boy- also love how the word Journey was used, foreshadowing how it was about the Journey to the West

2. Everyone had good arcs, except Pigsy? Like, MK beautiful, Meis opposite nature to Ao Lie, lovely, Sandy fighting the monster allegations, been his trauma since the beginning (when he references he's changed since meeting Pigsy last), showcasing the difference between Tang and Tripitaka qns for Tang to get more development?! Woo!!! But Pigsy?? Having the same plot/character development of Sandy, where being a monster doesn't matter Yada Yada Yada, it just didn't make sense.

There was no part beforehand where Pigsy EVER questioned that part of him, unlike Sandy who's been afraid of hurting someone, yes I enjoyed the episode, the Cook references from previous (and also Freenoodle crumbs) were amazing. What I wish they had done was something like Pigsy questioning his family, or chosen family in this case. THEY EVEN WENTOF THEIR WAY TO MAKE THE "MONKEY KINGS NOT MY DAD PIGSY IS" MOMENT. Like- I just Pigys arc was more family/friend centered, definitely would compliment whatever jumbo shrimp mess MK had going on

3. Talking bout MK- the trauma and angst were GORGEOUS we love it. My boy been through so much. And we learned more of his past?! The theorists were going CRAZY. Love the Sunburst and Soysauce moment, MMMMMMMM, this boy needs to stop trusting people so quickly oh my gosh AZURE WHEN I CATCH YOU-

4. Really good villain. Love how they went with a villain who thought HE was the hero, and main character I guess lol. Was he a turned villain? Yes but he was a good one! Kinda wish the foreshadowing was better, instead of that one episode where Tang just watched and realized it. He's a complex character, who just wanted to help people, and yeah his ambition wasn't even bad, the Jade Emperor isn't great even, but he took it too far

5. Great job yall, you guys made a character everyone hates, Peng, Revalis brother from another mother

6. Yellow Tusk was ehhh, wish we saw more of his character, seemed interesting, loved his loyalty

7. Now LMK is very special from other shows I've watched he'd because well, I'm willing to rewatch many episodes, even if I know what will happen, I tend to not rematch ANYTHING because of this problem, but LMK is just different. For some reason the Scroll arc is the exception, I like it, but for some reason I don't see myself rewarching it, don't know why

8. Ink MK was a beloved, his voice?! Design?!? DIALOG AND SPEECH PATTERN!?!? BRILLIANT. really love all Ink people moments, mostly just Ink MK, and Wukong.

9. Glad Wukong got development, man is facing the consequences of his actions and its really getting him, I'm glad he's getting really good development.

10. Master Subodhi. Do I need to say more?! Loved him dearly. Wish he and Wukong remet. :( liked his character very much, I like how he wasn't even real in the Scroll and still had omniscient abilities. My only question was what else did he know?! On that note, is anyone going to talk about how the girl is just, like immortal?! The Acolyte as yall call her. Now I don't think Subodhi just GIVES out immortality, I feel like he saves it for special people, like Wukong, no I have theories and headcannons for her but that's another day.

Also I'm a suckered for any JTTW character appearance. LMK GIVE ME ERLANG SHEN, GOLD STAR OF VENUS, GUANYIN, ANY OF NEZHAS BROTHERS, AND MY LUFE IS YOURSSSSS

11. The only thing I can think of left is how in the world did the Scroll worked?!? Like, it didn't teleport them to the past, I've been making a simulator almost? But then why does the characters inside feel so real, and how did Wukong trap Peng and Yellow Tusk, and where and hwt have they been doing?! AND HOW DOES THE OMNISCIENT POWER OF SUBHODI WORK. MAN CANT HAVE THAT MUCH PLOT REASONS POWER. AND FOR GOODNESS SAKE HOW DID THEY GET THE OLD PILGRIMS WEAPONS LAST TIME I CHECKED TRIPITAKAAS STAFF WSS IN WUKONGS CAVE

[meadowmines]

OC-Tober/Tojoctober Day 18: Drink

[An evening at the Grand ft. Aoyagi, Chiba, and Shiori]

If he's being honest, Aoyagi preferred the atmosphere at Sunshine. It was smaller, and quieter, and cheaper. Still, he feels better knowing his money isn't going into that Kanzaki shitheel's pockets anymore.

"I mean," Shiori says, "we knew he was a turd after the whole feet pic bandit thing. You told us he was a turd."

"I did say that," Aoyagi says, wiping his chilly hands with a nice warm towel. "In so many words, even. So you're likin' it here a lot better?"

"Oh hell yes." She stops there, with that look on her face like there's more she wants to say, and then she sighs. "I feel so bad for Yuki-san, though. Of course she wanted to try and fix everything but... God, I'm being a downer. On the clock, even! Sorry, guys."

"Aw, don't sweat it." Chiba knocks back about half of whatever he's drinking and his gal (whose name Aoyagi can't recall at the moment and he's too embarrassed to ask) pours him another. "You can always come vent at us off the clock. Oh, speakin' of--" He waggles an eyebrow in Aoyagi's general direction. "Shiori-chan was just tellin' us all about the hot date she went on last week. That didn't work out. Maybe now's yer chance to--"

"Oh, leave him alone!" Shiori swats at him with a menu, but she's laughing and not in an on the clock way, so it's all good. "What can we get you to drink tonight, Amano-san?"

"Jack and Coke, hold the Jack," Aoyagi says. "And whatever you want." Chiba's eyes light up and Aoyagi cuts him off before he can even start. "Nobody's talkin' to you, I meant Shiori-chan." Chiba and his gal both laugh about that, because that's just how it is with this bunch.

"What if I want champagne?"

Aoyagi grins. "Did I stutter? And one of those fancy fruit platter thingies."

Shiori winds his arm into hers and plops her head on his shoulder. "See, this is why all the girls love you. You spend lots of money and you don't get drunk and obnoxious. Unlike some people at this table!"

"So whatcha been up to tonight, Amano?" Chiba says in a transparent-ass effort to deflect. "Ain't like ya to be runnin' all over town on a work night."

"Eh, this n' that," Aoyagi says. "Ojisan bought me out for the night, told me to go get a hooker or 'a Nintendo' or whatever, y'know, like he does."

"Like he does," Chiba echoes with a knowing nod. He swore up under the old man, after all, he ought to know.

"Checked out the competition," Aoyagi goes on, and Chiba's gal perks up.

"Oh yeah," she says, "Neko Lovely? I went in there last night! It's... okay. Pretty inside. Super expensive, though."

Aoyagi nods. Expensive, and all the food is shitty prepackaged snacks in overpriced vending machines, and the cats are all purebred and for sale, and--as the sobbing manager told him in confidence--the owner gives every appearance of being that Kanzaki shitheel's cat cafe counterpart. "Yeah, 'expensive's' just the tip of the iceberg," he says. "Made me mad enough to go lookin' for a fight. And then some jackass boosted my wallet--"

"What!?" Shiori exclaims. "You just ordered a fruit platter! And champagne!"

"I got it back!" Aoyagi rolls his eyes as the rest of the table busts out laughing. "Gawd! What do ya take me for!?"

"Hey," Chiba says, gesturing with his glass, "at least ya got yer fight."

"That wasn't a fight," Aoyagi snorts. "Dude went down off one hit. From me."

"Welp." Chiba empties his glass and does not quite slam it on the table. "There's always our civic duty. Think I saw a couple fun ones on the board earlier. How 'bout you, Shiori-chan? Wanna help us clean up some trouble later? Yer shift's just about up, right?"

"Oh, you bet!" Shiori beams. On the one hand, Aoyagi always feels weird about Shiori coming with them on stuff like this. On the other, she's a card-carrying Civic Association member, she can do her thing in perfect safety from the sidelines, and, well... there's a certain former purveyor of feet pix out there who's probably still checking under his bed for her every night. "My favorite customers on my last table of the night and mayhem after work. This is the life.*

"All right, then..." The waiter brings Aoyagi's Jackless Coke and fancy fruit platter and pops the champagne for whoever's going to drink it, and Aoyagi lifts his unleaded glass. "To mayhem."

[palaceofpassion]

just a resend of my ask, vol 2 library scene plays out as it does, rwby playing board game and jnpr studying Pyrrha taking away jaune's comic and giving him a text book instead, May being there early and is hanging out with her lovers, Neptune attempts to flirt with Pyrrha and Mat after meeting Weiss, how would they response.

"Sup losers?"

The whimsical voice of one Sun Wukong called out to the group of 9 teenagers all ding various tasks within Beacon's library.

Although Blake began to introduce everyone, Jaune was currently busy trying to study. Yes, he was actually studying and not reading comics, only because Pyrrha had it and was currently going through it with great interest.

He couldn't even feel the slightest bit of frustration as she seemed to genuinely enjoy what she was reading, having not exactly had much of a chance to really find other hobbies... this suited him well enough.

Of course, because he was so busy locked in his books, he failed to notice Sun's... friend?

Jaune wasn't super sure, especially as he got to know Sun more later on.

But said friend was the suave type, a lady killer if you will. And not like him when Yang made the joke, pretending he was one. Which he wasn't! He was just... very fortunate.

Though! Interestingly enough, as he brought his attention away from the book, he noticed the blue haired lancer looking guy start to flirt with Weiss. And she was being reciprocatively to it!.

'Good for her.'

Jaune still remembered the time that he'd thought Weiss was flirting with him. It was really embarrassing to let her know he was already taken, but he appreciated being noticed! It was a good feeling!

Of course he actually wasn't flirting with him, and was using him as an example so it was a bit heartbreaking. But hey, can't look at losses. Weiss was a very gorgeous girl, so it wasn't a s-

Jaune's brow furrowed as the Water-boy made his way over.

"Ladies~"

His blue brows waggled as he eyed the redheaded members of his friend group... well except Nora.

'Is there something wrong with Nora? She's gorgeous! Why isn't he flirting with her?'

Jaune had weird thoughts sometimes.

Regardless, for all intents and purposes, he wasn't worried. He seemingly ignored the guy as he tried and failed to flirt with May and Pyrrha.

May, surprisingly just kind of gave him the weirdest of looks. Her eye opened wide then went half closed as she tried to examine him...

May wasn't... really shy? She was just reserved, often times not speaking if not spoken to, just how she liked it. But... well...

"I'm sorry... were you flirting with me?"

"Well of course~! Who wouldn't want to talk to such a... bountiful beauty such as yourself."

"Someone who didn't just snub my friend... and also flirt with my girlfriend at the same time?"

Her head tilted to the side.

She could be a bit coarse if needed.

Pyrrha was just straight up ignoring him, too engrossed into the comic.

While poor Weiss was practically pouting, her face a flush red, as Ruby patted her on the shoulder.

Blake was giving Sun a quizzical look, the monkey boy simply shrugging.

Back to the group, Jaune got up from his seat and went over to Weiss, as if to tell her something.

The girl was obviously not taking it well, being as easily moved by her emotions as she was.

May though? May had it handled.

"Oh? You and miss stunning champion over here?"

Pyrrha was still ignoring him.

"How bout the three of us get together? It could be fun right?"

A roll of her eye and she simply ignored him. "Sorry, I'm not into femboys... no offense Ren."

Ren just shrugged, "None taken."

Neptune's mouth hung open as he stared at her for a moment. His demeanor plummeting.

"I'm not a femboy!"

"What? Are you sure? There's nothing wrong with it, so I don't know why you're freaking out about it."

Yang shifted over to the rest of her team, "Damn, remind me not to get May mad... I didn't know she had a mouth on her like that."

"Yeah... she doesn't say much but she likes to speak her mind if you get her that way."

Neptune couldn't hold on anymore and walked away.

"Rude!"

"Well then..."

May went back to studying, though she quickly eyed Weiss as Jaune continued to comfort her. "Hmm..."

"Wait did something happen?"

Pyrrha brought herself up from her comic, a little confused by the strange aura that everyone had about them.

[taylorlynn-art]

⭐️ Underneath It All ⭐️

by Strawberry Moon Rose

🍓🌙🌹

This is a one-shot I conjured poking fun at how based on appearance, Sailor Moon characters can really confuse a person. Taking place in the anime world, but with the Starlights cross-dressing like in the manga instead of using a physical disguise.

Also, it got me thinking, what if the Sailor Starlights came to Earth at the end of SuperS? It had to have taken a while to establish their idol group before debuting.

Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon or any of the characters. They belong to Naoko Takeuchi.

🍸

Soft jazz music drifts lazily around the bar. The flashy neon light of orange and green illuminates the Amazon Trio as they sip from their drinks in hand. Ice cubes slosh and clink as Tigers-Eye slams his glass down on the table in frustration.

"Man, we got scolded again," he complains. "And we're doing our best too..."

"She doesn't have to yell at us like that," Hawks-Eye agrees. "If catching Pegasus were that easy, we would have found him by now!"

Fish-Eye tips his head back daintily, sipping from his cocktail glass. "There are just so many targets, how are we supposed to know which one he's hiding in? It's like finding a needle in a haystack."

Hawks-Eye brushes through the photographs scattered across the bar top. "Hmm... None of these women are really catching my eye." He plucks a snapshot of a girl with braids and waves it in Tigers-Eye's face, knowing he has a thing for younger chicks. "What about this one? You interested?" he inquires.

Tigers-Eye yawns. "Too plain."

"How 'bout this?" Hawks-Eye tries again. If Tigers-Eye doesn't do something, he'll have to do something, and he isn't in the mood for another failure and reprimanding from the old hag, Zirconia.

"Too old."

"And this one?"

Tigers-Eye makes a face and waves his hand dismissively. "Ugh, not another guy. See if Fish-Eye wants him," he says.

"What? Where? Lemme see!" Fish-Eye slides off his stool and squeezes between his cronies. Hearts form in his blue eyes when he catches a glimpse of the target. "Oh my gosh! You're kidding!" He snatches the photograph out of Hawks-Eye's hand so fast it's nothing but a blur.

"What're you getting so excited about? He's not nearly as handsome as I am," Tigers-Eye says, unable to conceal the tinge of jealousy in his voice.

"He's right," Hawks-Eye boasts. "We're much more good-looking."

"You two don't know who this is?" Fish-Eye asks incredulously.

Tigers-Eye and Hawks-Eye stare at their friend.

"It's Seiya Kou from the Three Lights!" Fisheye kisses the picture and twirls around. "I'm so lucky!"

"Never heard of him," Hawks-Eye comments in a voice as flat as cardboard.

"Me neither." Tigers-Eye tosses his orange hair. "He must not be that popular."

But Fish-Eye isn't listening to them. "Oh my, I wonder what kind of girls he likes? How should I approach him?

Tigers-Eye and Hawks-Eye swivel around in their seats and reach for their drinks. By now they know it's useless trying to talk to him when he goes gaga over a target.

"Cross-dressing again?" Hawks-Eye sounds bored.

"Why, of course!" Fisheye gazes dreamily at the glossy portrait. The celeb is clad in a red suit and yellow tie. A bright rose is stuffed in the breast pocket. Ebony bangs fall messily above spunky blue eyes, accompanied by a microphone and crooked smile.

Fish-Eye giggles. Seiya Kou... Even your name is beautiful! I'll seduce you for sure!

🎸

"Thank you! Goodnight everybody!" The lead singer gives a final wave into the sea of faces. The crowd erupts into applause as the Three Lights exit the stage. It's a warm Saturday night and they just wrapped up their second concert at the venue.

"Great job tonight, guys. They absolutely loved you." Their manager gives each member a pat on the back.

"Thank you, sir," Taiki replies politely. "We did our best."

Seiya accepts a towel from a stage worker and dabs the sweat off her forehead. She cranes her head up to the night sky, breathing heavily. Princess... Where are you now? Can you hear our message? They have only been on Earth for two months, but she and the others are already used to cross-dressing as a boy band.

"Seiya, we are heading back to change," Taiki calls over her shoulder.

"You coming or what?" Yaten taps her foot impatiently.

"Huh? Oh, yeah." Seiya shakes her head and follows them down the corridor to their dressing rooms. The high from performing hasn't worn off yet, and she hums the whole way, a bounce in her step.

Once she reaches her assigned room, Seiya shuts the door and starts collecting her things. The open window allows a humid breeze to drift in, carrying the sweet fragrance of a beautiful spring night - cherry blossoms and rain. She can still hear the murmurs of the crowd in the distance.

Knock. Knock.

"Come in!" the Starlight calls absentmindedly, figuring it's Taiki or Yaten.

Creak... The door creeps open. When Seiya glances up, she catches her breath.

Standing against the door frame appears to be one of the most gorgeous women Seiya's ever seen before. The beauty's pale-blue hair is tied in a high ponytail that cascades in lustrous waves to her hips. She wears a flowing white dress and strappy sandals.

It's like she forgot how to speak. "Can I help you?" Seiya clears her throat and quickly fluffs her hair.

Fish-Eye smiles and brushes a stray curl out of his face. "Actually, you can," he says in a high, silky voice.

"Oh? How so?" Whenever a cute girl is in sight, she can't help it - she's always been a flirt.

Fish-Eye giggles and casually eases the door shut behind him. "I really enjoyed the concert, Seiya. You shine like a true star out there. I was wondering if I could get a souvenir of some sort to make the experience all the more memorable..."

"I'm flattered," Seiya replies smoothly. She closes the distance between them in a few swift steps, drinking in Fish-Eye's sparkly perfume. "What do you have in mind?"

"An autograph would be wonderful." Fish-Eye bats his mascara-coated lashes. "But anything from a superstar like you would make me the happiest fan in the world."

A grin spreads across Seiya's face. They gaze at each other for a few seconds, holding a teasing conversation with their eyes. Seiya reaches for a blank notebook resting on the nearby table and pulls a marker out of her pocket. Gliding close to the pretty stranger, she says, "And to whom shall I make this autograph out to?"

"To 'Sakana'," Fish-Eye says breezily.

"Sakana, huh?" Seiya smiles quizzically at him. "That's a cute name you have."

"You think so?"

Squeak, squeak, goes the marker as Seiya scribbles out the autograph. She signs her name with a flourish, tears the paper out of the notebook, and hands it to Fish-Eye. "There you are," she declares.

"Oh, thank you so much! An autograph from my favorite male idol! I'll treasure it forever!"

Still smiling, Seiya puts her hands in her pockets. "Anything else I can help you with...?"

Fish-Eye carefully folds the autograph into his purse. "Oh, perhaps there is..." he purrs.

"Yeah?"

"But it's a bit of a secret..." Fish-Eye fingers Seiya's collar, pulling playfully on her tie.

"I'm intrigued," she whispers.

Fish-Eye stands on his tiptoes and whispers enticingly into Seiya's ear, "I'd like to get to know you better..."

"Is that so?"

He outlines the buttons on Seiya's jacket. "These ties can be tricky, can't they? Let me assist you in taking it off..."

Seiya chuckles. "That sounds quite tempting, but you see, I have to go soon... The others are waiting for me," she answers honestly, regretfully.

"Oh, they can wait, can't they?" If Fish-Eye gets any closer, they'll be a grilled cheese sandwich.

"I'm sorry." Unwillingly, Seiya gently pushes him off her. "You're extremely attractive, Sakana, but... I can't. I wish I could, but I can't."

Fish-Eye draws back as if he'd been slapped across the face. He widens his eyes innocently. "Why not?"

'Because you'd find out I'm a woman and then our image would be ruined', Seiya wants to say, but responds, "I'm not who you think I am."

"What do you mean? I know who you are. You're just making an excuse, aren't you?"

"No, I-"

"Fine." Fish-Eye steps back. The corners of his mouth crumple into a scowl. "I see how it is. I guess it's goodbye to you then, isn't it?"

Before Seiya can respond, a blue curtain appears out of the air and drops over Fish-Eye with a whoosh. It raises to reveal his true self - bubbly blue outfit, scaly hands, and black Amazon marking on his forehead.

"Who are-?!" Seiya stumbles back.

"ONE!" A red board rises from under the floorboards, slamming into the Starlight's back.

"TWO!" Cold, metal clamps bind Seiya's wrists and ankles.

"THREE!"

Seiya screams as her dream mirror emerges, taking shape bit by bit. Harsh light blinds her, and wind whips her hair all over. It feels like someone is reaching into her chest and ripping out her insides. What's going on? What is this?!

Once it stops, she slumps forward in exhaustion, supported only by the painful cuffs pinning her to the plank.

"Now to take a look inside your beautiful dream mirror!" Fish-Eye saunters towards the trapped idol. He grabs hold of the glowing mirror on both sides. It's shining brighter than any one he's seen before! His eyes glimmer in hope. Could this be the home of Pegasus after all?

"Y-You lied to me! Who are you really?" Seiya shouts, raising her head. It's obvious by the flat chest and deep voice that this monster is male, and on top of that, the enemy! How could she fall into his trap? Anger and humiliation course through her veins. She thrashes harder, but cannot break free.

Fish-Eye chuckles, but doesn't reply. He stretches the mirror on both sides like putty and dives his head inside her dream mirror. Seiya shrieks in agony.

"Where is Pegasus?" he says aloud, looking all over. But instead of finding a winged horse with a golden horn, he sees flowing images of a beautiful, red-haired princess catered by three female guardians in black uniforms.

Fish-Eye throws his head out of the mirror in horror. "H-H-How dare you deceive me! That's my job!" he cries, his voice wavering. I fell for a woman in disguise? Impossible! This can't be right...

Skin crawling and cheeks burning, Fish-Eye stands back. How humiliating! "What a waste of a trip. Well, either way, I suppose you'll have to die now, Seiya. Come out, my Remless! Superstar Daistuaa!"

A creature climbs out of his shadow - a skinny girl with a guitar as a torso and a microphone as a tail. She snaps the cord like a whip and says in a mouse-like voice, "It's showtime!"

"I'm leaving this up to you, Daisutaa," Fish-Eye barks.

"Of course!”

A black hole rimmed with water appears in the air. Fish-Eye does a backwards somersault into it and vanishes.

The dream mirror returns to Seiya's body and the board and restraints disappear. She falls to her knees, feeling dizzy and weak.

"Hello, everybody!" Daisutaa sings. "I'm so happy to be here! I've got a super great show for you!"

Seiya glares up at the Remless. A phage? No, it's different... She reaches into her pocket for her transformation brooch.

"Uh-uh! Please turn off all cell phones and electronic devices during the show!" Daisutaa lunges at Seiya. They crash into the wooden table which breaks into jagged pieces beneath them. Seiya groans, her back throbbing, and tries to throw the Remless off her. Daisutaa's three-inch nails are like knives, poised at her throat.

"Get...off...me!" she grunts, turning her head to the side in a feeble attempt to avoid the monster slicing her jugular.

"You want an encore, you say?" Daisutaa crows. "Alrighty then!"

Bam! The dressing room door slams open, nearly flying off its hinges.

"Star Sensitive Inferno!"

"Star Gentle Uterus!"

The Remless snaps her head up, frozen like a deer in the headlights as the two combined attacks hit her head on. "What? Aghhh! STAGE OUT!" she wails, crumbling to glass. The shadow on the floor fades, and a billow of smoke dissipates in an upright spiral circle. The Dead Moon magic is gone.

"Seiya!" Maker cries, hurrying over to her.

"What happened? We heard you screaming." Healer kneels beside Seiya. "What was that thing? A phage?"

"So they have invaded here too?" Maker murmurs gravely.

Seiya coughs and shakes her head. Grunting, she pulls herself into a sitting position. "No, it was something else..."

Healer helps Seiya to her feet. "Well, either way, it's gone now. Let's hope we never see anything like it again."

"Yeah. Just forget it happened," Seiya mutters, flushing as she recalls Sakana.

She knew she wanted to.

✨

"Back so soon, Fish-Eye?" Tigers-Eye swings around in his chair at the bar.

Ignoring him, Fish-Eye plops down in his usual spot and pours himself a drink. In one sip, he downs the entire thing and reaches to refill the glass.

"Whoa, easy!" Hawks-Eye jokes. "Did it go that bad?"

Tigers-Eye's green eyes dance. "That Seiya dude rejected you, didn't he?" he says gaily.

"Can it, you two," Fish-Eye grumbles, studying his red nail polish. "You don't know the half of it."

"So what happened?" Hawks-Eye asks.

A bloom of red appears in Fish-Eye's cheeks. "Let's just say that underneath it all, Seiya Kou wasn't who I thought he was."

Tigers-Eye smirks. "I could have told you all those boy bands are bogus."

"Shut up, Tigers-Eye. Just shut up."

[petri808]

Izuku dated Shoto and they broke up on bad terms and he didn't date anyone for a year or two and then he met Katsuki and he fell in love with him and wanted to date him and he asked him out and they got together and he wanted to make peace with Shoto so he went and talked things out with him and told him about katsuki and then he left but Shoto isn't able to move on and now he is sad that he let izuku go

A Painful Reunion

It had been a year since Izuku Midoriya had broken up with his boyfriend Shouto Todoroki and he really didn’t think he’d be able to keep going this way. The breakup had been painful for both of them, ending with such a massive fight over such a stupid little thing. He could throw himself into his work all he wanted to avoid the sadness, but at the end of the day he returned to an empty apartment.

“You need to get out again, Midoriya,” his co-worker Tenya Iida counsels the stricken man. “How about the new guy, I saw you looking at him the other day; interested?”

Quickly, Izuku’s ear start to burn. Yes, he had in fact noticed their newest partner at the firm. A man named Katsuki Bakugou had just been brought in as a junior partner, and something about the man’s feisty personality intrigued him because it was so different from Shouto’s cooler disposition.

“I take that as a yes,” Iida chuckles, settling back in his desk chair as he watches the cherry expression bloom on Izuku’s face. “In that case, as senior partner I am putting you both to work on the T.A.Y. merger.” He pushes a folder across the desk. “It should give you plenty of opportunities to get to know each other better.”

“Are you serious! I-I’m gonna be so nervous working with him!”

“Just think of it as any other case you’ve worked on with others. He’s new so it’ll be good for someone with experience in our style to partner with him for his first major case.”

Izuku runs a hand down his face, “I’ll do my best boss.”

“You’ll thank me later.”

He takes the folder and walks it down the hall to Bakugou’s office, knocking before entering.

“Hey,” Izuku holds the folder up, “Iida gave us a merger to work on.”

“We?” The man leans forward in his chair, narrowing his eyes. “I thought they weren’t gonna give me any till I pass probation?”

Oh crap, Iida didn’t mention that! “I don’t know bout that, but that’s the instructions he gave me. Could be why he has me working with you.”

Katsuki motions towards the chair across from him. “Sit, you’re making me nervous just standing there.” Holding out his hand, “let me see the file.”

Midoriya does as he’s asked, handing over the folder. He sits there quietly, fidgeting with his fingers in his lap while Bakugou peruses the folder. But Bakugou wasn’t blind to the other man’s plights.

“Do I make ya nervous?” Bakugou asks without looking up from the paperwork.

“No,” Izuku sits up straighter in the chair, trying though failing to be nonchalant about it.

“Tch, right.” He places the folder on his desk. “Well, where do we begin?”

“I know one of the CEO’s, I could call to set up a meeting.”

“Not bad,” Bakugou nods, “connections in high places, you’re one to stay close to Midoriya.”

Izuku flushes, scratching the back of his head with a wide smile, “nah, I just happened to have met him at a function.”

For the next several days, Izuku and Katsuki work at the details of the merger. Their client, T.A.Y. Corp. was moving to purchase a competitor, but that company A.F.O Inc. was trying to renege on the deal, despite the fact it would save them from bankruptcy. This merger would net their firm a sizable closing fee, so, many eyes were watching the pair. Some thought they were an odd match up. Izuku known more for his softer, meticulous approaches, and Katsuki as a bold, plan-as-he-went kind of guy. Both had impressive resume’s despite the differences, but it really was like watching two opposites somehow attracting like a magnet. Maybe their styles complimented each other, brought a balance they could tag team off of, at least, that’s what their bosses hoped for.

Their best bet to push things along smoothly, was to find leverage, and that took research, something Izuku specialized in. Katsuki knew he wasn’t very strong in that area, so he just stayed back and watched, lending a hand wherever he could. Negotiation was more of his strong suit, and that’s where he’ll come into play. He had to admit that despite being a nervous and nerdy guy, Izuku was overly sweet which normally irritated Katsuki, but this man was endearing to him. Every morning the man would show up in his office with coffee and snacks for the both of them. It was even odd how Izuku had guessed his coffee preference. Black, no cream, just a couple of sugar packets. But when asked, Izuku just shrugged and said it was just a lucky guess.

It took a week to get everything together, and a meeting set up between the two companies at their firm’s conference room. Izuku and Katsuki planned out their strategy, which came down to a good cop, bad cop routine. Izuku would handle pushing the facts, and Bakugou would focus on ratcheting up the pressure. Their client was on-board with the plan because all they cared about was gaining A.F.O. and in reality, shutting down some of its questionable operations.

And it worked!

Izuku had been so worried that Katsuki’s pushy behavior might make things difficult, but in the end watching that man work was like a really good thriller movie that you couldn’t keep your eyes off of! He was probably the only one in the room actually starstruck, but that was it for him. Izuku was in love. The exhilaration was palpable by the flash of Katsuki’s eyes, his fiery prose demanding yet coolly calculated. Katsuki was clearly a lion stalking its prey when he worked, and even Izuku fell victim to his deadly reproach. He, they couldn’t take their eyes off the man, and when it was finally over, it was Katsuki standing over A.F.O.’s CEO as the delegate signed on the dotted line.

“You were really amazing to watch in action Bakugou,” a darkening tinge filtering onto Izuku’s cheeks. “I could never be so bold as you.”

“Yeah, well I ain’t as good with all that research and stuff, so you did well on your part too Midoriya.”

‘Is that a blush on Katsuki’s face?’ Izuku wondered as they stood there, awkwardly complimenting each other. They were the last ones in the conference room, their bosses having led the client and other parties out by that time. So, there was no other reason to evoke embarrassment out of the brash man. “I guess… we make a good team?” he asks hesitantly, sweeping his eyes to floor in order not to see Katsuki’s response or reaction if it wasn’t a favorable one.

“Right…. Team…” Katsuki rubs the back of his neck, “speaking of team… we-well, I mean…. oi look at me when I’m talking to you!” Izuku’s eyes, widened by the sudden scolding, snap back to Katsuki. “Tch, better. I was gonna ask you if, you’d like to maybe go, you know, out to dinner or something to celebrate the win… with me?”

If Izuku’s eyes were big earlier, at that moment, he was pretty sure they could see space now. He couldn’t fathom that this man, this polar opposite in so many ways, would ever be interested in going on a date with a nerd like him. I mean sure, they got along fine working on the merger, and it wasn’t for a lack of wanting on his end, but he never any inkling that Katsuki would be interested in more than just a working relationship.

“Well? You gonna answer me or just keep staring?”

Right! He needed an answer! “S-Sorry, yes, Yes! I’d love to go on a date with you.”

Katsuki looks at his watch, “Then I’ll meet you by your car at 6?”

“T-That’ll be fine with me.”

“Good, and don’t be late,” Katsuki pats Izuku on the shoulder and walks out of the room.

Izuku follows not long after, beelining it for his office. Once inside he shuts the door and braces against it. The rush of adrenaline still funneled through his system, and he needed to calm down. He was going on a date with Bakugou tonight! Was this all a dream? Izuku pinches his arm only to find himself still standing, clutching the completed merger files in his hands, with his back against the door. It’s been a long time since he’s had such a rush of romantic emotions, sending his heart soaring, and anxieties through the roof. He didn’t want to hold out too much hope lest his heart be broken a second time in a year, but it did feel good to be wanted again.

That evening at dinner, Izuku did his best to reign in his nerves, and enjoy their time together outside of work. Two men in business suits didn’t quite look very romantic but, there was definitely electricity in the air between them and when Katsuki suggested winding down with a stroll in the park across the street, Izuku jumped at the opportunity. The glass of wine to Katsuki’s whiskey giving him a rosy glow.

At first, it was just the two of them walking along the path in idle conversation until they hit a more secluded area, further from the prying eyes of the lit sidewalks and city street. Katsuki reaches over, taking hold of Izuku’s hand, intertwining their fingers. If not for the shadowed lighting, they would have been able to see the darkening patches on each other’s cheeks. But they could feel a spike in temperature, warming the cooling night air that surrounded them. Neither said a word as the continued along the pathway, simply allowing the excitement to build and tension melt away. It was a step towards a new beginning.

The next several months were a whirlwind.

At the firm, they maintained a professional level, becoming the seamless team envied by other partners, but heralded by their bosses as the perfect storm, able to utilize their differences to affect great results. They really were very different in so many ways, yet once they married those divergent styles and personalities, they truly were a sight to be seen in a conference room. Iida couldn’t be more pleased with himself for pushing them together in the first place.

Outside of work was another story. In the confines of privacy, the bolder Katsuki drew out the quieter Izuku, pulling him not only out of his shell, but showing the shy man that happiness may actually be achievable. After the first couple of months, they were at each other’s apartments on a daily basis, switching back and forth on a whim. They took turns doing things to cater to each other’s desires, maybe a quiet movie at home for Izuku, or even a game of laser tag for Katsuki. Whatever one wanted, the other tried to make it happen.

“I want you to move in with me Izuku,” Katsuki places his arm over the man’s shoulder, pulling his attention away from the television screen. “You mentioned your lease coming due in a month, so it makes sense to just come here instead.”

A whole year had gone by, barely noticed really by Izuku. He’d been so happy about this relationship, but to move in together was a big step. What if things went wrong? His worried lip and furrowed brows trigger a sneer from his boyfriend.

“What? You don’t wanna live with me or something?”

“Huh?” Izuku flushes, “no I do! It’s just, its what killed my last relationship and…” moistures starts to gather in his eyes, “I-I’m afraid.”

“Tch, what’ll really change? I mean half your clothes are here already. You know my habits probably better than I do cause you’re so damn organized.” Katsuki laughs, and leans over, letting his cheek rest against Izuku’s. “I know it’ll be fine.”

“Okay,” Izuku breathes out. “I’ll put in my notice to the landlord,” he turns his face to Katsuki, peering up into the man’s crimson eyes. “And move in with you.”

“You sure?”

The flash in Katsuki’s eyes sends a shiver racing up Izuku’s spine. Was he? “Yes,” he nods adding a physical reminder of his determination.

“Good,” Katsuki kisses Izuku on the lips, then letting his trail over the man’s cheek. He whispers close to Izuku’s ear, “we should celebrate tonight, would you agree?” Katsuki places kisses along the nape, lingering at the junction of the shoulder, his canines dragging over the skin’s pulse.

Izuku could only nod and give in to his boyfriends demands…

If the bounce in his step didn’t relay to onlookers the cloud-nine feelings surging through Izuku’s heart, or maybe the ear to ear grin he sported at the idea that today was the day! He was officially moving in with Katsuki! Everything had been packed and moved already, but today was the final walk through, so he’d taken off to deal with it. Izuku pauses at the entrance of the apartment building and stares up at the imposing structure. He really likes it here. It was quiet, friendly, and close to work.

Well, Izuku glances at his watch, Katsuki should be home in a couple of hours, he should get dinner going, maybe even get a little more unpacked. He reaches for the handle of the double door, when another pair of hands grabs it first.

“Oh! I’m sorry,” he looks over. He’d been so absorbed with his own thoughts he’d missed another tenant right behind him. But as soon as he sees the man, all the blood drains from his face. “Shouto?! What are you doing here?”

“I couldn’t ask you the same question, I live here.”

Izuku cracks a half smile, hoping to break the tension, “I-I’ve moved in too, today is officially my first day.”

Shouto’s eyes widen, “by yourself?” Had his luck improved, that the man he was still in love with would end up moving into the same building as him? He’d moved into this building to get away from the memories that lingered in their old shared one, and every day he kicked himself for not trying to stop Izuku from walking out the door.

“No, no,” Izuku waves his hands excitedly, “I moved in with my boyfriend.”

“Oh.” The man deflates but catches himself quickly not wanting to show his despair. “Congratulations.” Shouto opens the door, gesturing towards it.

“Thanks,” Izuku blushes and walks through. “So, how have things been going with you?” He makes idle conversation on their way to the elevators. Shouto responds with short answers, the whole time doing his best to avoid eye contact. When the doors open on the 5th floor, Izuku steps out. “Well it was nice seeing you, take care!”

“Yeah, you too,” Shouto gives a half wave as the doors close.

As soon as he makes it into the apartment, Izuku braces himself against the front door. Of all the people to run into here, his ex, but you know what? It wasn’t so bad. All this time, he’d been so worried about how he would react to seeing Shouto again, but now he knew the answer. It didn’t bother him. No racing heart, no lingering emotions for his ex, nothing. Izuku smiles, things really were going to be okay.

But, one floor above, Shouto Todoroki felt like his world had completely shattered. Izuku looked so happy the moment he’d mentioned a boyfriend. It was obvious his ex-boyfriend had moved on and that thought just killed him. He drops onto the cold tile floor, with barely the strength to keep himself propped up. Tears well up and he grits his teeth against the stabbing pains, turning his heart into a broken vessel. Stupid! Stupid! He punches the floor. “I should have chased after him!” It was too late now.

A few hours later, Izuku hear the tell-tale sounds of his boyfriend’s keys in the door. He walks out of the kitchen where he’d been finishing a roast to greet the man. “Hey babe,” he smiles wide and kisses Katsuki on the lips. “welcome home…”

[rusticrevivals]

Last week you read about life off The farm called "Blue Bell - don" This week's a silly story, 'bout Winter HERE, and who has come... For many neighbours in this valley Pop by for words of praise Or blessings of encouragement To get us through cold days. ************************************* Last June, our Smitty, "RESCUE DOG", Took a hunk of Eileen's arm (Eileen lives just up the hill On the neighb'ring Danish farm). But since then, Eileen's persisted In attempts to "Buddy Up" With our Labrador/Rottweiler cross, So abused as a young pup. Quite early on many a winter's morn And when my bare ass hangs off our bed, Eileen and Thunder, her fat old pooch Pass right by my window ledge! And traverse to our side porch Purpose : "Can Smitty come and play?" And in pajamas, Richard porch-leans And thus in bright sunshine will stay And visit while the dogs scoot 'round And Smitty gives Eileen a slurp To say he's ever so sorry - Then jogs off with a belch and a burp!

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But Thunder doesn't like 'being used' As a distraction or a foil For his mistress, to make another friend... It rather makes his old blood boil!

So off he totters back up hill And Eileen must quickly trot She once more passes the big window But this time I'm 'out of cot' ! For the less one sees of my repose With menopausal flashes The happier one will usually be- NOT to see protruding asses! Speaking of 'behind' the times Every Thursday Mom enjoys Offering, like in days of old, Piano lessons to teen boys Who want creative outlet In this remote mountain vale And often in the kitchen Our entertaining will prevail As one mother we'll call Fairlight Who's a hermit quite like me But feels her son should benefit: He plays; she has a cup of tea! On Sundays, it's off to St. Peter's For miles you can see the steeple As it sits up there on Clockedahl Hill And beckons all Danish people. This year, its special hundredth Is a time we will rejoice And celebrate its history With song in much-raised voice We appreciate its craftsmanship And the beauty of its wood We enjoy the parish folk so much -- They're welcoming, warm and good.

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  A neighbouring town is Plaster Rock And is famous for two sites The place where massive ferns will grow... (Read of this in my future writes), And the world site of Pond Hockey Where every Febr'ary cold Hundreds of teams from 'round the globe Play on the small lake of old. In fact, it too celebrates this week It's in its one hundred-FIFTIETH year! Since 1867, teams have skated On that ice so sheer. Teams named with silly humour Like "Pond Scum" and "Timber Twats" Or, one of our favourite names: "The Raggedy-ass River Rats" ! There are teams of men, but ladies too And they're all TOUGH, outside the tent Where beer is poured quite freely At this world-renown event. How often in the winter Do you see an outdoor sport Where the loos are placed in snowdrifts And the players roughly cavort RIGHT beside Joe Public Which is why the nets are tiny (Though Richard had a puck zip by And he fell right on his hiney!)

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  Meetings in small communities In the rural countryside Are another way of getting involved And taking some local pride. While Richard worked the potato fields Last fall, to feel a part I'm now off to meetings galore Historic, Planning and Horse Club, to start! While Founder's Day celebrations With parade, barbeque and dance Are traditionally planned, I don't see how A tomboy like me could enhance A BEAUTY PAGEANT? of teenage girls Who will dress up and model and pose. All I know is grubbies and sweatshirts NOT lace, and sequins, and hose!

And while a saddle club's more my style I can't seem to find the straight path Everyone argues and thinks they're right (Mostly women, who cat-fight with wrath!)

Saddle Clubbed-to-Death

Pretending we all get along…

So, I'm not sure how long I'll be meeting In these groups where I've tried to fit in But I'll give it a go, for this year at least, Do duties with tongue-in-cheek grin. Another winter-time delight In mountain-country deep (Other than waiting for spring to come By reading oneself to sleep!) Is having neighbours over To play games into the night But this week, we were brought to realize That mere Scrabble evokes a good FIGHT! For many years I've struggled To beat Richard at this game, A few times I've come close But more often, I admit with shame That though I'm a teacher of English He can whump me by a mile And as he's most competitive I don't always end with a smile. Joy bought me a version that SHOULD have helped more But, until this year, it Did NOT bring me to fore:

However, just this winter I've finally learned to beat That man I call my partner Whose NOT happy in defeat! And this weekend we found out That ANOTHER man is faster And of equal strength to Richard's - And THAT man's our meekest pastor!

His wife, like me, got angry, And I understood her scorn As myself, the organist, (and Richard, too!) Began to feel forlorn. That vicar is competitive! Just like ole Rich, he sits And plans so many moves ahead While we just take the hits.

Richard at work trying to beat all…

    Despite extra points for authors' names Or a literary phrase (The pastor's wife got "Dante" Which SHOULD have put him in a daze As it was like the devil himself From the famed Inferno came To visit the board and take over at will... -But Pastor STILL won the game!) While all this serious intellect Went on beside our fire Down the hall were bellows and grunts And great yells of "You're a LIAR!" As Balderdash was loudly played And later, "Dirty Marbles". So, we took deep breaths and calmed ourselves To ease the tension of these squabbles. "Everyone to the living room!" I called, for my favourite time Is when drama and hilarity Team with parlour games of rhyme, Or witty word games, acted out. Thus, within this larger group Charades became the favourite Of this New Denmark troupe. But again, like Richard, Vicar sought To beat my team right out (Both from Ontario with German surnames - Could THAT be what this is about?) How could my team of thespians Act out "Titanic", or "Moby Dick" Without pointing to body parts That were embarrassing in front of The Vic? But HE had no compunction About hurling himself to the floor And writhing about with urgency To try and get the top score!

******************************************* Ah, the long days of winter, then Have been thusly passed with ease As long as the dogs don't bite And pastors continue to tease. For whether or not my butt is seen After 9, either day or at night. When Thunder's coerced to go for a walk And Eileen might be in for a sight, And whether or not hot chocolate Isn't drunk as much as the liquor It takes for Peter to do "Titanic" With his nipples, in front of the Vicar, We'll always get through the storms Of this 'time on hold' of all seasons In the hill-billy mountains of N.B. With our Raggy-ass River-Rat Reasons! - J. Ivanel Johnson, 2017

  The Vilified Vicar and the Coerced Canine Last week you read about life off The farm called "Blue Bell - don" This week's a silly story, 'bout Winter HERE, and who has come...