#we're ALL living out that good place “we're really in it now” meme and it sucks

[marta-bee]

Today I'm feeling proud of Americans (myself included). We really are having an extraordinary amount of shit thrown at us these days. Not accepting this as okay or normal, still finding those small moments of joy, expecting better, loving and supporting each other? That's honestly pretty incredible just now.

[thecarnivorousmuffinmeta]

Now that there's an animated adaptation of Midnight Sun coming, and given the industry's recent track record (see: Minecraft Movie), what's the worst, bad faith, cash grab adaptation idea you can imagine? I figure if we inoculate ourselves then the reality won't suck so much.

My nightmare: Streaming has a long history of making shitty attempts at "adult animation", so we'll get an Edward who constantly cusses and does lewd jokes. It'll be like the HBO adult animated Velma (Scooby Doo) show where the writers' disdain for the characters fills every scene. The first episode will focus on how Carlisle helps plan a murder of some overly suspicious deputy so they can keep living in Forks.

Anyways, worst case theories? So we can feel better when it's not THAT bad? Or else use the apollo prophecy meme on your post a year or two from now.

My 'realistic' prediction

Twilight: The Edgy Animated Adult Series with Twelve Times More Drugs and Swearing

Oh man, yours is worse than mine. I mean this guessing the future business is a little silly in general, but I think that wouldn't happen as Twilight's not...

How do I put this?

Scooby Doo is a beloved, vintage, IP that's so well-known it's a part of American culture/Americana. It's in that weird place where it's acceptable to do edgy reboots of it because everyone already knows the premise of the Scooby gang, each individual character, the bad guys, and their mysteries.

You don't have to explain who any of the characters are supposed to be, so you get a "ah ha ha ha isn't it funny that Velma swears now?" because you know she's from a 1960's cartoon.

Twilight's not quite old enough for that and, at least in my opinion, not pervasive enough for that. It was a huge sensation, but was never as big as HP, and dominated only a subset of the YA audience (female-targeted YA romance). Ask a person off the street and the most they can probably, maybe, tell you is "sparkly vampires and Team Edward and Team Jacob". So, at best you get riffs like we saw when Twilight came out with the Simpsons and various other parodies where the parodies... really didn't know what to do with the characters or what it was even about. "Milhouse turns into a poodle, I guess? Is that funny? It's funny, right?"

Twilight just isn't old enough and as big as it was, I don't think was widespread enough.

So, I think we're going to get an earnest reboot.

But you do now have me concerned. And I may be eating my words later on this post and reblogging with a clown face.

Other Theories

Alright, let's see what we've got/what we can come up with:

Yours: HBO adult comedy horror fest

Mine: Boring, Snoozeville, Tame, Generically Arted Palatable Twilight that is Designed to Be as Appealing as Possible

Other options I can think of are...

Interview with a Vampirepalooza/Oh God I Don't Know What's Popular: given the recent success of Interview with a Vampire, an edgier adult story with adult characters, Netflix will look to make Twilight their exact own version of that. Except they won't understand what made it work there. We sexy it up but in a CW way, the kids are all still in high school but the fact that the Cullens are fucking each other is brought up relentlessly in an edgy way. The vampires all look hot, hot, hot but in a normal human way where you're not terrified they're some crystal robot out to eat your limbs. We'll keep some of the artsy weird dialogue, but Edward will be both somehow made more sympathetic (as he is the lead we end up with) and 'dark' where he's dangerous in a sexy way and not in a "you smell like my personal heroin way".

The Buffy Route: remember that one teen show from the 90's that was so good it spun off an entire genre of television that essentially hadn't existed before? Twilight becomes a fun teen oriented show where the characters say witty, fun, teenage-like things and get into episodic mysteries while somehow trying to remain in the realm of Twilight. Edward loses his edge, Bella loses her unrelatable nature, and we really play up every time a character has a funny line and write a lot more in there. Unfortunately, it's not a well written teen comedy show and so the lines are just generally bad and the plot never seems to go anywhere and it's just boring.

Hannibal the Twilight: some really artsy director gets involved and we now have a show where the symbolism of Edward walking around as a man-deer takes over the entire fucking thing. Nothing ever happens, Edward just shows up in Bella's dreams as a snarling man deer. When characters talk to each other, it's in artsy nonsense dialogue where it feels like both are reading 2000's era chatbot scripts to one another as they mix metaphors about ponies, china pottery, and dust motes. The plot is so non-existant the only important episodes to watch in a season are the premier and finale, except even then it's unclear what happened.

Audience Input

Anyone else got any wild guesses here?

[blackdagger456]

Let's Talk About: MHA 430, How This Fandom Can't Read, How Leaks Ruin Chapters And While Imperfect This Finale Was A Good Sendoff

So, here we are.

Ten years. Ten years and 430 chapters we've been with My Hero Academia. Ten long years of excitement, fandom interactions and so many fics I won't bother to count saved, subscribed and bookmarked.

It's strange really. To be apart of this fandom for so long...and find out that so many still can't read.

Like holy cheeseburgers Batman, so many of my fellow MHA readers/fans can't read it's astonishing.

So, for what'll be the last time for this series, let's go over the latest chapter of MHA and allow me to inform you of what it means. Or at least, that was the plan before the leaks came out. Just with the added addition of going over how people have reacted to chapter 430 before it was even officially out, and we're going to start with the first stone that began toppling Dominos.

[Official Spoilers Below]

This. Oh god, this sentence has been nothing but a headache for me and so many others. Because of the leaks ,and subsequent mistranslations, being taken as fact the reaction to the finale started out as shit. This entire week leading up to today has been frustrating for me and many others as we tried to explain what should be obvious.

Firstly, none of this is coming from any official translation. What people were seeing before today were things fans and unlicensed translators are spreading around as if it's fact. This does NOT mean that they are correct and therefore these translations shouldn't be treated as such.

Secondly, in no way shape or form does Izuku imply or state that his friends abandoned him after he lost his powers. All he said, was that it was a bit more difficult to meet up regularly. Something that makes sense not only because they were working in different fields but also because work in general is like that.

It can be hard to meet up with the boys n girls for hang outs but that doesn't mean you don't talk. That doesn't mean you don’t call or text or keep in touch. Something which is easier to do when you've fought and lived through an entire war together!

His friends didn't abandon him. They didn't stop caring about him because he became powerless. Hell, the ending of the chapter proves this wrong if nothing else!

Now, is it a shame the ships didn't get officially confirmed? Yes. But I think the implications are more than enough to satisfy. Even if they aren't, there's no reason not have fun with things being open ended. It opens the door to so many fun possibilities OUTSIDE of this whole NTR trend people are trying to start. [Thankfully that's a small part of the fandom]

But moving on, lets go into what he's been doing since becoming OFA.

In what way shape or form does him becoming a teacher make him 'fall off'/make the Mc Donald’s meme become a reality?

 First off why are we hating on the man for enjoying his life without conflict after saving the world? We doing my boy like Gohan now? If he wants to retire to a teaching role, one he very clearly enjoys, let him. What do people think they can take him? Ya'll forgetting exactly what he had to do BEFORE he was able to get OFA in the first place. Izuku is still physically stronger than most normal people both in MHA and in reality.

But, I'm getting off topic. The point is Izuku has and continues to be an inspiration to those that will follow after him. Even to the point of mirroring his starting point with All Might when he inspires yet another young kid to become a hero.

Is he a bit sad he isn't an official hero? Yes. Is he frustrated or unhappy with where he is in life? No. Not at all. He's content. His goal was never to be the No.1 Hero it was to be like ALL MIGHT. To inspire and protect people like his mentor had.

He's done just that and for it---for it he's rewarded.

His kindness, his determination and his faith in those around him comes back to him in the best way for it was those people he spread said traits too that spent those eight years putting together the thing that would bring his dream back to him.

That would bring HIM back to standing by their side on the field of battle. For Izuku Midoriya never truly stopped standing by his friends. For they too had become their own inspirations to Japan and the world. But now, finally, their friend...their inspiration...their Deku could lead them on the frontlines once more.

They, and he, couldn't ask for anything less.

[last-starfighter]

plural playlist? plural playlist

ive been makin a playlist thats all "songs that make me think about bein plural/have plural vibes/are about trauma and systems/whatever" for a hot second. im not 100% happy with it but yknow i think we all need a distraction rn so.

have like 3 hours of ✨songs to split yr personality to✨ /s

if u vibe with this u can reblog it. this aint just for did systems or endo systems or trauma systems or whatever its for anyone who wants it.

content warnings: self-destructive vibes/suicidal ideation, drugs/alcohol, unreality, amnesia, bad choices, bad headmate relationships, breakups, fuckin kpop for some reason

tracklist + explanations under the cut

hive mind - tmbg i think this one speaks for itself

birdhouse in yr soul- tmbg listen this one has fucked up headmate to host vibes tell me im wrong. im yr only friend/im not actually yr friend/make a place in yr soul for me.

voices in my head- naked eyes pure goddamn 80s cheese but the lyrics are on point

simple and clean- utada hikaru raise yr hand if yr a sora fictive, have a sora fictive in yr system, or were personally victimized by the end of kingdom hearts 2. yeah thought so.

my truth's a lie- psylosia i think this ones supposed to be about schizophrenia but tbh it works.

where is my mind? - the pixies ik its a cliche but you cant really have a crazy playlist without it.

paranoid android- radiohead again. ik its a cliche but here we are. it fuckin works. like half of radioheads back catalog does

blow up your mind- the cramps ok i know this is mostly here cause i wanted more punk shit but it works for how i feel about this shit? idk

my own worst enemy - lit tfw you have that One Guy who keeps makin the WORST DECISIONS (its me im the guy)

the becoming- nine inch nails the me that you know/he doesnt come round much/that part of me/isnt here anymore. WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO FUCKIN SAY.

i'm not there - sonic youth ok this is mostly there for the title and for the good distorted guitar but fuck me i like noise rock

never let me down again- depeche mode ik what this song is rly about but. sometimes you just gotta let the other guy take the wheel.

carousel - tempting fate thx @eklesia-system for this one- it has THE VIBES

disintegration - the cure and now that you know that im breakin to pieces/ill put out my heart and ill feed it to anyone/crying for sympathy crocodiles cry/for the love of the crowd and the three cheers for everyone

otherside- red hot chili peppers this ones for all the fictives out there who want to blow up their lives.

bodies (ghosts) - 1000 eyes can you believe we aint never played signalis? it has the vibes tho.

myth- delerium thx @endogenesis-evangelion for this one. its on fuckin point.

voices in my head- steve aoki/bassjackers/teddy bee can you tell part of this was just searchin spotify for 'voices in my head' lol. i think it has the vibes but ymmv

my favorite stranger - depeche mode can you tell host really fuckin likes depeche mode. lmao. ht to @the-masked-bandits-system for this one tho

voices inside my head- the police again do i really need to say anything

the passenger- siouxie and the banshees this is for all of us who sit and watch while other people do shit

the projectionist- thoushaltnot another @endogenesis-evangelion banger. thx forte

disconnection notice - sonic youth the narrator may not be plural but hes profoundly alienated from everyone and everything and thats close enough /meme

clones (we're all) - smashing pumpkins can you believe that there aint anything from siamese dream that fits on here. that title is ~pluralcore~ af. but nooooo

personality crisis - new york dolls is this a new guy or am i going crazy??? who knows???

imaginary friends - splitsville i hate the 'i' word as much as the next headmate but the song is good so.

who do you want to be - oingo boingo listen i know this is about 80s tv pop culture but like. ~source separation~ vibes. who do you wanna be today?

am i awake - they might be giants ik ik ik ik. tmbg is lemon demon for 80s/90s kids. but this has the dissociative vibes

voices in my head - falling in reverse what can i say about this one other than that its got the content warnings and its catchy.

birthright - celldweller thx @eklesia-system for this one - i think i got a new fave band from yr recs cause this fucks

lucretia my reflection - sisters of mercy lucretia / my reflection / dance the ghost with me

personal jesus- depeche mode feelin unknown n yr all alone/flesh and bone by the telephone/lift up the reciever ill make u a believer

voices in my head - vicetone + chelsea collins anxiety, wanting yr fuckass headmate to fuckin shut the fuck up

voices in my head - dj univxrsel another one from the spotify mines

imaginary friends - deadmau5 we needed more good fuckin crunchy edm on here. im tryin to get more into edm so if u got recs hmu. also fuck the title but this slaps

voices in my head (they said) - jack harris instead, instead of panicking again/ i'm making friends with the voices in my head

mad world - tears for fears i know this songs kind of a meme but the lyrics man. if you got hte trauma and u dont listen to tears for fears yr missin out on a band that gets it

whistling in the dark - they might be giants theres only one thing that i know how to do well/and ive often been told that you only can do what you know how to do well/and thats be you/be what yr like/be like yrself

over my head - lit overwhelm is a v system feel for us ig? ok ill own it this is mostly here to lift up the mood at the end.

imaginary friend (english version) - itzy ok this song is the whole reason this playlist exists. hosts partner is real into kpop and was listenin to this and we started laughin about how big the system mood is with this one and how"LYRICS GUY YR EXPERIENCES ARENT UNIVERSAL." it made me wanna see how many songs i could find about the system experience tho. i dont like kpop. at all. but this one speaks 2 me.

@endogenesis-evangelion @lizardywizard @furyfuzz @eklesia-system @thegmsys @the-masked-bandits-system all either wanted to see this playlist or recced songs to put on it. i didnt get to everyones songs so if u want urs on here- well ill see if i can cram it in somewhere lol

[blushblushbear]

Can you do general Scale headcanons pls?

if Batman existed in his universe, he would probably be a Robin

is actually a tea guy, but he's not snobby about it

had a very weird childhood

was adopted into an assassin order at a young age and never looked back

lived in different parts of Asia for a while

really likes the life he ended up in, but he does sometimes wish he could've just been a regular guy

is actually working towards being just a regular person who does regular things (like bowling)

this is not fully because of you but he'd be lying if he said meeting you didn't give him a new lease on life

he kinda wants to start a new chapter of it all ya know??

a chapter specifically with you in it

likes floral and herbal flavors

is 50/50 on mint though

has a high tolerance for spice that he trained to have

also a high tolerance for poisons but same thing

can speak a little bit of a few other languages, but he's not fully fluent in them

doesn't actually watch a lot of anime, but is very interested in doing so if you're down

doesn't own too many clothes that are not either assassin uniforms or disguises

he's not gonna ask you to take him shopping for new clothes, but if you offered...

this is totally a big huge secret that is not a secret at all but he's kinda wrapped around your finger

has insecurities about his masculinity

(I'm not saying trans, but I am heavily implying it and would be down if it was ever made canon)

knew magic existed before meeting you but had never experienced it first hand

misses being a dragon sometimes

loves eating fruits and veggies as a snack

(this is gonna age me greatly, BUT DO Y'ALL REMEMBER OG Japanese Iron Chef where the chairman would take a bite of a raw bell pepper in the intro??? yeah, that's Scale unironically)

ya know what, fuck it, he watched og iron chef

I feel like Japanese, Chinese, and Spanish are the main 3 languages he's the most comfortable with (also a little bit of french but his pronunciation is ASS)

was a vegetarian briefly as a teen

still trying to figure out who he is past his assassin identity/persona

always trying to push himself to be better in some aspect of himself-- usually in the past it was physical and mental, but now he's also leaning more towards mental/emotional

he tries to always find peace within himself

mostly cause he was the only constant throughout his life

also danger

but also in his line of work you can't trust anyone (not even yourself lol meme)

hasn't listened to a lot of music, but the main things he knows are classical/traditional music and pop

is not a kpop stan, but he does love him some kpop

also jrock but like--- old school jrock

early 2000's jrock

also oldies pop (looking at your Brittney, we're old now... *sigh* hit me baby one more time...)

has gotten drunk before, but only to test his limits

he thinks he's a very smooth drunk

he is not

alcohol is actually the one thing he doesn't have a high tolerance for

but he genuinely thinks that he does

(not that he gets a lot of times he can show it-- you 19 y/o CHILD)

is really really into cuddling and being held actually

also really into just chill lazy days at home with you

just chilling together in pjs, sharing a blanket, catching up on shows, ordering Chinese--- good stuff

kind of wants a cat or dog, but semi-retried assassins can't afford just an adorable target (see: John Wick)

does want to retire someday

also maybe wants kids

he's not sure yet

about a lot of things actually

he's a pretty dangerous guy living a pretty dangerous life and just cause he quits it doesn't mean it quits him ya know???

he will 10000000000% go John Wick or Liam Neeson on someone's ass if they mess with his family, but he'd prefer his loved ones not be in danger in the first place

btw you're the first person he's truly gotten close to who was not also a fellow assassin

also he totally considers you family by this point

only knows a handful of memes, but is actually very memely minded

has only scene the first star wars movies, has not seen the prequels, but if he did, he'd love them

actually does play video games a bit but is not always up to date with what's the newest thing in the gaming world (he's a busy guy, but also hand helds can travel well so)

actually still gets butterflies and heart flutters when you kiss him

likes to try and charm you/make you swoon and honestly I can't ever see that stopping

he WILL get taller, but only a little

can last 2 or 3 full days without food water or sleep (though he's a total and utter mess by the end of it and needs a day to recoup)

has tried to read Jane Austen at least 5 different times but can't get past how they talk...

has a lot of pictures of you, some of which he took without you knowing

you are his phone bg and he looks at pictures of you often whenever he hasn't seen you in a while (and a while can be from a full day to a few hours)

is worried he's putting you in danger...

if anything ever happened to you cause of him he'd probably have a full on melt down

gets vaguely annoyed every now and then, gets well and truly angry almost NEVER

is actually very chill

also very blunt sometimes-- dude is mostly a realist honestly (crazy cape and daggers not withstanding)

owns SO MANY knives, daggers and swords

some of which are cursed!

has given you daggers/knives/swords/etc as a gift

low key is thinking of proposing with one, but he'll cross that bridge when he gets to it

loves a good fantasy novel

travels A LOT, and is actually really good on a plane

somehow manages to always have his phone charged

has taken on fewer assassin jobs lately, mostly cause he's preoccupied with you <3

wants to go on every cliche date with you under the sun

ice cream, movies, dinner, bowling, skating, ice skating, moonlit walks on the beach, trips to wild new places, dancing, flirty sword fights

has imagined many a romantasy scenario with you and himself-- enemies to lovers, bodyguard and royalty, rival assassins, target and assassin who falls in love with the target-- wait that last one is just real life

doesn't always tell you that he loves you, but does it more than you'd think and when he does he makes sure you know he means it

has threatened someone over you (say another word and you'll end up swallowing a knife, asshole)

looping back to the cat, will probably end up adopting a random street cat that he picked up on one of his missions cause it was small and alone and it's big eyes reminded him of you and he just couldn't leave it all by itself out there in the big scary world-- no, it had to come home to meet you

[goodvibesandmemes]

MOVIE MEMES: “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” (1971) 🍬🍫🤸🏽‍♂️ ↳ Please feel free to tweak them etc.

Themes: fantasy, quirkiness, chocolate, sweets/candy,, whimsy, poetry (some lines are actually from poems quoted by the movie)

“A little nonsense, now and then, is relished by the wisest men.” “What would a computer do with a lifetime's supply of chocolate?” “Oh, you should never, never, doubt what nobody is sure about.” “She was a bad egg.” “If the good lord intended us to walk, he never would’ve invented roller skates.” “The suspense is terrible, I hope it will last.” “Stop. Don't. Come back.” “There’s no earthly way of knowing which direction we are going.” “I am now telling the computer exactly what it can do with a lifetime's supply of chocolate.” “It happens every time, they all become blueberries.” “Impossible, my dear lady! That’s absurd! Unthinkable!” “Time is a precious thing. Never waste it.” “Why? Are you having fun?” “So much time and so little to do. Wait a minute. Strike that. Reverse it.” “We are the music makers; we are the dreamers of dreams.” “Is it raining, is it snowing, is a hurricane a'blowing?” “Candy is dandy, but liquor is quicker.” “Don't just stand there, do something!” “Gives it a little kick.” “You're an inhuman monster!” “You will live in happiness too.” “All I ask is a tall ship and a star to sail her by. All aboard, everybody.” “The danger must be growing.” “Can it, you nit!” “I think I can safely say your time and money have been well spent.” “Up the airy mountain, across the rushy glen, de daren't go a-hunting, for fear of little men” (as in the little/wee folk/fairies) “They have a good sporting chance, haven't they?” “There is no life I know to compare with pure imagination.” “You're a crook. You're a cheat and a swindler! That's what you are!” “Little surprises around every corner, but nothing dangerous.” “I'll get you one before the day is out.” “I won't tell, that would be cheating.” “I know how anxious you've all been these last few days...” “Delighted to meet you, sir. Overjoyed, enraptured, entranced.” “Spitting's a dirty habit.” “I think it's the most wonderful place in the whole world!” “So shines a good deed in a weary world.” “You get nothing! You lose! Good day, sir!” “Goodbye, [name]. Adieu. Aufwiedersehen. Gesundheit. Farewell..” “It's all there, black and white, clear as crystal!” “No, no, don't speak. For some moments in life, there are no words.” “The strawberries taste like strawberries.” “We're about to witness the greatest miracle of the machine age.” “Now, don't get excited. Don't lose your head, [name]. We don't want anybody to lose that.” “They won't really be burned in the furnace, will they?” “I’m sorry, but all questions must be submitted in writing.” “Don't forget what happened to the man who suddenly got everything he always wanted.” “If you want to view paradise, simply look around and view it.” “What is this, [name]? Some kind of funhouse?” “He can't swim.” “Want to change the world? There’s nothing to it.”

[moonlit-ivy-writes]

VALENTINE

I love the light in your eyes and the dark in your heart
You love our permanent chase and the bite of our bark
We know we're classic together like Egyptian gold
We love us

“I’m sorry baby I’m not going to be there...” Jeans voice was soft through the phone, he always delivers bad news in a whisper…

“What do you mean? You’re not coming up for the week? What-what about Valentine’s Day?” You were in shock that your boyfriend wasn’t going to be able to take a break from work for a holiday with you, he’s been gone for nearly 6 months.

“I know- I know it sucks, but I should be able to get free time the following week, or- uh, no maybe sometime in March. Sweet heart I’m really sorry but I have to go now. I’ll call you when I get home okay? I love you.” He hung up the phone before you could even say it back.

You fell into your bed and screamed your frustration into your pillow.

Bzzbzzbzz

A bunch of texts spamming your phone made you look up for a minute, expecting to see texts from your boyfriend. Instead, they were just a bunch of memes from Eren.

You sent back a frowny emoji, watching him type for a while and the bubble disappeared. Eren decided to FaceTime you instead.

“Wow, what happened to you,” he must of been referring to the black streak marks of mascara smudged down your cheeks. You rub your face, trying to remove the black gunk. “What’s wrong?”

“Jeanie isn’t visiting this week and I was looking forward to spending my first Valentine’s Day with a boyfriend.” You sighed.

Eren rolled his eyes, he never cared for your boyfriend. Always thought he was stuck up, and bragged about his job too much. “Well don’t worry about it YN, If you want we can rent that slasher fic Mikasa recommended and I could possibly get Armin too…”

You sighed dramatically, “I know it’s cliche, but i was looking forward to roses and chocolates.” Even though a night surrounded by your best friends does sound comforting.

“Well, no movie then, I’ll take you out.” You looked to stunned to speak so he reiterated as “just friends” but it cut a bit inside to say that out loud. Eren has always liked you, and has done a pretty good job at hiding his feelings. Although he did kiss you once at a party, the next morning you didn’t even remember. “Cheer up, i dont like it when your sad.” He gave you a cheeky grin and hung up the call.

+++

Fresh out of a hot shower you paced your bedroom in your underwear, what do you wear on a valentines date with your best friend. You looked at the dress you had saved for Jean, no way, you thought. Opting for a typical outfit of yours instead.

“Hey i let myself in if you...what are you wearing.” Eren stood in the door. He was all dressed up.

You turned around from your vanity, your hair still wet. Framing pieces stuck to the side of your face, shit… is he early or are you running late. Eren stepped forward, raising his hand and tucking your hair behind your ear. A small tingle sparked in your stomach, but you were probably just hungry. “What? Is this not nice?” You pouted a bit kinda hurt from the reaction he had.

“I said i was taking you out out, were not going to the library...” He eyed you up and down, before spotting the dress hanging on your closet door behind you. “What’s that?” He pointed.

“Oh, that’s what I was going to wear...”

“Put it on, I’ll wait for you in the living room�� oh and hurry Ive got an eventful afternoon planned.” He left your room before you could even fight him on wearing the dress. You stared at it for a few minutes and shrugged to yourself. Someone might as well see you in this. After rushing through getting ready you snapped a pic, contemplating even sending it to Jean, why did you suddenly feel a bit guilty…

+++

Eren waited impatiently outside your bedroom, he had brought flowers for you, and decided to place them in a vase on your kitchen counter. He nervously arranged the roses. Fidgeting with the tiny baby’s breath that accented the bouquet.

“Oh Eren those are beautiful, you didnt have to-“ you startled him a bit and you held back a laugh.

His cheeks heated up once he caught sight of your dress, discreetly, he scanned over your outfit, starting from the black paten leather heals with a cute dainty strap at the ankle. Cautiously gazing up your beautiful bare legs, to mid thigh where this cruel red satin dress ended. Quickly he focused onto your face, hoping you didn’t catch him gawking.

Your make up was subtle, though the red lip was nothing but. He noticed the black choker on your neck, and lost his breath. He looked for words to describe how beautiful, no, gorgeous, no stunning. “You look-“ he starred at you, “wow..” he shook his head, embarrassing himself. You just giggled and stuck your nose into the roses. A little note laid in between some petals.

To my valentine with love.

Eren.

By now all of your dejection about your boyfriend not being here was gone, you were far too excited to see what Eren had in store for you.

Sitting in his passenger seat, you let him take you wherever he had planned. Turns out the plan was the beach. You two strolled down the dock. Other couples were out having fun, playing fair games and sharing funnel cakes. Seeing couples enjoying each other made you remember you weren’t here with Jean… You looked over at Eren who must have just noticed the disappointment on your face. Shoving cotton candy into your mouth as an attempt to keep those pesky boyfriend thoughts from filling your head and ruining his scheme. His true intentions… showing you how you should be treated, and being here for you when that stupid prick wouldn’t even bother to. “Come on YN,” he grabbed your hand and led you to the best date of your life.

+++

Watching the people on the beach at the top of the ferris wheel you held on tightly to the stuffed octopus Eren had won for you earlier in the evening. You leaned your head on his shoulder, and smiled to yourself,“I’m having fun Eren, thank you.” Your hand fell to your side, and softly grazed against his. You two hold hands all of the time, but for some reason, the slightest touch made you get goosebumps. You pulled your hand away and shyly held the plushy up to your face.

“Hey anything for you YN, I love you.” Eren says he loves you from time to time,but this time ….hearing it made your heart jump. “Are you hungry? I’d hate to end your fun but our reservation is in an hour, we should get going after this.”

“Reservation? I thought we’d just have chili dogs at the stand down there,” He laughed like you said a joke, you just stared at him dazed and confused.

“Don’t look so dumbfounded,” He pinched your cheek, “the dates not over, I’m gonna take you somewhere nice.”

Date…

Of course it was a “date” but when you accepted Eren’s invitation initially you didn’t completely view it as a romantic word, more so a platonic date… but now… things are starting to feel a bit too … complicated. You left the beach full of thoughts and feelings swirling through your head.

+++

“Eren!?” You gasped, pulling up to the valet of one of the finest restaurants in your city. “Eren we can’t eat here…”

“Why not, you think I don’t have the money?” he teased you and you tried to combat his reasonings, but just like the beginning of the day he was gone before you could argue with him. Dropping his keys into the hand of a stranger and walking over to your side, opening the door for you. His chivalrous behavior made you question who you really were on a date with today. This is a side of Eren you had never seen before and you were starting to fall for it.

A hostess guided the both of you to a table that was tucked behind a privacy wall and with full view of the city scape. With a now setting sun disappearing behind buildings. You glanced at Eren who wasn’t even enjoying this outstanding view with you. He eyes caught yours and a heat radiated through your chest. Fluttering butterflies in your stomach conveniently covered the vacant feeling of guilt that sat in your belly. No, you’re just hungry… yeah that’s it.

Jean not even crossing your mind once, the two of you laughed together about old memories over steak and wine. You immersed yourself in his charm, even if you were constantly catching yourself from falling for your best friend. He’s was just being a good friend, you thought. Don’t over think things.

“Would you care for dessert this evening?”

“Yes-“

“No,” Eren cut you off and you gave him a death glare. “I have something else planned for dessert, thank you for the great meal.” Watching him use his natural charm on the waitress brought you back to reality. He was just being nice and comforting his pathetic friend. The guilt was back on, how could you even entertain whatever silly fantasy you had convinced yourself was happening. This date was definitely all in your head.

+++

Eren saved a favorite of yours for last. Fro yo.

You two would meet up here every Saturday to gossip and complain about each others lives. Well not so much anymore, since you started seeing Jean. Eren stood inline to get you your favorite flavor as you waited in a corner booth for him, checking the notifications on your phone. To your surprise you had no notifs from Jean. A bitter taste not even fro yo could recover coated your mouth. Not even a ‘Happy Vday’ text. Did he seriously forget?

“Remember when that old lady slipped and fell and she spilled her cherry berry all over herself.” Eren came back with yogurt in hand. Tears stung your waterline. Almost dropping the cups, he quickly sat next to you.

“What’s wrong YN?”

“I just realized I’m having the best date of my life and it’s not even with my own boyfriend,” you let out a genuine chuckle. Laughing at your own pathetic relationship.

“You have such an ugly laugh,” Eren sucked on his spoon.

“No i dont, shut up,” you playfully pushed his shoulder, but he moved closer to you.

“I mean it, its cute.” He took a spoon full of pink delicious yogurt and pressed it to your nose, leaving melted fro yo on the tip. You scrunched your face up, and tried to wipe it into his shoulder.

“Hey! Hey! This is my nicest jacket you’re gonna ruin it” He pulled back, but you refused to let him get away with his crimes. Playfully pushing him but in his haste to get away from you, he lost balance. Grabbing onto your arm for support he managed to pull you closer to him. Your nose, still pink, now centimeters from his face. Eren spontaneously licked the yogurt off of your face.

Time froze colder than the freaking yogurt. It felt like you were buffering a response. You honestly didn’t know how to respond to that, verbally…but your body decided to respond for you.

Closing the gap between you quickly and kissing him. You didnt know what overcame your morality in that moment but it felt good. Your heart now beating out of your chest.

“Uh-Er,” you tried to make any excuse as to why you kissed him, but sadly couldn’t come up with anything other than. “Sorry-“

“Don’t be sorry, YN,” his hand firmly gripped your waist and pulled you back in to kiss you again.

+++

You zone out one hand on the doorknob the other holding your house key. “Is it weird that I feel weird about inviting you inside.” You laughed. “You practically live at my house.”

“You know i think this time, it’s just different,” his words not matching the intense feeling that flooded into your core. “I don’t have to come in, I had a really good time YN, I-“ he caught himself before he said anything. Not wanting to say it and then have you regret everything in the morning, just to get hurt. Nothing would hurt more than that. So he chose not to say it.

“I love you Eren,” shocked by what you so effortlessly said, you examined his reaction. Trying not to misinterpret his expression. His face lit up, as if he had never heard you say it before, not like this, this time he knew you felt it the way he did.

It don't matter, be combative or be sweet cherry pie
It don't matter just as long as I get all you tonight

At that moment, Eren took a risk, kissing you this time with a hint of lust. Patiently, he waited for your cue deepening the kiss and slightly moaning in his mouth. That was it. He knew he had you. His efforts of today paying off by the sweet aftertaste of fro yo on your lips.

You blindly unlock your front door, Eren hungrily placing kisses over your neck and shoulder. You led him back into your living room, kicking off your heals while still managing to tug and pull his bottom lip in between your teeth. Guiding him all the way to your bedroom. Where this date originated from just hours ago.

So deep, your DNA's being messed with my touch
Can’t beat us
So real, fueling the fire until we combust
Can’t touch us

Eren fell to his knees the moment your dress slipped off your body and onto the floor, he peppered kisses up your thigh, worshipping your body. Chills fell down your spine as the warmth of his breath closed in on your inner thighs. He dug his face in your sex, pulling the lace fabric that was in his way to the side. Kissing softly at your exposed skin. His fingers snuck behind you, feeling your curves, before hooking and pulling off your panties entirely. He looked up at you, grinning, before diving back into your flesh. Kissing and sucking gently on your skin.

His tongue dipped between your folds, his fingers moved from your thighs, now spreading you further open for him to devour your pussy. You gasped and moaned, finding balance with a fist full of his hair, making it a disheveled mess. You found yourself grinding instinctively on his tongue, chasing the growing pleasure in your core. Fuck.

The guilt that you let take a backseat behind your lust made the high of your orgasm sinfully better.

You watch him lick you up, through fluttering lashes. You’re now coming fully undone for him. Eren smiles, growing cocky. If he can get you coming just with his tongue, he can have you screaming for him at the end of the night. He stood up ,“You taste fucking amazing YN,” Ushering you to the bed, you laid back putting on a beautiful display for him, spreading your legs proudly. Inviting him back in, he leaned down devouring you once more. Sucking gently on the bundle of sensitive nerves earning sounds of praise from you.

He took care of your pussy so well, being mindful of what you liked and didn’t. Paying attention to your moans, you got louder and more breathy when his tongue dipped inside your entrance. You found yourself coming again for him, singing his name instead of Jeans. A newfound guilty pleasure erupted from your core along with a flow of juices. You gasped never have experienced a climax like this before. Eren relished in your wetness, soaking in your arousal.

“Can you do that again for me Valentine?” He sounded so eager, it made your knees weak. Blush painted your cheeks, he was quick to pull you back into his mouth. Fleeting feelings of embarrassment and guilt floated away. Your body listening to his pleas, unraveling waves of pleasure onto his tongue again and again.

Valentine

Part two mayhaps, It’s bedtime - Ivy

[choster33]

Bridgerton S3 episode 3 reaction

So this is my reaction to Episode 3 of Bridgerton Season 3. I am doing this slowly so I don't burn myself out and can digest each episode. So far I am loving the show and know it's just going to get more juicy, so here goes. Spoilers ahead but most of y'all have seen it already.

Wow, they're starting on a sexy dream and it's super hot! I knew Colin was hooked from last episode's kiss and he is! He is thinking about Penelope and the kiss, we're going to get a lot of lovesick Colin and I am here for it!

Ok, so now with the family we are getting awkward trying to deny it but failing miserably Colin which is hilarious! He's such a cinnamon roll he won't be able to hide this for too much longer. He may have slept with some ladies, but he is no true rake or hider of his feelings.

Awww, we're getting a bit Peneloise! Love them as besties, and so so hope this means there is going to be a thaw and a path back to friendship. I think I would be somewhat upset as Eloise due to Penelope's lies and continuing as Lady Whistledown even if it hurts people even herself. But I get Penelope too in that LW offers her money, power, and a voice. It has become a part of who she is and she enjoys it. Perhaps if LW were to be revealed or gotten rid of, the two will be friends again.

The ton is full of bitches, geez what was Pen's crime? Being a bit pathetic? She doesn't fit the mold due to size and being a wallflower and they are so mean to her about it. Granted LW just labeled her as pathetic as well and they take cues from LW, but this was happening even before LW said anything. I'm going to live for her becoming Mrs. Colin Bridgerton and having a rising star as an in your face to all the haters!

Ok, the willow scene is everything I wanted it to be! It's gorgeous and the awkward Pen and Colin! They are friends and want to make sure that the other is happy. Even in lust, Colin doesn't push his way into Penelope's life or arms again and listens to her. So cute!

Aw, I ship Colin and Penelope, but I really like Lord Debling. I think that to spice up the drama they couldn't have put someone uninteresting in that place, they had to make him a viable suitor for Penelope and it's working for me. He's adorable and charming, Not endgame obviously but good for you Penelope! Flirt away with handsome vegetarian man!

The pastry scene! I was spoiled by pictures of this and it lives up to the hype! The expression on his face! He is going to have so many nasty thoughts about this moment lol! Oho! I so get the he bought the pastry to see how Pen's mouth tasted at that moment memes started, yes yes!

Ooh man of action Colin! So hot! But then we have Lord Debling coming over and protecting her! Ooh, get it Penelope! What a day! To see Colin's rippling arms like that and then to be wrapped around Lord Debling's arms! And the care he's putting into making sure she's ok! He's definitely in the running now!

I like Lady Tilley Arnold. I think she's an interesting addition to the show, she seems like an intelligent, capable woman. She might not be Benedict's endgame, but I think she will offer a lot of interesting scenes and banter. I think she will play the perfect foil to Sophie if the writers stick to that storyline. I like Tilley and she's interesting, but a little too forward and sure of herself for Benedict. I think Benedict wants someone he can sweep off her feet and live a romance with.

Ok, I really like Lord Debling, so sue me. He is honest, charming and understanding. He doesn't want her to be someone just for him and seems to like Penelope for being herself. We're rooting for Polin, but I like the writers here for making Lord Debling attractive and a viable second choice.

Colin is so falling for Penelope and now Violet definitely knows that he feels something for Penelope. Mama ain't no fool! And Lady Whistledown here is doing amazing writing here. The whole episode was full of innovations, nature, and technology and now we get the whole thesis of the episode. In that all innovations are a distraction and our greatest battle is within ourselves.

Colin was on the precipice of something, but couldn't put it into words. Penelope felt something and even gave him a chance, but that time delay was starting to get awkward. She had to go with Lord Debling. I don't think she was being cruel here or making Colin suffer, there was no other option besides she likes Lord Debling too at this point. I also like "Happier than ever" playing, I like that song and it is Pen's f you people, I can get a man if I wanted to moment.

OK, so not as juicy an episode as ep 2 so far in that they are still in the will they won't they stage of things, but I think that's ok. For friends to lovers and these Bridgerton seasons, I think the slow burn is for the best before we get the sex all the time episodes. We got a lot of pining Colin in this episode and I loved it! He's so cute when he's all jealous and wondering what Penelope's doing.

Can't wait for the final episode, I know it's super juicy!

[actiasteeth]

ASKBOX MEME 056 / DAYSPRING

All prompts taken from the novel Dayspring by Anthony Oliviera. Adjust as needed.

"Tell me a story."

"This bedtime story sucks. Tell me a better one."

"You came back."

"Will you come with me?"

"Break my heart as many times as you need to. I am yours."

"That is not my problem. Let me have a little longer."

"Ah, fuck it. Let's do a miracle."

"Okay, but definitely don't tell them where you got this. And if you could not mention me in particular, that would also be super."

"My mind is not what it was. Let me try again."

"And I know now that love sometimes makes a promise it cannot keep."

"Sometimes you must say 'yes' when you mean 'no.' There is a kindness that you never learned in the lie."

"What you ask for you will get. What you look for you will find."

"What if we ran?"

"What would it profit a man to lose his soul just to save some petty world?"

"We run. If they kill us, they kill us, but we run now."

"I have loved you more than I have loved anything. You can't forget."

"Look, here. Ascend and transcend all you like; this is the wound that will not close."

"How is it that they could kill him, but I am what died?"

"God always gives us more than we can handle."

"Love is what ruins. Love is what costs."

"Where you go, I will go. And where you stay, I will stay."

"Love is as strong as death, passion fierce as the grave."

"I am lost. But even in the wilderness, I would know you."

"What kind of God would let a world come to this?"

"Do a little evil to do a greater good."

"I was utterly lost. I was utterly yours."

"It is not reasonable. Let us, then, be the end of reason."

"Are you the one we have been waiting for?"

"Sometimes I am scared of forgetting the sound of you."

"Among the first things they learn of God is that his rage is inexhaustible."

"I don't want to hurt you."

"Hurt me."

"Where is your faith?"

"Grace isn't just. That is the point of grace."

"If you could see the way out, it wouldn't be much of a miracle."

"God, look at you. You're disgusting."

"Surviving is easy. It's the other thing that's hard."

"Nothing is housed in churches and temples and holy places that is not housed in you."

"Why do you fear those who can only kill your body and after this are powerless?"

"This is how you treat your friends."

"You move, as ever, in mysterious ways."

"Resurrection leaves its scars."

"I am who you say I am."

"I have not had much use for gods of any kind."

"Maybe I will let you wait for me this time."

"I've never been in a proper fight before. Does a beating count as a fight?"

"Please, I know another bottom when I see one."

"I can tell you're going to be the one that's a problem."

"We know what we are, but not what we may be."

"Please do not ask me stupid fucking questions."

"Before you try to kill the king, make sure your sword is sharp."

"I never knew you as anything except an operative of cruelty."

"Your life served your own malice and not me at all."

"How can I unless someone teaches me?"

"To know the world but not yourself is to know nothing at all."

"Do not try that one on me. I was there, remember? I remember."

"Accident or sorrow? Despair or joy? How strange: that they should look, in the end, so completely the same."

"Honestly, I would rather you not mention this to anybody."

"The world costs nothing except your soul, but there are no returns."

"To follow me is to set your teeth upon the curb."

"But patience and nuance were never really your strong suit."

"I wanted to see you."

"How come you never kiss me when we're awake?"

"If even God can die then death is no indignity."

"If even God can love then love can be no sin."

"This is not a place of honour. No gods live here."

"If I lost you, there is nowhere I wouldn't look."

"There was a time you knew every inch of me."

"Someday there will be happiness again and a joy that none can take from us."

"How long must I wait for you?"

"Why are you telling me this?"

"Are you— you're not trying to get rid of me."

"This isn't going to end well. For me, for any of us."

"I don't mind dying. I was born to die. But you—"

"You can't protect me from the world."

"That's really not how this works."

"I only ever make you sad."

"It's never going to be the happy ending you want. You know that."

"You could come. You could forget about all this and be with me."

"Let there be no longer any secret what you do to me."

"Would you rather be forgotten or hatefully remembered?"

"Let them hate me all they want. But you and I know the truth."

"It's only death, that's all. What is that to love?"

"Wait. If this is the last, if this is the end, I don't know how to say goodbye to you."

[yakuzabrainrotlive]

Gaiden has been progressing well! I'm having a TON of fun playing and it's just. SO GOOD SKDJKWKW. I'm having fun with fights again! This is already shaping up to be a contender for my TOP3 games list.

I'm in chapter 2.

Okay first of all, Kiryu has an agent arc??? Interesting! Also this game is GORGEOUS. As gorgeous as Kiryu himself kdjdkwksw🫡 Damn does he look mighty fine in this one.

Based on the year given, this seems to be set around Like a Dragon? So this is a kind of "Meanwhile elsewhere" type of thing? Makes sense now why my mutual said that this game HAS TO be played at this specific point.

Please do not. Remind me of this. I haven't healed yet. Ouchies. Brb, gonna cry a little. Just a bit. I KNOW why he made this decision but it's painful 😭

I don't know why, but the whole "I gave up my name" thing hurts me surprisingly lot. I never really thought about it much, the thought of having to give up my name and being forced to live behind aliases makes me ache.

It's one thing to have your name changed on paper, but not having a proper name at all just makes it feel even more like you're totally isolated and will never be able to settle and be a part of society again. Never fully belonging anywhere; just drifting along without proper attachments. And in this case, fully dependant on Daidoji to have a place in the world at all. And I know it's basically what Kiryu signed up for, but... oof.

Kiryu in general has this extremely depressed look and vibe. He seems very numb and sad. Which is totally valid considering EVERYTHING, but it really does show just how terrible his mental health is right now. The last time he seemed this apathetic was at the start of Y5, but even then he seemed to at least have a sort of anger or frustration keeping him going. Now he's just... empty.

For a single second I was going HANNYA MAN FROM YAKUZA KIWAMI??? And then realized this guy's build and hair are totally different and that Majima's tattoos don't go that far down his arms :( And there's the whole fact that Majima saw Kiryu for the first time again at the Daigo-Watase "We're quitting and so are you" party.

First of all, MASSIVE meme potential here.

Secondly...

PLEASE DON'T DIE, COOL OLD MAN. I love you <3

I find Kiryu and Hanawa's dynamic interesting. Despite Hanawa being... well, not an asshole, but seemingly not very pleasant either, Kiryu seems to actually like the dude somewhat. He did say Hanawa is "the only connection I have made in this dull, pathetic existence" which is... okay - first of all - let's not unpack all that trauma, hurt and depression right now!! But I also get the feeling that there is a type of fondness here. Idk; maybe it's Stockholm Syndrome. But I have a hard time believing that 100%.

The first "That's a Lot Of Men" of the game for me. It's not like a MASSIVE horde of people, but this is still kinda early on in the game.

Yupp, knew immediately Kiryu wouldn't take the deal. Firstly, reviving Kiryu Kazuma and going back to his family would basically just take him back to the situation he escaped by dying. Back to square 1.

Secondly, Kiryu would never have a man killed just to be happy himself. That's just not how he operates. You'd think people would have that figured out by now.

Also can y'all stop using the Morning Glory kids as a "haha gotcha now you gotta help us"??? That never ends well for anyone, never has; y'all are idiots😭

I love Akame!! She's incredible ^_^ She's like... Sotenbori's own Florist but she looks after her people more and takes on a more active role in helping them.

....

Speaking of... what DID happen to the Florist? Did the man die?? Or was he finally sent to... The Side Characters We No Longer Need Void™ ??? Insane. RIP you legend.

ANYWAY. I feel like being around Akame will definitely do Kiryu some good. Having someone who's not a total asshole around might help him feel at least somewhat better for a bit.

I'm gonna grind the SHIT out of Akame network, the perks are way too good to pass up on. And I don't wanna rush through the game.

Hii my precious!!! ☺️🫶🏻

Tiger Drop is actually very cheap. Gonna go for it fr. I'm not in the habit of spamming it on everything, but I find learning the timing and using it properly very satisfying. I feel like it's gonna be VERY difficult to pull off in this game since the combat IS very different from Y6.

[the-new-ribbon]

Baby, We're Fireproof

synopsis: After Gwyn's toaster catches fire, she never expected to fall for the hot firefighter who saves her. 

word count: 2118

read here: https://archiveofourown.org/works/54961258/chapters/139663018

or below the cut!

Azriel

Azriel: I can’t wait to see you tonight.

Gwyn: I can’t wait to see you.

Gwyn: I’m so excited ☺️

Azriel hasn’t been this excited for something in a long time. A week ago he saved the copper-haired, teal-eyed beauty from a small toaster fire. He hasn’t stopped thinking about it all week. Cassian has noticed too. The way Azriel reacts to the way his phone vibrates on the table. The smile on Azriel’s face whenever Gwyn texts him. Sometimes it’s a meme or a funny video that makes Azriel laugh so hard his cheeks hurt, sometimes it’s her reactions to the book he pointed out that day, or it’s a picture of her. Those are his favorite texts from Gwyn. The romance she’s reading lies on her chest or covering her smile, though he can tell she’s smiling from the way her skin wrinkles at her eyes and the pink blush creeping out from beneath the book. 

The day passes slowly as he rereads the book in case it comes up in conversation, he wants to be prepared to talk about it with Gwyn. 

Soon enough, it’s time to get ready.

Azriel changes into his classic black button-up, rolling the sleeves up to reveal the swirls of black ink on his forearms, matching the black slacks on his legs. The silver bands on his fingers shine under the fluorescent lights of his bathroom. Night-chilled mist and cedar fills the bathroom as he sprays his cologne.

He’s able to get through starting dinner – seasoning the chicken and leaving it in the hot pan to begin cooking, fresh cut green beans and the cut and washed potatoes are placed in the water-filled pots to begin cooking – before there’s a knock on his front door.

Azriel’s ringed fingers brush through his hair and he wipes his palms on his pants before pulling the door open to reveal Gwyn.  

“Hi!”

“Hey, Gwyn.” Azriel says, nerves wracking through his body. “You look really nice.” Nice? That’s the worst word he could have used to describe her. “I mean beautiful, you look beautiful.” ethereal would be an even better word, just like the books. But beautiful will suffice. 

Gwyn is dressed in an emerald dress that fell right below her knees. The sleeves cover most of her arms but leave some of her forearms and wrists exposed. The green contrasts perfectly against her copper hair, which is tied half up with a write ribbon. It was styled that way too, the day they met for the first time.

“Thank you. May I come in?” Gwyn points to the foyer of his house.

“Oh yes, of course, obviously.” he quotes what she said the day they met with a ridiculously cheesy, flirty smile.

“Quoting me I see. I must have had a good impression on you.” she teases. 

In his head, Azriel knows that this girl is his dream girl. Now he has to prove it.

“Setting a toaster on fire is a good way of doing that.” he teases back.

This banter is what Azriel has always looked for. He’s never found it with anyone, but now with Gwyn, he doesn’t think anyone could ever come close.  

“You have a piano? Do you play?” Gwyn immediately runs out of the kitchen and across the living room to where the piano rests in the corner, the last rays of the sunset flood through the windows onto the piano.

“Sometimes. My mother plays more often when she’s over. Do you?” Azriel reaches her as she takes a seat in front of the piano. He leans on his elbows as he watches her. There’s a glimmer in her eyes as she presses her delicate fingers so softly on the keys that no notes play. 

“I do. My sister and I used to play when we were little. She grew out of it – she was more wild and adventurous than I was – but I love to sing and play the piano. Now I play to remember and honor her memory.”

Azriel notices something shift within Gwyn. The use of was made him assume something happened to her sister, but he doesn’t push her to answer. After all, they’ve only been texting and known each other for a week.

“Do you mind if I play?” Gwyn asks. Then clarifies, “just for a few moments?”

“Not at all, I’m going to check on dinner. I’ll be right back.” Azriel leans off the piano and smiles at Gwyn before he’s off to the kitchen. If only it was appropriate to kiss her cheek. 

The soft melodies of Moonlight Sonata fill his house and suddenly it feels like more of a home than ever before. 

He may have stayed in the kitchen far longer than he thought because the fifteen minutes of Moonlight Sonata have passed and his house is quiet once again, only the soft scuffs of Gwyn’s shoes and the scraping of the pots and pans as he begins to plate dinner.

 “That was beautiful, Gwyn.” Az confesses, leaning against the counter and Gwyn slides onto one of his barstools at the counter, though she doesn’t stay there longer than a few seconds. 

“Thank you, it’s one of my favorite pieces to play. Especially at night. Maybe you should play for me.” she suggests, stepping so close to Azriel that she can reach out and hold onto the collar of his shirt.

His heart beats against his chest as she begins to slide her other hand up and over his chest. This boldness she’s portraying, it’s Azriel’s favorite thing. Sure, they have flirted over text, but this is completely different. 

He wants more of it.

“Maybe I will. Now,” His hand slides across her waist to hold her. There’s a slight tense up but then she relaxes into his hold. He changes the conversation, “Are you okay?”

“Yes; I just haven’t been on a date in years, I’m not very used to this. But I like it.” There’s a confirming smile on her face as her hands connect behind Azriel’s neck.

“Good, but please let me know if you aren’t comfortable or if there’s something I can do.”

“I will. Now please tell me what you were going to say before.”

“Why’d you call me Shadowsinger?”

“You were humming under your breath when you were at my house and there’s something mysterious about you that I want to get to know.” Gwyn says sweetly, playing with his hair on the back of his head. There’s a smile on her face that Azriel wants to paint into his mind forever.

“Well, I hope you liked it.” Az laughs.

“I did, it was beautiful. Do you sing?”

“Sometimes, though I don’t believe it is as beautiful as yours.”

There’s a blush on her cheeks again, highlighting the constellations of freckles on her cheeks. 

“We should sing together sometime, then I can see if you’re telling the truth or not.”

He clears his throat, “Will you help me set the table? Dinner’s ready.”

“Yes, yes.”

Hesitantly, Azriel lets go of Gywn and she steps away. Azriel lays the bowl of freshly made mashed potatoes on the table. Gwyn asks, “Is there anything I can do to help? You made such a nice dinner and I haven’t helped yet.”

“I didn’t mind at all, Gwyn. But you could find something to drink if you’d like. The alcohol is in that cabinet and any other drinks I have – water, lemonade, stuff like that – are in the fridge.” 

She sticks to something non-alcoholic and somehow he has the ingredients to make a Shirley Temple. He really listened to what she said on the 

They stick to simple, first date conversation for a while until something hits Gwyn and she asks, “Is it appropriate to ask what happened to your hands?” Gwyn asks softly, looking up at him quickly before looking back down at her plate. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have asked. It isn’t any of my business and we don’t know each other that well.”

Azriel reaches out and places his scarred hand on top of Gwyn’s. “Gwyn, this is a date, a chance to get to know each other.”

It’s almost like a movie or one of her books. Whatever is going on between them, it’s something Gwyn thought was possible in the worlds that lived inside her head. Ruby red flushes on her cheeks at the touch of Azriel’s hand and at his words. She rotates her hand and laces her fingers with Azriel.

“When I was young, my mother and I were in an accident. Our house caught on fire and while my mother ran outside, I ran back in to grab something. The fire picked up and I almost got trapped. Luckily the fire department was already there and saved me. I was bullied for most of school because of my hands, so I isolated myself but I always wanted to help people, to save people. When I graduated high school, I never really wanted to go to college so I went to the fire academy. I have my paramedic certification as well.” Azriel nods and reaches for his glass of whiskey, a way to protect himself from potentially doing something stupid.

Gwyn drops her fork and holds his hand with both her hands. “Azriel,” she whispers, lifting his hand to her lips. Her lips softly brush against the healed scars. 

To outsiders, it might not seem like a big deal. But to Azriel, it means everything.

After many feelings about leaving dishes in the sink long after dinner, the dirty dishes rest in the sink until after their date is over, Gwyneth and Az sit outside on his patio. For a house in the suburbs, his back patio is large. It’s decorated with minimal patio furniture, mostly a darker gray, and there’s a firepit in the center of the patio.

“Have a seat, I’m going to start a fire.”

The fire crackles, crickets chirp in the distance, and the two of them cuddle in silence. Both of Gwyn’s hands are holding one of Az’s and his other arm is wrapped around her shoulders.

“It’s beautiful here.”

With her eyes on the stars, Azriel takes the time to admire how beautiful she is; how right her hand feels in his; how perfectly her meshes into the Azriel’s side. The constellations of stars in the sky can’t compare to the freckles on her face, dotted across her neck, and even her chest and shoulders. If he were to open a dictionary to the word beautiful, Gwyn’s picture would be there, front and center.

“It is,” he says softly, his eyes never leaving Gwyn. 

“I think I take how beautiful Velaris is for granted. After tonight, I won’t anymore.” There’s something in her voice that makes it seem like there’s a story to that, but as she leans closer into Azriel and rests her head on his shoulder, he drops his head onto hers.

It’s almost midnight when they stand up and head towards the front door, hand-in-hand of course.

“I had a wonderful time, Azriel.” Gwyn leans against the door frame as she holds his hand in both of hers. Az’s other hand is against the hinge, above her head.

“So did I; would you like to do it again sometime?” 

With a smile on her face, Gwyn pushes up on her tiptoes and presses a kiss to Azriel’s cheek. “I’d love to.”

As Gwyn lowers from her tiptoes, Azriel never breaks eye contact and there’s something beautiful that sparks in his chest. 

Letting go of her hands, Azriel moves to hold her cheeks. “Would it be okay if I kissed you, Gwyn.”

Gwyn nods softly, but the look in her eyes tells Azriel that it’s something she wants more than anything. 

This kiss picks up and Gwyn’s arms are back around his neck. It’s wonderful, magical, and neither of them don’t want it to stop. 

But it does moments later.

His thumb runs across his now swollen bottom lip, and Gwyn is breathless as she begins to step outside. But she stops, wrapping her hand around the door hinge and turns over her shoulder, “Call me, Shadowsinger. You owe me a song, and I’d love to do that again.” her finger runs across her smirked mouth.

“Good night, Gwyn.”

As he watches Gwyn walk towards her car, all he can think about is how lucky he is that Gwyneth Berdara wants to see him again.

A line I couldn’t fit in because of how the story proceeded, but would love to include: “I want to kiss each and every one of your scars and tell you how beautiful they are.”

[blackhakumen]

Mini Fanfic #1243: Triple N Progess Run (SSBU X Darkstalkers)

1:25 p.m. at La Shy Guy's Café's Outdoor Diner......

Escargoon: (Takes a Sip of his Latte he Ordered Along with Dedede with a Smile) I gotta say, De, I'm really impressed with your challenge run right now.

Dedede: (Smiles Brightly) I know, right? We're already halfway in the month and I didn't fold even once. I'm proud myself right now.

Escargoon: As you should, my friend- (Raises his Cup Up) cause I'm proud of you myself.

Dedede: (Let's Out a Hardy Laugh Before Raising his Cup Up as Well) Cheers to that!

The long time duo clink their drinks together before taking another sip and sitting their cups back down on the table.

Escargoon: I can't imagine it being easy for you this whole time. I mean, you're dating a succubus model for Pete's sake.

Dedede: ('Sighs Heavily') Hooo boy, you don't have the slightest idea right now.......I love that woman with every bit of fiber of my heart and soul, but God DAMN if she doesn't know how to put up a good fight! I can't even take a proper breather without worrying about what she's gonna do next.

Escargoon: It gotten that intense already, huh?

Dedede: Hell yeah. 'Member I told you the time she flashed me on the first morning of the month? Boy, I tell you that was mere child's play compared to all the other crazy shit she pulled this month. Like that one time I was at the mansion and-

Flashback to Smash Mansion's Living Room

Isabelle: (Smiles at Morrigan While Doing Yoga Along with Her on Their Respective Mats) Thanks again for joining me on my Yoga Session today, Morrigan. I've really been falling behind on them these days.....

Morrigan: (Smiles Back at Izzy) Think nothing of the sort, my dear!~ I'm happy I have the time to do this on my day off from work today. This is so relaxing~

Isabelle: (Happily Nodded in Agreement) Uh-huh. (Turns to Wolf and Dedede, Sittong on the Sofa, Watching TV Together Right Next to Her and Morrigan) You boys are more than welcome to join us whenever you like!~

Wolf: Nah, I'll pass. Never been a fan of Yoga.

Dedede: I've done it once, made me broke my back. Hated it ever since.

Wolf: ('Heh') Old timer.

Dedede: (Glares at Wolf) Boy, don't start.

Isabelle: (Softly Glares at the Duo on the Sofa) Boys, no fighting over there. (Turns Back to Morrigan) Now, where were we- ('Gasps') No way. Morrigan, are you doing-

Morrigan: The Jack-O Pose?

Dedede's eyes starts widening up as he turns to see his succubus of a girlfriend is now doing a meme worthy classic, the Jack-O Pose at pure delight and ease.

Morrigan: Why, indeed I am!~ It's been quite some time since I've done this, so you'll have to excuse me if it looks a little rusty.

Isabelle: (Puts on an Impressed Smile on her Face) Are you kidding? This look perfect enough as it is! ('Sigh') Making me wanna try doing one of my own without falling over again......

Morrigan: I'm sure you'll be able get it down one of these days, Isabelle, my dear. It only takes a few more practice and concentration for your body and soul and more focus put on achieving it to near perfection. (Forms a Seductively Teasing Smirk at her King Looking at Her Right Now) Just so you could use on the man you love and adore~

Morrigan blows a kiss at Dedede's way as her hips starts to move up and down and then wiggle it around all over the place, shortly after. Putting his eyes on a mesmerizing trance, as if it's taunting him to come over and give it a more....."thorough" investigation. Hell, he was this close to getting out of his seat until a few snaps of Wolf's finger appears in front of the ex king's face.

Wolf: Hey. De!

Dedede: (Immediately Comes Back to Reality, Startled) I WASN'T STARING AT IT, I SWEAR!! (Notices Wolf is Staring at Him With a Raised Eyebrow, Confused) ....Uhhhhhhhh- ('Clears Throat') You uh....Need somethin', Wolfman?

Wolf: Yeah. Firstly, I'm gonna have to ask you to never call me that for as long as you live. Second, I'm about head out and get us all something to eat. You wanna come with?

Dedede: ('Sighs in Relief') Nah, I'll pass.....Need to clear my mind for a sec.

Morrigan: Spendid!~

The sound of light, muffled clapping starts ringing into De's ears as he turns to see Morrigan is now making the cheeks of her rear to clap.

Morrigan: You can see if I could stay in this position for twenty minutes~

Dedede: (Eyes Widened in Fear and Under Pressure) On second thought- (Immediately Gets Himself Up From his Seat) I could use some fresh air right about now. (Quickly Rushes Out the Room Without Looking at Morrigan) See y'all in a few!

Wolf: (Sighs as He Walks Out the Room as Well) I'll make sure he doesn't bump into something on the way there. Or faint.

Isabelle: (Watches the Boys Walk Out the Room) Poor De. (Turns Back to Morrigan) You're gonna end up making him have combust if you keep teasing him like that.

Morrigan: That's the plan!~ (Forms an Sinster Smirk on her Face) I love it.

Isabelle: For No Nut November?

Morrigan: For No Nut November~

Back to the Present

Escargoon: A Jack-O Pose AND the clap of the ass cheeks at the same time? That's terrifyingly impressive.

Dedede: My thoughts exactly! (Crosses his Arms Huffing and Puffing) Bet she was smirking the whole time we were out too. Oh, and let's not forget the time me and her went to the park and-

Flashback to the Local Smash Park.......

Dedede: (Sighs Relaxingly as He Leans Himself Back a Bit While Sitting Next to Morrigan on a Bench Together) It always a good time being out here in this weather~

Morrigan: (Sighs Relaxingly While Holding a Firecracker Popsicle in her Hands) Agreed~ (Turns to Dedede) Darling,, are you sure you don't want a popsicle of your to devour as well?

Dedede: Yeah, I'm sure. Ate breakfast earlier, so I don't feel the need to eat anything sweet right now, you know?

Morrigan: (Stares at De for a Brief Second Before Shrugging it Off) Hm. Suit yourself. Say, do you mind holding the stick for me as I eat it? (Hands the Popsicle to De) I don't want to rest my hair getting sticky. (Starts Wrapping her Hair Up into a Ponytail)

Dedede: Sure thing. (Takes the Wrapping Off the Popsicle and Holds it Right in Front of Morrigan's Face) It's all ready for ya.

Morrigan: Thank you, dear.

Morrigan pushes the front side of her hair back a little as she leans over and..."casually" suck the popsicle down back and forth before leaning back a bit to lick it all over with her tongue and sucking it all over again, all while moaning sensually in the process.

This in turn, causes the poor Ex King of Dreamland's eyes to widen up at the entire display in front of him, in pure disbelief, unable to looking away no matter much he wants to. As if his girlfriend wasn't irresistibly hot enough already.....

Dedede: Jesus christ, Morrg.......

Morrigan: (Looks Back Up at her King with a Look Nearly Equivalent to That of Bedroom Eyes) Hmm?~ Is something the matter?

Dedede: Uh- (Comes Back to Reality Before Quickly Turning Away a Bit) N-No! It's nothing. Just.....(Starts Blushing) loving you unconditionally like always, is all.....

Morrigan: (Heart Begins to Melt in Pure Happiness) Ohh~ I love you too, my dear king~ (Looks Back at her Frozen Dessert) And I think I LOVE this treat just as much~

Dedede: Mhmm.....(Sucks his Teeth as He Sees a Koopa, Sitting a Few Feet Away From the Bench, Playing his Saxophone in a Slow, Sensual Sounding Melody) Man, do we really have sit right next to that saxophone player over there?

Morrigan: (Softly Pouts at her King) Dedede! Be nice. (Pulls her Ten Dollar Bill Out of her Purse) He is doing a wonderful job plating that saxophone and will continue to do as such as he wish. (Summons her Bat to Fly Over and Drop the Ten Dollars Down onto the Koopa's Saxophone Case) For you, my good sir.

Saxophone Koopa: (Tips his hat to Morrigan Before Resumes Back to his Playing Session)

Morrigan: (Turns Back to Dedede) Now, be a very good boy and pay him no mind, okay?

Dedede: ('Sighs in Defeat') Yes, ma'am.

Morrigan: Thank you. (Forms a More Seductive Smirk on her Face) Now~ Where were we?~

Morrigan resumes back to her sensual popsicle sulking while moaning a little more louder than previously, causing De to groan in displeasure at trying hus hardest to keep himself and his urges in complete check.

End of Another Flashback

Escargoon: Okay, that saxophone playing in the background, was just asking her to get a rise out of you at that point.

Dedede: Exactly what I was thinking! (Facepalms Himself While Groaning Some More) Oh God and don't even get me started at the time at that restaurant-

Flashback to the Crimsonette Restaurant

Dedede was playing on the piano while Morrigan was sitting on top of it, singing her heart out.

Morrigan: Fill my heart with song and let me sinh forevermore!~You are all I long for, all I worship and adore!~

Morrigan then proceeds to teleport her way to sit right next to her king, startling him a bit. She then slowly leans herself over to him while looking deep into his big eyes with her signature bedroom look, making him blush all over again.

Morrigan: In other worrrrds~ Please be truuuuuue~ (Gently Places her Hands onto Dedede's Cheek) In other words~ I looove yoooooooou~ My darling king~

The pair then share a passionate kiss on the lips as everyone else present in the establishment begins to applaud the both of them right on cue.

End to Yet Another Flashback

Escargoon: (A Memory Coming Back to Him) Oh yeah, Bandana Dee showed me a clip of that on choir practice a day after that. You guys did pretty good up there.

Dedede: (Takes a Bow While Still Sitting on his Table) Thank you, thank you kindly. (Lightly Slams his Hands on the Table) But that's beside the point, boy! I'm at my wits here!

Escargoon: (Gives his Best Friend a Reassuring Smile) I know it's a tough road ahead, De. But try and keep at it until the very end. I guarantee I will be all worth it then.

Dedede: Sure hope it.

'Buzzzzzzzz'

Dedede: (Picks his Phone Up and Check the New Message Sent to Him Just Now) What the?

Escargoon: What is it?

Dedede: Morrigan sent me a five minute long audio recording just now. (Puts on a Bit of a Deadpinned Look on his Face) Who wanna bet it's something lewd?

Escargoon: (Shrugs) Only one way to find out.

Dedede: Yeah, yeah. (Press Plays on the Audio With a Picture of Morrigan and a Few of her Modeling Friends are Laying in One Bed Together)

Morrigan: (In the Recording) Good day, my lovelies!~ This is one and only Morrigan Aensland speaking and the ladies here and I decided do something for all the working men and women out there that is need desperate need of a stress reliever right now. This is also dedicated to a...very special former king of Dreamland that has stolen my beating heart in allll the right ways~ I hope you enjoy the ride, my love~ (Makes a Single Kissing Noise)

The audio went silent for a few seconds until a familiar sound of the saxophone begins to play in the background, follow by the collective sounds of sensual sounding moans from each of the ladies present in the audio, Morrigan especially, who is gradually becoming the loudest and most prominent of them all.

This, in turn, causes the duo's eyes and mouth to slowly open up wide as they are in near speechless in pure disbelief at what they are hearing on De's phone right now.

Dedede: (Starts Using the Napkin to Wipe Sweat Off his Forehead as He's Blushing Up a Storm) Dear lord........

Escargoon: Is.....Is this.....seriously five whole minutes of them moaning?

Dedede: Should've known that would be the case just by looking at this picture alone.

Morrigan: I love you, my darling king!~ (Continues Moaning Along with the Other Ladies on the Recording)

Escargoon: Man, you are not kidding when you say she's going all out.... (Notices Dedede's Hand Hovering on the Phone) Heyyy. De, what are you doing over there?

Dedede: (Quickly Hides his Hands Behind Back While Giving Escargoon the Most Awkward Smile Imaginable) NOTHING! Nothing. I was just getting a any sip of my drink.

Escargoon: (Raises an Eyebrow at De) Really? Cause it looks to me that you were about to pick up that phone and call her.

Dedede: ('Scoffs') So what if i am? I was going to tell her how neat the audio is and compliment saxophone player in the background and....(Starts Sweating Again but More Nervously This Time Around) the ladies on....contributing....with.... their mooooan- (Suddenly Let's Out a Loud, Frustrated Sounding Groan) ('ARGHH') I can't- (Bang his Fist on the Table) TAKE THIS SHIT no more!!

Escargoon: De, come on, you can't cave yourself in now, not when you're only halfway there!

Dedede: (Comically Glares at Escargoon) Boy, you think I don't know that already!? First the pose, then the Firecracker popsicle, the duet, and now this!? (Poinrs his Hand on his Phone with The Sound Moaning and Saxophone Still Playing on There) That beautiful woman is doing too much, man, she's killing me!!

Escargoon: This obviously her way to psyching you out of focus. What you need to do right now is calm down, taking a deep breath, and-

Dedede: (Gets Up From his Seat) Nah, you wanna do I'm gonna do instead? I'mma call her up on my phone, tell her i give up, and have her help BUST. MY NUTS. OPE-

Before De could even dare to finish that sentence and do the unthinkable, he suddenly gets knocked upside the back of his head hard enough into sitting him back down on his seat, completely stopping him from crashing out entirely. And it was all thanks to none other than the legendary Bounty Hunter of the Smash Family, Samus Aran.

Samus: Pull it together and keep it in your pants, De. This isn't over yet.

Dedede: (Starts Panting as He Gradually Comes Back to Reality) Yeah.....You're right......(Claps Both of his Cheeks Two Times Before Putting on a More Determined Look on his Face) This ain't over until I MAKE that succubus sing a melody on the first midnight of December! (Turns to Samus with a Smile) Thanks for breaking me outta that funk, girl.

Samus: (Smirks a Bit at Dedede) Anytime, brother.

The Smash duo then shares a casual high five with one another.

Samus: (Happily Waves Hello to Escargoon as She Finds Herself a Seat) Hi, Escar~

Escargoon: (Waves Back at Samus with a Bit of a Confused Look on his Face) Hey, Samus....What's going on here?

Samus: Nothing too major. (Gently Pat on Dedede's Shoulder) Just making sure this dumb-dumb over here doesn't slip up and fail the challenge.

Dedede: It may be a handicap to some, but I find this strategy far more beneficial than completely doing it all on myself.

Escargoon: (Shrugs) Hey, if it helps, it's help. (Smiles Softly) I'm just glad you didn't throw in the towel yet.

Dedede: ('Sighs in Relief') You and me both, man. And you're right, it has been tough battle so far- (Puts on a More Determined Look on his Face) But I did not fail more than three times to four in the row just to add this year to the tally! I'mma pass me that challenge.

Samus: (Puts on a Proud Smile on her Face) That's the spirit, De. I'm with you 100%. Just don't go back on our word, you hear?

Escargoon: (Raises an Eyebrow in Confusion) His word?

Samus: I made him promise to never take the challenge again afterwards.

Dedede: If I win this one.

Samus: (Gives Dedede a Firm Glare) Um. No. There is no "ifs", "ands", or "buts" in this discussion, De. You're going to quit participating in that stupid challenge whether you win OR lose.

Escargoon: I'm gonna have to agree with Samus on this one, bud. You've already proven yourself to be a man in your own right, you don't have to keep proving that by taking a challenge that's already a meme of itself.

Dedede: ('Sighs in Defeat') Yeah, i guess y'all have a point there...It does starting to get old after while.

Samus: Exactly. Hence why I say it's stupid.

Escargoon: Hey, speaking of which, have you participated in the challenge this year, Samus?

Samus: (Starts Rubbing The Back of her Hair Back and Forth) Yeah, but uh.......

Dedede: You failed again, didn't you?

Samus: ('Sighs in Defeat') Yeah....Last night.

Samus Aran: Mission's a Bust.

Dedede: (Clicks his Teeth at Samus in Disbelief) Damn girl! And you said I'm weak minded?

Samus: (Pouts at Dedede) Hey, excuse me for having The Strongest Momm- I mean, Mom- I-I mean- (Starts Blushing Before Clearing her Throat) The Strongest WOMAN in the World for a girlfriend. I knew what i gotten myself into the day I fallen in her with her- (Glares at Both De and Escar as Her Face Starts Getting Redder) And I am NOT a Bottom!!!

Escargoon: We.....didn't say you were one though.

Dedede: (Forns a Teasing Smirk on his Face).But since you brought it up......

Escargoon: (Quickly Glares at his Best Friend) De, don't start.

Samus: (Glares Harshly at Dedede) Yeah, De. DON'T. Unless you really want me to send you to outter space.

Dedede: ('Clicks Teeth') Man, will you relax already, girl? I was just kidding! You being a Top and/or Bottom doesn't change the fact that you're the toughest Bounty Hunter in the whole town. Especially not to us.

Escargoon: (Smiles Softly at the Bounty Hunter in Question) Yeah, you'll always be cool in our eyes, Samus.

Samus: (Heart Begins to Melt as She Turns Away From the Duo, Pouting) Whatever. (Starts Blushing Once More) You dorks will always be cool in my eyes too....

Dedede: (Snickers a Bit) You gonna give Luigi a run for his money on the cuteness scale if you keep puffing your cheeks out like that.

Samus: Nah. I can never be on par with Weegie's cuteness. Remind me hug him later, will ya?

Dedede: (Smirks at Samus) Give us details on what happened that night and I'll convince everyone in our group to give the greatest group hug he'll ever have in his life.

Samus: (Notices the Picture on Dedede's Phone) Lemme hear that audio Morrigan sent you first and I'll you tell you every juicy detail possible. (Turns to Escargoon) If you don't mind listening too, Escar.

Escargoon: Yeah, I don't mind. I think I'm curious about it too actually.

Dedede: Then it's a deal-deal!

Both Dedede and Samus shake on the respective deals as they enjoy the rest of their chatting together with Escargoon on a breezy afternoon.

@bestpony666

@tampire

@caleb13frede

@meme-boys-blog

[earlgreytea68]

EGT's FAQ About A Fall Out Boy Cover of the Billy Joel Song "We Didn't Start the Fire" Covering Newsworthy Items from 1989-2023

Why isn’t it in chronological order?!

Was the original in chronological order? Yes, roughly speaking (it wasn’t in exact chronological order, either, for instance, the Brooklyn Dodgers won their first World Series after Disneyland opened but the Dodgers are mentioned before Disneyland, but I get it, it is roughly chronological and definitely more so than the Fall Out Boy cover).

The original, however, was also about a different time period in history: It happened to cover the Cold War. It makes sense that it would go in chronological order because there was a very definitive narrative arc to that portion of history: The Cold War started, all these things happened during it, the Cold War ended.

The era since the Cold War ended arguably lacks this narrative arc. So it makes sense that if you were doing a “We Didn’t Start the Fire” for the modern era, you wouldn’t go in chronological order. That would imply a “beginning” and an “end” that our era doesn’t deserve. Arguably, what mostly characterizes the post-Cold War era (and especially the twenty-first-century portion of it) is the jumbled chaos of time-meaninglessness. We say it all the time on the internet: What is time anymore? It means nothing? We have no sense of it. Things that happened yesterday turned out to be from 2003. There are a ton of other memes about this. You can’t believe the pandemic was over three years ago now. You can’t believe it’s been seven years since the 2016 election cycle. You can't believe that Friends is as far away from us as The Andy Griffith Show was from Billy Joel. Our histories, both personal and on a grander scale, feel like a jumble we can’t untangle, and so does this cover of the song.

In the 90s, people used to talk about being at “the end of history,” and they meant this in a good way. Like, there was this belief that “western democracies” had won and now all we had to do was keeping going up. Obviously that fell apart quickly, but I am Pete Wentz’s age, and I remember very much being given that message when I was in high school and college. In the way that the country boomed after winning World War II, it was assumed we would also boom for a long, even more extended period of time because our victory was even more complete. And then September 11 happened and it felt like it accelerated everything falling apart much more quickly. But that fever dream quality of growing up “post-history,” so to speak, is I think captured really well in the non-chronological lyrics, in a way that I think following a chronology would have done a disservice to. Our lives are this weird mish-mash of constant horrors mixed with the numbing agents of pop culture, and so is this song.

The song ends on September 11, and there have been 22 years of history since September 11, and I get why it’s upsetting to people for the song to end on an event from 2001, and at the same time I think it’s the most effective part of the song, because it does not feel like that was 22 years ago, it definitely feels like it was yesterday, and it also feels like sometimes it’s the only thing that happened in the past thirty-plus years, because of how much it dwarfed everything that came before and how much it colored everything that came afterward.

Also, Fall Out Boy did make a deliberate choice to change the way the chorus goes. Billy Joel sings, "We tried to fight it," and Fall Out Boy sings, "We're trying to fight it." That, to me, adds to the impression that this isn't a narrative with a beginning and an end, it is all over the place and we're still in the middle of it all. So the song ends in the middle, basically.

I am speaking, of course, from the bias of a privileged American born in 1980 who graduated high school in 1997. But, speaking from that bias, I personally get why it’s not chronological, and I don’t think it’s a fatal flaw of the cover. To me, after a moment of being surprised the first time I listened, I felt like I got it and it captured the era better, and it was a feature not a bug. Obviously not everyone will agree, but anyway, I just wanted to say it.

There’s no way they did that on purpose, though.

I’ve got news for you about literary analysis, which I can confidently state as a writer myself: I’m sure there are some writers deliberately doing stuff on purpose but I bet a lot of it is the stuff you don’t even notice. The stuff you do notice and make much of, I’m always like, “…well. Gotta pretend I knew I was doing that all along…” I used to feel guilty about that, but I don’t anymore, because I’ve decided that the things I do instinctively, because they feel right to me, count just as much. When it turns out later that I was doing something because of x, y, z, only I couldn’t articulate it, I think that’s okay. And I also think it’s better than okay when people read what I write with their own experiences making it mean something to them that I would never have thought about.

Which is to say, I’m not particularly bothered by whether Pete Wentz said to Patrick, Joe, and Andy, “Let’s not do it chronologically in order to capture the chaos of this era.” He probably didn’t. But he did make a choice not to do it chronologically, and that’s good enough for me. (He actually starts with a very early reference, so it’s like he’s faking all of us out, like, You thought this would be a nice chronology, but it’s not, it’s an absolute mess.)

Didn’t Pete Wentz basically say it was just too hard to do it chronologically?

Never believe what Pete Wentz says about his own lyrics. He says Thnks fr th Mmrs is about Coachella.

Okay, but you’re surely giving him too much credit.

I’ve been analyzing the man’s lyrics for a long time now. He’s so much smarter than anyone gives him credit for, tbh. Believe me, I also used to think it was just coincidence that he kept tripping over these really elegant, multi-layered, evocative phrases. After twenty years, I don’t think it’s coincidence anymore. I think he just knows how to write.

But also, We Didn't Start the Fire gets held up as a Cold War epic, and it wasn't actually about the Cold War either, Billy Joel just lucked out that the Cold War ended the year it came out.

Fine, but anyone can just rhyme a bunch of proper nouns together.

Yes! You are correct! Anyone can do that! Go for it!

Yeah, but why is everyone paying so much attention to Fall Out Boy’s?

Honestly, I don’t know. They put out a really stellar album that most major media outlets and casual social media managed to ignore, and they’re in the middle of a super-ambitious tour where on any given night Patrick Stump might cover Queen or they’ll just pull out something old or maybe something brand new and I haven’t seen anyone talking about any of that, either. So I’m not entirely sure why suddenly everyone’s so fixated on what Fall Out Boy is doing, but Idk, if you’re curious, the new album is excellent and doesn’t have a single cover song on it, it's all original and it's got ton more Pete Wentz lyrics to pore over.

The lyrics are very sports-heavy, though. Was that necessary?

The lyrics are extremely Pete Wentz. I know everyone else in the band helped him, too, but these are the things Pete Wentz cares about: Chicago sports, Marvel stuff, Tiger King, other emo bands. Lots of other stuff, too, but the fact that he includes the Cubs and not the Red Sox is entirely a function of Who Pete Wentz Is. It’s actually an extremely personal listing of the last thirty years, and I kind of like that about it, too. Everyone’s version of this song is different, and that’s cool!

But it doesn’t even mention COVID!

I, too, was surprised by that, but it mentions Tiger King, and I think that’s better, it made me laugh and also very vividly evoked that particular time to me better than just saying, like, "COVID-19 quarantine" would have.

There are other huge events it leaves out!

Yes. There are.

I can’t help it, I just really hate the song.

That’s cool. There are songs I really hate, too. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

(the funniest thing to me is that many people make fun of Patrick's lack of enunciation making lyrics unintelligible, but he's worked so hard on his singing that people can understand these lyrics, oops)

[abarbaricyalp]

Hi! BEFORE THE BEGINNING

HI!! I love the idea of this prompt! From this meme

BEFORE THE BEGINNING — three sentences (or more) about something that happened before the plot of my current project

I'm going to answer this with a wip that I haven't talked about, because it has the most backstory that won't really get explored in the fic. It's a murderbot diaries AU

It wasn't unusual for CombatSecUnits to be activated for contract negotiations. It wasn't really usual either, though. Bucky stood beside a set of company handlers and a handful of other SecUnits who were not being contracted out. It was just him. They were there for protection. Not his.

"We're a military pararescue squad," the leader of the contracting group was saying. He was a classically handsome man, with dark skin, broad shoulders, and well kept facial hair. He had unique augments that made his Feed chatter louder than most humans. His second in command--a less interesting man to look at--had more extensive augments. His Feed kept bumping against Bucky's in the channel, even though he was standing still and speaking infrequently. "We don't need any additional security units."

Bucky did not blame them. SecUnits were kind of a pain in the ass. It was common knowledge that any benefit to keeping them around--namely the crew not dying preventable deaths--was typically outweighed by the fact that SecUnits recorded everything they saw and heard and fed the information back to the company to be datamined and sold off or used later. A group that could mostly keep themselves from dying preventable deaths did not need additional SecUnits if they did not want them.

"It is standard procedure that military squads be equipped with at least two CombatUnits to complete full insurance. We are already compromising here by sending only one CombatSecUnit."

This was not a compromise. A CombatSecUnit was more volatile than a regular CombatUnit, on account of the neural tissue that ensured they did not operate like a machine 100% of the time.

"What about you?" the squad leader asked, bright eyes snapping up to Bucky. "What do you want to do?"

It was a good thing Bucky's non-organic parts held him in place better than his organic reactions would ever allow. And that his armor's face plate was opaqued. Because he actually scowled and sneered at the question.

"I do not have an opinion," he said levelly. SecUnits did not have opinions. Admitting that he did actually have an opinion would be the first step to getting himself deconstructed and remade into a bunch of other SecUnits.

See, Bucky wasn't like most SecUnits. He had hacked his govenor's module--the piece of code that kept SecUnits more machine than human, following orders sent by code bundles and preprogrammed command functions--and now he lived with a mind that was all his own. If anyone found out about that, not a single part of his body would continue to belong to him, starting with his mind.

The squad leader stared at Bucky. At Bucky's faceplate anyway. He really did have bright, discerning eyes. Bucky silently poked around his Feed profile, examining as much of his augments as he could reach without alerting the man he was there.

Samuel Thomas Wilson, his profile said. 35 years old. Pararescue. Pilot training. Medical certification. MedSys Access: Granted. SecSys Access: Granted. Manual Override: Granted. Performance Reliability: 95%

"Are you sure you don't?" Samuel Thomas Wilson asked him.

Bucky blinked behind his visor. Yes, he thought to himself. He felt Sam's Feed channel bump his.

"Fine. One SecUnit. That's it," he said, turning his attention back to the contract negotiations. "And only this one."

[angel-of-hunky-doryness]

The Conflicts of Disney's Hercules (Part 2): Hercules vs Hades

Or as I like to call it: why Hercules and Hades are the best example of a literary foil muddled and lost in its own movie.

LONG POST, sorry not sorry.

The hero vs villain dynamic is a Disney staple inspired by the many fairy tales and folklore from which Disney has long based their movies on. However, this dynamic went through a glow-up when Disney started their Renaissance period kicking off with The Little Mermaid (1989).

This era of Disney brought in much more personality and character to their protagonists, but also bringing in a new type of villain. Now this was a sharp departure from your atypical evil stepmothers and wicked villainesses that Disney was known from in their early days.

That's why when Disney decided to adapt Hercules (1997) the writers needed a formidable foe for Hercules to throws hands with to fit in to this new era where you had the likes of Ariel vs Ursula, Aladdin vs Jafar, Simba vs Scar, etc.

And in the Renaissance, Disney started leaning more into their Shakespearean influences. Nowhere is this more evident then Lion King (1994) and to a lesser extent- based on deleted scenes, the broadway version, and live action remake- Little Mermaid.

The reason I'm bringing this up is b/c, my dear reader, now we're getting to the Evil Uncle Trope.

Or at least a failed execution of it, b/c Disney did not utilize it well in Hercules. It's just barely touched upon.

Yes, yes, I know who the real villain is in the original myth of Herakles and that could be a reason it doesn't work. But Herakles vs Hera doesn't work well on paper when you remember that Herk was the affair baby and Hera is actively trying to smite him and this is a film meant for children. And something, something, she doesn't carry the kind of raw emo goth energy a walking-talking Bunsen burner can provide.

Jokes aside and the accuracy of the Greek Mythology presented, I think Disney Hercules was adapted well to a modern audience.

HOWEVER!

Now I've made it no secret in the past that I don't really view this hero/villain pair as the central conflict of Disney's Hercules.

That is mostly because whatever antagonism Hades and Hercules had going on it's very one-sided, and almost surface-level. Hades is over here having the biggest blow to his ego with a little bit of existential crisis thrown in for good measure.

While Hercules is absolutely vibing to the Muses singing the greatest mind-melting musical number of the film.

Not once do we get a character moment where this corn-fed farm boy ever stops to think, "Hey, Phil, I know Thebes is a bad place and all, but where do these mildly inconveniencing monsters keep coming from?"

In all two of his interactions with Hades(I'm not counting the opening scene, Hercules is a baby, fight me), Hercules never realizes in the entire movie how he was wronged by this tall glass of daddy issues.

Which are:

Flambe man kidnapped Baby

Lil sun spot is mortal now for plot relevance or smth

Attempted murder via the goon squad

Monsters keep coming out of nowhere after Herc saves the sassy lady from the Centaur(TM).

And Hades, to his credit, really doesn't care enough to tell him.

Why?

Because it literally never bothered Hercules. Hades is the obligatory monster of the week to Wonder breath. That kind of revelation wouldn't bother him, Hercules doesn't even know there's a prophecy about him. Hecc, home boy barely struggles with the Titans at the climax.

This is basically the Wanda-Thanos meme but the roles are reversed.

And I would like to emphasize, Hercules isn't bothered by the monsters Hades sends at all. He gets over it fairly quickly once he gets over his first battle jitters. If anything, the biggest issue Hercules is facing post-Hydra is that even though society has finally embraced him for his strength, he's still extremely lonely.

Which leads to this pivotal moment in the film:

What is the point?

He's still a freak, but this time after years of training he's finally useful. My pal Rudolph the Red-nose reindeer understands this predicament rather well. And the loneliness that Hercules feels b/c of his superhuman abilities is such a fascinating angle the writers of Disney Hercules go with that isn't emphasized enough.

And I can't stress this enough: The internal war Hercules grapples with, of being caught between two worlds, struggling with something he was born with and of doing everything in his power to fit into both of these worlds? Now that makes for a compelling demigod.

What's more, the strange shift in how society view his strength is such a interesting element that could have made a better antagonist than Hades was and I bet if this movie was made in this new era of Disney films (2015-Present) it would've executed it with this premise in mind. Since Disney has moved away from mustache-twirling villains and focusing on things like generational trauma and internal issues.

The fear and scorn Hercules once felt is now being turned to adoration, but wait, that's not what he wanted!

He just wanted to be treated like a person.

Take the discus scene, Hercules tries to play frisbee with the other teens in his neighborhood, but he immediately gets told to buzz off.

His goal of reaching Olympus isn't to reunite with his real family it's to finally be around others who are just as powerful as him, somewhere he wouldn't be out of place.

And the funny part about all of this is how well it ties in to Hades. Because Hercules upholding his duty as a hero is essentially what Hades did in his respective career until the moment he had his very own What's the point? moment.

Now first and foremost, I'm here to say Hades did his job. Regardless of how respectfully he did that in his later years....

No zombie apocalypses as far as I can tell, so kudos to you babe.

And that kind of job isolated him pretty badly when you consider Hades is with the dead instead of the other gods, almost making Hercules' dream the same as Hades'. However that dream has long since distorted and twisted from centuries of bitterness and anger.

Which adds another layer to their similarities. The dedication they had for their jobs isolated them even further.

And funnily enough, Hades and Herc were both assigned to this task by Zeus.

Now that we've established how similar H&H are let's see if we can glean how it played out for Hades by looking at Hercules' beginning. Hercules started out with so much determination and hope as can be seen in I Can Go the Distance (reprise). And as we follow Hercules to seek a teacher, to undergo years of training, and to follow through with all that he had been taught, Hercules never lost hope that he would finally be with people like him.

Well that is until Hercules' talk with Zeus.

And we learn Hercules has been putting himself through tons of risks and labors for nothing...?

He could've accomplished being a true hero back in his old farm town, and before you argue Zeus never explicitly told him to walk the path of a hero- then why did he send him to Danny DeVito???

And I'd like to make it clear I adore that Herc is being told off by his dad. Being Superman in Metropolis can go to one's head at his age especially now that he has proven time and time again how useful his strength is. Hubris is a major character flaw associated with greek mythology even if it isn't the flaw Herakles has in myth, keep this in mind for later as I explain what his flaw really is and how we see instances of it in the Disney film.

With that kind of journey mapped out, I bet about two drachmas and my 4 pound sponsor that Hades did the same as Herc. And as a result invested too much in his job for him to realize that he became disconnected to Olympus as a result.

Yeah, okay this is more conjecture and veering into fanfiction territory here and since I've been writing a fanfic on this guy for the past 6 years I tend to do that w/o meaning to. So if I ever start being a little too sympathetic on Mr. Brimstone Breath over there, take it with a grain of salt.

However, it is my personal headcanon since Hades did help Zeus in the original Titanomachy that my mans became extremely distant in his attempt to become a feared and respected god of the underworld.

And that came with its own reputation as mentioned in Gospel Truth Part II. Hades can get one-track minded and that applies very well to Hercules too.

So in the end, everything Herc and Hades were doing wasn't getting them any closer to what they really wanted: social acceptance.

And this was a big thing in Ancient Greece. The worst punishment a person could receive in those times was being exiled. Outcast. Permanent hermitage.

Let that sink in.

It can be argued that Hades always vied for Zeus' position, but I personally believe he did so because every other attempt he's made to change his circumstances after his What's the Point moment he kept hitting a road block either from Zeus or his arrogance to continue ruling a kingdom even if it isn't the underworld. Until he basically reasons, yup gotta take down the resident thunder dunder head.

And I think it's this factor of loneliness that both these guys share that really exemplifies or differentiates why each one is a great foil to each other. Hades is the dark reflection of what Hercules could be if he continued to toil after godhood/accepted into Mount Olympus to no avail for years and years and years.

It's a very similar trope we see in Kung Fu Panda with Tai Lung vs Po. And where Zeus fits into the role of Shifu.

Remember, both these two were serving their people, but Hades has been around far longer. After centuries, Hades grew sick and tired of serving ppl for basically nothing so he decided to put all his anger and frustration to force the world to bend to him instead.

But this is all hidden in between the lines so it doesn't hit home to the audience unless you take a deeper look into these two characters.

And all that I've talked about above is not even what we see in the film.

So, let's talk about what we do see.

Exhibit Alpha: All Hades Breaks Loose

As always, Hades is a showstopper. Don't tell him that btw he doesn't deserve it.

After executing a perfect 9.8/10 gymnastic spectacle, Hades shows up ready to pounce and do what he does best: Wheel and Deal with a trick ace up his sleeve.

It's so funny seeing Hercules talk to this guy, b/c he just had a falling out with his mentor and he's absolutely not in the mood to talk to this fast-talking flame head.

And Hades was ready to mop the floor with the guy, but b/c he can't get Wonder Bread's attention he has to whip out Meg a lot faster then he wanted to. He couldn't even savor the moment- it's like wasting a fine cigar.

But Hades doesn't skip a beat and like any mob boss, snaps his fingers, does a bit of blackmailing, and my beautiful boy catches on that if he loses his powers for 24 hours- talk about the confidence on Hades' part here- ppl will get hurt.

Hades, naturally, assures him things will be fine. I mean it's not like they're living in Greek mythology or anything. And after all, Hades assures him, Meg will be safe from harm.

They even shake on it. With left hands.....

And as soon as the two break apart, Hades doesn't hold back on telling his nephew how badly he screwed up.

Leave it to your estranged uncle to sucker you into a terrible deal and then outline why that was the worst mistake of your lifetime. Grade A uncle-ing I say. Wonder if he learned that from centuries of putting up with Zeus' offspring.

And while I have discussed this scene before in Meg vs Hades, we see here the same betrayal Meg had gone through with her ex, but now Meg is taking on the role of her ex. So let's look at it from Herc's perspective.

Anyone else feel their heart breaking when Hercules accuses Hades of lying????

But this is what makes the scene for me:

Despite everything, Hercules still chooses to fight.

You can really see the strength of Hercules' character here. Cuz despite his stupid decision, he still bares the weight of his responsibility even without his god-like strength.

Hercules faces the Cyclops as a normie. Hades would never.

This is the moment where Hercules rises above Hades in humility and upholds his duty despite the odds against him. This moment cements Hercules as a hero.

Finally the cycle of similarities is broken by Hercules' unselfish act. And it should've been in my opinion the moment he gained godhood and not the one below:

Yes, I know how important it is for Meg's redemption and to show how pure and true their relationship is. They're my emotional support OTP, okay, but what's more compelling?

Hercules being saved by the woman who just betrayed him, or Hercules risking his life to save the city of Thebes now that he's just like everybody else? He doesn't have his plot armor anymore, he's facing a giant that's already going ham destroying the populace while everyone is trying to escape. Isn't that true hero material? To stand and face the threat and buy the people time to escape?

But I digress.

And oh man, when Meg gets crushed we see a side of Hercules that was hinted at after Phil called out Meg for being a fraud:

We see Hercules' flaw.

In fact, the same flaw that Hades has as well:

Wrath.

Exhibit Beta: A Swell Consolation Prize

Hades loses. Big surprise there. I'm not covering the Titan scene since Hades and Herc just trade frowns and smirks, so imma leave that one be for this post.

But Hades really does sign his death certificate when he starts running away and reminds Johnny Beefcakes that he still managed to get him where it hurts:

And boy oh boy, when Meg died in his arms, Hercules has murder on his mind.

This is the first time Hercules has a vendetta against Hades (with 10 minutes left). A true, true vendetta. He was willing to let go tricking him by using Meg, but now b/c Hades knocked over the domino that led to Meg's death and the job title he holds, he's ready to go kick ass.

And Lord, the writers knock a home run to the impulsiveness that sits at this central character flaw of Herakles.

Hercules, our Disney version, is ready to cheat death, beat Hades to a pulp and do anything to get Meg back. Alcestis and Admetus style, baby.

So Herc grabs Cerberus and forces the bloodthirsty puppy to take him to his master.

And now realizing that he still has a chance of pulling one over on Zeus, Hades is willing to look over the abuse upon his pet and gets ready to use the wheeling and dealing technique.

And while Hercules does *convince*, and I use that word very loosely, to trade places with Meg, Hades agrees. While some have pointed out to me how clever Hercules can be this was not one of those moments.

Wow the son of my greatest rival??? Hercules made a really easy bargain that Hades was gonna propose anyway. Meg is insignificant in the grand scheme of things so who cares if she got a 'Get out of Jail' free card.

But, Hades messed up. Dude should've had his cake and eaten it too and just fished Meg out so Herc could take that dip and avoid what was coming to him.

Y'see Hades wasn't aware of the true hero clause Zeus randomly made up just like how Hades randomly made up a god-to-mortal potion.

So we get this ending with Herc's debt remaining unpaid.

I joked to myself as I was writing this post to include a post in my Hercules Conflicts series where it's Hades vs Hades b/c let's be real, Hades caused all of Hades' problems.

Self-fulfilling prophecies babyyyyy

Oy... Can you believe that now that Herc and Meg are alive and kicking as mortals they still owe a debt to Hades? Not the best ending, mind you. Sure, Hades isn't getting out anytime soon, so does it matter in the grand scheme of things?

But it is a sweet and well-deserved ending for our boy Hercules. Bc despite everything, Hercules realizes that the ppl who love him and know him for who he is: his adopted parents, his coach, and his girl that he would rather live out a mortal life with them instead of one with his bio parents. He knows now that the acceptance he has always been longing for has been realized and he'd rather have the life he knows than risk it all for a life that might make him all the more miserable.

And just like Hercules, Hades is now permanently stuck in the world he was forced into. Funny how they both ended up in the place they were actively trying to leave. It's a well-deserved punishment even if the dead are screwed without someone to keep the underworld in tip-top shape.

It's a shame Hades didn't meet Hercules sooner in the film because there is tons of material here that could've really had them be a formidable villain/hero pair up there with the likes of Aladdin vs Jafar. To have them actively oppose each other and force Hercules to grapple with the knowledge that this god is doing everything in his power to keep him off balance. imagine if Hades showed up early on just to gloat and mock the kid and confirm everything Zeus had told him?

Hercules could've grown up with that chip on his shoulder, wanting to be a fighter and a warrior just so he could take Hades on for realzies and take on the hoard of monsters he's sending to doom humanity. Just so it culminates in the classic: We're not so different conversation to mentally mess with the hero about his morals and life choices.

Could've been great.

Regardless, thanks for making it to the end, dear reader.

Till next time.

[miramizar]

I went round and round

Summary: EXO has a day off during Call me Baby promotions, and Baekhyun drives Kyungsoo up the wall like usual - only this time the other members has to join in as well, as Baekhyun proposes a round of spin the bottle to cure his boredom.

Genre/Category: Humour, Gen

Characters/Ship: OT10, platonic

Word count: 2,332

Crossposted on AO3

AN: This was my first attempt at writing for EXO, and the very first fanfic I uploaded to my account on AO3. It's based on a meme, and maybe a little bit silly, but it holds a special place in my heart~ (*≧ω≦*)♡

"I'm boooooored~" Kyungsoo sighs for the millionth time when he hears Baekhyun's endless complaints from the living room. It is their first day off in a month and you'd think that everyone would sleep the day away or at least take it easy for a bit, but not Baekhyun - never Byun Baekhyun. Kyungsoo pinches the bridge of his nose in frustration. He really doesn't need this, especially not now when he's in the middle of making dinner.

"Kyungsoo-yah!"

As if it couldn't get any worse.

"What?" he answers without looking at Chanyeol, who happily enters the kitchen with the bored Baekhyun in tow.

"What are you doing?"

Kyungsoo holds in another sigh and answers him slowly. "What does it look like I'm doing?" He reaches for a bottle, but a slender hand beats him to it and Baekhyun lets out a satisfied sound. That doesn't bode well at all, and Kyungsoo actually looks up this time when Baekhyun opens his mouth.

"You have the best thing ever right here! I know what we can do now!" Suddenly both he and Chanyeol bolts out from the kitchen, laughing and screaming loudly for the others to come. "Hey guys! Come here, let's play spin the bottle!"

"Seriously..." Kyungsoo turns off the stove and washes his hands before following his friends into the living room to perhaps knock some sense into them, but to his great surprise almost all of the other members are already there and it looks like they are all game. Jongdae is there, beagle as he is, smiling and with a quiet Minseok at his side. Jongin is looking at the bottle in Baekhyun's hands with mild interest while Sehun stands beside him with his nose in his phone, Yixing sits in the sofa and now Junmyeon rounds the corner to check what the commotion is all about, Zitao clinging to his back.

Kyungsoo immediately registers their leader's disapproving look and becomes a little happier - seems like he isn't the only one who disagrees with Baekhyun's idea after all.

"Baekhyun, is this really a good idea? This can easily turn very chaotic and messy-"

"You're chaotic and messy," comes the snarky reply from Sehun who still doesn't look up from his phone, and Junmyeon turns to look at him with a hurt expression on his face. Kyungsoo decides to intervene and discretely slaps Sehun in the back of his head as he goes to stand by their leader, receiving a grateful smile that he returns with ease. After all, he had tried to stop Baekhyun, which was a lot more than he could say about any of the other members.

"Sit down, sit down!" Chanyeol is always the first to join in on everything his partner in crime proposes, and when Jongdae joins him on the floor Minseok follows, and when Sehun does the same Jongin promptly does it too, and when Yixing and Zitao does so as well both Kyungsoo and Junmyeon realise that this is a battle they can't win. They look at each other in defeat before sitting down next to each other in the now perfect circle.

Might as well be a part of the chaos rather than hearing about all the mishaps afterwards.

"Just one round, okay?" Junmyeon desperately tries to keep this under control, and for once it seems like the others are listening to him - even if it is by one ear only. "We're supposed to rest today, so if we can at least try not to be violent?"

"He's got a point." Jongdae winks at Junmyeon and Kyungsoo rolls his eyes while some of the others mocks the lead singer's weak attempt at flirting. They do agree in the end and suddenly Kyungsoo finds the bottle in front of him and a smiling Baekhyun way too close to his face.

"It was your bottle, Kyungsoo, so you get to start!"

"Lucky you!" Chanyeol shouts, and Kyungsoo snorts.

"How am I lucky?" he mutters to himself but he still spins the bottle, secretly happy that he at least got this much respect from his enemy. That is until his fingers slip so that the bottle only barely moves, horror turning him cold as it points directly at Baekhyun - stupid Byun Baekhyun who just laughs and immediately throws himself at Kyungsoo.

"C'mere Kyungie, so I can give you a big kiss on your squishy cheek!" He makes kissing noises towards him and Kyungsoo desperately tries to break free of his grip, but he can't escape and a wet kiss later Baekhyun releases him, everybody laughing at his sour expression.

"Lucky my ass..." he mumbles, and feels a hand squeeze his knee in comfort. He turns to find Junmyeon's eyes shining with repressed laughter and a bit of sternness tugging at the corner of his mouth.

"Don't say that. It's just one round, Soo, fighting!" He raises his fists and huffs cutely, and Kyungsoo sighs and deflates.

"Your turn, Jonginnie!" Baekhyun shouts as if nothing happened, and Kyungsoo sees how Jongin shoots a playful grin towards Sehun across the ring before he spins the bottle quite aggressively, bursting out laughing when it actually lands on Sehun. Sehun on the other hand tries to hide his own giggles behind a wrinkled nose but fails rather miserably, and everyone awwws when he gives up completely and gets a kiss pressed to the cheek.

"I just spin it?" the tall chinese boy asks warily after receiving the bottle from an embarrassed Jongin, and when the others nod he spins it elegantly with a snap of his wrist. It spins fast and lands on Jongdae, the lead singer cackling as he reaches out to Zitao with fingers formed to claws.

"Watch out, Taozi, here I come!"

"No, I don't want to!" Zitao squeaks in fear and runs to hide behind Junmyeon, who pets his hair while smiling motherly. He nods towards Jongdae.

"You know that you can kiss him instead of the other way around?" Zitao blinks and Jongdae shrugs before closing his eyes and turning his cheek towards him. Zitao lets out a relieved sigh and quickly jumps forward to kiss him, and Jongdae almost falling over but catching himself in time to Junmyeon's great relief. There had been no accidents yet, and he was making sure it stayed that way.

"My turn!" Chanyeol spins the bottle so hard that it lifts off the floor, and Kyungsoo closes his eyes while praying for it not to point to him. Anything but that, I beg you, please, I wouldn't hear the end of it- 

"Kyungsoo-yah!" Kyungsoo clenches his fists and looks up to face the truth - because of course it points at him. He barely has the time to give Chanyeol a menacing glare before the rapper tumbles into him and kisses his other cheek, and he yelps and pushes him off.

"This isn't funny, why do I have to be kissed all the time?" He spits and wipes his cheek with the back of his hand. Baekhyun puts his chin in his hands and actually looks like he's thinking about it. After a short while he looks at Kyungsoo and smiles innocently.

"You're right, you should definitely be rewarded." Then his smile turns dark. "You get a free spin!" The others cheer while Kyungsoo sputters in disbelief.

"But! What- Why-" Kyungsoo has no words for the heat he feels welling up inside him, and it takes a half-hug and some whispered words of comfort from Junmyeon before he can focus on anything else.

"No violence, please? Just hold on for one round." And Kyungsoo takes a deep breath, grasps the bottle and spins it with poorly contained anger so that it points at Junmyeon. The hand around his shoulders tenses up for a moment before relaxing and Junmyeon looks at him carefully. "Oh, okay. You can do it if you want to?" Kyungsoo kisses him before he is prepared and his cheeks turn pink. Chanyeol booms with laughter and points at him, making the others join in.

"You're so transparent, that made you really happy, right?" The others laugh loudly at Junmyeon who protests half-heartedly, but Kyungsoo throws the bottle to Yixing, who spins it with a dreamy smile on his lips and would you look at that - it points at Jongin who has become rather tired of the game already and is playing with Sehun's phone instead.

"Jongin?" The dancer hums a little to show that he has heard him. "The bottle points at you."

"Oh." Jongin looks up, meets Yixing's gaze and looks down again. "You can kiss Monggu if you'd like? It's live."

"Are you serious, Nini, do you call your dogs on your phone?" Jongdae crawls over and looks at the small screen, and Jongin shows it to Yixing who shrugs and blows the poodle a kiss. Baekhyun lets out a bored whoop.

"That sucked, but let's move on. Who's next?"

"It's me." Sehun takes the bottle and spins it, and Kyungsoo groans even before it stops.

"I can't believe this..." But Sehun just shakes his head and beckons him over.

"Yeah yeah, hyung. Come over here and get it over with." Kyungsoo does as he's told and gets another kiss on the cheek.

"You're lucky today, Kyungsoo." Jongdae pinches the cheek Kyungsoo got kissed on before taking the bottle. "Would you care to share some of it?" He spins it and continues talking. "But who knows what will happen now that I've said that... whoops." It points at Zitao and everyone cheers.

"You've got luck on your side as well, Chenchen!" Baekhyun makes the two of them stand up and face each other. "Now do as much as you can while you have the chance!" Zitao looks rather terrified again, but this time he manages to close his eyes and Jongdae stands on his toes to kiss his cheek. Zitao smiles shyly and they sit down again, and Baekhyun applauds them.

"Who's left now?" Minseok raises his hand and Jongdae begins to cheer loudly.

"Minseok-hyung! Go Minseokkie!" Minseok looks uncomfortable and takes the bottle from Jongdae's hands, putting it on the floor.

"Okay..." He looks around and spots Jongin falling asleep on Sehun's shoulder, and a devious spark lights up inside him. He spins the bottle away from himself using a lot of strength, but clicks with his tongue in dissappointment when it barely manages to graze Sehun's knee before stopping at Junmyeon. Junmyeon doesn't catch Minseoks expression and begins to awkwardly fiddle with his shirt while looking up from under his fringe at his only hyung.

"How do you want us to do it? Last time you didn't like me doing it, so would you prefer to do it now?" Minseok seems to remember the situation at Sukira and begins to crawl towards his leader, stopping right before him and waiting until Junmyeon looks up and meets his eyes.

"Junmyeonnie, it's okay. Just kiss me!" He closes his eyes and smiles when Junmyeon kisses his cheek, making sure Junmyeon sees it before returning to his place.

"Okay, now it is finally my turn! Where's the bottle?" Baekhyun stands up to look around and finds it lying beside Sehun's knees. He lifts it up and swings it a bit in the air while walking back to his place. "Now, here's a mighty spin- whoops!" Suddenly Jongdae is within reach of the bottle and he gets a hard hit in the head and sinks to the floor while moaning in pain. Baekhyun drops the bottle and holds a hand to his mouth in shock. "Oh my God, Jongdae, are you okay?"

"I knew this would happen!" Junmyeon is quick to put Jongdae's head in his knee and begins to feel the back of his head for damage. "What if he's got a concussion? What if he loses his eyesight, or-"

"Take it easy, hyung." Kyungsoo puts a comforting hand on Junmyeon's shoulder. "Baekhyun is not that strong."

"Hey!"

"It's true." Jongdae grunts and his eyelids flutter before he looks straight up into Junmyeons worried eyes. He smiles a little. "Hi there, Junmyeonnie-hyung." Junmyeon flinches and Chanyeol laughs.

"Only Jongdae, sucking up to leader-nim whenever he's got the chance. Did you even get hurt?"

"He did, I felt the bump," Junmyeon says quietly while looking away to hide his embarassment, and Jongdae decides to have mercy on him and leaves him alone with a pat on his knee. He goes back to his place while holding his head and squinting his eyes at the subsiding pain.

"It hurt a lot, but I'm okay. Who did the bottle land on?"

"Oh yeah, that's right." Baekhyun looks at it and finds Yixing at the other end. "Ah, Yixing-hyung."

"Yes, Baekhyun?"

"May I kiss you?"

"You may kiss me." Baekhyun gives him a light kiss on what turns out to be a dimple, and everyone laughs, even Junmyeon cracks a smile at the sight. Now Junmyeon has regained his composure and clears his throat to get the others attention.

"It's just me left now, so after I've had my turn this game is over, alright? I don't want any more accidents." He takes the bottle and spins it, and it ends up pointing at Jongdae. Jongdae playfully sticks the tip of his tongue out between his teeth, making Junmyeon swallow in fear.

"It's time to thank my saviour, don't you think?" he teases and kisses Junmyeon quickly, and Junmyeon's cheeks turn pink once again, making everyone erupt in laughter. Even Kyungsoo, who now confiscates the bottle and returns to the kitchen to finish making dinner, can't help but giggle a little, and when he's used the bottle and re-heated the pot he realises that he's been having fun.

Maybe Baekhyun's idea wasn't completely stupid after all.

Kyungsoo watches the others playing wildly in the living room, everyone with a smile on their lips. He lifts his hand to his own and feels it grow.

No, maybe it wasn't.