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horce-divorce · 1 year ago

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Update for interested parties: the last few days were frought, the situation in Wisconsin was not what we had hoped it would be at all once we got here, and it ended up not working out. Too many people with not enough space and too many clashing needs. it ended up feeling very unsafe for everyone.

We're staying with a different friend instead now, and today their mom/owner of the property not only said we could stay here for the winter if we need to, but also was scheming to try and find us a pop-up trailer this morning which we were totally blown away by, she's wonderful. We still want the kind of mobility where we could take off again at a moments notice, so I'm sorting that out, but we're with friends and thankfully not in a rush to leave again anytime soon.

i'm not sure if a camper is what we'll end up with. It isn't quite as stealthy as i'd like (if we need to urban camp at all it doesnt really work), but it would certainly add a lot of space and be more than doable, and Bel really liked the idea. If that doesn't work out, I'll look at trading our current vehicle for a used camper van in a comparable price range. I've never done that before but I have time to do research.

Thanks to the donations this week, we were able to fill the tank and get Bels meds on the way out here, which was such a huge relief. That gives us at least another month to try to find a prescriber for another refill. We also got a great haul from the food pantry out here, which was fun because the lady we're staying with actually runs it and it's inside an abandoned building.

the pantry was already in the building when it wasn't abandoned. my friend's mom took it over and was allowed to keep it in its original space, but everyone else moved out. My friend had the keys, so they took us in thru the back and this series of totally unlit, crowded corridors with random appliances, furniture, books and clothes, all of it donated. it was one of the most surreal experiences I've ever had. I asked to go back to take more pictures, which is why the 2nd pic is lit better.

Their house is also really cool. It's an old farmhouse, much bigger, with fewer people here, and we have a proper room upstairs rather than in an unfinished basement. there's a super comfy bed in here, too. I actually haven't had back pain in the morning here, for the first time since my surgery in May!

Also, absolutely wild shit in the world of drugs: nary a weed dealer to be found in this area, because delta 8 has completely taken over the market. I was deeply unimpressed when I tried it a few years ago, but my friend got us a live resin hhc/cbd/cbg/thcp cartridge and........... I am stoned. Like PROPERLY stoned. I haven't been this properly stoned since like 2013. It does kinda give me a headache, but it also helps the pain and gives me munchies and helps me sleep just like real weed. I even remembered my dreams a bit better than with d9.

Anyway I'm very grateful for my queer community today, for my friends mom who has come to my rescue more times than my own mom, and for everyone who's been invested, sending us money, advice, locations to scope out, items, and links; everyone who's been reblogging; and even everyone who's just listening to us talk and post, watching quietly from the sidelines.

We still have to go retrieve the rest of our stuff from the last place (on Monday), and things always change in an instant. We still have a lot of complex feelings, and this week was especially hard for Bellamy. He's never been through all this before this year, and the 19th was the anniversary of his worst trauma, losing the only good and loving person in his life 6 years ago. To be kicked out specifically on that anniversary was brutal. it made me wish I'd never brought him here. I really thought we'd be better off with that friend than on our own for the winter, and I made a mistake.

But we will still be okay. For now, we aren't alone, we're with good friends in a safe place, we've got food and meds and gas. We even have another place to stay if we change our minds. We check in with each other and process our feelings multiple times per day. It's still hard to get used to coming and going all the time; we stay in one place just long enough to get comfy and then we take off again, which is never long enough form a routine. So we're trying to learn how to do that for ourselves, based on our own needs, rather than around the location. But we're getting used to that, and each other's habits. When I go out to the car for supplies it smells like home in there.

It's hard feeling like we don't belong anywhere, like strangers care more about our wellbeing than our actual families. My dad did give us the car, and six months of insurance. He even renewed my license for me. But neither of my parents checks in on me, asks where we are or how we're doing. My mom seems to be getting more reactionary in her old age; not only did my transition cause a rift between us, she's now doubling down on trying to "cure" my autistic cousin when she knows that for both of us (and for Bel), our autism is a source of pride. She knows my disabilities and neurodivergence are what started this housing instability 10 years ago. She knows my health has been worsening. She doesn't text or call. All of you following this story on here know more about how and where we are than she does.

But times like this show us who our real friends and family are, and it's not the people who've left us to our own devices out here. It's everyone who's been stepping in to ask, "How are you doing? Can I send you anything? Do you need to talk? I love you. I want you to make it." The random guy we met hiking who never told us his name but who told us, "I hope you guys thrive. I really do." It's everyone who's sent us another $10 for our supplies because I haven't spent long enough in one spot to get any work done. It's the people who have never even met us before who offered to take Bel's cats indefinitely, or to let us come stay with them across the country. It's everyone who's pitching together to buy us more time when we need it. Everyone who sees us and bears witness and feels something about it.

At the end of the day, we sort of are choosing this lifestyle; if we wanted out, we would have to stay in one place longer than winter, get jobs, save money, find our own housing. But we kind of don't. Despite the hardships, despite what this journey is revealing about ourselves and the people we thought we could trust, we feel like it suits us to live out of the car. We go where we want, when we want. We don't have to answer to anyone else's schedule. If we want to go south or west when it's cold and visit our friends, all we need is the gas money and the OK to come over. We love the woods and we love living out there. It feels distant and lonely sometimes, but so right. We like getting to bounce around and meet each other's people. We want to see the old growth and the redwoods and the mountains and the seaside and the grand canyon. We want to go to Cuba and Vietnam and Iceland and Denmark. Maybe our health won't allow for us to do absolutely everything we want, but working underpaid jobs and paying rent absolutely won't allow for it. We have a better chance at our dreams now. We can lose our place to stay again and be fine and just keep going; it's not the end of the world. It's what we planned on doing, anyway. No big deal.

Living in the car has already allowed us to do more and have more adventures in just 3 months than we did in 2 whole years of us both being housed. We do have a lot to process emotionally and there's a lot on our plates; it's hard, and we do need a lot of help. It's not always good. Not having access to the internet when we're running out of money and gas and food; not having anywhere to bathe; having to go long distances to collect water even when we're not feeling well; losing things because i put them in the wrong place and drove off; that doesn't even begin to scratch on converting the car for stealth camping, choosing our routes and places to scope for campsites in new areas, or trying to figure out which supplies would actually be more helpful and cost effective in the long run.

But it's still not really any worse than the rat race to stay employed and be good renters. It's just different. And after 10 years of housing instability, and waiting for something to change, it hasn't. I'm growing more and finding more peace by just leaning into it. Trauma and bullshit never ends. Life doesn't ever stop for you so you can think about what just happened; there's never gonna be a perfect, calm time for you to digest everything and then move on strengthened and changed for the next main event. You have to learn how to do all that and keep living no matter what bullshit is ongoing. That's what "rolling with the punches" means. The punches dont stop, you learn to expect them, you move with them. I cant put my life on hold just because I'm homeless. It's not stopping me from doing the things I want. It's not stopping me from being the kind of guy I aim to be, or from making the kinds of choices i want. My life before did that.

Tl;dr thank you for all your help and concern this week, we made it to a different space and are taking some time to breathe. We are feeling more than a bit bruised, this week has been awfully triggering, but we also feel very held right now and we have space to calm down. For another few days at least, it's gonna be okay.

✨️🛸✌️

#me #prsnl #car living #keeping reblogs on bc im putting this on our travel blog. just for reference #long post #do u like my delayed reaction selfie. rofl.#gpoy

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beneaththetangles · 25 days ago

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Let’s Donate Manga to the Carolina Manga Library!

I want to introduce you all today to a fun thing we did and a really cool non-profit!

Carolina Manga Library is a traveling library that “was started to promote the use of graphic novels, comics, and Japanese manga as genuine tools for improving literacy.” Super cool, huh? Visitors to the library, which sets up at events like cons, have free access to more than 5,000 books! Volunteer staff help run the library at the events.

Over the years, BtT has collected dozens and dozens of manga provided to us as review copies for full reviews and Reader’s Corner, and some of you have donated to us as well. While we’ve given some away through giveaway events, donating to Carolina Manga Library seemed like an even better opportunity, a way for us to partner with a cool institution for an important topic.

And so, we sent our manga out! Here’s a quick video showing the process:

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Literacy is also a topic close to my own heart. I’m a former schoolteacher who still participates in tutoring elementary school children. Last year, I met weekly with two 2nd graders at a nearby school in a poor community. Our church organizes this project in which we don’t proselytize—we just read. It was a wonderful, enriching time.

I encourage you to get involved in literacy advocacy if time allows and your heart is similarly bent toward it. And certainly, a good way to dip your feet in is by donating to Carolina Manga Library! We also encourage you to follow the library on Facebook, Instagram, Patreon, Discord, and Twitter.

Let’s invest in reading, otaku!

#Manga #Carolina Manga Library #Beneath the Tangles #Donations #Literacy #Manga Article #Manga Blog #Articles #Christian Manga #Christian Otaku #Author: TWWK #Instagram

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ursae-minoris-world · 2 years ago

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9 people you’d like to know better

I was tagged bu @bavariansugarcookie (thanks you!)

To be perfectly honest I was nervous about this because…. I think most of the time it’s for the purpose of bonding over common interests… but if I answer the questions honestly I often come up with random niche things, or even things that are well known in my country but not to people outside of it, and it’s often expected that your response will be something, well, that USA-Americans will have at least heard of (or can find with a quick search if they’re interested in it). So often I will end up talking about a book that wasn’t even translated in English and hear crickets. Or a lot of the music I listen to ends up being small local stuff or random youtube instrumental playlist I put on as background music while writing / drawing instead of a cool song people will know… Like, genuinely, what do you do about these memes if you response is something weird no-one will know? Do you just go for the closest answer where people will get the reference? Especially if you’re not USA-American or if you have other roots? (genuinely curious! you’re welcome to answer in the comments, just don’t reblog pls).

So. Sorry I’ll probably over-explain and speak of things no one really cares about…

1. 3 ships: sheith, Ineffable Husbands, Imodna

2. first ever ship: Lol, I’m not even sure what that means. I think the first (non canon) ship I was invested in was the main characters from a Belgian comic series called “Les tuniques bleues” ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Les_Tuniques_Bleues). They kept acting as if they didn’t like each other while CLEARLY caring a whole lot and saving each other’s lives and I had a lot of feels about it that I could not really explain! Like I started reading this when I was like, 10, until high-school lol. I had no words to put on those feelings, and no idea of the concept of shipping but now I can quite confidently say that I did ship them lol.

But idk. I also liked Leïla and Han in Star Wars as a kid for example. It’s hard to pin, really.

If you want something you’re more likely to know, and from a time I was in fandom, Kyo and Tohru in Fruitsbaket? (but I was not in the English side of fandom so ships were not such a big deal, even here for a shojo that had a love triangle lol). If you want more like, non-canon ships you’d have both Nana in, well, Nana (by Ai Yazawa).

If you want the first ship where I actually looked for fan content, then probably L x Light in Death Note ?

And then the first ship I actually got involved with (English speaking) fandom was sheith.

But tbh while I realized—late—that I always had ships, I don’t always care about ships in the stories I like. I’m just as much likely to get invested in platonic relationships, friends, found families, or actual families.

3. last song: see, after going to the movies (see next question), we went to grab a beer and there was live music band. They did some classic songs (the first one was “Don’t Worry Be Happy”, and I remember Toxic and Hotel California), but mostly it was original songs they have composed. They do have an online presence and I thought about sharing a clip of one of the songs they played, then I remembered it’s a small local group and people on the internet are weird and creepy (and I mean ants just as much or even more than your regular creep) so… 🤷 Ask me in dms if you’re a moot and interested I guess.

4. last movie: went to see Everything Everywhere All at Once for the 2nd time tonight. It was great.

5. currently reading: For the reference most people will get, I just finished Exit Strategy from the Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells, which I loved (super fond of this series).

I’m also reading ��Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine” by Gail Honeyman, we have a book-club for it in one of my discords. I wouldn’t have picked it up myself and I’m glad I am actually reading it because I’m enjoying the way the main character is such an unreliable narrator and am curious of seeing things unfold.

I’m also reading “Le château des poisons” by Serge Brussolo (Castle of Poisons), because a friend lend it to me super long ago and I want to give it back when I see her next week. I’m meh about it: the setting (a mystery set in medieval France) is interesting and I want to know how the plot with be solved (if it will be), but this sort of gritty representation of medieval times is not my cup and the characters are a bit cliché.

For fanfic, I finished “Heart Nailed Open” by Perfchan this morning and I loved it so so much!!! I also have a bunch of books about art from the library…

6. currently watching: Trigun stampede (I’ve been procrastinating the end because I need to be emotionally ready lol). And Critical Role campaign 3 (also need to catch up with Vox Machina s2).

7. currently consuming: ...easter chocolates

8. currently craving: tea (always lol)

9 people to tag: I… didn’t follow who got tagged already so… if you see this and want to do it, consider yourself tagged!)

#memes #sorry for rambling and having weird niche answers #before tonight the movie would have been a movie about whales that also has not been translated in english #this is making me feel socially awkward lol #why can't I have normal answers

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tiredbutstillloveable · 4 years ago

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OBSERVATIONS OF JAEHYUN IN A RELATIONSHIP

Hello guys! I'm here with another Jaehyun's observations, and just to be clear again, those are my interpretations and ideas of his birth chart and how he may feel those energies in this part of his life,okay? So, here it goes...

AQUARIUS SUN, VENUS, MERCURY IN THE 12TH, VIRGO 7TH HOUSE, TAURUS MOON IN THE 2ND HOUSE

Well, Mr.Jae here it’s a tough one, ngl. He is an Aquarius, which by itself it’s a hard placement when thinking about love, once they forget about themselves, and focus so much in their causes, and in the people, in the groups, and with their friends. Everything seems to be more important than themselves. So, because of this, this super elevated way of thinking, that is 0 self-absorbed, making them to pay attention in your relationship it’s hard.

Another point is, Aquarius love their freedom, and they will be doomed if they get involved with someone who is constantly chasing and suffocating them, wanting to be by their side 24/7. He just can’t...

And all this “aquariusness” in Jae’s case can be raised to the maximum power here, once he has an Aquarius Stellium, and even if he wasn’t an Aquarius Sun, he could totally act like one, and sometimes this placement could be stronger than his own sun.

But this is not a trash talk against Aquarius people, pls don’t get me wrong, I love Aquarius, but we need to recognize that you guys are NOT the MOST romantic son of b in the zodiac, right? Well...I understand that with you guys things are more rational, and I think it’s great too, but sometimes it’s a little exhausting, you know what I mean? Anyway...

They want to be free, but hell will freeze if his partner its all there with someone more intelligent than them. This is a type of treason for them...intellectual cheating to be more precise. Do you want make them jealous? Oh so here it is...go talk to the cool, smart, witty guy and let them there, alone by themselves, with no one to share a single thought...and then, come back saying how original and brilliant that guy is. Yeap...this is it. Good. Luck.

But how this turn out an exposed of Aquarius ppl? My god...back to our beautiful boy here..

Aquarius Venus, so the way Jaehyun’s shows his love is very different, he can have problems trying to put into words his feelings, because again, this is a placement where the person can think and rationalize too much, and this can make them lose the emotional side of the thing. But, overall, they want a friend, a best friend, and once they share their friends and favorite spots, books, and their craziest ideas about the universe and how things really are, you know they like you a lot and this is the way they figure it out to show it to you.

Having his Venus in the 12th house, makes me think he may be the type to dream about the person he’s going to be with. He can have dreams or even day dream about it. Can be very idealistic in terms of love.

He may want a balance between someone tender, lovable, caring, nurturing, someone he can trust completely, stable, and at the same time, independent, free, someone who take care of her/his owns business. A person who is invested in their own things, someone who have their own hobbies, and ambitions in life.

He came to learn a lot through his relationships, love affairs or just his friend’s relationships, he has his north node in Virgo in the 7th house. So, sharing his life with someone, opening up, can be challenging for him. But he is here to learn how to do that, and living and participating in one of the biggest kpop groups can help him, for sure.

He wants someone he can talk about everything with, and will be open minded, and not judgy. He wants someone he can speak freely.

He may not show but, he is an anxious person, he can have many ideas in his head at once, and this can cause the anxiety. So, having someone calm and stable to be by his side in this moment, is what he wants.

He doesn’t want a super consuming type of relationship, he doesn’t want something torrid, and complicated, and intense. He just wants someone who is chill, and can understand him, and support him no matter what. He wants to be with someone he can trust body and soul, and he wants to know this person very well. Like telepathic communication.

He is not the type to rush anything. Everything must be really organic and just take the right time to happen.

He seems distant sometimes, but he loves to cuddle, and hug people, he is super into physical touch, especially with his loved one.

He will buy things for this person to express his love and gratitude. Expect expensive things, and I have a feeling he knows how to give romantic gifts, but he doesn’t know how to act or to be romantic himself, so he may buy gifts that show this side of him.

He wants someone who work and make their own money, because he appreciates ambitious and hard work people.

I can totally see him being the one falling for someone who can cook.

I feel Jaehyun being totally unapologetic about the things he enjoys in life and that are pleasurable for him. He is not ashamed of the things he likes. Period. So, being with someone who can appreciate the same things can be nice for him.

He wants his lover to be hers/his own person, so don’t try to be someone who you think he is going to like, because he can be sensitive about people lying to him, and he hates that. Cannot trust you like this, so it’s a definitive NO for him.

Jae can have a very specific idea in his mind about who he wants to be with, duo to the Venus being in the 12th house.

He can fall for people who do volunteer work, and are selfless and altruistic people with a lot of social conscience.

They could have a karmic connection (12th Venus again).

His relationship will be very practical, and more towards what they need. They will try to help each other out most of the time, and will love to spend some quality time together, having a routine is a nice thing for them.

And those are my thoughts for now guys, I hope you enjoy it 😉

#jaehyun #jaehyun kpop #jaehyun astrology #jaehyun relationship #nct #nct127 #jaehyun nct #jaehyun nct127 #jaehyun nct astrology #jaehyun nct127 astrology #astrology #kpop #kpop astrology #jaehyun's astrological observations #jaehyun relationship astrology

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putschki1969 · 3 years ago

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Quick rant

I am PMSing so this is annoying me more than it probably should but yesterday I received my CDJapan package with the regular edition of KEIKO’s 2nd album “dew”. Turns out the lazy asses at Avex once again didn’t bother to make a different booklet for the individual editions. More than anything this is my own fault. I should have learned my lesson with KEIKO’s 1st album but for some reason I was hoping that they would have invested a bit more this time around (seeing as they also produced a ton of MVs). Alas, I was wrong.

Typically, different types of CD releases come with a variety of booklets (or even special booklets). At least that’s what I am used to from Kalafina and even Wakana. This is actually another great way to motivate people to buy more CDs because they will get lots of different pictures (with the most basic editions usually coming with the best pictures). But with KEIKO that’s not the case. Yeah, I know, the LE with the Blu-ray comes with a couple of lovely extra pics but at THAT price it should come with a f***ing brick of a photo book. WHYYYYY Avex??!! Oh well, I shall not make this mistake again...

I also regret ordering from CDJapan. I don’t have anything against them per se and I would still recommend them to fellow fans but for me personally, it just doesn’t pay off to use them anymore. Mainly because I always try to add to domestic sales when making a Kala-related purchase and as I have mentioned many times in the past, CDJapan purchases DO NOT add to the domestic sales (neither do amazon.co.jp purchases). Which is why I make sure to use a proxy service to buy at least one copy but of course that takes forever and it gets very expensive (still waiting for my LE T_T).

I only order from CDJapan or amazon.co.jp to save money and to get my packages ASAP but as of right now I would say that amazon.co.jp is the much better option for me in both regards since with amazon.co.jp I won’t have to pay crazy import taxes/other annoying fees and their shipping is cheaper but still super fast. I wasn’t willing to pay for the fastest shipping option on CDJapan which is why it took so long. With amazon.co.jp you don’t really have a choice since there is only one option available and while it isn’t exactly cheap, I would say it is a reasonable price for a very speedy delivery. So if you are like me and live in a country where they like to charge you with all sorts of taxes and fees, your best choice is definitely amazon.co.jp since they tax your product according to your country’s laws when you purchase it. This way the package won’t get stuck at customs and you avoid all the extra costs (at the customs office they don’t just tax your product, they use the product value and shipping price as basis for their calculation. Then those dicks will slap a ridiculous handling fee on top of that after taking their sweet time “handling” your package).

Phew...okay...need to take a step back....Not sure if this serves any purpose...it’s really just me complaining. But I guess it might help a few people avoid similar mistakes....

Rant over.

#kalafina #keiko #personal #keiko 2nd album #dew #cdjapan #amazon.co.jp.#rant

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sleepdeprivedheretic · 4 years ago

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Price for Flight

Summary: Modern! Au! After a brief accident in bumping into him, reader and Taishiro became friends, then he left to his home country in Osaka, Japan, but not before they exchanged phone numbers and mailing addresses. Cue shared memories, laughs, and pining from an international distance from high school, to college, and after.

Notes: Guess who’s been listening to Sister Christian by NightRanger, and had the idea of international friendship/crushes with each sharing gifts, knowledge, and videos of events from each one’s respective country? Wanted to start off with a fluffy fic for Fluff November.

Warnings in the fic: a little bit of blood in the beginning, curse words, and there will be a 2nd chapter, but it’ll have smut in it, so if you want just fluff, you can read this chapter as is.

Disclaimer: I have the Big Dumb, and so my writing is used to sculpt real life cities, countries, and traditions for pure fictional purposes. Everything isn't lined to a T with my limited knowledge.

“I’m so sorry!” You found yourself shouting out loud. It was an accident. You had a vase of reddish yellow rose buds that you’ve just recently cut within the school’s garden. Walking down the hallway to place them in your classroom’s window, you tripped. It wasn’t like you planned on tripping, who could have known that tiny rocks could do that?

What made matters worse, you tripped into somebody, spilling water and crushing rose petals onto the poor student who hastily caught you.

“Are you alright?!”

“I’m so sorry!”

Came out from the both of you at the same time. Your face was red with embarrassment, trying your best not to inwardly wail. It was the cute student from Japan, Taishiro Toyomitsu, you recalled. Although you had trouble with pronouncing his name, you tried your best to learn it out of respect.

He was pudgy, and had a Japanese accent mixed in with an odd southern accent, and all around, you couldn’t help but think that he was a little cute. Sure he was new, and your friends found him to be a little weird, but he was always nice and polite, and insisted on everybody call him “Tai-chan”. Now, you were leaning up against him, fingers bloody from the thorns cutting into you, and the both of you fussing over one another.

“You’re bleedin’!”

“There’s blood on your shirt! I’m so sorry!”

The two of you stared at each other, both embarrassed and apologetic.

“Please let me take you to the infirmary?” He broke the silence as the blood from your little cuts smeared into his uniform.

“Okay.” You gave in, tucking your hand into your shirt as you set the vase down out of the way. You’ll make sure to clean it up, later. ……

You honestly felt bad. He had a dirty and wet uniform on, because of your clumsiness. Luckily, the nurse patched up your hand, and he called his mother, speaking fluent Japanese while you stared, impressed. The nurse had the two of you wait while his mom dropped off his clothes, and she telling the janitor and teacher of what happened to you.

“That’s super cool!” You blurted out truthfully when he was done. His face reddened a bit, as if embarrassed. Of course you knew why. Some of your classmates are jerks, and he stood out like a sitting duck, waiting to get bullied. You didn’t see him get picked on, but you knew that he was. Kids are mean, and gossip spreads.

“Ya think so?” He asked. You nodded without hesitation.

“I’m not the only one, though.” Passing the time, you told him that several students were impressed, and he shouldn’t listen to vulturous children. You were a kid, and unsure on how good your advice was, but he seemed to brighten up. It was too soon for you to leave and go to class, but you had too.

“Ya wanna hang out, after school?”

“Yeah!”

You replied quickly after his outburst, and he couldn’t help but smile sweetly, whilst you felt your heartbeat quicken. ………

That was how the two of you had met, you remembered it so clearly, the feelings of your teenaged heart were confusing, but you wanted to find every excuse in the book to just be near him. It was a close, endearing friendship, and the two of you had taught each other a lot of things whenever you could.

Your friends began to like him, too, and the bullying lessened as the two of you were basically attached to the hip. They corrupted him, showing him memes, funny videos and such, and he would catch you off guard with outward, dirty jokes, causing the both of your ears and cheeks to flush into a dark shade of pink.

Although, his stay in your country was only six months until the both of you graduated, the two of you had learned a lot. He taught you Japanese, and you began practicing writing it, you liking the feeling of his hand gripping yours, guiding you to write kanji. When he had to leave, your heart almost broke as you hugged him tightly, him shushing you as he promised that the two of you would share phone numbers and mailing addresses, so that you’ll always keep in touch.

Keep in touch, you did.

“Tai-chan! That’s so pretty!” You gushed. It’s been a year, since he left, and oddly enough, your feelings and thoughts did not waver as you entered your freshman year of college.

“I know, right?” He boomed, holding the phone towards him and the blooming Sakura trees underneath the Osaka castle. It was Hanami, a holiday for flower viewing, and it was so very pretty as the pink petals fluttered around within the wind. Taishiro was in his hometown, Osaka, wearing informal clothes as he popped a dumpling into his mouth as he sat on the blanket with his mom and her new husband. It was almost hard to hear him due to the crowd of people happily chattering among themselves.

You were entranced, seeing such a vibrant and beautiful scene before your eyes as he grinned at you, smiling warmly whilst his mother waved at you, and you waved back.

“So, how do you like it?” Taishiro asked, diverting your attention, and you smiled.

“Dude, everything’s so pretty and vibrant! I wish I was there with you guys!” You admitted freely, and he grinned.

“Wish ya was here, too! Mom’ll force ya to wear a kimono, though. I got lucky ‘cause they dragged me here right after class!” He admitted.

“Formal dress isn’t so bad, Tai-chan! How’s college?” You changed the subject. He shrugged.

“Not too bad! Classes are pretty easy, I got my own apartment an’ job, now! Little small, but makes the bills easier to pay!” He spoke loud enough to drown out the crowd.

“I’ll talk to ya later, okay? Mom’s getting’ mad that I’m shoutin’.” He admitted sheepishly.

“Okay! Tell her that she looks pretty in her kimono!” You grinned. He nodded as the two of you eventually hung up. It was moments like these that made your day, you smiled to yourself, feeling your heart beating faster as you plopped down onto your comfy pillows. After graduating high school, you followed your dream in getting into college, and getting your own apartment and job. It was tough, but you made it, and as a bonus, Taishiro was pretty happy and proud for you.

You wish that he didn’t have to leave, but his mother wanted to go back to their country after moving to yours to escape the grief of a rather nasty divorce. You can’t escape from everything, Tai had said to you, and shrugged, saying that he really didn’t care about his father, but he’d support his mother in anyway that he could.

You felt warm at the memories, trying his mother’s cooking, tasting a different country’s cuisine had excited you, and your pleased face was evident as you slowly chewed the rice ball. Your face went red as Taishiro wiped some of the sticky rice off of your face, and when he noticed that you were staring, he’d blushed too as he wiped it on your shirt, leaving him to snort with laughter at your pathetic attempt at a glare.

Yeah, you missed him. ……..

“Happy Halloween!” You tilted the brim of your witch hat, grinning as you handed the little goblins and ghosts some candy from a bowl.

“We don’t really give out candy, but we do cosplayin’, zombie runs, n’ Disneyland has somethin’ special around this time of year.” Taishiro spoke to you from your phone, which rested neatly in your breast pocket, smiling softly at the kids who gave toothy smiles with thanks behind their masks. To your luck, he and you were always on camera when the two of you spoke, now, seeing how each other changed since last year.

To your surprise, he had two little piercings in his ear lobes, stating that he was a grown man, and that he got them as to treat himself for passing his first semester of college. He didn’t lose any weight, but he had been going to the gym, gaining muscle as he shot up about two feet in height. It didn’t help your increasing heartbeat, or confusing feelings that you thought were just a little girl’s crush in high school.

You changed, too, and you’ve noticed that he obviously noticed, and pinned every little reaction into your brain, liking the way that you caused him that.

Right now, you had him listen to classic Halloween songs such as Monster Mash, Flying Purple People Eater, and Thriller. He knew the songs, but you liked playing them, anyway to fill in the Halloween spirit. You set the phone down on the kitchen table as the two of you talked while the music playing in the background. Although he didn’t really dress up, he admitted that he liked your costume, and might invest in something next year.

You smiled, basking in the moment. ………

“Time to open yours!” He put the chicken leg from KFC down on his plate, as he and his family gathered around his phone with you on camera, looking at the brightly colored wrapping paper. His family had adopted the more Western customs of gift wrapping and receiving during Christmas, and he was not disappointed when your gift had arrived in the mail. He had sent you one, as well, knowing that it would tickle you pink. He was right.

Although the both of you knew that Christmas Eve was the day to give and receive gifts, it was generally for couples, but you wanted to share the holiday joy with him, and find an excuse to give a gift, and although beet red, he thought that gift giving was a nice thing to do.

He wanted you to open yours, first, and so you did, grinning wickedly as you opened the paper slowly, drawing out the suspense on purpose.

“Hurry up, already!” Taishiro huffed, then jumped when his mother hit him lightly with her shoe, shushing him. You couldn’t hide your smirk at the gesture, but quickened your pace at the playful glare that you were receiving.

You tore open the beautifully wrapped paper, regretting to waste it, but you were curious on what he had gotten you. Finally getting the box opened, you all but squealed with joy.

“What? This is amazing!” You winced on how loud your voice was, but his grin and his family’s warm smiles made it worth it. You pulled out the organized snacks from Japan, eyes twinkling with joy as you realized that you were smiling. Underneath the bags of konpeito, onigiri senbei rice crackers, jagariko, and among other snacks, you pulled out a very pretty snow-globe. It seemed simple, but the fake snow dancing around the dolled up log cabin and the smiling snowman, melted your heart.

“I like it! Thank you, Tai-chan!” You beamed, and he grinned sheepishly as blood rushed to his cheeks.

“I didn’ wanna get anythin’ that was too lame, ya know?”

“Nonsense! It’s very charming and thoughtful, thank you.” You grinned as you shook it gently, watching the glitter swish around the heartwarming scene.

“Alright! My turn!” He changed the subject as his eye twitched at the snickers of his step-dad. He huffed, then grinned as he all but tore open your gift, faster than your slow pace. You grinned wickedly, as to when he opened the box, it revealed another box. He gave you a look.

“Really?”

“It’s in there. Eventually.”

“Yer such a lil’ shit.”

“I know.” You admitted, him glaring at you until he had finally opened the last box, eyes twinkling as he reached inside, admiring the prize.

“Y/n…” He murmured, pulling out a crocheted scarf and hat. It took you a little longer to make them than you’d like to admit, but it was worth it as his face softened while he eyed the bright orange garb.

“I like it, too.” His eyes met yours as he felt something else within the box. You smiled.

“Oh! A new set of earrings?” He grinned, pulling up the small thick hoops, eyeing them as they shined within the light.

“Hypoallergenic, too!” You chirped, eating up his expressions as he began putting on the hat, scarf, and switching out his old jewelry for the new ones.

“Merry Christmas, Tai-chan.” You murmured, and he gave you that infamous toothy, sweet smile of his.

“You too, Y/n.”

………….

“See? It’s not so bad!” You giggled, holding the phone up high.

“Yer a devil, ya know that?” You could hear him grumble. It was spring, again, and the both of you were in your second years. He admittedly lost a tiny bit of weight, due to him going to the gym, and you remained the same, except your feelings for him had grew. Almost three years of friendship, and you felt as if you knew him, forever.

Right now, you were sitting neatly at the small Fair, in the highest seat in which belonged to the Ferris Wheel, holding your phone up high while Taishiro was taking a break from his work to watch you look over the whole Fair grounds.

“Yeah, but you’re best friends with me!” You chirped loudly, giggling at his disgruntled huff. You had to be more careful with your words, you thought, as certain words were on the tip of your tongue.

You didn’t know what or how he felt. His face did redden a lot, but your mother said that he was young, and pretty girls did that to young men. You knew her intentions weren’t to drown out your hope, but to let you get a perspective on the situation, and to be careful with your feelings.

He and you had never dated, anyone. Him complaining that he was too fat, and you arguing that he was fine the way he is, genuinely caring about him as your lovable best friend. Of course your feelings had grown, and each time you went to reflect on them, you couldn’t help the passing negative thoughts.

He was in another country. He could actually have anybody he wanted to. If he was seeing somebody, you knew that you’d had to keep your distance from him, in respect of the relationship that he would be building with somebody else.

“Hey, you alright? You’re kinda silent.” His voice snapped your attention away from your thoughts.

“More than fine! Oh! They have a game in which you could win a live rabbit! It’s a little tough, but the bunnies look so cool!” You admitted, changing the subject, and he let out a bark of laughter.

“Bunnies, huh?”

“Yeah?”

“Nothin’. Hey, I gotta go back to work, see ya later!” He waved, and you waved back, smiling as you ended the call.

As your ride ended, you wondered around the grounds, just looking at the sights, and then something shiny had caught your eyes. It was a little stand selling trinkets, you thought as you walked closer. The shiny thing, were two little friendship bracelets with little clear plastic gummy bears hooked onto them, one orange, and the other was your favorite color. You felt yourself smiling, remembering the nickname that his mom had called him, thus leading to everybody else calling him that.

Of course, he was embarrassed, but the absolute flustered and adorable look that he’d given you as you tried out the name, was memorable. A thoughtful gift wouldn’t hurt, you grinned.

……………

You held up your wrist, grinning at his flustered look as the orange plastic bear twinkled in the sunlight.

“What are we, twelve?” He asked, but he held out the trinket, an evident smile was on his face. It was August the eighth, his birthday, and you’ve decided to surprise him with the thoughtful gift that you’d gotten in spring. Of course the look on his face was priceless, and you just ate it up with a grin as he seemed to think the same thing.

“Pft. Gummybear.” You broke the silence, and he bit his lip, looking away.

“That kinda sounds like a pet-name, when ya think about it.”

“What? It is a nickname.”

“Yeah. Between…well, never mind! Thank you for the gift, Chickadee!” He smiled warmly, tying the little bracelet onto his wrist. You gave him your own smile as he referred to your own nickname from school. …………

“Guess what?” You couldn’t help but grin wildly, the pure, cheerful energy was radiating off of you as you poured yourself a glass of tea.

“Hm? What is it, Chickadee?” He asked, smiling as if he could just feel your joy all the way from Osaka.

It’s December, now. The two of you had been friends for almost four years, and you had finally, finally-

“I’ll be graduating this spring!”

“Oh, Hon, that’s amazing!” He couldn’t help but mimic your wild grin.

“Yes!” You chuckled.

To be honest, because of the both of you being in college and at work, living two separate lives, you hadn’t seen or heard from him in a while. It didn’t stop the two of you from trying to reach out, however. The longest time you remembered not really seeing his face, lasted about a week because the two of you were so busy.

Imagine his surprise when you started crying with tears of joy, extremely happy to see him as he sent you a little gift in the mail. It was an ornament hair pin from the fair in Osaka, and oddly, it reminded you of him. Although humble, it had specks of amber and yellow, and you couldn’t help but feel touched that you had something significant that reminded you of him.

You wanted to hug him. You wanted to talk, face to face in a decent little cafe as he wore the hat and scarf that you’d made him, as you could hear his laughter that wasn’t sullied by the phone’s filter. Also, you wanted to know where the two of you were heading in life. You knew that you couldn’t hold in these feelings for him, forever, hell, you didn’t even know if you’ll ever see him face-to-face ever again, or when he’ll find a very accepting, lovely person and move on without you.

It did break your heart, a little, you couldn’t help but think as you sipped your tea, looking out from the window as he scribbled down notes in the background.

“Tai-chan.” You said, and something in your voice made his attention snap onto you with a look of worry as he read your face.

“Hey, Chickadee, what’s wrong?” He asked. You looked at him.

“When can we ever really see each other, again?” The weight must have been evident in your voice, and his expression furrowed with sympathy.

“That’s what’s gotten ya so upset?” He murmured softly.

“Yeah.”

“Fuuuuck, I wanna see ya, too!” He whined, suddenly, and you looked at him with surprise as he cursed.

“I’m telling your mom.”

“Because I said ‘Fuck’, or because I wanna see ya?”

“Both. She can arrive you in tow with a bar of soap in your mouth.” You felt yourself grinning, and he smiled warmly.

“Don’t be sad, Chickadee. When we’re rich and successful from such good jobs, we’ll go see each other every weekend. Hell, I might even get a soap dispenser so ya can wash out my mouth, yourself.”

“Oh, really?”

“Letcha tie me down.” He winked as you rolled your eyes.

“Aaaaand that’s when our friendship ends.”

“Pft. Anyways. What if….ugh, never mind. Hey, I gotta go, Chicky. Class starts in an hour, kay?”

“Alright, Gummy. See ya later.” …………………

What if, what? Kept playing in your mind for months, now. You’ve landed a very good job, and you were great at balancing time with work, family, and your life, while you and Taishiro had kept your ritual of staying in touch. He was more muscular, but still round, and had his earrings that you’ve gotten him for Christmas, still in tact.

He looked good, and the both of you knew it. You pushed down the little spike of jealousy and discouragement when he mentioned that he was getting more looks, now, but you were more mature, and you knew that he was an adult and could make his own decisions, despite your own feelings. You cared about him, and if you loved somebody truly, their happiness and growth should make you happy, you concluded.

It didn’t help the fact that he had still a pink flush to his cheeks, rubbing his head awkwardly as he said that he wasn’t really interested in people that he didn’t know, taking little glances at you.

God, Kami, or what, help you, you bit the inside of your cheek. You were hopeless. …….

“Hey, Chicka-umph!” He couldn’t finish the words. Five years. It took the two of you five years to finally graduate, get jobs, save money, and finally, finally-

“It’s been way too long!” You hugged him, burying your face into his jacket as you couldn’t help but let out the most widest grin in years. You let out a yelp of surprise as he had the gall to pick you up and spun you around, him laughing at your stunned expression as he settled you down after the short spiel, and you let out a giggle.

He was smiling down at you, chuckling as he had hugged you back, swaying you a little side to side as his cheeks flushed.

The two of you were in Osaka, his mother and step-father weren’t there, and you traveled alone, bringing only a small amount of luggage with your passport. He sighed.

“You’re still short.”

“Shut it, you’re just a giraffe.” You playfully stuck out your tongue and he rolled his eyes.

“Damn, it’s so good to see ya. Just think, our friendship started ‘cause of yer clumsy ass.” He couldn’t help but joke with you as he grinned at your pitiful attempt of a glare. He chuckled.

“I’m glad, though.” He murmured, and you hummed in agreement.

You’ve been waiting for this moment, learning Japanese and studying kanji as you walked alongside him, talking about everything and nothing, noticing that he had never really took out the earrings you’ve gave him, plus he and you opted to wear the gummy bear bracelets. Your smiled softly. It was as if the world spun on and the two of you slowly changed, yet like magnets, pulled closer together.

Since the day that you’ve discovered your own feelings for him, you had decided that you didn’t want anybody else, for he was showing interest, and your heart had remained unbroken as he unconsciously had taken good care of it. He was worth the hours you’ve put into your work, and the extra savings that you’ve had put back. If you had him as just a close friend forever, you’d be happy, you’ve decided.

It was a fun day. He had saved up to pay for reservations for the two of you to go to the aquarium, telling you that since you’ve made such an effort to see him, he was the one to treat you in Osaka, drinking in your expressions of wonderment and joy as he explained. He chuckled when you excitedly pointed out the whale shark, letting you rant on about how it was a filter feeder, and the biggest fish in the sea.

“Here. It’s my favorite, an’ I figured ya might like to try “the nation’s kitchen’s” street food.” He grinned, holding up a piece of takoyaki for you to try. After a long day of cooing and buying a bit of souvenirs, he led you outside, opting to let you try something that differed from his mother’s cooking from all those years back. You bit into it while he was still holding the toothpick, causing him to fluster, yet you paid no mind, letting the taste of octopus, onion, and sauce envelope your taste buds.

Your face heated up when you realized that it was actually pretty good.

“Good?” He gave a knowing grin. You nodded, and he chuckled.

“Ya got sauce on your cheek, ya messy thing.” He thumbed your cheek, wiping off the sauce. Much to your utter surprise, he had the gall to lick it, eyeing you with a smirk etched on his face.

“Did you just-”

“Tit for tat.” He winked, and you felt the blood rush up to your cheeks.

You couldn’t stay, long. Your boss had given you a limited amount of vacation days, and you could only stay until the night. He knew it, as well, and so the two of you had tried draw out the remaining day, him showing you all sorts of vending machines, helping you walk the ever busy streets as you felt so tiny compared to the skyscrapers, trying different foods, and briefly meeting his mom and step-dad.

She hugged you, rambling fast in Japanese, as you caught certain phrases. Taishiro let out a laugh.

“She misses ya. We all did.” He smiled, and you let out your own, deciding to comfort the fretting woman.

“She has to leave, ma.” He spoke in his native tongue, and she huffed.

“I haven’t seen her in years! Plus you spent all day with her, you heathen.” She then turned towards you.

“Ah, Honey, you look so tired and happy! Did you have a good day?” She cooed, squishing your cheeks playfully and you laughed a little.

“Of course!”

“I’m glad. Let my boy escort you to the airport, alright?” She hummed, and you nodded. ………

“Today was the best day I’ve ever had in such a long time.” He told you gently, and your heart hammered as you waited on for your flight in the lobby.

“Same for me. Makes me regret going back.” You gave out a little laugh, but it felt hallow.

“Yeah.” You focused on his solemn expression, eyebrows furrowed as he looked as if he didn’t really wanted you to go, either.

“Hey.” He broke the silence with a heavy conviction, and you looked up at him with confusion. He said nothing as he took your hand and placed it on his chest, and you were surprised on how fast it was beating. With his other hand, he cupped your jaw, rather gently, and now it was your turn to feel your heart hammering through your rib cage. You didn’t have time to say anything, as he leaned down and gave a chaste kiss on your mouth.

Time seemed to still to a stop for you, but he broke away too soon, face reddened, but he didn’t look as if he regretted it, and you couldn’t find yourself too, either.

“Please, for the love of Kami, be mine. Doesn’t matter when we’ll see each other again, I’ll save up and move to your country, if I have to-”

You interrupted him with your own little kiss, and he hummed into it, gripping you tighter to him as he broke away, only to lean into your neck.

“I’ve been holding these feelings in for a long time.” You murmured, and he nodded.

“Yeah? Since high school?”

“Yeah.”

“Same for me. When I was away from ya, I kept thinkin’, she’s so lovely, in no time, somebody’s gonna snatch her up. Was she waitin’ for me? Took me a while to figure the last one out, but I did.” He hummed, opting to raise his face and kiss your cheek, smiling.

“So, when’s the wedding?” You broke the silence with a joke, and he huffed.

“Ya know what, ya lil’ shit? Maybe tomorrow.”

“Really? We’re just going to...get married?” You looked at him with wonder, and although blushing furiously, he shrugged.

“We’ve known each other for so long. Been pinin’ and sayin’ nothing. Ugh, we’re both dumbasses.” He sulked a little, and you let out a giggle.

“Alright. We’ll plan for a wedding.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.”

“No dates, or anythin’, just jumpin’ right into it?”

“We’ve been low-key dating. As friends, though. Maybe we could give it another year? See how everything works out as a couple? If we save up, we could get married and one of us move to either Japan or my country.” You explained, his expression softening as he kissed you again, a little firmer, this time.

“Alright. I don’t mind either option, or even if ya wanted your own traditional wedding. Heh. This is happening.”

“Yeah.”

“You’re mine and I’m yours, an’ we’re gonna get married.”

“I’m still a little surprised, but I’d have it no other way.”

“Same here.”

#Fatgum #Taishiro Toyomitsu #Fatgum x reader #Mutual pining #Fluff #International love #But like I was listening to Sister Christian and had this idea #Originally there was gonna be some angst but lol no Fluff November

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randomidiocyncrazies · 4 years ago

Note

i know you like them both so yunichika and oda/aoki for the ship ask

thank you for giving me a chance to gush about these kids!!! they’re precious.... this got pretty long so imma put it under a cut

YuniChika, the main boys of 2.43:

• when or if I started shipping it:

tbh i didn’t really ship them when i read the first book... they’re the kind of pairing that i can see people shipping and i think it’s cute, but i’m not super invested in them as a romantic pairing. I think i was more sold about them as a ship in the second book, but i can’t quite remember if there was a specific moment that made me change my mind, or if it was a gradual process

• my thoughts:

i think the anime definitely played up the tension between them (allll the blushes lol), but i’m glad people are enjoying the YuniChika content XD they’re pretty cute!

also, i think they balance each other well and spur each other to become better—Yuni and Chika are both self-centered(?) in very different ways: Yuni lacks drive because he mostly wanted to please people so they’ll like him, while Chika has the opposite problem in that he acts like he doesn’t care what people think of him.

but now Yuni is able to take a stand for his interest in volleyball and for Chika, and while Chika doesn’t really soften and still has a problem with not realizing how harsh he could be, he’s more willing to communicate his thoughts.

• what makes me happy about them:

boys reuniting! relearning how to have a relationship with one another! learning from past mistakes and trying to be better people together! HELL YEAH

• what makes me sad about them:

boys, please use your words to communicate with each other...

also, from Yuni’s perspective, it’s kinda sad when someone you used to know really well comes back into your life, but they’ve changed so much that they are essentially a different person... but of course they have a new opportunity to become closer now 😉 so i’m not that sad about it

• things done in art/fic that annoys me:

... there are fanworks for them?????????

(on a more serious note, erasing their flaws to make them more likable... please don’t make Chika ‘secretly nice’ or whatever, the kid is blunt as hell, and not realizing how his words affect others is his biggest flaw. on the other hand, Yuni can still be a little spineless at times, and sometimes his priorities are. questionable.)

• things I look for in art/fic:

hm, i’d like a future fic about them as professional players! i think their inclination is to stick together (they’re a package deal!) but it’d be super interesting to read something where they’re on rival teams years down the line

EDIT: haha Chika actually transferred to Keisei High School after their first Spring Tournament, so he and Yuni have faced each other as rivals since then (2.43 next 4years). they’re go to the same university and are on the same team now though!

• who I’d be comfortable them ending up with, if not each other:

uh i don’t really have specific people for this, but Chika would probably have to be with someone who understands his love of volleyball (like Oda, but if Oda wasn’t their team captain and thus too much of a dad friend to qualify as a romantic interest), and someone who can inspire Yuni would be good for him

also, i know who i’d NOT be comfy about: the first book (and anime i guess) had this weird tension between Itoko and Yuni, COUSINS who BASICALLY GREW UP TOGETHER. i think(?) their weird whatever was mostly dropped in the 2nd book and wasn’t really made explicit, but like. what the hell. (i have no idea what happens beyond the 2nd book.)

• my happily ever after for them:

the YuniChika in college arc is being serialized rn, so in a way that’s already fulfilled? (i have NO idea what’s going on tho)

in general i just hope they can play volleyball together until one or both decide not to, for whatever reason, and that they stay in each other’s lives and support each other even after they’ve retired from competitive volleyball. i think with Yuni’s personality he could be a good coach after getting more experience, and Chika... he’s really valuable as a strategist, but I think he’d always be a little brusque, so he’s respected but hard to bond with if he does take on coaching?

• what is their favorite non-sexual activity?

bold of you to assume Chika even cares about sex

anyway, they don’t go to movies for a romantic date night, they go watch volleyball matches. sometimes this backfires when Chika gets too frustrated at bad plays tho

and of course i will never pass up an opportunity to talk about Oda/Aoki, the main guys of my heart (my OTP for this series tbh):

• when or if I started shipping it:

they pinged on my radar when they were bickering in Ibara’s chapter, but i wasn’t super duper invested... and then I got to The Dog’s Perspective and the Giraffe’s Perspective (specifically The Kick™) and oh god i’ve never fallen so fast

• my thoughts:

GOD WOW Aoki really loves Oda... even though objectively Oda’s height prevents him from being a super ace, he is the coolest, strongest super ace to Aoki. i think it’s beautiful that someone can see you as your best self even when you’re feeling shitty about yourself. Aoki knows that objectively Oda faces a lot of obstacles, and wants to support him as best as he can—not out of pity (pity would’ve burned out long ago), but because he really respects Oda’s passion and drive.

also, these two have unaddressed issues that they should talk about! Oda, i know you feel inferior but you are so much better than you think you are. please accept that Aoki really does respect you, and that you are worthy of it (or like, you don’t have to be ‘’’worthy’’’’ or ‘’’’’’deserving’’’’’’’’’’ of it, because it is Aoki’s choice to support you and play volleyball with you!!! it’s not something you gotta earn, it’s something freely and happily given to you)

(ahhhhhh i die when i think of them)

• what makes me happy about them:

gosh i love their dynamic SO MUCH! Oda is exactly my type of character (passionate, determined, knowing that he can never be the best at what he’s passionate about due to factors he cannot control, trying to be kind and gracious but struggling with feelings of inferiority and jealousy, thinks of himself as a selfish person, a supporting character...) and Aoki’s devotion is really touching.

again: even when you feel like crap about yourself, there’s someone out there who thinks you’re the best thing that happened to them.

there’s also the fact that Oda thinks the world of Aoki as well (to the point of feeling inferior, which is like... c’mon Oda :/ you are better than you think you are!) he trusts Aoki a lot, despite knowing his willingness to engage in, uh, underhanded methods

• what makes me sad about them:

it’s their last year together, and they’d be approaching a new phase of their lives in different places... although Aoki offered to lower his rankings so they’d go to the same university, realistically they’ll go to different colleges, and most likely end up in different prefectures. (like, not only do i think it’s a Terrible Idea to give up your dream school so that you could stay with someone else, there is no way Oda would accept the offer without being crushed by guilt. something like that would actually ruin their relationship, which i think Aoki knows as well.)

there’s also a lot left unsaid between them at this point and i just want them to lay everything out between them and move forward together

• things done in art/fic that annoys me:

the fact that there’s NONE >:[ what does a gal have to do to get some content for them???????

• things I look for in art/fic:

at this point anything is fine.... it’s a desert out there and i’m dying

more specifically i’m Extremely Down for a get together fic; i personally only see them getting together after high school, at least several months (or even longer) studying in different prefectures and no longer able to see each other every day. (i mean... absence makes the heart grow fonder right?)

i’d also love to see Oda using Aoki’s first name, considering Aoki calls him “Shin” and all. Oda managing to surprise/fluster Aoki would be nice too.

EDIT: they’re both in the Kansai region (2.43 next 4years prologue). Oda’s revealed to be studying in Osaka, and assuming Aoki got into KyoDai, they should be around 2 hours away from each other by train? so visiting each other over short breaks would be cute! also, apparently Oda took a gap year before going to Osaka (2.43 next 4years Ch 1.2), so something set during that time would also be awesome :V

• who I’d be comfortable them ending up with, if not each other:

hm... if i had to imagine people well-suited to them, i’d say Aoki’s type is people who are straightforwardly passionate about their interests (Oda hooked him with his unbridled love of volleyball way back in their first year of high school after all), and I think Oda probably needs someone who is willing to indulge him a little (like Chika he can be pretty dang determined about what he wants, though without the single-minded intensity at the expense of everything else)

... this is just a roundabout way of saying i think they’re ideal for each other, especially if they resolve the problem of hiding things from the other

• my happily ever after for them:

they get careers/hobbies they enjoy, and get a place together as boyfriends/husbands. no i will not hear any criticism of this idea

i can see Aoki working in the private sector (this guy is fine with ‘joking’ about blackmail after all!) after getting his law degree. this is super self-indulgent, but given his penchant of rooting for passionate but objectively disadvantaged entities, i think it’d be pretty awesome if he works for a smaller company that truly believes in their work, instead of working at a big firm pulling in big bucks.

while I’m not sure what Oda is canonically studying, I can see him going into sports education or sports therapy—i think he’d be really good at nurturing the talents of other athletes, and he’s good at rallying the team (Aoki pretty much says he’s the heart of the team in the epilogue of the first book, though Aoki’s kiiinda biased lol). i think it’d be really cute if Oda coaches a grade school team!

neither plays volleyball competitively after high school, but sometimes they watch matches for fun (esp if their ex-teammates are playing). Oda also makes Aoki come to his students’ matches if he doesn’t have work

EDIT: apparently Oda continues competing as a wing spiker in college, playing in Kaisai’s 2nd Collegiate Division (2.43 next 4years Ch 1.2)—Aoki probably watches his matches, even when he’s busy (and Oda probably chides him for neglecting his work, but they both know Aoki can manage his workload).

• what is their favorite non-sexual activity?

hm... idk, i think they’re the kind of couple who are cool with just chilling with each other doing their own work. like, Oda planning strategies for the kids he’s coaching while Aoki reads next to him, occasionally glancing over to make comments, stuff like that

also since Oda says they mostly talked about volleyball during high school, I can kinda see them finding something new they both enjoy after they get together? Maybe shounen manga, for something fun

#2.43 #2.43 anime #2.43 seiin high school boys volleyball team #2.43 seiin koukou danshi volley bu #yunichika #odaoki #replies

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smalltownfae · 3 years ago

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My DNFs so far

I decided to make a list of all the books I did not finish until this date (4/06/2021). I only recently learned to DNF books when I am not enjoying them so this is not a long list. Just thought I should state here my reasons why.

“Insurgent” by Veronica Roth: I read “Divergent” many years ago and I liked it well enough to try the sequel. Unfortunately, this book starts with what bored me and annoyed me the most about the first one: the romance. After 2 or 3 chapters of repetitive smooching and dialogue that almost made me puke I decided to put it down.

“If on a Winter's Night a Traveler” by Italo Calvino: The idea of this book is brilliant, the execution is very boring. This book was an experimentation in which you are the reader in search of a good book to read and the author decided to start a story and interrupt it to start another story and he did that again again and again. This is my reality so why am I reading about this even? I feel this 1 star review in my soul: “The thing I enjoyed the most about this book was when it finally came to an end. Although the premise of this book was interesting enough, even clever, Calvino really didn't pull it off (at least for me personally).“

“Eragon” by Christopher Paolini: Look, I tried to read this in my early 20s and, just like it happened with the Narnia books, it’s not the right age to try this. It was long, simple and tropy. I don’t remember anything really wrong with it. It was just ok and I wasn’t invested enough to read an ok long book.

“Wicked” by Gregory Maguire: It all boils down to the musical being miles better. The characters are unlikable and the interactions are not fun. The only scene tI vaguely remember was the sex between humans and anthropomorphic animals that happened in a club (?) That is when I found out that I wasn’t a furry ahahah Anyways, yeah, I put the book down after that.

“The Eye of the World“ by Robert Jordan: Like it happened with Eragon, my list of books to read is too big to waste time reading long books that are just ok. The only characters I liked were Thom and Moiraine, but the long boring descriptions with a super simple writing style just did not motivate me. Also, everyone seems to like Mat and he is the embodiment of the anime pervert trope and I don’t get it. This series is so popular that many times I fooled myself that one day I would try it again but no. I need to accept that some books are just not for me. I loved the very start of this book though. Too bad I had to follow boring characters doing boring repetitive stuff after that. I might try the show when it comes out but I definitely gave up on the books.

“The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet” by Becky Chambers: I am coming for all your favs. Sorry, but this book just looked like a long list of character sheets with no depth. Granted that I gave up pretty early on so this might have changed, but giving me an info dump about an alien species with nothing else is not the way to go. It’s like introducing a character saying he is gay and that is his entire personality. This is another book that is so beloved that I tried to fool myself into thinking I would try it again some day. I will not. My list is too long. If I was stuck in a desert island and had nothing else to read then maybe.

“The Cruel Prince” by Holly Black: I only read one chapter and that chapter was enough. I never read a first chapter that was this bad in my life. Very tropy, characters I didn’t have the chance to care about dying, simple writing, dumping detailed superficial characteristics of characters as they are introduced. Simply put, a mess. I know someone that liked this book a lot and loved the 2nd one though and she says the book gets better but that is what all fans say about their favs XD I learned that with “The Name of the Wind”. It’s just not my thing.

“Running With Lions” by Julian Winters: I must have been out of my mind when I tried this one. It’s a book about football, my most hated sport, but it has gay and bi characters and I thought this could be fun like a good sports anime. It was not. Also, there is one female character and she has the “not like other girls” attitude because she likes football *rolls eyes* Bye.

“Something Wicked this Way Comes” by Ray Bradbury: The sexism really shows a bit on this one. It has the girls vs boys vibe that I also found in “The Halloween Tree”, but what pains me the most is the chapters of the father of one of the characters. This one I actually might attempt again someday because I like 2 of this author’s works and because it has a cool iconic title, but I am very unsure about it. I might just end up looking at a summary of the book which I think will annoy me less. But after I noticed the sexism in these 2 books I started thinking about how the few female characters on the books I liked were portrayed and... it’s not good, you guys. Shocking information for a classic book, I know.

“Cinderella Is Dead” by Kalynn Bayron: I just remember being annoyed with the main character because she was not the brightest tool in the shed. I was also disappointed because this was based on Cinderella with a lesbian mc and black characters. From my unrated review because I don’t rate books I DNF: “There are some info dumps, which I hate. The one that bothered me the most was the one that happens when the main character finds another character and this new person decides to tell her what really happened in Cinderella's past for about 2 or 3 pages. It's not a lot for most people but since I hate info dumps and I prefer the information to be slowly revealed in a way that makes sense instead of in chunks it felt like a lot to me. Besides this, the main character kept saying how she feels as if the reader cannot interpret that through her actions. I see this done a lot, especially in YA, and I hate it every time. The main character is alright in general, but she has the terrible characteristic of rushing into things and speaking without thinking of the consequences. Everyone keeps telling her to be careful with what she says because she might get arrested or killed and yet she keeps ignoring it. At a certain point my suspension of disbelief didn't work anymore and I could not buy it that she kept escaping these terrible authority figures. The breaking point for me was when a character tells her to stay away from the main road because guards are looking for her and the first thing she does is go to her house where, obviously, guards are looking for her... it's a miracle how she keeps not being caught. Honestly, it's only because it's fiction that she wasn't.”

“Heart's Blood” by Juliet Marillier: This book had interesting things going for it but it’s main fault is being boring and having a bit of that annoying “not like other girls” attitude for the mc. If it was shorter I might have finished it but I have no patience for this anymore XD

Those are all my DNFs so far. I might do a post like this at the end of each year if I happen to DNF more books.

#book review #dnf #books #heart's blood #cinderella is dead #running with lions #something wicked this way comes #the cruel prince #the eye of the world #the long way to a small angry planet #eragon #wicked #insurgent #if on a winter's night a traveler

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fandom-sheep · 3 years ago

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MCC 24 JUL 21

Green Guardians and Pink Parrots Part 1/2

Alright I’m finally back! I’m only half watching while I clean my room but it’s fine.

I’m watching Fundy’s POV on my main screen and Ranboo’s on my phone where I’m typing this.

Ranboo pre game stream let’s gooo.

I’m so very entertained by the background Tubbo noises.

He’s so happy. I don’t know if I have it in my to watch Fundy’s POV even though I’m cheering for the Green Guardians.

Sands of time. Let’s go!

We are going to hear these boys in each other’s backgrounds.

This has “mom can we play Minecraft at our sleepover” vibe.

Phil’s streaming. Where is the fox boy…

Boys trying to out noise each other.

Please tell over to tubbo about how loud he is being. It would be funny.

It’s so much fun watching this boy achieve his goals. I love watching people achieve their goals.

Actual MCC server!!!

Good time for screeny. Nobody is chilling.

BURGER!

I saw him! I saw that fox run past!

“Ahh” - Ranboo

“Aaaa” -Tubbo

“Ahhhh” -Ranboo

“Aaaa” -Tubbo

High school ish age boy in competitive scenario. This will be so much fun.

Microphone magic time!

Hey I hear the boys!

And it works well.

It does echo???? How???

“It was a joint effort. I came up with some bad ideas you came up with the idea that works.” -Tubbo

Also known as every other group chat I’ve ever been in.

Lmanburg flag at rally?

What?

No. Let’s do free clout.

Ranboo being a problem.

Why is everyone in that VC?

What problems are these children causing.

Fundy is live! Where is my iPad time to dual wield streams.

Spatula???

Dual spatulas.

It’s time to start!!!

Where is the fox?

You know. I might reverse it. I might have to watch Pink Parrots mainly and just ignore green guardians.

I’m going to put Wilbur on my iPad so I can see the chaos man. Now to decide which POV I’m listening to. Probably Ranboo. Wilbur on mine is slightly behind.

They asked if Wilbur was going change his skin? That never happens. He had to wear the sweater of shame at Christmas time.

I have them both almost perfectly sinced but it’s at the point it almost sounds echoed.

No it’s just tubbo who sounds echoed.

Nope can’t get it to sync. Just listening on my speaker.

No surround sound here. Unless I get really board.

Manifesting the win?

Manifolding the win.

Bavid.

Time to annoy the other teams.

From here on I’m going to try to be productive while I watch. Wait no. The music isn’t in sync with the one I’ll mostly be watching.

Oh I forgot TapL was there. Nope it’s not syncing. Just going to have Ranboos on my phone be secondary.

Wilbur POV let’s go.

We trash talking. Look at them go.

Ahh. English area codes. What the enigma.

Let’s win pink parrots!!! How do I always end up cheering for this team…

I need to make pink parrot art.

Oh no. Just Wilbur.

Oh no. It’s all Tubbo.

Wilbur reminds me of a good camp counselor motivating his team. Not like one of my coworkers.

My brother isn’t home today so we can’t have a watch party like we wanted.

My mom is confused with my and my brother’s investment in MCC but we told her it was the national championships of Minecraft.

Oh poor Fundy tagging on the other side.

I need to remember to collect channel points.

I’m sorry why is my internet acting stupid. Work you!

Pink and purple. The tween girls second most idea color pallet.

They are over motivating the Soot.

Thought Wilbur was going to explode from peer pressure there.

Yooo. I figured out how to watch Fundy! I can split screen my ipad between the app and the website. Tiny Fundy screen and big Wilbur screen and tiny Ranboo screen on my phone.

They can’t warn fast enough.

Time to watch and ad and support Wilbur because it got too far behind for my liking while I fought with the tiny Fundy screen.

I need to put away the books I’m pressing flowers in. But I don’t want to mess up the flowers.

Wonder how soon I’ll have to start a new post because I ran out of bullet points.

Nah I’m not keeping Fundy’s POV open. I want full screen Pink Parrots.

Music brain made the lyric connection.

I could drink 3 bottles of water every round.

The boys with the superior bladders.

What happened with Wilbur? What I didn’t see anything happen with the stream.

Nox crew role play??? What?

Wait. Did red team just fall into the void?

What?

I found a skirt and I’m wondering why I don’t wear it more often.

It goes down to my knees I could even wear this to church.

Offhand wool!

Time to battle in the box!

Exciting death boots.

Go!!! Do wool! Get em!

Oh wow. They both died. At the same time.

They can hear the Tommy. That’s how well these dudes know one another.

Bragging on each other.

Everyone surprised that Wilbur is entering his old man years.

Woohoo!

Random history moments with Tubbo.

Woohoo (again)!

Ranboos just going to jinx it.

Oh no I need my charger!

Got my charger! Rejoined at “Minecraft butts make big… videos” and am quite confused.

Skilled boys!!

Poof goes the Bur.

They beat Dream???

Casually refolding every bandana I own while watching battle box.

I found a peppermint tea bag.

Come on get mid! Noooo.

Pink parrots doing pretty good from what I see in MCC live.

I thought Ranboo had an actual burger on his face cam. I was so confused for a moment.

Yelling across the room casually.

Wilbur is back. You can hear him.

Wilbur is like a kid trying to get a duck out of the pond.

Sky battle?

Shake? Shake shake shake?

Oh no. Now all the chat is crying over Ghostbur. Myself included.

Pink parrots on top so far! Never mind that didn’t last long.

Go Wilbur! Go Tubbo! Go Ranboo! Go TapL!

Wilbur go poof.

3rd atm.

Oh we’ve gone down.

No he was not good. But he paved the way for TapL.

We’re in 2nd?? Are the other teams dead or something?

If we’re going down and yelling timber.

4th. Not bad.

Woohoo!

Go green guardians!!

So proud of them.

Pants and Boots!

Still in 6th for sky battle.

Bless his heart TapL is so worried.

Red Rabbits and Green guardians are close.

My streams are out of sync. So confused.

We’re in lead!!

WE WON!!!

My iPad is struggling with Will’s stream but it’s going!

Come on Parrots!

Alright got it up again. Got it up again.

If I were a streamer I wouldn’t be good at MCC. I can’t competitive properly. I just like making jokes and being goofy.

Not a good lead but oh well never mind we don’t have the lead.

Red Rabbits YUM.

“Do not engage” as they set off tnt.

Get those stupid rabbits! Or whoever is attacking. I’ve never been good at any sports.

First again!

Hold on guys!

They won!!! With Wilbur hovering on the edge of the void!!!

PINK PARROTS FIRST PLACE (for now but I’m still excited)

Talented team!! Look at them go!

Get your screen shot little Y/N fan boy.

Not surprised we’re more popular than the olympics.

Had to go brag to my parents that there are more people watching MCC than the olympics. They were also not surprised.

Sands of Time. The wildcard game.

Sand sand sand sand.

We have a key for a vault already?

Putting away shoes. Nothing to make you be productive like watching Minecraft peeps play a competitive game.

“Everywhere is a way into somewhere”

Come on boys.

Time to switch to Ranboos POV. See if I can spot that N with my grown up can spot things vision.

Nope don’t see this mysterious letter.

TapL if you got nothing to do bother Ranboo to help him find that N.

Calm Tubbo. Tubbo chill.

Really. The map is broken and they are taking forever helping.

Key!!! Fight Fight Fight.

Ranboo apologizing.

If his team loses this kid will blame himself.

Go Tubbo and Ranboo.

Vault open!

Out of sand = prepare to book it.

1:30 (90 sec) let’s go.

Less than a minute. Evacuate!

Oh no Ranboo is lost. Hurry kiddo!

They made it?

They made it.

Off goes the Wilbur. Now to wait.

Come on pink parrots.

Is it bad I can’t see sands of time coins in MCC live or am I just crazy?

5th. Better than I expected.

THEY ARE STILL FIRST???

Barely. But they are.

We get to vote now?!?

Quick to the voting!

I had to fight Twitter to vote.

The app didn’t want to work.

What’s the acronym one?

I’m sorry did I just hear that Wilbur taught Tubbo how to spell fuck?

Ranboo has the iron bladder.

I drank so much water but I just kinda do that.

Listen to Wilbur getting soft and encouraging Ranboo in his first game.

And Wilbur wanting him back. And planning to manipulate Scott.

Doesn’t surprise me that Wilbur would manipulate Scott. I know he probably doesn’t but still.

Look at all us audience beings.

Hooray David. I don’t know who you are but sup.

I’m sitting on a yoga ball to type and I about fell off. That wouldn’t have been fun.

All of Wills chat blessing him.

David just did the vocal equivalent of 👍🏻

Ooo I found a dollar.

And of course Tubbo likes the olympics. Trampoline boy should love them.

Nooo. Not tubbo!

Whoopsy. There go the parrots.

Why does my Wilbur stream keep goofing. See this is why I don’t actually liveblog I am so behind it’d be delayed anyway.

Instead of replacing with Phil replace with Kristen.

Keep it up Pink Parrots keep it up. *clap clap*

Where is my old cheerleading book?

Oh this is so behind. I saw ranboo fall on his POV then waited a few moments to see him on Wills.

Let’s reset it again for now. Look like it’s close. And I got an ad this time.

If it gets super behind again I’m going to just switch to Ranboo on my iPad and see if that works.

Wills is slightly ahead now. That’s how I like it.

Wilbur is such a motivating human. I swear I keep thinking that I’m hearing my coworkers encouraging campers at a kickball game or something.

Oh we’re dropping. But we’re still going.

How the actual hay are we still here.

Keep it up TapL!!

2nd!

300 and a bit to get back to first.

Look at Ranboo and Wilbur. So happy.

Ok singy boi with the ability to do one sound for a long time.

I want TapL on DSMP. It would be funny I like this guy. What does this guy stream? I want to start watching him.

Ace Race? I love ace race.

Ooo buildmart. Used to be my favorite but now no one hates it anymore.

I like least liked games. Least liked games act as great equalizers. No one is happy and it’s funny.

“You have such a way with words” -TapL (?)

“Thanks I’m a song writer” -Wilbur

Why are we doing dramatic monologues?

Sounds neat. I like this deep story.

Who is dying? What? I zoned out for a minute.

Cant wait to see that audio appear on tiktok.

You go Wilbur. I believe in you.

You go Ranboo become a lover or hater of Ace Race.

“I keep on stabbing people in the butt with my fork” -Ranboo

Again can’t wait to see that audio appear on tiktok.

I love Wilburs angry “which glitch” he’s experienced all of them.

No don’t stop Wilburs channel! I’ll watch an ad but let me watch ace race.

Ranboo has learned to dislike ace race.

Feels like a achievement. You have made Ranboo hate ace race.

Tubbo did it! Whoop!

Good job Will!

Good Job team!

Second team to finish!!!

Wait it says they are in 3rd on MCC live?

Phil Head!

Hey 1st. Good job Parrots!

The perspective I watch doesn’t matter. All I see is shifting at Wilbur either way.

Ranboo booked it.

Techno. Oh how we miss him. He was there last MCC but still.

Wait why are they in the soggy? I missed it?

Dunk tank?

End on build mart! Everyone sounded so sad! I’m so happy! I picked the right team!

Oh acronym is terra swoop force!!! Go Philza.

I’m practical shot who will win.

Pink Parrots doing actually pretty good according to MCC live.

Good job guys!

Resetting Wilburs stream while nothing is happening so I don’t miss anything later.

OH WAIT STUFF IS STILL HAPPENING I SEE IT ON RANBOOS!

Oh final text block. I’m going to have to make 2 posts.

#mcc #minecraft championships #pink parrots #Wilbur soot #ranboo #tubbo #TapL #delayed liveblogging

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mitchintille · 4 years ago

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2021 Mock Draft 1.0

Super Bowl 55 is just a few days away, which means draft season is looming in the rearview mirror. In a class that is expected to produce an abundance of offensive talent, several teams could benefit from this year’s crop. With a reported possibility of 18 teams looking for a change at the quarterback position, there is quite a bit of ambiguity as we approach the draft, and this year could shape up to be one of the wildest drafts we’ve seen in recent memory. Without further ado, here are my early first round predictions for the 2021 NFL draft....

1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson

From the moment he set foot on campus his freshman season, Lawrence has always has shown the capabilities of being a future NFL star. He took no time bursting onto the scene. After a dazzling freshman season, in which he lead the Tigers to a title in blowout fashion over an absolutely loaded Alabama team, he followed it up with two more trips to the playoffs, including another trip to the title game.

The former No.1 overall recruit in the country offers everything one could wish for in a franchise quarterback. He is a gifted, natural thrower of the football who is wise beyond his years at the position. Even new head coach Urban Meyer feels that he has the potential to be the best QB ever. Jaguars fans, your savior has come. Rejoice.

2. Houston Texans: Zach Wilson, QB, BYU

Houston receives: 2nd overall pick (2021), 23rd overall pick (2021), 3rd round pick (2021), 1st round pick (2022), 4th round pick (2022)

New York receives: Deshaun Watson, 6th round pick (2022)

Let’s get weird. Deshaun Watson being traded has reached inevitability status, and the Jets are stockpiled with draft picks over the next few years. It has been rumored that Watson would prefer to play for the Jets under the tutelage of new head coach Robert Saleh. The Jets have the firepower to make this pick happen, and in this scenario they pull off the mega deal and get their guy. So where does that leave Houston?

They luck into a talented, natural thrower of the football, with a very clean feel for the pocket. He has a rocket arm, and is particularly impressive when asked to go off script. The Texans rebuild will undoubtedly be a long one, but with Wilson, they have a fresh face of the franchise moving forward, and will look to continue adding more weapons around him to set him up for success.

3. San Francisco 49ers: Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State

San Francisco receives: 3rd overall pick (2021), 5th round pick (2022)

Miami receives: 12th overall pick (2021), 43rd overall pick (2021), 1st round pick (2022), 3rd round pick (2022), 7th round pick (2022)

Between the Rams’ recent trade for Matthew Stafford, and Kyle Shanahan remaining noncommittal on Jimmy Garoppolo for the foreseeable future, it wouldn’t shock me to see John Lynch be aggressive and try to nab their QB of the future.

Fields put up gaudy numbers in his first year as a starter, posting an absurd 51-3 TD/INT ratio. He showed a bit of regression in a COVID-shortened year two, but still displayed all of the tools you’d hope to see when searching for a franchise QB.

Finding a way to get Jimmy G’s lucrative contract off the books, and adding a talented player like Fields would be a win-win for an organization whom I feel would GREATLY benefit from a changing of the guard under center.

4. Atlanta Falcons: Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State

With the arrival of new head coach Arthur Smith, it is time for a rebrand in Atlanta. Matt Ryan is expected to make over $40m a season for the next two years, and while he is certainly not the main issue with this team, the Falcons need to move in a new direction.

Lance is perhaps the most polarizing player in this year’s class. Similar to Fields, he too posted video game like numbers in his first year at the helm. The Minnesota product threw for 28 TD’s, while posting another 14 on the ground. He also didn’t throw an interception all season. He possess all of the physical tools that NFL teams salivate over, and while questions will remain in regards to the inferior competition he’s been exposed to over his career, the opportunity to sit and learn from Matt Ryan could serve both himself and the Falcons some good.

5. Cincinnati Bengals: Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon

If Sewell is on the board, he will be the pick for the Bengals. After breakout rookie quarterback Joe Burrow suffered a season-ending ACL tear, the sense of urgency to upgrade the offensive line should be at an all-time high for the Bengals.

Sewell allowed just one sack over 1,376 career snaps and will spend the majority of his rookie season at age 20. He is a smooth mover with easy power, who is capable of playing on either side of the line. He is the exact type of stalwart that is needed for the Bengals to protect their QB of the future.

6. Philadelphia Eagles: DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama

I don’t know what to make of the Eagles’ current situation. They are in QB purgatory and have gaping holes riddled across their roster. With the recent hiring of Colts’ OC Nick Sirianni, I’d imagine adding offensive firepower would be at the top of his to-do list. Assuming they move forward with Jalen Hurts at QB, it is imperative to surround him with quality skill players. After drafting Jalen Reagor in the first round last year, they double dip this year and take the reigning Heisman Trophy winner.

Smith is not the most conventional receiver, being that there aren’t too many 6′1, 175-lb receivers who have enjoyed prolonged success in the league, but Smith doesn’t care about your player profiles. Smith can make plays all over the field and beat you in a myriad of ways. He is a nuanced route runner with a seemingly natural feel for his position, and someone I can assume Sirianni will fall in love with as the draft process begins to heat up.

7. Detroit Lions: Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama

If Lance were to have fallen to this spot, I’d have probably made him the selection. However, I’ll opt to give them a difference maker like Waddle.

With Kenny Golladay’s impending departure and both Danny Amendola and Marvin Jones Jr. testing the open market, that WR room could get UGLY in a hurry. Waddle is essentially a supercharged version of his former teammate Henry Ruggs. He has legit 4.2 speed, and does a great job of tracking the deep ball. The Lions are desperate for speed on the perimeter, and Waddle would be an instant upgrade to what they have now. He’s a true, top-10 talent assuming he manages to stay healthy.

8. Carolina Panthers: Ja’marr Chase, WR, LSU

Now just hear me out on this. Curtis Samuel is approaching free agency and will likely be headed elsewhere. Aside from DJ Moore and Robby Anderson, the cupboard is bare. Chase put up record-setting numbers in his only year under current Panthers OC Joe Brady when they were at LSU, so a reunion would only be right.

Chase is perhaps the best player in the entire class regardless of position. He is a physical route-runner who attacks the catch point with ease, and his RAC ability might be his best trait. He is very reminiscent of Moore, and pairing those two along with Anderson’s deep speed could perhaps create the most dangerous receiving trio in the NFL.

9. Denver Broncos: Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech

After an heavy offensive draft last year, the Broncos buck the trend and refocus on rebuilding their defense. Farley’s size and athleticism are a perfect fit in Vic Fangio’s versatile defensive scheme. I believe Farley has the potential to be a star in this league very quickly.

10. Dallas Cowboys: Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern

After wrestling back and forth with myself on this pick, the Cowboys settle on Slater. The once elite Cowboys offensive line has suddenly deteriorated into mediocrity. With both Tyron Smith and La’el Collins returning from injuries, Slater can serve as an insurance policy at either position, or kick him inside if need be.

His versatility and strong lower half are both commendable traits that should allow him to see a long career in the NFL.

11. New York Giants: Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama

Truthfully, this might be the most unpredictable pick in the first round. Dave Gettleman is tricky, but recently he has invested into the secondary quite a bit. After signing James Bradberry to a pricy extension last off-season, they also invested a pick into Xavier McKinney, as well as the addition of guys like Logan Ryan and Jabrill Peppers.

With Surtain, he brings a combo of length and savvy to the position, and would serve as the Giants’ other outside corner opposite of Bradberry.

12. Miami Dolphins: Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida

San Francisco receives: 3rd overall pick (2021), 5th round pick (2022)

Miami receives: 12th overall pick (2021), 43rd overall pick (2021), 1st round pick (2022), 3rd round pick (2022), 7th round pick (2022)

Yes, I’m highly aware that Mike Gesicki exists. But hear me out on this one, Pitts is more than just your standard “tight end” prospect. If it weren’t for a TE listed next to his position, I’d say that he’s the second best receiver in the draft.

He is nearly impossible to match up against. He’s too fast for linebackers and too physical for corners. He’s shown the capability to play in the slot, flexed out wide, or with his hand in the dirt. Pairing him and Gesicki together will give Tua Tagovailoa (assuming he remains their guy moving forward), a plethora of weapons at his disposal.

13. Los Angeles Chargers: Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech

Keeping Justin Herbert clean and protected should be the top priority heading into the offseason for Tom Telesco. After a breakout rookie season, it seems the Chargers struck a goldmine in Herbert. Being that the Chargers haven’t had a decent offensive line in years, a trip out west would make sense for Darrisaw.

The Virginia Tech product is a very fluid mover, whose length and quickness allow him to reach the second level with ease as a run blocker. He will be an instant upgrade to their run game, and has the maturity to protect Herbert’s blindside from day one in LA.

14. Minnesota Vikings: Gregory Rousseau, EDGE, Miami

After the loss of Everson Griffen to free agency, and Danielle Hunter missing most of the 2020 season due to a back injury, the Vikings should be looking to rebuild their pass rush. Mike Zimmer seems to have a knack for high-ceiling pass rushers with athletic upside. Rousseau fits the bill.

The Florida native saw his star shine after a dazzling sophomore season, racking up an impressive 15.5 sacks. Rousseau has easy power off the edge. While he is still a bit raw from a technician standpoint, his natural power and length will be a nightmare for tackles to deal with from day one. If he can mature his game, he has the potential to be one of the most productive edge rushers in the league in due time.

15. New England Patriots: Micah Parsons, EDGE, Penn State

After some recent concerns over Parsons’ character, he sees his stock slide and he falls into the lap of Bill Belichick. After being used in several different spots at Penn State,

Parsons projects best as an EDGE, but has the necessary tools to develop his skills over time. Belichick has a fetish for hybrid linebackers that can rush the passer, and pairing the two together would do wonders for his development over time.

16. Arizona Cardinals: Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina

After adding Matthew Stafford to the division, and the Niners looking to upgrade at the quarterback position, it is time for the Cardinals to get better in the secondary. Quickly.

Horn is an excellent press corner, with an alpha-dog type mentality that should fit in well in the Cardinals’ back end. He does have a tendency to be too grabby and aggressive at times, and his lack of size will hurt him against bigger receivers. He is not a perfect corner prospect, but the Cardinals don’t have much of a choice here.

17. Las Vegas Raiders: Jaelan Phillips, EDGE, Miami

Truthfully, I have no idea what to predict here. The front office is an absolute mess, and have proven themselves to be incompetent when it comes to drafting. After missing badly on Clelin Ferrell a few years ago, they have a chance to redeem themselves with the selection of Phillips.

The former number one overall recruit had a late start to his career, after suffering several injuries and at one point declaring himself medically retired. After transferring to Miami from UCLA, Phillips began to improve his game, and vaulted himself into first round considerations after a breakout 2020 campaign. His injury history may force him to fall, but his combination of size, speed, and motor is very exciting, and he may be the exact type of player Mike Mayock falls in love with.

18. Miami Dolphins: Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa

Brian Flores is one of the few Belichick proteges recently that has found success as a head coach. Much like Belichick, Flores places a large emphasis on versatility, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. This is why Collins would be a perfect fit on day one.

Collins was truly a jack-of-all-trades in his time at Tulsa. He was one of the best players in all of college football last season, and did so in a number of ways. He can rush the passer, cover a runningback out of the backfield. Think D’onta Hightower type role for Collins if he were to head to south beach.

19. Washington Football Team: Mac Jones, QB, Alabama

With the trend in the NFL heading towards a youth movement at QB, it wouldn’t shock me to see Washington fall in love with Jones.

Although he’s not the most dynamic passer, Jones is a solid athlete with an incredibly comfortable feel for the game. He is a great processor with plus accuracy, and has shown impressive flashes of improvisation. He may not have a very high ceiling moving forward, but I can him instantly making that team better and elevating them into playoff contention on a year-to-year basis.

20. Chicago Bears: Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota

With Allen Robinson likely headed elsewhere in free agency and Anthony Miller’s slow start, the time is now to add playmakers on the offensive side of the ball. Insert Bateman.

One of the most forgotten men in the whole class, Bateman is silky smooth in everything he does, and will be the most physical WR on any field he steps on. He eats up intermediate routes, and is capable of being a vertical threat. His game reminds me a ton of guys like Keenan Allen and Michael Thomas, not the most physically gifted guys, but masters of their craft and play to their strengths.

Whether or not the Bears decide to move forward with Mitchell Trubisky at QB or not, it is imperative to give the man under center some more feasible options to work with in the passing game.

21. Indianapolis Colts: Kwity Paye, EDGE, Michigan

While the temptation was high to take a receiver here, I opted for the highly athletic EDGE with limitless upside.

Not having a combine will prove to affect Paye’s stock, as he was expected to test through the roof at his position. Once listed as one of Bruce Feldman’s “freaks”, Paye finally applied his athleticism to the field in 2020. He is very reliant on his natural power and speed, and has yet to develop any consistent counter moves. If developed properly, his size/speed combo alongside Deforest Buckner could prove to be deadly for an already improving defense.

22. Tennessee Titans: Azeez Ojulari, EDGE, Georgia

Being that the Jadeveon Clowney acquisition backfired on them, the Titans are still in search of a consistent pass rush opposite of Harold Landry.

Ojulari is young and lacks experience. But when his motor gets going, he could be the most explosive rusher in the class. He’d be perfect in their 3-4 defense, and has the potential to be a good player in space as he gains more experience.

23. New York Jets: Joseph Ossai, EDGE, Texas

One of the staples of a Robert Saleh defense is consistent pressure off the edge. The Jets lack any and all types of pass rush at the moment, and Ossai’s intriguing upside in that defense could see him turn out to be a very productive player.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Liam Eichenberg, OT, Notre Dame

Man, Notre Dame just pumps them out, don’t they? With GM Kevin Colbert’s affinity for drafting players from big name schools, Eichenberg becomes the most recent, NFL product of the offensive line factory that is Notre Dame.

Much like any of the Notre Dame linemen of the past, Eichenberg is techincally sound in everything he does. He may not be athletic enough to play left tackle, but is a plug and play right tackle from day one.

25. Jacksonville Jaguars: Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas

Although the temptation would be to select a receiver here, the Jags have $100m in cap space to work with, which can be spent on one of the receivers in what is expected to be an impressive free agency class.

Cosmi may be a little undersized, but is very athletic and light on his feet for the position. If he can bulk up and maintain his athleticism, I can see him being the Jaguars’ left tackle for the next decade.

26. Cleveland Browns: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame

A surprising slide leaves Cleveland with one of the most gifted players in the draft.

JOK is a heat-seeking missile, who showed very impressive flashes in coverage. He is the prototypical, modern-day NFL linebacker through and through.

27. Baltimore Ravens: Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida

Eric Decosta recently hinted at his lust for the dynamic Florida receiver. Toney was used in several different ways over the course of his career, but really seemed to find himself as a slot receiver in 2020.

On a team desperate for playmakers on offense, Toney would fit like a glove on that intermediate/short game offensive scheme. Toney is a menace with the ball in his hands. He has incredible contact balance and vision. If he continues to progress as a receiver, he would be a very nice addition.

28. New Orleans Saints: Christian Barmore, IDL, Alabama

In what looks to be a fairly uninspiring IDL class, Barmore’s stock rose in his first season as a starter. The Philly native has clubs for hands, and he proved himself to be un-blockable down the stretch. Ohio State had no answer for him in the national championship game, and he seems to only be sratching the surface of what he can become.

In this case, the Saints don’t reach for a QB and draft the best player on the board, which just so happens to be Barmore.

29. Green Bay Packers: Dyami Brown, WR, North Carolina

The Packers failure to address the receiver position came full circle this season. After losing their second consecutive NFC Championship, the lack of talent at WR cost them in the end. Enter Dyami Brown, one of the best kept secrets in the entire draft.

Brown is a budding star. Only listed at 6′1, 185-lb, Brown consistently plays larger than his frame. He is perhaps the best vertical threat in the entire draft. Brown displays freakish ball tracking skills, along with 4.3 speed. Pairing him with Rodgers could be the missing piece that gets them over the hump moving forward, and would show that the organization is dedicated to Rodgers as their guy until he retires.

30. Buffalo Bills: Nick Bolton, LB, Missouri

With Matt Milano’s future with the Bills in question, it would not surprise me to see them cut bait and go after the athletic and physical SEC backer.

Bolton is a bit undersized for the position, so pairing him with Tremaine Edmunds would be the perfect complement. He great sideline to sideline speed, and will be an immediate upgrade over Milano from an athletic standpoint.

31. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama

With Donovan Smith set to become a free agent, I’d imagine the Bucs will look to replace him this off-season.

Leatherwood was a two-year starter at left tackle, but is capable of playing on the interior as well. Even if the Bucs were to bring Smith back, having a depth piece to the quality of Leatherwood could serve vital for a team who is destined ti make a run until Tom Brady’s retirement.

32. Kansas City Chiefs: Alijah Vera-Tucker, iOL, USC

An interesting storyline that has gotten lost in the mix of guys like Patrick Mahomes, Tyreek Hill, and Travis Kelce, the Chiefs have battled several injuries along the offensive line. They’re likely to play 3-4 backups in the Super Bowl this Sunday.

Although the production remains elite and ultimately the deteriorating health on the line hasn’t bitten them yet, it is not a sustainable way to move forward.

Vera-Tucker is a highly refined player, who has experience playing at any spot on the line. Much like the Bucs, adding quality depth and talent among the offensive line to protect your franchise should never be a move that is scrutinized.

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