#cos why are the animations cuter

[simminginstars]

isla paradiso has always been that girl

[decadeofjoy-au]

BUDDY FUN FACTS LIST

STATS

Intelligence: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️(8)

Battle IQ: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️(10)

Experience：⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️(10)

Skills: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️(4)

Luck: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️(7)

Speed: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️(5)

Strength: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️(8)

Hax: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️(10)

Durability: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️(6)

68/90

•Despite being a rather passive experiment, only being passive-aggressive to anyone who’s wronged him..the ONLY two things that will make Buddy go from passive aggressive to completely aggressive is seeing someone he cares about being seriously injured and hearing his real name.

•Buddy actually doesn’t understand the concept of Valentine’s Day. If asked why, he’d make it known that he personally doesn’t see a reason for a holiday about love when it’s something that you can feel at any time.(Though this is probably because he’s literally never had a valentines before but it’s not like he’d be able to remember anyways.)He sees this for other holidays and events as well though he does celebrate them for the fun of it!

•Between all of the Dough and Co. toys, Buddy is freakishly good at shifting into whatever he wants. And when I say that? I mean he could shift his appearance look almost exactly like a cat from the smallest detail…however…he chooses not to because it not only disturbs other toys, but he simply finds his more “simpler appearances” cuter!

•While he TRIES to be nice to the orphans at Playcare, one specific orphan he never liked was Maury due to his frequent insults(whether they were intentional or not) towards his appearance. Maury once refereed to him as a “ripoff, holiday, zoo animal Doey” and he hasn’t forgotten it since.(Yes. His feelings are still very much hurt.)

•Buddy doesn’t actually sleep as much as most of the other toys and the latest he was caught awake was when he was roaming around at No Man’s Land at around 4:00 in the morning.

•If Buddy ever had a crush on someone, it would be VERY hard to tell due to the fact that it wouldn’t change his behavior by much. Though he does actually get very flustered easily and enjoys compliments

•Buddy would definitely let other experiments and toys use him as a stress ball if they needed it, as long as it doesn’t damage his body he’s completely fine!

BUDDY’S OPINIONS ON THE EXPERIMENTS/ORPHANS(INTERVIEW DIALOGUE)

CANON

“I don’t know who Stella is…but I don’t get any everyone hates her. Did she do something??”

“Voloveoraptor hadn’t been seen in a LONGGG time..”

“…why are you.. asking me about Leith..?”

“Oh, Chester?? He’s not too bad! Though…I’ve noticEd that some people hate him too…”

“Isn’t Bron the dinosaur toy??”

“…Dr Sawyer.. I don’t like him. He’s…insulting.”

TDOJ

“Oh, Clarance? He’s great! Just wish he could get along with the other Dough and Co. toys though..”

“I offered Handyman a sandwich once and they took it! Though something tells me they were just trying to spare my feelings. Either way, I’m happy they at least took it.”

“Antsy seems a bit crazy at first glance but don’t worry! He’s one of the NICEST guys I know!”

“Mr Sandman slammed me into a wall last week..” … “and still hasn’t apologized…”

“Bolt is VERY spiteful and violent, he attacks the toys on sight and sometimes even attacks the other experiments..”

“Figaro? Oh uh…he’s not nearby is he? I don’t wanna talk to him.”

“Percy nearly ripped my arm off once..”

“Maria…tried to hit me with a baseball bat once. I think I scared her..”

“Azure! She’s one of the nicest kids here! I hope she can get adopted soon! Not that I want her to leave…I just want her to find a family!”

“Maury…I don’t like him.”

Mr Story

“Changing table is just as great at the others! Very good at his job!”

Anewbieartist356

“Norma and I are…pretty awkward. I tried being her friend but she doesn’t seem to want to.”

“Ooh, I love Terra! She’s like…one of my best friends! …. I don’t like Doris though.”

“I like Silas’ help around the place! He’s a great guy!”

“Doodle’s okay! She just…needs to calm down a bit. Maybe then Handy will like her.”

“Mr…Bergamot..? …. He STILL hasn’t apologized..”

“Candi Bee? I don’t like her…she insulted me one time and then gave me some- half-assed apology! Excuse my language.. either way, I’m not happy with her right now.”

“I know that Mangus is…skittish?..so I try to get close to him every day! I waved to him two weeks ago and he actually waved back! I think I’m making progress!”

Doctor Tan

“Hug-A-Gotchi?? I don’t think I’ve met them before! Oh, I’d love to make a good first impression though!”

Sweatycowboyqueen

“I don’t know much about Melly but I know she isn’t happy about everyone being made into toys… I hope she’ll like me.”

“Dainty seemed nice at first until I realized it was just manipulation.. … Ugh. Memories…I hate them…”

“I…actually really like Charlie! That’s her preferred name right?? But yea! She does her best! I can respect that.”

“I like Felix just as much as everyone else here! He’s really nice guy! Though I’ve never talked to him much before.”

Icanexplainwhythisnameisbad

“Shadows? I don’t think I’ve met him before.”

“Oh…er…Coo-Coo…I don’t like the way he talks.. not to mention, he demolished one of the counseling rooms and I had to fix it.”

“I like Stacey! I hope he’s doing good right now.”

“I don’t like Snooze..she gives me Deja Vu.”

“Pizzaman! I love that guy too! Right next to Terra! He’s like my second best friend. I have 3 of those!”

“I try to be quiet around Sock-It. He seems very tired.”

“Larry’s very nice! I don’t know much about him but I know he’ll watch over his sister when nobody else wants to a he must be a good brother!”

“Plug-N-Play wrote a weird fanfic about me once..” … “I WANT an apology.”

“Hysteria gets out a lot, makes me wonder why we keep her locked away so much…she hasn’t hurt anybody. At least…from what I know.”

“Oh! Those little Handymen are adorable! Though I wouldn’t say it to their faces. I doubt a bunch of grown men and woman want to hear about how cute they are, huh??”

“Bernie reminds me of Bolt and Coo-Coo…not to mention he’s a bit…crazy too.”

“Pink and Blue kinda remind me of Doris and Terra…I like Pink! But…blue is pretty mean.”

“SOSD??..I’m…sorry, that name doesn’t ring a bell..”

“Grumpy is really nice! I love the guy! Why does he have to stay away from the orphans every year?? He can be useful at other times!”

“Caleb…hmmm, he’s not that bad! Though I try to keep my distance. I’m like- 2x his size..I wouldn’t wanna squish him!”

“Zack seems to really miss his dad…hm…maybe he wants to talk about it?? I don’t have any advice for his situation but I did hear that talking can help!”

“Melvin…I don’t know much about him but he kinda looks like Maria.”

Scrappythescrapstrap

“Scraps…she’s very kind. I like her.”

“Zipper ALSO gives me Deja Vu….i don’t like him.”

Corelex

“Rosalie! One of my best friends! At least I consider her my best friend. I really like her! She’s got that nice sense of justice!”

“Dupin is really great! He’s…one of the only toys here who’s heard me out on my opinions..”

JustAFreak40

“Meringue isn’t that bad! I wanna figure out what his favorite kind of sandwich is. Maybe he’ll like one!”

Portalling101

“Cinny’s hilarious! I love his jokes! Though…he’s sometimes not very…serious at the right times.”

Stallia Abiarts

“Usher is one of the nicest kids here! He can have a couple out bursts here and there but honestly…who doesn’t?? I heard he really likes Handyman.”

“Aether is nice too, reminds me a bit of…Doey? I think…he’s really good friends with Usher though!”

DeadZoneDenizen

“Alon is quiet, kind of like Azure but..I don’t think he likes me?? I wouldn’t make assumptions though. Does he like sandwiches??”

[incoherentbabblings]

🎈you're a single parent at this birthday party at my work and I cannot believe I have to keep up the shtick when I'd much rather be wooing you (For timsteph with Tim being single dad)

I have to apologise for the delay in getting this out. I have one more to do which I will try to get out asap. Chaotic and tiring week! But that's just an excuse. Here you are!!

Emoji Prompts for 800 Followers

It wasn’t that Stephanie disliked being a clown in Gotham city necessarily, it was just the reaction of everyone (including herself at times) when she informed them of her part time job was - without fail - why are you a clown in Gotham city?

Straightforward answer? Money was money, and boy could she make a mean balloon animal. Besides, she hadn’t had any run in with the Joker’s lot. Yet.

The birthday parties could be fun though, and it wasn’t like she was wearing an itchy plastic wig and a giant red nose. She was a little bit cuter than that.

She twisted the ruffles around her wrist back into place as two of her colleagues entertained a group of ten six year olds. Their screaming and giggling was a good sign that the jokes were landing.

With that, Stephanie decided she need a coke. A big one.

She wandered over to the counter, a thing that could hardly be called a bar at this community hall. A group of mothers stood nearby, smiling awkwardly at the hired entertainment as she sought to end her thirst. The women returned to their little chat, when Stephanie paid for her drink, innocuous and innocent and barely watching the children laugh up a storm.

There was one father, however, who stood aside from the group, who was watching. Hawkishly.

Stephanie doubted for a moment that he was a father, as he was so young, nearly ages with herself, but it didn’t seem like a feasible age gap for siblings either.

He was pressed up against the exposed brick wall, arms folded, looking like he was waiting for the wall to implode with fire and bullets, for the balloon animals to be filled with toxic gas, for one of Stephanie’s (very nice) co-workers to yell psych! My flower has acid in it instead of water! Oh you fools! My reign of chaos has only begun.

To be fair, it was not as if these things were uncommon. Only in Gotham…

Stephanie tried to spy his hands. No ring. Not that could mean anything but darn it, single hunky man at a six year old’s birthday party with a look of paranoia was begging for an intervention.

She hopped over to him, a spring in her step, fully aware that she was committing a cardinal sin of breaking character during an event. Oh well. Fingers crossed he was worth it.

“Which one is yours?” she asked. Only to immediately burn red, even through her painted cheeks when he turned his attention to her. “I mean, assuming that”-

“Birthday boy, if you can believe it.”

His eyes were frighteningly blue against dark lashes and hair. He smiled a little, utterly charming, no doubt somewhat amused by her frilly pink and yellow dress.

Stephanie could, a tiny thing. A bit shy, his friends had largely gobbled up the attention of both her and the two other’s, but he seemed content to not be the center of attention.

“He’s sweet,” she said.

The father’s eyes lit up a little, smile growing. “Yeah, he is.”

“So you must be Mr Drake?” The man who made the booking simultaneously had just been looking like he wished he and his child could be somewhere - anywhere - else.

“Yep.” His eyes began to drift away, back towards his kid, but he still spoke to the clown standing opposite. “Tim, if it’s less awkward.”

“Ah. Stephanie. Um, not to be obnoxious,” she uttered, “But how old are you?”

“Oh. Twenty three.”

One year younger than her. Tim caught her eye, then smiled bashfully. “Long story,” he murmured.

“No judgment from me,” Stephanie shrugged. “How can I? Literal clown here.”

Tim snorted.

Stephanie continued, feeling brazen. “To be even more obnoxious… “

“No, the mom is not around.”

“Oh. Sorry.”

“No, it’s fine. Kind of.”

“Can I use the clown excuse again?”

Tim raised his eyebrows. “Tell me a joke? And I’ll think about it.”

She burned red, then scrambled her brain for something. Tim pursed his lips expectantly. It was then that his young boy ran over, crashing into his father’s legs. Tim wrapped his hands around the boy’s neck.

He looked up at the pretty clown (an oxymoron of a term), and waited to see what she would say.

“Uh, okay, how about this. There are three cats, right? Sitting on the white cliffs of Dover in England. There’s an English cat called One, Two, Three, a German cat called Ein, Zwei, Drei, and a French cat called Une, Deux Trois…” Tim tilted his head, listening contentedly and curiously. Stephanie began to gesticulate as she explained the joke. “So they’re looking across the water, over to France. Ein, Zwei, Drei says, ‘I bet you if we swim the Channel, I will win’. And well, the two other cats can’t stand the thought of a German winning, so they agree, each betting that that they’ll make it to France before the other two. So they jump off the white cliffs and get swimming.”

Tim shifted off the wall. It was the first time he had spent more than a minute paying attention to something other than his child. Stephanie swallowed excitement, trying to keep her pace slow and steady.

“They swim and swim, then when they reach France, One, Two, Three drags himself on the beach, shaking off the water. Ein, Zwei, Drei is waiting for him. Shoot, he thinks to himself. But at least he wasn’t last. So the pair wait, and wait, and wait. But the French cat doesn’t show up! Then they realize the terrible truth.”

Tim sucked on his tongue, waiting for the punchline.

“Sadly,” she declared solemnly. “Une Deux Trois Quatre Cinq.” Tim blinked, unable to conjure even a pretend smile. Even Tim’s boy did not seem to get it.

“That was terrible,” Tim complained. Tim’s boy nodded emphatically.

Even beneath her face paint, Stephanie’s blush was visible. “I didn’t say I was a good clown.”

Father and son both smiled, a mirror image, and Stephanie’s red face shifted from embarrassment to warmth. Sweet boys.

[yutahoes]

You are Pretty

I feel bad for not posting any scenarios the past few days. First, because the internet is shitty. Second, I can't sit down in front of my laptop. Third, I've been feeling a little under the weather. I know, reasons.

But here's a little scenario to make up for the lack of updates. ☺️ Please enjoy.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

"To the world, we are NCT 127." The guys greeted their signature greeting before bowing down that made the women in front of them clap. The nine boys started introducing themselves one by one to fully get acquainted with the people they will be working with today. "We're at your service today." Taeyong said rather charmingly that made the head teacher giggle.

For a TV show, the NCT 127 members are asked to aid in a local day care center. It is 5am, too early for filming but they needed to do this for the fans. The teachers introduced themselves one by one, even telling the boys that there are two groups of class, Taio and Pororo.

Earlier, they had chosen their classes. Yuta was adamant in staying with Pororo class since they're the older group of kids and they're easier to play with. They were given certain instructions by the teachers handling the classes when the door opened that took everyone's attention. A gasp can be heard and the members' eyes were on the Japanese man who created the said sound.

"I'm sorry, saem." A younger girl, probably their age, kept on bowing as she removed her jacket and placed it to the side. "I'm really sorry I'm late."

The older woman shook her head, asking the younger to sit beside her. "This is teacher Y/N. She's a new teacher here in class Taio." Yuta hissed and the members looked at him, giggling. He's so transparent. "They are NCT 127." She bowed at them, smiling.

"Jungwoo, exchange with me." Yuta pleaded that made the younger shake his head. "My love life depends on you." Haechan chuckled. "I'll buy you beef."

"For a month?" Jungwoo said and Johnny giggled.

"A week." The younger glared and Yuta rubbed his palms together. Jungwoo nodded. He just needed to put on his charm and make the girl look at him.

But it was a hard task, given that he had to take care of the students and they're in front of the cameras at that. Slowly, the kids are entering the class which makes him nervous. They looked so wary of them, since they're strangers but it was her who made the kids comfortable with the cameras and the new teachers.

Yuta, Taeyong, Mark, Haechan, and Doyoung played with the toddlers in the class, giving extra attention since they're younger. The Japanese member of NCT was playing with two boys when one boy accidentally hit Yuta on the face. "Teacher Y/N…" one girl called, "Siwoo punched Yuta saem."

The said kid cried and Yuta panicked. Y/N knelt in front of the kid, holding his shoulder. "I didn't punch saem." Siwoo kept on crying then hugged Y/N. Yuta smiled. That's so cute.

"I know, Siwoo. But let's be careful when playing next time, hmm?" Her voice is really pretty. "Did you say sorry to Yuta saem?" He shook his head then cried some more.

Y/N wiped his tears with her thumbs and Siwoo faced him. "I'm sorry, saem. Are you hurt?"

Yuta shook his head. "It was an accident. I'm fine."

"Can I join the story time later?" Siwoo asked and Y/N looked surprised at that. "I like your storytime, Y/N saem."

She smiled that made Yuta gasp. God, she's so pretty that he can feel his heart stopping in his chest. "Of course, Siwoo." There's a slight strain on her voice. Is she going to cry? "Everyone is welcomed during storytime."

"Can I also join storytime, saem?" The girl turned to him, nodding. Wow, she is really pretty. The cameraman behind them lightly coughed, some staff giggling while watching them.

It amazes him how the fourteen students ranging from four to five year olds were behaved and seated on the mat cross legged and facing Y/N who was seated in front with a story book at hand. They were all so energetic earlier but now they're seated cross-legged like little angels.

He was also amazed at how she captured all their attention with her animated voice that even the grown ups were fully focused on her. She even asked the guest teachers and some kids to engage them in the story telling. Now, he understood why Siwoo seemed to like storytimes with her. She really has a soothing voice. Even her small giggles are so infectious that it makes him smile. She's so… "...Yuta saem?"

"Pretty." Yuta exclaimed. "You are pretty." Oh shit.

He saw the surprise in her expression then heard his co-members giggling. "Did the wolf like Little Red Riding Hood?" One student asked. "Maybe he also wanted her red hood?" Another student said. What has he done?

The storyteller nodded then exclaimed in awe. "It must be, the wolf might like her hood. Do you think the hood would look good on the wolf?" She asked. "Do you think the wolf needed a hood?" The kids shook their heads. "Then what does the wolf need?"

"Food." The kids exclaimed and she gasped while asking, "Where can the wolf get the food, Haechan saem?" God, this is embarrassing.

It was afternoon when the kids already left and Yuta had felt the tiredness already. This is one gruesome experience and he felt a deep appreciation for daycare teachers. The level of their patience is no joke, even their energy. It must be nice to date one.

Unconsciously, his gaze fell on her who was talking to Doyoung while folding the little aprons that the kids used for their class earlier. Once done and the cameras are off, the head teacher asked the guys for some snacks as a thank you for helping them. "Y/N, can you order some bread in the bakery down the street?" She nodded, standing up and letting Doyoung do all the folding.

"Yuta, you should come with her." Taeyong said and Mark smiled, he hissed but stood up.

The walk is rather short that they have already reached the bakery before he can muster up the courage to talk to her. It was awkward. He wanted to apologize for ruining the storytelling session, for not helping her enough. "Yuta saem." she called that snapped him from his thoughts. "Is custard bread alright with you?" He nodded. "I mean, it's too much sugar. Are you watching your weight or you can eat whatever you want?"

He laughed at that. She's talkative. "It's fine. The younger members like custard bread." She looked relieved at that and then took a turtle shaped bread while smiling widely. "This is cute."

She nodded. "And it tastes really good as well." He returned one custard bread and took one turtle shaped bun. The girl only stared and Yuta was gentleman enough to carry the variety of breads to the cashier. To her surprise, he raced her by paying with his own card. "The teachers will scold me."

"Don't worry about it." He thanked the cashier and then took the two bags of bread that startled her. "Can you please open the door for me?" She pushed the door and he thanked her.

"I feel bad. Do you need help carrying those?" Yuta shook his head. "I'm sorry. You might be tired and…"

"It's fine, Y/N." he said with a smile. "I should be the one apologizing." She stared at him in confusion. "I ruined story time."

Y/N shook her head. "I understand that story time might be really boring…"

"No, it's not." Wait, does she really think that he's not paying attention because she's boring? "You're just distracting." She stopped walking, staring at him in surprise. "You're really pretty and so good with kids."

She gasped and he thought that she looked so cute. "Thank you." A blush crept on her cheeks that made her cuter in his eyes.

"Do you want to have coffee with me sometime?"

"Will that be alright?" Yuta smiled. She didn't say no.

"It's just coffee," he assured.

"Just coffee," she repeated.

When Y/N opened the door to the classroom, there was an eruption of laughter coming from the teachers, the boys, and the staff. Yuta put the bags of bread on top of the table as they took a snack one by one. He snatched the turtle shaped bun from Jungwoo, handing one to Y/N that made her smile. Everyone had a knowing smile on their lips when Johnny said, "Oh, that's why."

Y/N had a confused expression and Yuta glared. "Red Riding Hood really is pretty." Jaehyun claimed, Doyoung and Haechan snickered.

"Did you at least get her number?" Taeil asked.

The female staff members were giggling, the teachers were looking at Y/N. "No." he said as a matter of fact. Whines of disappointment can be heard that made him chuckle. "But we're going out for coffee."

"It's just coffee." She shrugged.

"Yeah," Yuta mumbled. "Just coffee."

[whatifyoulivelikethat]

aquarium | jjk

pairing(s): jungkook x reader

summary: You thought you and Jeon Jungkook would be last forever, but you had to read the ending yourself, in the form of typed words. When it arrived, you went to the blue sea. The grey sky would come and the black storm would appear.

warnings: cheating in established relationship; (very sad) angst; language; ambiguous ending; non-idol!AU; video game streamer!Jungkook x reader; ft. kind garden-loving landlord!Taehyung

--

now playing – trauma (aquarium) by ONEWE

this place has been transformed into something unknown i’m trapped alone in an aquarium

You could see the ending.

At first it was the little things. He held your hand a little less, stood a little further from you when you two walked side by side. Stared at his phone a lot.  Didn’t share his snacks as often. Spent all his time on his computer, streaming video games for longer and longer hours.

You had nothing to say. It was his job, after all.

You made his meals, washed his dishes. Changed his water bottles, gave him a kiss for the camera. Felt a little part of you die inside each time you went to bed alone, only to hear him slip under the blankets, hours after you. You went to work for longer and longer hours. There was no reason to go home. He ordered take-out for dinner every night.

Being Jeon Jungkook’s girlfriend was supposed to be fun.

And it was fun, at first. At first, he spent all this time with you. At first, he was always with you, by your side. He only streamed a little back then. It was a slow, gradual growth, and, like all parasites, it took over every aspect of your life. From your nights, to your days, to your time – making meals, cleaning up after him, doing all the laundry.

You could tolerate it. He made a lot of money. He was having fun. He was smiling. You would do anything for Jeon Jungkook. He dragged you into his sea and you swam in it happily. Until you realized you were stuck and alone, glass walls all around you, keeping you away from him. Seeing him, and yet not being able to touch him, kept away from his heart.

Caught in an aquarium.

He would give you kisses and tell you he wanted to get married.

He would say he loved you, but it was all a lie.

You weren’t in his Instagram photos. You weren’t part of his Twitter bio anymore. You weren’t listed in his phone with a little purple heart next to your name. Even that, you wouldn’t mind. He told you he didn’t want you to get harassed by trolls. He told you that he wasn’t ashamed of you, that you were the most beautiful woman in the world.

But.

Then again.

He told every girl in his DMs that.

You stared at them that faithful night, unable to sleep, reading them all. Jungkook was asleep beside you, snoring away, and you read every single one. The WhatsApp messages were worse. They were so much worse. More sexual, detailing what he wanted to do to other people. Not you. Not you, the love of his life. Not you, the one by his side.

You knew how to backtrack and retrace your steps. Make it seem like you were never there. Placed his phone on his side of the bed and went to sleep. He held you that night. Turned around in his sleep and wrapped his arms around you.

Inside, you drowned.

When he told you that he was going to a gaming convention, he was very excited. Grinning his beautiful grin, snacking on shrimp chips as you washed the dishes. It was only the weekend, only two days. He wasn’t going to go for the Friday or Monday, so he could spend time with you.

“I would totally invite you, but you said you have to work that weekend.”

You said apologetically. “I know. I’m sorry. But I have to be there for my co-workers.”

He frowned and nudged you. “You work too much. You know you don’t have to. We can just live off my streaming money. I can buy you nice things.”

“I would feel bad for leaving them. I’ve worked at that office for seven years.”

He smirked, elbowing you a little. “Cheating on me with all the cute guys?”

You carefully wiped down the glass, placing it back in the cabinet, smile plastered to your face.

“No guy is cuter than you, Jungkook.”

That was the weekend you left.

You went to work, confirmed your month-long vacation of all the hours you’ve collected over the years, and packed every belonging you owned in that apartment. To be honest, there wasn’t very much. Anything Jungkook had ever bought you, you left behind.

There was no reason to hold onto it.

For a long moment, you stared at the photos, the stack of photos of you and him. Your smile, his smile, the places you’ve been, the things you’ve seen with him. Then you placed them on the bed, scattering them, spreading them all over the blankets.

You left it like that.

-

You went to the ocean.

You dropped the boxes at a storage unit in the city. Took only a carry-on bag of clothes and took a train to the coast. You left your phone in the storage unit too, telling your parents you were going on vacation to the sea. Didn’t say where, only mentioned you wanted to unplug, unwind, disconnect.

Disconnect.

The cottage you rented was cared for by a nice young man with dark brown hair and tan skin. He said it was his parents’ and that he was renting it out for them. If you needed anything, you could contact him and he wouldn’t hesitate to help. He had a bright, boxy smile and a cheerful tone. You thanked him for being so considerate.

You sat on the edge of the cliff, legs dangling over the side.

Your pink flats were right beside you, and your arms were resting on the wooden fence. The ocean breeze was strong here, salty and cold. You were in a long-sleeved white dress that was going to get dirt and grass stains on it, but that sort of thing didn’t matter now.

Clothes could be replaced.

The garden rock in your hand spun round and round, dancing between your deft fingers. Your left hand. The hand that held his when you two walked side by side, fitting in his right covered in small tattoos. He had a king’s crown tattoo on his ring finger and asked you if you would get a queen’s crown tattoo someday. It didn’t have to be on your hand. Anywhere was fine. 

You looked at your left hand then, the hand that was holding his, and then it didn’t.

And then it didn’t.

You stared down into the crashing waves and jagged rocks under you. It was cold here. How far down was that? White forth slammed against eroding stone. Even mountains weren’t forever. Even something as solid as rock could be ground down into nothing with water.

Your eyes shifted to the shimmering sea, the endless blue, sun reflecting harshly off it. It didn’t matter how beautiful the water was or how many extraordinary creatures were under the surface. The deep sea hid all the worst creatures, all the terrible monsters. Not even science could go that far and discover all those horrors.

You pulled your arm back and threw the rock as far as you could. You couldn’t even see where it landed. The seawater was too rough and wild.

“Why would you throw my garden stone into the ocean?”

You started, turning around sharply to the heavy, baritone voice of your landlord. He was wearing a white sunhat, a beige shirt and pants, clutching a pair of dirty and worn brown gardening gloves. He frowned at you, staring into the ocean.

“What did my rock ever do to you?”

You looked back to the choppy waves and then faced him again, ashamed.

“Well, come. You will have to help with the garden to repay for that. I’m harvesting winter squash.”

-

“You can cook.”

You nodded to Kim Taehyung, the young man who was caring for the sea cottage. He was tasting some of your winter squash and fresh bamboo combination after he asked if you could do something with the two. You had added garlic, ginger, and made a light white sauce as you sautéed it all together.

“I got this bamboo from a friend who lives in the mountains. I can’t cook very well though. Can you?”

You two ate in steady silence, listening to the sounds of nature and waves crashing into shore. He had made rice while you cooked the vegetables.

“The only thing I can make, really,” he had chuckled.

You chewed, listening to Taehyung mix the leftover sauce with the rice and slurp it up.

“The world is quiet here,” you said softly.

He nodded; mouth full. His brown eyes shifted to the overhanging cliff as he swallowed.

“It is.”

-

You tended the garden with him.

You hadn’t even realized all the greenery around the cottage was a giant garden. To you, they were just pretty plants. Taehyung taught you all about the plants, which ones he was growing, which ones the season was already over, which ones he was trying to grow next season. Some were flower bushes he was trying to learn, but you learned that they were finnicky and not as hardy as the vegetables.

“I don’t even like vegetables that much,” he laughed, rich, full, heedless. “But they’re easy to care for, so they make me the happiest.”

He had tried fruits, but the wild animals always got to them despite his best efforts.

“I must share with nature, I suppose.”

Sometimes, you missed the internet. You missed the distractions, the games you played, the ability to like random thoughts on someone’s Twitter. In those times, you would stare at the never-ending blue ocean and then Taehyung would tap you with the rake and tell you that you needed to help him loosen the soil.

“We need all of nature’s nutrients.”

-

You stared out to the blue ocean, wearing a large straw hat and a navy dress. You weren’t at the cliff this time, but farther back. The breeze was softer at this moment. Taehyung had given you the hat a while ago, telling you it was better than the white scarf you wore around your hair. It did provide better sun protection for your face.

The cobalt sea was violent today, sky grey and dark. Taehyung told you it might rain, so the garden could be skipped today.

You held your hat and looked up.

“Me too, sky. Me too,” you murmured quietly.

You wondered when the feeling would disappear. It would probably be gradual, silently vanishing as each day was replaced, memories fading into the vast abyss of thoughts, mixing with fantasy so that you wouldn’t be able to know the difference between what was real and what was fake. That’s why eyewitness accounts were never trustworthy.

That’s how all memories were.

You let go of your hat for only a second. It flew off your head and you spun around, surprised at the strong ocean breeze.

Taehyung caught it with one hand, standing a few meters behind you.

Your lips parted at how easily he was able to catch it. He was wearing a yellow raincoat and brown pants with his usual brown gardening boots. He smiled, walking up to you and putting the straw hat back on your head.

“I warned you that you might lose it if you stand too close to the ocean.”

You hand came up and brushed against his fingers as he retreated his. He looked away quickly, into the stormy blue sea threatened by grey clouds.

“What have you lost to be looking so sad?” Taehyung asked gently.

You followed his gaze.

“Memories.” The water churned, smacking against the cliffside. “A whole book of them.”

“What do you mean?”

You turned back to Taehyung, who was now watching you curiously. You held onto your straw hat, not wanting it to blow away again.

“I left all the photos, so I wouldn’t have to see them again.” You sighed. “Pictures of moments, years etched out visually. I was going to make a memories photo book when we got married.”

You looked back to the ocean, seeing the sky darken ever more.

“And now we won’t.”

There was a loud clap of thunder. Your eyes searched for the lightning.

And then your name, shouted across the grass, harsh and angry like the thunder.

At first, you didn’t hear it. You were distracted by the sky, waiting for the rain. But Taehyung snapped his head around, startled. You noticed his movement and turned around too. A figure in black jumped over the fence, yelling your name on the top of his lungs.

The glass walls came up inside you, trying to protect you from the stumbling, turbulent sea that was Jeon Jungkook.

Taehyung frowned. “Who the fuck is that?”

“Who the fuck are you?” Jungkook spat, glaring at him and his yellow raincoat. He called you again, sharply, stomping over. “Do you have any idea how worried I was? When I came home from the convention and you were just gone? No note, nothing, only to find you running off with some random guy!”

The thunder sounded again, but there was no lightning yet.

“I called everyone! Your work, your friends, your family, your phone! You wouldn’t even answer your fucking phone. I had to find out from your work that you were on vacation,” Jungkook hissed, glaring at you. “Vacation from our relationship that is, fucking cheating on me.”

Taehyung glared back. “Dude, it’s not like that at all. I’m just the landlord of the cottage she rented–”

“Shut up. I’m not talking to you.”

You stared at Jungkook, his dark brows and wild black hair, so angry at you that he was cursing. The irony was not lost on you. You held onto the straw hat.

“Is that all it was?” you said quietly. “You were upset that I would find affection in someone else?”

“Of course, I was! You’re the love of my life!”

You smiled gently. “Is that what you tell them all?” Your navy dress fluttered in the harsh ocean breeze.

Jungkook scowled. “What the fuck are you talking about?”

You looked down to your pink flats, dirty and grass-stained now from running around the cottage garden. Taehyung had teased you, telling you they weren’t good gardening shoes, but you hadn’t brought any other shoes with you. Everything else Jungkook had bought you, with his money.

“Even now, you pretend, Jungkook.” Your hair tangled in the wind, salty and tousled from the sea. You looked back up at him and his expression was changing now. “I remember asking you once, should you comment like that on other people’s Instagram posts?” The thunder was louder now, sky ripping apart with flashing light. “You said, everyone is like that. It’s part of the business.” The color was draining out of Jungkook’s face. “Were the DMs only for show too? What about the WhatsApp messages? The things you wanted to do to them? The ones you wanted to shove your dick into?”

“That’s fucked up,” Taehyung muttered next to you.

“That… That wasn’t…” Jungkook struggled for words. “I didn’t mean it like that.”

You nodded. You felt it first, the fat drop on the hand holding your hat.

“I know you didn’t. Everything was for fun. Everything.”

Smile plastered to your face, because what could you do now?

“Even me. Even I was for fun.”

You inhaled a deep breath. You had cried for many nights when you crawled into that unfamiliar bed upstairs. For hours, long after Taehyung was gone. Drowning in your own endless sea, filling your glass aquarium. Cried yourself out, and now you let the sea cry for you when you watched it every day, while you worked on the garden with Taehyung.

The rain began to fall.

You looked back to Jungkook, torn, guilty, exposed.

“You should come in and wait for the rain to subside before going home. Your viewers will miss you.”

Taehyung pulled his hood over his head. “Do you want me to stay?” he asked you, voice sharp. “I don’t want you to get hurt.”

The way he said it implied in more ways than just physical pain. But it was a little late for that.

“I think I will be okay, Taehyung,” you said, water seeping through your hat, rain drenching your dress., turning you into a soaked doll. “Nature has taught me to keep growing.”

He bit his lip, still frowning, but bowed. “Alright.”

And then you watched him go, back to his car, hurrying along. You went in the opposite direction, to the cottage. You had one more week in your hideaway. Rainwater seeped into your flats as you stepped into the grass, soaking your feet. But somehow, it was nice. It was nice to feel the sky cry on you, because then you didn’t have to. You made your way to the covered porch, wringing out your dress the best you could. Took off your hat, opened the door.

Heard heavy black boots in your wake.

“You… left all the pictures.”

The choked, sorrowful voice of Jeon Jungkook behind you.

“I did.”

You stepped inside the cottage. Placed your hat on the hook, dripping wet. Stepped out of your drenched pink flats. Didn’t wait for him. Just went upstairs to the bathroom, trailing rainwater, locking the door behind you. You turned on the water, plugging the drain. Ran a bath and sank into your own hot aquarium.

You heard the heavy fall against the door. Your name, softly spoken through the door.

“I’m sorry.”

You sank further into the water.

“No apology will ever fix what you have done to me.”

The water was cloudy and milky with whatever bath salts Taehyung had provided with the other personal goods.

“I can prove it to you.”

You felt the tears come now, the anger, the sadness. You submerged your head underwater, blocking out all the sound, blocking out your own thoughts. Your hair floated around you, washing out the salt of the blue sea. You waited, waited until your lungs screamed, and still you waited until your vision was fading to grey before you resurfaced, taking a shuddering breath, surprisingly calm.

“The trauma has already spread, Jungkook.”

You heard a slight sob at the tone you used to say his name, cold and unfeeling.

“I really didn’t mean it, I swear.”

You took a deep breath and dove into your man-made aquarium once again.

-

part ii

--

masterpost

extended playlist blue & grey by BTS 기억 세탁소 (eraser) by ONEWE 기억 속 한 권의 책 (a book in memory) by ONEWE

[kimetsu-no-yaiba-writings]

So, considering I finished watching the last episode of the dubbed version of Demon Slayer- I'm extremely sad that there is no more episodes of it for now x_x- If it is alright with you; I would like to request a Muzan version of the same concept of idea that I asked for in my previous request, just because I think it'd also be something interesting. ^~^

Just AHHHHHHHHHHH! I love the series so much ^-^ Its music and animation are so nice! Plus I’m planning on re-watching both the sub and dub at some point before the move comes out! But I’m rambling XD

Of course you can have some Muzan! (≖ᴗ≖✿) I hope that you enjoy and that i’ve done your request justice!

P.s I might have spent all day writing and re-writing this because i wasn’t happy with the quality of it (╥_╥) to be honest i might re-write some of it, but only if you don’t like it

Yandere Muzan with a Half-demon S/O:

This story starts off normally. You a half demon living in a co-existance with your family and other humans 

Its peaceful and nothing can go wrong 

At first....

Words and information spread fast, but they spread even faster if your Muzan

Muzan will have already heard about you, the half demon lady from a family of demons (and some humans) that he hadn’t created or heard of before until now

He’s pissed to simplify it

But he’s also very intrigued

Muzan spends months planning, plotting and tracking you and your family down but he doesn’t strike right away, he bides his time, preferring to leave you all on edge until he makes an appearance

Your family receive a letter a week before he arrives at your family’s estate it’s something simple and straight to the point

Join him or die

Your mother fearing for your safety argues to send you to somewhere safer, somewhere that’s far away but your father argues against that, fearing that if they did send you away that it would instead seal their fate for death

So, they decide to prepare for Muzan’s arrival

Deciding to try and appeal to his better nature to keep themselves, and most importantly you, alive and well

Of course, Muzan finds this out and is beyond amused – his mood lighter in regard to what to do with your family

He’s arrival to the estate brings so much fear, Muzan’s colour’s never straying anything past monochrome other than the twisted scarlet of his eyes making him appear far more intimidating against the colourful backdrop of your home

His form oozing power + malice that it twists the air into something dark, it leaves everyone trembling and scared to breathe in case it offends

Your parents keep their cool – Polite and frozen – They make sure to spirit you away to your room after introductions

Unfortunately, something occurs that nobody expected. In the brief introduction, Muzan takes a liking to you

He can’t pinpoint exactly why though there were many things about you that he picked up when laying eyes on you – its here that a dark obsession sinks into him

Your beautiful eyes portraying such an intoxicating shy kindness with a smile that he could only describe as radiant and pure – how beautiful and ironic that he was to fall for something that he originally was going to kill

Your too beautiful and too lady-like to be kept hiding in your family’s estate

Instead Muzan strikes a deal…..You in exchange for the lives of your family and to keep them safe

And so, your life with Muzan swiftly begins

Your kept in a safe house with a few lower demons as maids and company for the days that Muzan’s gone but he always swiftly returns baring gifts and such a soft smile – the lower demons are of his creation, people who can protect and serve you until he deems otherwise

You’re a lot more timed then first expected but that’s a quality that Muzan finds cute – paired with the fact that your so pure-hearted makes you even cuter

He makes sure to remain a gentleman with you, smile always soft and voice relaxed

Muzan has to make sure to keep himself more open with you to make you feel more comfortable around him, undoing his training for being poised from a thousand years ago but only slightly – it works of course

The fact that you’re a half demon quickly loses its meaning to him – after all your just (Y/N)

As the days go past his obsession with you grows deeper and some delusion sinks in

To Muzan, your already his partner, his lifelong mate and wife

He makes sure to spend as much time with you as possible, remaining so perfect and so loving. You can’t help but break out of your timid shell around him. His actions time and time again proving to be soothing and nothing like the monster your parents had made him out to be those many months ago

You fall in love with him the more time passes.

Thoughts of your family and their well being are swept away with thoughts of muzan  – He quickly picks up on this and further feeds into his delusion

Of course the less you ask after your family – you’d always ask so politely and so sweet that it could have made his teeth rot, he complied a handful of times. But hid any letters that they sent unprompted - the happier it makes him

 It makes him so unbelievable happy when you’re the one, in all of your timed and pure hearted glory, to be the one to ask to court him – your face is flushed such a dark red that you look like you could pass out, your hands gently twist the fabric of your kimono as your eyes focus on his hands and Muzan wishes in the moment of time to keep that image ingrained into his very being

Of course he accepts

His protective obsessiveness amplifying by fifty once becoming a proper couple

A fear spikes into him however when a letter from your parents comes into his possession, they want to visit you (having only been able to see you face to face 6 years ago) and all he can think about is the toxicity that they’ll spill and taint your mind with. They could potentially take you away from him and all of his hard-earned work + love would go down the river

So, He kills them. Every single one of them.

it’s like they never existed, your family home burnt down to the ground and all traces destroyed and you’re none the wiser

You live trapped happily in a marriage with the most powerful yandere demon of the century, never leaving and always trapped but none the wiser and so very happy  

[lovelytarou]

caffeinated love

pairing: nishinoya yuu x reader

genre: fluff, slight angst

tags: coffee shop!au, barista!noya, noya & reader being whipped for each other

a/n: dedicated to my beautiful, loving, sweet and supportive wife @chibishae34 💖💞❤️💕 i hope you liked this surprise and i did your bb noya justice! :c

it was a perfectly sunny day.

it was too perfect, you might add. the scene in front of you could easily fit into a studio ghibli movie, the only thing missing are the animated characters, and the soft piano music that usually accompanied the films.

you don't know what made you look at life with rose-colored lenses today, it might be because you're in a good mood, or you woke up on the right side of the bed, or the wind just brought some positive air to you. whatever it is, you're thankful for it.

you're walking around campus with a skip on your steps, a smile on your face as you grinned at the people you passed and the surroundings. to some people, it might come off as creepy, or even weird, but no one is going to ruin your mood today. not when you're so close to having your coffee.

a bigger smile tugged at your lips, looking up at the café in front you – its bold, intricate sign you're familiar with and the welcoming aura beckoning you in.

Crows' Cabin.

your favorite café that serves the best coffee ever in your campus. you couldn't have asked for more. they got your coffee right, the perfect amount of sweetness, the tinge of bitterness, and the smooth feel of the cream like a warm blanket on a cold day. not to mention, their staff is pretty welcoming and friendly, too.

what you loved most about this place is the fact that you can study in peace and the fast wi-fi that they have. it has the perfect atmosphere to do a little studying while you sip your coffee.

walking inside, you pushed the doors open, letting it emit a small ringing sound as it announces your arrival. the usual silver-haired cheery guy that greets you when you come in isn't standing in his usual post. instead, a short guy with bleached streaks greeted you with a lively energy that almost shocked you to the core.

you can't help but think how cute he looks, and walked closer cautiously to the counter.

“hello! welcome to crows' cabin! what can i getcha, cutie?” he gave you a big grin, leaning on the counter with his arm. you blinked in surprise, taken aback by his ecstatic greeting and chuckling lightly.

“hey, uh...is sugawara not here?” you probably sounded rude, but if there's a new guy on his stead, you could only guess that he's going to get your coffee wrong. at least, that's what you think.

he let out a humming sound, his face scrunching up as he thinks with his index finger and thumb under his chin. your heart skipped a beat. he couldn't get any cuter.

“i heard sugawara changed shifts because of his hectic schedule and all,” he explained, waving his arms about. “but you're lucky you're stuck with me! so, what do you want? coffee, tea, or me?” he gave you a wink after his question.

despite the nag of disappointment at the news of sugawara not being able to take your order anymore, it was quickly replaced by giddiness at the presence of this energetic boy in front of you.

before you could answer, however, the other staff with shaved hair that you quickly recognized as tanaka ryuunosuke, emerged from the kitchen and shook his head at his co-worker's antics.

“oi, stop flirting with the customer and take their order already!” he scolded, slapping the boy with the small towel he's holding on the head, earning a yelp.

“ukai-san won't be happy to know that you're trying to pick up chicks while on the job, you know.” tanaka's quip made your cheeks heat up. although, it seemed like the smaller guy is flirting with you, it was probably how he greets all the customers that comes in the café.

yet, the thought of him asking you out isn't too bad at all.

he's pretty attractive, you'll admit that. he's got mesmerizing, big, brown eyes that looks like it can pierce through your soul the longer you looked at them, and not to mention his fiery personality that greeted you the moment you entered.

“i can't help it, ryuu. they just looked so cute! who am i to deny our pretty customer our special service?” he wiggled his eyebrows at you suggestively. god, you wanted the ground to swallow you whole.

“leave the poor customer alone, idiot. look at them, they're too red already!” it definitely didn't help that tanaka made a comment on how flustered you seem to get over his co-workers flirtatious advances.

“i-i'll get the usual, please...” you managed to croak out despite the embarrassment you felt, immediately sliding the exact amount to the counter.

the boy tilted his head at you in confusion, “the usual...?”

oh, right. he's new.

ignoring your flushed cheeks and rapidly beating heart, you murmured how you liked your coffee all the while his piercing gaze is intently staring at you, giving you his undivided attention while you explain your order passionately.

“uh, no– wait, that's probably too complicated. i'll just get that one instead–” he waved his hand dismissively at your panicked ramblings.

“nah, no need. i already memorized your order, angel face.” with one final wink at you, he went to the back to prepare your coffee.

“why don't you settle in and get comfortable while i prepare your drink?” he called over his shoulder.

tanaka could only watch the commotion with fond, proud gaze as he went back to his own station.

꘎♡━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━♡꘎

during the afternoon, the crows' cabin don't have many patrons unlike in the mornings and evenings. usually, they were back in their classes or offices, and sometimes will only grab a quick bite before heading out.

this is the most peaceful moment, in your opinion, in the café. you hummed along to the song playing on the speakers as you typed away for your essay that is due tomorrow. yeah, it might not be healthy to cram when it's due tomorrow, but with how busy you are, can you really blame yourself?

what's important is you're doing it now instead of putting it away and procrastinating like you always do.

your fingers stopped typing as you gazed out the window, thinking of what to write next. amid the staring absently at nothingness, the boy from the counter approached you. he placed the cup from the tray beside you on a coaster.

“thanks, uh...” shoot, you didn't get his name. you don't remember tanaka mentioning it, too.

he seemed to have read your mind as he laughed, eyes crinkling at the sides as he threw his head back. you can't help but stare at him, he's such a ball of sunshine. any moment now and you're sure your heart will burst because of this guy.

“my name's nishinoya yuu, nice to meet you, uhm...” he stretched his hand out, which made you chuckle. you accepted it, shaking his hand as you introduced yourself.

nishinoya rubbed the back of his head, his cheeks flushing, “that's a pretty name.” he murmured, eyes casting off to the side as the thought of how warm and soft your hands are overtaking his mind.

before he could get carried away, he cleared his throat and looked at you expectantly.

“anyway, i'm excited about what you think of the coffee i made!” he bounced on his heels from where he stood, excitement jittering his bones.

rolling your eyes playfully, you cracked a smile at his excited expression and brought the cup to your lips to take a sip.

time seemed to have stopped as nishinoya watched you take another sip of coffee. you, on the other hand, couldn't believe that he made it just how you like it despite the first time making it for you. the slight smirk didn't escape your notice as you let out an appreciative hum upon the taste.

“so?” he leaned a little close to you, anticipation written all over his cute face.

“i gotta hand it to you, nishinoya. you did well, maybe even better than sugawara’s,” his chest seemed to puff up at your praise which you found endearing. so he likes to be complimented.

“of course! who else can make your coffee if not also the best barista in crows' cabin?” he boasted, thumbs pointing at himself. you can't help the laughter that bubbled out of you. he's such a refreshing presence in such a familiar place. and you're here for it.

he felt his heart clench as he smiled at your laughing figure, one thought only occupying his mind: he wanted to see you smile and laugh more.

he glanced at the clock on the wall, noticing that it'd be a few hours left before his shift ends and until then he still has a lot to do. even if it makes him sad, he has to go back to work and part from you. although, he hopes not permanently.

“anyways, enjoy your coffee! don't work too hard! and uh, call me yuu.” he gave you one last smile before he went back behind the counter.

yuu.

his name kept repeating over and over inside your head, a smile on your face as you looked down at your cup of coffee.

you're definitely going to keep coming back here.

꘎♡━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━♡꘎

the next time you went back to the café, nishinoya perked up like an overexcited dog. his face immediately lit up at the sight of you. the relief that washed over you was something that you kept thinking about as you made your way to the counter, a grin splitting your face.

why were you so glad to find out that he's here?

“hey, it's you again. how are you doing today?” he greeted, already buzzing to life at the mere sight of you.

“i'm great, actually. and you?”

“it's been a long day, but it's all better now that you're here, cutie.” he chuckled at the way you became flustered in seconds after he called you a pet name.

“you're not too bad yourself, yuu. i'll take–”

“–the usual. i already memorized it, remember?” he replied, seeing the puzzled look on your face.

“right. yeah, sorry.” you facepalmed yourself softly, shaking your head at your forgetfulness. “it's just...i've been working too hard so i probably forgot,”

“i have just the thing, now go get cozy and i'll bring your drink!”

you took that as your cue to find your seat. today was pretty hectic for you, especially since you have to catch up to the nearing deadlines. taking a seat, you immediately opened up your laptop and began to work.

not half an hour later, a cup was placed in front of you, along with nishinoya sitting at the opposite chair which made you quirk an inquisitive eyebrow at the boy.

“what are you doing?”

“it's okay, i have my break at this time.” he then placed a bag beside your laptop, “on the house, a little birdie told me that it's your favorite,” he sheepishly rubbed at his nape, avoiding your gaze.

opening the bag, you find out that it's one of your favorite pastries inside. you can't help the soft gasp leaving your mouth at the kind gesture.

“oh, thank you so much! i've been craving these lately.” you gave him a grateful smile, biting down on your favorite treat. it still tasted just as good, but what really warmed your heart was the thought of nishinoya purposely asking sugawara for your favorite pastry and you can't help but add it to one of the things you like about him.

wait...like?

you couldn't help but choke at your own thoughts to which nishinoya shot you a concerned look. once you calmed down, you noticed that he kept glancing back at the wall clock then back at you then down at his fiddling hands.

“what's wrong?” you asked through a mouthful of food. yuu chuckled at the sight and shook his head.

“can i borrow a pen?” confused, you gave him one anyway. he grabbed the bag that your food was placed in, scribbling on it.

“thanks, i gotta go back now. break's over. bye!” he jogged back to his station and you were left weirded out by his actions. not only when you were preparing to leave the café did you notice the small note at the other side of the paper bag.

nishinoya yuu

xxx-xxx-xxx :)

you exited the café with your stomach and heart feeling full.

꘎♡━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━♡꘎

“do you think they liked the treat? will they even text back?” nishinoya paced back and forth in their small staff room.

“what if they didn't read the note?!” he gasped, stopping in his tracks as he bites his nails in anxiety.

sugawara laughed at his junior's predicament, “relax! of course they'd love the treat, i did tell you it was their favorite. as for the number, you should probably be a little more patient with that, noya.” he advised, placing an assuring hand on noya's shoulder.

as if possessed by a spirit, nishinoya perked up and his agitated self was replaced with determination.

“you're right. i shouldn't worry about it too much. they'll come around!” as soon as he said that, his phone's ringtone resonated in the small space.

on his screen was an unknown number and he immediately knew it's you.

without wasting another moment, nishinoya picked up the phone and answered the call.

“h-hello, y/n?” he internally cursed at himself for stuttering.

“–john? is that you? how's your mother–”

dumbstruck, nishinoya abruptly ended the call and placed his phone on the table.

“what happened? what did they say?” sugawara inquired, eager to know what happened between the two.

“it's not them.” nishinoya deflated like a balloon, covering his face with his palms.

was he reading this right? what if you don't see him that way? what if he was just forcing himself on you and in reality you don't really reciprocate the emotions he felt whenever you enter the café?

with a little more positivity from his seniors and tanaka telling him that he shouldn't lose hope, nishinoya decided to go home feeling less energetic than usual.

it was not around midnight that he received a call from an unknown number. he hated that he felt excited, that maybe, just maybe at the other end it was you.

picking it up slowly, he breathed in and out, counting to five before he answered the call.

“hello, yuu? it's y/n. sorry i called at a time like this,”

his eyes lit up at the sound of your familiar voice. even through the phone it sounded as beautiful as ever.

he almost stumbled over the scattered clothes and mess that littered his bedroom floor when it is indeed you that called him, landing on his bed.

“y/n? it's really you! uh, don't worry about it. i'm not sleeping yet...totally not because i was waiting on you or anything!”

your laughter brought butterflies fluttering in his stomach, oh how he'd love to hear that sweet sound everyday. it got him smiling too as he listened to it.

“i'm sorry for making you wait. i was just busy with my studies and all...but, i've decided.”

“decided...on what?”

there was a pregnant pause on the other end, he thought that you might ended the call or something. but then you spoke up again.

“i wanna go on a date with you.”

he must be in heaven because there is no way in hell or earth that you'd want to go on a date with him. you, who looks so pretty, beautiful, elegant and charming that he's having a hard time if you're actually real. you, who never fails to make his days a little better at work whenever you waltzed in and decided to grace him with your presence. you, with your complicated mixture of coffee that he memorized in favor of impressing you and in hopes that you come back again to the café.

he couldn't believe it.

“y-yeah? that's great! so, when are you free?”

“i was thinking maybe saturday? if that's alright with you?”

“that's fine with me! i actually have a day off on saturday. same time? at the cafe?”

he can't help the grin that's practically splitting his face in half but he's just so happy. he immediately caught feelings for you the moment you walked inside crows' cabin and he can't get you out of his mind since.

the same thing can be said about you, which the only reason you're actually studying in the café and keep coming back there was for a whole another reason other than coffee. heck, you even find yourself thinking of him whenever you drink the beverage.

with a lovestruck look on your face, you nodded even though he couldn't see it.

“yeah, that would be great.”

꘎♡━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━♡꘎

when saturday came, to say that you were nervous and jittery would be an understatement. you can't stop looking at yourself in the mirror or literally any surface that you have a reflection on to make sure that you looked nice and presentable on your date with noya.

and due to that fact, you didn't notice him walking up to you, all smiles and looking as cute and handsome as ever.

“ready to go?” he asked, offering his elbow to you which you gladly accepted.

“where are we going?”

“it's a surprise,” he teased, flashing you a mischievous smile.

you went along with it. the two of you walked, stopped for some food and talked about what you both liked, disliked, and how he got the job at crows' cabin.

“–so i told ukai-san that i really need the money! i was actually just saving up for the new game i saw down the street but i made it sound like it's a life or death situation if he wouldn't hire me. in the end, i loved working there. i mean,” he gestured to the two of you, “because of it, i finally went on a date with a wonderful person!”

chuckling at him, you playfully pushed his shoulder.

“shut up,” you grumbled.

you can't help but admire him. the way he animatedly tell his stories with his own sound effects and grand gestures that never fails to make you laugh and rope you in with the story. he's fun to hang out with, knows a lot of stuff about the neighborhood and won't run out of tales.

“ah! we're here!” he paused walking to stop in front of your designated place.

he brought you to the movies.

“oh, wow...i didn't expect that,” you laughed sheepishly, trying not to offend him.

“i figured we'd watch a movie. ryuu said that there's this new horror movie that's a blockbuster nowadays,” quickly catching on to his plan, you smirked to yourself slightly.

“is that so? well, i'm pretty sure you'll protect me from the scary things in there, right, yuu?”

he seemed to puff up at that, “of course i will! what kind of man would i be if i can't protect you?”

that earned another laughter from you, shaking your head as you tugged his arm towards the direction of the entrance.

he insisted that he'd pay for the tickets and the food which surprised you a bit, but you couldn't really complain since he was being nice all day to you. you decided to just pay him back later.

as soon as the both of you are inside and the movie is playing halfway, you noticed how he's the one who is more scared of it than you. he's trying to play it off by coughing when he'd accidentally yell in surprise or laugh it off when he'd jolt up from a jumpscare.

how cute.

without saying a word, you grabbed his hand and squeezed it reassuringly. the feeling of your soft and warm hands brought him back to reality, looking down at your intertwined hands. his cheeks flared up and he thanked himself for choosing a horror movie or else this moment wouldn't happen.

“ah, i'm glad that movie was over!” he cried out in relief. all throughout the movie, he kept squeezing your hand hard like a woman giving birth or hiding on your shoulder when a jumpscare comes on. you gotta admit that you enjoyed his reactions more than the movie itself.

you were both now walking home – he insisted – and your hands are still holding each other, clearly not wanting to let go. by the time you walked out of the theatre, it's already nighttime.

the skies are clear and there are stars peppering the night sky. it's quiet out with an occassional passing vehicles, or a hoot of an owl but it's a comforting silence.

“this is me,” you mumbled, stopping on your tracks once you saw the familiar street your residence was in.

noya can't help but glance at the street behind you with a sad look and down at your still conjoined hands. he knows he should, but he wanted to spend the night with you longer.

“you sure you can make it home okay?” he gave you a pleading look, hoping that you'd let him at least walk you in front of your house.

“yeah, i'm sure.” with that, he let go of your hands hesitantly, linking your pinkies as he gave you a small, content but genuine smile.

“i really had fun today, yuu.” you avoided his gaze when you saw his smile widen in satisfaction. he laughed heartily at that.

“me too, even if i hid throughout the movie.” he rubbed the back of his head, feeling his face heat up in embarrassment. he kept rambling about how he probably turned you off because of that and why he shouldn't have taken you to the movies but somewhere exciting instead.

goddamnit, you can't take it anymore.

leaning in, you closed the distance between the two of you and slotted your lips in his, closing your eyes. you felt his breath hitch at your actions, his hands coming up to hold your jaw.

just like everything about him, the kiss was breathtaking.

it felt like hours when you pulled away, his eyes was still closed as he savored the blissful moment you shared.

“thank you,” you whispered, as if any louder can ruin the magic.

you pushed his shoulders away gently, giggling as you walked home. nishinoya was left there, awestruck with a dumb smile on his face as he stared at your retreating figure like he just woke up from a beautiful dream.

“huh...? hey, wait! come back here!”

[raionmimi]

“Why would Campbell dunk on some poor little artist smaller than him?”

I mean... Money? The people paying his bills aren’t the people making anti-male gaze redraws of overly stylized comic book covers, it is the people who are sick to death of the randoms on the internet “fixing” things that they didn’t consider particularly broken. Plus, it got people visiting his Twitter and saying his name again, so I guess mission accomplished.

It has been 12 years. It is not the first time someone has said they fixed his art. In fact 2009~2014 was an era there were a lot more active Redlining/Fixing art blogs for anime and comic book art, and this cover had seen so many of them.

He knew about them. He knew about a LOT of mockery about it. That’s why he drew it again, but in a more light hearted way. He’s constantly doing something that gets criticized, just like in 2019 when he was drawing 15 year girls in sexualized ways and ended up making a much cuter cover. I had seen plenty of edits back then too, but he never posted a posted a person’s info.

This man has already had 382k followers on Instagram, 101k on Twitter, 515k on Facebook, and 101k on Deviantart. His bills are fine because even if he suddenly stopped taking on all the professional work for Marvel (and had originally worked with Wildstorm Comics where he got his break with creating and co-creating a couple of popular series), he has large amount of following that can buy his prints and commission him for big money for brand name alone. I actually remember him far before the Mary Jane cover on Devainart, after recognizing that he’s the one who did the sexy Disney Princess collection from like almost 20 years ago now, which he’s more recently collabed to get them into figures that people can buy. The prints of this collection can go for a lot if you can find em circulating.

He’s a highly sought out artist, regardless if you like his style or not. His name is already spread when he posts new art or says just about anything, especially when girl. A small, non-professional artist editing art will not stop a professional from their job. The official art isn’t going to suddenly stop existing. They will not stop getting money. His fans have not dropped him over some teen that actually left a good portion of the art intact. It wasn’t even an edit that changed remarkably everything about her either, as most of those people get mad if you redraw the race and weight, but she stayed pretty much the same.

If this was another smaller artist and the editor got way more credit and influence, then yeah I’d think it’s kind of a dick move. I also think he’d be fine if he just posted the edit WITHOUT a name attached and redrew it like “I revisited my old art after some criticism” to show how far he’d come. Much better than throwing sarcastic jabs at an art piece, only to have the same exact problems in his redraw itself. Either way, this artist is not going to suffer any blows because of this in any way unless Marvel is suddenly going to hire a teen that has no intentions of entering the art industry all of a sudden

[ae0nx]

FRUITS BASKET S2 EPISODE 18 + short Ep 1-17 english dub recap

AND I'M BACK WITH THE MADNESS.

Took a bit of a break from the Fruits Basket recaps because life happened and I wanted to focus a bit more on my art career and my webcomic. But, I came to miss doing the recaps! So, I'm gonna try and finish season 2 and do some of the left over recaps now in time for when Season 3 drops!

I HAVE however been re-watching the older episodes of Fruits Basket Season 2 with the english dub this time and I have a few notes!:

A shoutout to the wording used in the Yuki 'confession' scene on the beach with Tohru. However, in the sub the confession came across a lot more like platonic love to me and in the dub the confession came across a lot more romantic. (Especially in the episode after where Yuki says he doesn't regret kissing Tohru lol)

Laura Bailey stays killing it as Tohru. All the little vocal inflections are so freakin cute and make her sound more human! But that also speaks to the editing as well which is great. The balance between a little naive and scared and yet strong and determined in her scene with Akito was... amazing.

(Also... all of Akito’s most violent and hurtful moments are when it’s dark... I dunno I just found that cool and interesting lol)

Jerry Jewell in EPISODE 9?!?! His scene with Akito always gets me regardless but Jerry Jewell's performance was heartbreaking! Ah, I could cry. (I did) The little shake he did while declaring he wasn't in love with Tohru because he can't say that shit actually truthfully? 😩 Also... is he intentionally making Kyo’s voice sound a little deeper? It definitely sounded like it in that episode with Kagura. I like!!

While I LOATHE Akito, Colleen Clinkenbeard is amazing, I've never heard her sound this sneakingly evil! And yet... it's slightly carefree too. Reminds me a lot of Shigure. As I said before, Akito and Shigure's english VAs pair up so nicely in audible form.

I love how flirty Hatori was in the English dub when it came to him and Mayu’s episode. It was a really lovely performance from Kent Williams :) I always read that scene of Hatori just being friendly when asking Mayu out to get something to eat but this was a whole other wonderful take!!! <3

I LOVE KIMI TODO’S ENGLISH VA’S PERFORMANCE OMG. THANK YOU, CHERAMAI LEIGH 🤣

Kakeru’s English VA continues to sound cuter and cuter... 😘 Whassup, Aaron Dimsuke? I kid, lol

I lovee the fact that Haru calls Yuki ‘fragile and kind’ (two typically feminine presenting descriptions) and Yuki took it as a compliment! I dunno about the description of fragile as many people could take that offensively, regardless of gender, but the way it’s explained here it’s almost like he’s describing him as precious?... Coulda went with that instead...

I like the decisions for the moments where Mikaela Krantz emphasises on Momiji’s put on German accent and when she tones it down and return to his natural voice

But anyways... lol, this episode was... a LOT. Not an easy breezy one for me to come back to at all... I’ll be watching the english dub.

TIME TO DIVE BACK IN!

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

- Hiro's so cute at the start of this episode talking about his sibling and how he wants to look out for his mum. Of course, it's in the most Hiro of ways but this scene definitely warmed me up to him a lot more :)

Hiro’s mum is like a future Tohru, haha

That hair animation they give Rin is always great 😂 I hope Takaya-sensei is proud.

It’s so curious how Hiro speaks so honestly and true to Rin yet is so careful of her emotions. He’s never really been like this with anyone but Kisa, especially not the other teens or adults. It kinda shows how much seeing what happened to Rin by Akito’s hands really got to him and traumatised him. Of course, Hiro’s not just doing this because of his trauma but cos he genuinely cares!

- I noticed that there was a slight parallel between Hiro + Kisa and Rin + Haru. Kinda highlights why breaking the curse is important to Hiro and gives more reason as to why that event with Rin and Akito freaked him out.

- I dunno if this is intentional or just an animation glitch but I’ve noticed that in that long panning shot in the opening theme that closes into Yuki, Tohru and Kyo looking at the sunset, it looks like Kyo’s experession kinda ‘glitches’ in between a smile and a stoic look. Again, I don’t know if it was intentional, but I like to think it’s as a little show of Kyo not really managing to attain true happiness fully (for now anyway).

- (Also, I think that this opening song might come third in my list of most favourite opening songs in Fruits Basket history!!! <3<3<3)

- I’m super glad that Shigure and Rin scene didn’t go any further than it needed to... 👀 but the fact that Rin thought ‘Gure would be up for using her body as a bargaining chip says more about Shigure than Rin in my humble opinion...

Self-loathing? From Shigure? Unexpected. Empathy? For him? A little.

...Damn it.

🤣

I’m sorry. This scene is very gorgeous, well lit and beautiful and dramatic. But, I can’t not laugh at how early 00s gothic romance this is! But, I love it. It’s sweet and probably the first ‘raunchy’ scene we’ve gotten in this anime, ooo la! But, that kiss animation was kinda awkward for me, sorry. 🤷🏾‍♀️

I hate that Rin is AGAIN getting Outfit Appreciation Award when she’s literally killing herself with stress and worry but... amazing wardrobe as always. 5 stars.

Is it just me or does every zodiac member see Tohru as a parental figure or associate her with motherhood, except for Kyo?... 

*mentally notes essay of Tohru being the depiction of being a ‘merciful God’ compared to Akito being the decpiction of being a ‘vengeful God’*

Heartbreaking. 

but... WHY DO THEY ALL HAVE TO HAVE PARENTAL ISSUES?!

Also, Briana Palencia in this scene was amazing. Everyone is so, so good in this show! Dub and sub!!

...I totally forgot about this bit of Rin’s backstory. I love that they really highlighted how drastic the change was from happy family to an abusive household. Obviously, there must have been some cracks in the frame of the happy family and Rin as a child was inquisitive enough to see them. ...Only for her to be later punished for it. 

Kazuma!!! He and Tohru just be constantly saving these zodiac kids, man.

- Rin’s parents might just be at the same level as Kyo’s dad on the ‘WORST PARENTS OF THE ZODIAC CHILDREN’ list. Well... until later...

🥺💝

Beginning to understand why they’re so attached and bonded to each other now. <3

- Also, lowkey, Kagura’s mum is great! From her protecting Kagura from going to the beach house because of Akito to her taking Rin in without question! And she seemed completely cool with Kyo too! Yay to good parents in anime!!!

- The confession scene between Haru and Rin is so pure and blunt yet romantic and just... so them <3

- I’m not even gonna put any screencaps from the final scene with Akito because I find Akito is just disgusting. But, really? Pushing someone off the balcony?! I mean... I remember why Akito’s feelings for Rin are so strong and darkly intense but I still can’t excuse their actions. I kinda don’t like that they presented this very abusive and violent moment as... poetic? I mean, it matches Rin’s ‘style’, I guess? But... this is just someone going past the limit.

- And her landing like that on the conveniently pointy stone? I was surprised she didn’t damage her spine...

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

I’m so happy I’m watching Fruits Basket again! This anime really is the best! And it DESERVEDLY won Best Drama at the CrunchyRoll Anime Awards! Yayyyyy! Sorry, if this ended on a weird note, I did enjoy this episode. Just a very dark one to return to 😅

See you... soon? Haha!

[lala-pipo]

(1) WOW! 4 months has passed since you answered my last ask hahaha… so fast… I understand, sometimes when I spend too much time on something, be it working or studying or even recreational stuff I feel burnt out to :D Like I spent 5 straight days last week playing Stardew Valley, now I haven’t touched the Switch lol anyways, I am still enjoying the updates on Dorm Life! It’s slowly progressing but I think it’s good for both of them so far? Taking it one step at a time :3

(2) It’s like they are back at it again with their bantering and anime/fanfic conversations :’) the comfortableness is there but also at the same time it feels unsettling? maybe because we are seeing it from Taem’s POV and he is kinda fidgety (for a lack of better word) or tense about the situation? Hmmm but yeah the ending at the latest chapter though!! Whoooo could have been calling Jong at that time? And the off-character part where he turned off his phone, refusing to take the calls :O

(3) Obviously like Taem we would probably just wonder if it’s Key right, but idk why some instinct telling me it’s not Key like it’s a new part of the story? A new subplot? Lol or maybe it is Key and we are closing that chapter? Uhuhuh I’m just going to theorize in the corner here as I wait for the next update :3 Ah! Yeah, and you said there won’t be any crying moments anymore, so will there be more cheesy things like the end of the latest chapter? Cringe inducing lines and “aww” moments? ;)

(4) Yeah, ofc ofc since to Taem, Key is his “antagonist”, we were bound to kind of see it the same way… in the latest update too, there were a lot of thoughts inside Taem’s head regarding his observations on Key right… like I think there was a part where he thought that Key was looking down on him, or even he thought that Key and Jong should be having stricter? (Idk if that’s the right word) boundaries on things that they should and shouldn’t talk about lol

(5) To be honest, it’s kind of entertaining to see Taem’s train of thoughts on these things like, that almost instantaneous thought in someone’s head that they don’t really share to others. It can be a little bit biased, it can be overdramatic, but ofc I also I understand Taem’s hatred? Or more like insecurity maybe? When it comes to Key (and Jong). It’s the kind of things people think about but not really say out loud hahaha I love it, it makes the characters more whole?

(6) Oh yeahh? I shall be sneaking my way into AO3 to see your replies :3 For a while I kind of realized that you uploaded every 3 weeks? On my Sunday nights, so I timed it perfectly lol recently I’ve been busy too so this one took a while hehehe :D Since my last ask I think you updated twice with chapter 10 and 11! I think chapter 10 was more like “where is this going, what is happening” uncertain section with everyone just passing by time and going with the flow? Ft. mother and Kai hahah

(7) In chapter 11, I think the direction is clearer for them, thanks to the convo by the river!! It was a necessary conversation and I’m glad that they were able to talk about it, after great difficulty :’) Then the chapter was filled with fluff cheese fluff Taem’s thoughts on Key fluff :3 hahaha oh! Maybe I wasn’t paying attention as much but there weren’t many biblical allusions in the past 2 chapters? Maybe it was intentional or maybe not, either way I didn’t notice many of them I think? haha

(8) Maybe ‘cos Taem’s thoughts are filled with “where is this going”, Jong, Key, and then the upcoming exam lol so not so much bible references going on in his head haha… Also!! I saw new fanfics for Jong’s month and I did not read them yet!! So excited, probably will read them as I wait for the updates :D Also!! SHINee x AoT fanfic, yes please omg… I actually searched for one back in 2013-2014? When AoT Anime was just released… we have Pacific Rim AU, so I was rooting hard for AoT AU :’(

(9) Sooo yeah, I’ll look forward to any new fanfics by you in the future too! But please do take time away from it if it tires you out or if you are burned out! It should be an enjoyable thing to do for you :D Anyways! Thank you for the updates! I thoroughly enjoyed the fluff, oh! and thank you for accepting my tomo-choco lol, and I gratefully accept yours! <3 I hope you had and will have an amazing time for the upcoming months! Take care, and stay healthy! – cricket anon

____________________________________________________

Cricket nony!

Wow indeed! It certainly has been a while. How have you been? I have never heard of Stardew Valley before, but I’m glad you’ve enjoyed playing it. But I know that feeling, sometimes I play games for weeks and then I won’t touch them for a year. Humans are weird like that I guess. ^^

I’m glad you’re still enjoying my slow updates. I mean we are about to cross the finishing line. There are only two chapters left to complete the storyline + the epilogue. So yeah. Considering that I already wanted to be done with the story by March – and now we’re nearing July already. Haha – but at least I’m working on it to push this story over the finishing line.

It’s not really a subplot – more like the underlying theme of the story which has been there since chapter 1. If the story was written from Jonghyun POVs it would have been a main theme, but since we’re seeing everything from Taem’s perspective, we just know what Jonghyun shares with him – which is not a lot. :’)

Yes, there won’t be any more tears. There will be a few cheesy moments, but less so compared to chapter 11. :’D Chapter 12 is like the last peak before – hopefully – all ties come together in chapter 13 *knocks on wood*

Oh, Taemin will have a lot more thoughts on Kibum in chapter 12. Lmao The whole situation between Kibum and Taemin is loosely based on something from my own experiences. However, without going too much into detail – let’s keep it simple and say I was the Jonghyun in that scenario. Lmao

Yeah, I think there are plenty of moments in this story in which Taemin thinks a LOT of things but says something very different out loud. I think that’s only human. It’s just better to not share all thoughts one has. :’)

It’s certainly intentional that there are less biblical references after they’ve actually been to church. There are still some left to come, but far less than in previous chapters. It’s supposed to show that Taemin is slowly beginning to find his balance in a way, his way in life? I don’t know how to put it, but he slowly gets more rooted.

THANK YOU! Finally someone who understand my craving for SHINee x AoT fanfic. I really, really want to write one because for some reason I want to write something more action driven with blood, and gore and violence lmao and of course titans. I mean romance is cute – but romance is even cuter if you put it into a dystopian setting where people are fighting for the survival of human kind. A SHINee survey squad would be so cute T_T <3 I don’t really know why no one picked up on yet after all those years – we have so many crossovers in this fandom – and yet a crossover with one of the biggest fandoms out there is just nonexistent. It makes no sense to me. I also always wanted to write a Harry Potter crossover but there are so many out there already – so AoT really lets my weeb juices tingle. Lmao

I remember really liking bmot’s JongTae pacific rim AU…although I still have no idea about pacific rim to this day. :’D I always wanted to look it up because I like the description in their story – it seemed an interesting concept but somehow I’ve never went further than thinking about it.

Thanks for dropping by again, cricket nony! Talk to you in 4 months? Maybe…lmao Take good care of yourself. *waves* <3

[1waizumihajime]

hey~ so awhile ago i made a uquiz that asked for some unpopular a3! opinions. here is the verdict (note: responses have only been edited for spelling, and if a response mentioned members of multiple troupes they are repeated in each section) enjoy!:

tsuzuru should become a professional gay drama fanfic writer based off the mankai company

Chikage is a cool character but if he doesn't get over his mom trauma and keeps treating women bad its gonna be a problem. Like outside of kidnapping izumi as a sabotage for the company he treated her so bad bc she's a woman and he was like "oh I realize ur not like other girls" I hate it here

Sakuya is underappreciated and deserves some more heart to heart talks.

Citron and Izumi would make a fantastic couple!!

TsuzuMizu is one of the world’s greatest love stories. The Y E A R N I N G

I think that. Chikage :)

I don’t like Masumi

why does everyone like chikage and itaru i dont understand

masumi pls stop deep breathin

Tsuzuru’s deadlines were only for the first 4 plays of the company and the fact that no one says this to him or try’s to help him with his sleep and work means they’re perfectly fine with him ruining his health if they get what they want from him (a good script) in this essay I will

if they don't release the sprites of itaru and banri's older sisters i have no choice but to assume they're hot af and also sapphic

Izumi needs to place a restraining order on Masumi

Muku has bigger duality than Itaru

Masumi is creepy

Itarun is baby

citron is a walking racist stereotype and thats why i dont like a3 :)

itaru is too good looking for his own good, love that for him

sakuya deserves the world but that's not an opinion it's just a fact

I- u. H m— u h— ...... so like- Taichi Banri and Tenma hanging out being friends. Y e s—

muku nonbinary

Yuki is a cishet, and saying he isn't when it's stated he is, and gets bullied for not being cishet makes me feel wrong

a3! writers: we addressed kazu's problems me: you didn't address shit a3! writers: we've addressed them

misumi deserves the world

Yuki is Ace and no it’s a fact people refuse to acknowledge

maybe we should talk more about how kazunari never got his conclusion and still has issues being himself but im just sayin

i don't think is actually unpopular but a3 im begging you. please stop type-casting characters and let characters other than yuki play female characters hdjkhfjkhfjs khjksh ok thanks

Misumi x Tenma is NOT valid (Sorry not sorry)

idk if this is unpopular but i wish misumi’s character was more fleshed out...his whole life can’t be 1.) triangle and 2.) parental neglect ToT

Muku has bigger duality than Itaru

cmon we could have a little izumi/banri's older sister. just for fun and banri's mild suffering

Juza is overrated

I- u. H m— u h— ...... so like- Taichi Banri and Tenma hanging out being friends. Y e s—

if they don't release the sprites of itaru and banri's older sisters i have no choice but to assume they're hot af and also sapphic

i actually don't see the appeal in SakyoIzu. idk, Izumi can do better than that

banri depressed :( thats why he angy

juza and omi superior ship

banri has good fashion taste fite me

taichi is a top tier boy <3

Taiyuki supremacy

jtszbn :]

taichi and juza good ship why does no one ship GRRR i angery

juza is way more interesting than people give him credit for! him just casually offering to cross dress...i love him. also he definitely wears eyeliner

idk man but taichi is severely underappreciated

Juza and banri are both subs but banri is a brat and makes juza top. Juza's mom has beaten god behind a 711

Nachi is best boy

Azumi needs to Stop

Uhhhh the puppy characters aren't actually that cute and Taichi is very annoying on the surface before taking into account his backstory. The characters who have passions and interests outside of just being good to you, the player, are much cuter imo

it's not an unpopular opinion, i'm literally just in love with omi

Homare’s definitely gay, I can feel it

azuma... asexual.. thank u for coming 2 my ted talk

Tasuku is a himbo. He's buff, he's stupid, and contrary to popular belief he is NOT mean, yall are just sensitive. I will die mad about this

Tasuku is a himbo. No I will not budge on this. After he stops being an asshole he BECOMES a himbo and if liber would just SHOW him being the himbo he was meant to be then I'd be able to rest in peace

Hisoka is a really good flirt

U h Hisoka is so fuvkimg short i swear to fucking god he needs to drink more fucking milk-

Beyond the Wall is not that good.

guy deserves more thirsty hoes why does he have so few give guy thirsty hoe stans

homare rights

Homare world domination

hisoka unhinge

Azuma is genderfluid.

Tsumugi and his "grandma" vibe ;)))

Homare mermaid play. We need it

Azuma deserves a hug so does Homare actually all of Winter Troupe deserves a hug

Cybird pls let me date izumi I would like to give her a kiss pls

They’re all gay

Gay

I'm gay

i’m conflicted about izumi bc on the one hand i like fleshed out female leads but on the other hand because i’m so different from her i find it hard to relate to the game sometimes

the anime is still not perfect but I like it for what it is

um i dont hate this particularly, but it annoys me how everyone ships the lead and co-lead (saku&masu, tenyuki, juban) because they have a good dynamic, like ??? yeah lol and?? but its harmless and stuff so in chill w it. only exception is tasuku and tsumu because they do have chemistry!! absolutely hinted at

[dragonpigeons]

SO GLAD YOU ASKED!!!

Based off my Deku x OC Riida wedding piece!

I’m gonna use this opportunity to gush about my self-insert on my blog if that’s okay 😂 Aight, strap yourselves in, we’re going for it:

Heeeeereeee sheeeee iiiiiissss~! My kawaii Riida-chan :> Her name is literally based off ‘Reader’ but I made it Japanese-like cos I was too lazy to come up with an actual name LOL. I say she’s a self-insert but really she’s a cuter, sweeter and more ideal version of myself lolol. Appearance-wise, she has pale brown hair(?? Idk how to describe the colour lel) and dark eyes. I tried to design her to be as plain as possible, because I consider myself plain (I’m very low maintenance, don’t wear makeup, don’t dye my hair, don’t really use anything on my skin apart from face wash and some moisturising cream) but she still turned out very cute ahah. She’s also a slim build like me though so we share a similarity there at least!

About her as a character - as a self-insert I tried to think how I’d be in the world of BNHA. I thought, knowing myself and how I grew up, I would make her a civilian instead of a pro hero because I would lack the confidence to pursue such a career at such a young age. So as an adult she lives a very modest life, much like myself 0v0 

Now when it comes to Deku, this is the important bit. I thought to myself that, in that world I would not know anything about Deku prior to him becoming a pro hero. Or I might know very little based on the UA Sports Festival and any other public news of him, but it would still be very limited. I wouldn’t know his backstory or what kind of a person he was growing up, not like the way I know from watching the anime and reading the manga where I’ve been following his story from the start. So for Riida this means that her views and feelings of him are limited. She greatly admires him as a pro hero but she doesn’t know enough to be in love with him yet. She’s never met the dude or interacted with him in any way. Not to mention Deku being a top pro hero, she be putting him on an unreachable pedestal. Falling for the No.1 Hero? Not a concept in her books!

Lastly, about her quirk - it enables her to see ultraviolet and infrared when she activates it. She can switch between the two quite freely but it starts to hurt her eyes after 5-7 minutes. The reason I gave her this quirk was because I thought it would be cool to see UV colours as an artist. Like the way chickens can see UV 😂 I googled it and it seems like UV rays give things high contrast and different colours?? It was pretty interesting so I went with that. BUT! I gave Riida the handicap that she was in fact a bad drawer and therefore was no artist. Why? Because otherwise she would be too perfect! I already made her a good cook in contrast to me who doesn’t cook, she doesn’t need to be more perfect than that XD

Lastly, in my AU she meets Deku by becoming roommates with him omg they were roommates. It is purely self-indulgent, I tell you 😂

Anywaysss that’s pretty much it for Riida as a general overview! Hope you enjoyed reading about her as much as I enjoy writing about and drawing her 😊 If anyone wants to know more I’d be happy to indulge thee!

[revalise]

Player One [Kozume Kenma]

I laugh along with Kenma as we play another set of Mario Kart. As old as we were, this was our favorite game to play together.

"Hey, that's cheating!" I complain playfully when he bumped my cart before he left a banana peel for me to slip on, causing my cart to fall behind.

He only smirked, eyes not drifting on the monitor, "No, it's not."

I put my eyes back on the monitor, only to find out he's already passed the finish line.

I put the controller down, annoyed of my loss, before jumping on the bed to lie down against my stomach.

I felt a movement on my side, "Quick tempered," he teases and I felt his arms wrapping me up and pulling me closer to him.

"Whatever," I act in annoyance, "I'm really good at playing that."

"You are," he kissed my hand, "but not against me."

I playfully hit his chest which earned me a chuckle in response, "You're mean."

I smiled to myself. It feels like everything is just as I wanted it.

The sound of the rain against the windows echoed the room and Kenma's sweet scent were enough to make me sleepy against his embrace.

We were supposed to go on a normal date today, but thought otherwise when it started to drizzle. We ended up at his place and just played for a couple of hours until now.

"So cold..." I caressed my arms with my hand.

Kenma pulls me closer before covering ourselves with a blanket, "Sleep," he kissed my forehead.

I smiled to myself, quite surprised of how close we were compared to a few months ago when we met for the first time.

***

I twirl nervously in front of my full length mirror.

I heaved a sigh, "This won't do."

I sprawl myself on my bed filled with different other clothes I've been trying and debating upon for tomorrow.

Why is going on a meetup so hard?

I think I've already gotten every single piece of clothing in my closet to try out for tomorrow, and yet, it still won't do.

"Ugh," I covered my face with a pillow and screamed in frustration as I hugged it.

My thoughts wander to what may happen tomorrow. I'm meeting my closest friend in the game!

What if he thinks I'm weird or what? This has gotten me all freaked out. I'm not used to all of this, really.

I'm meeting Kenma, my co-player in an online game, for the first time tomorrow. We met at the animal crossing discord server and have been talking for a few months now. He was my closest friend in the game.

Distracting myself of my thoughts, I went up and tried to look more other possible outfits to wear. I can't come looking like my normal self. I have to at least look presentable.

I twirled once again in front of my full length mirror.

I wore a short plaid pastel blue dress and topped with a lighter shade of blue cropped cardigan. Then I paired it with my Nike Airforce 1.

I put my (H/L)(H/C) hair down and curled it a little and made it look natural. Lastly, I put on a barrette to make it cuter.

Well, this will do. I'm just thankful that I got to pick and outfit before the meetup. And it looks cute on me too!

Good thing I remembered that I bought a new dress last week. I've been so occupied lately that I forgot the things I buy.

"I'm heading out!" I yell as I run down the stairs.

"Come back before 10pm!" my mother replies from her room, her voice a little unclear because of the distance.

"Got it!"

I hurried to the cafe nearby where we agreed to meet. Can you believe that our place isn't very far away from each other?

Soon enough, I reached the cafe. I didn't go inside but rather stayed outside and held on the railings to block the pathway and the road.

I've been here a couple of times with my friends. We'd hangout after school and talk and laugh about random things.

I smiled remembering a certain boy I often see in the cafe who had fairly long hair with a blonde hair color and black on the roots.

I pegged him as a troublemaker kind of type when I first laid my eyes on him, but he seemed to be really laid back and quiet around his noisy friends. So I cancelled that possibility out.

He'd catch my attention couple of times. Coincidentally, we're always in the cafe at the same hour with our own friends.

I blushed when I remembered one time we both came with our group at the same time.

I was laughing with my friends as we approach the  cafe. But upon seeing him on the opposite direction with his friends, I halted closely behind.

He was as quiet as ever and his eyes were darted on his phone as he walks alongside his rowdy friends.

My company had just entered the cafe then followed his.

He was the last one to enter, but before he could fully go in, he shot me a glance and opened the door for me.

My cheeks heated, "Thank you..." I lowered my head a little.

The blonde looked away and scratched the back of his head, "Y-yeah..."

The afternoon went on in the cafe like usual. I talked, laughed, and had fun with my friends. But sometimes, I would glance at him, and there are times when I'd catch him staring at me too. Then, we'd both look away to break the contact, and I would always blush as I did.

I shook my head to distract myself of the thoughts about the certain boy I often see in the cafe. I'm meeting someone else for heaven's sake! It's not very good to think about someone else.

I heaved a sigh. I step on the bottom of the railing with my right foot and leaned with the support of my arms. I grab my phone to text Kenma. We exchanged phone numbers prior to the meetup.

Soon as I was about to send him a text message, I received a message from him.

Kenma:

I'm almost there

I can see the cafe already. I'm wearing a blue pullover

I pout and type a reply:

I'm here. I'm wearing a blue dress  and cardigan

I fix myself from my position and looked around me, trying to look for the vague description he gave me. As I turn my head, a figure of the certain boy whom I've always seen in the cafe come to my vision.

His eyes were darted on his phone as he walked nonchalantly and had his hand in his pocket. But what surprised me was that he was wearing a blue pullover.

I immediately turn my back on him. I closed my eyes, panic rushing through my system.

It can't be him, right?

"U-uhm..." I hear someone speak behind me.

Slowly,  I turn around. I smiled awkwardly at him, surprised at the revelation.

"(Y/N)..?"

"Y-yeah..." I nodded and my voice sounded small, "Kenma..?"

Kenma lowered down his phone and nodded at me as well. His eyes reflected nonchalance, but I could tell he was feeling a little awkward as well.

What would you have felt if someone you've been talking to and so close with online has been right in front of you?

"O-oh..."

There was a slight awkward air between the two of us. It was as if we both didn't know how to act around each other. We were so close in the game, like we've known each other forever, but never had I thought that he's someone I see so often.

We entered the cafe with him opening the door for me. The cold temperature from within the building touched my skin and the pleasant smell of coffee against my nose.

"Thank you," I smiled at him, showing my utmost appreciation and respect, and hiding my awkwardness.

Kenma returned my smile and followed to me to where I sat, "What would you like?"

I stopped for a moment to think of what I want to eat.

I want to order my favorite pasta! This is my favorite cafe after all. But I recall my mother telling me not to eat so much in front of a guy, not that it matters, but this is Kenma after all. It'll be to embarrassing to have him see me like that.

"I'll just have (F/D)."

"Are you sure?" Kenma looked at me with hidden concern and curiosity in his eyes.

I smiled to show him it's fine, "Of course."

He left the table to order for us.

I used the opportunity to send a message to Yachi, my best friend. She had second thoughts on my decision to meet my friend I met in-game. She warned me about what may happen, but then I felt otherwise. I knew Kenma wasn't that kind of person. I'm glad I trusted my intuition.

'I met him already!'

It didn't take another second for her to reply back, 'What is he like?'

I bit my lip, trying to stop myself from smiling, 'It's the blonde guy we usually see at the cafe!'

'The one you're always looking at? OMG'

I grimaced at her words. I'm not! I typed in another reply, but before I could finish it, Kenma came back with our orders. And to my surprise, he ordered my favorite pasta!

I shove my phone back to my pocket, "Pasta?"

"Yeah..." he nodded and showed me a sly smile, "I noticed that's what you always order here."

My cheeks heated at his confession. Does that mean he pays attention to me?

"Thanks for meeting me here," I started, "Not everyone wants to have a meetup with their gaming friends."

"O-oh.." he lowered his head down, touching the straw of his coffee drink, as if he suddenly became anxious.

"What's wrong?" I ask him.

Kenma fixed his gaze on mine and looked away, "I thought it was a date..." he mumbled that I almost didn't hear it.

I giggled and covered my mouth, "We can call it that."

***

Author’s Note:

Sorry for the lack of better words! I'm still trying to write again. Hopefully I get to write a better narrative in the future.

[pepperonijem]

Date with Ducky || Bucky Barnes

masterlist

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x reader

Warnings: alcohol, I guess if you don’t like that

Word count: 2.7k

Summary: "You started to water down my drink throughout the night and I drunkenly demand to know why.” Bartender!Bucky AU

A/N: I wrote this for @wehaveabucky‘s 2.5k challenge. Congratulations again, Emmy! And thanks to @thepokyone for reading through this and helping me with a title :)

It was one of those days.

Actually, it was one of those weeks.

Every day this week seemed progressively worse than the day before, like the universe was playing some sick joke on you. On Monday, you found out that your niece used your 4 page research paper as a coloring book and had to ask your professor for an extension. On Tuesday, you found a note taped onto your car that read ‘So sorry for the scratch :(‘ and a dent on the passenger’s side door. The week never got any better after that, and today, you just needed to let off some steam. So when your best friends Natasha and Wanda invited you to go out with them to a trivia night at White Wolf, a new bar that opened in Brooklyn, you had no reason to say no and stay home, as you typically would. Tonight was going to be fun, a way to let off some steam.

You looked yourself up and down in the mirror, still having doubts about leaving your house. There was a The Office marathon on TV that was calling your name, and while tempting, you knew Nat and Wanda were already on their way. You let out a sigh as you heard a knock on your apartment door, and opened it to let in a squealing group of four -- Nat, Wanda, Steve, and Sam. You gave them a small smile and let them into your now crowded apartment. Nat and Wanda were quick to jump on the loveseat, Steve and Sam sat on the bigger couch, with Sam stretching his legs out along the length of the couch until they rested on Steve.

“What even is happening tonight?” you asked the group. “I mean, I know it’s a trivia night but how does it work?”

“Well, as Clint explained it,” Natasha began before you cut him off.

“Wait, who’s Clint?” you questioned.

“Nat met Clint in college, and they’ve been best pals ever since,” Steve explained, smiling at Natasha who nodded in response. “He’s actually a co-owner of the bar we’re going to. Said he’s working tonight.”

You nodded in understanding. “Sorry Nat,” you apologized. “So what’s happening?”

“As I was saying,” Natasha continued on. “Clint said that since it’s a trivia night, we need to come in teams, and just be ready to answer a bunch of random trivia questions. Not too difficult.”

“Alright,” you nodded back to Natasha. “I guess this is a good enough reason to keep me from binge watching The Office tonight.”

“See,” Wanda smiled. “I told you guys she would be interested.” You rolled your eyes in response. You may love The Office and all its shenanigans, but you also loved trivia. There was just something about completely useless information that really stuck to you. You just liked knowing things, and since randomly yelling out that humans start life out with 300 bones is not a good way to use that knowledge, this might actually be fun.

“So, you ready yet?” Sam asked you, folding his arms behind his head as he got more comfortable on the couch. “It’s supposed to be pretty packed tonight, so we need to get on it.”

“Yeah, I’m good to go,” you replied. You grabbed your purse and keys and headed for the door, the rest of your friends following suit.

As soon as the you entered, trailing last behind the group, you were hit with the overlapping chatter and clinking glasses that filled the bar. Your eyes scanned the room to see that the whole bar was set to live up to its moniker, with primarily white walls and furniture and hints of violet poking out in the smallest flashes of light and small accents sporadically placed throughout. This place was definitely trendy, and it was a nice change of scenery. The bar was busy, but not too crowded, which you appreciated. There was room to breathe.

As your group searched for an empty table for the five of you to settle, Steve and Natasha separated from the group throwing a quick “I’ll be right back,” over his shoulder as he made his way to the bar table. You followed closely behind Sam, who was gently nudging people out of the way, to an empty booth not too far from the side of the bar where Steve and Natasha were talking to two of the bartenders, one of whom was a handsomely rugged man shoulder-length dark hair that could make any girl jealous, and the other slightly older with short blonde hair and a wide grin. You continued to look on, trying to stay out of Sam and Wanda’s argument over what appetizer they should order. The other two noticed your gaze fixed on them and waved to you. You called him back over and they waved a quick goodbye to their friends as they slid into the booth beside you.

“Looks like Bucky is here too,” Natasha observed, looking towards the pair who were busy taking orders and performing elaborate tricks at the bar.

“Who the hell is Bucky?” you asked.

“He’s Steve’s best friend, he co-owns this bar with Clint,” Natasha explained.

“Yeah, it was busier than Clint thought it would be so he called him in,” Steve replied. “Anyway, we should be starting any time now.”

As if on cue, a deep voice came on a microphone. “Hey everyone, if you’re participating in trivia night, I’d like to ask you and your teams to come closer to the bar, and everyone else get the hell on somewhere.” The bar came together in a roar of laughter as people dispersed to allow for the teams to have a little space. You and your friends looked around and saw only a couple of other teams, much to your surprise. The voice continued, and you looked over to see that it was coming from the blonde man. “Alright folks, I’m Clint, and I’ll be your trivia master for tonight. I’ll go over the rules, and then we can get started.”

An eruption of cheers came from your table. Natasha pulled 5 homemade signs out of her purse and handed one to each of you. “I almost forgot, Sam, Wanda, and I made signs for us.” You let out a chuckle as you looked over your sign, covered in red and blue glitter with the words “NICK’S FURRIES” drawn on in scented marker. Steve looked at the sign, not understanding the pun, and Sam leaned in towards you and Wanda.

“Do not, I repeat, do not explain to Steve what a furry is,” Sam stage whispered. Steve, looking offended, opened his mouth to protest but was cut off by Clint’s voice.

“Okay, simple really,” he began to explain. “If your team knows the answer, raise your sign up, and if you get it right, congratulations, you get a point.” Clint paused. “And if not... your team has to send a person over here to take a shot of our signature whiskey.”  The crowd let out a mix of laughs and cheers. A part of you groaned, but the other half was a little bit too eager to be able to drink. “Alright let’s begin.”

“First question: What type of animal is a kolinsky?” Clint asked. Before you could finish processing the question, Sam’s sign shot up, making him first to answer. “Alright, Nick’s Furries, what do you guys have?”

“What is, a weasel.” Sam answered, scoring the team a point and confused looks from you and the rest of your group. “Who do you think came up with the team name?”

“One point to Nick’s Furries,” Clint announced as the bar filled with applause and laughter. “Also, this isn’t Jeopardy. Teams Tequila Mockingbird, Trivia Newton John, and the Quizard of Oz, take your shots!” You watched as the other three teams sent someone down to the bar where the other bar tender, smiling kindly at them, poured small amounts of whiskey into their shot glasses, and laughed as they scrunched their faces after quickly downing the shots.

Next question!” Clint pulled out the next index card and cleared his throat. “What year did Henry VIII become king of England?”

You glanced around your team, Steve’s eyebrows were scrunched up, Wanda had her hands against her temples, Natasha looked down at the table while chewing your lip, and Sam was tapping intensely against the table. You actually knew this one, and were proud to push your team into a two point head start. You raised your sign with a smug smile, and when Clint called on your team you proudly called “1547!” you watched as Clint’s face distorted into a frown.

“Sorry, pal, but it was actually 1509.” Clint corrected, with a guilty look on his face. “It’s your team’s turn to take a shot,” so you looked around at your table and got up, knowing nobody else wanted to do it. You made your way down to the bar where the shot glass lay waiting for you. The bartender smiled softly at you, despite your grimace.

“1547 was King Edward VI, doll,” he said with a slight chuckle. You rolled your eyes and quickly took the sip of whiskey, your face contorting together as the prickly liquid made its way down your throat, leaving a trail of warmth behind it.

“Oh god, what did you put literal fire in this whiskey?” you coughed, not being able to take it well. “All things considered, this may be what I needed tonight though.”

“What, the trivia?” the man asked. His clear blue eyes twinkled in amusement while you set down the glass on the counter and got up.

“No, the alcohol,” you replied with a smirk, noticing how the bartender bit his lip as he chuckled while you walked away. He was cute, you noted, and his laugh was even cuter. You were still smiling when you returned to your table, and when you couldn’t help but glance back at the cute bartender, you saw that he was too. And honestly it had you distracted for the rest of the game. Every time your team would miss the question (apparently Steve thought that Louis Armstrong was Neil Armstrong, and Wanda panicked and said a Granadilla was Godzilla’s grandmother), you volunteered to take the shot. Partly because you needed to drink away your stress, and also because making the cute bartender laugh was more and more fun after each fiery shot.

By the end of the game, you were just a little bit plastered.

“Alright folks, last question, to break the tie between Nick’s Furries and Quizard of Oz,” Clint announced. The bar erupted in cheers. “Who was the first mailman in Philadelphia?”

For a few seconds, no one answered as both teams huddled together to try and decide on an answer.

“Well, who is it?” Natasha asked in a frenzied tone.

“Hell if I know, I slept through history classes,” Sam said.

“It wasn’t Obama,” you commented, laughing to yourself.

“I’m not from here,” Wanda commented.

“Um, I have a guess,” Steve said quietly. “Probably wrong, but it’s fine.”

“No, Rogers, if it’s wrong don’t say it.” Natasha warned. She was more than a little bit competitive.

“Well, does anyone else have a better answer?” Steve asked the four of you, who shook your heads in response. “Then I’m saying it.” Your group huddle broke as Steve raised his sign to answer. “Benjamin Franklin?” he answered hesitantly.

“That’s correct! Nick’s Furries wins the game!” Clint announced excitedly. The crowd cheered as the other teams clapped disappointedly. Your group cheered along with the crowd, high fiving and hugging each other over the table.

You went back down to the bar at the end of the game to take one more shot, convincing yourself that you were walking straight, but the world was spinning just a little bit to throw you off your rhythm. You pounded your fist down on the bar top, getting the attention of the cute bartender. “Listen here pal,” you accused, your face contorting into a mix of anger and confusion at his amused face. “You may be really cute b-but,” you paused, hiccuping. “I don- I don’t appreciate you putting water in my whiskey.” Your words slurred together and crescendoed towards the end of your sentence.

“Now, now, doll,” he smiled as he tried to calm you down as your raised voice drew the attention of your friends. “I’m just trying to save you from a terrible hangover in the mornin’.” Natasha was by your side, wondering what had you riled up. “Nat, your friend here wants to know why I won’t give her any more whiskey,” he laughed.

Natasha let out a chuckle and put an arm around your shoulder. “Thanks Bucky, she can’t handle her booze very well.” You scowled at Natasha for taking his side.

“You’re telling me,” he replied. He looked back at you, and set down a glass of water in front of you. “Drink this, doll,” he offered. “It’s water. It’ll help a little bit with the major headache you’ll have in the morning.” But of course, your drunken pride got the better of you, and you refused.

“So you’re this Bucky that everyone keeps talking about,” you exclaimed. “You have a really nice laugh, but you’re not nice.” Natasha let out a laugh, waiting a beat before putting a hand over your mouth. You swat it off and continued. “Bucky Bucky Bucky, it rhymes with ducky. You’re soft, like a ducky, I bet.” Before Natasha could stop you, you reached out to poke his cheek. Bucky chuckled and gently grabbed your wrist.

“Nat, I think it’s someone’s bedtime,” he teased as Natasha nodded.

“Alright (y/n), let’s get you home, so you can regret this in the morning.” Natasha said, pulling you up to your feet and heading towards the taxi with your friends already in it.

The next morning, you woke up to a killer pounding in your head. You turned over in your bed to see a glass of water and a tylenol set out with a note that said “Good morning sunshine :) happy hangover! Xoxo - N” Slowly, you sat up and drank the water and the tylenol, already working to dull a bit of the pain in your head. You looked around for your phone, to thank Natasha for taking you home, but it was nowhere to be found. You panicked, before the memories of last night flooded your head, and you realized you had left it at the bar last night. Groaning, you made your way back to White Wolf, still in pajamas and unkempt hair and slid on a pair of sunglasses.

You entered the bar, leaving your sunglasses on, as your eyes were still sensitive to the light that was bounced around from the white walls. Thankfully the place was still empty as it was only 11 in the morning, and quiet. You walked over to the bar where you saw Bucky, and your face suddenly felt very hot, as you remembered everything you said to him. Ducky?? Really? I should just turn around and--

“Hey, you again,” Bucky called out, causing you to wince at the loudness of his voice. “I told you it was gonna be a killer hangover.” He smirked. “You here for your phone?”

“Yeah, I think I left it here when Natasha came over last night,” you confessed. “Listen, I’m sorry for the face-poking,” you added.

“It’s no problem at all, doll.” He smiled sweetly, handing you your phone. “It was kinda cute, really.”

“Bucky, right?” you returned his smile, letting your hand linger on his a little bit too long while grabbing your phone.

“Yeah, don’t you remember?” he questioned. “It rhymes with ‘ducky’,” Bucky smiled playfully back at you. Instinctively, your hand went to cover your face in embarrassment. “Well listen, since you confessed that you think I’m cute, it’s only fair that I tell you that I think you are too. Even hungover as hell.”

You laughed as you felt the blood rise to your cheeks. “Really? Even after how embarrassing I was?”

“Especially after that. It was endearing, really,” he said. “So maybe tomorrow, if you’re feeling better, can I um,” his confidence seemed to falter just a little bit. His nervousness brought a small smile to you. “Take you out? I know this great diner just down the block.” he continued.

“Yeah,” you answered. “I’d like that a lot, Bucky.”

“It’s a date then.”

[darkhymns-fic]

Bakery Rivalries of Love

Two couples, two bakeries, and the beginning of a rivalry that will only leave sweets in their wake. It's Ace Baker’s Maya Fey and Co. vs. Lloydonuts!

Fandoms: Ace Attorney, Tales of Symphonia Characters/Pairings: Phoenix Wright/Maya Fey, Lloyd Irving/Colette Brunel Rating: G Mirror Links: AO3  Notes: Written a long time ago just to include mine and SkyWrite's ships together in some way. Originally shorter, then added more to it to fit Valentine's Day but then that day passed.. so, Happy Late Valentines??? This thing is like a year old I'm sorry.

“We only use the finest nuts!” shouted a spiky-haired baker across the counter. He pounded the flat of his hands against it, kicking up spare flour into the air. His arm, in a furious motion, pointed straight at the lady’s face. “You’ll go nuts for our walnut bread!”

The small old lady from across the counter, her hair tied up in a silver bun, started to cough as a cloud of flour invaded her space. “Oh – oh dear…”

“Nick! We’ve been through this!” Maya shook her head at her baker assistant, meanwhile handing the old lady a paper bag full of freshly baked goods. “Sorry about that. Here’s your order! Have a nice day!”

Phoenix self-consciously scratched the back of his head. His apron was smudged from his furious dough kneading, while the sleeves of his suits also sported some stains. Why he insisted on wearing a suit to his job at the bakery, no one really knew. Just another one of Phoenix’s weird little quirks. “Uh, yeah, sorry. I just sometimes really want to point and shout…”

“Well, keep a lid on it! You’re scaring away the customers when you do that.” She clasped her hands before her, smiling wide as an idea lit up her eyes. “Just put all the energy into your bread making! When you get the urge to shout, just shout into the dough!”

“…Is that sanitary?”

“I don’t know! Probably!” Then Maya gave a little shift of her eyes, walking over to the window of their little bakery shop. It was a bit of a crowded place with its numerous tables that barely let most pass through to the counter, and one houseplant that looked exceedingly out of place. (Still, it was very charming to most customers! It even had a little nameplate on it called Charley.) Maya had to maneuver a bit to get to her desired location.

“Besides, we have to up our game a little if we want to out-bake the new guys from across the street!”

Phoenix just felt a little more confused. “Isn’t that mostly a donut shop though? They don’t really bake much of anything else..”

“Oh, Nick! Don’t you understand?” Maya shook her head, bits of flour stuck to both her face and hair. (With all that long hair, Phoenix had suggested that maybe she should wear a hair net? For safety violations? She never got back to him on that). “They’re new and hip, and everyone’s always in the mood for donuts! You can’t say the same for walnut bread!”

“No way! Everyone loves walnut bread!”

“And don’t you see their menu outside? They have a huge range of selections for just donuts! They sure do use a lot of fruit jelly… and they even have a mascot for their business!” She mimicked Phoenix’s furious pointing, using it to target at a large green and white dog that sat outside the shop, relaxing quite peacefully in the sun.

“But… isn’t that just their pet?”

“It’s their mascot!” Maya argued. “And what do we have? A houseplant! We need to re-invent our look! We need to make Ace Baker’s Maya Fey and Co. the talk of the town! Then all the bored teenagers will want to come to our place to hang and eat baguettes!”

“Yeah, uh, about that name…”

“Hurry, Nick! Let’s start by fixing up the sign! I’ll get the paint, and you get the ladder!”

“You mean a stepladder.”

“Not this again!” She untied her apron and threw it at Phoenix’s face as she ran off to the supply room. “Still gotta be so narrowminded…”

Phoenix slowly pulled the clothing away from his head. (And how did I get wrapped up in this again...?)

“Lloyd? What are you looking at?”

While it was normal for Lloyd to get bored throughout the day, he usually stayed by the counter to get the donuts ready for the customers, or to help with the oven in the back, or to look over Colette’s shoulder in wonder as she made cute little animal designs on most of the glazed donuts. Instead, he pressed his face against the window, eyes squinted in heavy suspicion.

“…I swore I saw someone pointing at us,” he said, unsure.

Colette carefully wiped away donut crumbs and chocolate frosting from her gloves onto her apron. “Oh! You mean from the bakers across the street? They seemed nice. I haven’t gone there yet though. I really want to try their walnut bread!”

“Yeah, that does sound pretty good…” Lloyd then backed away, a small frown on his face as he thought hard. “Still, we gotta make sure we keep up! They’ve been here longer, so it’s probably easy for them to get the regular customers and all!”

“Hmm, I think we’ve been doing well! People really like our fruit donuts! That makes me happy.” Colette bounced a bit on her toes, her hair neatly tied in a bun, along with a hair net so that no stray strands could get into their baked work.

“Of course they like them! That was a really good idea of yours, Colette!” Lloyd then held up his thumb and forefinger, looking satisfied as he thought on past accomplishments. “Also, gotta say, that logo of mine that I made really did the trick! Now whenever people see that, they’ll just think Lloydonuts!”

Colette nodded to that. That same logo was on both of their aprons; a cartoonish version of Lloyd’s head, decked out in a baker hat and holding a whisk. It was just so cute! It really was a step up from what their past logo designer had tried to do… Lloyd had been a bit unhappy at that. “I do still think the other one was okay, too.”

“Agh, but he ruined my handsome face!”

Colette could only laugh at Lloyd’s little outburst. She supposed the past design was a bit weird-looking…

Suddenly there was a little clatter outside, loud enough to get Colette’s attention from deeper in the shop. Lloyd quickly turned back, peering past the painted Lloydonuts logo on the glass.

A black-haired woman was standing outside the bakery, just beneath a ladder (or a stepladder? He always got those confused) as she shouted quite loudly at the person who stood atop it. Whoever was up there seemed to be fixing up the shop’s sign.

“Good job, Nick! Now make my smile just a little bit cuter! No, wait, that’s too lopsided! Honestly, Nick, how did you ever graduate from art school?” She nudged the ladder to get that person’s attention.

“Maya, I never even learned how to draw! And I didn’t go to – ahh!” A spiky-haired man wobbled while standing on top of the (step)ladder, holding precariously onto a paintbrush. His arms flailed as he did so, and said paintbrush then made an unflattering black streak across the painting of a young lady’s face, just underneath her nose.

The woman, who looked very much like the painted version, put her hands on her hips. “Nick! You gave me a mustache! That’s not nice!”

“You almost knocked me over, Maya!”

“Now how we are going to fix this? I can’t just grow a mustache! It’s not right!”

“I could have actually broken my back, you know!”

“Oh, now you’re just being dramatic.”

Colette by then, had joined Lloyd’s side, both of them looking curiously at the two bakers. Like them, they also wore aprons over their regular clothes, although seeing bakers decked out in a suit and some strange dress was a bit out of the ordinary. (Lloyd, insisting on wearing his bright red jacket and suspenders, had no room to judge.) Although their rival bakers argued quite a bit, there was a hint of a smile on both their faces. Colette found that admirable – that even when they disagreed, they still cared about each other a lot!

Lloyd, however, was focused on something else entirely. “Hey! They’re copying my logo!”

Colette raised her eyes to the sign. Oh. Well, it did look a bit similar… The shape of the round face was very much like Lloyd’s, though with long black hair instead of short brown hair, and how she was holding up a loaf of bread instead of a whisk. The words Ace Baker’s Maya Fey and Co. were wrapped around the picture in colorful script. Only, that black streak on the face of the logo was very distracting. It did look a lot like a mustache…

“We gotta work twice as hard, Colette!” Lloyd turned to her in expectation, his confidence in her so deep and unyielding that she was instantly inspired. “We can fix this place up! I’ll talk with Dad about putting some cool dwarven decorations and stuff! And some dwarven-styled donuts!”

“Wow! I didn’t know dwarves made donuts, too!”

“Well… I don’t know if they do actually, but it’s worth a shot!” Lloyd pumped a fist into the air. “We’ll still be the best donut shop there is.”

Colette mimicked his action, then a thought hit her. “How much will it all cost then? Even if it’s your dad, that’s a lot of materials…”

“Eh, Genis handles all that financial stuff. It’s probably okay.” Lloyd said all this without knowing his best friend’s suffering – how he toiled away at night adding up the numbers and trying to not let Lloyd’s overspending on things (the doggy decals on the walls, the paints for the Lloydonuts logo, the boxes of fruits they got every week for their special donut recipes) put the donut shop out of business. Lloyd would never know Genis’ sacrifice.

“Also!” Lloyd continued excitedly. “Holidays are coming up soon, so we can make some special menu things for those days! Like Valentine’s and that Easter thing…”

“Oh! Valentine’s Day is pretty soon! We could make our donuts into the shape of a heart!” Colette’s eyes shone with the idea, then reined herself back. “Do you think that would be okay?”

“You kidding?” Lloyd said back with even more enthusiasm. “That’s perfect! We should start that now or something! Whatever expenses we get we can just pass off to Genis to figure out.”

Colette was so happy. Lloyd always supported her ideas one-hundred percent. “Okay!”

Off in the distance, Genis felt a shudder through his spine. No… they wouldn’t be pulling at this month’s budget already, right? No. There was no way Lloyd would be that terrible of a friend. But Genis did not sleep well that night.

The next day, Maya Fey woke up to the scent of freshly baked goods… which were not theirs!

“Nick!” Maya yelled suddenly. She slapped the sleeping baker straight on the back of the head. They just slept on the counters so they could be early to work! Again, not very sanitary. The health inspectors didn’t visit this part of town, luckily.

“Gah! Maya! Wh-!”

Maya then shushed him harshly, her black hair framing her face very intimidatingly. Or, she probably thought it did. Several hair strands stuck up from her topknot in haphazard fashion, and there were bags under her eyes, which she had gotten from ‘scoping their rivals out’ the other night. For one thing, Phoenix had questioned if the other bakers even knew that they existed? And the second thing… (Maya, can we please get some actual beds sometime? I think I swallowed some flour in my sleep…)

Then, he noticed a certain scent, too… but none of their ovens were on. Or he hoped not, because they didn’t have fire alarms here… which was another safety hazard for this place. “Maya?” he asked, but she only shushed him again. Were they pretending to not be here or something? The only time they did that was when Larry Butz came over, whining about his girlfriend leaving him and wanting some free pastries to cope with his loss…

Maya stealthily made her way to the front. The curtains were shut, their place not opening yet for another hour. She peeked through the blinds, squinting hard through the harsh early morning daylight. Those same eyes widened – more than they ever did, even when she channeled certain spirits. No such spirit from beyond the veil of death could have foreseen what she was observing right now…

“They’re already selling Valentine’s Day goods!” she yelled.

Phoenix, still trying to wake up, jumped at the sudden shout. Maya would have shattered his eardrums if he were close enough. “What?!” he said in reflex.

That was the wrong decision. Maya rushed to him, hands clutching the apron he still wore, (yes, even when he went to sleep. It gave him some padding on the hard counter surface) and pulled him near… just to yell in his ear again. “I said, they’re already selling Valentine’s Day goods, Nick!”

Ah, now there was that ringing in his ears. Great.

Maya rushed back to the window, peering through the blinds, the sunlight streaking across her frizzy black hair, making her seem a bit sinister. Or maybe that was just Phoenix’s own perspective. To be fair, he was half-deaf right now because of her and didn’t really like it.

“I thought you scoped them out or something,” he mentioned, voice a little loud as he tried to hear himself.

“Keep it down, Nick!” Maya gestured, still looking away. Then, seemingly unsatisfied with that, she pulled the blinds open fully, effectively blinding Phoenix instead of just deafening him.

(Why?!) But even as he tried to shield himself, Maya stared down at the scene before her. “These guys are better than I thought!”

The Lloydonuts place was open extra-early today, but things were different. There were hearts placed over the logo of the smiling chef now on the window, and that weird dog was standing next to a sign that depicted even more of those hearts! And something about free samples… That was when she finally looked to one of their rivals, a girl with blonde hair and a bright smile, holding a platter filled with freshly baked donuts towards a growing crowd.

“Hi! Get our Lloyd Love Donuts!” she said eagerly. “We have even more choices inside!”

Maya could only be impressed… but… they didn’t do any changes to their dog to help spice up their sales! At least dye his fur pink or something!

“We’re opening up right now!” Maya flipped their sign from ‘We’re Closed!’ to ‘Hey, Get in Here!’ “Start the ovens, Nick! We don’t have time to be dilly-dallying or whatever!”

“I… still can’t really see..”

Maya huffed. She had to do all the work herself around here… “At least get ready to greet the customers! I’ve had some new ideas for our shop later on… but looks like our rivals forced my hand!” She pushed up the sleeves of her robe, cheeks puffed up with determination. “Let’s get to it, Nick!”

(But I only slept for three hours…) He didn’t say such things out loud however, knowing Maya was too busy firing up the ovens to listen.

Their early Valentine’s Day Donuts Sale was a huge success!

Sure, Colette may have tripped a few times while offering free samples to passerby, but that just made her even more endearing to them, convincing customers to go inside and try out the donuts for her sake. Lloyd, handling the orders from within the shop, had a white chef hat atop his head so that he matched the logo, complete with maybe a hand drawn heart or two on his new accessory. He still had on his red gloves, along with the long-sleeved jacket, which probably made things a little hot for him when he got the donuts out of the oven, but he didn’t care. Things were going so well! The heart-shaped donuts were selling like hotcakes! (except they were donuts); from powdered types to yummy glazed ones, and those with fruity filling.

“Thanks for buying Lloydonuts!” he shouted in farewell as a customer left their shop, three large boxes in hand. They were selling so much, and it was only just hitting noon!

The chime of the door continued to ring when Colette came back inside. “Lloyd! I’m gonna need more samples, I think – Waa!”

Lloyd leapt over the counter to catch Colette in his arms, grinning at her clumsiness. “You dork. No need to rush!”

“Ah, sorry.” This was followed soon by a giggle. “You got powder on your face!”

“Oh, where?” He tried to pat it away from his cheek, but missed it by an inch – and even more because the powdered donut sugar was on his forehead and chin, too.

“Here, I can help get it-”

Noishe was barking loudly suddenly, which nearly made them both trip from the suddenness. But each kept the other’s balance, looking towards the door. “Noishe?” Lloyd said curiously.

Colette followed soon after with a question. “Did he see something scary?”

Worried for their dog, both went to the window, the Lloydonuts logo facing them in its reversed, transparent glory, all decked up with Valentine’s Day accessories of pink and red hearts. But despite all that, they could see clearly how Noishe looked excitedly at the shop across from them. It was open already?

And there was someone outside, too! Also giving free samples of… of… Lloyd squinted his eyes. “Huh. What is that?”

The black-haired girl in her robes and apron kindly gave him a clue not long after.

“Get your Love Baguettes! One of a kind! Only here!” She held up said Love Baguette – or rather, two of them. Both have been curved together to form the shape of a heart, a little messily done maybe, but it was still a heart! The shop’s door was open – one could hear the frantic greeting coming from inside, followed by a fierce pounding of fists on a hard surface.

“Thank you! Please come again and share the love! Ugh…”

“With more feeling, Nick!” She shouted back into the shop, which may have startled a retreating customer, several Love Baguettes around their arms.

“What?” Lloyd fumed, still peering through the painted logo of their shop window. All the added hearts everywhere were making this more difficult than it usually was. “That was our thing!”

Colette blinked. “Um… I don’t think heart shapes can belong to people…”

“And they’re using two of them?! That’s… that’s a good idea, actually…”

“Love Baguettes! And don’t forget our Lovely Nuts!” She held up what looked like their famous walnut bread, also mushily curved into a heart-shape. The nuts inside it looked like those little heart candies typically given out on the holiday, too! “You’ll fall for them every time!”

“Oh!” Colette was very impressed with this lady! “Those are really cute!””

Lloyd was decidedly much more annoyed. “They’re going to beat us at this rate! Also, that walnut bread does sound really good!” He ran from the window back to the counter. “I’m gonna hurry and make some more! And… and a give a 2-for-1 special!”

“But what about our break?” she asked, since it was lunchtime. Usually they would go out and take Noishe during this time, walking around the town and maybe have some coffee together. She looked forward to those…

“There’s no time! I’ll make some more free samples for you, Colette!”

“R-right!” Well, it was probably just for today. And she wanted to help Lloyd out! She believed in his dream of making the best donut shop in town!

She just hoped she would stop dropping the samples this time…

“Oh, they’re still going, huh?”

Maya was munching on one of the Love Baguettes, staring hard at the donut place. The blonde girl was frantically sharing the donut samples, and now talking on and on about some special? For two donuts? Now that was just crazy!

“Nick! We gotta start selling these things better!” She paused. “Bring Charley out here! He could use the sun anyway…”

“I don’t understand how leaving our plant outside is supposed to help…” Even so, Phoenix carried out the potted plant from indoors. Its tall stature loomed over his head, several of the leafy fronds covering his entire face. “And you didn’t have to paint him pink!”

“It’s washable paint, don’t worry! Charley just wants to look nice, sometimes.”

“Maya, this isn’t even your plant…”

“Well, Mia told me!” she said, effectively winning that argument. Charley needed to be spruced up to compete with their rival’s mascot. The pink color would be sure to draw some eyes to them!

The other girl looked to them from across the street, tilting her platter towards the ground, seemingly unaware. A few tiny donut hearts fell from their perch. Both Phoenix and Maya could hear her cry of dismay, especially as Noishe sniffed at them.

“Now she’s just putting on the cute and clumsy act! Clever!” Maya turned to Phoenix. “Okay, remember! You’re gonna have to start acting in charge while I woo the customers over with my natural cuteness!”

Normally, he would argue that he was supposed to be in charge of things anyway… and was technically her boss! But… well… life was difficult, and he had no idea how he ended up in a bakery shop, honestly. He shrugged. “Okay, okay.”

While Maya fixed her hair up a little and worked on her cute winks and cuter smiles (all while putting the Love Baguettes around Phoenix’s arms so he could start selling their product!) the door to the Lloydonuts shop burst open. Out came the other half of the donut duo, his brown hair a little ruffled underneath his tilted white chef hat, which looked ready to fall off.

“Colette, look! I made the double donut combo!” He held up his creation proudly – two of the heart-shaped donuts fused together at the side, complete with fancy designs on their front that made it looked like the guy had stuck in actual jewels into the chocolate frosting. (But, they weren’t real jewels, right?) Either way, they looked beautiful! “I uh, kinda accidentally baked two of them together a bit too close to each other, but this would be a really cool idea anyway, yeah?”

“That’s so good, Lloyd!” Colette was praising. “And you added those jewels after?” She wanted to point to those decorations as she said so. This just made her drop the platter altogether in her excitement. “Oh…”

Maya stared again across the street, and soon decided that she had had enough! She hung her last Love Baguette around Phoenix’s neck, then moved forwards. “Maya?” he asked.

“Just trying to run us out of business, huh? With our own idea!” She had her hands on her hips, staring across the street to Lloyd. “That should be illegal, right, Nick?”

“I.. I’m not that kind of lawyer, Maya. You know this.”

Lloyd heard the accusation, the girl’s voice carrying very clear through the air. Not many people were around at the time, and this gave him incentive to finally see just what was the deal with these guys!

Leaving from helping Colette retrieve their fallen pastries, he put his own hands on his hips, staring at the girl called Maya, chef hat still very tilted. “You were already taking our idea first! We came up with the heart stuff!”

“Um, Lloyd, I’m not sure…”

“No way! I had that idea way before you! Besides, we did it better.” Her cheeks puffed out as she stared down Lloyd, mimicking her cool pose! “And stop copying me!”

“You’re the one that’s copying me!”

Colette was at his shoulder, patting his back. “I think it’s okay?”

Phoenix, still looking very tired, still a little hard of hearing, and decked out in weirdly-warped baguettes all over his body, looked to the ground with a sigh. “I went to law school for this.”

“We have to settle this here and now!” Maya proclaimed. “We can’t let this rivalry keep going! Or it’ll destroy us both…” She said the last very dramatically, eyes shining, like a certain samurai made of steel that she binge-watched, even when customers were in the store.

Lloyd followed right along with her, looking serious and grim as he nodded. “You’re right about that at least! But I promise you we won’t be going down without a fight!”

Colette was giggling a bit nervously. “Lloyd… I don’t think it’s that serious..”

Phoenix finally got the Love Baguettes off him, grimacing at all that Maya said. “We’re not even rivals, Maya. They sell different stuff from us!”

“No! We gotta prove ourselves!” At that, Maya was stunned by her own stroke of genius. She turned to him. “We have to prove to our customers with more than just Love Baguettes. We have to show our love, Nick!” She grabbed Phoenix’s arms, bringing him close. “Now give me some sugar!”

Phoenix was red in the face. “W-what? We’re not… we’re not together!”

Maya blinked. “Oh, we’re not?”

“Are we??” This was entirely fresh news to him. Even so, a nervous but gentle smile crossed his face. “I mean… I’ve always thought about-”

“Whatever! This is for the business!” She pulled him in, kissing him probably too roughly. Maybe even violently?

Colette was blushing from the public display of affection! Then she felt arms around her too suddenly. Um.

“We can do that, too!” she heard Lloyd say, but not really believing it. Wishful thinking, right? She’d never kissed anyone before! Especially Lloyd!

“Wha-” was all she got out of her throat before she felt his lips on her. Then her mind conveniently went blank, only noting a certain chef hat having finally fallen to the ground.

It was probably a full minute or two before Lloyd realized what he was doing and pulled back, a blush covering his face. His hair was also a bit disheveled, no hat anymore to cover the unruly strands. “Uh… sorry! I was… um…” His competitive nature was soon tempered by the reality of the situation. Maybe he was too competitive…

Colette’s face was overheating. “It’s okay! For- for the business, right?” So, more kisses were important actually! “We should keep doing that!”

Lloyd stared. “Colette-”

They were then interrupted by yelling.

“Maya, I need to breathe!”

“Why do you still have to be so dramatic?” But Maya finally pulled back while Phoenix clutched a hand to his chest, breathing heavily. How long had they been…? “And you c-clearly need to practice!” Of course, her face was just as red, looking to the panting Phoenix with occasional glances, eyelids lowered.

But whatever that was all about, the rivalry was quickly brought back when she faced Lloyd and Colette again. “I see you’re still trying to copy me! You have no originality, do ya?”

Lloyd’s previous blush was soon replaced with a grimace again. Colette sighed sadly at their moment already being over. “Oh yeah? How’s this for original?”

With that, Colette felt the ground suddenly leave her. Oh no, did she trip again? No, it was just Lloyd carrying her in his arms. Wait. He held her close, making her squeak in surprise once she realized what was happening. Maybe they could still have their moment then…

“Bet you can’t look better than us now!” he bragged, grinning wide as he held Colette easily. “We show our love way better!”

“Lloyd?!” Colette felt she was about to faint. “L-love..”

“Ah, um…” He turned to her with that same blush. “I meant to tell you…”

This only inspired Maya even further. “You think that’ll stop us? Nick! Carry me! Hurry!”

Phoenix’s face went pale. “But, my back! You know it’s not-”

“Stop stalling!” With no warning, she dashed towards Phoenix, then made a gigantic leap for his arms, expecting him to catch her full force. Her purple robes flew behind her gracefully, along with her dark hair. She was like a graceful bird flying towards him... and then he realized she was more like a freight train ready to knock him over.

“Maya!!” And he did catch her somehow! But he stumbled a bit, and then stiffened, a loud, audible crack being heard, even from across the street. “Oh… oh no..”

“Nice job, Nick! …Nick?”

Seeing the other couple do the same, Colette really wanted to help out more! Especially after what Lloyd said.. With firm lips, she hopped out of his arms, then quickly scooped him up with a smile. “How about this?” This will get people paying attention to them! And make their shop the best in town!

“Uh.” Lloyd was at a loss on what to do, his long legs dangling a little awkwardly from her hold. “Uh…” If it was possible to blush redder than a tomato, he was doing that. “This… this is good, yeah.”

“It’s not uncomfortable, is it?” she asked with genuine concern.

“N-no! It’s very comfortable!” Lloyd had answered her a bit quickly, still very red. “Should probably… keep hanging onto me, you know.”

By then, they had missed when Phoenix had fallen to the ground. They only noticed when they heard him moaning in pain on the pavement, Maya standing before him with a slightly worried look. “Oh.. I guess I overdid it a little…”

“Is he okay?” Colette called out.

But once Maya turned back, all concern for Phoenix washed away at the sight before her. “That’s just cheating!”

Now she was getting desperate. She reached for one of the discarded Love Baguettes and then just… threw it at them! “Take this!”

Lloyd, however, was well prepared.

He reached into one of his apron’s pockets, bringing out the double Lloyd Love Donut and flung it straight back at Maya. “Then take this!” he shouted back.

Both pastries arced through the air… straight into the face of a random passerby.

Colette gasped. “Oh no!” But the woman looked familiar…

Luckily, the person, a small old lady by the looks of it, caught the two flying pastries in both hands. She smiled warmly at both bakers. “Why, thank you for the samples. These work so well together. I can share these with my family.” Then she tottered away, keeping both baguette and donut in her hands.

Maya stared. “Oh! That’s the same lady from yesterday… the one you scared off, Nick!”

Phoenix finally got to his feet, slouched over slightly. “I didn’t… I didn’t scare anyone!”

Colette soon remembered! “Ah! Isn’t that Marble? Genis’ friend? I’m glad she’s okay.”

Lloyd was still in her arms, looking confused. “She has like super good reflexes…”

Maya was then rushing up to them, dragging Nick with her by his tie, nearly scaring Colette into dropping Lloyd on the ground. “We have to join forces!”

“What?” everyone asked, including Phoenix.

“That lady was proof! We could grow our businesses if we start selling stuff together. Still our own shops but like… um… specials when you get both!”

“Oh…” Lloyd said dumbly, before finally understanding. “Ohhh.”

“I don’t really understand,” Colette had to admit.

“Two is better than one!” Lloyd then said, as if that explained everything. “I get it! We have to start working together! So anyone that buys stuff from our place like… gets a discount or something from their bakery shop!”

“Yeah, yeah! And same with us! With your donut stuff!” Maya was clenching her fists, which unfortunately tightened Phoenix’s tie around his neck a bit too much. “We’ll be the best!”

“Maya-!”

“Yeah! So uh, partners!” Lloyd held out his hand, still in Colette’s arms, but also ready to do business.

“Partners!” Maya shook his hand, both of them looking very proud of themselves. “I’ve saved our business, Nick.”

“It was never in danger to begin with-! Ack!”

Colette was just happy they could all get along and be friends now. “So, can we try those Love Baguettes, maybe?” They looked so yummy! And maybe her and Lloyd could share one…

“Of course!” Maya said, like they were old friends. “And make sure to try our Lovely Nuts, too!”

“Maya, we need to rethink that name-”

“Also, I get free donut eating privileges now that we’re partners, yeah?”

Lloyd readily agreed. “As long as I get to try that walnut stuff!” Off in the distance, Genis felt a cold shudder run through him again. Ah… economic disaster would be in the future if he was not careful…

But none of that worried anybody. With Maya and Lloyd already discussing their future plans, Phoenix still slightly suffocating, and Colette just so happy that everything worked out for the best, the future of Ace Baker’s Maya Fey and Co. and Lloydonuts was looking bright!

[tumblunni]

I cant believe ive progressed from "im gonna buy this slightly updated rerelease of a game i already own because science grandpa" to "im gonna reenter the kingdom hearts fandom and catch up on all the games i missed because science grandpa" to "im gonna get into an entirely new fandom literally just for science grandpa i mean dad"

Its probably best i start with the first game in the series tho, rite? Theyre all in continuity with the same protag and stuff unlike pokemon, apparantly. But still i worry that it wont be able to hold my interest in the first game cos apparantly THE FABLED SADDAD is only a late game boss with barely one single scene compared to his more fleshed out appearances in the sequels. I can only hope that everything else lives up to the power of he cuteness and every other yokai is equally monstery huggables! And im totally unspoiled for LITERALLY EVERYTHING IN THE GAME EXCEPT FOR MADDIMAN so lol for all i know it could be exactly my ultra fave and i just never knew it! I can at least give credit to the wiki makers for having it be easier to learn about one sad dad's plot without spoiling the rest of the game for yourself, thats better than pokemon and kh!

Oh but the one thing i do know is that everyone in the fandom is universally sad that they removed the female character option in the third game. Apparantly its cos now you have a second scenario with a new female character but it sucks that this means they canonized the male character as the "real" one for the first two games. Really sucks cos he's also the canon protagonist in the anime too and already gets 100% of the screentime in all promotional materials so i didnt even friggin know there was a girl option until years after i first heard of the game! JUSTICE FOR KATIE YO!!! Her design is infinately better than the ultra generic one for the dude. Like if their excuse for removibg her is "but theres a different female character who's nate's new friend and they both exist simultaneously" like why not have it so that if you play as katie you get a male version of that same character? Or if the excuse is to save cartridge space then literally just replace the new girl with "katie moves to america and has this separate adventure". Or even mix both and have it so that you can pick which protagonist is the one that moves and which stays? And have a prologue segmebt where the one who wasnt already the hero comes along and somehow something gets a yokai watch too and then new scenario, the end. Cos what ive heard is that both nate and katie are characters anyway, even if you dont pick them? The leftover one becomes your non yokai powered friend/love interest. Or is that just in the anime? But like if thats how katie is left canonically in the final game in the trilogy REGARDLESS OF YOUR GODDAMN CHOICES then yo it could be cool if the love interest got powers and joined you on a super double adventure! Thatd actually get me invested in your love plot! You could have loads of sweetness of them being long distance pals and maybe getting closer to confessing now theyre spending time apart. Cos a friend moving away is always super stressful and keeping in touch makes you worried theyre gonna forget you and all. Maybe have Katie finding her own yokai watch and entourage of spooky monsters while she's off in her new home and then nate is half AAAAA THIS IS SO COOL I CAN FINALLY TELL YOU MY SECRET and half OH GOD SHES GOT NEW BETTER FRIENDS SHES GONNA FORGET ABOUT ME. And katie maybe is worried that nate doesnt trust her as much as she thought he did, if he kept the yokai secret from her. And they could have awkwardness due to miscommunication and anxiety and RELATE THAT TO MADDIMAN'S FAMILY TROUBLES AND HAVE HIM BE A BIG ROLE IN THE PLOT RESOLVING IT BECAUSE MADDIMAN IS THE GODDAMN BEST! Also honestly the new girl character they replaced katie with DOES seem cool, im just mad that she replaced katie. So maybe keep her as an npc and she could be a cool new friend katie makes in america? Or yknow if they felt like ditching the "katie only exists for love interest uwu shes not the canon protagonist and never will be" crap then HEY MAYBE NEW GIRL COULD BE KATIE'S LOVE INTEREST?

ALSO maybe add a button to hug my yokai and have them follow behind you and also make custom rooms for them and decorate them and also give them snacks. Note: bunni has not played this game and does not know if any of these things have already happened and if they have then FUCK YEAH IM EVEN MORE EXCITED YO!!!!

Oh also i was checking up the version exclusives for the second game cos huh thats weird that only YW2 has two versions and both thw first and third game dont. I think i might go with bony spirits cos i had a good giggle at "herbiboy and carniboy" and i wanna throw my money at whoever made that pun. Like i kinda like how nonsensical it is in english where the pun doesnt exist? Its equally great either way! Why on earth does eating fried chicken make you a casanova! Well in japan its a pun but a dude holding a fried chicken bouquet is even funnier with absolutely no context. I honestly think his herbiboy form looks cuter tho and im sad that cos of his outfit people in the west will probably make jokes about him being an incel even tho his concept is meant to be "socially anxious dude who has no interest in dating women" rather than "those shallow fake shy dudes who whine about women not letting them smash". Since he turns into Carniboy by fusing with another male yokai i'd rather interpret it as "he was gay all along and only becomes a confident casanova when he embraces his true self". Like carniboy is the garnet of yokai? HERE AGAIN I GO GETTING ALL HYPED AND ATTATCHED TO RANDOM YOKAI BASED ENTIRELY ON THEIR CRANK-A-KAI DESCRIPTION ON THE WIKI

Also yo did u know theres a fuckin crank-a-kai?? Aka a gachapon machine of the damned?? Created by a punny gas(c)hadoro yokai whose giant towering skeletal scaryness is all wasted on being addicted to gacha games?? I love this. I especially love it cos gacha machines were the original inspiration for pokeballs so its like a fun callback to the franchise's bigger brother! But im also glad that the gacha thing is just one of many different minigames to catch yokai, cos i really dont like games thatre 100% random chance with no choices at all. THO STILL WHERE IS MY CHOICE TO HUG MADDIMAN....