#this was one I didn’t need to see the episode to answer lmao

[weneepie]

taking a break w/ wolverine rules | m.list

note. saw someone asking for a beach episode with logan on twitter so I am here to serve my people :) please request anything I'm desperate lmao

You weren’t a huge fan of the beach, you never were actually. The more you escaped the sun, the better you felt ; and it was even more true about the water. But when Logan almost begged you to come with him, you didn’t have the heart to say no to him. It was rare enough to have Logan asking for someone to actually spend time with him to say no. 

This is how you ended up on the beach, sitting on the sand with your sunglasses on, a huge amount of sunscreen on your skin and, of course, hiding under an umbrella. From afar, you could see Logan in the water. Of course, seeing the man half naked wasn’t something unusual as he didn’t seem to be able to keep his clothes on ; but it was still something you wouldn’t complain about. The sun brighing on his skin, even more because of the water ; no, it was indeed a good view. 

Logan finally walked back to you after some time, standing in front of you with his arms crossed. You looked up at him when you saw the shadow he created with his large figure. “Gonna stay here all day?” He asked and the smile on your lips made him roll his eyes. “I’m feeling great, no need to worry.” He groaned slightly, and you didn’t seem less proud of your answer. 

“Come on, bub. Either you come by yourself or I make you.” You slowly raised an eyebrow, looking at him from above your sunglasses. “Is that a threat Logan?” You asked, and the smirk on his lips was enough as an answer. “Sure it is.” A sigh left your lips but he didn’t move at all. Apparently, he was more than serious about his words. So, when you were about to tell him to go to hell, you felt your body leaving the ground too easily. 

“Let me go, dumbass!” You yelled as Logan walked towards the water with you resting on his shoulder. He had this stupid proud smirk that you hated so much as he was telling you to dream a bit longer. “Ready bub?” He said, his legs half into the water. “Don’t even think about it!” But of course, the Wolverine couldn’t care less. 

The second after, you were being thrown into the water. You just had the time to get your head out of it, putting your sunglasses on top of your head. You glanced at Logan with a frown, until you saw him for real. He was laughing. Not the slight chuckle he was always trying to restrain, or his stupid smirk of mockery. No, Logan was laughing ; because he was making fun of you, technically, but still. You quickly looked away, pushing his shoulder. 

“Don’t make that face. Just take a break with me, uh?” He told you, and you looked at him from the corner of your eye. You rolled your eyes, before a sigh left your lips. You slowly raised your hands before you simply splashed water at him. It took him by surprise, obviously, and he had to wipe his face. When his eyes met with your face, he saw you laughing this time. And it confirmed that he was right with asking you to come with him. 

Both of you spent the rest of the day at the beach, together this time. Sun was slowly falling as you two were laying down on the sand, looking at the sky. Silence was here for a while until your voice came out softly. “Wasn’t so bad to come with you.”  Logan looked at you, a bit surprised by your words. But quickly, a light smile appeared on his lips. “Glad you came, bub.” This time, you were the one to turn your head and so you met his gaze. You simply looked at each other in silence for a moment, and it was like time had stopped. His hand slowly moved toward yours, before he grabbed it in the most gentle manner you’ve ever seen him do. 

You stayed like this for a while before your duty called you back to reality. You got back to the manor together, acting like nothing happened. But in fact, you both knew that things would be different after that day.

thank you for reading!!

[chevelleneech]

semi-live blog

They are immediately the cutest fucking people when together. So soft, so giggly.

I know it’s part of their social culture, but they drink a lot. Maybe it’s because I don’t drink, but dang.

“Jungkook is currently doing his skincare.” They add to the screen after panning away for scenery, yet leaving the sounds of *slap slap slap*😭

Jungkook cycling through multiple pairs of sunglasses, and Jimin swanning in and picking the first pair is peak! They’re so similar I yet so different, lol.

Another thing I’m sure is part of their culture, is the way they pay for stuff, but I find it interesting still that we’ve seen Jimin buy almost everything during their trips, since as far as we know they have pretty lax hierarchy rules between the two of them normally.

Jungkook is in the most romantic moment of his life, lmao! “I love it here!!!” said a million times. That man was experiencing a real life Hallmark movie in his head.

I also thought they spoke/understood way more Japanese than they apparently do.

“Come on everybody!” I understood that reference.

The way they chose to animate over everything to avoid having to blur a billion people in the station is HILARIOUS!

Jimin is too funny bro.

This train ride is so peaceful, it’s selling me on visiting Sapporo despite being broke and not speaking a lick of Japanese.

Can we also discuss how “My man, my man, my man.” Jungkook is? Yet Jimin is too, and somehow both is more than the other, lol. They are perpetually on some, “Jimin will like this.” “Where’s Jungkook?” *films food, pans to Jimin* *films the outside world, pans to Jungkook* *cuddle even while walking* type stuff. Just lovesick.

Girl!dad Jimin confirmed🥰 He’ll be such a sweet dad too, I think. He’s so patient and kind, which is heavily required to raise another human.

I loooooooooe Jimin’s jacket dude.

The way Jimin immediately pivoted to making JK laugh when he tried to downplay himself. Like I said, “My man, my man, my man.” Don’t talk bad about his man, even if you are his man.

My most delusional Jikook theory you’ll ever hear from me: “Are You Sure?” actually became the title because they were asking it if each other, because they in looooooooooove.

Also, to answer my own question from my previous list… yes, the bubble is back.

Role play Jikook strikes again!

Jungkook is it slick! He played with that sip of whiskey the entire time, but the minute Jimin left he downed it.

Them forgetting to pay would’ve been me. And JK initially sending Jimin back to do it would have also been me. You got it, extrovert! Take the embarrassment for the both of us!

They’re so cute! This snow fight makes me want to be somewhere cold for the holiday☹️

The food always looks so damn good! Lord I’m jealous.

I need someone to compile all the times JM and JK go out to eat together, and let me know if Jimin is the one with his back always to the door? It’s a thing in America at least, that the “protector” tends to sit where they can see the door, and I don’t know if that’s a thing in SK as well, but it’s cute, because it matches their dynamic either way.

“Your fingers were all over it.” SIR!? You’ve had his sweaty ear in your mouth… he’s had his mouth on your neck… you’ve also had his fingers in your mouth before and vice verse… AND y’all constantly eat and drink off each other… in fact… yesterday he bit the very sausage you were in the middle of eating and then you continued eating it… before that you gladly allowed him to put his TOES next to your face while you were BRUSHING YOUR TEETH. Stop playing with me, Jeon Jungkook!

Jimin legit being ready to beat Tae’s ass over a dumpling is too crazy, lol. And folks be acting like he some docile helpless baby. Meanwhile, JK is a mediator. They definitely made for each other.

End of the episode. It was fun. Felt like the start of a holiday special. And I didn’t mention it up top, because I decided to “live blog” thoughts like ten minutes in or whatever, but Jungkook softly and sweetly saying he wanted to come back to Japan because it reminded him of their first trip together… SOBBING! He’s such a sentimental guy, with an equally as sentimental guy on his arm.

They truly do vibe so well, and I understand with each passing episode why them enlisting together was a non-choice choice. They click. Like they said themselves, they’re one person split into two bodies, and it’s clear as day they thrive off of being around one another.

Not to get too sappy either, but it’s insane they feel that way about their bond and dynamic, on top of all the things that already just so happened to bring them together. Not just born in the same country, but same city. Auditioned for the same music group. Actually made it into the same group… they were destined to meet, and even they feel that way. All that’s missing is them being the same age, and they’d be the same person. That’s an insane thing to say, but really tells you how deeply they value their connection.

[monophobix]

INITIAL THOUGHTS ON ARCANE SEASON 2 ACT 1 (EPISODES 1-3)

(i’m not good at putting my thoughts into words so feel free to give your own opinions, i rlly wanna hear them)

SPOILERS AHEAD///

ok so my biggest critique is the pacing. everything is very quick very fast and a lot is going on. i understand that this is immediately after a large event which of course caused a reaction however it was just very intense and a lot to keep up with especially considering the amount of new and confusing things introduced throughout the three episodes with minimal slow down. it was alittle difficult to keep up. the timeline of the show is confusing and i have no idea how long it has been between scenes. viktor was barely in that weird healing chamber for a few scenes before he was emerging as someone new. caitlyn and vi were going from loving to fighting to understanding to fighting again very quickly with little time to develop independently, their kiss and divorce weren’t even 30 minutes apart from each other. also, who the fuck is this kid hanging around with jinx?? why is she following her, why doesn’t she talk, what’s her name, how long has she been with her?? this lack of time to let things develop has caused these episodes to feel rushed.

with this introduction of many new things some have left me with a lot of questions. my biggest issue revolves around the arcane. i literally do not recall it being mentioned or being an important topic in s1 but all of a sudden jayce knows a fuck ton about it as well as heimerdinger? when did he learn this? i assume it’s from viktors notes and research but that still fails to cover the amount of knowledge jayce now possesses.

HOWEVER THE ARCANE IS VERY COOL AND IM VERY VERY INVESTED. i absolutely love the changes to viktor, his weird apathy and changes are definitely rushed but so interesting to see, his design and behaviour are so very compelling and im very excited to see the development. additionally, this group dynamic between jayce, ekko and heimerdinger is soooooo fun. it offers a break from the intensity with some silliness i think is desperately needed, plus it’s super satisfying to see the trio bounce off each other. that final scene of them in ep3 was visually incredible and i loved seeing the effects upon the hextech weapons during the jinx, sevika vs vi, caitlyn fight. the scene of viktor amongst the shimmer infected was very interesting and it was so cool to truly see the severe effects of shimmer and the inhumanity of viktor is making a clear route towards his glorious evolution which is am keen to watch.

that ambessa reveal at the end was INCREDIBLE. i genuinely didn’t see it coming and it made my jaw DROP. the quiet, smart suspicion from mel is always incredible to see, her political mind and morals conflicting is so very engaging and she’s really developing into herself in these episodes which was a joy to witness. the mystery of her brother is compelling and links well through s1 and s2 to make the storyline fun to follow. i also simply must compliment the designs revolving around the noxians and animal-esque (sorry idk what they’re called) people. the absolute variety and inspiration from real life cultures is beautiful to see. i am incredibly confused about the magic and that one lady (amara?) but i assume that’ll be answered in later episodes.

jinx is not looking good lmao. i love her design being so corpse-like and deathly, it really fits well and really embraces the differences between powder and jinx. but i do wish we saw more of her. i see her actions but i lack understanding for some of them, primarily revolving around the child (isha?) and why the kids even there but the newfound bond between sevika and jinx is refreshing to see. the scene of them in silcos old office brought a smile to my face and the design of that fucking arm is soooo cool i love the clownish purely jinx vibe to it.

caitlyn is probably the stand out character so far (plus maybe viktor). her absolute grief and seeing her facade break down throughout the episodes was heartbreaking, the tentative yet conflicting moments of softness with vi were beautiful yet had that perfect undercurrent of tragedy that arcane masters so well. her rage and break up with vi was easy to see coming yet so incredibly jarring to watch, that harsh and merciless behaviour is so different from s1, the development is well done and a morbid pleasure to see. and that final episode. oh my. the shock to acceptance of darkness was fantastic, ambessa truly is a master at manipulating weakness in even the strongest of people and seeing this duo is going to be so soul crushing that i’m itching for more.

vi felt very rushed to me and alittle dry? idk why tho i can’t really explain it. i understand her choices but it felt like something was missing until that final scene with cait. that was an absolute masterpiece. seeing her realising that the horrors of war is corrupting everyone around her and pleading for it to please not happen is so so SO fucking sad and my heart was breaking. i loved seeing her moral strength and solidity to her values which has always been a key part of her character so i appreciate the consistency. idk why something about her was just… different.

the opening scene was incredible. the absolute horror of it was so clear and i was literally shaking the entire time. 10/10 opening.

overall, i hope things slow down alittle but i greatly enjoyed season 2 and im very excited to see the characters develop and to see even more of this beautiful world.

[mixvyu]

Parfum d’étoile - episode fourty-one

scaramouche x reader smau

previous | masterlist | next

You weren’t late this time.

You were in front of your door gripping the fabric of your clothes in one hand and holding your phone in the other, waiting for him to text.

You turned your phone off then right back on to check the time.

3:32pm

Scaramouche’s classes ended at 3 and he texted you to let you know he’d stop by his dorm room to change but he was awfully long.

You started to think he might’ve stood you up and that you looked utterly stupid standing there.

As you started thinking that, he suddenly texted.

You could only see so much of the text on the notification that was displayed on your screen but you could read the words

‘Sorry, lots of things happened so I’m not…’

Your stomach dropped and you didn’t even want to read the rest of the text message but you were way too curious to not do so.

‘Sorry lots of things happened so i’m not gonna be able to pick u up rn but i’ll be there in less than 20 i swear’

You sighed in relief and your thumbs flew over your keyboard to text back.

´Dpn’t start a rext like tjat beo u scaref me… its finr tho i was gonba be late 2 neways.´

That was a lie.

´Good i feel less bad now’

He added a crying emoji at the end of his sentence, something out of character for him. You couldn’t tell if it was supposed to express relief or if he was making fun of you.

The cold air made your fingers shaky and it made it hard to type correctly but he didn’t seem to pay any mind to that.

You’ve been standing outside for almost 40 minutes now. The weather was awful and it even looked like rain would start pouring at any moment now. You felt like moving from your spot would be like giving up on him like standing in lines for something you’ve been waiting for all week and then chickening out and leaving your spot out of weakness but you got tired of standing there and sent him a text before even thinking about it.

‘Hey uh i’m not feeling that good laybe we should cancel ?’

You regretted it as soon as you sent it but he already read it so it was too late to unsend

‘? Are you sure??

You closed your phone as soon as you saw his reply, not wanting to answer or to face what you did but you realised he would see the read sign and that there was no getting out of this one.

‘Nvm i can manage haha!! I just need to take a pill i’ll be good’

You lied again.

Scaramouche replied almost immediately.

‘If you’re not feeling well we can do that another day i wouldn’t want to force you’

You clenched your jaw. You never understood his mood swing, how he could clown you one second then be the most caring person you’ve met the next it was almost annoying.

‘It’s okay!! I’m already ready anyways i wouldn’t want to waste a good outfit lmao’

Now it was your turn to use a crying emoji, still not sure of what it was supposed to express.

‘Ok :(‘

You chuckled at the frowny face. That too was out of character.

After ten minutes, there were still no sight of him.

You felt like every person that walked passed knew what situation you were in and were just pitying you and god it made you feel like shit.

Maybe waiting at home would’ve been smarter.

Just as you thought that a car you recognised pulled up.

You got up abruptly, opened the door in one swift movement and threw yourself on the passager seat without even looking at who was inside the vehicle.

You let yourself sink into the seat, sighing happily as the warm air hit your skin. And just as you thought you couldn’t get more comfortable you heard his voice

"Hey, so sorry i’m late i hope you didn’t have to wait for too long." Scaramouche said

You finally looked at him for the first time today

He was wearing black baggy pants but you couldn’t tell which top he decided to put on because of the coat covering it.

"It’s fine don’t worry. ‘Was just a bit cold."

"I have a jacket in the back, do you want to borrow it ?"

"Yeah i’d love to!"

He reached for the back seat without looking and pulled out a white jacket.

He handed it to you without a word and put his hand back on the steering wheel when you took it from his hands.

You put it on quickly and felt a tad bit disappointed when you recognise Kazuha’s signature cologne on it.

It wasn’t Scaramouche’s.

" So ? Where are we going ?" He said, finally breaking the silence

"Uhmm I’m not sure anymore… Do you want to go to the aquarium ?"

"Uh sure if that’s what you want"

"You don’t really seem enthusiastic."

"Fishes aren’t my thing to be honest, but if they’re yours…"

"What’s your thing then ?"

"I don’t know."

You let out a long sigh

"You’re not helping me ! Just pick a place and we’ll go !"

"You were the one that was supposed to plan it ! Why do I have to choose ?!"

God you forgot how annoying he could be.

"Ok, ok. What about the zoo ?"

"It’s like an hour drive, though…"

"The arcade ??"

"I don’t have any coins."

"The museum ?"

"It’s a bit boring isn’t it ?"

"Ok just kill yourself." You let out a sound that could only be described as a growl "where do you want to go ?"

"Anywhere is fine" he stopped the car engine realising that decided where to go was going to take longer than intended

"Anywhere is not fine ! You don’t like any of my suggestions."

"I mean, yeah they suck but if you want to go then we’ll go. Everything is fine if you’re here."

"Don’t try to romance me, asshole ! My suggestions are great !"

"I already went to all those places a thousand times so it’s not really interesting frankly."

You mumbled an almost inaudible ‘sorry rich boy’ before sighing for the thousandth time

"What about that library/coffee shop at the mall ? They opened like a week ago."

He turned to look at you so fast you thought he’d snap his neck

"They’re open?! Why didn’t you tell me that before ?! Let’s go !" He said restarting the car.

★

You took a seat at one of the few tables that were in place at the back of the library.

You hoped to use that face to face moment to talk to Scaramouche more before having to tell him that you like him even thought you don’t know him as much as you wish you did.

But that hope quickly died down when you saw that he did everything but stay in place.

He seemed to love books more than anything because he was going from aisle to aisle grabbing some of them so that he could read the back and either putting them back where they belong or nesting them under his arm.

After 20 minutes of that he sat down in front of you, pushed his cup aside and put down the 7 books he had picked up.

Some were novels, some were mangas, some were comics. The genre also seemed to be very different from one book to another.

"I’m so happy they restocked, i’m going to read all of them as fast as possible." He said, taking a sip of his coffee and making a funny face when he realised it was now lukewarm.

"So… you like books, eh ?" You laughed, not finding anything else to say to start a conversation

"Yeah, books are great."

"What’s your favourite ?"

He leaned even more into the backrest of his chair

"Uhm… if i had to say one it would probably be…"

He clicked his tongue not really knowing what to answer

"Oh ! The house of leaves is a super cool one ! I love it !" He exclaimed in a ‘obviously why didn’t i think of that one before’ voice.

"Oh really ? I never heard of it i should check it out."

"What’s your favourite ?"

"Uhm… I don’t really know"

He nodded.

If the entirety of the date was going to be this way, it was going to feel painfully awkward.

★

The walk back to the car was awkward as well even after the many attempts that both of you had at making conversation.

Scaramouche looked as good as ever even though he still didn’t discard of his coat and you were dying to see what was underneath and what kind of outfit he managed to pull together this time.

While in the parking lot, you noticed a few people staring at him and it almost made you feel proud.

"You feeling ok ?" He asked as soon as the car doors closed " you shouldn’t have forced yourself to come if you were feeling bad."

"I’m fine. It’s fine." You sighed "i’m fine."

"The more you say it the less i believe you." He laid his palm against your forehead "well, you don’t feel hot so that’s great." His hand traveled from your forehead to your cheek.

´If you keeps touching you like that, I might start feeling hot.´ you thought but didn’t dare to say out loud.

He looked at your eyes then your lips then your eyes again and you hoped to God he’d just kiss you but instead he took his hand off your face and rested his head back into the car seat headrest.

"So ? Where are we going next ?"

"Uhm…" you checked the time. It was already pushing 8pm "we could go eat."

"Sure that’s fine by me. Where ?"

"I’ll let you pick" you said trying to sound gentlemanly but knowing it was only because you had no idea what to pick and judging by his face, you didn’t fool him.

"We could go to a japanese restaurant."

"Don’t you already eat japanese at home ? It’s a bit boring for you isn’t it ?"

"It’s fine i haven’t had it in a while and i miss it. I’m doing this for me mostly."

You knew he was lying.

"I saw some leftovers when i went over, though ? If you want me to try it just say so." You teased

All he did was hum before starting the car engine."

★

Unlike what you expected, you weren’t face to face with him but instead sitting next to each other at a sushi bar.

"I haven’t had sushi in forever." You clapped your hands, excited for the huge free meal you were about to get.

"I could eat those forever, i’ll never get tired."

You downed the 4 makis you grabbed on the moving tray as soon as they were in front of you.

Before you could even grab something else, a green plate of three tempura was gently placed on top of the plate you just cleaned.

"Are you trying to shut me up ?"

"How’d you guess ?" He smirked half jokingly. "Try those next"

"If you insist !"

You took a bite out of it but before you could have a second one you suddenly felt like somebody was looking at you.

"What ? Were you planning on eating those or something ?" You didn’t have to stare back at him to know that it was his eyes that were gazing at you.

"No, no."

You took a second bite but almost choked when you felt his cold palm on your cheek.

You pulled away startled and uncomfortable by the sudden cold.

"What’s your deal, dude ?" You said, feeling your face heating up.

"Just checkin’ to see if you felt less warm than earlier."

"You said I didn’t feel warm at all earlier."

He looked away staring down at the plate of sushi he helped himself to previously

"Checking to see if it feel warmer then, i guess."

"God, you’ll be the death of me one day."

★

"You should take me out more often."

"Just so you can use me and drain my finances ? No way, i’m never doing this again."

You were leaning against the car, trying your best not to cough as the smoke from the cigarette Scaramouche lit made it’s way through your nostrils.

He seemed to noticed, telling you at least five time that if the smell was bothering you, he could open up the car and you could enjoy all the clean air you wanted but you so desperately wanted to stay close to him.

"Do you smoke a lot ?"

Scaramouche brought the cigarette to his lips, nestling it between them before inhale deeply. He brought it back to his side before releasing the breath he was holding, creating a cloud of fog in front of him.

He took so long to answer you thought he didn’t hear

"Not really. Tonight’s just a great night for a smoke." He finally said.

"How so ?"

He turned and glanced at you before looking up to the sky.

"The sun is setting, the sky is a mix of purple and orange, we’re in an empty parking lot talking about trivial stuff, it’s a friday night. It’s great for a smoke."

You giggled "When did you become so poetic ?"

He sat down, back against the driver’s side door and you did the same.

He put his cigarette out on the floor and rested his head on your shoulder.

"Are you tired ?" You asked, trying to stop your voice from cracking

"Yeah. Just a bit. Do you want to go anywhere else ?"

"No, not today."

Silence installed itself, a non awkward one this time. Only the sound of the wind let itself be heard and the few screams and giggles from the skatepark not too far.

"I love you, kuni."

He straightened up instantly

"What ?"

"I think I do ? Have feelings for you, I mean. I’m pretty certain."

"Wait… Huh ??"

You got up before he could even make sense of the situation

"Today was nice. I live not too far so i’ll walk. Thank you for driving me around." If you had the guts you would’ve kissed his forehead

You fled before he even had the chance to speak.

Extras !

• car seat headrest reference

• "erm i don’t like sushi 🤓☝️" WELL TOO BAD 👎👎

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[bronx-bomber87]

Happy Wednesday Fandom :) We got a trailer! Some bits in is for our couple not a ton but I am intrigued what S6 will bring. This episode has me grinning the entire time. Just fluffy cuteness the entire time and I was so here for it. Kid talks and amazing moments. Good one. This ep Is comedy gold.

5x17 The Enemy Within.

That theme I talked about last ep is how we start off. How adorable they are when they find each other at the station. Lucy speed walking to catch up to him. Tim with the biggest smile on his face. Like he didn’t just see her in roll call earlier. *heart clutch* Just happy to see his wifey at work. I love the effect this woman has on him. (Another theme in this ep). I just love S5 Tim in general. Happy and light seeing her come up to him. Making his day with her presence. Damnit I love them so much. Lucy starting off with him not hating her LMAO His smile dropping off asking what she’s done? Haha

Be more married you too my goodness. I do love how quickly they fall into step with each other as they speak. Seriously never had a couple with such good physical chemistry without even touching. The flirting here is amazing. We watch Tim not really be mad and fighting back a smile in the second gif. Once again the effect this woman has on him is incredible. She is beyond adorable with her retort of how he should reply. We all know Tim could never hate her. Angry, exasperated or annoyed. Yes ha But never hate.

We find out Lucy was playing the long game for getting back at Tim for something. Clearly before they were together since it was for a Tim Test few months back. He wants to know which one? She can't remember...It was bad enough to make her do this but not enough to remember which test. Oh Lucy. lol Angered her enough to do this then forget she'd done it ha Tim asks once again 'What did she do?' Lucy lets him know she signed him up to be a mentor... For make a dream.... Tim is exasperated af asking when she planned this? Lucy dreads the answer but tells him today….

Lucy goes on that a 12 year old cancer patient named Jordy is on his way. Tim walks away from her and I LOVE her grabbing his arm. Making him stay put. Tries to put a good spin on it. Saying he would be lifting up a sick kid. What could be more important than that? Tim commends her for her answer. Telling her nice job boxing him in. Except he’s not going to let her get away with this. Did she really expect him to do this solo? LOL Sassy Tim has arrived and is throwing back her own words at her. Lucy doesn't have a leg to stand on. Just concedes and joins him. Fantastic start to a hilarious episode for them.

Jordy arrives and Tim and Lucy couldn’t be cuter. The way they look at each other is precious. Also hello height difference I always welcome you to our screen. The way Lucy is looking at Tim while he talks to Jordy. Like she needed another reason to be in love with him. Getting glimpses into Tim as a dad. That instant ovary explosion. Don’t blame her one bit.

Tim couldn’t be cuter saying he heard he wants to be a cop. Jordy doesn’t seem as enthused as Tim and Lucy. Nonetheless Tim looks super cute saying they’re going to take him to processing. Lucy’s fully bodied shimmy is so adorable I cannot. She is very excited to play parents with Tim.

They’re in processing and Lucy is trying to get Jordy to engage. Tim isn’t short on sarcasm in this episode. I’m dying it’s so funny. Telling him to look miserable LMFAO. Lucy’s face. Chiding her husband a little bit. But also realizing how unhappy this kid is. Love her walking up to him and sharing her worries as well. Tim noting he looks like he hates them. Lol Lucy doesn’t disagree….Saying maybe he hates his picture being taken? Or he’s miserable cause he’s tired from being sick?

Tim says they should just move onto the next thing then. They turn around and Jordy is gone. Had this kid for all of 20 minutes and they lost him already LOL This episode is so great. Had me rolling the entire time. I remember seeing a hilarious post after this premiered. Celina dealing with her sisters murder, Angela/Harper/Grey dealing with Elijah. And Tim and Lucy keep losing the same kid LMAO They are the comedic relief in this one for sure.

Lucy is in a legit panic. It’s so funny. Saying she doesn’t know what she’s going to tell the foundation. Full on sarcasm saying she can’t wait to tell them they lost him. LOL Tim is so calm and chill. Saying they didn’t lose him... he’s just misplaced LMFAO. Oh my lord Timothy I’m crying I’m laughing so much. She is being the worried sick parent and he’s being the calm one.

I love them looking for Jordy whilst also talking about their future kids. Getting me all in my damn feels. Tim being so friggin chill about them finding him. Lucy saying when it’s ’OUR’ kids OUR. They’re so casual about it. I’m losing my damn mind. That when it is their kids he better take it seriously. Tim defending their future kids also making me feel things. Saying ‘Our’ kids would never pull a stunt like this.

Look at Lucy’s face when he makes that remark though. She is beaming watching him talk about their future kids. They’re trying to murder me in this ep and I’m very ok with it. I may need to go lie down but I’m ok haha Lucy gets caught up in the thought of them having kids. And is pulled back to the present with Tim’s sassy departure LOL Saying they’re doing great so far. Sarcasm king in this one and I love it so very much. Lucy's face when he leaves too funny.

They run into Aaron and he has Jordy. Lucy looks so relieved. She asks what they talked about? Aaron says he kept asking him what his childhood pet was. Lucy looking confused as hell asks why? We see this kid stumble and get nervous for first time. Saying it’s for a report…Tim's face smelling BS but he isn't sure why. They’re trying figure what to do next. Tim suggests the war room? He doesn’t seem excited…Lucy mentions K-9 unit. Ask if he likes dogs?

Tim is over this kid. Saying what kid doesn’t like dogs? (I mean he’s not wrong…) Lucy scolding him like only she can. Such a wifey scolding too it’s so funny. Tim makes the kid sit while they figure this out. Lucy says maybe the impound lot? This is where Uncle Tim comes in and I love it so much. Talking about his nephews and what they’re into right now. My heart. He seems very confused on what it actually is they like and it’s hysterical. Pop culture never been his strong suit and I love him for it. I'll be honest idk what ghosts on the toilet is either. LOL

Lucy is enjoying his explaining this stuff. Amused really. You can tell she’s cracking up as he goes on. Picturing him with his nephews and loving that mental image. They're so busy flirty they don’t see Jordy take off on them again. They turn around and he’s gone….They lost the kid again LMAO Back to being worried parents. They ask the most clueless guy in the building if he’s seen Jordy? Ha Of course he hasn’t…Nolan is lucky he knows what's going on in his own SL.

They’re in Sally Port looking for Jordy. Legit looking under shops. Don’t hate the shot of Tim in this scene. Hello booty shot. His phone starts going off and he groans as he comes back up and says it’s a Grey. Lucy voices her irrational fear about Grey knowing they lost him twice. I’m rolling. Why would he know that Lucy? LOL Tim’s face is everything to this comment of hers. Loves his panicked wife and her ridiculousness.

Lucy is legit pacing back and forth while Tim is on the phone. Grey is asking him to run an OP for him. The last thing Tim needs on his plate right now. It is sexy how he coordinates it and says he’ll fold in later. Mmm. Then asks Lucy if she’s enjoying her revenge for his Tim Test? Lucy says she isn’t... Does a cute little love tap on his arm and has him follow. I love it.

They find Jordy at a computer. Tim scares him and asks what the hell he’s doing? I love the in-sync head tilts. They see he is googling how to delete traffic tickets. Lucy goes off on a nerd rant about how those are processed in a different office. She catches herself and looks at Tim. He’s so used to her nerdy ways at this point doesn't phase him in the least.

Just backs what she’s saying. That even if he could do that here it’s a crime to do so. Poor kid folds. Says his dad told him to because they couldn’t afford the fines. Tim asks if he really has cancer? Lucy scolds him once again. I love this. He tells them yes that part is true. Lucy asks if he wants to be a cop? He says no they’re wack. Lmao The way the look at each other I cannot. The kid wanted a football game not this. HA

Tim mentions if he’s googling this no way he’s a a hacker. Asks how he gained access to the computer? Jordy hands him the sticky note. Tim is so damn incensed I’m dying. Lucy asking did Smitty really need a sticky note? He couldn’t just remember this? I love the way Tim snatches the note and takes off. He is so very done with this day and this kid. Smitty's incompetence being the icing on the cake of his day. This episode is comedy gold I love it sfm.

They bring Jordy’s father in. Telling him they could charge Jordy with a crime. That he had illegal access to a police computer. The dad starts to panic and says they can’t do that. He’s just a kid. He has cancer. Lucy says no one wants to charge Jordy. Him on the other hand… Mr. Yates starts to freak out more. Saying it was just couple tickets. Lucy mentions it’s 37....

Holy crap dude that’s a lot of tickets. That him using his son. A minor no less to help out makes it a felony. One that could send him to jail. The dad pleads with them. Saying his medical costs are crushing them. That if he doesn’t pay for the tickets he’ll lose his license and car. Saying he knows he messed up. He can’t go to jail his family needs him.

Then we hit one of my favorite portions of this episode. Their silent communication has always been a glorious wonder. It hits new heights in this scene. Because the minute he looks at his girl he knows what that look means. It’s why he answers with a ‘Lucy really?’ He goes from you can’t be serious. To how am I supposed to say no to that? Lucy doesn’t have to say a damn word.

That’s the beauty of their connection. Says everything she needs to in that puppy dog look. Man is whipped and we all love it. Her empathy shining through and getting to Tim in this moment. I said it couple times in this episode. The effect this woman has on him is immense. It was continuously through out this one. In the best way possible.

That man has zero defense against that look she gives him. Absolutely zero. Can you imagine a little version of Lucy doing this to him? If they end up having a daughter. She’s gonna have this man wrapped around her finger. Just like his wife does. God help him haha All Lucy had to do was give him that glance and he was in shambles. As we all know Tim would do anything for that woman standing next to him.

He came into this conversation ready to put that man in jail. But then the love of his life looks his way and it’s over. I’ll never be over how amazing their silent communication is. We are so lucky to have a couple this amazing without even saying a word. There’s that country song ‘You say it best. When you say nothing at all.’ If that ain’t them. Tim folds and says he’s not sending Mr. Yates to jail. I love how he looks at Lucy before he tells him that. Knowing she is the reason behind him is doing this.

It’s so good. Man is so soft for his girl and this scene is proof of that. Ugh I love it. Melissa’s and Eric crushing it per usual. Tim says he can go to Daddy and me Traffic school. There’s an arcade that Jordy will love it. As if Lucy needed another reason to love this man next to her. Mr. Yates asks how he can make it up to them? ‘Be a better father to your son’. Hot damn you tell him Tim.*fans self* Mmm. Yum. Got to be soft but still little authoritative at the end. I’ll take it.

We rejoin them in the station. Tim done with his OP for Grey. Lucy coming over mentioning his how Daddy and me traffic school sounds fun. Tim replying 'Yeah Jordy will get 5 dollars in tokens too.' Lucy letting him know it was a really nice gesture. I love her coming up to him and letting him know this. Making sure he knows what a wonderful thing he did for them. That it was so sweet. This scene makes me squee for so many reasons.

Tim letting her know he wanted to throw that guy in jail. You could tell when he entered that room he was ready to throw down. It wasn't sitting well with him Yates putting his son in a position like that. Lucy replying ‘But?’ Tim bestowing the best compliment he could on her. Touching on the theme of this episode I think. The fact she’s a good influence on him. I mean it exudes out of him now a days. She already was before they got together. Now it’s increased ten fold the effect Lucy has on him.

Lucy and her view of the world. A thing that used to drive him absolutely bonkers. So much so he tried to show her the underbelly of L.A. to dampen it. That same light and view has now rubbed off on this man. Soaking him in that sunshine she gives off. I can’t with how many feels this is giving me. And he’s telling her as such. He’s known for a long long time what a good influence she is. But he’s telling her in person. With heart eyes galore to boot. Such love and admiration on his face for her. *internally screaming*

Naturally he complimented her so she needs to do one right back. Telling him with just as much adoration and affection might I add. That he’s going to be a great dad someday. We know that’s true. Also we know Lucy is already picturing him as that great father to their kiddos. I just love how causally they talk about their future kids. It’s a thing that’s just an eventuality. The level of comfortability around the topic just shows us where they're at. How serious they both are.

Tim needing to tease her now that they’ve been soft. It’s so damn funny. Look at his pleased smile when he does it. Look at that man in the final gif. Could power a city with that smile. He so loves to tease her. Lucy is exasperated with him but still smiling regardless. She loves this infuriating man in front of her so much.

They couldn’t be happier or more adorable. It blows my mind still we get to have them together. Not only that but this level of ship goodness. Straight flirting, complimenting and teasing. They’re so in love I might pass out from all my feelings haha Such a good ep for them.

~~~

Side notes-non Chenford

I do love Angela getting to be the one to take Elijah out. So fitting. Also that scene with Charlie and Wes holy hell.

Thank you to all you amazing readers. For all the likes, comments and reblogs. We only have 5 left episodes in this season. Unreal. Shall see you all in 5x18 :)

[fadingdaggerr]

Hey can I request a melissa schemmenti x femreader based on season two episode 1.where maybe the reader is rlly stressed out and maybe she can’t park bc Ava is using her parking spot to celebrate the eagles game and maybe mr Johnson comes into to tell the reader her is getting toed away so her,Melissa and the other teachers run outside and maybe the reader is getting angry and shouting at the man,melissa is begging her to calm down.and then she does what Janine did in the actual episode and she gets in the car and try’s to drive off and everyone is telling her to stop and Melissa try’s to get her out the car and out of rage she kicks the car and hurts her foot and then maybe the reader storms back into the school and melissa goes to find her when the school day is over and the reader has a panic attack and Melissa comforts her. Tysm ❤️

delphinium blooms

pairing: melissa schemmenti x gn!reader

summary: request above! i made little changes, mostly just so i wasn’t just rewriting janine’s scene but with r and mel but i hope you still like it :)

warnings: hurt/comfort, r has a morning of unfortunate events, r is kinda mean (to a man so it’s fine), stress/anxiety crying

note: i rewrote so much of this because i kept thinking of things and creating nonsense lmao but i had a lot of fun writing

development week has always been the calm before the storm. you had everything planned already: each month’s separate decor to keep a lively room, the giant drawing paper for the wall so students could doodle during free time (and you could proudly display their art), and even the seating chart was done. everything was perfect and in order, everything just needed to be set up.

but sometimes the storm comes before the calm, or the calm packs its things and jumps out of the moving car.

the coffee maker in your apartment died on you, only about half a cup of watery coffee in the bottom of the pot. you didn’t have the money, nor the time, to stop that the cafe one block over. rent’s more important, we can get coffee at work, you tell yourself. you soon found that it was nearly unbearable to eat breakfast without your coffee and splash of oat milk creamer. coffee and maybe breakfast at work, i guess.

at nine in the morning, there is a full-on barbecue in the parking lot of abbott elementary. janine’s parking spot was a grill station. your spot, which was two down from janine’s, was currently being used as a blow-up pool splash zone. you roll down your window when you see ava close by.

“ava! what the hell is this?” you yelled out your window.

“it’s a development day party!” the principal responded with a big, happy grin.

you sighed, ��your party’s in my parking spot.”

“pay valet or park somewhere else, i have a party to host,” she waves you off as she turns to talk to whoever approached her. after a, give-or-take, nine hundred point turn, you parked your car on the street. you prayed to the meter-maid goddesses that you’d have time to move it before someone came and ticketed you.

you pulled box after box out of the backseat, stacking them in your arms, creating the leaning tower of heavy-as-shit. as you slowly walk towards the fourth grade classrooms, you top few boxes get lifted away, easing the load significantly. you look to see who it was, expecting gregory, but instead you’re met with jade green eyes and fiery hair.

“trynna show off carrying all these?” she says with a laugh.

you laugh with her, “oh, of course. how else am i going to impress the ladies?” melissa snorts a laugh at this, opening the door to your classroom and letting you in ahead of her.

“and who are these ladies?” she jests.

you look at her, taking in the smirk on her face before answering, “we both know it’s just the one.”

she helps you spread out the boxes and get everything open before asking, “ready to head to the opening meeting?”

“you mean the ava show?”

she laughs, “yeah, come on.”

—

you half-listen to ava’s little speech and flirts to gregory, your eyes trained on melissa’s rings instead of ava’s vacation photos. you only perked your head up when janine mentioned donuts at her little mixer.

“and why would i wanna go to that?” melissa answered janine, barbara nodding in agreement beside her.

“you said donuts?” you ask janine, she nods eagerly, “then count me in teagues, but if there’s no strawberry frosted i’m leaving.”

there was no strawberry frosted. you dropped into a seat next to melissa, who was happily eating a chocolate frosted donut. she sees your pout and offers you a bite, which you accept with a smile. she wiped a blue sprinkle that managed to land on your cheek, the action is enough to make you smile a bit, warmth spreading through your cheeks.

just when you think the worst part of the morning is over, the tried and true mr. johnson walks into the library.

“anyone drive a beat up sedan?” all the hands in the room rise up. “who drives a silver one?” less hands, but still a good amount. “one with a sticker that says ‘if you see this, thank a teacher’ on the bumper?”

janine pipes up, “oh that’s mine!”

“you’re getting boot on your car, young lady,” he answers, and janine immediately is running out with jacob, gregory, and barbara behind her.

“oh and anyone got a green sedan? little cat bobble head on the dash?” mr. johnson speaks up.

melissa turns to look at you before you say, “don’t tell me it’s being booted.”

“course not,” you sigh in minor relief, “you’re about to get towed.”

you’re immediately running out to your car, melissa hot on your trail. you get outside to see a boot placed on janine’s car and the tow guy is rigging your car to the truck.

“aye, back off the car! what are you doing?” you yell, getting close to the tow operator, eric.

“no parking zone, can you read? it’s for the buses. we’re pulling ya,” he says as he continues his work. you groan in anger, walking closer to the car where he had already hooked it up.

“what fucking buses? school hasn’t started yet,” you counter.

“it’s still a bus zone, and you’re still getting towed,” eric says.

before you start throwing hands with the guy, melissa steps in, “how much to not tow the car?”

he laughs, “you can get it back at the lot, should be two hundred. might be three for wasting my time. you’re not getting it back now, it’s parked illegally.”

you see red when he mentions raising the cost, you couldn’t even afford the original one, “wasting your time? your time?! i’m supposed to be in that building making lesson plans for children who will be here next week, and i’m wasting your time?”

“yeah, you are. now move your ass or i’ll move you,” the man answers angrily.

you bravely taunt him, “try then.”

“sweetheart…” melissa tries to reach for your arm, but you step just out of reach.

barbara and gregory say your name at the same time, both of their tones advising caution. melissa is stuck between wanting to help and letting you just handle it. she wearily watches as you squat down and start undoing clasps and hooks, taking the chains off the car. you’re movements are fast, getting two wheels free from the rigs.

“hey! you can’t be touching that!” eric yells once he hears the disconnect. he stomps over to you and grabs your arm, harshly yanking you away from the car with a tight grip. “stupid little shit,” he mutters.

“touch me again and i’ll break your fingers,” you threaten, and by the look on your face, melissa knows you’re serious. now is when she has to step in, she knows that much.

“twenty bucks says our scrappy-doo over here wins!” ava yells over, holding her phone up, ready to record if you followed through.

“not helping ava!” barbara and melissa shout at the same time.

melissa moves to gently wrap her arms around you from behind, pulling you away from your car and away from the tow guy. when you try to pull away, she tightens her hold, muttering to you to calm down and slow your breathing. you’re irritated, and melissa can feel you shaking against her. she knows you’re using your anger to coverup how much you want to cry.

once the car is all set, the man speaks to melissa only, “here’s the address of where to pick it up. and thanks for keeping your dog,” he pointedly looks at you, “on its leash.”

once he drives off with your car, melissa releases you slowly. your chest rises and drops with every unsteady breath, and you groan loudly. immediately, and without much thought, you repeatedly kick the stone wall around the entrance, even when pain strikes after the first one.

“sweetheart. baby, stop…” melissa grabs you again, “you’re going to hurt yourself.” barbara ushers away everyone else, giving the the redhead space to calm you.

it took a few moments for your breathing to slow, but when it stuttered, melissa turned you in her arms and hugged you tightly. your face instinctively tucked itself away in the junction of her neck and shoulder, your arms firm around her waist. you could feel her arm around your shoulders, the other rubbing soothing circles on your back and she swayed from side to side, in hopes the motion would help you focus your breathing.

“baby?” melissa asks with a hushed tone.

you pull away from her to sniffle but tuck back into her skin before answering, “i can’t afford a cup of coffee. i can’t afford a new coffee maker. i haven’t eaten since we had dinner last night. and this half-wit just stole my car and put it up for ransom, because there was a pool in my parking spot.”

the accumulation of everything from today being said aloud made fresh tears fall from your eyes. melissa held you tighter, whispering soothing words to you even if they fell on deaf ears. after you’ve calmed down again, she coaxes you back so you can see your face. her hands hold your face delicately, thumbs stroking away left behind tears.

“i will hand deliver you coffee every morning until you find a new coffee maker,” she says making you huff through your nose, “and i’ll buy you lunch, maybe make you dinner too, if you want,” she sees you perk up at the offer, “and i’ll stab a hole in the pool.” you laugh for real this time, making melissa smile. these days, she found that making you laugh was her favorite thing to do.

“what abo-” you start, but melissa cuts you off.

“oh, you’re not paying a dime,” you go to tell her not to pay it, but she’s ahead of you. “and neither am i, trust me. i could pull a uncle carlo and get them to give me three hundred bucks, for my time.”

you shake your head, “you bringing the bat or just that cute face?”

melissa cheeks grew rosy at your words, “you were crying five minutes ago and now you’re flirting?” you nod, biting your lip, but still waiting for an answer. she gives in, “the bat will be stay in the car unless they really deserve it. scout’s honor.”

you laugh and press a kiss to her cheek, mumbling against her skin, “thank you.”

she turns her face, pressing her forehead against yours with her eyes closed. she leans in and presses a sound, loving kiss to your lips, then your cheek, then the other, a final one placed on your forehead. she holds your face once more, “you needed me, and i was there. you don’t have to thank me, i love you. it’s what i’m supposed to do.”

you kiss her again, very quickly, then say, “i love you, too.”

—

after she bought you lunch, she didn’t drive you straight back to abbott. no, melissa was parked in front of market street towing company. she wordlessly got out of the car, but motioned for you to stay when you went to undo your seatbelt. you just watched her walk away nervously until she disappeared inside.

two songs and one radio ad later, you see your car pulling out of the fenced lot, melissa behind the wheel. you jumped out of the car as she got out of yours, grabbing her tightly.

“oh my god, thank you, thank you, thank you,” you say excitedly, only hearing her laugh a bit.

“no one was harmed, except maybe a couple egos,” she says before pulling back to drop your keys in your hands. “we still on for dinner?”

you grab her chin between your forefinger and thumb, bringing her lips to yours in a slow kiss. when you pull away, you revel in her stunned look, and it’s just too tempting to kiss her again, but she beats you to do. she breaks the kiss for air, and you speak quietly in the small space between you, “dessert, too.”

i hope u like this anon and i hope i did ur vision justice <3 feedback appreciated as always

[sunspotmangafan]

A long ramble lmao.

It did the best it could do adaptation wise with regards to how it’s paced as a manga.

I think many who came from it just as a bl jdrama don’t realise structurally it can’t be the ‘slow pace’ yall expect it to be. In regards to the manga, they’ve only recently gotten together, at least officially (looking at you kohei assuming you be taichi were boyfriends until Taichi had to ask in four seasons 1 lmao).

I do appreciate so much that the drama kept the spirit of sunspot alive and didn’t push the romance aspect at the forefront. It’s about them as characters first. Not their romance.

Taichi needs sig-n as a professional environment where he finally feels heard. And I’m glad kohei has others like Maya (and later the deaf footsal team but that’s for later in the manga to let him challenge his own internalised ableism, especially ryuu) who he can relate to, spite towards the world and all, it’s nice that Kohei has the unfiltered version of him to bounce off of and feel understood on a disability basis.

I’m also so happy they let Maya have her time to shine. Show why she is the way she is. It’s so upsetting that people refuse to see her depth and just continue to judge her for being mean and ‘not trying enough’, making it obvious these are the same people the manga and adaptation are criticising, criticising for putting the burden onto Maya to bend herself for others, ultimately then giving in to the ‘bitchy’ attitude since she’ll never be enough, as taichi said, she can’t try harder than she already is but she always feels like she has to. And I’m so glad they also let Taichi say how Maya is still coping in an unhealthy way.

This scene is so important. And I am so glad they kept it in. They’re never gonna be on amazing terms, they won’t ever will be, not everyone gets along. But they’re closer to understanding one another and that important. Maya is starting to see that Taichi isn’t the ableist sponge/leech she assumed he was, that not all able bodied people are ableist assholes, that she can be understood and be sympathised with. It’s. It’s beautiful.

There’s some changes that I definitely think made the adaptation a bit… lesser. Which is when it tried to combine three scenes/moments from the manga into one. Which confused me.

At the end of book 1, Kohei and taichi watch a movie where Taichi sees how troublesome it is for Kohei to see the subtitles. Making Taichi ultimately want to help make Kohei’s life a little easier (a nice foreshadowing of sig-n helping him make his dreams achievable, letting Taichi find his calling in life). It was actually a movie adaptation of the story the girl who romanticised Kohei and his disability was talking about. Kohei said how he related to the guy learning sign language, since he is also starting to learn it. Leading Kohei to try and teach Taichi some sign, leading to them holding hands and Kohei being like “..I won’t do anything you hate” referring to the kiss. And the book ends.

It’s such a wonderful set up for what Taichi wants to do, to find his calling (and in limit to have Kohei think he and his disability is at fault for taichi dropping out of uni and leaving him.) making it an amazing way to bring in sig-n which allows him to make the change Taichi wants to be a part of. It’s a place Taichi belongs in. It’s not just there to create a wedge between Taichi and Kohei, it’s there to be an answer for Taichi who never knew what he wanted to do. It’s somewhere where he’s finally like “this is it. I feel like this is the place.”

In the manga, at the start of ‘theory of happiness’ taichi and kohei aren’t talking to each other because of a VERY rocky incident that happened.

Between the first and second book (around the camping episode) taichi once got very drunk at work while kohei was in the area. Kohei bumped into taichi and since taichi was like “YAAAAAAAY MY FRIEND”, so they let Kohei take him home. Taichi was of no help to Kohei finding his home so Kohei ended up taking Taichi t his own home to give him some water and such. While Taichi was falling asleep ok the couch, Kohei said “if you keep being like this I’ll have to kiss you. And I promised I wouldn’t do anything you hate”, leading drunken Taichi to say “what if I didn’t hate it??”

Making kohei be like “wait what???”, he climbs on top of taichi to try and get an explanation out of what he said, freaking him out. Taichi jumps up and tries to run away as Kohei grabs onto him. Taichi freaks out and shoves Kohei to the floor and runs away in shame, not really talking to each other for a while after that because it was all very awkward, Taichi wanted to at least but Maya was trying to protect Kohei from who she thought was a bad person. (That’s actually what the conversation at Taichi’s home was about originally. Both felt awful and like the other hated them for what they did to the other. But when they spoke then and realised they both felt bad and didn’t hate the other, kohei was like “oh thank god!!!” And fell to the floor in relief.). It’s either they tried to add it as a moment in between the two books they were adapting or completely ignored it which is WEIRD.

It…it also tried to combine the camping episode. After the main part of book 2, which will be after the 12th episode where taichi and kohei start to try (key word: try) and navigate their lives together more maturely. Sig-n has a camp out retreat and Taichi invites Kohei, knife drop and everything. It follows a good amount of the plot beats like with Taichi telling kohei it’s okay to just let out his laughter and joy and such. Maya and Taichi actually also get to exchange in some banter.

But here’s the most important part. THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF THAT WHOLE CAMPING CHAPTER THAT THEY JUST MISSED OUT ON.

There was the cookout that Kohei was helping when suddenly his hearing just…..goes… he could not hear anything.

And just as that happens of the kids Were messing about and accidentally nocked over a boiling hot pot. Taichi noticed and pushed the kids out of the way. Ultimately getting himself burned and gaining a scar in the process that haunts Kohei throughout limit. Since Kohei couldn’t hear Taichi getting hurt he only realised the man he loves was in danger only after he got hurt and was receiving help from Chiba-san (nasty furthering what was before a teeny bit of jealousy since it’s grown to always be Chiba there for Taichi and not Kohei himself.) This fucks up kohei a lot. That because he couldn’t hear he could not be there for Taichi. This plays so well into the main internal conflict of Limit where Kohei feels the need to distance himself from Taichi thinks he sees himself as a burden to Taichi and as a bad partner who can’t be there… because of his disability that could grow even worse.

I think that’s one of the main issues with what went on there. They left out the main showcases of how human and flawed these characters are.

They left out the main reasons the guys would he rocky around each other because of how much they care for one another but with their own flawed ways of going about it. It’s about being human first and a romance afterwards. So I think it may have confused the narrative. But that’s just an adaptational mishap. I still enjoy the Jdrama very much!! They still have trust humanity to it. They’re young adults, they’re just slightly younger than me, AND I FUCK UP ALL THE TIME, it’s the warts and all approach to this really lovely story about two people who ultimately fall in love and get together, but not have that define them as human beings. Because romance doesn’t define us, so romance shouldn’t define them. I’m really really upset for all the hate it’s getting just because it’s not like the other bls out there. Just because they’re stupid young adults with their own baggage trying to navigate their own world and themselves and their feelings.

[socra-time]

Naruto Episode Comments, Ep 21-30

Ep 21:

-wow Gaara is tiny

-Gaara and Sasuke are immediately having an edgelord-off bc of course they are

-Iruka is such a worried dad

-I love Kakashi so much

-I love how Lee talks, it’s so earnest

-I also like Tenten’s voice

Ep 22:

-Lee is so fucking goofy I love him

-also I didn’t know Lee had a giant crush on Sakura

-I do like Sasuke but him getting his shit rocked by Lee was really satisfying

-GAI I LOVE YOU SO MUCH

-Gai’s voice is exactly what I thought it would be and I love it

-I need a spinoff about Team Gai and I need it NOW (yes I know the Rock Lee spinoff exists and I WILL be watching it)

-Gai’s stupid poses are incredible

Ep 23:

-aw Kakashi is so proud of his squad😭

-“Akimichi, more like Aki-munchy” is CRAZY

-Akamaru is so CUTEEEEEE

-anyways Naruto is such a fucking hater to all the other rookies

-I can’t get over Kiba casually walking around with a puppy on his head

-Shino is so drippy. Also his voice wasn’t what I expected

-unrelated to anything in the episode but the sand siblings have such cool designs

Ep 24:

-“I don’t know where the others are sitting!” Naruto says, sitting two rows ahead of Sakura

-shoutout to Sakura for being the only one actually smart enough to take the test without cheating

-respectfully how the FUCK did Tenten not get caught cheating. I can get past Ino and Neji not getting caught (since even though their powers are pretty obvious, they only have to cheat once or twice to get the info they need)- but fucking TENTEN????

-Kiba’s cheating method is potentially okay-ish, since only he seems to be able to understand Akamaru so it may just seem like the dog making little noises instead of passing him answers, but he really shouldn’t have even been allowed to have Akamaru with him in the first place

-also Shino had the best cheating method out of the Konoha kids hands down

Ep 25:

-Kurenai is so pretty and also I like her voice

-I like that Sakura was going to quit the test in order to force Naruto to fail with her and thus prevent him from potentially losing his chance at his dream, you could really tell she does care about him deep down

-aw Ibiki is actually kinda chill, I like him

-I also already like Anko, she has unhinged energy

Ep 27:

-Naruto continues to be a gremlin

-“Survival. What a drag.” So real Shikamaru

-I’m torn between being annoyed that Ino and Sakura are fighting over a boy and being highly entertained by their pettiness

-Hinata sweetie Naruto does NOT give a shit about you right now

-Team 10’s dynamic is really just Ino wrangling Shikamaru and Choji

-Shikamaru is so scrawny-looking lmao

-Akamaru looks so holdable<3

-so like Kiba, Shino, and Hinata totally killed those guys right??? Congrats to them for being the first rookies to kill someone lol

Ep 28:

-okay Sasuke kick-launching a kunai was badass

-I could do without all the tongue shit thank you very much

-I’m glad that even though Sasuke is the cool rival character he’s still allowed to feel fear and desperation, it’s humanizing and reminds you that he’s still a kid (a kid that also happens to have God eyes and shoots fire but yknow a kid nonetheless)

-Naruto getting digested by a snake was not on my bingo card of things that would happen in this arc

-Sasuke stabbing himself was metal as hell

-Jesus fucking Christ snake lady (who I’m assuming is Orochimaru based on what I know about him) is terrifying

Ep 29:

-Naruto really has no sense of self-preservation

-seeing Sasuke so shaken-up is very off-putting but also makes Orochimaru feel like a properly intense threat

-oh so Sasuke is like legit traumatized

-also Sakura was yelling at Sasuke to fight, but she also wasn’t fighting so that was pretty hypocritical lmao

Ep 30:

-I like that Sasuke says the episode title instead of Naruto for this episode

-the animation is popping OFF

-Sasuke continues to be badass and also completely willing to roast someone alive

-EW OROCHIMARU FUCKING BIT SASUKE WTF

-yeah I need Orochimaru gone ASAP

-I noticed that the symbol on Orochimaru’s headband changed to the Sound symbol, which was a cool detail

-respectfully I’m gonna need Sakura to start being more useful to the team. Can this pleeeease be her chance to step up

-I wonder if Anko’s snake shit and Orochimaru’s snake shit are related, since he was apparently her sensei

-Sasuke really cannot catch a fuckin break in this show

[shepscapades]

I have two minds to answer this, because part of me is going 'WE GOT EM!!! WE GOT EM!!' While the other part of me is like 'oh god how do I tell them. Who’s going to tell them.' The easiest way I can explain: Tom, Ben, and Harry are not in a minecraft series together, and the lore that I have for them is not based in any actual series. HOWEVER. DON’T LET THE TRAGIC TRUTH MAKE YOU CLICK AWAY /silly so I can explain properly LMAO

Here’s a TLDR for anyone who likes these guys and is a lil interested in them!!

Most of the lore for these three is based on an amalgamation of inside jokes, non-minecraft character trends, and general yogs minecraft world lore!

Tom was an editor (now has a YouTube channel, AngoryTom) and did behind-the-scenes minecraft prep for the Yogscast for so long that he was never really interested in any actual "main channel" series besides [Dig Site - 10 episodes] with Simon, Lewis, and Ben, and [Skyblock - 2 episodes] with Ben! Although he’s also played several npcs throughout various main channel series since he was helping run the show lol. My take on his character is that he’s a former yoglabs employee due to [YOGLABS CLASSIFIED INFORMATION] and now lives his laziest life ever in an undisclosed remote location. He’s also the demigod of death but he’ll never tell

Ben started doing main series mc content a few years ago, but hasn’t done anything mc with Tom and Harry until recently (see below)! His character is a Shark Hybrid due to [YOGLABS CLASSIFIED INFORMATION] who now lives with Tom at the same undisclosed remote location.

Harry has been an insane speedrunning minecraft legend for ages, but was never in any main series content bc he’s actually a graphic designer for the yogs. But he was part of Iskall’s twitch vault hunter event back in November, and he’s now in the [Vault Hunter Series - Ongoing] with Ben and Duncan on YouTube! <3 so there’s plenty of mc content of Harry and Ben, but not so much Tom. c!Harry has lived remote for as long as he can remember, locked in Hardcore, until…?

But again, I base their backstories on a bunch of kinda loosely connected lore dots that are half based on jokes <3

Below the read more includes: links to clips, compilations, and very brief lore explanations (though you can check my other lore drawings in Tom’s tag (#Angory Tom), Ben’s tag (#bedgar), Harry’s tag (#brryhrry) or posts that have any of them, which should be under the (#the outcast trio) tag)!

BEN AND TOM

I’ve been in love with Ben and Tom as a duo forever, since the TTT (modded Trouble in Terrorist Town) days, where Ben’s player model was Left Shark, and Tom’s model was Emperor Palpatine (yes from Star Wars. I can’t stand them). But Ben and Tom have been yogs editors and Behind The Scenes guys forever, so it wasn’t until more recently that they became known personalities in the main yogscast circle (4-5 years is pretty recent in the 10+ years of yogs content timeline LMAO).

Through Warhammer streams and behind the scenes stuff, I kinda fell in love with their chemistry and idiocy, and they worked so well with the “main cast” that I just had to put them in the yogs minecraft universe, somewhere. Turns out, Tom had actually done a majority of the "behind the scenes" work for the Yoglabs series (he built a majority of the main building, did mod research and testing, was present during recordings to make sure things went well, stuff like that) so it only made sense to have his character be the Right Hand Man/ Behind The Scenes Assistant to Xephos (Lewis), the Morally Questionable Head of Yoglabs.

For anyone who’s unfamiliar with Yoglabs, it’s one of the yogs’ more famous series featuring Simon (Honeydew) and Lewis (Xephos) where they tested mods! more info can be found here!

c!Tom also ended up as a Lumian (the fanon alien space species for the yogs fandom, vaguely inspired by Star Trek Vulcans) because of a one-off joke where one of the Yogs artists drew him as a star trek commander, and I really didn’t need any further reason to make him a weird little guy LDKFJG

As far as the “demigod of death” thing goes, it felt right to give him a lore thing that vaguely coordinated with the whole “Emporer Palpatine” vibe, since that’s kinda the mc skin he’s used most recently. There’s another reason there that I don’t think I’ve properly explained, so I’ll leave the rest of that be for now ;]

Ben, on the other hand, plays a shark character in pretty much every video game he ever participates in, so shark hybrid was a pretty obvious way to go. And of course, since the duo had to be in the same place… involving Ben’s shark Hybrid-ness with yoglabs experimentation made good sense and good angst. What can I say :]

Here are the bigger lore posts I’ve made so far (in the order i posted them i believe!), explaining in a little more detail plus art to go with! :] [x] [x] [x]

HARRY

Harry is kinda known as the yogscast’s token memelord? But in the ironic way. He somehow makes it genuinely hilarious idk man. His humor is very dry, witty, and sarcastic, but he’s a sweetheart and kind of a god at minecraft. I’ve been arguing since day one that this man should be in mcc but we won’t go there

There aren't many solo harry compilations, so here's a link to a Harry and Ben compilation hehe

Regarding his minecraft lore, pretty much all of it is based around the idea that he’s a god at speedrunning and hardcore Minecraft. A common consensus in yogscast minecraft lore is that respawning is actually a Yoglabs-based mechanic tied to clones and clone making. I thought it would be interesting if Harry could be tied to a hardcore element in the yogs lore purely by having Somehow slid under yoglabs’ radar. And since he was never in any main channel (aka modded) series, i usually associate him with Vanilla mechanics, and since i also view mods as a Yoglabs-related lore element, it made sense! So basically— no clones, no respawns, no mods!

except that he’s in a main channel series now. So I’ll need to find a new lore reason around that DTBJDFGHK

And his design, well… this man’s skin is straight up Mr Mime, and there’s only so much I can do with that /silly But he’s a HUGE Pokémon fan! He’s played a couple of Disaster Nuzlockes with Lydia from the yogs a year or so ago, if that’s something you’re interested in! Was a huge comfort series for me for the longest time and rly good background noise, theyre soooo good at Pokémon I promise <3

Harry does more twitch stuff (hrry on twitch) than youtube stuff, so twitch is the best place to check him out if you're interested in his solo content!

Last thing I'll say about him is that he designed and ran an original minecraft minigame called "Capture the Wool" and he and Martyn are the hosts for a few episodes i think! i dont think there's any way to explain how entertaining it is to listen to him announce the chaos of yogs members trying to play competitive minecraft LOL

Um, so. TLDR…2, These guys are basically my ocs and now I get Actual minecraft content from them which is crazy. I love them as content creators and cool guys so so much though, so! Definitely recommend listening to these idiots (affectionate) babble and ramble to each other, mc or not <3

[alovesongtheywrote]

Nightmare Academia P.19 | Spencer Reid x Reader

♥ Summary: In this chapter of Nightmare Academia, somebody dies, somebody leaves, and somebody ends up alone. [Prof!Spencer Reid x GN-Prof!Reader]

♥ Warnings: criminal minds season 10, episode 13. Nelson's Sparrow.

♥ A/N: i remembered which episode this was off hand, im oddly proud lmao

♥ Word Count: 1847

Series Masterlist

♥♥♥

Spencer didn’t think he would have to call in that favour you’d offered him.  He was pretty sure that when you sent a little text that said, “I owe you one,” you were joking.  He waved it off like you were joking.  When he told you not to mention the favour he had done, he’d meant it.  The two of you had spent the rest of the night joking because that was all it was supposed to be.

The favour, the owing, it was all supposed to be a joke.

Then Gideon died.

Nothing really seemed funny after that.

Spencer had to leave for a bit.  He needed to go, and join his team, and solve this murder.  He also had classes to teach.  He hoped you would help him out with that, though he hated having to ask.  You didn’t deserve this burden.  You hadn’t deserved it before, either, but you kind of took it on without asking.

Now, Spencer had to ask.

He didn’t want to do it.  Like, he really didn’t want to do it.  He ended up staring at your contact in his phone for a solid forty-five minutes waffling over what the fuck he could say in this situation.  

“My old friend and mentor was murdered last night.  I need to go find the man that did it.  Cover my cases for me while I’m gone, will you?”  Felt rude.  And harsh.  And like a crazy fucking load of information that you would definitely have questions about- and while he would normally love to answer your questions, Spencer- understandably- did not feel like answering questions about this specific topic.

A simple, “We need to talk,” was way too goddamn ominous.

“I need a favour,” could be taken all kinds of wrong ways.

Something like, “Heyyyyy, so, my old mentor died and I need to go find the man that did it.  Would you mind covering my classes for me until I come back, even if that takes actual months?  K thank u byeeeee,” just felt wrong.

“A close friend of mine just passed, and I need some time.  Can you cover my classes for me while I’m gone?” Was appropriate, but it left out so much- and for some reason, Spencer didn’t like the thought of lying to you.

So, he decided to tell you in person.  

And he had regrets about that decision almost immediately.

He ended up standing by the office door like a fucking creeper for a solid five minutes.  He didn’t move, he didn’t open the door, he didn’t knock, he didn’t say anything, he just sort of stood there thinking about what the fuck he was going to say to you.

And then the door creaked open for him.

You were sitting at the desk that you shared with him, buried so deeply in your work that you didn’t even hear the door open.  You didn’t look up.  You didn’t see Spencer.  You just typed away at the computer in front of you, marking papers and adding up grades.

You seemed oddly peaceful.  At ease.  Relaxed- at least as relaxed as you could be while grading.  Spencer briefly contemplated the idea of leaving you a note.

Before he could take off to find a pen and follow in his mentor’s footsteps, you finally saw him.  Your eyes lit up, they really did, but Spencer told himself he was seeing things.

“Good morning, Dr. Pretty Boy!” you stretched yourself out slightly, giving Spencer the impression that you’d been working for a while, “Ready for more bullshit?”

For a moment, despite everything, Spencer managed to find respite from his grief.  A smile crossed his features.  He laughed at your joke- and immediately, he felt guilty for it.  His eyes went from bright to broken in a split instant.  Tears welled up in their corners.  What fucking friend was Spencer?  Gideon hadn’t been dead for two days, and here he was, laughing with his cute coworker over some cute fucking quip.

The grief crashed over his body in waves.  Reid tried to hide it.  He looked away from you, covering his mouth with his hand and trying not to actually sob in the middle of your shared office.

You saw right through him.

“Oh, pretty boy,” your voice was a whisper, and as you darted into Spencer’s field of view, he could see the concern etched into your face.  Somehow, it made him feel worse.

“Hey, hey,” you tried to hide your own panic with soothing words, briefly wondering what the fuck you could’ve done to make him cry.  Your mind came up blank.  And really, if Spencer cried easily- if he cried the way you did- you were sure you would’ve broken him by now, but you hadn’t.

Honestly?  That was probably the worst option.  That meant something was wrong- and you probably wouldn’t fix that something with an apology and a cup of coffee.

Still.  You had to do your best.

“Reid?  Spencer, honey, talk to me,” you reached out, lightly placing your fingers on his elbow- enough touch to comfort, but hopefully not enough to make him uncomfortable.

He didn’t say anything, but for a moment, he looked at you.  His eyes were full of unshed tears.  You could feel your heart drop through you before it shattered somewhere deep inside.  Without another thought, your grip on Spencer’s arm changed from a light graze to an undeniable hold.

When you spoke, you sounded panicked.  You said his name and Spencer could practically feel it- like ice down his spine, like the feeling of falling just as your body goes to sleep.  Ironically, it woke him up.

“Gideon’s dead.”

You tried to find a response to that, but the words escaped you.  Mostly because you didn’t know who that was.  Spencer saw the confusion on your face, and with a deep breath, he offered you the kindness of elaboration.

“He was- he got me into the FBI.  He was important and now he’s dead.”

“Shit,” you brought your other hand up to hold his arm, “Spencer, I’m so sorry.”

“I have to go.  I have to find the person that did this.”

You tried to hide your shock at the revelation that Spencer’s friend hadn’t just died- Gideon had been murdered.  And Spencer wanted to solve the case.  

What choice did you have but to support him?  In his place, you would want to do the same thing- you just wouldn’t have the qualifications for it.  Spencer, however, was part of the FBI.  He could help solve this case, legally and responsibly.  You had to let him go.

“Then find them.  Don’t worry about your classes, I’ll cover them-”

“You-” he cut himself off with a broken laugh, “You didn’t even let me ask.”

“You don’t have to.  I know you would do the same for me- even if you wouldn’t, I like talking shit about the FBI to your students.  It’s fun for me, that's how I have fun.  Now go,” you let one of your hands run up his arm, “Get out of here, solve some crimes, and legally get whoever did this behind fucking bars.”

Spencer put one of his hands over yours.  You took the initiative and laced your fingers together.  The two of you stared for a moment, focusing on nothing but your joined hands.

“I’m sorry,” he broke the silence- not by much.  His voice wasn’t anything more than a whisper.

“Sorry?  For what?”

“For coming in here and crying all over you.”

“Hey, don’t apologize for that.  I cry all the time, remember?  I cry constantly.  I can start crying now, if you want me to-”

“That won’t be necessary,” he grinned, tracing tiny shapes into your skin with the tips of his fingers, “Thank you, though?  Is that the appropriate thing to say?  Thank you?”

“Thank you works for me.”

“Then, thank you.”

Silence flowed over you again, curling around your bodies like some sort of mist.  For a moment, the universe stilled, preserving the two of you in a tiny soundless bubble of space and time.

“Go kick some criminal ass, pretty boy.  Responsibly.  And then come back here, okay?”

“I will.  I promise.”

“Good.  Because otherwise, I will turn your students into my little minions, and you’ll never get them back.”

“I wouldn’t expect anything less.”

With a final grin, you pulled back.  Spencer did the same.  You wound your arms around yourself and squeezed.  The air in the office dropped a few degrees.  Spencer’s hands twitched,  tapping a nervous pattern into his thigh.

“I’ll see you later, (L/N).”

He stepped back, moving slowly.  When he reached the doorway, he turned and headed down the hall at regular Spencer-speed.  You just stood in the office like an idiot.  For the second time that week, Reid had stunned you to silence.

The first time, when he brought your student’s paper to the community center, you were stunned by the kindness he displayed.  The Spencer you knew was usually smarmy petty little shit.  He had his moments (such as getting stabbed to protect you and sharing his office with you when yours got all haunted) but for the most part, he was a bit of a prick!

In that moment, though, Reid did something kind and considerate.  He took care of someone who needed it.  He reached out to a former inmate with compassion and empathy, and even though Reid had worked for the FBI, you wanted to bring him to the community center with you every goddamn Monday for the rest of time.  That little action had exposed his heart to you- and yeah, most people would argue that the whole “taking a knife” thing was a better demonstration of character, but for whatever reason, this was what stunned you.

The second time he’d stunned you, he’d done it by leaving, and lord, this time was worse.  This time the shock didn’t feel like butterflies swarming through your organs.  It felt like fear.  Like an unknown future was running at you with malevolent intent.

At one point, you had wanted this.  You wanted Spencer to leave, but now?  The fucker had carved out a space for himself right in the middle of your life.  He’d built a little niche between your fourth and fifth ribs and moved right into you.  You had functioned without him when he was in the hospital, but you had always figured he would come back.  This was an indefinite leave of absence.  This was an indefinite leave of absence after you had warmed to Spencer, after he had shown you (in multiple ways) that he could be kind.

You finally came back to your body, still feeling a slight numbness in your hands.  You moved to the doorway just in time to watch Reid turn around the corner and vanish from sight.  

“I’ll see you,” you said- though you weren’t loud enough for him to hear by any means, “Reid.”

Behind you, a couple books fell from their shelves.  You didn’t even flinch.

♥ Tags: @icarusignite, @usuallyunlikelyfox, @maraudersforlife2005, @fictionalcomforts, @morgthemagpie, @iiheartbowie, @digitalhearts, @corpsebridenightamare, @ghostatrixx, @reiding-writing, @mywellspringoflife, @80katie, @ms-ks-world, if you asked to be tagged and i forgot, pls let me know!! if you would like to be tagged and aren't, also let me know :D

[arcsin27]

Reviewing all the stories in junji ito maniac because I can, fuck you :)

The strange hikizuri siblings - uhh okay. Not scary nothing even happened. Okay a guy was a jealous simp, little kids are just like that, some guy threw up bread dough ig, then a ghost stared at everyone for a while and dipped the end

The story of the mysterious tunnel - Jesus Christ that was pretty spooky what the hell. Lost my marbles when he assumed the drop was water, and the kid in the ceiling fucked me up with her voice (dub) and screams

Ice cream bus - im never eating ice cream again. Jokingly compared the driver to William afton fnaf in the beginning but he was somehow worse. The dad pushing the kid away jumpscared me, then horrified me, and I needed a break from the show

Hanging balloon - so absurd it was kinda funny. The nonlinear storytelling added a bit if spook as I slowly realized who was at the window but idk the concept was just funny to me. Also I was so happy someone finally showed up to a horror plot strapped until I saw the result. Sorry random Chad with a crossbow, wish you coulda helped…

Four x four walls - thought something horrific would happen outside and he wouldn’t hear it but it didn’t, thought soichi was famous for being scary but he wasnt, I think this was like a comic relief in episode form. No spook, kinda funny

The sandman’s lair - *laughs nervously* what the fuck. No clue what happened, why would you tape yourselves like that, let me see his dream form damnit, the nature of humanity is we reinvent homestuck etc

Intruder - these kids are based tbh. Balls of steel, don’t blame the redhead, just move on with their lives

Long hair in the attic - also based, i had wondered where her head had gone but i shoulda known by the title, that grinding sound pissed me off tho

Mold - thank. God. It was in black and white. I choose to believe its dust. Also idc about culture or taboo if your floor is coated in inches of ropes and pools of mold just wear your damn shoes. Jesus Christ

Library vision - this one felt like it was calling out all of my anxieties about losing the things and memories precious to me. Also 10/10 Sean chiplock that final recital of hell of thorns was incredible and spooky. Also what the fuck was the ending

Tomb town - im never driving again. Also just call the cops surely you get a reduced sentence for actually reporting the crime. Other than that not scary lol

Layers of terror - im never picking my skin again. god ALMIGHTY why did i bear witness to this. Fuck that mom bro she sucks. I was thinking about how the proportions of human anatomy change as you age and how a toddler with such short limbs and a thick torso could fit inside an adult but uh… then they answered my question. And then it got worse. Funnily enough the 2yo looked like a monster id design

The thing that drifted ashore - was this supposed to be scary…? Oh boy they turned into fish people and promptly fucked off good for them ig

Tomie • photo - wow what bitches lmfao. Idk why she has a face growing out of her scalp hut I didn’t need to see the removal process. Or how botched the removal process was. Based that the photographer just fuckin moved on. “Damnit the blood ruined my pictures :/“ incredible.

Unendurable labyrinth - probably woulda been scarier if they were lost for longer but to me it looked like they took five steps, found the brother, seven steps, “aaaah we’re lost,” two steps, “theyre looking at me!” then suddenly the mummies have eyes, fade to black. Cool

The bully - I was sooo ready for retribution, then I got reconciliation and got even happier, then it turned into child abuse and I wanted to kill a bitch

Alley - pfft idk if its based that she killed those kids or not but it was extra based that they got revenge on her lmao shoulda brought a ladder bro

Headless statue - Jesus fuck that’s gross. Stop it. Also smash the statues again it worked brilliantly earlier. Or maybe jump out a window idk

Whispering woman - mega based. The nervous girl gains support and confidence, the attendant is freed from her abusive friend, the abusive friend gets violently killed, its just wins all around

Soichi’s beloved pet - once again a comic relief episode but tbh it was pretty funny, soichi was a lot less hateable this time too!

[somethinglikethatyeah83]

I'M HERE: Campbell Bain

Pairing: Campbell Bain x GN!Reader

Warnings: Reader has a breakdown so detaul description of said breakdown

Summary: Campbell is always there to help out when you need it <3

Word Count: 1.3K

A/N: First Campbell piece! Last piece for a while though since I've got exams coming up but I should be back on them in a week or so, depending on how well the exams go lmao

Everything hurt. Each fibre of my being was crying out for help, and an unbelievable amount of pain was coursing through my veins, and between synapses in my brain. I couldn't breathe, I couldn't see, and I just wanted everything to end. I wanted everything to go away and for it to never come back again. 

I couldn't narrow it down to what had started it. One minute I had been fine, the next I was in another horrid state. I wasn't even in an episode. I had been fine for months, everything had been okay and then this happened.

Campbell was in the studio. Somewhere in the distance, I could hear his voice as he announced a new song, but it was fuzzy. Whether because it was too far away or because I couldn't hear anything either, I couldn't answer. I wouldn't have gone to him but he always got upset when someone interrupted one of his sessions, and I couldn't dare make him upset. His happiness brought me happiness, and I wouldn't ruin it.

He's going to kill me when he finds out I didn't go to him in this state. Campbell was always insistent that I went to him to help whenever I got like this. Not that he was forcing me to talk when I didn't want to, just so he knew. Just so he could understand what I was going through and ask if there was anything he could do. Normally, there was. 

I really did appreciate Campbell. Unlike him, I wasn't the best at showing it. Campbell was an unbelievably affectionate person, constantly showering me with hugs and kisses and compliments, which somehow I just couldn't reciprocate all the time. I love him, more than anything else in this world, but I couldn't always do the same.

We had, of course, spoken about this. Manic depression was very different to clinical depression. He understood that as much as I wanted to show him how much I loved him, the depression meant that I couldn't always. He was okay with it. He said that just being with me made him feel good enough. I still didn't believe him, after all these months, but there was no changing it. 

I had been curled up in my bed for the past hour. I couldn't take all the noises from the common room and so ran to my bedroom and threw myself onto my bed, curled my knees under my chin, and slammed my eyes shut. The nurses didn't follow me, knowing that soon enough, Campbell would come bundling in and help me, which he hadn't yet. The show hadn't ended yet, that was all. 

Campbell was probably the only person in the world that could calm me down. The other patients knew it, the nurses knew it, and even Eddie knew it. When I was having a problem, someone always went and got Campbell.

And it was the other way around, too. When Campbell would get a little too hyper, I was always called on. I couldn't always make him better, and he would have to be stabilised sometimes, but the majority of the time I could calm him down. We were the perfect pair, even if we were loonies. 

Everything in my surroundings was so fuzzy that I didn’t even hear Campbell enter. I only jolted in my curled-up position when I felt his palm against my back. He apologised softly, my hearing a little better with how close he was, even if he was still slightly fuzzy. I sat up where I was, seeing his features pulled into a sympathetic frown. 

“Hey.” I murmured, running a hand through the matted hair at the top of my head, trying to tidy it up. “You alright?”

He sent me a soft, calming smile. “You’re not.”

“Cam, I’m fine.”

“Don’t lie to me, love, I know you too well now.” He spoke, velvet voice bringing me that sense of tranquillity that no one else could. “Hug?”

My eyes watched his for a few moments, hesitant on whether it would help at all, and endlessly deciding that Campbell’s hugs were just too good to pass up, ever; even if I wasn’t in this state. There was never a time when his cuddles didn’t do anything. Even if I was completely content, being surrounded by sunshine in human form was just… perfect. 

I nodded, and before I could speak, he swiftly pulled me into his lap on the bed and wrapped his arms around my shoulders, one hand against the back of my head while his lips were pressed against my hair. My hands pulled into my chest as I laid sideways against his. I was completely shrouded by him, having the outside world completely shut out, and for the first time today, it felt like only Campbell and I existed. Finally, I felt safe. I didn’t feel like everything was pushing in on me, and I felt so safe that those tears that had been kept behind my eyes spilled. 

“Darlin’.” He cooed, rocking us back and forth slightly. “I’m here, you’re safe. You talk to me if ya want but I’m not gonna force you, yeah?”

I gasped a deep breath, trying to find air in my heavy sobs. It was always tiring when I finally let everything out. I had a habit of bottling everything up for months, and it always ended up in a Campbell hug, where I completely broke down and couldn’t even speak. I was so grateful that he put up with me, every single time. I never had to worry about him being annoyed or angry and I loved him so much for it. 

“I don’t know what happened.” I told him, speaking into his favourite multi-coloured hoodie which I had almost definitely stolen more than one time. “I just… couldn’t take the noise. Then I came in here and couldn’t take anything at all. Everything went fuzzy and I couldn’t hear or see and I just wanted to curl up into a ball and disappear. You were in a show, I didn't want to interrupt you.”

He looked down at me and cupped my cheeks. “You can always come and find me, whether I’m in a show or not. Eddie barely needs me anyway, and you’re more important, especially when you’re like this.”

“I know, I just get nervous. And the worst part was it felt like I was getting better.” I admitted, licking my lips and looking down at my hands which were now settled in my lap. “I hadn’t had an attack for months, and I wasn't even in an episode, it just happened suddenly.”

“Aye, but is anyone really getting better here? I’d say you’ve recovered the most out of all our loonies. And you get panic attacks a whole lot less than when you first came here.” He smiled slightly down at me, reaching a hand up and wiping the tears that ran down my cheeks. “Now, I’ve got nothing left to do for the rest of the day, how about we stay in here until dinner and mess around? Just us two, doing whatever we want.”

A wet chuckle spilled from my lips. “Sounds perfect.” I spoke, sniffing and wiping my nose against my sleeve. Just a second later he pulled a tissue out from practically nowhere and handed it to me. When I pulled away and looked at him he just smiled. 

“They told me you stormed off. I thought I’d come prepared.”

A small, minuscule smile curved into my lips, and I took the tissue. “Thank you. For everything. Not just the tissue.”

“S’what I’m here for, isn’t it?”

“I love you, Campbell, and I’m sorry I don’t say it as much as I should.”

He smiled down at me, pressing a soft kiss against my lips. “We talked about that, honey, stop apologising.”

“Alright.” I agreed hesitantly, nuzzling back into his arms.

“I love you, too, by the way.” He murmured into my hair, pulling me deep into a hug that I never wanted to leave. 

[rainsoughtflowers]

*evil laughter in the distance* so you want requests, huh? I got you one.

part two of wavering hatred, short story and I don't remember if reader is fem or gn but I don't mind lol. karma and y/n resume their talk in the cave korosensei pushed his fave couples into. and what yn does is half of a confession, basically just asking him desperately as to why he makes them feel like that. karma is taken aback, doesn't even answer the fucker. so the episode keeps going normally as much as tension can be considered normal and the helping Irina-sensei happens blah blah blah. night falls on the island and yn is very much restless. not able to sleep they go on a walk and as they are walking in the dark hallway they pick up their eyes only to meet karma's surprised ones how romantic. they end up at the beach side by side resolving the tension sweetly with karma not being a teasing asshole for once, or so you'd bc he ends up trying to make up the lost time with a sweet long kiss make out sesh time

don't know if the last one counts as NSFW for you so if it does feel free to skip it obviously. this is the vague image of what I'd like to see but if you deem any changes necessary to suit your style then so be it, you are the writer after all. take your time and if you don't like it I have many more scenarios in store so dw :)

have fun writing!!

baited breaths

tw/cw - kissing lmao, a little bit of cursing.

a/n - hihihihi REALLY sorry this took forever but i was suddenly in a karma akabane mood :D

this work is multiple parts. part one.

it didn’t take long for you to recover from whatever sickness was forced upon you. your slumber had been interrupted by the loud sounds of blades slicing the air, and after groggily opening your eyes and sitting upright you recognized it to belong to a helicopter. your head throbbed due to the sounds and motions, and yet you still found yourself searching among the crowd. scanning for a shade of red still bright inside your mind.

you felt an emotion close to relief when karma akabane emerged, appearing unscathed and wearing his infamous smirk. gold scanned the crowd, and you mentally cursed the skipping of your heart when they rested on you. you pulled at the sheets covering the lower portion of your body, wringing your hands through the fabric to busy yourself as the contact never broke. something unexplainable passed over his features, your mind still foggy with sleep and the fever still burning your skin. but just as quick as the male was there he was disappearing, and your own thoughts drifted when you were handed a supplement supposed to cure you of your illness. you laid down, forced to close your eyes for more hours of slumber.

the next time you saw karma was early afternoon the following day, when you finally awoke feeling much better than before. it appeared most of the students slept past the early hours of the morning, though it was definitely much needed after the event filled night previously experienced.

you found karma on the floor, body leaned back and his arms supporting his weight. his head was lifted towards the sky, eyes closed as his red strands of hair billowed in the wind. he looked so…peaceful. not a trace of mockery or amusement on his features. one would barely be able to tell that the boy was actually the epitome of trickery.

it was almost like he knew you had arrived, eyes fluttering open to rest on your face. a smile curled his lips, and all peace was gone from his expression the moment he tilted his head and spoke.

“were you staring at me?” he teased, your cheeks flaring red in response to his question. because you were, but you'd never admit to such a thing in front of him, especially after the events from the night before. your mind still refused to recall the warmth that lingered on your fingertips and the embarrassing revelation you'd made about your feelings towards your classmate. unfortunately, it hadn't been the poison. you did find yourself attracted to him, as infuriating as his personality was.

you released a huff, sitting down beside him while folding your arms across your chest, “as if! i was just surprised.”

“by how attractive i am?” karma's smile was devilish, and you refused to meet the gold in his eyes as you released another frustrated breath.

“about how deceiving you are. if only all the girls swooning for you knew how horrible your personality actually is.”

everything about karma's hurt expression was fake, “such harsh words coming from someone who is only alive because i saved them.”

“that was a group effort. don’t go taking all the credit.”

“sorry, what was that?" karma cupped a hand over his ear, leaning in closer, "i was recalling how you called me smart and cool while on your deathbed.”

embarrassment flooded its way through your body, “that’s not-!”

your next words were interrupted by koro sensei’s entrance, and you’re forced to simply glare at the teen before giving your attention to your teacher. he was no longer trapped in the little small ball he had secured himself within during your last assassination attempt, back to wearing his tacky floral patterned shirt. the yellow octopus grinned, nerves stirring in your stomach when he spread his tentacles and proudly announced your next class activity.

a test of courage.

nagisa repeated the creature's words, confusion laced within his tone. if even possible, koro sensei’s smile widened, his tentacles reaching up to stretch the limbs, “yes! what better activity for a midsummer night?”

“you just want to have fun.” karma sang, his own smirk widening.

the red head’s accusation resulted in a lecture by your teacher, his voice dripping with irritation as he spoke about the loss of his vacation after being stuck in a ball. you couldn’t help but giggle at the reminder, hiding your laugh behind your hand.

still, his rant seemed to lift the spirits of your peers, talking excitedly among themselves about the upcoming activity and what might occur during it. you weren't sure what to think, hesitant about the idea of possibly encountering ghosts or something so frightening you'd embarrass yourself in front of your classmates. well, embarrass yourself in front of karma. you'd never hear the end of it.

speaking of the male, you found your eyes drifting to his face, trying to gauge his reaction to the proposed activity. of course, just as you expected, karma's eyes were bright with delight, perhaps amused by the prospect of getting to see whatever tricks your teacher decided to pull during the so called test. he was probably also excited to hear the screams that would eventually erupt from everyone's throats.

you glanced away, praying that this test of courage wouldn’t take place where karma would be able to make fun of you.

-

your stomach twisted itself into knots, and you couldn't differentiate between the nerves you felt entering the dark cave or the butterflies that arrived the moment karma began walking by your side.

of course. you should've known that the moment koro sensei proposed the test of courage, he hadn't intended to see which students were the bravest in the class. he was playing cupid. and for some stupid, horrible, confusing reason, he thought you and karma were a match.

the air in the cave was humid, making your skin feel sticky with sweat the deeper you went. it was also dark, and it didn't help that karma was the only one with a flashlight, forcing you to stick closely by his side. his skin was warm each time it brushed against your own, and you forced yourself to keep your eyes straight ahead to hide the red steadily scorching your cheeks.

it was quiet for the first couple of minutes, the only sounds being the water dripping from spikes in the ceiling and your own steady footsteps. you're surprised, since you had been anticipating karma's teasing remarks about how scared you looked. your eyes kept darting nervously around the enclosed area and your fingers never seemed to stop shaking. but he remained quiet, and one look at his expression showed...nothing. karma akabane appeared impassive.

"you look like you're having fun." you joked, trying to lighten the mood. even if karma was not reminding you of your current state, that was more scary than your endless bickering. you were relieved when karma glanced at you and twitched the corner of his mouth up into a smile.

he shrugged, facing forward once more, "it’s actually boring in here."

"why?"

"no one to watch scream."

you rolled your eyes at his response, "of course you'd say that."

karma glanced at you once more, opening his mouth to say something, but he's interrupted by the flicker of blue fire and the sound of an Okinawa shamisen.

you both turned at the sound, karma passing the flashlight over the walls until finding the source. you jumped, scooting yourself closer to the boy beside you when koro sensei appeared like a ghost from the shadows.

"this is a blood-drenched cave of tragedy...where Ryukyu royalty, defeated in battle, met a violent end." his voice echoed in the cave, his words ringing in your ears even after the light went out and he disappeared.

your fingers curled themselves in the fabric of karma's shirt, nervously glancing around the cave. you knew something scary was supposed to pop up sometime during the ‘test’, but you hadn’t anticipated it being your teacher. and what was with the creepy music and costume? chills traveled down your spine, but you could find no further sign of the yellow octopus. you released a breath, glancing up to meet unsuspecting eyes.

there were no words in the dictionary you could use to describe what you felt in that moment. karma's eyes were clear, almost like water, and they tipped over and spilled gold down your form with each second that passed. as you stared, bathing yourself within the pools, your heartbeat quickened within your chest, the sound so loud within your ears you feared he could hear it. his own expression was hard to place, but you caught the surprise that flickered across it when your noses found themselves only mere inches apart. the butterflies returned, fluttering in your stomach and you swallowed thickly to compose yourself.

"kar-"

"you must stay together."

a scream is released from your throat, your body clinging onto karma's when koro sensei appeared right behind you. but just as quick as your teacher was there he was gone, leaving only the echoes of his voice bouncing off of the walls.

leave it to koro sensei to ruin a perfectly good moment.

you released the breath you’d been holding, registering your current position when you felt karma's muscles tense beneath your hands. hastily you pulled yourself away, refusing to meet his eyes as you grabbed the flashlight he had dropped and began to walk further into the cave.

"we should get out of here." you mumbled quickly, not daring to look back to check if he was following after you. your cheeks burned along with your shame, hating how foolishly you'd clung to his form. how pathetic was that? if karma didn't have an excuse to make fun of you before, he definitely did now. you could already picture the horrible smile on his face and the teasing tone of his voice.

"back then, what were you trying to say?"

your steps faltered, and you quickly turned around in confusion, "what?"

"when you were sick,” karma began, taking one step closer. your eyes followed the movement, before taking in the serious expression on his face, “you said you had something important to tell me."

you recalled the delirious words uttered the previous night, feeling your cheeks warm at the thought. you had been so close to confessing to him. confessing. in all honesty, you had hoped karma would forget about it, but perhaps his thoughtful expressions rooted from that unfinished conversation, "ah, that,” you shook your head, waving off his curiosity, "forget it. it was nothing."

"so you're a coward." karma declared.

you glared at him, hating how you knew he was provoking you for a reaction, and you still fell into his trap, "i'm not a coward."

"really?” the male stepped closer, and his eyes were the definition of mockery when they met your own, “your actions say otherwise."

"god, you are really infuriating,” you laughed, muttering bitterly beneath your breath, “i must be stupid to fall in love with you."

karma suddenly grows quiet, and when the irritation disappeared you finally registered what had been said. your eyes widened, expression mirroring the boy before you.

“oh my god.” you mumbled, putting your hands over your lips, “oh my god. i can’t believe i just said that.” how could you be so stupid? confessing your feelings? and on accident, too? you began pacing, your heart racing within your chest as you tried to think of what to do to salvage the situation. but there was no fixing it. karma knew, and the sight of his frozen state made you even more anxious, “well don’t just stand there, say something!”

but he doesn’t. the red head stays rooted to his spot, the only indication of emotion being his widened eyes and parted lips. you feel the dread stir in your stomach the longer you are forced to listen to the echoes of falling water and koro sensei’s words further down the cave. after several moments of karma’s continued silence you let out a frustrated breath. well, you got your answer then.

this time you really do turn around and walk off, refusing to look back. you would not cry. you would not. and you would not care about the fact that his footsteps never quite reached your ears.

-

karma probably thought of your infatuation as a joke.

that could be the only explanation for his current actions. as soon as you both emerged from the dark cave and met the eyes of all your classmates he began the teasing, talking about how carelessly you had thrown yourself upon him and the shrill scream you had let out. his words made you fume with anger, glaring at the redhead as he continued without an ounce of shame. why did he have to be such an asshole? where was the boy that was worried about you the night before? you began to laugh at yourself. you really were a fool for liking him.

everyone's attention is quickly diverted, however, when miss irina emerged from the cave with her hands tightened around karasuma's arm. sly, mischievious smiles formed on your classmates faces, and it's almost laughable how quickly they scrambled together to form a plan. you had no choice but to forget about your previous anger and join the scheming when rio pulled you into the small circle formed.

they began by provoking the poor woman into giving them answers, poking fun at her lack of experience and the obvious crush she had on the man. although she denied it at first, she eventually gave in, and you found the averted eyes and dusted cheeks to be cute on her usually pissed off expression. the other students seemed to think so, too, and they eagerly assured the blonde woman that the perfect love stage would be set for the two of them.

koro sensei led the quick debrief of what the plan would be, holding up a small whiteboard and wearing square rimmed glasses. the first part of the plan was to change her outfit, their reasoning being that karasuma wasn't into the revealing clothing she normally wore. yet, even after switching out her clothes for a white frilly dress, somehow she made it appear far more provocative than it actually was.

they tried coming up with the man's ideal type, only to realize that the 'woman' he was interested in was actually a military potential. okuda suggested cooking for him, but it was quickly scratched when karasuma only seemed to eat fast food. dejection quickly crossed over everyone's faces when they realized their stoic teacher was probably the problem and not miss irina’s attitude.

koro sensei was quick to lighten the mood, however, instructing the girls to help miss irina with her appearance and the boys with setting up a romantic dinner. you almost scoffed at the thought, for you couldn't imagine karma being romantic, let alone creating the atmosphere for your dear plan. you quickly turned away and joined the rest of the group when you felt his eyes lingering on your form.

the plan was simple. take up nearly every seat inside the building to force the two teachers outside for dinner. the rest was up to them.

rio and yada do an amazing job forcing karasuma outside when the time came around, bodies splayed across the seats as mischief gleamed in their eyes. they teased the older man, suggesting that he find a place to sit elsewhere despite there being none. when karasuma looked around and spotted every table occupied he sighed, heading towards the door without another word. the moment he left the building you all scrambled up from your seats, finding several hiding spots outside to eavesdrop.

you found yourself behind a bush, staring intently at the scene before you. it really was romantic. the sky was a beautiful painting of purples, reds, oranges and yellows, the waves crashing against the shore creating a beautiful sound. miss irina looked lovely in her new outfit, her face glowing with the golden shades of the sun cast across her skin, and her blue eyes sparkled when karasuma sat down beside her.

for a majority of the dinner it was quiet, the two adults eating at their own respective paces. you began to worry that your plan was a fail, and that your oblivious teacher would fail to realize he had been set up for a date. but just as the setting sun was getting ready to disappear beneath the horizon he spoke, and you all leaned in closer in hopes to hear what was being said.

your ears couldn’t pick up on anything, but you saw miss irina frown, karasuma looking at her with a confused glance. she remained silent for a moment, before she reached up, cut the tie holding her hair together and asked him a question. she received no response, a small smile turning her lips as she got up from her seat and walked over to his own. you released a soft gasp when she picked up the napkin, kissed it, and then pressed it to his lips.

she walked away, glancing back briefly to utter the words in her heart. and then she turned around, and you stared dejectedly at her form getting closer and closer to your hiding spots. that was the end.

you lowered your gaze, tightening your fingers around the fabric of your pants. despite the woman’s bitchy attitude, you admired miss irina. she had been brave, despite her date going no where. you knew what it was like to like someone who would never see you the same way.

you don't join the other students who get up and scold the woman, silently listening from afar to their raised voices and teasing remarks. instead your eyes drifted towards the piercing gold behind a palm tree, catching karma akabane's intense stare. well, at least he had the decency to cease his own teasing. he didn't smile at you, nor could you find a trace of mischief or amusement hidden in the pools of gold. instead the boy appeared to be thinking. over what? how rude his actions had been? the confession you had carelessly uttered?

you got up and walked away. you found that you didn't want to find out.

-

you couldn't sleep.

no matter how much you tossed and turned to change into a more comfortable position your mind refused to quiet down, annoying you greatly. it had been hours since you and the rest of the students turned in for the night, and hours since you struggled to slip into a dream. you didn’t know what was wrong. maybe it was the nerves prickling your skin, itching and clawing with great intensity. or maybe it was the reoccurring thoughts spinning endlessly in your mind, remaining even after you put on music to drown it out.

when your body refused to sleep yet again you groaned, tearing the blanket away from your body and slipping on your shoes. if you couldn't sleep, then you'd walk. maybe the exhaustion would finally let you rest.

you wandered quietly through the dark hallways, watching the shadows dance across the walls and the pale moonlight slipping through the windowpanes. it remained utterly quiet during the time of night, though you could hear the faint sound of crashing waves and billowing trees. it was calming, and you found yourself turning a corner to slip outside to the beach.

your movements faltered when you almost ran into another body, stepping back with surprise. who was also awake during the middle of the night? you squinted through the dark, trying to decipher the facial features and the frame of their body. your heart dropped to your stomach when you recognized the apple red hair and intense golden eyes.

you avoided the boy’s gaze, brushing past him without another word. you weren’t in the mood to talk, especially to him. you just wanted peace and quiet. a moment to think. you were so adamant about your decision that the only reason you paused was when he spoke up, voice carrying quietly through the night.

"gonna ignore me? i thought you were in love with me or something."

karma’s words strike an anger in your body so intense you couldn’t help but turn around and yell at him, not caring that frustrated tears gathered in the corner’s of your eyes, "you're a jerk, you know that?”

you released an aggravated breath, quickly turning back around to rush outside. why did he have to be so confusing? one moment he’s kind, taking care of you while on the brink of death. and then the next? it’s like karma completely disregarded his previous actions, returning to his annoying, old self. had you imagined that night? the careful way he had led you to your bed and the ghost of his fingers holding onto your own? and you, why did you still like him, teasing and all?

you plopped down onto the sand, bringing your knees to your chest as you set your gaze onto the waves pushing and pulling against the shore. you ignored the footsteps that trickled behind you, pausing just behind your figure. you refused to look. you refused to play his game. you thought you were making that clear, but karma just can’t seem to leave you alone, huh?

“why did you follow me?” you muttered. why do any of this?

“what you said in the cave, it must be true then?” karma asked from behind you. you couldn’t see his face, but you thought you heard the slightest hint of genuinity laced in his tone.

you looked back, annoyed, “of course it’s true! you think i would lie about that?”

“i know it’s hard to resist me,” karma smirked, head tilted. you hated how cute he looked by the catlike actions, and how the faltering of his smile and furrowed brows made your breath catch in your throat, “but why?”

why did you like karma? he was arrogant, annoying, and most of all horrible. he may be attractive, but that didn’t make up for the hundreds of times he aggravated you beyond belief. in reality, you shouldn’t.

and yet, there was that other part of him, the one that he rarely ever showed. the vulnerable side of karma akabane that he only seemed to reveal with you.

you glanced down, threading your fingers through the sand and watching the grains slip through your fingers. you took a moment to breathe deeply and formulate the correct words, “you…you’re kind, even if you don’t want to admit to it. you helped me when i was sick and you let me stick close to you in the test of courage. and yeah you’re also a jackass but…i guess i like that, too.”

karma doesn’t speak behind you, and something prompts you to turn around and look at him. the sight surprised you, for karma’s ears are red. really red.

“are you blushing?” you asked, a hint of a smile tracing your lips. it widened when karma’s face grows the same color as the tip of his ears.

“i’m not!” he defended, glaring at you. the sight made you laugh. you never knew karma could get so embarrassed.

“yes you are!” you insisted, unable to help yourself with the thought that ghosted near the surface of your mind, “oh my god. don’t tell me you have a crush on me, too.”

“and if i did?”

karma refused to look at you, gold pinned to the ground as he stuffed his hands into his pockets. he was fidgeting, face growing redder by the minute, and suddenly it began to make sense.

“oh.” you mumbled quietly, heart racing within your chest at the realization.

he took a seat beside you, continuing to glare at the sand by his feet. you waited, patiently, for the male to form whatever words he needed onto the tip of his tongue, “i tease you because i like you.”

you blinked, letting the words sink in. it made sense in a way. karma was definitely the type to torment the person he had feelings for. you found yourself scooting closer to his body, “why didn’t you just say so in the beginning?”

he released a huff, “it’s embarrassing.”

“embarrassing to like me?”

“to admit to it,” you saw his fingers dig into the sand, his glare growing more intense, “i’m not good at feelings.”

you continued to stare at him, fondness flickering like a flame within your chest. karma liked you. he liked you. and even though he was embarrassed beyond belief, he was telling you anyways.

you grinned, getting up and throwing your arms around the male. he released a grunt at the sudden weight of your body on his own, his face turning red once more as you nuzzled your face into the crook of his shoulder, “who knew you could be so cute, karma!”

“shut up.” he mumbled quietly, averting his gaze. but you felt a hand come up and return your embrace, light and hesitant resting on your back.

you squeezed tighter, taking in the warmth of his body and the sweet scent of strawberries lingering on his skin. the whole moment felt surreal, and you weren’t sure what to do with yourself now that you knew the red head’s true feelings.

you pulled away slowly, drinking in the rich gold of his eyes and the pale moonlight glowing upon his face. he was beautiful. and karma, he stared at you with such raw emotion you felt your breath get taken away with the breeze that passed through the night. his eyes flickered down, resting on your lips, and you smiled when his embarrassment told you everything he had thought upon making contact.

well, if karma was too shy to kiss you, you supposed you’d have to do it yourself.

the boy didn’t have time to react when your fingers rested on his cheek and you leaned forward, pressing your lips gently against his own. you felt the way karma’s whole body tensed, surprised, before he eased into the motion of your mouth on his. a small laugh broke through at his initial shock, pulling back slightly to let the sound break through. only, it was your turn to be surprised when he leaned forward and returned the affection with newfound eagerness.

you found that you could’ve kissed karma all night, relishing in the way his fingers wove themselves through your hair and the clumsy motion of his lips as they searched for your own. you weren’t surprised by his inexperience, it was your first kiss as well, but despite the uncertainty it was easy to find a steady rhythm you both liked. your own hands rested on the back of his neck, soothing the skin there and teasing the ends of his hair. karma seemed to like the ministrations when he released a pleased hum, the sound tickling your skin. yes, you could’ve kissed him forever under the delicate light of the moon and the dance of waves across the shore. you could’ve stayed in that moment for eternity, holding your breath for just one more second of his touch.

menu. strawberry rhubarb meringue tartlets..

[autism-alley]

i don't know if you answer asks but you're one of the few blogs still consistently posting pjo tv crit and it's been such a relief. with the amount of praise it's gotten i feel so gaslit like am i just being a baseless hater?? but no there's a reason a lot of the people criticizing the show are writers. it's a poorly written show and the more i think about it the more problems i find

like i was thinking about the way the kids in the show just know everything and how boring it is to watch, especially the casino scene, and something hit me

the lotus casino functions perfectly as a metaphor for traits associated with adhd--the need for stimulation and time blindness. anyone would fall for the casino's lure, but especially adhd kids. the fact that the show takes that away is REALLY weird to me, to put it kindly

if i were being less kind? i would say there's grounds to argue that having these characters, who are children with adhd, be impervious to something that is designed to trap people exactly like them is, on some level, erasure of their disabilities. especially since the one character who does get affected by it is the one who doesn't have the same neurodivergencies as the two who don't. the explanation for why percy and annabeth didn't start to forget themselves was such a lazy cop out and i can't believe people ate it up

i don't know what that writers' room has against literal adhd children falling for traps that are designed to trap people, but it's embarrassing for them tbh

i’m so glad to hear it anon!! i’m a little surprised to hear it too tbh, i wasn’t sure if anyone else was still. interested in discussing it? it seems like the pjo/atla fanbase overlap means most people have moved onto to the live action atla show. and while i am an atla fan, i didn’t grow up with the show the same way i grew up with the pjo books, so based on what we’d already seen/heard of the natla show before it even released + my utter disappointment and heartbreak regarding the pjo show, i decided to spare myself the watch. i would rather keep my memories of the original show untainted; what i have seen of the show resonates with people’s criticisms of the writing (and as someone who has done costuming work. one look is all you need to understand THAT criticism lmfao).

but i’m honestly… surprised? the pjo show did not get the same level of criticism as the natla show? it’s not like pjo is not also very popular with that same generation, sure, atla being a show perhaps made it more appealing and accessible to more kids, etc etc, sure. but from the fan bases themselves, size aside? proportionately? the pjo fandom is FULL of show defenders just blatantly ignoring the show’s major foundational issues if not just outright parading them around as successes, meanwhile the critics are in the minority. compare that with what i’ve seen where the complete opposite is true of the atla fandom, it’s weird!! and especially jarring to me bc it seemed pretty clear to everyone in the atla fandom the show had Issues, meanwhile the pjo fandom heard the promise from rick riordan’s very own mouth this show is going to be faithful to the series’ spirit. it’s so weird to see the wildly different responses to what i think are prolly equally bad reboot shows, with a fandom of similar demographics (clearly not the SAME demographics or the response would prolly be more aligned but you get my point). so i agree anon, i do feel a little gaslit by the pjo fandom, and watching the atla fandom’s very reasonable response to the natla show is like. whiplash. another sign you and i are not losing it lmao

as for the lotus casino, this is an excellent point! i don’t even think it can be called unkind to point out how this episode is a symptom of the show’s overall disability erasure. i would say it’s unkind of the show to erase adhd and dyslexia representation. in fact, because of the explicit promise by its creator to see that representation, i would go as far as to call it cruel to then erase it. if anything, based on rick’s promises to add more representation, i was hoping for elements like autistic annabeth confirmation, since when pjo was first written, it was based off rick’s son and his friends who were all ND, and at the time it wasn’t thought to be possible to be AuDHD, but likely some of those kids probably were (and that then made its way into the books in characters like annabeth!). that would have been the perfect opportunity to add something with the foresight of modern times, but instead we got… absolutely no disability rep from the show aside from a few short lines of dialogue as a lame-ass bone-toss to the book fans.

the pjo show’s biggest crime is its lack of spirit of the original book series, and that book series cradled myself and every other ND child or child in an abusive situation who read it. it offered us a mother who never got angry with us when we showed “difficult” symptoms. it offered us camp half-blood, the idea of a place, a home, where people like us were not just accepted, but thrived. it offered us a new world. it offered us a friend in percy jackson. i do not feel the show truly offers anything substantial. it only takes.

[berrypass-de-murdler]

2 - 45 Your Days are Numbered!

Not only was that already a title, it was already a title in this same season.

Anyway

I played the murd against my parents and won! they didn't seem too fond of my nonstop mauve/logico impressions, but who cares cuz I beat them!

I'm still not sure it's for me because it is significantly more... infuriating than a normal murdle, but still very happy to own it :3 I'll write the cartoon special after book 2 is done, although I'll have to solve the 'conspiracy' first (and may need help cuz I'm dumb)

um don't ask why it says 'mubve'

DON'T READ THE EPISODES WITHOUT READING THE BOOKS!!

They can’t rest for long. Logico receives a disturbing call. He answers it, expecting a death threat. But what he gets seems to be the opposite…

MARBLE: Deductive Logico? Dear? Is that you? They’re in my home- they’re- they’re in my home! LOGICO! YOU HAVE TO COME QUICKLY, LOGICO! HELP ME! THEY’RE RIGHT HERE!!!! 

Then static, and the call ends. Logico drops the phone. He is paralyzed once again. Irratino quickly tracks the call, and they’re led to a giant mansion. Marble didn’t even become a mathematician that long ago. And furthermore, she became a MATHEMATICIAN. How could she afford this??

Nonetheless, Logico’s heart shatters when he sees her dead. Even if she had a taste for human flesh, she was still a sweet old lady at her core. No one deserves this. Logico looks up at the suspects - Night, Mauve, and Obsidian. People he trusted… who could do such a thing? (Wait, since when did he trust Obsidian?)

OBSIDIAN: Deductive, I’m glad you came. LOGICO: Wh… why? Did you do this? OBSIDIAN: That’s something I can’t answer. But I will say that I am just as shocked at the death of our own kind as you are.

Logico takes a deep breath. He will solve this-

NIGHT: You’re absolutely stunning. LOGICO: Pardon?

Thankfully, they’re not talking to Logico. But they are harassing Mauve.

MAUVE: ‘Kay. NIGHT: I was rejected by my previous love interest. Now, you are standing vital in his place. I want to embrace you.

Mauve swings her headset at them.

MAUVE: Fucking weirdo.

Logico then interrogates the critters.

NIGHT: Based on the numbers, a prime steak was in the study.  LOGICO: Please… you don’t need to say ‘based on the numbers’... especially if you’re lying…

Irratino solemnly draws two tarot cards, subtly hinting toward Mauve, who is holding a beautiful floating sphere.

MAUVE: I don’t know how it’s floooooating.

But she didn’t do it. It was Night. They betrayed us all.

Or did they? Marble sits up with a start!

MARBLE: Oh thank goodness, you fell for it! I had no other way you’d ever listen to me!

Logico is furious! The bitch was PRETENDING?!

MARBLE: Oh please don’t worry about me, it was just an act! I really called you here for something… important.

Logico is at a loss for words. He is so pissed right now. Slightly relieved that this wasn’t a ‘true murder’ (or a murder at all) but mostly pissed. He yanks a note out of Marble's hand and looks at it. It’s a spectacular map!

IRRATINO: Ohhhhh Logico, can you feel it? Another adventure is coming! LOGICO: Quiet.

Irratino quickly shuts up. Logico’s not being his usual grumpy self - he’s stuck in a state of genuine fear.

The end!

Ok it wasn't initially Marble obviously, but the 'math professor' wasn't given a name and Logico has no human friends because they're all AI so I changed it to Marble lmao

He is friends with the suspects whether he likes it or not!

The power of Goat Lord compels you!

See you next time murdlers!

[vinsmokewife]

misery / chapter one

Sequel to Who Is This Person Nine months after the catfishing incident and Sanji still can't catch a break. After a major arguement with Zoro on the night of his birthday, Zoro breaks it off entirely claiming to have found someone new. Sanji moves on and meets Charlotte Pudding, a popular food infulencer, whom he develops a superficial but pleasant relationship with. However, news gets around that Zoro goes missing and Sanji can't help but dig into what happened. read on ao3

authors note: Well shit. After my much-needed hiatus, I am back with a sequel to Who Is This Person? Sorry for the delay in this story, I tend to have a relationship with One Piece where I binge 200 episodes then don’t watch it for a year. A lot has happened recently. I had a mental breakdown, it was incredibly suicidal and I'm currently in recovery from that. The Counseller I'm seeing while I’m waiting for a diagnosis said I should go back to writing fanfiction (as my last happy period was when I started this account) I was also really into JJK for a while but I’m dwindling back into One Piece. Sorry, this is who I am XD Anyway, all that aside, I’m so excited to be working on this story again. I really enjoyed writing Who Is This Person so I’m here to give you all Misery.

The buzzing of his phone brought Sanji into alertness. He had been pulling an all nighter studying for his exams and only the incessant beeping of his mobile device could bring him out of it. He looked at the clock seeing that it was two in the afternoon. He had slept in quite significantly. 

A lot had happened since the so called ‘Zoey incident’. That was nearly a year ago now. Nine months exactly. In the aftermath, Sanji tried to move on with his life. He had a renewed sense of vigor about his ambitions and wanted to climb higher. Sanji had been nonstop pestering Zeff about being made a sous chef. See, he was fine with just being a regular chef, but he saw himself aiming a bit higher. Zeff...as always said no. The old man never directly said any of this, but he didn’t want Sanji to become tied down the Baratie. Again, Zeff never said this but always seemed to push Sanji to explore more options. He wanted him to aim higher than being here.  

Culinary School seemed like the next step which...had kept him busy. Enrolling had kept him busy. Classes, assignments and then the practical tests seemed to consume his time more than working at the Baratie ever had. He sometimes almost forgot about nine months ago. 

Almost 

It took Sanji a few moments to wake up fully as he sat up in his bedroom. He still lived in the same place. He looked out of the window from where he was sitting. He didn’t intend on leaving his room today. But once he felt ready to see the message, he grabbed his yawn and with a big yawn and a stretch, he was ready to open the message. It was from Luffy. It had been a few days since he had seen Luffy.  He hadn’t been working nights, so he didn’t even get to see Luffy that way. Every now and then, Luffy will send messages begging for Sanji to close so he can come and take the food he used to almost a year ago. 

L: SANJI 

L: ANSWER ME 

L: angryface angryface 

L: WHERE ARE YOU? 

And the rest of the messages were angry gifs and angry faces. Sanji watched them roll in. It seemed that Luffy had been trying to get a hold of him. It wasn’t long before Sanji replied. 

S: Sorry I was asleep. 

S: What do you want? 

L: LMAO were you sleeping during the day? 

S: Some of us are busy and work.  

L: I WORK 

S: Bothering Shanks at his job doesn’t count as work. 

L: > : ( 

S: Okay. What did you message me for? 

L: I need you at the Baratie! Tonight. 7. 

S: I’m not working at 7 just for you to get freebies. 

L: No no as like a not work thing? 

L: YOU DON’T NEED TO WORK. 

L Is what I’m tryingt o say 

L: *trying to say* 

L SANJI IT’S SO IMPORTANT PLEASE COME AT 7. 

Sanji frowned, rubbing his eyes of the sleep that was still there. What did Luffy have to message him about a surprise for. He didn’t respond just yet. He stretched his muscles feeling all the tension in his back from sitting at the desk all night. Then, he replied. 

S: Fine. I’ll be there. 

Sanji tossed his phone to the side and then stood up. He shook off the remnants of sleep. Seeing as his plans of lazing were finished, he decided to have a shower. Just a quick shower before getting stressed and going into the kitchen where he made himself a strong cup of coffee. As the coffee machine hummed and the smell of Arabic coffee roamed in the kitchen, his mind began to drift as it often did when he was alone. 

Zeff was right. He often was about these things. Going to school had broadened his horizons.  It challenged him on the way he thought about food. It had been good for him.  

However, his mind often went back to one person and no matter how much he tried to forget, he still thought about him.  

He made his cup of coffee and sat down at the table. 

Zoro. Even just thinking about him made his stomach turn. Zoro and he had been incredibly rocky recently. From the outside, it looked as if Sanji and Zoro got on a lot more than they used to. They hung out alone. They went out for dinner. They would go home and hook up then Zoro would leave. However, Sanji still held him at arm's length. Any attempt Zoro made at deepening their relationship was batted away. Sanji didn’t want to deepen their relationship. They were friends with benefits and nothing more.  

As much as he tried to, Sanji found it difficult to move past what happened. Nine months later. Sanji gripped his cup as resentment and confusion pinged inside of him. He took a long sip of his coffee as he felt brewed. As much as he tried to shake these thoughts, they always go back to the same thing. It bothered him – the fact that Zoro seemed to take up so much space in his mind.  Not even his exams took up this much space. The boundaries had been made clear; at least that was what Sanji told himself anyway. They were just friends with benefits. A little friendlier than before. A lot more complicated. The lines blurred in a way that Sanji couldn’t control. He hated it. Truely and utterly hated it. 

Nine months. Nine months really should have been enough time to move on. However, whenever he closed his eyes at night. All he saw was Zoro. 

With a frustrated sigh, Sanji put his cup on the table a little too forcefully, the clatter of porcelain and the glass table jarring him out of his thoughts. He needed to clear his head. Thinking about Zoro wasn’t helping. He had to figure out why Luffy was insistent on meeting up tonight but if he knew Luffy, it would be chaos which was very much a welcomed distraction. 

As the day went on, Sanji decided to push the thoughts away and not acknowledge them anymore. He instead focused on trying to play a guessing game about what Luffy is planning. He laid out an outfit, opting into going for something that is casual but put together. After all, this was his home turf, the Baratie, even if he wasn’t working tonight. Old habits die hard. 

As the day went on, the idea of Luffy planning a surprise took up his mind and he wasn’t thinking about Zoro anymore. It could be something endearing to outright disastrous, both ends of the spectrum Sanji had experienced time after another. By the time the evening rolled around, Sanji made his way down the stairs and there he was, standing in front of the restaurant. He pushed the doors open and noticed the quiet atmosphere. The evening rush had obviously not happened yet...which was weird for it being 7. He looked towards the kitchen and seen Zeff there, barking orders at the other chefs with his usual gruff demeanor.  

“Oi. Old man,” Sanji called out as he looked through into the kitchen. Zeff glanced up, a brief look of surprise but then went to his usual gruff nature. 

“Thought you were taking the night off, eggplant?”  

“I was. Luffy said I needed to come by 7,” Sanji said, leaning against the counter. 

“Oh. If it’s Luffy you are looking for, he’s around the corner,”  

Sanji nodded before continuing to go around that way. However, once he got around the corner, he was meant by thunderous yelling.  

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY” 

Oh yeah. It was his birthday today.  

He was so busy with school that he must have...forgot. No, he didn’t forget. Who forgot their birthday? No, he just wanted to wait until he was a little less busy to celebrate his birthday. So, up till this point, he didn’t make too much of a big deal about it. He didn’t know how this translated into him getting a surprise birthday. 

Sanji’s eyes scanned his friends. Nami, Usopp, Robin, Franky and of course, Luffy standing there. Luffy was grinning widely and bouncing with his usual excitement. A large cake decorated with bright icing. He recognized the cake; he had seen Zeff making it, but he had insisted it was an order for someone else. So, Zeff was also in on it. Huh. 

“Luffy...” Sanji looked away, trying not so subtly to mask his embarrassment. When he looked elsewhere, he was Zoro. He was drinking a beer, as always. The sight of him made Sanji’s heart do weird shit so he looked back at Luffy, “You know I didn’t want to celebrate until I finished my exams...” 

“Nonsense!” Luffy said, grabbing Sanji by the arm and pulling him towards his friends, “Everyone needs to celebrate their birthday properly,” 

Sanji was pulled over to the table by Luffy who was determined to make sure that Sanji enjoyed his birthday with his friends surrounding him. 

“You didn’t have to go all out,” 

“This isn’t all out.” Luffy waved off his concerns with an infectious laughter. 

Sanji couldn’t help but smile at Luffy’s infectious energy. He glanced at Zoro, still drinking beer pretending he was too cool for his birthday party.  

Luffy’s excitement was appreciated though. He took a seat between Robin and Usopp. The cake was nearby. He couldn’t help but appreciate the effort. 

“Still, you didn’t have to-” 

“It’s not all out,” Luffy insisted with a grin, his eyes sparkling with that usual excitement. “We wanted to do something nice for you. Nami and Zoro helped quite a bit,” 

Once again, his gaze went back to Zoro who was now avoiding his gaze. The mention of Zoro helping plan this seemed to catch Sanji off guard. He had to wonder how much Zoro contributed to the arrangement of this part. It made his chest feel rather tight which...was problematic to say the least. 

He could not. He could not let his emotions ruin the night. 

“I find it hard to believe that Zoro actually helped...” Sanji rolled his eyes, sitting back in his chair trying to give off an impression that he didn’t care, “It actually is thoughtful which makes me doubt it,” 

Zoro shot him a look, still nursing his bear as his scowl deepened, “Yeah, well, don’t get used to it,” He muttered, although looking closely there could have been something of the smallest hint of a small very small smile, something soft that almost felt like fondness. 

Even if Sanji tried to be indifferent, his mind felt like it was racing. Honestly, he didn’t know why but inside it felt like it pissed him off. These little, small meaningful gestures made it incredibly hard for Sanji to separate himself from Zoro. It made it easier to...forget about what happened. Sometimes, it felt like he could maybe ease up around Zoro. 

Maybe...just maybe. 

“Maybe next time, stick to what you are good at,” Sanji shook his head, “You know, heavy lifting and lack of direction,”  

In front of everyone, their banter felt normal. It felt like things had never changed. It felt as if they had just moved on from their lives. However, Sanji felt a weird edge right now. Tension with unresolved feelings between them as he tries to still be indifferent. 

Luffy, obviously oblivious to everything that was going on, laughed, “You two never change!” He said before grabbing another slice of cake. “But hey! At least the gang is here!” 

Breaking eye contact with Zoro, his attention was back on Luffy. Luffy was right. This was a nice gesture from all three of them. It would be a shame to have it ruined by his own racing mind. He looked at Zoro who avoided his eyes. 

“Yeah, you are right,” Sanji smiled, “I appreciate it...thank you,” 

The rest of the evening passed in a blur of laughter, jokes and the comfort of being surrounded by friends. What Sanji didn’t know was that Zeff had closed the whole restaurant so that they could focus on Sanji’s surprise party. Amazing food came out as well as drinks and desserts. Luffy definitely had his fair share of food and Zoro had his fair share of drinks. 

When desserts came out, Sanji excused himself and went outside. He needed to...collect his thoughts. He needed to think about things outside. When he was outside, he sat on the step of the door and lit up a cigarette. He was lost in his thoughts outside when the door opened. 

“Are you okay?”  

Thankfully, it wasn’t Zoro. It was Robin. Sanji exhaled a long plume of smoke. The orange glow of his cigarette lit up his face in the darkness. He didn’t immediately respond. He just let the silence speak for itself. Robin was...for better or worse, incredibly perceptive. She always had been. Sanji had heard that Robin had been...somewhat involved in the club that Zoro frequented...or used to.  

“Yeah,” He said, although he wasn’t sure if he believed that and his voice lacked the conviction for her to believe him too, “Just needed a breather...” 

Robin didn’t say anything immediately, but she did sit next to him. She allowed him another puff of his cigarette before speaking. 

“It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, Sanji,” She said, her voice understanding but cautious as she didn’t wish to overstep, “Especially on nights like this. Birthdays can be...a time of reflection,” 

Sanji took another drag as he watched the smoke curled into the night air, “I guess. I’m certainly in a reflective mood tonight,” 

Robin nodded as she watched the smoke dissipate into the night air, “It’s understandable,” She said as her tone was gentle, “A lot has happened recently. It’s only human to be affected by what happened,” 

Sanji shook his head with a very bitter chuckle, “I thought I moved on. I feel terrible... Luffy, Nami and... Zoro put a lot of effort into this and I... well, can’t help but think about things,” 

Robin decided to let him talk rather than inject her own thoughts as her hands rested on her lap, looking out into the air. Her presence felt...so warming that he couldn’t help but talking even more. 

“It’s like...you know, I tell myself that it doesn’t matter. I’m better off just focusing on my career and future but then,” Sanji gestured animatedly in the direction of the restaurant, “Zoro does something...stupidly kind... and I feel like those walls I’m trying to build up around him just...”  

He realizes how it sounds and retracts slightly. Robin didn’t need to know every single detail of what was going on. He retracts and takes another puff of smoke, feeling even more bitter than he had done. 

“It’s clear that Zoro has some sort of effect on you. It’s not easy to let events go...” Robin responded. 

Sanji frowned. It wasn’t what he wanted to hear. He wanted her to call him a jerk but then again, that wasn’t like Robin. Robin was...perspective.  

“Nine months. I’m still stuck,” 

Robin turned her head slightly, “Moving on isn’t a linear process. Sometimes, it’s two steps forward and one step back,” 

Sanji let out a sigh, running his hand through his hair. “But I don’t want to have these feelings. Zoro did the worst thing he could have done to be me ever and I can’t let it go. I just...want to let it go...” He clenched his fists, the frustration and bitterness simmering inside, “I hate him. I really really hate him but sometimes I don’t,” There was a beat of silence before Robin spoke up. 

“Then, you need to talk to him about it. Make those boundaries clear or forgive him. Either way, holding onto it and hoping that it will go away, will only hurt yourself,” 

His jaw tightened. He wanted to reject her advice and brush her off. He had gone for the past nine months without talking to him about it, but he knew that she was right. Holding onto this anger, this bitterness and it was bothering him. The truth was sinking in. Maybe it was time to decide. The thought made his stomach do funny things, but Robin was right; he couldn’t keep running from it forever. He had to face this head on. 

“Thank you, Robin,” His voice softer, more sincere than it had been before, “I’ll think about what you’ve said,” 

She gave a small nod before standing up. 

“One step at a time,”  

Sanji watched her get up and go back inside. Despite her being gone, her words echoed in his mind. He wasn’t sure what he was going to do now but for the first time in these past nine months, he felt like he had direction...he knew what he had to do. 

He took the final drag of his cigarette before stubbing it out. With a deep breath, he stood up and turned back towards the door. The night was still young. His journey was not yet over, and it was like Robin said... 

One step at a time. 

- 

The night went on for a couple more hours, nearly approaching midnight.  Everyone had a great time. The evening continued with laughter and conversation. Thankfully, Sanji’s mind felt more at ease as he joined the rest. Even if he had to decide what to do, it was enough peace to let him enjoy the rest of the night. As it approached a new day, the group's energy began to wane, and people began to leave. Robin and Franky, who were still a steadfast couple left together, Luffy and Usopp left with intentions of going back to Luffy’s and Nami left with the intention of spending the night with Vivi who she was still very much dating. As Sanji began to watch everyone leave, it left him alone...well...not exactly.  

Sanji was assured by Zeff that he would handle the mess in the morning which had Sanji having his last cigarette of the night outside. He looked towards the stairs leading up to his apartment. He was about to turn and leave when he heard someone else leave the restaurant. 

It was Zoro and they both looked at each other. Sanji continued to smoke, and Zoro watched him as if he wanted to say something, but didn’t so Sanji was the first one to speak. 

“Wanna come up stairs? It’s a long way home,”  

It was the nicest way of asking Zoro if he wanted to stay the night. Now that everyone else was gone, Sanji and Zoro could drop the acting.  

“Sure. I didn’t want to walk home anyway,” 

Sanji shook his head with a humorless laugh. His reply was gruff as usual but there was some warmth behind it. They stood there for a moment, the silence between them was thick with words they couldn’t say then.  It was tension that in the past nine months had become very familiar. It had begun to define their relationship...their very complicated relationship. 

Once he was ready, he stubbed out his cigarette as his mind reeled from the advice he had been given by Robin. It couldn’t be put off any longer. Sanji had to do something about what was on his mind.  

“Come on. Let’s go then,”  

Zoro followed Sanji without a word. The quiet footsteps on the stairs were the only sound as they made their way up to Sanji’s apartment. 

When they were inside, Sanji flickered on the light. There was a soft glow in a familiar space. Zoro looked around. He was unreadable. Maybe he could tell that change needed to happen too.  

Sanji busied himself to begin with. He kicked his shoes off, tidied up a few items and the like as if to avoid talking to him. As normal, Zoro helped himself to a beer from the fridge and sat on the sofa, watching Sanji clean up.  

“Are you okay?” 

Sanji stopped what he was doing and looked at Zoro strangely. Was it that obvious? 

“I’ve been in a reflective mood...” Sanji muttered, thinking about the conversation he had with Robin recently. 

“Yeah?” Zoro said but more to prod more of an answer as if wanting to know Sanji’s thoughts but all it did was bring hesitation to the blond who stopped what he was doing and sat on the chair across from the sofa, away from Zoro. The familiar tension felt strange. 

“Yeah...” Sanji’s voice was low as he leaned back in his chair. 

Zoro’s expression remained stoic but there was a flicker of something on his face, but it was unreadable. Sanji didn’t know whether Zoro was also feeling reflective or if he had no idea what he was talking about. Either way, Sanji leaned forward. 

“I keep telling myself that I hate you. I really do hate you. Yet, when you do things like what you did tonight with Nami and Luffy...” Sanji ran his hand through his hair, “It pisses me off because you do these kind decent little things and then I don’t know how I feel...” 

Zoro didn’t say anything. What could he say? They’ve been over this countless times. No matter how many times they ended up in each other's room or have these little meet ups, they still go around in circles talking about nine months ago. Neither of them was over it nor honestly, no one could be blamed. 

“I hate you for this. I really do...” 

Zoro looked directly at Sanji, “I don’t blame you,” 

Sanji’s breath caught. That was it. Zoro accepted it with bluntness, and it caught him off guard entirely. He had expected an argument, maybe a gruff retort but instead, Zoro accepted it. 

And that just annoyed him even more. It was suffocating and yet, this was the most honest that they had been with each other this whole time. 

“I don’t want to keep going around in these circles,” Sanji’s voice was strained, “But I don’t think I can move forward...the way that things are going,” 

“You think I haven’t tried? That I don’t want to try and move on?” Zoro responded, clutching his beer like an anchor, “Do you think I haven’t suffered from this too? I know nothing I can say will make you accept what’s going on...” 

“Then why do we keep doing this? Why help with the party? Why do you keep coming back to my place? Why?” 

There was a beat of silence. Sanji had clenched his fists so hard that specs of blood appeared on the palm of his hand, but it didn’t hurt. He had bigger fish to fry right now, and it was all about Zoro. 

And Zoro just continued to stare at him. He settled his beer down on the table and leaned forward, as if trying to close the distance between them, “Because...” He began, his voice lower and more measured than normal, “No matter how much we hate each other and no matter how much we hurt each other, I cannot stay away from you. You think I enjoy this? That I love how much of a mess we are?” 

And that felt like an honest admission from Zoro. Something that Sanji could not honor in return as he scowled, “Then why the hell are we doing this? If you can’t stay away and I can’t let it go, then what the hell are we doing here?” 

And there it was again. That silence showed that neither of them knew the answer. Those raw feelings just bubbled below the surface. 

“I don’t know,” Zoro sighed, “I don’t know okay,” His voice low and rough, “I don’t have the answer, but I wish I did but I don’t,” 

Sanji scowled and pinched the bridge of his nose, “I can’t keep doing this with you,” 

“You don’t have to,” Zoro said, standing up as if something finally snapped, “No one is forcing you to do this. Maybe we should stop seeing each other,” Sanji’s heart clenched at those words even though a part of him had been expecting this conclusion. He had thought about this countless times before, about what it meant if they did cut ties and moved on. Yet, hearing Zoro vocalize it, made it real. 

“Is that what you want?” Sanji didn’t stand up. He looked up at Zoro who looked as if he was about to leave, as if he’d had enough. 

Zoro hesitated but the tension in the room pushed him to talk about it, “You’ve made it clear. You can’t do this anymore. So, you don’t have to. I’m giving you an out,” 

Sanji took a deep breath as if trying to steady himself. Everything felt as if it was crumbling around him, and he was grasping to give himself some normality. But maybe it was too late. Maybe this was the new normal. Everything felt already broken.  A wave of emotions crashed around him as a mix of anger and sadness. Zoro’s words were logical and to the point. He was giving Sanji an out and that was logical, but it was a punch in the gut after everything they had been through.  

This was the exact moment he had feared and wanted. 

“You are giving me an out?” Sanji stood up, shaking his head in disbelief and frustration, “Like it’s that simple? Like walking away will finish all of this?” 

Zoro clenched his jaw, “Maybe it is that simple, Sanji. Maybe we are making it more difficult than it had to be,”  

It was the moment he had to decide. Sanji’s heart raced and for a moment, he just couldn’t find the words. What did he want? 

“I think you are right,” Sanji said. Maybe he was right. Maybe they needed to stop. “Maybe walking away will help,” 

Zoro nodded, his face unreadable but he looked towards the door and then back to him, “I agree. I will leave you alone then...” His words hung in the air, heavy and final. The silence that followed it was suffocating and filled with things that they didn’t even get a chance to say. Finally, there was an end to this unrelenting cycle. 

For a moment, time stopped. By the time that Sanji realized that time’s arrow marched forward, Zoro opened the door and was gone. The blonde stood there frozen. So that was it. Zoro had walked out of his life as if it was nothing. He had wanted this – to end this cycle but now that it had happened, Sanji felt hollow. He clenched his fists again, realizing the pain of cuts on his hand but it was nothing compared to the pain in his chesrt. Nine months. He’d put up with this for nine months and for what? What did he have to show for it? 

Instead of relief, he felt loss.  

He sat on the sofa, the exhaustion of the night caught up on him. He rubbed his face, noticing the wetness on his cheeks. 

One step at a time. 

But what was the next step? What did he do next? How did you move on now? 

Sanji leaned back on the sofa, reaching for his lighter and cigarettes. He lit one up and stared at the ceiling. He had made his choice, now he had to live with it. Maybe that’s how it was supposed to end.  

One step at a time.