#In memory of chapter 302

[jxxbtx]

WRITING ADVICE PLEASE

----------------------------------

How does a girl write smut? I deeply require assistance cause like- I'm venturing into real weird territory (for me atleast) in a fic I'm writing 😭

Might just give up and stop with an ambiguous ending at this point 🥀

----------------------------------

EDIT : Oh wait I'm a minor. great, there's my excuse- hah.

------------COMPLETED------------>

[yanadolls]

FORGET IT. ᯓ

||| FEATURING: NAGI SEISHIRO X READER (IMPLIED RELATIONSHIP)

SPOILERS FOR CHAPTER 302.

||| THEME: ANGST & FLUFF

||| SUMMARY: nagi returns to his normal life after being disqualified from bluelock, and while he tells himself it's all fine and that he should forget it..he can't suppress his feelings forever. after seeing some students playing soccer, he cracks.

-

"why didn't i try harder?"

"i should've just chased after them."

"i want to go back."

"i want to come back to that me.. but i can't."

for the first time in nagi's life, he was overwhelmed by his emotions. he wasn't used to feeling so sad. if you told his past self that he would be in the back of the classroom, crying about being kicked out of bluelock and not getting to play anymore, he would laugh at you.

but now..this was his reality.

he had never tried so hard at something, let alone felt so good about it. memories at bluelock were flooding through his mind, refusing to leave no matter how much he had tried to bury them. tears rolled down his cheeks as he sniffled, a despairing and unfamiliar look on his face. he refused to bring his head up. nagi didn't try to push away his feelings anymore, because he knew it wasn't okay and that he couldn't ever forget what he felt there. he enjoyed the hassle of soccer, he enjoyed scoring goals and putting in the effort. why didn't he try harder at the end..? was his talent really withered?

"seishiro..?"

a sudden voice pulled him out of his thoughts, his wounded heart dropping to his stomach. just what he needed right now- you walking in on him being emotional for the first time. nagi mentally berated himself for not holding back his tears till he got home.

"..y/n."

he spoke in a small voice, so unlike his normal one. nagi's head did not raise to meet your gaze. he remained still at the desk, not bothering to try to cover the fact he was crying. it was too exhausting. a knot formed in your tummy as you heard him sniffle a couple times, silently sobbing at the back of the empty classroom. it was rough seeing your boyfriend like this, and you knew what had caused it.

"seishiro, do you want a hug?"

you tried to ignore the way your own heart sunk at the sight as you slowly shut the classroom door, making your way over to where nagi was. you pushed a chair over beside his, before sitting down beside him. nagi didn't answer your question, rather, he slowly brought his head up to look at you, nodding a bit.

and when you saw your face, it was hard not to cry with him.

you have never seen nagi look so miserable, many liquids leaking from his face as he stared at you, bottom lip quivering. the former nonchalant boy was no where to be seen.

"oh, sei.."

a small whimper left his mouth as you tugged him into a gentle hug. he didn't wrap his arms around you at first, just letting you hold him. he did bury his face into your shoulder, however.

"i.. i should've tried harder."

his quiet voice cracked a bit as he took in air, trying not to completely break down. albeit, it was becoming impossible as his heart raced faster and faster, breathing quaking. neither of you expected him to vent his feelings out.

"i want to go back to bluelock, i want to go back to how i was in there.. b-but i can't. i don't want to feel this feeling.."

your one hand rubbed circles into his broad back, other hand moving to run through his hair. tears formed in your own eyes as you struggled to hold back a little choked sob.

"y-you don't know that, seishiro. maybe they'll-"

"no, y/n. it's over."

his voice cut you off quickly, not allowing you to put false hope into his mind. nagi knew ego wasn't that generous, especially after everything the man said about him. his time at bluelock had expired.

"please." he muttered, arms finally snaking around you, "just...don't leave me alone."

it broke your heart.

"sei, i-i would never!"

there was so much you wanted to tell him; you wanted to assure him that maybe, just maybe there would be some way back to bluelock, but that wasn't what he wanted to hear right now. he didn't want to hope for something that may not ever come, as it would crush him more. all nagi wanted right now..was you.

and so you stayed with him, letting him crumble in your embrace as he finally stopped fighting it. you shed a few tears of your own- how could you not? seeing nagi like this was utterly sickening. you didn't try to give him logical answers, instead, you just physically comforted him. it was quite a while before nagi's tears stopped coming out, leaving him with a headache and pure exhaustion.

"can we just go home?"

he muttered against your shoulder, breathing slowly stabilizing. you couldn't give less a fuck about the last period of school. your focus was your mentally tired boyfriend.

"of course, sei."

pushing the door to his small dormitory open, you were greeted with a dark room. nagi lazily trotted over, not even bothering to greet his cactus choki as he fell onto his bed, groaning into his pillow. you closed the door and crawled onto the bed with him, to which he immediately rolled onto his back and pulled you into his strong arms.

"m'sorry." he mumbled as he stared up at the ceiling, "shouldn't have acted like that in front of you. was totally lame."

you shook you head softly, stroking his hair soothingly before pressing a kiss to his forehead. a part of you was happy that he had.

"no, don't say sorry. i'm actually glad you were open with your feelings. it's..different than before. it's more healthy."

"what's healthy about ugly crying on you?"

there was a small pout on his face as his droopy eyes looked down at you. you couldn't help but let out a huff, a tiny smile coming to your lips.

"you're not even an ugly crier, baby. it's healthy that you're finally showing more emotions than, you know, boredom. you're changing a lot, becoming more emotional. it's good."

nagi was quiet for a moment, before groaning one more time. he turned on his side and buried his face in your hair.

"sounds like a pain. changing feels bad.. don't like feeling sad."

he paused for a second.

"but at least i still have you. can't take that away from me."

a bigger smile made its way onto your face. it was obvious that nagi was still very bummed about bluelock, and that wasn't going to change for a while. however, the fact that you were here was comforting his destroyed soul bit by bit. nagi wonders what he would be feeling if you weren't here.

"how about i order us some food and we watch a show for the rest of the night? i can sleep over."

by the way nagi's dull eyes finally lit up a bit, it seemed like he enjoyed that idea. his chapped lips pressed to your head.

"i'd like that. thank you."

you tilt your head up, giving him a small peck on the lips.

"of course, lovely."

there were a lot of things nagi would have to work through for the next couple weeks, but with you by his side, everything felt a bit less shittier. nagi had a small, rare smile on his face as he cuddled you for the night, letting his troubles and worries float away. your support made him feel like maybe..it wasn't the end of the world. maybe there were solutions.

maybe his soccer career wasn't over.

AN: lowkey was SOO sad writing this, the new chapter broke my heart :< i'm praying that they don't just discard nagi's character, as i feel like this depressing arc for him could make him much stronger of a player. crossing my fingers tho !!

[alen21]

Excerpt from a rant I wrote under a Woochul fanfic dissecting their relationship in Solo Lev Ragnarok

Spoilers from Solo Leveling Ragnarok Chapters 301 and 302

Chapter 301: SJW most concern about WJC back on Earth and WJC's struggle with PTSD from previous timeline and yearning a god out of reach

Some background spoiler relevant to our boys: in Ragnarok sjw has to leave Earth again to fight against the outer gods, and on Earth wjc locked in the moment gates start appearing (hes a veteran atp XD being one of the only ones who remember the past timeline and all) and created the Association and took the lead

WJC, still A rank, started doping (the steroids joke in this fic is real now!!) on rune stones to increase his strength to the point his body cant handle it, but sjw, extremely worried, before he left (or he made his son do it for wjc i forgot), did smth i forgot specifically to help only wjc to adjust to the influx of mana ;-; THEYRE BFS YOUR HONOR

Wjc in the new timeline is still alone :( the novel literally show how how trapped and haunted by the past life he still is and that has taken extreme measures to prep humanity for the inevitable war that will take place (he fears it daily), then he has no one and the only important person to him is literally a god, out of reach for him ;-; UGH THE ANGST

And about him remembering, in solo lev side stories even sjw was surprised that wjc managed to remember, meaning he remembered sjw on INSTINCT, bro forced himself to chase those memory fragments himself T^T and then chapter 301 in ragnarok had sjw literalky going the person im most concerned for on earth is wjc bc hes always overworking, to the point sjw had to erase his memories multiple bc of the immense ptsd wjc experiences, but wjc remembers on his own EVERY SINGLE TIME, even pleaded with sjw not to erase it.

"A comrade. The only colleague who shares the old memories with me."

[A human with memories of the previous era… If that's the case, he must be playing a big role in this chaotic time, so why are you so worried?]

"…Because he might overwork himself."

[Hmm?]

Sung Jinwoo couldn't help but smile bitterly at the Ruler's question.

"He's that kind of person."

"Yes. Actually, Sung Jinwoo tried to erase Woo Jinchul's memories several times for his sake. But it was no use. Having already formed a deep connection with Sung Jinwoo, The flashbacks of the previous era were no longer mere fragments of memories. Because the events involving the king who ruled death, the great Shadow Monarch Sung Jinwoo, were engraved deep within his soul, beyond his human body… Sung Jinwoo, feeling concerned as he thought of Woo Jinchul, turned his gaze back to the fierce battlefield and muttered,"

Bonus banter excerpt:

"- Actually, I'm just unpopular. Whenever I go on blind dates, they all say my eyes are too scary, chug their coffee, and quickly pack their things.

– …Chief, when's your birthday? I'll buy you some luxury sunglasses."

Solo Lev Ragnarok chapter 33 of the manhwa, when wjc gets reintroduced, his work desk, no pic of family, wife, whatever, the singular pic on his desk was a pic of him WITH SJW!!! wjc is the chairman of the association rn, and ughh on Earth he literally vowed to protect sjws family no matter what to repay the insurmountable debt that he owes him bc he doesnt know how else or what he can even offer to a god. And tank you sm for giving wjc such a lovely family here bc wjc literally went "im an orphan, no fam, no kids no wife, but its better that im alone anyway bc i can focus on protecting himanity without liabilities"

Chapter 302: Kintsugi symbolism in relation to SJW dealing with WJC overdosing on rune stones

god x overworked mortal trope except the mortal is constantly yearning for the other and anguish over not being able to offer/help the other more who is practically a transcendental being beyond the limits of human, with said god constantly making sure said human is okay despite being worlds away and reminiscing and worrying about him... Bromance so peak its romance--

Also if you care to know, i just reread chapter 302 of Ragnarok too and omg, wjc doping for power buff literally make his body start cracking and disintegrating, but sjw's help goes beyond just "making it so his body can adapt to influx of mana", no its more beautiful than that (he passed the soulstone to beru then beru brought it back to earth and gave it to sjw son to use it on wjc)

The novel literally invoked/likens the process to Kintsugi

"– An art that doesn't restore something to its perfect, new state, but rather makes it more beautiful by filling the broken parts with gold. It's just like our lives. – And he (Suhos art teacher speaking btw) continued his explanation.

– A vessel is bound to break someday. We too, in the storms of life, are sometimes hurt, cracked, broken, and even collapse. But is there anything perfect in the world?

And in this moment, It was only natural for Suho to recall that day's memory.

– …To finally love even that imperfection. To accept the scars accumulated in our souls as their own beauty. And those accumulated scars of life are the true history of our struggles…

'Golden joinery' (cues wjc cracks glowing and bro start ascending JK JK, but he he gloing a blind goldenlight)

It wasn't just a simple repair, but a sublimation through scars…"

Oml sjw is literally saying "i love every scars you have because they craft the essence of your being. Your scars are beautiful and i love your imperfections because theyre you"

"Javier's Soulstone. The magic circle of Sung Jinwoo contained within, that mystical golden light, was running through the cracks that were spreading throughout Woo Jinchul's body.

Whoosh—!

It was like the roots of a tree, spreading its branches, Like an intricately crafted spider web, Like the hands of a craftsman repairing a broken ceramic. Sung Jinwoo's barrier began to meticulously stitch together Woo Jinchul's cracked vessel, the history of his struggles, with golden thread."

Rathen than just fixing him because hes broken, its "ceramic being reborn by the hands of a craftsman" which in kintsugi means clueing the pieces together with gold again to not only accentuates the beauty in imperfection but also giving rise to an entirely new kind of beauty ykwim.

These are all canon materials i cannot believe it!! Okay everyone, its chapter 301 and 302 in ragnarok for Woochul crumbs- not even crumbs, its in our face!!

Apologies for any awkward order or wording, these were taken straight from a comment section where i got too passionate spreading the words on Dauls (the author of Ragnarok) choice to give this much depth to Woochul.

[isthepame]

EMPTY

Chapter 302 abruptly pulls us away from the competitive frenzy and plunges us into the stillness of school life. But this time, silence does not bring peace. At the centre of this pause is Seishiro Nagi, a football prodigy trapped in a moment where the euphoria has ended, and all that remains is the echo of “what if…”. The chapter unfolds like a quiet contemplation, a fixed camera on someone who, having lost everything, is only just beginning to understand how much it all meant.

Through everyday scenes, memories, and the slow return to a routine without Reo, without Blue Lock, and without motivation, we explore the emotional awakening of a character who until now seemed to move purely by inertia. The emptiness is not just felt it is breathed.

The purposeless return

The chapter opens with Nagi in his room, with Choki — his cactus — as the only witness to his reunion with routine. The usual laziness is there, but this time it is tinged with a deeper lethargy. The gesture of pricking himself with the cactus, as if he needs to remind himself he is alive, reveals more than it seems. Nagi is drifting, disconnected, and nothing grounds him.

His arrival at school emphasises this disconnection. His classmates surround him with excitement, congratulate him, ask about Reo — a wound that still burns — and assume his life is sorted thanks to football. But he cuts them off sharply: “Football’s over for me.” It is a definitive phrase, almost a denial, spoken more to convince himself than others. Nagi doesn’t want to talk about it because talking about it would mean accepting what he’s lost.

Even in class, when the teacher says they should think about their future, Nagi is more focused on his breakfast than the speech. This is no longer rebellion or apathy: it is emptiness.

The place where nothing hurts

Throughout the chapter, Nagi searches for places where he can escape from everything. The rooftop, the stairs, his bike ride home. In all these spaces, there is an attempt not to feel. The breeze, the silence, the pressure-free surroundings… these are his refuge. But what once sufficed no longer does.

Facing a poster featuring Isagi, Rin, and Shidou as the faces of the Neo Egoist League, Nagi repeats again: “Enough... it’s done.” A phrase that sounds like self-deception. In truth, he hasn’t let go at all. He simply doesn’t know how to return.

This attempt at emotional anaesthesia collides with a simple yet powerful image: children playing football outside the classroom window. Nagi watches. And something breaks. He can no longer maintain the facade. He can’t lie to himself. This is where the chapter’s true conflict begins.

The emotion he never named

“Why do I feel so sad?” Nagi asks himself. The answer is crushing: because he was happy and didn’t know it. In that moment, the seemingly unshakable prodigy crumbles. That fleeting happiness he experienced in Blue Lock wasn’t a mere accident, but something genuine — even if he didn’t recognise it at the time.

Nagi had never felt passion, motivation, or a real connection with anything. Everything was instinctive, effortless. But in Blue Lock, everything was new. And now, without any of that, he feels the contrast more deeply. Regret overwhelms him. The sadness isn’t from defeat — it’s from the late realisation of what truly mattered, and that it can never be regained.

His desire manifests in a silent, intense sequence, tears falling for the first time. “I want to go back,” he says. But immediately replies: I can’t. This contradiction — wanting but not being able to — defines the heart of this chapter.

Conclusion

“Enough” is more than just a chapter; it is an emotional portrait. It shows us Nagi on the edge of an abyss that is neither physical nor athletic, but existential. It is the kind of sadness that arises when one realises too late what truly mattered.

This is not the character’s end, but his true starting point. What comes next will not be driven by talent, but by a genuine emotion: the desire to feel again. To be filled once more. Because only when the prodigy was completely emptied did he understand how much he needed to be full.

By @isthepame

[floralexchange]

All Hope Relies On Us

Cross-posted on Ao3!

>Read there for more details and early uploads!

Chapter 1| Apartment 302

Your fingers tightened on the steering wheel as if his grasp still lingered, despite the many miles between you— his presence prickled at the countless marks lining your skin. The marks weren’t just bruises, but reminders of why you did it in the first place, who you did it for.

Glancing into the rearview mirror, your son rolled his toy car along the cushion of the seat, making soft vrooms with his mouth. You did it for him, watching his imagination run wild, innocence lining his young features, it was all you could hope for.

Though even his warm smile couldn’t chase away the shadows in your mind— the fear slithered up your chest, coiling tightly around your neck until you struggled to breathe, the memories suffocating you until it was all you could think about.

His hold on you was constricting, and it wasn’t something you wanted your son to live through, so you pressed the gas pedal harder— if you couldn’t get away from him in your mind, then you’d do it on the road. ________

Pulling into the assigned parking space and seeing the apartment complex lifted a weight off your shoulders, clicking the seatbelt out of the fastener and stepping out of the car. You circled around to the side that your son sat on, pulling the door handle softly and holding it open. Sometime during the trip he’d fallen asleep, his tiny hand closed around the toy car, his hold loose as his body limped from exhaustion. Just as you were about to reach in, a harsh breeze entangled itself through your hair, causing goosebumps to cover any inch of exposed skin. A shudder ran up your spine as you leaned in and unbuckled him, pulling the cartoon-themed blanket he brought over his body before lifting him out. You placed him in the crook of your shoulder and slipped your arm under his bottom, using your foot to push the door close and walk towards the trunk.

Your footsteps pressed against the broken concrete, almost too loud as it echoed in the stillness, the reverberance adding an eerie feel to the complex. A nagging feeling pulled at you and ushered you to look around, as if warning of a threat that wasn’t there. Though, you listened anyway, an empty sidewalk was visible due to the dim light, but anywhere else the light couldn’t reach was shrouded in shadows.

This did little to stop your growing paranoia, popping your trunk and snatching the clothes-filled trashbag before dropping it onto the ground. Your gaze flickered across the parking lot, pushing the trunk back down and picking up the bag, your grip tightening with every glance over your shoulder.

It was a handful trying to balance your son and prevent the bag from dragging on the ground, slowly making your way from the lot to the stairs of the complex. Looking up at how many stairs you had to climb, you could already feel the sore muscles, “Three flights,” You muttered.

…Two flights…

…One flight…

Patience was running thin, and so was your energy trying to power through the last few steps. The entire way up consisted of you taking a break every flight and readjusting Taylor so your arm wouldn’t go numb. Despite your exhaustion, you pushed through and climbed the rest of the stairs, seeing the door to your apartment lit by the dingy overhead light.

302, the numbers engraved into the metal plate, rusted from the elements and gradual erosion.

You approached the door, the moths that surrounded the light fleeing as you crouched down. Examining the rug that laid in front of the door before sliding your hand under, the scruffy material scratching your skin as you grabbed the spare key underneath. You pulled it out and shook your hand softly, the collected dust scattering into the air as you stood up to unlock the door.

After a few attempts, a soft click sound indicated it’d unlocked, pushing it open as a soft gust of wind escaped from the small gap. You reached back and pulled the trashbag in, dropping it on the wooden floor with a quiet thud before pushing the door close. Feeling around the wall for a switch and flicking it on, it illuminated the room in a familiar muddy yellow as you glanced around.

Continuing to hold your son while you explored, you ran your fingers along the wall, nicking the peeled paint that lifted in the corner. Walking through the hall led to the compact kitchen, the scent of grease and grime forcing itself into your nostrils, “Gross.”

You retraced back out and walked a couple of steps to the only bedroom, nudging the door open before flicking the light switch up. The lightbulb took a moment to respond as it stuttered on, it wouldn’t last long, apparent from the frantic buzzing. Moving to the small bathroom hidden in the corner, you peeked in— a sink, mirror, shower-tub combination, and a toilet hidden behind a half wall. Not much, but functional.

The apartment wasn’t in the best condition, and someone might’ve called you crazy for deciding to stay there, but it was yours. A place you could call home, where you could feel safe, no matter what the condition was.

A soft exhale parted your lips, a weight seemingly pulled off your shoulders and a pressure released from your chest. The air ran wild through your lungs for the first time in years, and the ability to breathe so freely felt extremely overwhelming, your hand cradling the back of Taylor’s head as you leaned back on the wall. Your legs couldn’t even hold you up anymore before you collapsed onto the floor, the sudden urge to cry crashing like a strong wave as your eyes brimmed with tears.

“Mama..?” Taylor lifted his head up, squinting softly up at you.

You quickly blinked away your tears, “Yes, love?”

His brows knitted together as he peered up at you, the slight pout of his bottom lip betraying his stern act, “What’s wrong? You look sad.”

His question hung in the air as you hesitated, “…Nothing, I’m just tired.”

“Promise?” He mumbled.

You nodded, “Promise.”

His eyes searched for any signs of dishonesty before plopping his head on your shoulder once he couldn’t find any. You maneuvered him sideways so he laid properly in your lap, gently rocking him to sleep as you fixed the blanket over the entirety of his body. He quickly drifted back off to sleep, his chest rising and falling as the rhythm of his breaths steadied and his eyes fluttered closed. Your hand traveled up to his cheek, a smile tugging at the corners of your lips as your thumb grazed his soft skin, before leaning down and pressing a gentle kiss to his forehead.

The sound of the light buzzing pulled you out of the sentimental moment, a jarring sound emitting from the bulb before a loud popping sound rang and the light blew out.

“At least I don’t have to turn it off…” __________

Somehow, you managed to fall asleep perched against the wall, woken up by the sun peeking through the window blinds and flashing over your eyes. The sun painted the room in a warm natural light, an appreciated far cry from the murky yellow the lightbulb displayed.

Despite feeling more rested than usual, your neck quickly explained to you why to never sleep like that again— the muscles were stretched so unnaturally that you questioned whether or not you’d broken it. You inhaled sharply as your hand traveled up to your neck and gently massaged the sore spot, feeling the pressure loosening before yawning.

You blinked harshly to ground yourself, but something felt off—

Taylor.

You immediately sprung up off the ground, throwing the small blanket off your lap as your heartbeat skyrocketed through the roof. Taylor wasn’t on your lap anymore, wasn’t anywhere in the room, and before you knew it you’d ran out of the room ready to tear the apartment apart to find him.

“Vroom…vrooom..skkrt…”

Taylor’s little noises when playing with his toy car calmed you, not your heart rate but your mind at least, watching him as he pushed the car across the floor. The wheels spun tirelessly as it rolled all the way to the wall, ricocheting with a small thud before he got up to retrieve it.

“Oh- hi mama!” His smile reflected off of you like a sunbeam through a mirror, running up to you and throwing his arms around your legs, “I was playing with my car, wanna see?!”

The force made you stumble before catching your balance, running your fingertips through his hair as you powered on your soft voice, “Of course I wanna see!”

He ran back to where he’d left the car and picked it up, holding it up to you, “Here! It's red and… and it has really big wheels, and it goes super fast!”

He placed the car back on the ground, pulling it back while making tiny revving sounds before pushing it to showcase its speed, the sound of the metal casing against the wooden floor echoing out.

“Wow, that’s really fast!” You dragged, giving him a small applaud.

Before he could give a reply, a soft knock on the door rang out, both of you snapping to look at it. You froze, through the window you could see a silhouette, a man’s silhouette. Your heartbeat spiked again, but not in panic, in distress.

Without a second thought, you grabbed Taylor’s arm and pulled him up off the floor, running back to the bedroom with him in your arms.

You took the corner and hauled ass to the bathroom, your shoes scuffing the floor before you placed Taylor in between the toilet and half wall, his body coiling into the tight space.

“Mama, who… who is that..?” His voice shook, his bottom lip quivering as he peered up at you with wide, tear-filled eyes.

“I-… I don’t know,” You whispered, “But I need you to be really quiet for mama, okay? Can you do that?”

He nodded quickly, his shaky hands flying to cover his mouth. He tried to be strong for you, but the tears that spilled over went against that.

You rubbed his cheek, the tip of your thumb wet as you wiped the tear, “It’s okay love, it’s-… it's okay I promise.”

He had to be quiet, but you knew he was capable, your chest pounding as you stood— Taylor watching your every move. He pressed himself further into the corner, making you turn back to the door as you crept to the edge of the bathroom.

Silence filled every nook and cranny of the apartment, your heartbeat drumming in your ears the only sound you could hear, and the faint click of the front door as it was pushed open.

You didn’t lock the door.

Someone was in here.

You looked for anything that you could use to defend yourself, a broom in the corner most likely left by another tenant a while ago, it’ll have to do.

You quickly grabbed it before slipping behind the door, luckily for you it opened in a way that blocked anyone in the apartment from seeing you.

You pressed your back against the wall, trying to keep your breath steady and quiet so you wouldn’t be heard, fingernails digging into the grainy texture of the wooden stick.

Heavy footsteps echoed into the hall, you pinpointed that they were in the living room.

“A toy car?” They pondered, their voice hushed.

Definitely a man.

His words carried a heavy accent, Irish or Scottish maybe?

Your grip tightened as the footsteps made their way down the hall, approaching the door, every little step he took quickened your breathing to the point you had to hold it so you wouldn’t be heard.

His silhouette was visible through the gap of the door, disappearing and reappearing in the room, finally entering as he peeked past the door.

Adrenaline rushed through your veins, and the next second you were swinging the broom straight towards the back of his head.

He spun around just in time to catch the broom mid-swing, slamming against the wall and causing the structure to vibrate.

“Wha’ the- calm down lass!” He barked, eyes darting as he assessed what the hell was going on.

“Who the fuck are you and why are you in here?!” You yelled, refusing to let go of your hold on the broom.

He strained against your pushing, “I didnae know anyone lived ‘ere!”

Despite his distressed appeal, it was in one ear and out the other with you, a sudden burst of strength made you snatch the broom out of his grip and fueled you enough to swing again.

This time it connected, hard, the wooden stick smashing against his bicep with a nasty thud and even getting some of the bristles into the action.

“Shite!” He hissed, recoiling and cradling his arm, “I live next door, ya ken?! I swear I didnae know ye lived ‘ere!”

That sentence might’ve saved his arm, preventing you from swinging again but you still held the stick tightly in defense, “…How do I know you’re not lying?”

“I’ve-… I’ve lived on this floor for years, and I’ve been the only one.” He stumbled, trying to catch his breath, “I heard some noise and came to check it oot, I didnae know ye moved in.”

He put his hands up in surrender, keeping his back on the wall, “Now, could ya please put the broom down…?”

“No,” You snapped, voice like sharp glass as you cut right through his desperate plea.

He shrunk away, glancing between you and the daunting broomstick, “Not even… holdin’ it a wee bit lower?”

“No,” You repeated, “I’d actually prefer if you got out of my apartment.”

You glared, he squinted, and both of you stared down each other like a gunslinger standoff.

After a moment of consideration, he sighed, “Eh, jus’ promise not to hit me on the way oot?”

“We’ll see,” You hummed.

He pushed off the wall and you watched his every move like a hawk, stalking over him while you were ready to pounce if he tried anything.

It was a bit ironic considering your height differentials, after the effects of your adrenaline wore off you started taking in his appearance, specifically the weird mohawk that lined the top of his head.

What am I thinking about?, you shook your head as you followed him the entire way to the door, ensuring that enough space was kept between the two of you.

He stepped out of your door before pausing, turning around to face you, “Ya should lock yer door next ti-”

A forceful thud rang out, courtesy of you slamming the door in his face. You didn’t waste a second, locking both the top and bottom locks, before reaching for the security chain and inserting it into the slot for extra reassurance. After a second you dropped the broom, the wooden stick falling with a clank as you breathed shakily.

Hands desperately roaming the material of the metal locks, the fabric of your clothes, anything to try and ground your dazed mind— almost feeling dizzy from the shitshow that just transpired. Though one thought cut through the spiraling mess, Taylor. Your feet started carrying you back to the bedroom, pace quick as you went back to the bathroom to retrieve him.

He stayed exactly where you left him, his knees crunched into his chest, hands pressed over his ears and eyes squeezed shut. It broke you to see him so tense, crouching down and slowly reaching to move his hands away from his head.

“Taylor… love, it’s me,” You whispered, gently holding his wrists.

He opened his eyes cautiously, registering that he was safe before leaping in your arms and burying his face in the crook of your neck. His incoherent mumbles were stifled by your jacket, until eventually overtaken by weak sobs that soaked the material and dripped down like a calm stream. Ragged breathing accompanied his sobbing, lungs trying to intake enough air in between sobs, as your arms snaked around his fragile figure to anchor him to you. The warmth of his body engulfed you like a soft blanket pulled over your shoulders, a gentle reminder that both of you were gonna be okay.

There weren't any words you could use to console him, opting to cradle his head and rock him back and forth, almost as if you were putting him to sleep— the familiar motion seeming to calm him down. It was a tactic you used on a regular basis, and without a doubt it always worked like magic.

After a minute or two only his small sniffles could be heard, “You okay?” You muttered.

“I’m okay…,” He hummed, “Did the bad man hurt you…?”

Your breath hitched, words caught in a net as you hesitated. You cleared your throat, forcing them out before they could become further lodged, “N-…No. The bad man isn’t here. We’re safe.”

You felt him nod, his soft hair brushing against your neck, “No more bad man…”

You nodded along with him, “That’s right.” You willed yourself to believe such, it’s the least you could do for Taylor.

A vulnerable moment lingered between you, a tiny rumble purring from his stomach breaking the silence. The sound pulled at the corners of your mouth, despite the weight still bearing at your chest.

“You hungry?”

“Mhm,” He nodded, his head tucked into his chin.

You brushed a stray piece of hair out of his face, “What do you want to eat?”

He pondered, fidgeting with the hem of your shirt, “…Pancakes.”

Your smile grew, the pressure easing just a little, “Pancakes it is then.” __________

You held Taylor’s hand as you followed the hostess, weaving through the crowd of people waiting for their orders and waiters carrying large trays of food. The shouts of the cooks in the back mixed with the chatter of customers conversing while dining, blending with the sweet scent of syrup and smoky smell of meats floating through the diner.

You hadn’t been to a place like this in years, and the combined senses were starting to overwhelm you as you transversed through the crowd.

“Here’s your booth, and your waiter will be with you in a minute.” Her voice snapped you out of your trance, giving her a strained smile as she walked away.

You let Taylor sit near the window, watching him climb into the booth before sliding in after him. He shuffled over and grasped the edge of the windowsill, peeking out of the glass as he watched the various cars fly by on the road. While he was busy counting how many red cars he could spot, the waiter came to the table and set down two menus.

“Hello, my name is Joseph and I’ll be your waiter today,” He introduced himself, a friendly smile plastered on his face, “Can I get you anything to drink while you look over the menu?”

You flipped over the menu and checked the list of drinks, “Uhm… I don’t want anything,” You muttered.

He looked up from his notepad, flashing his brows, “Anything for him?”

You pulled Taylor back from the window and gestured to his menu, “What do you want to drink?”

He sat down and read over it before glancing up at the waiter, shrinking back in the booth, “…Apple juice.”

The waiter nodded and wrote down the orders, “I’ll be back with your drinks shortly.”

He disappeared into the crowd of hungry customers, his friendly voice drowned out by the mass of clinking silverware and mindless chatter. Leaving the two of you to look over the menus, you slowly traced your finger along the outside of the menu, the laminated cover stained from the wandering hands of diners after several years. You peeled it open to reveal the different items you could order, decorated in upbeat and colorful fonts that danced around the pages.

Though, even all the cheerful colors and illustrations couldn’t mask the harsh reality you faced— the prices. Skimming each one felt like a sinking weight being placed on you, 17.99, 15.59, 19.29, even the simple kids meals steeped above $10.

“Mama, can I have these?” |Pancake Combo 12.79, the label read.

Taylor held the menu up for you to see, pointing to the picture of stacked pancakes with drizzled syrup, topped with whipped cream and a small amount of fruits. On the side included scrambled eggs seasoned with salt and pepper, and two strips of smoky grilled bacon. He peered up at you excitedly, his hanging legs swinging back and forth under the table.

You glanced down at him, swallowing hard, “Yes, just wait until the waiter comes back, okay?”

“Yay!” He giddied, bouncing innocently in his seat.

After a while of pondering and playing How many red cars can you count? with Taylor, the waiter came back with his apple juice and slid it to him, the glass cup dragging against the table.

“Are we ready to order?” He questioned.

You looked down at Taylor, gesturing for him to tell the waiter, but he looked up at you warily before tugging on your sleeve and shaking his head softly.

You sighed and turned to the waiter, “He’ll have the pancake combo.”

“Pancake… combo,” He scribbled on his notepad, “And for you?”

Your grip on the menu tightened as you shook your head, “Oh I’m-… I'm good.”

The waiter’s brow raised, his pen clicking softly as he stopped writing, “Are you sure?”

“…I’m fine,” You pressed.

He glanced at you, and for a second, a moment of understanding seemed to flash across his features, scribbling again on his notepad before smiling softly, “Your order will be out soon,” his tone steady as he looked at you, the glint in his eye letting on more than you knew.

After another round of waiting, and of course playing Taylor’s car game again, the waiter weaved skillfully through the crowd while carrying a large tray on one hand. Dodging loose children with ease and without dropping a single thing. He approached the table and took two plates off the tray, placing one down in front of you and the other in front of Taylor.

You blinked, staring at the food, then quickly pushed the plate away from you, “Wait- I didn’t order two meals-”

He leaned down and gently placed his hand on the plate to stop you from pushing it, “Don’t worry, it’s on the house.”

Your brows furrowed as you looked up at him, “What? Why…?”

A warm smile tugged at his lips, “Everyone needs a helping hand sometimes, y’know?”

Before you could protest any further he walked away, disappearing into the crowd just as fast as he appeared. The knot in your stomach slowly unraveled bit by bit as you looked down at the plate before completely unraveling. A warmth spread across your face, and almost involuntarily, you couldn’t help yourself from smiling like a child, repeating his words in your head.

Maybe everyone does need a helping hand sometimes.

Read the rest on Ao3!

[codenamesazanka]

Dabi:

General backstory given in Chapter 301 and 302 - the specifics of the breakdown of the Todoroki household, how Touya ended up developing Blue Flames, and what led to the inferno at Sekoto Peak.

Then gets one more backstory reveal in Chapter 350 when he reveals to Shouto how he became Dabi - how coming home after three years and seeing the "same old story" of Endeavor's selfishness and abuse was the thing that truly broke him.

Spinner (and Heteromorphs):

General backstory given in Chapter 220 - that heteromorphs are discriminated against, to the point there's anti-heteromorph hate groups; Chapter 233 tells us Spinner was bullied into becoming a shut-in.

Then more details are reveal in Chapters 370-373 - how widespread and entrenched anti-heteromorph sentiments are in the countryside, how heteromorph children are "forced to bear scars"; Spinner tells us a specific thing - he was sprayed with pesticides just for walking outside. Lots of Heteromorphs in general hold a grudge against Heroes for not doing anything about this.

Toga:

General backstory given in Chapter 225 and 226 - she had a quirk that had her instinctively associate affection with blood-drinking, her parents yelled at her and she went through quirk counseling but it didn't work, and later she snapped and stabbed a kid.

Gets more detailed backstory flashbacks in Chapter 391 - the extent of the emotional abuse her parents dealt, the conformity and alienation that quirk counseling forced upon her, and just how inhuman she's felt living on the current world.

In all the above, we have the villain; their backstory pointing to a problem, established in Act II of the story; and as they confront the Hero in a final battle in Act III, a second part to the backstory is revealed - one that shows how the problem is actually worse than previously shown. (To validate the genuineness of the villain's pain and anger at just how Heroes have failed them; final emphasis that the villains really do deserve saving and the Hero is correct for wanting to save them.)

So. Shigaraki:

His general backstory given in Chapter 222 and Chapter 235-237 - the dysfunctions of Shimura family that can be traced back to Nana's decision to pick heroics over family; how Tenko had been repeatedly rejected and ignored by people who should've helped him; the Decay quirk manifesting; and how AFO took advantage of this accumulation of tragedies to groom Tomura into the Symbol of Fear.

All that, but following the possible pattern, I think we might just get one more backstory reveal for Shigaraki, especially given the memory share between him and Deku. A new flashback to his time growing up with AFO.

Place your bets on what it is. Me, I think we'll finally learn why All Might ticks him off so bad.

[redphlox]

That photo of Touya with his family excluding shoto around his is a take I didn’t even think of which is so interesting. I remember reading it was because Touya never knew shoto and that’s why he wasn’t in the family photo, because they hardly got to know each other and the family would have been happy as it was?

So it really brings perspective that although we already know, he didn’t blame Shoto because yea, he wasn’t involved. When you say Natsuo and Fuyumi didn’t look at him, do you think he understands that they were kids to? And looks back knowing they were just kids? Like obviously we have that panel of Natsuo brushing Touya aside and Touya feeling like Fuyumi wouldn’t understand. And yea he blamed his mom but he was apologetic. Or is it just more yea, he felt neglected by everybody and they were finally there. Shoto was the bridge to getting there

I remember reading those takes on that scene. I don't interpret that scene as "this is what the Todo fam would have been like if Shouto hadn't been born" or "the fam would have been happy without Shouto."

The whole chapter is basically "Endeavor went to Sekoto peak and Touya showed him what he could do." Even Endeavor has this feeling too during this scene. 24 year old Touya keeps screaming/begging for Endeavor to look at him and it triggers Endeavor's memory of 13 year old Touya who waited for him to come home to tell him to come see him st Sekoto Peak. Present day Touya punches him, and Endeavor has a thought that this is what he would have seen/been shown if he had gone to Sekoto Peak. "Look what I can do, dad!" Like when kids learn to ride their likes without training wheels and they're so excited to show their parents.

The Touya in Endeavor’s vision is wearing the same black long sleeve as Touya wore that night.

Grown, present day Touya keeps yelling LOOK AT ME during their encounter. He's not fighting his dad to get revenge - he's showing him what he can do.

Touya has reverted to his 13 year old self who wanted so desperately to be seen, who died thinking, "I don't want to die, I haven't shown him what I can do." He's full filing his dying wish, this wish that kept him tethered to this world and fueled him to remain loving despite Ujiko's prediction he'd die a month after waking from his coma.

That's where that family picture without Shouto comes in. It makes narrative sense for Shouto to not be there. It's not the narrative telling us that the family would have been better off without him. This is Touya's wish - for his family to see him. And when you look closely at the picture, Rei and Fuyumi's eyes aren't even visible. Their expressions are unreadable. Natsuo's posture seems like he's proud of Touya, but we can't see his face. The focal point of this is that Endeavor is proud of Touya

Also, the fact that Touya relates to his mom about having a role to play within the family ("you had no choice!" ch 302) and the fact that he wanted to apologize to "Mom and the others", and even the fact that he was 13 and still thinking about how he attacked baby Shouto five years prior, shows us he felt regretful for that and that he also sees them as victims. He was angry with Natsuo and Fuyumi as kids because he felt they were dismissing him, but he knew they were also victims. He knows the root of it all was Endeavor.

[classicequinox]

In the manga's flashback about EnjiRei's first meeting, one of the very first words he uses to describe her is 'strong'. Later, in Enji's memories during the battle with AFO he thinks about his weakness as about something that drove him all this time, and his inner monologues empathize he thinks about himself as a weak human being. Do you think canonical Enji consider Rei stronger person than he is? This two are fr my Roman empire 🥹

Thanks for the ask! These two are definitely my Roman empire too. Essay incoming :') There are different types of strength. In terms of mental/emotional fortitude + the courage to question yourself and admit when you’re wrong… I think canon Enji’s opinion on which of them is stronger would have differed greatly depending on whether you’re asking early manga pre- or post-character development him. In a way, his definition/understanding of what constitutes strength in the first place seems to have changed as he did.

Pre/Early Manga

From what we see in the manga's flashbacks where Rei tries to confront Enji about how their plan to keep trying for a perfect half-and-half child to convince Touya to give up on becoming a hero/using his quirk and hurting himself wasn’t working and was only hurting him emotionally + even more again after Shouto's birth... His response (or lack thereof) suggests nothing positive:

At that point, he probably thought of Rei as the weaker one for not having the stomach to go through what they (he) planned, and himself as strong for willing to be the ‘bad guy’ and ‘doing what’s right even when it’s hard’. Throw in a whole slew of other possible defensive self-justification with his attitude in chapter 302 e.g. ‘I'm too busy with work/I’m the breadwinner going out every day only to come back and have to deal with this, what does she have to complain about’ to ‘what does she even know/understand about wanting to be a hero/the lengths a man will go to to achieve his dream’ and he probably did a good job devaluing Rei in his own mind, making it easier to justify himself dismissing her opinions and his subsequent abusive behaviour towards her.

(That being said, while it’s never outright confirmed, all those future inner monologues and flashbacks seem to hint that a part of him always knew that what he was doing was wrong/that Rei was right. The man is far too good at compartmentalising and self-denial/righteous self-justification…)

Middle/Late Manga

Post-character development and later into his atonement/redemption arc is where he starts openly acknowledging that what he’d justified to himself as strength (not giving up on the path he chose and doubling down instead, not showing weakness to others including his own family etc.) was in fact weakness, because like Rei pointed out to him earlier, it was nothing more than him running away from the consequences of his decisions.

I personally think of the aftermath of the Dabi/Touya reveal + this subsequent scene in the hospital where he’s drowning in his own guilt and Rei steps up to challenge him/acknowledge her own responsibility as a turning point of sorts.

If there was a point Enji started thinking of Rei as a stronger person than him (and properly admitting it to himself), this would probably be it. Both for the reasons above and for (again, it's never explicitly stated) wanting to stand by him despite everything he's done to her and their children, even if only to give him the strength to continue to fight and confront Dabi. There's a difference between acknowledging your wrongs and getting crippled by guilt, and I like to think Enji does take some reference from Rei's attitude + mindset (both from that conversation and off-screen interactions) as to how to balance the two and go on from there!

[renjirukia]

gothic terrors: incarceration, duplication, and blood lust in spanish narrative by abigail lee six // thousand year blood war still ep 19 "the white haze" // 13 BLADEs translation by tumblr userlightverse // chapter 164: "that one who changed the world" // chapter 202: "mala suerte!" // perils of the night: a feminist study of nineteenth century gothic by eugenia c. delamotte // thousand year blood war still ep 5 "wrath as lightning" // thousand year blood war still ep 19 "the white haze" // chapter 302: "pride on the blade" // chapter 567: "dance with snowwhite" // the modern gothic and literary doubles by linda dryden // chapter 136: "memories in the rain2 op.4 night of wijnruit" // chapter 153: "empty dialogue" // chapter 179: "confession in the twilight" // thousand year blood war still ep "wrath as lightning" // ep 8 "the shooting star project [zero mix] // glossary of the gothic: doubling

[class1akids]

What volume had the most extra stuff in it? Cuz I agree with everything you mentioned wanting in vol 42 but I feel like having all of that might be asking for too much, so I want to see if any other volumes in the past had this level of new changes/additions in the past.

Vol 42 likely will have more extras than other volumes. It only has 8 chapters for a total 126 pages as it stands. (normally, we start with around 175-185 pages worth of weekly material).

Normally, the volumes have a total of somewhere between 185-210 pages, so even with a conservative count, this volume needs another good 50 pages.

Let's say that they add the Akiyama movie one-shot for 15 pages - so then we are at 141. We need still around 40 pages to fill the volume.

Some of it can be extras - these could easily fill 10-15 pages. Maybe guest illustrations. I'd definitely expect a couple of double spreads added. E.g. from recent memory, Vol 39 added two new double spreads or Vol 33 got 3 extra pages added to Ch 302.

But in any case, Vol 42 will likely have more extras and also more time to redraw. With the burden of the weekly chapters and much of the movie work / color covers / promos out of the way, Horikoshi will have plenty of time to correct the chapters how he wants and/or add plenty of extras. (Now it's totally unpredictable what the extras will be. I think for example the Nagant volume had nothing but Nagant in the extras too.)

[bratshaws]

through the hourglass 304.brb x oc

a/n: IM HAPPY WITH THIS ONE YEAH(comments and reblogs are super welcome and encouraged!)

pairing: plus size!oc x rooster

warnings: none uwu

goodness gracious (pls read this one to know more what this fic is about!!)

chapter

1/

/267/268/269/270/271/272/273/274/275/276/277/278/279/280/281/282/283/284/285/286/287/288/289/290/291/292/293/294/295/296/297/298/299/300/301

/302/303

(pls let me know if you want to be added to the taglist! )

taglist: @mirandastuckinthe80s @roosterschanelslut @wiipes @lcahwriter @novastories @gretagerwigsmuse @frenchtoastix @lizzie-rdj @fanboyluvr @atarmychick007 @comebacktoearthpls

@peachiicherries @mak-32 @lizziespidiepridie @roosterswifey @ollyoxenfrees @piceous21 @sqrlgrl22 @hofficoffi @lexhalstead3 @lorilane33 @legendarydreamersharkparty @luckyladycreator2

@emilybradshaw @louisahale @leobabbyyy @booklover2sblog @ktjmac @graciereads @bigpoppajes @taytaylala12

@caitsymichelle13 @becks-things @caatheeriinee07 @fanboyswhore9 @jesfreedark @katiemcrae @lilmonstrjedi @hobiismyhopeu @teacupsandtopgun @insominac23 @gh0stsgoodgirl @mygyn @chavivaelisheva @kmc1989 @enchantingharmonyalpaca @callsign-magnolia

-

The authorization from Cyclone came through, and Rooster let out a loud sigh of relief.

"Talon Squadron, this is Rooster. We're moving in for a closer inspection. Stay sharp, and be prepared for anything," Rooster commanded, his voice steady.

The Hornets adjusted their course, descending with precision towards the designated coordinates. The figures on the ground became more defined as they approached. The black flight suits, devoid of any insignias or identifiers, mirrored the ominous presence of their previous encounter.

"McAllister, keep an eye on their movements. Nix, make sure our six is clear. We don't know what we're dealing with," Rooster instructed, his eyes flickering between the cockpit instruments and the scene unfolding below.

“Sir?”

“What?”

McAllister gulps, “They are going back to the jets.”

The tense atmosphere inside the cockpit was palpable as Rooster processed McAllister's report. Rooster's instincts kicked in, and he tightened his grip on the control stick."Keep an eye on them, McAllister. If they're getting back to their jets, we need to be ready for anything. Talon Squadron, maintain formation and stay alert. We're not letting our guard down," Rooster transmitted through the squadron's secure channel.

The Hornets maintained their descent, the roar of their engines cutting through the air as they approached the mysterious black-clad figures. The tension in Rooster's cockpit was mirrored in the rest of Talon Squadron. The unknown mission had just taken an unexpected turn, and the pilots were on high alert.

As the Hornets closed in, the details on the ground became clearer. The figures were indeed returning to a row of sleek, black,but old fighter jets that blended seamlessly with the darkness of the night.

Phoenix, keeping a vigilant eye on their rear, reported, "Rooster, our six is clear. No sign of any additional threats from behind."

"Copy that, Nix. Keep scanning, and don't let your guard down.” The Hornets descended to a lower altitude, flying in formation above the mysterious fighter jets.He kept his eyes on them, memories of that mission.

Of almost dying if it wasn’t for Mav, made chills run up his spine. He blinked when the repurposed jets roared into life and he frowns, “...everyone, get ready. I doubt they haven’t noticed us by now, I want everyone focused. Phoenix, keep an eye on our six. McAllister, stay vigilant on their movements. Jake, be ready for anything," Rooster ordered,  “Mark, stay close to Payback.”

"Rooster, this is Phoenix. Their jets are firing up, but they're not armed. At least, not visibly," came the report from Phoenix, whose eyes remained fixed on the rearview, scanning for any potential threats.

"Copy that, Phoenix. McAllister, do we have any intel on those jets? Model, capabilities?" Rooster inquired, his eyes darting between the advancing figures and the HUD displaying vital information.

"Uhh,uhhh…” he groans,”They are an older model um…”

"They're F-14 Tomcats." Rooster replied for him instead, eyes widening “...fuck. Alright, Talon Squadron, listen up. We're dealing with F-14 Tomcats, but we can't confirm if they're armed. Stay on high alert. If these are the same people…from back then…well, let’s all be ready."

"Rooster, this is Jake. I've got a bad feeling about this. We should be ready for evasive maneuvers," Jake's voice crackled over the secure channel.

Rooster acknowledged, "Agreed, Jake. Talon Squadron, be prepared for anything. Maintain formation, and let's see what they do."

Mark’s voice appeared “I agree.” he seemed almost too eager to do so “I can go ahead and-”

“No,Mark, don’t do anything stupid.” Because it looked like they're heading straight for them,”Talon Squadron, be prepared for evasive maneuvers. We don't know their intentions, but we're not taking any chances," Rooster ordered, his eyes scanning the HUD for any signs of hostile action. 

But he just had a feeling.

And he wanted everyone to be safe.

"Sir?”

“Yes,McAllister?”

“No response on any channels. They're maintaining radio silence," McAllister reported, his eyes fixed on the approaching aircraft.

"...of course not." Rooster exhaled, one of the jets was moving right towards him, “Everyone,move!”

The Hornets scattered in a synchronized dance of evasion as the approaching F-14 Tomcats closed the distance. Rooster's instincts kicked in, and he executed a sharp climb, pulling his Hornet into a vertical loop. The G-forces pressed against him, and he could hear the roar of the engines as he tried to gain altitude and assess the situation.

"Talon Squadron, this is Rooster. Break formation and engage. We're not waiting for them to make the first move. Hangman, Mark, Nix, Payback, let’s give them some action but be careful!," Rooster ordered, his voice commanding over the radio.

The Hornets dispersed, each pilot taking on a Tomcat in a high-stakes game of aerial cat and mouse. The night sky erupted with the afterburners and streaks of tracer rounds as the dogfight unfolded. Rooster twisted and turned, engaged in with his opponent. The F-14 Tomcat on his tail mirrored every move.

"McAllister, we need to lose this guy. Suggestions?" Rooster's voice cut through the chaos in the cockpit.

McAllister's eyes darted between the instruments and the incoming threat. "Sir, try a split-S maneuver, and I'll jam their radar. It might buy us some time."

"Copy that," Rooster replied, pushing the Hornet into a sharp dive. The G-forces intensified, pressing both pilots into their seats. McAllister deftly manipulated the electronic warfare systems, attempting to disrupt the tracking capabilities of the adversary while letting out a strained ‘fuuuck’ because of the g-force.

The Tomcat followed the descent, but as Rooster initiated the split-S, the pursuer struggled to match the abrupt change in direction. The Hornet pulled out of the maneuver, soaring upward while the Tomcat momentarily lost track.

"Good call, McAllister. Let's see if we can get the upper hand," Rooster commended, scanning the airspace for the next move.

 Tracer rounds streaked through the darkness, and the roar of engines echoed through the air. No one was down yet, and he hoped that for his team, it kept that way.

The pursuing Tomcat regrouped and locked onto the Hornet once again. McAllister grimaced, "Sir, they're persistent. I'll try a chaff and flare deployment to throw off their targeting."

"Go for it," Rooster commanded. The Hornet deployed a cloud of chaff and flares, creating a dazzling display of countermeasures. The pursuing Tomcat hesitated for a moment, its radar confused by the sudden interference.

"Sir, I think we've got them disoriented. Let's take this opportunity to turn the tables," McAllister suggested.

Rooster nodded, his eyes narrowing as he initiated a high-speed turn. The Hornet sliced through the night sky, making use of its agility to outmaneuver the Tomcat. The element of surprise was on their side, and Rooster seized the moment to gain the offensive.

"McAllister, get ready to lock on. We're taking the fight to them," Rooster declared,clenching his hands tight.

As the Hornets engaged in their individual battles, the communication channel buzzed with updates. Phoenix reported, "I've got one Tomcat on my tail. Evading, but they're persistent."

"Stay sharp, Phoenix. We're working on our end," Rooster assured, keeping tabs on the overall situation while locked in his own intense struggle.

McAllister manipulated the targeting systems, aligning the Hornet's weapons with the Tomcat. The HUD displayed a solid lock, and Rooster squeezed the trigger. Missiles streaked toward the adversary, forcing them into evasive maneuvers. The night sky erupted with explosions as the air-to-air missiles found their mark.

"Hit! But they are still up sir!"

The Tomcat, though damaged, continued to desperately try to shake off the pursuing Hornets. Rooster and McAllister pressed their advantage, tailing the wounded adversary.

"McAllister, keep the pressure on. Let's force them into a mistake," Rooster directed, his eyes fixed on the evasive maneuvers of the damaged Tomcat. “Like putting something out of it’s misery.”

McAllister adjusted the Hornet's throttle, maintaining the pursuit. The Tomcat pilot, realizing the dire situation, executed a series of erratic barrel rolls and sudden dives. "Sir, they're slippery, but I've got a lock. Ready to fire when you give the word," McAllister reported, the tension evident in his voice.

"Wait for the right moment, McAllister. We don't want to waste our shots. Let's see if they make a mistake," Rooster advised, his eyes narrowing as he anticipated the enemy pilot's next move.

As the damaged Tomcat continued its acrobatic maneuvers, Rooster noticed a subtle hesitation in its pattern. A split-second miscalculation that opened a window of opportunity.

He should’ve gone to the left.

"Now, McAllister! Fire!" Rooster commanded.

McAllister unleashed a volley of missiles, streaking through the night with deadly intent. The damaged Tomcat, already strained by the earlier hit, couldn't evade the new onslaught. The explosions engulfed the aircraft, and it spiraled uncontrollably toward the darkness below.

"Target down!" McAllister confirmed,tossing his hand up in triumph.

Rooster exhaled, momentarily relieved, but the battle was far from over. The communication channel buzzed with updates from the other Hornets, each pilot locked in their individual duels. Phoenix was still engaged, Hangman reported a close call, and Payback was working to outmaneuver a particularly agile adversary.

"Rooster, this is Payback. I've got another one on my six. Need assistance," came the urgent plea over the radio.

"Copy, Payback. McAllister, let's break off and support him. We’re losing no one tonight." Rooster ordered, banking the Hornet in the direction of his friend’s distress call.

The night sky became a canvas of chaos as the Hornets regrouped to tackle the new threat. Payback skillfully evaded the persistent Tomcat, but the enemy pilot was relentless.

"Rooster, this one's good. Real good," he reported, the strain evident in his voice.

"Payback, hang in there. We're on our way," Rooster reassured, his eyes scanning the radar for the unfolding battle.

As they closed in on Payback's position, the silhouette of his struggling Hornet came into view. Followed by a skilled Tomcat pilot. Rooster clenched his jaw, determination etched across his face.

"McAllister, lock onto the bogey. We need to relieve the pressure on Payback," Rooster commanded, his hand gesturing towards the radar screen.

"Locked and loaded, sir. Ready when you are," McAllister replied, his focus unwavering.

The Hornet sliced through the air, closing the distance to Payback's engaged aircraft. Rooster's eyes darted between the glowing screens of the cockpit, analyzing the situation. The Tomcat pilot, aware of the incoming threat, executed a series of defensive maneuvers, attempting to shake off Rooster and McAllister.

"Stay sharp, McAllister. We're dealing with a skilled opponent here. Let's not make any mistakes," Rooster advised, the urgency in his voice matching the intensity of the dogfight. “Come on you fucker, stop moving so much.”

The pilot twisted and turned with exceptional agility. Payback skillfully evaded their attacks, but the Tomcat pilot seemed to anticipate every move. 

"Rooster, this guy is one hell of a pilot. I can't shake him off!" Payback's voice crackled over the radio.

Rooster gritted his teeth. "Hang in there, Payback. We're almost there."

The Tomcat pilot suddenly adjusted their course, making it difficult for the Hornets to lock onto a clear shot. The air became a labyrinth of twists and turns, each pilot trying to outmaneuver the other.

"McAllister, we need to coordinate our attacks. On my mark, unleash everything you've got," Rooster instructed, his eyes narrowing as he calculated the optimal moment to strike.

The Hornets closed in, the tension escalating with every passing second. Rooster's hand hovered over the trigger, waiting for the perfect opportunity. Suddenly, the adversary executed a daring barrel roll, throwing off their pursuers momentarily.

"Now, McAllister! Fire!" Rooster commanded.

Missiles streaked through the night, converging on the elusive Tomcat. The adversary, caught off guard by the synchronized assault, struggled to evade the onslaught. Explosions illuminated the darkness as the missiles found their mark, damaging the enemy aircraft.

"Good hit, but he's still flying!" McAllister exclaimed, frustration evident in his voice. “Damn those guys are hard!”

"Keep on him, McAllister. Let's wear him down. Payback, keep evading—we've got this," Rooster encouraged, his eyes locked onto the damaged adversary.

“You sure?”

“Yeah!Go!”

The dogfight intensified, the Hornets relentlessly pursuing the Tomcat through a series of high-speed twists and turns and descents. The Tomcat pilot, managed to evade several close calls, sometimes flying too close to the ground, enough for it to be dangerous for everyone else.

"Sir, he's making it difficult. I can't get a clear shot," McAllister reported, frustration creeping into his tone,voice shaking a bit.

Rooster chewed his lower lip then he frowned…Beatrice’s voice coming from the back of her mind.

Oh you know, with the kids is all organized chaos!

Organized chaos.

His eyes widened in realization as an idea struck, “...thanks babe. I’ll have to say it to you when I’m able.”Organized chaos. The chaos of the dogfight was real, but perhaps they could find a way to introduce a bit of order into the madness. He glanced at McAllister, the corners of his eyes crinkling through the visor as he smirked "McAllister, let's try something different. We're going to create some organized chaos of our own!”

"What?" 

"We're going to use the terrain to our advantage. Get ready for some low-level flying," Rooster explained, banking the Hornet towards the rugged landscape below.

“WHAT??” McAllister’s surprised shriek from behind him was loud but the younger pilot just got himself ready, whispering little prayers as he held himself against the aircraft “I-I t-trust you,sir!”

Rooster smirked, his eyes glinting as he moved. The Hornet roared over the rugged terrain, skimming just above the treetops and following the contours of the landscape. McAllister gritted his teeth,almost feeling the rush of wind against his face as the aircraft weaved through the natural obstacles even if they were safe from the outside.

The Tomcat, caught off guard by the sudden change in tactics, struggled to keep up. The Hornets, now using the terrain to their advantage, gained the upper hand. Rooster and McAllister skillfully maneuvered through every little thing that appeared to be an obstacle.

Fuck,Mav would be proud.

The moonlight cast eerie shadows on the rugged terrain below as the Hornet and Tomcat engaged in a high-stakes pursuit. Rooster's mind raced, calculating every move, anticipating the Tomcat's reactions.

 He was nervous, the guy was starting to hiccup now and again.The organized chaos they created disrupted the traditional dogfighting patterns, putting the adversary on the defensive. They tried to hit Rooster and McAllister’s jet but Rooster quickly avoided it,making it hit a rock wall instead.

The low-level pursuit continued, with Rooster and McAllister skillfully navigating through the rugged terrain, using the landscape to their advantage. The Tomcat, struggling to keep up, found itself in a defensive position.

Stuttering.

Good.

"Keep it tight, McAllister! We're almost done with him! Rooster barked ,not being able to hold back his laughter as the Tomcat, despite its powerful engines, struggled to match the agility and adaptability of the Hornets in this unpredictable terrain.

It was an old jet, it wouldn’t be the same.

"Sir, this is insane!" McAllister shouted, his words barely audible over the roar of the engines and the wind.

Rooster grinned, the thrill of the chase lighting up his eyes behind the visor. "Welcome to the danger zone, McAllister!"

He could almost hear Maverick's voice echoing in his head, a mentor in absentia. Hell, he could hear his uncle’s laughter.

The Tomcat pilot, realizing the disadvantage in the low-level environment, attempted to gain altitude for a different approach. However, Rooster anticipated the move, banking sharply and staying just above the treetops. The Tomcat struggled to follow, its larger frame unable to match the agility of the Hornets in such confined spaces.

"McAllister, on my mark, we're going vertical. Brace yourself!" Rooster announced, preparing for a drastic change in tactics.

“Ooooohhh!! Shiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiittt-!!”

The Hornet shot upward, leaving the rugged terrain behind and climbing into the open sky. The Tomcat, caught off guard, tried to match the ascent, but Rooster executed a series of barrel rolls and loops, disorienting the adversary.

"Keep it steady, sir!" McAllister yelled, his hands gripping the control stick tightly.

Rooster's eyes scanned the sky as he maneuvered, anticipating the Tomcat's moves. He paused for a second, gasping for air…he was upside down above the Tomcat…he couldn’t see him. He blinked, it was an automatic reaction that gave them a huge advantage.

Just like Mav did.

"McAllister, target locked! Get ready to unleash it!" Rooster's voice boomed,his accent coming in thick with adrenaline pumping through his veins.

The Hornet dove back toward the Tomcat, accelerating at breakneck speed. The targeting system beeped as Rooster aligned the crosshairs on the enemy aircraft. "Fox three! Fire!" Rooster commanded, and the Hornet released an AIM-54 Phoenix missile. The sleek projectile streaked towards the Tomcat, leaving a luminous trail in its wake. The Tomcat pilot, realizing the imminent threat, executed evasive maneuvers, but the missile was relentless.

The explosion illuminated the dark sky as the Tomcat was hit immediately and both pilots had to squint because of the light.  The shockwave from the explosion reverberated through the sky, sending ripples of turbulence through the air. Rooster and McAllister watched as the remnants of the Tomcat scattered across the night, like really messed up snowflakes.

"Damn.”Rooster whistles low, “...that was kinda pretty.”

The echoes of the explosion gradually faded, leaving behind an eerie silence in the vast expanse of the night sky. "Damn fine shot, sir," McAllister said, his voice still shaky. He wiped sweat from his forehead with the back of his gloved hand as he lifted his visor, his eyes wide with the intensity of the recent dogfight.

Rooster grinned, the corners of his mouth visible even through the visor of his helmet. "We both did a good job." he pauses, “We should check on the others but seeing there was only one guy left–”

“We won,sir?”

“Fuck yeah we won.”

[innerchorus]

Chapter 18 Narsus and the implication that he's seen Hilmes's face before he got burned.

The novel scene is very similar in that Narsus is also not entirely satisfied with the explanation that the mask is solely to cover Hilmes's burn scars, but also (apparently operating under the assumption that Hilmes is Lusitanian?) can't see why Hilmes would need to hide his identity: 'One reason to wear a mask was so that others would be unable to recognize his original appearance, but when among complete strangers in a completely unfamiliar land, such an excuse ought no longer hold. If it weren’t for those burn scars, perhaps even Narses himself would have unexpectedly recollected something with ease…' (Book 1, Chapter Five, part iv)

Meanwhile, Hilmes in Chapter 27:

???

If he ever met Narsus before Chapter 18, he clearly doesn't remember him.

So a young Narsus (and presumably Daryun) may well have seen Prince Hilmes at the palace. Hilmes would perhaps have no reason to remember their faces all these years later, but his status would render him important enough for them to have paid a bit more attention to him. (And as Hilmes doesn't look identical to Osroes or that similar to Andragoras, I think it's hinting that Narsus would have recognised something more than familial resemblance here...)

Looking at timelines because I hate myself

Daryun and Narsus first met in Pars year 300. There's an anecdote of them playing a practical joke in the palace that took place around two or three years later (Pars year 302-303ish). The palace fire occurred in Pars year 304. So they were definitely at the palace during the time when a young Prince Hilmes was still there.

I wonder what their memories are of hearing of the palace fire? The three of them are roughly the same age.

(Also this post has set my mind wondering... I wonder what Hilmes's accent is like? It'd obviously mark him as a noble / of high status, but does it bear traces of regions other than Pars, given that he's spent so long out of the country?)

[seniorhelper]

Middletown-Kent-Sussex Private Home Care You Can Trust

In Middletown, Kent, and Sussex counties, families are finding peace of mind through thoughtful Private Home Care that brings dependable support right into the sanctuary of home. At Senior Helpers Middletown, Kent & Sussex, personalized caregiving services are designed not only to assist with daily needs but also to celebrate and preserve the routines and relationships that give life meaning. This in-home approach means maintaining independence, warmth, and dignity in the most familiar surroundings—with professional help always there when it's needed.

What makes private home care especially impactful is its focus on real relationships. Selected caregivers prioritize continuity: they’re not rotating strangers, but consistent and caring individuals who grow to understand the senior’s personality, history, and preferences. Over time, they become trusted companions—someone to share local stories with, play a favorite game, or assist in cherished hobbies. That emotional connection is foundational to well-being and distinguishes this service from standard task-driven care.

Safety and proactive attention are key pillars of this care model. Caregivers help ensure medication schedules are followed, assist with mobility, and maintain a hazard-free home environment. Their attentive presence means subtle changes—such as appetite shifts or slower movement—are noticed and communicated early, helping families intervene before small issues escalate This level of awareness offers comfort and reduces the risk of emergencies, allowing seniors to thrive in place.

The flexibility of private home care is another major advantage. Care plans begin after thoughtful assessment and can evolve over time, adapting to changing needs. Whether your loved one requires a few weekly visits for help with errands and housekeeping or more frequent support during times of recovery or health transition, the service grows or shrinks with life’s rhythms—without uprooting anyone from home.

Moreover, caregivers from Senior Helpers Middletown, Kent & Sussex offer more than companionship—they’re partners in health. They assist with personal care tasks like bathing or dressing, support gentle exercise, and can guide memory-stimulating activities. Their broad scope supports not just physical safety, but also emotional and cognitive health. These caring professionals often become the first to spot and report early warning signs, ensuring medical care keeps pace with daily reality.

For families, private home care is a practical blessing. Adult children juggling work and distance caregiving can feel overwhelmed—but having a reliable caregiver in place brings balance back. Instead of managing logistics, family visits can become moments of connection—reminiscing, sharing meals, or just being together. Caregivers share updates, easing stress and deepening trust.

Finally, navigating payment can feel daunting—but Senior Helpers is experienced in guiding families through options like private pay, long-term care insurance, veteran benefits, and more Their team helps ensure that care stays accessible without compromise.

In Middletown, Kent, and Sussex, Private Home Care from Senior Helpers is not just service—it’s a compassionate partnership that honors the individuality of each senior. It promotes safety, nurtures connection, and adapts to life’s chapters—all within the comfort of home.For more information visit https://seniorhelpers.com/de/middletown-kent-sussex or call us on (302) 674‑2234

[ao3feed-destiel-02]

even sunshine weeps at the memory of you

read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/SsjM4yc by thisisaboringusername Dean feels the world mourn Cas as he does. Words: 61, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English Series: Part 301 of Destiel Poetry, Part 302 of 365 Days of Destiel Fandoms: Supernatural (TV 2005) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: Major Character Death Categories: M/M Characters: Dean Winchester Relationships: Castiel/Dean Winchester Additional Tags: Castiel/Dean Winchester Poetry, Poetry, Post-Episode: s12e23 All Along the Watchtower (Supernatural), Pining, Pining Dean Winchester, Dean Winchester Loves Castiel read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/SsjM4yc

[ao3feeddestiel]

even sunshine weeps at the memory of you

read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/tcxZ8gs by thisisaboringusername Dean feels the world mourn Cas as he does. Words: 61, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English Series: Part 301 of Destiel Poetry, Part 302 of 365 Days of Destiel Fandoms: Supernatural (TV 2005) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: Major Character Death Categories: M/M Characters: Dean Winchester Relationships: Castiel/Dean Winchester Additional Tags: Castiel/Dean Winchester Poetry, Poetry, Post-Episode: s12e23 All Along the Watchtower (Supernatural), Pining, Pining Dean Winchester, Dean Winchester Loves Castiel read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/tcxZ8gs

[redphlox]

the house that denied me: Toga, Tenko, and Touya

The villain trio’s houses symbolize rejection, suppression, conditional love, and deprivation of agency and identity (quirks). The parent(s) in charge of running the household created this repressive environment. Chapter 341 established Toga's family circumstances as a blend of Touya and Tenko’s. Unlike Tenko, who subconsciously is haunted by the fact that he can’t go back to his family because he accidentally killed them, Toga still does have a home and family. Touya was correct to call her sentimental – the grief of losing Twice, someone important in her life, called her home to check on her family out of morbid curiosity. Seeing that her parents discarded her possessions (and by extension her) from their home only cemented the fact that they will never accept her. They erased her from the home, from the family. In turn, she won't beg for their approval and doesn’t shed tears. She’s sure of who she is, and she won’t change to gain their approval. It's why she ran away.

While both Tenko and Toga don’t have homes or families anymore for different reasons, Touya does. Horikoshi has established that the Todoroki family still remembers and misses Touya. Not only do they have him pictured at the Butsudan, but they still have his possessions in plain sight. Touya’s memory and what happened to him still lingers in that house and amongst the family members. The family broke apart when he died, and the revelation of his survival brought them together again after 10 years.

This is what sets Touya apart from the villain trio and gives readers a clue as to what his ending will hold. Tenko’s family only comes back to him in the dreamscape, either as a manifestation of his subconscious or from beyond the grave, to dissuade him from giving AFO control. He views it as oppression and rejects them. Toga’s family hasn’t looked for her, and they haven't expressed the wish to reunite. But, Touya's family is looking for him. Though he wasn't present, the family acknowledged his pain in 301-302 and finally saw him. which is what he's been wanting. When Shouto said “he is me,” he meant it literally - his brother's pain is his, too.

Touya doesn't know his family still has his things and still thinks of him and would choose to have him back. His house isn't like Toga's. His family hasn't discarded him, although to him it felt like that while he was at home. He understood that Toga's parents emptying her room meant they got rid of her, and he burned down the house that rejected her as kindness and as an act of justice.

The house motif is also interesting considering that Endeavor promised to build a new home away from him, one where Rei could return to live with her children. This new home would have a different dynamic and environment than the old house because Endeavor wouldn't be in control. The new house wouldn't deny Touya because they've acknowledged his pain. This new house symbolizes a new start: acceptance, understanding, and healing not only for Touya but for the family.