#how else do i react to my boys being misunderstood

[s0lar-ch3ri]

ramble time (spoiler this actually becomes a rant as i ignore my agreement, kind of sorry op)

maybe chip thought of his childhood as great, and jay could find more light in her situation then gillion could, but that doesnt mean either of them had a fun time.

talking about what happened on the black rose is easy, what the fuck happened to chip at age fucking 9- (9 and younger) (if the black sea happened about a decade ago in canon, and chip is 19, he was 9 on the black rose) to render him without family or a god damn name? and again, ignoring the black sea, would the black rose be the best place for children? there is no god damn way they wouldnt have dealt with attacks and risks on board before. yeah, he was round 8 and happy, but is the life of a pirate safe enough to be considered a good enough childhood for him? (update, with further research, chip was around 9 when the black sea happened, how long he actually traveled with them and how old when he joined are unknown to my knowledge, but i doubt it was more then 2-3 years tops. i personally think he was there a couple months)

and fucking price! all we fucking know that happened was chip was peer pressured by that man into fucking murder. gangs are absolutely unsafe for a boy whos probably starting to enter his double digits at best. chip was scared to kill because of that fucking event and ive yet to see chip kill with that memory gone still, kind of showing the impact it has even when gone.

yeah, chip had a childhood, but maybe he wishes he didnt, because when your childhood gives you the haunted one background, youd rather have not had it.

and jay? you cannot gloss over that fucking loss. ava would have been one of her closest, if not the closest, person to jay, and like that shes gone. and would have any of her family shown they cared? if they did, they did it with separation from jay, because they seem as cold as jayson in the matter.

on the topic of jayson, like i had mentioned, he shot her doll when she was younger because she spent too much attention on it. again, jay was seven. im pretty sure this implies she was in the navy at age seven, not much fun there. even if it was when she was older, how she acts about her dad says a lot. in the same convo she mentioned the doll thing, she says she thought he was a good dad. but at this point, he doesnt see her as his daughter, he was the one who made her kill gillion. DOES THE FACT THAT HER DESCRIBING HER DAD AS SOMEONE WHO "finds a way to break things" IMPLY A FINE CHILDHOOD THERE??? AND DO NOT GET ME STARTED ON THE FEAR SHE HAS FOR HER OTHER FAMILY.

we also cannot just assume shit from whats given. do keep in mind, it wasnt just gillion who didnt hesitate at murdering the goblins back then. if the navy was willing to use family as battle bait, why wouldnt they be fine with making family kill people? theres no way jay only ever trained to fight in the navy, if her sister was in battle jay must have been to.

at 8 and 10 chip and jay could have been happy, but were they safe? is all that deems it a good childhood how happy they were?

maybe at age 12 jay could have spent time with her mom and sister, but shed feel some sort of anger of her dad being so distant. and at age 10 chip had barely been with price, and even though he found himself somewhat a brother in price, it wouldnt be enough to fill the hole in the sea and himself that ate his family and friends.

chip at age 14 could have caused trouble, yeah, but jay wouldnt. she knows the power of her dad, its better to follow his rules rather then risk it (because if he without a second thought shot that doll, who said she wouldnt be his doll next?).

chip, 18, is terrified to kill a man after being forced to watch the life leave a mans eyes, and probably is just drifting around on the sea, unsure if hes ending up somewhere let alone alive, as long as hes away from before. and jay, 20, is heartbroken over her sisters death and is already planning to kill the pirates who caused it, and wont stop from fucking hunting until shes seen their blood pour. she knows to shoot with deadly aim because shes used it before. jay will look to her side and know shell never see the familiar face of ava before running into battle again, and she cant even be told to think this plan through as its one of the few things keeping her going.

chips life is ruined by factors he cant control and he doesnt know what hes done wrong.

jay is choosing a path of revenge knowing itll probably ruin her because its not like anyone else in the family is reaching out to each other or even trying to take action.

chip never could have wanted something more then a life with a locked cage so he wouldnt be swayed around like this, jay was a bird free yet tied herself to her family no matter the danger and cant bring herself to cut the ropes still.

no captain of the riptide pirates has actually had a childhood. not chip who is barely a legal adult (if he even legally exists due to not having a last name [no fucking way the legal records say "chip"]), not jay who could never have felt more trapped with her freedom, not gillion who couldnt even see a world beyond the bars at age 11.

I constantly have it in my mind that Gillion is three years older than Chip. Gillion, yes, Gillion mother fucking Tidestrider, is the oldest of the albatrio.

It's funny on a base level, Gillion is oldest yet the others need to babysit him. Gillion is the oldest but he knows the least. Haha.

It's less funny if you think about Chip being 8 years old, happy with the black rose pirates and then Gillion. Gillion who is eleven and training to be a weapon for others.

It's less funny if you think about Jay, 12 and spending time with her mom and sister. Gillion, 13, who can't remember his mom and almost expects his sister's hugs to hurt because the only contact he gets is hit over the head for failing again.

Chip, 14, Jay, 16, able to act out and cause trouble, because they're teenagers, why not goof around? And then Gillion, who's 17 and told to be an adult and act like it. But he can't change how he acts, because being mature has always been the standard expectation, he doesn't know how to be an adult when that's already what he's been his whole life.

Chip, 18 and he is scared to kill someone because killing is bad. Jay, 20 and her sister is dead and she is heartbroken. Gill, 21 and he is already used to killing, and he never sees his sister anyways, and he ruins his life. He ruins his life doing wha he thought was right, doing what they taught him to do.

Gillion is three years older than Chip, a year older than Jay. And it seems insignificant until you think about those years being stolen from him. It took Gillion 22 years to be free. Chip was free off and on, he had a childhood, Jay was never held back, she had a childhood.

Gillion didn't.

[the-fandom-is-now-my-life]

The funniest thing about the Creator having a child thing (to me anways) is that the Archons act like their poor dear deity was an innocent in the whole situation, when you just KNOW that all the potential fathers (with the exceptions of Abyss Prince Aether and maybe Childe) were the ones being seduced.

Kaeya is a flirt, but he's not the type to bed someone willy-nilly, much less a deity. Nev is the Hydro Sovereign, he would have too much respect to try anything uncouth towards the Maker of All without their express permission. Kaveh would have to be blitzed out of his mind to even THINK of flirting with the Creator, much less bedding them. Childe, well...honestly it's a 50-50 split on that imo, he might if he thought it would go well and/or get him power of some sort. Traveler Aether would be focused on finding his sister, he wouldn't allow himself to be distracted by things like that...and Xiao? Xiao would never try anything that could even be mistaken as rude towards the Creator. Heck, I think getting a kiss on the cheek would be enough to make the poor guy panic.

So uh, I guess what I'm asking is...how did the dad's initially react to learning the Creator wanted to do the horizontal tango with them?

Help you are actually so right, in most scenarios I can only picture the reader being either shameless or forthcoming enough to say it to their face that they find the boy attractive or anything close.

I know there are at least a handful who while they fantasize about it wouldn't even dreamm of telling you that .

Their grace is so forthcoming

WC 1,2k

Flirty banter gets misunderstood for real flirting but they exploit the bug

Childe

“Your grace, you are shivering a lot!” he exclaims loudly as he pulls his harbinger coat onto your shoulders. The tsaritsa held a kind of ‘greetings party' with her harbingers, even if the atmosphere was tense and the chatting short, each of your sides being taken by the tsaritsa and Pierro. Sooner than expected everyone left. When you notice you left an accessory behind and meet face to face with the redhead alone in the room.

“Hm, I guess I'm a bit cold”

And without missing a beat or looking up from the clasp he was trying to secure he chimes faster than he can think “cold? But you are so hot!” but after he noticed his eyes seem to lack more will to live.

“I'm inc-”

As he attempts to apologize, your hand pulls on his wrist, getting him closer, his blue eyes wide, “You yourself are quite nice on the eyes, don't you want to tell me anything else?”

His Adam's apple bobs as he swallows the spit that pooled behind his teeth, his little Freudian slip ended up better than he expected.

Kaeya

“Oh my, what are you doing alone here?” Kaeya sits down on the chair next to you, only a lonely drink with you

“Mhm, Venti got into a fight with Jose six fingers about who was a better bard” you sigh as you sip your drink, looking down a window at the two bards singing outside trying to get the crowd to decide who was better.

“To leave such an beautiful person alone in a bar, I wouldn't be surprised if a drunkard tried to sweep you off your feet” he sips his alcoholic drink, the burning on his tongue soon settling warmly in his stomach before letting out a roaring laugh from the bottom of his chest “I'm joking~ I doubt anyone would dare attempt”

You let out a simple ‘mhm?’ before leaning your head to the side to look at Kaeya with a mischievous grin “oh, such a shame, I would have allowed you to do something so bold and a bit more” and your hand falls on his thigh under the table and his soon follow.

Venti

Would NEVER, under No circumstances flirt first for reasons

Xiao

-holds too much respect to dar think about you like that-

“Aren't you sweet?” the small apple falls on your hand, Xiao had climbed a nearby tree after hearing your stomach rumble.

“I appreciate your kind words, even then I think I'm too jaded to be considered anything akin to that” He bows his head. It's been a while since he accepted that he would never be clean of the blood he spilled during the war, but that at least managed to make him want to protect Liyue so they will be able to live peacefully.

“You may say that but isn't selflessly protecting liyue sweet? I would say it's sweet how you care about little Qiqi, I saw how you carried her up a cliff to grab qingxin. Undoubtedly pure sugar”

“Your grace…” his eyes soften as he looks down where you are.

“You are almost like candy I could eat up!”

Traveler aether

-shy/ has other things in his mind-

“I have to say aether, your house is surprisingly comfortable” the words slip past your lips before you can think about it. Even if it isn't how you would have furnished it nobody could say he had bad taste. There are lots of fireplaces and cushions and the seats and beds are quite comfortable, an odd combination of styles that sustained the idea of him being a traveler and cherry picking the most comfortable parts of each nation.

“Paimon had a hand at it too! If it was up to aether this would only be cushions and blankets! Paimon had to push for these plants!”

“Well it wouldn't be strange for a traveler to seek mostly comfort rather than looks”

Later into the night he leads you to another room on the upper floor, just a few meters away from his “how strange, I would have guessed the guest's room would be on the lower floor”

Aether just sighs, his braid swaying softly “Paimon wanted her room to be close to the kitchen so it was this or having the game room up here”

A few hours pass, there is a noise like paws on the roof but you pay no mind, Aether already explained that nobody could enter unless he allowed them to and most likely they were one of the many animals he kept inside the teapot. Softly you walk towards his door and knock on it, not without looking down the railing only to see pain passed out surrounded by a few fruits.

“Could I sleep with you?” You stand before his door wearing your piyama, as you say those words you drink in his disheveled appearance, a t-shirt a few sizes too big hanging from his shoulders down the middle of his white thighs, long blond hair usually collected in a braid now loose, some bits tangled and another flowing as they please.

“Huh…? If you are afraid of noises the cranes sometimes go to the roof and you can hear them”

“It's not that… it's more like I want to be close to you, in the same bed” his cheeks, usually milky white bloom peony red, and the last bit of hanging sleep fell from his eyes. He nods vigorously.

He has principles and openly flirting with you almost seems disrespectful

Neuvillette

Melusines are the pride of Fontaine, with their joyful disposition and chubby cheeks even if chronologically they can be hundred if years old they can blend in with 5 year olds seamlessly. Be it their tiny huffing and puffing when things don't go their way, to their attraction to sweets and how clingy they can be with neuvillette. Especially when he misses the usual monthly visit.

“I have already apologized, work stacked up and-”

“You prefer our sisters who stay in the city! It's unfair” the melusine who took over his lap started kicking the air until Neuvillette combs her hair with his fingers.

“You know it isn't like that… could you as a group behave for their grace? they are arriving soon” he attempts to calm her down while looking at the drawing another is showing him and how two others are braiding his hair.

“Never took you for the fatherly type” as you walk inside the grotto some melusines jump on you, they only see you as mister Neuvillette's friend and someone with a gift which you soon give them, it's a small ball with glitter inside, soon the melusines focus on that and start running around chasing it “aren't they a joyful bunch?”

“They seemingly never run out of energy so they can be tiring at times. My apologies for such display, I expected them to be able to be calm by the time you arrived but as you can see…”

“I don't mind, it's adorable, attractive even” he doesn't look too taken aback by your comment other than his slit pupils being thinner and longer than usual.

Diluc

Thoma

Alhaitham

Would actually flirt, holds you in high regard but still sees you as a human

Dainsleif

Abyss aether

[mirisss]

SKZ reaction to Asexual partner

SKZ x asexual! afab! reader

Wordcount ≈ 700

Warnings: Reader being anxious about telling SKZ she’s asexual, pretty much it. 

Thank you for the request, I wasn’t sure whether you meant a poly relationship or not but I wrote this as a non-poly fic. If I misunderstood, please let me know and I’ll write a new fic but with a poly relationship. 

Asexual pretty much means that the person who is asexual doesn’t experience sexual attraction and/or doesn’t desire sexual contact.

(Y/n) was a bit scared to tell her partner that she was asexual as previous partners and even friends have been unable to understand how she could feel like this, calling her names, and leaving her. (Y/n) was worried that SKZ would do the same even if she knew they were different, but who could blame her? Based on how many others have reacted, her fear is valid. One evening as she and her partner were sitting on the couch watching a movie, (Y/n) asked if they could talk about something. Her partner paused the movie turning toward her to show that she had their entire attention. As (Y/n) told her partner she began crying, fearing that he would walk out of their relationship. 

Bang Chan, Changbin, and Han had the same or similar reactions: 

“Darling, please don’t cry. Come here, let me give you a hug. I love you and that means I love you for the person you are, I would never ask you to change. You being asexual changes nothing for me, I have loved being with you so far and I haven’t felt like anything was missing. I would never leave you for such a reason, don’t ever apologize for being yourself,” (Y/n) was relieved and hugged him until she calmed down and stopped crying. 

Lee Know, Hyunjin, and I.N would have similar reactions: 

“Okay? So what?” The reaction at first might seem cold, but I promise it’s not. “Does it change the way you look at me?” “No? Why would it? Look, I couldn’t care less about that, as long as you’re honest with me I don’t care. I love you, you love me, that’s enough. I don’t need more than that. Now, tell me the names of anyone who has ever made you feel like this is a fault, I just want to talk with them, with my fists,” (Y/n) was shocked but soon enough understood that he wouldn’t leave her and it truly changed nothing about her for him. The reaction might have seemed cold but after that as soon as it was brought up in conversations they would give the other person a threatening glare if they so much as dared think a mean thought about (Y/n). 

Finally, Felix and Seungmin would have somewhat similar reactions: 

Felix would first of all, before touching (Y/n), ask her if this meant she didn’t like his skinship or if it was purely the sexual touches she had no desire for. Once she said that hugs and cuddles were all she wanted he smiled and gave her a warm and tight hug. “I can give you all the hugs and cuddles in the world, so much that you’ll be sick of it. As long as I can do that and make you happy, then I’m happy.” Seungmin would also ask just to make sure that she was fine with holding hands and such things before comforting (Y/n). Once she had calmed down he would ask her to explain all things she liked and didn’t like so that he could make sure he never did anything to hurt her. After that, the two of them would say something along the lines of: “I much rather be with you and live without sex than be with someone else and have sex, because the sex isn’t essential to me, what’s essential is you,” 

Overall, none of the boys would be angry or say anything to hurt their s/o regardless of their sexual orientation. 

[brookaboo]

smokes and secrets

PT 2

mattheo riddle x potter!reader

the conversation between Harry and his sister

You followed Harry down the spiral staircase, his footsteps heavy with anger as they echoed off the cold stone walls. The tension between you was suffocating, and by the time you reached an empty classroom on the fourth floor, you were practically vibrating with anxiety.

Harry shoved the door open, his face a storm of emotions as he whirled around to face you. “What were you thinking, [Y/N]?”

You folded your arms, determined to stay calm. “I wasn’t thinking, Harry. I was feeling. And I happen to feel something for Mattheo.”

He let out a sharp laugh, pacing the room like a caged animal. “Something? You’re dating him? How long has this been going on?”

“A few months,” you admitted quietly.

Harry froze, his eyes widening in disbelief. “Months? And you didn’t think to tell me?”

“Can you blame me?” you shot back, your temper flaring. “Look at how you’re reacting!”

“Of course I’m reacting like this!” he yelled, his voice cracking with frustration. “He’s the son of Voldemort, [Y/N]! Voldemort! The same man who murdered our parents, who ruined so many lives!”

“That doesn’t mean Mattheo’s like him!” you argued, your voice rising to match his. “You don’t know him like I do. He’s not his father, Harry. He’s… he’s different.”

Harry shook his head, his hands tugging at his hair in exasperation. “You don’t get it. People like him—like his family—they don’t change. They’re dangerous. He’s dangerous.”

You stepped closer, your tone softening. “You think I don’t know that? I’m not blind, Harry. I know who he is and where he comes from. But he’s not like the others. He’s kind to me. He cares about me. I see the parts of him that no one else does.”

Harry scoffed, crossing his arms. “Oh, so now he’s some misunderstood bad boy? That’s not how the world works, [Y/N]. People like him always hurt people like us.”

“That’s not fair!” you snapped. “You don’t even know him! You’re judging him based on his last name, just like everyone judges us for being the Chosen One’s siblings. Isn’t that the same thing you hate?”

That seemed to give him pause. His shoulders sagged slightly, and the fire in his eyes dimmed. “It’s not the same,” he muttered, but his voice was less certain now.

You stepped closer, placing a hand on his arm. “Harry, I get it. You’re trying to protect me, and I love you for that. But this is my life. My choice. I need you to trust me.”

He looked at you for a long moment, his expression torn between anger and concern. Finally, he let out a long sigh, his shoulders slumping. “I don’t trust him,” he admitted. “But I trust you. Just… promise me you’ll be careful. If he hurts you, [Y/N], I swear—”

“He won’t,” you interrupted, giving him a small smile. “But thank you. That means a lot.”

Harry still looked unconvinced, but he nodded, ruffling your hair in that annoying big-brother way that made you roll your eyes. “Just… don’t let him drag you into trouble, okay? We have enough of that as it is.”

You smirked. “Trouble? With Mattheo? Never.”

Harry groaned, muttering something under his breath about reckless Potters, but you couldn’t help feeling a flicker of relief. You knew this wouldn’t be the end of it—Harry was stubborn, after all—but for now, you’d take what you could get.

[yandere-islandvn]

You actually misunderstood my question! It’s okay! I actually meant how would the bois react if MC walked in on them (the boy) and someone else (another one of the bois) doing the do? Sorry for not being more clear!

( Ooooooooo okay, yeah, I gotcha )

( To be frank, the Bois boinking is gonna ebb off when the MC shows up because all they can think about is you and it's very rude to think about one person while blinking another...)

( BUT WE DONT CARE ABOUT THAT BECAUSE THIS US JUST A THOUGHT (⁠~⁠‾⁠▿⁠‾⁠)⁠~ )

Jacob would be flustered and not really sure how to react... Both about getting caught, and it being his first time uwu

Markus has a 50/50 of being shocked and asking you to join if you're interested

Oliver is in a panick. He's freaking out. He's almost in tears.

Torrin will just look at you and say give him 15 and he'll be ready for whatever you need him for.

Michael would be surprisingly calm about it. He'll tell you to either join in, or get out.

Nicolas is absolutely asking you to join or watch, he just wants your participation... It might've even been planned to get caught.

[haydenigmatic]

Here's an angsty ask! How would the Ros react if they were finally going to confess their feelings to the mc but before they could say anything the mc rushed up to them and said "could you believe it? ( Other Ros name) just asked me out and I said yes!"

That's just plaiiinn evil anon, I mean I can totally see myself writing that because as you should know I love to see my OC's suffering.

Damon: I guess I could picture him trying to play it cool, like everything's fine and maybe unconsciously he would play even harder to conquer MC's heart, not minding at all for the other RO, that Ro is now his rival and Damon is highly competitive, letting his darker side out because of his jealousy and regretting himself for not having moved faster and beat them to win MC's heart.

Hanniel: Ah my sweet boy, If he had finally summoned the courage to confess his feelings to MC, only to be met with the news that another person had just asked them out, his heart would shatter in that moment. Despite the pain, he would force a smile, congratulating MC and expressing happiness for their newfound romance. However, the weight of unspoken emotions would linger, and in an attempt to shield himself from further heartache, Hanniel would withdraw. He'd discreetly avoid encounters with MC, silently nursing his unrequited feelings. Deep down, he'd respect their choice while grappling with the haunting question of what might have been if he had confessed his love sooner.

Nesrin: So to be fair when this happens it would be after their "political relationship" and oh god, she even has a little secret that at first would immediately stop her from acknowledging her feelings if any towards MC. Practically she would suppress her feelings and continue with how they were before any of that. Her plot would only to make MC to be with her and for her and her family there's no need for love in it, they need each other (other thing would be if it were Odette, oh boy).

Jasira: For her it would be something like, "fine, it's a quite clear sign from the gods" that was not meant to be, she has to fulfil her duty and her feelings for MC are only in her way, she might cry it out a little whilst she tries to forget MC. But then she's quite bold and might eventually confess her feelings anyway to MC just to let it out of her chest not hoping for anything just to be truthful and might lead to her and MC making out.

Odette: Aww she would have prepared a song or maybe even a letter where she poured all of her love out for MC only to find out that her one true love has chosen someone else, she might try to fight off the tears that threaten to fall out, wishing all her best to MC and their relationship with the RO, leaving right away after that. She would start singing sad songs, I mean she's quite sentimental but she's very in touch with her emotions and really her singing depends greatly on her mood. (again if the specific RO were Nesrin, let's just say that she would not let go that easy)

Sorin: She would feel played with, why would MC lead her on. MC was just another one in the long list of people who have played or taken advantage of her. So she would most likely treat MC with not affection at all, and interact the least she can with MC.

Doria/n: It would have taken them a while for doing that, I mean after a lot of denial and masking it up as it being pure lust. So if that happens they would feel really jealous and would try to take MC from the RO, in the pretence that it is just because they can and there are no feelings behind it.

Aurelia/n: They would freak out, thinking they misunderstood everything and it was pure friendship, but would eventually tell MC about their feelings and how they wish them good but wants most of it all for MC to be happy.

Verena: For her to realise that it would also require a lot, she could be banging MC and it would be just desire or just the pleasure of getting to bed with one of the top choices for marriage material in this case MC, and maybe after hearing this she would think "It's fine, we'll still continue with what we have" but might find out that she doesn't want to share MC or if MC is serious about it, that's when it will strike her, she loves MC but now she will have to find a way, no matter what she will have to do to get MC for herself.

[annymation]

The question may sound a bit repetitive, but what would an interaction between Canon!Asha and Aster be like? Kow!Asha has very different motivations and personalities from the Disney movie, so I would find it interesting to see how Aster reacts to everything that happened in the canonical movie.

We may criticize Canon!Asha a lot, but I believe Aster would love her in every universe. And Canon!Asha and Aster actually do have a lot in common, both being very optimistic and... "Caring too much" I guess, that's her personality in the movie- I need to focus, I keep just being salty with Wish- Anyway, here's some scenes with them.

So remember how in my rewrite Aster's initial plan was to just get in the castle and return the wishes, thinking people would automatically want to grant them themselves? Well KOW!Asha being a realist knew that wouldn't be a good idea for several reasons, both because they could get caught and also the people wouldn't want their wishes back.

But Canon!Asha on the other hand... Well that plan was exactly what she herself went with in the movie right? So here's them coming up with the plan and executing it:

"YEAH! We can get my Saba's and my mother's wishes back, now that I have your help!" Asha says with enthusiasm, she feels ready to take on anything the world throws at them "How can we start?"

Aster flies off the ground, looking just as excited as her "I'm glad you asked! Here's my plan"

Aster uses his star dust to illustrate his plan:

"First! We get in the castle. Then we free all the wishes. Everyone gets their wishes back. They all learn that they should make their wishes come true through their own efforts. BOOM. They get "Something more for them than thisss"!" he sing songs the last phrase at the rhythm of "This Wish"

"You mean get ALL the wishes of Rosas? Wait- but isn't that stealing?" She questions awkwardly

"It would be, if they belonged in there, which they don't" Aster explains with a cheeky smile

"You're right" Asha had a bright smile and a gleam of hope in her eyes "I think we can settle with just my families wishes though" she adds with a shrug

Aster's smile falters for a second in surprise "... Heh hehe uh what?" The star asks hoping he misunderstood "Just THEIR wishes?... What about everyone elses?"

"Oh yeah yeah sure but... Ya know, priorities first heheh." She says with a quirky giggle "And later we can ask my friends to help us free the other ones, I'm sure they'll accept helping me betray the king, they're the best"

"... Okaaaay then! Guess we got a plan!" Aster exclaims with his usual enthusiasm.

Aster would prefer that they freed all the wishes all together... But she's the wish maker, so whatever she says goes, besides, what's the worse that could happen-

The next day they watch as Canon!Magnifico get's possessed by the evil book, while the sneak out with the two wishes

"Oh my galaxy! Did you see that???" Aster and Asha are running away from the castle, back to her house

"Yeah! I can't believe Magnifico would stoop to forbidden magic" Asha says with a angry look on her face.

(I learned the word "Stoop" today by the way, love learning new words as a non-english speaker)

"He's dangerous now! We gotta tell somebody! The queen maybe, or-"

"Let's go to my house!" Asha says dragging the star boy by the hand

".......... Really?" Aster asks, more so in disbelief and concern.

You know you've lost it when Aster is the voice of reason.

Anyway we cut to the scene when Sabino get's his wish back, and ya know what? That deleted scene of Sabino playing the lute (That I called a mandolin my whole rewrite by mistake but we'll stick with that) happens, because I really like the idea of Sabino calling Aster "my sweet star" it's so wholesome.

And as Sabino sings, Aster extends his hand inviting Asha for a slow dance, and as they dance they get lost in eachothers eyes. This scene being like a replacement for "At All Cost" in this quick rewrite we're doing here.

(I know you asked for just one interaction Aled but dang you caught me in a creative mood, now I'm remaking the whole Wish movie but replacing the wishing star with Aster, and finding out he ACTUALLY makes the scenes better)

Anyway the door of the house suddenly opens and the cold wind from outside blow out the candles.

"Aww how sweet~" The now corrupted king says sarcastically from the door with a cruel smile. All four of them inside the house are mortified in fear as he approaches "Getting quite acquainted with your little partner in crime, huh Asha?"

"They've committed no crimes!" Sabino steps up to defend the two

Aster and Asha are holding hands ready to protect one another at all cost.

Magnifico ignore's the elderly man's comment "I don't know HOW or WHY this star chose to answer to your calling. But it's coming with ME now." He says grabbing Aster's wrist angrily

"Wha- A star?? Hahah what makes you think I'm a star?" Aster tries to lie, even though he's very bad at it

The king smirks "Let's just say a little birdie told me about you... Also your hair is glowing" The king points out matter of factly

"Touché" Aster says looking up at his own glowing hair

Asha proceeds to drop a whole dishes closet on the king, as she did in the movie, and they make a run for it.

They escape in a boat and Aster uses his magic to make the boat's oars row by themselves.

"I didn't mean for this to happen..." Asha says, feeling hopeless now that the king is after them

"I know baby" Sakina says caressing her daughter's face.

Aster is looking as Asha with a sorrowful frown.

"I was foolish to think I could change anything... I shouldn't have ever wished" She says disheartened, her eyes are downcast

(I am taking this dialogue straight from the movie btw)

Aster feels his light flickering weaker as her hopes diminish, and he tries offering some words of advice

"If anyone can change this it's YOU, and I'll be here right by your side all the way... We just gotta keep trying, together"

"But how? I've ruined everything for my family, and now everyone in Rosas is at risk, because of me" Tears threaten to fall from her eyes.

"Oh Asha no... Everyone is at risk... Because of Magnifico" Asha's mom reassures her

"Our dear Rosas... Your father's heart would break for what we now know" Sabino said with pain in his voice

Asha looks at Rosas in the distance with a thoughtful gaze, then she turns to Aster, they're staring at her waiting for what path she'll choose

"I know what you're thinking... Cause' I'm thinking it too" Asha tells him

Aster smiles, trusting that they're in sync with each other "Yeah, we'll go back, and free the king from his cur-"

"We'll go back to tell my friends how the king is a horrible mad man that must be stopped." Asha says confidently

"Why are you like this?" Aster eyebrows are furrowed together as he looks at her frustrated and absolutely DONE with this, and also rethinking his crush on her.

Aaaaaand that's all I got!

[tfyoulookingatgiuxs]

Needy Boy

Sub!Eddie Munson x Dom!Reader

𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐘: Needy. This was your boyfriend, Eddie Munson who liked to submit to his sweet woman.

𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 +18!!SMUT!!MDNI!!! Sub!Eddie, Dom!Mommy!fem!Reader, no use of Y/N, bondage, ball gag, impact play, masochism, slight sadism, degradation (whore, slut etc...), begging, cums in pants, pet names (good boy, pretty boy etc...), praise kink.

𝐀/𝐍: Sub!Eddie Munson is stuck in my head now 😫. Sorry for the delay. I've been really busy lately and it's been hard for me to keep writing and being active on Tumblr!! Sorry for my english this is not my native language. Please support and reblog. Hope you enjoy this one! (DIVIDER NOT MINE)

word count: 993

Eddie Munson is your boyfriend.

Obviously everyone's reaction was the same. Everyone was shocked and speechless, needless to say the news spread throughout the school, I mean, you were the girl all along, with excellent grades, polite, professional, kind, and you ended up being in a relationship with the crazy guy in the school. Your opposite. But that didn't matter to you. You didn't care what others thought, you didn't want insignificant obstacles in your way let alone useless words from people who didn't really know Eddie.

He wasn't as everyone described him, perhaps on the surface he might seem serious, scary and insensitive, but in reality Eddie was just a misunderstood boy who knows how to love, in fact he is very attached to his friends and his goals, in fact when he wants he knows how to commit and even if he seems to have a hostile air he is actually shy.

There are so many things no one knows about the "freak" Munson, and you were so honored to know every side of him, every hidden temptation. His every sexual pleasure that makes him hard immediately. Here's something else no one knew, something only you and not even his closest friends know. Eddie Munson, the scariest boy in Hawkins School, likes to be submitted. He can't help it. Your boyfriend loved it when you took control, when he lay on the floor feeling your heels crushing his back, and his little moans at the mere touch made you push harder.

Eddie praised you and adored you, he couldn't do without you, and when he was needy he started acting like a naughty child. Needless to say, when it got too much you went so far as to tell him that you wouldn't fuck him until next month.

Today, however, you couldn't deny that Eddie had done so well that he deserved to be fucked well. It was there. Kneeling before you, his wrists trapped by his favorite handcuffs, they tied high to a bar you added to your bedroom for this type of activity. You weren't going to touch him, you weren't going to. You didn't want to punish him, besides he hadn't done anything to deserve it, but Eddie liked that adrenaline rush, when he begs you to be touched and you denied it to him by doing so making him react by whining and squirming, it reminded you of kindergartners banging feet when they don't get what they want.

In front of him you looked at him with a dominant look while with a whip you hit his bare chest full of tattoos, it was really nice that you would have filled his body full of bruises and scratches.

"Mommy, please touch me I need it" the metalhead begged you again. In response you hit him in the face with the riding crop making him let out a pleased moan "Again..." he almost whispered. You let out a smirk. “Slut likes getting hit in the face?” He nodded as he panted, you noticed how his erection was showing under his jeans, you brought your heel close to it, he tried to say something but gave up, letting out several moans.

“You filthy whore, all you do is whine, what kind of man whines to be touched by a woman?” You exclaimed in a stern tone. You could see a few drops of sweat running down his face "Me mommy, I'm that filthy whore that whines for your touch..." he replied. It was incredible how despite everything he couldn't shut up. Eddie is the kind of guy who does nothing but talk, even in activities like these. You really wanted to slap him until his cheeks turned purple, just to remind him to shut up when he talks too much. A thought no matter how excruciating, you knew he wouldn't mind. You felt Eddie start to rub his erection on your heel. You tugged on his curly hair “What do you say?” He stopped and then looked at you with sweet, innocent eyes. Damn if you loved him...

“Please…” he panted.

“Well done my big boy” your teasing tone could resonate off the walls of the room. Eddie then started riding on your heel again. The metalhead just kept babbling. Jesus, you would have frustrated him for months. You stepped away for a moment to reach for a ball gag in your desk drawer. Your boyfriend couldn't help but hope to go to heaven at the sight. You put the ball gag on him and exclaimed "And now shut up, I can't stand you when you babble too much" he was trembling, a thought about what you would do to him if he disobeyed "Now start again, and don't let me hear you, otherwise I won't make you come, it's clear?" He nodded quickly and then started again. His ears were red as hell, as was his chest, which was breathing slowly to try not to make too much noise.

You caressed him. He was finally behaving as you wanted "Well done Eds, keep going" you praised him and he accelerated his movement "Yes, don't stop my love, I want to see you reach the limit, can you do it for me?" He nodded again and you heard how he spit air out of his nose intensely. He looked up, small tears coming out of his eyes as he looked at you like a perfect submissive could. A hand took care of her unruly curls making them feel loved.

His erection under his jeans felt very good as it rubbed against the top of your foot and the red shoe. He came in his pants with a grunt and stopped looking exhausted.

"How good my Eddie. A really good boy, isn't he?" He nodded again.

"Why that face? I'm not done with you needy boy..." a seductive tone took over your vocal cords sending a shiver down Eddie's spine.

[serenity-songbird]

I was reading a story where the reader had both team Craig and team stan in love with her. Butters is her best friend in the story and he asks her to run away with him. In the story, she declines :( so I was wondering if maybe you could write a oneshot or hc’s about Butters and the reader running away together and how the other boys would react??

(I don't know what story you were reading, I tried to find it to see if I could reference it, but there's a lot. So I put my own plot and character design into this. That's one of the reasons this request took a while. Sorry if it's not entirely accurate. 😬😬😬 I tried. I kay have made this aaa web-site angsty. I have no regrets.)

You stared at Butters, shock written all over your face.

"I-I'm sorry. What did you say?"

"Let's run away together, (Y/N)! I-I'm sick of this town and the people in it! There's always something crazy going on!" He paced back and forth. "A-And I'm sick of being grounded all the time! So let's do it!"

Butters turned towards you and grabbed your hands.

"Aren't ya tired of everything too? You always say how your parents are shitty and they never pay attention to you. If we run away, we can start a new life. And you don't have-ta worry about the boys crowding around ya anymore. You've been complaining about them fighting for your attention and making you choose. Don't-cha wanna just...be away from it all?"

As he spoke, Butters rubbed his thumbs across your knuckles. You were apprehensive. It wasn't that he was wrong. He was completely right.

This town was full of misfortune and danger. How many times had this town almost been destroyed by some disaster? Most of the time, your friend group was the cause of it.

You had grown tired of all the fighting.

You were sick of always being in danger.

You were done trying to convince yourself your parents cared about you. At this point, you accepted that they didn't love you.

You didn't want to be the cause of all your friends no longer wanting to do with each other. They had begun to hate and resent each other. Always at each others throats. The cursing, the flying fists, the blood, the bruises, all of it was your fault.

The only one who misunderstood you was Butters. He never pressured you. He tried to be the peace maker. Yet, all he got for his troubles were relentless bulling, name calling, and being left out.

He wasn't just your best friend. He was your lifeline.

You always went to him when you were depressed, frustrated, or angry. He had helped you and expected nothing in return.

You weren't naive. You knew both Team Stan and Team Craig had a crush on you. Everyone to include Butters. You loved all your friends. Truly. That's why it hurt so much to see them drift apart.

Maybe it would be better if you were gone...

After all, you couldn't return their feelings. And you didn't want them to see the pain of you with someone else.

Because you had already fallen in love with your best friend...

"Well...what do ya say?" Butters never looked away from her eyes, but you could see him get more and more nervous as time passed.

You didn't answer right away. Instead, you built up the courage and gently brushed your lips over his. Pulling away you whispered softly.

"Okay." Butters eyes and smile had never shone brighter.

That night you packed your things and walked out of South Park hand In hand.

Not once did either of you look back.

Wilted flowers and leaves scattered the ground as summer turned to fall. The atmosphere had greatly reflected the mood in South Park. Death befell the trees and flowers as winter consumed the once beautiful surroundings.

It had been 3 months since you and Butters ran away togethe. The notes you left were short and sweet, but conveyed the message.

In their misery, the groups once again became close and attempted to find solace in each other.

At least now they had no reason to continue fighting. You had made your choice.

The first few weeks were the hardest. Kyle had buried himself in studying and reading to keep his mind off you. Stan has turned to drinking away his sorrows. Cartman's anger and insults increase tenfold and he snapped at anyone and anything. Kenny would spend all night as Mysterion, taking his anger and frustration out on criminals.

Team Craig didn't do any better. Craig had become even more silent and withdrawn then he was before. Tweek's anxiety was much worse and his panic attacks were more frequent. Cylde was depressed and cried every night, and by day would be flirting with girls constantly to hide his broken heart. Token would go out for runs and overwork himself with different sports as a way to vent.

Overtime, they had accepted the fact you would never come back and slowly started moving on.

Truth be told, they knew things would never be the same. You had changed them in ways you'd never understand.

The only regret they carried was the fact that they were the ones who pushed you away.

They wished you to be well in life.

You had felt that running away was the only options. They only hoped that it was worth it.

[atinydise]

Ateez reacting to the other members not liking their s/o (part 2)

❦ Genre: Fluff, a tiny bit of angst.

❦ Pairing: OT8.

❦ Word count: 3K7.

❦ Requested: Omg yes lol, thank you! 🦋

❦ A/N Note: ⚠️Since I took an eternity to post it, I advice to read the first part again (or for the first time)! Thank you for liking the 1st one tho! hehe

HONGJOONG

It's been 3 weeks since your altercation with the boys. You didn't talk to your boyfriend yet and he was really sad. He was trying to call you every day at least once, but your phone rang one time and the voicemail welcomed him. You were the only one he wanted to talk with right now. And he wanted to fix this situation as well. "Hyung, do you want to play with-" started San, handing the console remote to him. Still angry at them, he didn't bother to glance or reply neither. He just slammed the door's room loudly. "Us." Finished San. "He's still mad." Declared Yeosang. "Congrats Genius. You found this deduction by yourself?" Asked San, ironically. Yeosang ignored his comment and took his phone. "Where's Y/N working already?" "I don't know. In a café or something." "Where?" "Itaewon." "Okay then put some pants on." "What? Why?" "Wow Sherlock." Replied Yeosang in the same tone San used later. "We are going to apologize to her. Hongjoong was obviously happier with her." "And he didn't have this serial killer look." "Let's go." Claimed Yeosang.

The 2 boys entered at least 16 cafés to find where you were working. They were about to give up when San spotted you, cleaning a table under the terrace. "Y/N! Y/N!" Yelled San, running crazily. You thought that you were dreaming when you saw these 2. It almost felt unreal since they never gave you attention. "What is happening? Are you guys, okay?" "We are really sorry Y/N." They both bowed respectfully. "We had wrong assumptions about you. We are really ashamed of ourselves." Continued Yeosang. "You were not taking advantage of Hongjoong Hyung. But in fact, you made him happier." You felt bad to know that your boyfriend was sad because of this situation. "It's okay..." you smiled nervously. "I guess that you wanted to protect him." Yeosang and San nodded. They were really sorry. "Lift your head boys. We are fine now." "There's a last person you need to be fine with." Added Yeosang. San and you stared at him weirdly. He pointed at the other side of the street, where Hongjoong was smiling at the warming scene. San, completely unaware of this plan, whispered to Yeosang: "how did you planned this? And when?" "You know how long you take to put a pant on?" "Are you a genius?" "Why are you surprised?" Replied Yeosang. While they were talking about their strategy, you asked your manager, 15 minutes break and ran to your boyfriend. His arms were open, waiting for you. "Mission accomplished." Declared San happily. "Congrats Partner."

SEONGHWA

Just when the rest of the group entered the room, Seonghwa was waiting for them with a wide smile. "What is going on? And why are you smiling like that?" Asked Wooyoung. "Yeah. It's scary." Whispered San. "Well boys..." he started. "We have a guest tonight." "A guest? Your mom?" Hongjoong freaked out a bit. Judging that it was the best moment to appear, you came out of the kitchen, an awkward smile on your face. "Hello." You waved nervously. You saw all of their faces darkened at the moment they saw you. "What is she doing here Hyung?" Asked Jongho. "She came here to talk and to arrange the situation." Replied Seonghwa. "But who said that we wanted to talk to her?" Sighed Mingi. "Guys." You tried to interpose, but Seonghwa stopped you. "Let's talk comfortably in the kitchen." He smiled. Even if the boys were reticent, they walked one by one to the kitchen. All of them, taking an empty seat, except San who decided to seat on the counter. Seonghwa and you sat at the end of the table like 2 serial killers waiting for the justice. "I wanted to know why you hate Y/N so much." Started Seonghwa. "I'm sorry if I did something bad." You apologized. "But I would appreciate if you were honest with me instead of being so cold." "How are we supposed to act with you when we know you are just taking advantage of him?" Asked Hongjoong. Seonghwa raised a brow, "taking advantage of me?" "Yeah. She appeared right when we were rising in the charts and stuff like that." You stared at Seonghwa, who was still looking at you. You both busted in laughter. "They thought you were the one asking me out." Laughed Seonghwa. All the boys were confused. "I was the one insisting to date her. I was practically stalking her." "Creep." You whispered. "She had like no interest in me." "Yeah. Zero. Nothing. Nada. Rien. Nieten. Que Tchi. Walou.*" You added. "Hey." "Sorry." "So, you are telling us that we were wrong since-" "The beginning." "She was my prey. And I was the hunter." Smirked your boyfriend. "Seems like we had a misunderstood." Admitted Hongjoong. "Yeah. Seems like." "Can you be friendly with Y/N now?" They all nodded and apologized once again. "Cool! Now should we goo at the restaurant?" "Heck yeah! I could eat a whole bear!" Claimed Yunho. "Babe, do you want to come?" "Yeah sure." You finally accepted, not scared anymore to ruin the mood.

*Nada, Rien, Nieten, Que tchi, Walou: expression to say “nothing” in severals languages.

YUNHO

Your boyfriend was feeling down. He was working for his first k-dramas. he should be happy and in a good mood. But instead, he was simply acting well in front of the cameras and was almost depressed backstage. It wasn't right and you didn't like this at all. The rest of the members were trying to talk to him. In vain, he was simply ignoring them or spending most of the time at your apartment. This behavior would not help to solve this situation. Removing all of your bad thoughts, you planned a quick visit to the other members; especially Mingi and Wooyoung. ["What are you doing today babe?"] You sent a text to your boyfriend, praying that his schedule hasn't changed. ["I'm filming. My break is over in 10 minutes :(. Do you miss me?"] He replied. ["Always haha. Have fun filming too."] Now that you were sure that Yunho won't interfere in your plan, you paid your taxi and get straight to the building. You decided to use the stairs so you wouldn't have more time to think of a strategy. Just right when you entered the hallway, Wooyoung and Mingi were closing the door. For a quick second, the thought of running away settled in your mind. But Yunho's health and spirit were the most important things right now. "Hi." You greeted them. "Hello?" Started Mingi. "Yunho isn't there, he's-" "I came to talk with both of you actually." You said. "Yunho explained what happened 2 weeks ago." "Yeah sure." Growled Wooyoung. "I think it would be easier for us to get along if you tell me what is going on. What did I do wrong?" You asked. "We know you with another guy." Declared Mingi. "And you seemed close enough to hug for at least 2 long minutes." "Listen Y/N, we just don't want Yunho to suffer so we didn't tell him yet that you were seeing someone else." "Are you talking about this tall guy, with a lot of tattoos?" You raised a brow. They both nodded, reminding exactly every detail. "That's my cousin. He moved in Mexico. For his work. So yeah." You sighed. "I hug my family." Wooyoung and Mingi were looking at you dumbly. "Well... what a useless situation." You admitted. Wooyoung ran his hand through his hair and stepped forward you. "I guess you deserve apologies." "Instead of this, can we make a deal?" You offered. "Sure." "Let's get along." You handed both of your hands to each of them." "Deal." Mingi shook your hand, quickly followed by Wooyoung. Before leaving, you asked one last thing.

["Guess who's going to have a dinner with us tomorrow?"] Yunho instantly called you, wondering how you managed to take a selfie with his friends. ["I'm so happy that I could combust right now! How you managed to do this!"] ["Anything for my man!"]

YEOSANG

"Yeosang wait!" You followed him in the hallway. "I want to be alone for now." He replied, opening an empty backstage room. "But you just can't run away like that!" You held his wrist. "Y/N." "We can fix this. Or just at least try to live without them hating me." "I do not think they are ready to do that." Yeosang gently pushed your hand and entered the dark room. Before you could say anything else, he slammed the door in front of you. A quick and loud noise made you realize that he locked the door. Knowing that being loud or begging your boyfriend to open wouldn't help, you decided to fix the problem by yourself. "Okay! If you prefer to stay here and hide, then FINE! I'll handle it!" You gave a quick kick on the door and walked back on your previous step. "What a baby..." Without knocking, you opened ATEEZ' backstage room. They were all gathered around Hongjoong, probably claiming how much they hate you. "I have many things to say guys." You started. "And one by one." They were all looking at you as an alien who just came from another planet. "I'll start by you Kim Hongjoong! As a leader, you should be comprehensive and try to fix things which could hurt any members!" "Y-Y/N." "And you Park Seonghwa! Yeosang told me that you were the nicest here, but I only saw a rude and cold guy! I'm really disappointed." "Please-" "Yunho and Mingi." You sighed, putting your hands over your hips. "You were the first one who were nice with me. But something made you change your mind and you both kept hurting my feeling. Especially when you leave every room I enter." You said angrily. Both of them bent their head, feeling guilty. "Oh, and this trio!" You pointed at San, Wooyoung and Jongho. "I would appreciate if you could stop looking at me like you are looking at a trash. Surprise! It hurts my feelings too! Because YEAH! I have feelings!" You almost screamed. "So, tell me NOW, why you hate me so DAMN MUCH?!" A long silence settled after your monologue. The boys were looking at each other, waiting for one to talk. Hongjoong as a good leader, stepped forward. "We are sorry Y/N." They all bowed to you. You had no idea that your words would affect them that much. "Ah... Huh-Okay." You scratched your arm. "After Yeosang quick departure, we talked a bit about our behavior, and we concluded that we have zero reason to dislike you." Explained Hongjoong. "Let's trying to get along." Said Hongjoong. "For Yeosang." You accepted. "It might be hard for us because you were really not into our heart." Added Seonghwa. "Yeah, don't worry y'all made it clear." "But if you are important to Yeosang, then you are important for us." He said, smiling warmly. "Thank you. I truly appreciate that." You bowed back politely. "Now we just need to get Yeosang out of the room."

SAN

Seongwa entered the kitchen. He was surprised to see San and Wooyoung actually sitting at the same table. San was eating his cereal and Wooyoung was scrolling on his phone. It almost felt like a random and good day. Until Seonghwa asked: "You are finally getting along again? It's a good thing!" San sighed, "why should I get alone with this guy?" "Oh no..." "Just ignore me like you used to do. I'm fine with it." Said Wooyoung, rolling his eyes. "Okay, I should have stayed quiet." Whispered Seonghwa. "Exactly like him. He should have shut his mouth." Replied San, leaving the room, bowl in his hand. "I said that to help you!" He shouted. "Jung Wooyoung." Called Seonghwa seriously. "You should fix it." "Me? Why? It's him which was dating this girl! And you weren't liking her too, right?" "Yeah, but have you seen San these days? He's barely smiling or talking to us." He replied. "You need to fix this. And today." "Today?! Hyung! Come on." Growled Wooyooung. "Not my problem." Honestly, this task wasn't helping Wooyoung to like you, but he needed to do or at least try something for his friend.

That's why, now, he was waiting at the restaurant next to your college. You said that you would show up, but he wasn't sure about that. Until, you sat, in front of him. "Hello?" He greeted you. "Hi." "Okay... I'll be totally sincere and straightforward with you." "As you always do." Wooyoung was surprised by your attitude. But in a good way. "I don't like you because I'm pretty sure you take advantage of my friend." You sneered. "How many times do I need to tell you that I don't give- that I don't care about his career." "What if he was an employee or a technician?" Asked Wooyoung. "Do you date people for their image? I'm not like that. I don't date him because he's an idol. I just love him. For his personality, his kindness. Everything that made San, our San." "You love him?" Said Wooyoung, surprised. "Yeah, of course I do." I thought it wasn't serious at all yet." "Well maybe if you tried to talk more and sooner with him or me, you'll know." "If you us to get along, you should be nicer." "And you, less rude." Wooyoung rubbed his forehead. You were stubborn as him. "How can we get along?" "Are you free right now?" "Huh, yeah?" "Cool. Let's hanging out without beating each other." You offered. "A-Are you sure it's a good idea?" He asked, not convinced. "Well, San, always says that people get closer around-" "A good meal." Finished Wooyoung. "Cool then let me call the waiter." You paused. "But you pay." "Argh... this woman." Sighed Wooyoung.

MINGI

Hongjoong sighed when he saw Mingi, eyes glued on his phone. It's been 2 weeks and still no sign of you. You declined all of his calls, ignored his messages even on social media and obviously you were not sleeping in your apartment anymore. "Mingi, your view is going to be terrible if you don't leave this damn phone." Scolded Hongjoong. The tall boy gave him a dark look. "My view would be fine if you've learned Y/N better. Instead of judging her." Seonghwa growled next do the leader. "Here we go again." Mingi rolled his eyes, still pissed by this behavior. "Yeah, here we go again." He repeated. "It will be like that until Y/N accept to talk to me again. Or just listen to me." "Why does it matter so much?" Asked Seonghwa. "Because she's the one. Why? I don't know. I just feel it. She's the only one I need." Hongjoong and Seonghwa exchanged a quick, guilty glance. "Y'all decided that she wasn't made for me because of a stupid "instinct". Mingi air quoted. "We are trying to help you. We know how sensitive you are." Declared Hongjoong. "Then why do you need to put me in this situation? You are the only ones who are hurting me right now." He finished, plopping angrily on the sofa. The 2 boys remained quiet for a second, looking at each other. Finally, Seonghwa asked: "Okay so how can we help you?" Mingi smirked, when he finally heard those magical worlds. It was exactly what he wanted since these past weeks. "Okay call everyone here." He ordered.

You were sadly applying your night cream on your face. Since your break-up with Mingi, your skin decided to be terrible dry and itchy. You were the worst. Tired of this situation, you buried your face on your arms. You shivered a little when your forehead touched the cold surface. "It's a beautiful night, we're looking for something dumb to do. Hey baby I think I wanna marry you!"* You didn't need to hear it twice to recognize Mingi's voice. Not believing that he did something like this, you rushed to the window. At your big surprise, he wasn't alone. The other members were there too: Hongjoong was holding the phone and speaker, while the rest of the group was holding a sheet of paper saying, "Can you forgive us?" But Yeosang was holding the quote mark in the wrong side. "Song Mingi! Are you crazy!" "Crazy of you!" The members gagged behind him. "We all want to apologize for treating you this way." Claimed Yunho, louder than the music. You were affected by this effort. They all realized that you were not a bad person. "If you accept our apologies than come here so we can have a discussion." Declared Seonghwa, speaking for the whole group. "Got it, I'm coming. Do y'all need snacks?" They all yelled and shouted an incredible about of snacks' brands in only few seconds. Mingi winked at you. Your kindness got them. And food too.

*Song reference: Marry You by Bruno Mars.

WOOYOUNG

Your roommate entered the library again. She couldn't help but to let out a quick sigh when she saw you: your head buried behind a ton of books, which didn't seem interesting. "You didn't move since I left this morning." She sat in front of you. "I need to pass this exam." "You could have at least answered to your phone. I wanted to have a lunch with you." "I forgot my phone." You shrugged. "Did you really forget your phone?" She raised a brow. "Or you made sure to let it on your bed? To avoid texting Wooyoung?" "Study is the only thing that keep me away from my problems." You sighed. "You should confront your problems." Advised your roommate. "I can't. Nobody can force someone to like them." "It's not true. You can do it." She replied. "Meg...." you rubbed your nose. "Even if I want to. I can't." Your roommate opened her mouth to prove you the opposite, but finally she decided to stay quiet and open her books instead. This silence lasted only 30 minutes before someone tapped your shoulders. "Ye- Yunho?!" You freaked out. "Hi." He scratched his head, embarrassed. "Is everything okay? Wooyoung is sick? And how did you manage to find me?" "I'll let you talk in peace. I have my science lesson anyway." Said Megan, burying her books in her bag, before leaving." "See you later Y/N." "Is everything okay?" You repeated. "Yeah, don't worry. Wooyoung is fine." You sighed in relief. "Fine but sad though. He's missing you." "I do too but... I don't want to interfere with his career. I got it. It's important for you and the rest of the members as well." You claimed, sadly. "It is. But we only thought about the group and our success." He added. "It's a complete selfish behavior." "It's okay." You smiled nervously. "You wanted the best for the group." "I can understand if you don't want to forgive us, but we are truly sorry." "For Wooyoung, we should try to get along. And to find the right way to move on." Yunho nodded, happy that you didn't plan a revenge. "So... you are the one who decided to come here? So brave." "Hm... honestly, we are all here except Wooyoung. But I'm the only one who succeeded to jump the gate. "W-Who what?" "If you hear security guard running here than we should run too." "The heck-"

JONGHO

"I can't believe we hide ourselves for 3 hours now." You complained, shoving your hand in a pack of candies. "What do you want to do? Confront them?" You raised a brow, "yeah! We should." "Come on Y/N, we don't even know why they don't like you." "That's why we should open the door, enter the living-room and ask all of them." Jongho sighed, "Y/N." "Jongho." A long eye-contact battle started between both of you. The one who is going to blink will be the winner. "I won't give up." You said. "And I won't give up too." Your eyes started to feel dry and itchy when a loud knock resonated in the whole room. "Jongho, Y/N. Come in the living room please." Requested Yunho." Jongho got out of the bed the first one, you simply followed him. The room was just next to the living-room, but it felt so long at the same time. Your boyfriend gulped and your hands became moist. "We are coming Hyung." Jongho got out of the bed the first one, you simply followed him. The room was just next to the living-room, but it felt so long at the same time. "Why do you want to talk about?" Asked Hongjoong, sitting next to the coffee table. "You asked if we had a particular hate toward Y/N." Replied San. "And yeah, a bit." "At least that's straightforward." You whispered. "Can I know why?" "Well, you made Jongho cry just after 5 days of relationship." The maknae facepalmed and blushed at the same time. "I what? You cried?!" You looked at your boyfriend shocked. "Yeah... it was our first argument. You were really really really mad, and I was so nervous! I was having a mental breakdown and it just happened." He explained. "Only 5 days of relationship." Repeated Yeosang. "So how he would be after 2 years? Depressed?" "Argh no! Of course not. And that's not my intention." You tried to justify yourself. "And an argument is normal for a couple..." "Even after 5 days?" "Seonghwa Hyung..." whispered Jongho. "Yes, it is!" You raised your voice. "You'll understand when you'll get someone in your life." "Y/N." Called Jongho. "I really like Jongho. I don't want to hurt him." You started. "Yes, we have arguments, yes, we cry, yes we ghost each other for few hours or even days. BUT! We will always be going through it." You held Jongho's hand in yours. "Right?" He nodded, completely agreeing with you. "So... I know y'all won’t change your mind instantly, but I'm ready to wait that you give me a chance." You stood up. "here are you going?" Asked Jongho. "Going back home. Maybe you should have a talk with them. "Yeah. We need to gather and explain this situation." Acquiesced Jongho. "See." You winked. "I'll come back tomorrow don't worry." "Okay then." "Thank you for having a talk with us." You thanked the boys. "I really hope you can see me as someone who only wants Jongho's happiness." "We do." Smiled Wooyoung.

[violetlunette]

Okay, I’m planning to do a LOT of BNHA posts once the manga is finished, so to get ready, I’m going to read through every chapter and post my thoughts. This is to refresh my memory and to create reference sheets I'll need in the future.

I’ll admit I’ve been putting this off because I hate recent chapters so much, (so, so much) but as soon as I started re-reading I remembered how much I actually liked the early chapters and why I was pulled into the story right away, so let’s get into that.

Trigger Warning;

*Bullying (Not very graphic) *Suicide Baiting

Okay, so basic summary for those who haven’t read this chapter in a long time;

Izuku Midoriya lives in a world where superpowers are the norm and “heroes” is now a career in which a person will use their special powers—or quirk—to fight against people who use their quirks to harm others or commit crimes. The heroes seem to do a good job in keeping the peace and are admired by the people. Everyone wants to be a hero, even young Izuku. The problem is that unlike literally everyone else in the world Izuku was born without a quirk and is literally powerless—or quirkless as people like him are deemed. Because of this Izuku is bullied by others, the most violent being his “childhood friend” Bakugou. After a terrible day of being ridiculed and bullied, Izuku is attacked and nearly killed by a villain. Fortunately, he is not only saved by a hero but by the Number 1 hero in Japan (and possibly the world) All Might. As All Might is leaving with the captured villain, however, Izuku grabs him. This results in not only the villain being lost, but Izuku learning one of All Might’s secrets. Apparently, All Might has a 3 hr time limit in his hero form, all of which he used up that day. Izuku asks All Might if a quirkless could be a hero, but All Might regretfully explains that he doesn’t think so. Heartbroken, Izuku starts to go home but sees that Bakugou has been captured by the same villain that nearly killed him earlier. Despite the abuse he endured over the years from the bully and being scared, Izuku rushes forward to try and save him. This action inspires All Might to overcome his timelimit and rescue them both. Later, as Izuku is walking away, All Might appears before him. He takes back what he said earlier tells Izuku that he believes the boy CAN become a hero.

Honestly, I pretty much like everything here. This is a great opening chapter. It establishes from page one what kind of person our main character is.

Izuku is someone who has a heroic spirit, and he’s willing to stand up for others even when he knows he’s outmatched. The thing is that despite his desire to save and defend, Izuku is literally powerless in a world where everyone has powers.

We see all this on the first few pages;

This is the first image we see of Izuku; he’s protecting someone who’s been hurt to the point of tears. He's terrified to the point of shaking as he knows Bakugou and company are gonna hurt him (and they do).

Speaking of which, let’s touch on Bakugou—I love him in this chapter. 

(BNHA Fans: LE GASP!)

Yeah, I said it. Yes, I love Bakugou at his worst. (Before the people who follow me for my Bakagou hot takes call me traitor, hear me out.)

I think Bakagou is a good antagonist and opposite to Izuku here. Unlike Izuku, Bakugou was blessed with power but uses it for his own benefit. Which makes sense; he’s a spoiled child who was never scolded for his actions. I also like how unapologetic he was as an asshole he was here. He makes it clear from the get-go that he is all about his ego

--and how he reacts to anyone who challenges it.

I was pulled in and wanted to see how he goes from an asshole to a "worthy rival" character later. (More on that later… sigh.) Most of all, his terrible actions are framed as being bad. Here, they are NOT excused, waved off, glorified, or used to woobify him. He’s not framed as a poor misunderstood soul who needs the power of friendship to save him, he’s framed as an antagonist, especially to Izuku. The way the scenes are drawn, Izuku's reactions--never underestimate the small stuff, they matter more than you think. But that's something I need to study more before I can properly explain.

Oh, and on to everyone's "favorite" part-- the suicide baiting scene. Everyone hates it--for good reason--but in the spirit of fairness, I can understand why it’s there. It also shows how utterly alone and powerless Izuku is in the world, especially against Bakugou. 

Just look at the scene;

Bakugou’s saying it casually but Izuku’s panel shows the effect of those words. Now look at his response;

Izuku is angry, he knows Bakugou went too far and is about to say something, but--

Bakugou threatens him into silence with his quirk, a quirk we’ve seen that’s hurt Izuku and scares him. Even though Izuku wants to say something he can't. He's scared of Bakugou and his quirk and knows he can't fight back. Worse, Bakugou knows that as well. Just look at this panel;

It’s a small panel but it shows something very important--Izuku is alone. No one is there to support him, no is there to protect him, there is no one there for him. He is alone and helpless, and that helplessness makes him frustrated to the point of near tears. But he can’t do anything about it, even when the other is wrong--and he knows it--he can’t. All he can do is grumble about it later as he fishes out his hero notebook.

(I can’t speak for others, but I understand that feeling very well. This scene is probably what caused me to click with Izuku.)

All this sets the overlaying conflict that Izuku wants to fight back and defend himself, but can't. Maybe the baiting it was a step too far, but despite mixed feelings about it, I think it works to make us sympathetic towards Izuku. (Possibly it works TOO well.) I also think it works to show how noble Izuku is when rescuing Bakugou later. Speaking of--

I’ve seen people say that anyone could have been captured by the Sludge villain, and the story would have progressed the same, but I disagree. This scene wouldn't have nearly been as strong if Bakugou wasn't the hostage.

First off, Bakugou getting caught feeds into his arc later. Second, it showed the audience Izuku's moral integrity. 

Bakugou has been beating Izuku up since the former got his quirk and belittled him before that. He is the main antagonist in Izuku’s life to this point. Hell, on that very day—just a few hours before—Bakugou destroyed Izuku’s notebook and told Izuku to kill himself.

Also, this is the same villain who nearly killed Izuku less than an hour before.

The boy is clearly scared as he recalls his pain and fear from the attack, not to mention his near death.

The wounds are still fresh from both events, and he thinks about both. But Izuku doesn’t care about any of that--

All he cares is that someone is scared and needs someone to help him.

This proves to the audience that Izuku has what it takes to be a hero as he’s willing to forego his personal grudges to do what’s right.

THAT is why it had to be Bakugou Izuku saved. Yes, he could have saved anyone else but it wouldn’t have been as meaningful.

I also like how the event really shakes Bakugou up. In any other manga he’d apologize and the two would become best buds from then on (like in Yugioh). But nope.

Here, he’s angry and furious, not just at Izuku, but himself. He hates that he was so weak that he had to not only saved by a quirkless, but by someone who had no obligation to save him. Its kind of an interesting take, especially since we now know how insecure Izuku’s noble spirit makes Bakugou feel. (I’ll tackle this in a later post.)

But enough about Bakugou, let’s move on to one of the best characters in the series, All Might.

I’ve talked about the scene where he tells Izuku that he doesn’t believe a quirkless could be a hero, but I want to say how much I love All Might when he shifts to “Yagi” for the first time. It’s a bit sad but he feels—for lack of a better word—genuine. He’s honest, forward, and kind. Yagi knows he’s hurting Izuku, but you can tell that he feels pain in doing so. It’s like telling a kid that someone they care about is dead, and won’t come back. It’s heartbreaking but it has to be done (from his perspective). All Might could have just said, “no because the villains vary in power, and you’ll get killed.” But instead, he shows Izuku his wound--

--demonstrating that even he—the #1 hero with all his power—met a foe that nearly killed him. Yagi even admits that the only reason he smiles all the time is to hide the overwhelming fear he has every day. All Might didn’t have to say any of that, but he felt that if he was going to destroy someone’s dream he needed to be honest. This was probably the first time in years he allowed himself to be so vulnerable to anyone, which he did to show Izuku that he wasn’t just trying to be cruel.

The introduction between these two was so strong, but it had to be to create the best dynamic in the story—In my opinion, at least.

I really liked how we get to see how Izuku inspires All Might. He was willing to stand back and nothing with the rest of the crowd--

--until Izuku rushed forward.

This inspired him into action and just brings a whole new life to his demeanor (more on that in chapter2). He’s laughing and smiling genuinely--before coughing blood--

—I just love it and him! X3

Chapter 1 also establishes the flaws of the hero system. One issue is that the job of a hero is a bit of a popularity contest and other heroes are looking to steal others’ “captures.”

Like in an RPG game where you spend all this effort to defeat a villain, and then at the final moment someone steals your kill and gets the exp and loot.

(This image has nothing to do with anything, I really like Mt. Lady’s design. I think she’s cute.)

This brings me to the next flaw; how criminals and villains are placed in the same category despite there being a few steps between them. I mean purse-snatching is bad, but not “evil incarnated level.”

(Seriously, Kamui Woods, how sheltered are you?)

But the biggest is its effects on the civilians. Everyone is clearly embedded with the idea of “just sit back and enjoy the show as the heroes handle it.”

Now, in theory, this is a good idea as you don’t want people tangling with villains as that inspires vigilantism and gang fights but it’s created a severe case of bystander syndrome.

Remember that scene where Bakugou makes Izuku’s desk explode--

--and then backs him against a wall?

Yeah, all that happened in front of a TEACHER. And he didn’t say one word, not even a “sit down Bakugou” or “that’s enough, Bakugou.”

(Asshole, stop throwing around important career forms and DO SOMETHING. Especially since YOU singled him out in the first place.)

This especially awfully, as later in the series we see that if he had said some Bakugou would have obeyed. Despite his bombastic personality, he does respect authority, if I remember correctly (don’t quote me just yet though).

Then later when Bakugou’s been captured by a villain, only the heroes care that a kid might die, the rest are just looking on in excitement as if watching a stage show.

Again, more on this later in the series.

Oh! Nearly forgot, but I kinda like that the world's first introduction to superpowers was a glowworm baby.

A little young to be flashing a nurse kid! Hee, hee, I regret nothing!

I dunno why, but I thought it was cute. There's also a metaphor about a "bright future" here, I'm sure.

All in all, I love this chapter. It introduced the main character, and the type of person he was, the "rivalry" dynamic between him and Bakugou, the world, and the meeting of All Might and Deku was just amazing.

But this is only the first step in the manga re-read! Feel free to share your thoughts as well. I'm curious what others think about it. Do you think this was a good intro to the world and story, or a bad one?

[life-rewritten]

WE BEST LOVE  (Fighting Mr 2nd) DEYI and The Theme of Control and Power

You know that show that you know you can talk about forever and be obsessed with, although it seems pretty simple and not really that complicated to analyse and break down? Well, We Best Love (WBL) is precisely that in the most amazing way. I'm not shocked because I've always been a fan of the History Series, especially with this writer and how she creates her projects; it's not surprising that WBL happens to be the most comfortable show to lean into. It feels like entering a cheesy, cute, romantic novel. Yet, it still is the most angsty, passionate, drama-filled plot enough to make you want to run into the screen and comfort these comfort characters, scream at them when they're not making sense, and keep watching despite the pain when you feel like they've gone too far. And I kept quiet and watched season 1 of WBL. I was entranced and in love because it was so simple, but it felt perfect for me; it was a distraction, it made me smile, and it also made my heart quiver. I adored all the actors, and I also enjoyed how the storyline was told. It doesn't have to be so deep and full of clues, but there were facets to the characters, clear set rules in understanding their character roles, and small hints building in the last episode that all was not well and a lot was coming for our couple in the future. It broke my heart because season 1 was focused on the immaturity and naiveness of how we feel when we enter university for the first time; the excitement, but still innocence of hopefully finding someone to mesh with, and yet the dumbness/naivety that can distract us or slow us down before knowing who that person is. Season 1 was light, funny, and sweet because that's how our doe-eyed souls feel when we first enter college and get to discover who we are. Season 2, on the other hand, is focusing on maturity, actually dealing with our flaws, coping with the responsibilities and hardships of life, duty and obligation vs wants and need; the characters are older now, affected by the world's cruelties/situations and now have walls up higher than before. 

And in order to help us get that vibe, even more, our couple's relationship is put through the wringer, hearts torn, misunderstandings prolonged unfairly, and everyone broken just staying in a state of pining, longing and anger, anger, at what was lost to them; the innocence/fun of falling in love, the guise of being in control, and the joy of being free and dumb in love. It isn't a surprise to see our main character, Shide and Shu Yi, see their flaws fleshed out more in the open and actually increased and exposed for us, the audience, to watch and dislike. Shu Yi's short temper becomes even more exposed as he struggles to have control over his past and feelings for Shide once they reunite, and Shide's withdrawal of emotions also becomes even more strained and put on focus as he also realises what he has lost. Both of them enter this sick twisted, and tense need for control and power that their relationship becomes intense and full of passion hidden behind the anger and resentment. So I'm going to break down the idea of Control and Power with these twos relationship, a certain theme that has been there since season 1, and why now it's something both rivals are struggling to obtain to win, especially Shuyi, who is determined this time to not be Mr 2nd when it comes to Shide again. Hence the title Fighting Mr 2nd.

Misunderstandings and Miscommunications

Let's first focus on the miscommunication/ separation at hand. This exposed so much already about how these two felt about the power they hold over the other. Let's first look at what season 1 exposed; for Shide, Shuyi has always had control over him since the moment his young self told him that he would be a companion to him whenever he was lonely. Shide has desperately loved Shuyi and did everything possible to ensure he kept Shuyi's focus on him no matter what. The way he decided to do this was to put himself in a place more powerful than Shuyi; he put himself always ahead of Shuyi, ensuring he was always number one no matter what. This was how he controlled the situation; for him, as long as Shuyi noticed him, he was happy to continue hoping for a change and also making him react. In Shide's mind, he never wanted to force/ make Shuyi fall for him because he didn't think it was possible. He just wanted to be by his side (as a 'friend') until graduation was over.This shows me already some stuff about their relationship. How Shide perceives Shuyi; one, he didn't trust in Shuyi's love as being as strong as he was. He even says it to Shuyi on the bridge when they confessed to each other. For him, Shuyi was always the 'lucky' one; the one in control, the real winner because he had him in his palm of his hand. Shuyi was the one who made him whipped, the one he chased after secretly for 8 years or more. Shuyi has always been the one with the hold over him. Immediately they got together, Shide also tells Shouyi his confusion but the happiness that Shuyi is also feeling the same towards him.

Shide can't believe the switch in Shuyi's personality and actions for him; Shuyi still tried to play of Shide's grand confessions of love in the last episode, and Shide was okay as long as Shuyi kept paying attention to him. But in my head, it showed that Shide didn't think Shuyi's love was as unconditional, as strong, as uncontrollable as his. He didn't know he had any hold over Shuyi. He thought it was his constant love and chase that won Shuyi in the end, so what happens when he thinks he pushed Shuyi away? In Shide's perspective, he's the one who slacked behind and pushed Shuyi away by disappearing for 5 years, which fair enough makes sense; Shuyi has every right to be angry at being ghosted. But Shide blames himself and thinks it's because his show of love was weakened and slowed down that it caused Shuyi to retreat and walk away easily. Because he wasn't fighting anymore for their love, he lost Shuyi's attention. Again this suggests how fickle he believes Shuyi's feelings are and how still in his head he believes he's the one with the long-lasting love/feelings.

Shide's personality is someone who likes to be in control (like Shuyi but for different ways and reasons); he's kind of had to always be; ever since his dad died, he's had to try and make it his goal to become stronger and better to take care of his mum, and to ensure they live well. This is connected to the theme of Duty and Obligation in the show.  Even in Season 1, the reason he has to leave for America for a bit is to ensure his mum settles in nicely. Even after that, he's again the one responsible for ensuring whoever was sick in America was taken care of. It's because of his need to be responsible and be in control that Shuyi always feels distanced from him (mocked, misunderstood, and hurt). Shide is someone who likes to keep a calm demeanour. He likes to take things on by himself; he likes to not show when he's hurting or alone (apart from that one time as a kid where he broke down on Shuyi). In fact, it might be because Shuyi is the only one who did see him in his vulnerable state and gave him an aim to become stronger that made him cling on to his love for him and devote himself to his love for him. But in looking so in control of his emotions, Shuyi always saw Shide as someone who loved winning and making him feel like a fool. In season 1, he thought Shide did it on purpose to see him lose control and be a mess, and in season 2, he's resorted back to that thinking. Let's look at why?

No 1 for You (Shide’s pov)  vs Fighting Mr 2nd (Shuyi’s pov)

Shuyi did not also understand the proper depth of Shide's feelings. I guess we should have seen it coming that he didn't fully understand how deep they were, he had heard ideas from Shide's mother, he had heard grand declarations from Shide (after he was the one to pry it out of him), but he didn't actually trust it fully. I think because he didn't fully trust both their sexualities and identities when it came to their feelings. Like I said, we should have seen it coming when he admits he doesn't want to fall for a guy, but also it's because it's Shide he's okay with being in love. However, people complained about this because in BL, we're tired of the I love you, not boys trajectory always chosen. However, it was more than that. I think because of what's embedded in people's minds at a young age (due to society),  there might have also been, as a result of that,  hints of internalised homophobia (IH) with Shuyi. And that's why it made sense for him to wither and assume that Shide truly would be with someone else and be married and have kids. Because of IH, Shuyi may have automatically thought it made sense that Shide would move on, get married and have kids in America (hence as he said in episode 1,  he was disqualified by choice) because, in his head, he didn't understand Shide's love and devotion for him.

It also points to insecurity and fear that he might not be enough/the better option for Shide. One of his pet peeves was that he was always coming second to Shide, he was always being seen by himself as second best, and he probably also thought he had become the second-best option to Shide living a great 'fulfilled' life according to 'society' where he is married to a wife and has kids. This is why in the special episode, he also gives up easily and wishes him the best refusing to actually question why Shide would do this to him after all the stupid and grand promises he made a year ago before he left. Promises of marriage, promises of devotion, of being his family etc. Of course, this felt like Shuyi was thoroughly mocked and lowered because he had lost again to Shide by letting his heart trust him and wait for him. Now, in season 2, he's determined to not do that too. To not lose control of his heart ever again. To not fail to Shide in any way, shape or form ever again.

Shuyi; The Guise of Control

Shide is always acting on the surface like he's in control, causing Shuyi to always think he's more vulnerable and a fool, and it makes season 2 make more sense. Even if Shide says, he'll make Shuyi look at him again, how on earth is he meant to ever let that happen? He literally manipulated the situation in season 1 and got Shuyi's walls down only for him just to cheat on him, so how can Shuyi trust just his actions on the surface?

No matter how devoted Shide is looking, even at the end finally showing a hint of losing control under Shuyi's hold which Shuyi was not expecting because he thought Shide will always want to again be 'proper'.  And in the past, it was Shuyi who always pushed for skinship once they started dating; Shide always again acted like he hadn't been affected; this was discussed actually in that final episode. Even if on the surface Shide looked affected, Shuyi wouldn't trust that. Because Shide is always holding back whilst Shuyi always feels like a fool, never being able to control himself around him, never being able to control his emotions or have a poker face around him. From the first episode in season 1, Shuyi has always been uncontrollable when it came to Shide, whilst Shide always came out looking cool.

Shuyi always ended up in the most vulnerable shameful state (forgetfully hurting himself in reaction to Shide's presence, being the one distracted and bothered by skinship in the last episode whilst Shide studied, or even being exposed and screaming down a bridge, his love for Shide to make Shide come out and say how he feels). Shuyi always ended up being weakened and frustrated because Shide seemed like he had everything in order. Shuyi is now adamant he's lying or that Shuyi is still the one who's more in love with him (his biggest fear). For example, the slap he gives to Shide (exposed his lack of control of emotions around Shide) and yet Shide immediately tried to control the situation, making Shuyi again look like the irrational one and the most affected one. Also, as mentioned it Shuyi (in Shuyi's head), who proceeded to force/get Shide to confess. Because Shide was too focused on controlling his environment, avoiding the situation, holding back his feelings, whilst Shuyi's emotions always get the best of him and caused him to still lose in front of Shide. Basically letting Shide get his way all the time. And by doing that, it was Shuyi who ended up waiting for a year and then being 'cheated' on, being ghosted with his heart shattered.

The Fear of Weakness and Vulnerability

Other examples are Shide going to Shuyi's house and ignoring him in his own home (again, Shuyi can't even control his environment when it comes to Shide, everything he owns feels little because Shide seems to have a hold over him in everything), and proceeding to make him the fried rice. Even as the vice president who's meant to be in control and be in charge of letting go of people (which his father is pressuring him to do, he has no choice in the matter), Shide is the CEO (a higher position)  of the company and is adamant on convincing Shuyi to do no such thing. It's a big fear to Shuyi, which is why he's determined to ensure he does fire these people because if he doesn't, It means he's again coinciding underneath Shide's hold over him, over everything he has, including his heart.

The act of making fried rice in Shuyi's house as if nothing is going on, Shide ignoring his tantrums and outbursts does again what Shuyi hates, makes him feel stupid, weak and vulnerable. It makes him feel like he's losing again to Shide. This is why I think he really has no other option in his mind to win but to use emotions and feelings (what he can't control) as a weapon to capture Shide. By making Shide fall for him emotionally and then being the one to break his heart, that's how Shuyi thinks he'll finally be able to break down Shide's calm, façade that he's always in control, that's how he stops being Mr Second. Obviously, it's a stupid idea because Shuyi literally becomes weakened just by being in Shide's presence. To be anywhere intimate with him, he will only resort to his own emotions being, even more, harder to handle even if he tries to play it off as just attraction.

And for both of them, control is even harder physically with emotions because they've been 'starved' of each other's presence for 5 years, of each other's touch and connection. As shown in episode 1 of FMS, they're both in a state of pining, longing and waiting for one of them to give in. For 5 years, Shuyi was secretly fighting against the truth that he had been waiting for Shide to return even when he tried to focus all his energy and heart into hate and bitterness (to distract him from the pain of waiting). Shuyi never wanted to give up on hope, never wanted to let go of Shide, because it's out of his control to forget or move on. He couldn't do that even if he tried. This is why he also tries again to use a power play with a fake girlfriend that he couldn't remember the name for.  Every single sentence he said was how he compared himself to the girl he thought Shide cheated on him with. He was saying it to hurt Shide, but in the end, he was still exposing his own hurt and insecurity about why he thought Shide left him.

Shide; Control Vs Sacrifice

Meanwhile, the audience all know that, on the other hand, Shide is the one who has no control over the matter. No matter what he seems like on the surface/ in front of Shuyi, Shide is completely tired, weak and frustrated once he sees Shuyi again. It's frustrating because the only time he shows his emotions is once Shuyi isn't looking; he cries only after Shuyi has left, always holding his feelings and only letting it out when he's by himself. Although to Shuyi, it seems he's in control, being the CEO, being the one who disappeared for 5 years, being the one who is successful and influential, Shuyi couldn't be more opposite in his thoughts. Shide has no control over the CEO position; it's not a job he chose for himself, it's not what he wanted to do, he did it because of again his responsibility to his mother and family. Shide isn't the one who chose to disappear for 5 years in America; he again had no control over the situation because someone else was ill, and he had to be the one to help his family again become stable. And lastly, Shide isn't successful and as influential as he's sold his company to Shuyi's father, so he actually isn't in control of his position, of his life essentially. What Shuyi sees as control is unfortunate because it's actually Shide's sacrifice; he's had to lose what he actually wants to be in that position. All he's ever wanted is Shuyi. Ironic no?

Even in Season 1, when he seemed to be the one controlling the situation, he wasn't; he always did everything to get Shuyi, and for 8 years him being 'in control/winner' as Shuyi puts it wasn't him winning because he always didn't get Shuyi's heart before he confessed. And that's what's so heartbreaking about Shuyi's misunderstanding of Shide; when he first sees Shide in the past in his memories, he doesn't know the moment Shide fell for him; he just sees Shide winning over him, he doesn't even notice the first person who had control over the other was him, because he already took Shide's heart, trust and devotion. This is why Shide told him he was the lucky one; he was the one who was winning, who was always in control. Not Shide.

Love and It’s Hold and Power

And again, although Shide is the one he thinks he's second-best to. Shuyi has a lot of power over everyone else since he was young. He's been a spoilt, rich boy who's had control over his friends (in a positive way like they felt they had to watch him and babysit him), he's had control due to his father's power, and he's had control now over Shide just due to again his father's job and his heritage. And I think that's why he can't stand the fact that no matter what he does when he's with Shide, he loses all of that power; he's reduced to wanting to do something for someone, like in season 1, washing the dishes, being humble, exposing his feelings to Shide so loudly and vulnerably. Shide is the only person who makes him want to do all that, and he hates it. It's why when the employees in episode 1 call him again Shide's girlfriend (even though literally Shide bending down to tie his laces is an act of losing control and him being in control of him), it bothers him because it makes him look weak. He's the one flustered by the actions; his heart is shaken by the movement. What he sees about Shide vs what's genuinely being shown/exposed is so opposite, so of course, they're more prone to misunderstandings because they've always both seen the situation very differently.

So WBL has always been using this theme of Control vs Power with Shide and Shuyi. And how, because of love, both of them feel this lack of control over each other. Mostly from season 1, when Shide gets closer to Shuyi using the idea of rivalry to see who can win over each other, even though he gives in always to Shuyi on purpose. Shuyi's misunderstanding has always been an issue since episode 1, since even when Shide kissed him in the pool. This time around in season 2, we get to deal with the actual seriousness/reciprocation of what that misunderstanding and fear of lack of control can do to them. And how others can manipulate that (Shuyi's father probably). Either way, these twos relationship has become angst central because Shuyi really is fighting Mr second, he's determined this time not to lose to Shide no matter what and he's finally using like the last way he can possibly gain control over Shide. His body. The most vulnerable part of a person is exposed when they sleep with someone else; by getting Shide to even want to give in to him as he requested, he can expose everything about Shide, his weakness, his heart, his truths. Hence, it makes sense the relationship is using attraction and chemistry as a powerful tool for the storyline. Shuyi isn't going to be able to even go through with anything because he's just as vulnerable and weak with Shide as Shide is with him.

I love angst, and I love power plays and fight for control in rivals to lovers stories. I love misunderstandings and requited, but they don't know the trope. I just really enjoy WBL, and I'm so excited to see what happens next. Looks like Shide is finally going to lose that façade he has on the surface once he breaks down under the influence of alcohol; probably, poor boy has been suffering so much. And I think both of them will soon need to gain control over their situation together so they can defeat the obstacles that come in the form of Shuyi's father, society, company issues etc. So yeh, I'm loving this, and it's such a breath of fresh air. Friday is too far away, sigh.

[ibijau]

Futures past pt4 / On AO3

Because his new friend isn't free, Nie Huaisang must spend time with Lan Xichen instead

Through some sort of miracle, Nie Huaisang managed to not get into any trouble for the second day in a row, mostly because Jin Zixun was still the problematic student of the moment. He really had a very unpleasant personality, that one, but with some of the rumours going around about him it wasn’t such a surprise. If even just one or two pieces of gossip that Nie Huaisang had heard were true… well, he wouldn’t have wanted to be in Jin Zixun’s shoes, for sure, but he also understood why he was like that. For someone in that position, the only options were to act important at any cost, or to make it clear one wasn’t a threat to anyone. Jin Zixun had made his choice, just like Nie Huaisang had.

But on that fine afternoon, Nie Huaisang wasn’t in a mood to think about Jin Zixun, except to silently thank him for attracting all of the teacher's annoyance to himself. Because Nie Huaisang, as it happened, had plans for the free time he had until dinner.

Having excused himself toward the other Nie disciples who didn't much care what he did anyway, Nie Huaisang headed toward the training grounds where he found a group of Lan disciples sparring in pairs. Normally he would have found such a display of excellence boring at best, depressing at worst, but for once Nie Huaisang watched with sincere interest. His eyes jumped from one pair to the other, until at last he found the person he was looking for. 

Su She was sparring with a boy a little shorter than him, and who looked slightly younger as well. Watching him like this, Nie Huaisang realised that his new friend hadn't lied the previous afternoon: he was clearly less at ease with an audience, and made a few mistakes here and there that got him scolded. He was still a better swordsman than Nie Huaisang would ever care to be, though, and clearly determined to continue improving. 

After a while, there was a lull in the lesson so everyone could catch their breath. Nie Huaisang saw his chance, and waved his arm high about his head to catch his new friend's attention. 

"Su-xiong!" he shouted, attracting more than just Su She's notice. "Su-xiong, hi!" 

Su She's face scrunched into a funny expression upon being hollered at that way, but he walked the distance to the edge of the training grounds, pretending not to notice how his fellow Lan disciples stared at him as if he'd grown a second head.

"So Nie gongzi really came," Su She said after quickly bowing to greet the other boy. "I thought you were just being polite yesterday." 

"If I knew how to be polite, I wouldn't need to be studying here. Are you done here? Do you have other classes after?" 

"Well…" 

"Because you said you let me hear you play music, remember?" 

Su She grimaced, a spot of colour rising to his cheeks as he glanced behind. Some of the boys in his group were preparing to leave the training grounds, but five of them looked as if they were going to stay behind. 

"Laoshi said I didn't perform well," Su She muttered. "So I have to practice some more. I'm very grateful for laoshi spending time on us less skilled students, of course. But I doubt I'll have any free time today, Nie gongzi." 

"Don't call me gongzi, it's awkward," Nie Huaisang complained, poking him in the shoulder. "We're friends now, so you can be more familiar than that. Right, Su-xiong?”

“It would be inappropriate,” Su She muttered, glancing at the leaving disciple who passed them by and kept throwing them curious looks. “Nie gongzi is the brother of a highly respected sect leader, I could not dare…”

“Nonsense! Come on, try calling me ‘Nie-xiong’! There’s really no need for formality. Isn’t there a rule about equality between friends?”

Su She shifted uncomfortably, while some of those other Lan disciples walking by were now sneering.

“We’re not friends,” Su She said. “We just met yesterday.”

At some other time, Nie Huaisang would have accepted that rejection. He was stupid, yes, but not completely devoid of good sense, and too lazy to pursue anyone who didn’t want him around. But he also didn’t like the way those other Lan boys looked at the two of them, as if they thought it stupid that anyone should even talk to Su She.

Nie Huaisang was very lazy, but that was nothing compared to how petty he could be.

“If we’re not friends yet, I’m sure we can become so,” he announced, a touch louder than truly necessary. “I really had fun with you yesterday, and I think you’re very interesting. Please, Su-xiong, give me a chance?”

Su She’s face went through a whole range of emotion, from suspicion to something that might have been gratefulness, before he nodded a little shyly.

“If… If Nie-xiong insists then… then this humble one is honoured by that offer of friendship.”

Nie Huaisang beamed.

“I still can’t spend time with Nie-xiong today, though.”

Nie Huaisang’s smile fell. His whole plan for the afternoon had been to spend time with his new friend. He’d wanted to make Su She play music for him, chat a little, and see if the other boy could be convinced to help him with his homework, since he’d been ignoring a mounting pile of those and was bound to get in trouble sooner rather than later. Jin Zixun wasn’t going to attract all the trouble to himself for ever, and Lan Qiren was going to be done with his other duties soon.

“I guess I’ll have to find something else to do,” Nie Huaisang sighed, glancing around for an idea. To his surprise, he spotted Lan Xichen not very far, who was looking in their direction with an unreadable expression. Nie Huaisang grimaced, and sighed again. “Well, there’s always that, I guess. If Su-xiong really isn’t available, I guess Lan gongzi will have to do… I probably need to apologise for yesterday, anyway.”

“Probably,” Su She agreed. “You… You’d rather spend time with me than him, really?”

“Sure,” Nie Huaisang distractedly said, already trying to figure out what he’d tell Lan Xichen. “You’re more fun, and by far. Listen, I’m leaving for now, but let’s try to meet again. Come find me after my classes if you happen to be free, alright? And I’ll try to look for you as well.”

Su She promised and shared some of his schedule for the coming days before his teacher called him back to the lesson at hand. Nie Huaisang then had no choice but to wave at Lan Xichen who nodded at him, and dragged his feet to the older boy, cursing his future self and his stupid brother for forcing the acquaintance on him.

“Good afternoon, Nie gongzi,” Lan Xichen greeted him. “How surprising to find you here. Did you have any business on the training grounds?”

“I came to see a friend,” Nie Huaisang explained, pointing at Su She. “But he’s busy, in the end.”

“You came to see Su She?” Lan Xichen asked in an odd tone.

“I met him yesterday, he’s good fun.” Remembering what else had happened the previous day, Nie Huaisang grimaced and bowed to the older boy. “Speaking of that, I’m sorry for what happened then. I was very rude, and I’m very sorry. You’re not the sort of person that tricks others, so it was wrong of me to accuse you of that.”

“Did you meet Su She after you ran away?” Lan Xichen insisted.

Something in his frown, when he usually looked as placid as a water buffalo no matter what went on, rubbed Nie Huaisang the wrong way. It was already a little annoying that other Lan disciples clearly didn’t hold Su She in very high regard, but that was not so unexpected. They might be from Gusu Lan, people were still people, and no amount of rules could stop teenagers from turning on whoever they thought they could bully without consequences. Su She, with his personality and slightly lesser skill, was an easy target for whoever wanted to feel superior. It only made sense, because people were like that.

But Lan Xichen wasn’t just people, he was the First Jade of Gusu Lan, praised by everyone for his good personality, and he really had no business saying Su She’s name in that particular tone, as if those two syllables might dirty his mouth.

“Yes, I stumbled onto him after leaving you,” Nie Huaisang confirmed. “And then we chatted a lot, and I think we get along fine, so I hope we can be really friends. Does Lan gongzi have a problem with that?”

“Not at all,” Lan Xichen lied, which Nie Huaisang could tell because the older boy was immensely bad at lying, his cheeks all flushed, his hands trembling. “I am very glad that Nie gongzi is… making the best of his time here. I’m sure… well. I’m sure you wouldn’t bestow your friendship onto someone unworthy.”

He absolutely thought that Nie Huaisang was stupid and would hang out with the wrong crowd, that much was clear.

If Nie Huaisang hadn’t promised his future self that he’d make an effort to get along with Lan Xichen, he would have left and found some other way to spend his afternoon. But this was for Nie Mingjue, who was going to die if Nie Huaisang didn’t behave himself.

For the sake of his brother, Nie Huaisang could put up with someone unpleasant here and there, right?

“So, about yesterday, would you still show me that good spot for painting?” Nie Huaisang asked. “I’m really, really sorry for reacting the way I did, I swear.”

Lan Xichen blinked a few times like a startled owl, and gazed a long moment at Nie Huaisang, his expression quite serious.

“Nie gongzi needs not apologise,” he said. “I understand how you might have misunderstood my intentions. After all, we have hardly ever spoken before, and Nie gongzi has no reason to trust me. I hope I can change that over time. Since your brother is dear to me, I hope the two of us can also learn to get along. It would be nice if we could all three rely on one another, right?”

“Sure,” Nie Huaisang said, a little puzzled. “Anyway, that place for painting?”

Lan Xichen pinched his lips, and looked up at the sky. “I fear there is a chance it might rain,” he said. “Today would not be right for it. Another time though…”

“Damn, then I’m back to square one,” Nie Huaisang muttered. “I really don’t know what I’m going to do until dinner, how boring.”

“Don’t you have homework?”

Nie Huaisang grimaced. He crossed his arms on his chest and shook his head.

“I do, but that’s even more boring than not doing anything. And anyway, I don’t really understand what it’s about, so it’s pointless. I guess I’ll just go hang out in the library and see if I can find something fun to read.”

“Or else,” Lan Xichen started, before pinching his lips again. “But no, I don’t suppose that would interest you.”

“Tell me anyway. I am so bored, I’ll at least consider anything.”

Lan Xichen, again, gave him a long hard look, as if trying to understand something about him.

“Nie gongzi, I have some work to be doing right now, but I wouldn’t mind having company,” Lan Xichen offered. “We can go pick up your homework, too, and that way if you have questions I can help you with them. Would that interest you?”

It absolutely didn’t interest Nie Huaisang. The only thing worse than doing homework or spending time with Lan Xichen was dealing with both at the same time. Even for Nie Mingjue’s sake, he wasn’t sure he could put up with such torture.

Hopefully, his brother might be properly grateful for his efforts someday.

He probably wouldn’t be.

Still, Nie Huaisang made himself smile and said: “Sure, why not try that!” with enough fake enthusiasm that Lan Xichen didn’t question him.

Having decided on this course of action, Nie Huaisang and Lan Xichen headed for the cabin where the Nie disciples resided, so Nie Huaisang could grab some of the assignments he’d been given. They then walked silently toward the house Lan Xichen shared with his uncle and brother, both of which happened to be absent at the moment. Lan Qiren was busy leading his brother’s sect, while Lan Wangji was overseeing the punishment of some other juniors. Neither of those two were particularly dear to Nie Huaisang, but he'd have preferred not being alone with Lan Xichen.

While Lan Xichen prepared some tea, Nie Huaisang took the liberty of looking around the house. It was decorated in a simple but elegant manner, everything speaking of great taste and refinement, like the rest of the Cloud Recesses. It was a shame the Lan were so boring, because they had an amazing sense of beauty which appealed to Nie Huaisang. He would have loved to live in a house like this one, where aesthetics weren’t sacrificed to practicality like at home, where people could dress like scholars without getting yelled at because long sleeves weren’t good for fighting. There was an air of calm to the Cloud Recesses that appealed to him, and it was really too bad that the people who actually got to live there always looked like they didn’t properly appreciate the beauty of that place.

Adding to that feeling of near perfection, the tea Lan Xichen served was exquisite, light and easy on the tongue, perfectly refreshing and just the thing Nie Huaisang needed after a long day of ignoring lessons and repeated disappointments. If only the company had been better, he would have been delighted.

“I’m going to start working,” Lan Xichen announced, placing an ancient looking scroll on the table, next to some fresh paper and an inkstone. “But please do not hesitate to interrupt me if you have questions. I would really be happy to help.”

“Lan gongzi is too kind. I will try hard to not be too much of a bother, but I am grateful for the offer.”

Lan Xichen offered Nie Huaisang a strained smile, then started whatever work he had to do. Nie Huaisang felt his head and heart hurt at the very idea of homework, but still forced himself to at least look at some of the essays he was supposed to write. It was a question about a hypothetical situation at a Night Hunt, and demanded an explanation of how to best deal with the crisis detailed, as well as why that solution was the appropriate one. Nie Huaisang wasn’t sure it was something that had been discussed in class, though with how little he managed to actually listen, it might well have been. In any case, he was pretty sure that someone a little more used than him to Night Hunts would have known what to do from experience, but he never really went Night Hunting, unlike most kids his age.

Still, since he was trapped there with nothing better to do, Nie Huaisang tried his best to think of something to write. He picked up a spare sheet of paper and even dipped his brush in Lan Xichen's ink, ready to write down whatever stupid answer he’d come up with, but his mind remained desperately blank. It was such a waste of time. He should have refused Lan Xichen’s invitation, and gone out in the back hills. If the weather was about to turn bad, some birds might have been flying lower than usual. He could have seen them from up close, which would have been nice. He hadn’t yet figured out which species lived around the Cloud Recesses, but…

“Oh, that’s pretty,” Lan Xichen remarked.

Nie Huaisang startled, and looked down at the sheet of paper in front of him, where he had mindlessly started doodling a few birds. He hadn’t meant to do that, but it tended to happen when he was bored, and then teachers noticed and got angry, scolding him for wasting time and paper on something useless. Used to things playing out a certain way, and knowing how serious everyone in Gusu Lan was, Nie Huaisang braced himself for a scolding that never came.

“You have a very good sense of movement,” Lan Xichen said instead, leaning over the table to get a better look. “And a good eye for details too. Those are swallows, right?”

“Yeah,” Nie Huaisang mumbled, shoulders still hunched up. “I like them. They’re fun to watch fly, even if it’s not… da-ge says it’s a waste of time.”

Lan Xichen hummed quietly, and put down his own brush, extending his hand toward Nie Huaisang. Unsure what else to do, the younger boy handed him his doodles, which Lan Xichen observed with rather more attention than something so rushed really deserved.

“The time you spent observing those birds can’t have been wasted if it lets you paint them this way,” Lan Xichen noted, giving back the paper. “Nie gongzi is more skilled than I would have expected. Were you taught formally, or did you just pick up on your own?”

“A bit of both. When he figured I wasn’t going to be good at cultivation, my father decided I’d have to be good at something else. But then he died, and until da-ge marries I’m his heir, so everyone started insisting on me learning cultivation again.”

“Yes, I suppose that would have to take priority,” Lan Xichen conceded. “It’s too bad. You have real talent. If you’d like, I can see if it’s possible for someone to teach you while you are here. And you said you were interested in the guqin as well, weren’t you?”

Too stunned for words, Nie Huaisang could only nod.

“I’m sure something can be arranged,” Lan Xichen said with a smile that, for once, looked somewhat sincere. “As long as it doesn’t impact the rest of your studies.”

Whatever hope Nie Huaisang had allowed himself to feel crumbled instantly upon hearing that condition. It wasn’t that learning to paint or play music would change his capacity to learn other things, he thought, because he just didn’t have the head for cultivation or politics in the first place. But if he failed in his normal classes, everyone would assume it was because he only cared about those other lessons.

“Lan gongzi doesn’t need to take this pain,” Nie Huaisang sighed, waving his hand in a dismissive gesture. “It’s fine, it’d just be a waste of time. I am a very bad student to begin with, so let’s spare everyone the headache. No teacher should have to bear with a student like me. Really, I pity your uncle already, so let’s not add to the amount of people I’ll disappoint.”

“Nie gongzi underestimates himself. With proper motivation…”

“Ah but that’s the problem, I have no motivation whatsoever,” Nie Huaisang proudly proclaimed. “Ask my brother, nothing works on me at all, I’m just too lazy to care about anything. No, really, I thank you for the offer, Lan gongzi, but don’t waste your time.”

Lan Xichen frowned, seemingly upset to have his generous suggestion declined, and out of pure laziness too. Nie Huaisang, used to his sect’s typical temper, would have expected an explosion of anger in reaction to his apathy. He would have known how to deal with a little shouting. Instead, Lan Xichen made himself smile again, and returned to his own work without insisting, as if it didn’t matter to him what Nie Huaisang did.

Probably because he really didn’t care, Nie Huaisang thought, trying to force his attention back to his homework. They were just too different. Even if they shared certain interests, like painting or music, at the end of the day they was a huge gap in their skills and personality that made it impossible for them to get along. Compared to how easy it had been to chat with Su She… definitely, Nie Huaisang preferred the new friend he’d made over the person he’d been ordered to become close to.

“What is your assignment about?” Lan Xichen asked after a while, putting down his brush again. “You seem to be struggling, perhaps I can help?”

Feeling quite depressed at the thought he wouldn’t befriend Lan Xichen and might thus cause Nie Mingjue to die an awful death, Nie Huaisang shrugged. Homework didn’t seem so important anymore.

“Show me,” Lan Xichen insisted. “I know you’re smarter than this, so let’s see what we can do.”

Fearing he would be rude again and get in trouble for it this time, Nie Huaisang gave in and pushed his assignment toward Lan Xichen. The older boy inspected it with more attention than it deserved, a slight frown on his face as he read the question.

“Is this really stumping you?” he then asked, in a tone of voice Nie Huaisang knew too well, the one people had when they realised they needed to lower their already non existent expectations.

“It’s just a very stupid question,” Nie Huaisang pouted, crossing his arms on his chest. 

His frown deepening, Lan Xichen glanced down at the piece of paper before him.

“Actually, you’re not wrong,” he said, startling Nie Huaisang.

“I’m not?”

“Hm. In an actual Night Hunt, you might not have the time to look for exactly the right person to notify,” Lan Xichen explained, “you’d just need to find someone to warn of such a situation, as long as they can help. This is what you’re thinking, isn’t it?”

Nie Huaisang eagerly nodded, which elicited a small smile in the other boy.

“You are right to find the question… disingenuous,” Lan Xichen resumed. “Don’t think of this as something practical, but as an ideal. If you had the time, if you had the choice, who would you share this information with. That’s what is asked of you here.”

“It still sounds stupid, but a little less so,” Nie Huaisang conceded. “To be honest, I’d just go tell da-ge. The only reason I ever go to Night Hunts is if he’s forcing me, so of course he’d be here to, and there’s nothing he can’t deal with. So he’s the logical choice.”

Lan Xichen’s smile froze, something changing in his expression. Although he was looking at Nie Huaisang, it felt as though he was looking at something else, as if he could see right through the younger boy, and what he saw made him terribly sad. Before Nie Huaisang could ask if there was a problem, Lan Xichen got himself back under control, his face placid once more.

“To be fair, warning your sect leader is a very good option,” Lan Xichen said. “This assignment… it’s not just about saying who you would warn, it’s about judging your reasoning for it. You have to explain your choice.”

“I think I get it,” Nie Huaisang said, leaning over the table to get his sheet of paper back. “Well, somewhat, anyway. Fine, I’ll try again, but I still expect to get a very bad grade. Still, thanks for the help, Lan gongzi.”

Lan Xichen smiled as he picked up his brush again. “It’s no trouble at all. If anything it’s a good exercise for me, having to explain these things to someone not used to school work. Perhaps in the future you can come to me again if you encounter more problems. I’d be happy to give a hand.”

Nie Huaisang just hummed in answer, barely paying attention now that he finally somewhat understood what was expected of him. It was still a very stupid question, he decided, but knowing what it was supposed to mean helped a bit. He just wished the language used weren’t so obscure.

For a while after that, both boys worked in silence. Nie Huaisang still got distracted once or twice and doodled a few things or looked as Lan Xichen meticulously copied texts, but overall he managed to produce something he could hand back to Lan Qiren without shaming his ancestors too much. He even showed it to Lan Xichen, who agreed Nie Huaisang was making some good points while gently correcting a few mistakes here and there.

“Come find me and tell me if you get a good grade,” Lan Xichen then asked. “And maybe bring some of your drawings with you? I won’t force you to get lessons if you’re not interested, but I’m very curious to see what you can do.”

“If it pleases Lan gongzi, of course I will,” Nie Huaisang replied, who had no intention of doing such a thing.

He might have been a little unrefined, but he understood Lan Xichen was just saying that to be polite. Nobody wanted to see the sort of drawings a kid like Nie Huaisang produced, except much younger children, or maybe relatives trying to be kind. Even the earlier offer to help again with homework had to have been purely a matter of politeness… but in that case, Nie Huaisang might pretend to be stupid and actually pester Lan Xichen anyway. It was his only chance of spending time with the older boy after all, and so his only chance to get in Lan Xichen’s good graces like his future self had ordered.

How very boring, but at least if he got some decent grades, his brother might be a little proud of him.

[hawksugarbaby]

Kirishima x reader - Drag

Fluff + drag queen Kirishima

"EIJIRO KIRISHIMA!" you sprinted to his room with a crinkling plastic bag in hand while shoving other students out the way. You knocked on his door rapidly bouncing up and down "yes (y/n)?" you shoved the plastic bag in his face and grinned from ear to ear "I saw your Instagram..." his eyes shot open and he immediately started hunting for excuses "uh it was a bet? I lost a bet to mina I promise" he slowly backed up into his room trying to hide the makeup palettes on his shelf and pushing away the feminine clothes lying on the floor "make me pretty!" you pulled out an eyeshadow palette and some brushes waving them about desperately "your already pretty?" he put the brushes down hoping no one else was hearing this conversation "EI PLEASE!" you begged and he sighed pulling you inside and shutting his door loudly.

"Please don't tell anyone pumpkin" he sighed looking at his girlfriend as you bounced around excitedly "baby I will never ever tell anyone if you don't want me to" you promised and he sat you down in front of his mirror brushing the hair out of your face combing through it with his crimson riot hairbrush which you thought was adorable. He shuffled through the palettes in your bag "you got these from the dollar store didn't you" he sat the out on the marble vanity and opened them up to look at the cracked powders making you click your tongue "they weren't like that when I bought them" you said closing the palettes again quickly "it's okay I have plenty" he muttered and pulled a drawer out from under his bed which was filled top to bottom edge to edge with makeup.

"Wow, Ei that's a lot! This must have been a lot of money" you giggled and he pulled out his mint to be and misunderstood palette by colourpop and lipstick by nyx "yeah it does cost a lot but I think it's worth it" he smiled and pulled the foundation you bought out of the bag since it was your shade and he would not be letting you go out looking like a cheap whore who couldn't even match her foundation to her skin tone. "I've never worn makeup before" you admit squishing your cheeks together while he hunted for a colour corrector to go over your purple eye bags "your 17 and you've never worn makeup?" he asked and dabbed the colour corrector on thickly, your eyebags were terrible afterall "you haven't been sleeping well have you pumpkin," he asked blending out the cream under your eyes and pumping out some foundation onto the back of his hand. "Just nightmares Ei" you gave a lopsided grin and he kissed the top of your head "do you want to talk about it," he asked and started putting the foundation on your face gently, he didn't want to hurt you by dabbing too hard.

You shook your head and turned looking into the mirror instead of at him "do you need to talk about something?" he stopped doing your foundation "what do you mean?" you carefully thought of how to phrase your next sentence while he took a drink of his water "are you gay?" you grimaced when he spat his water out getting it all over you and the vanity. he chuckled "no pumpkin I'm definitely not gay" he wiped the vanity down with an old T-shirt "are you trans? If you are I'll support you one hundred per cent of the way" you put your hand on top of his reassuring him even though he didn't need the reassurance "I'm not trans either (y/n) I just do drag" he showed you a little book from his shelf and you flicked through it it was filled with pictures of him in drag and flyers and tickets from all of his shows. It did bring him immense joy knowing that if he was trans you wouldn't break up with him (sorry straight ppl) and that you had no issue if he was gay other than you not being a guy which would have been an issue.

"You look so pretty in this one" you gushed pointing to the picture of him next to a microphone and a laughing crowd and he laughed nervously remembering that night did not go brilliantly, well no it did, but that night he got caught by Mr Aizawa for sneaking out, BUT he got permission to go do his thing instead of having to sneak out "how many people know?" you asked while he primed your eyelids with a different blender "you and Mr Aizawa," he said sadly, sure he was upset that his friends didn't know but he didn't WANT them to know, that's why he lied and told them he didn't have Instagram but he was more than happy now that you knew and he no longer had to hide his passion from the person he loved most in this world "Mr Aizawa?" you giggled imagining the shocked face of your teacher when your boyfriend got home in a full face of makeup "comes to every one of my shows" he grinned and picked up a small pointy brush. "Well I better get to know Mr Aizawa a bit more huh"

He dusted the brush in a dark green and asked you to shut your eyes "so how come I wasn't aware my boyfriend is a drag queen" you asked while the handsome boy packed your crease with dark green and he sighed heavily concentrating on the powder falling onto your cheeks "I just didn't know how you would react" he said brushing the green flecks from your face "I will always accept you Ei don't you forget that" you grabbed the hand he wasn't using and squeezed it tightly while he stamped the rest of the colour in and winged the end and started buffing it out.

"I don't understand why you wanted me to do your makeup though," he said picking up a clean brush and smothering it in a pastel green dusting it lightly on the edge of the crease he had made to blend it out and went back over the dark green, "I told you I wanted you to make me pretty" you reminded him, maybe he forgot what you said when you came to his door and shoved the bag in his face "your already gorgeous (y/n) you don't need makeup," he said kissing the top of your head again while pouring some concealer onto his hand "aw Ei thank you" you smiled at him... maybe, you didn't know you still had your eyes closed "I don't really know why I wanted you to actually i just thought it would be fun" you shrugged and raised your eyebrows for him when you felt him go in with the concealer covering part of your eyelid and the outward flick and more green flecks fluttered down to your face making you scrunch up your nose "wait I'm going to sneeze" you warned him and turned away letting out an adorable kitten sneeze making him laugh "I love you more and more each day" he praised making your face turn red underneath the foundation.

He brushed on a shimmery white into the corners of your eyelid making them sparkle "(y/n) you realise that once the lipstick is on it means no kisses" he smirked and watched as your face dropped and you struggled to keep your eyes closed "YOU NEVER SAID NO KISSES!" you yelled and smacked your hand over your mouth before someone could come and check out the couples quarrel a few rooms over "what if you put your makeup on too then nothing is technically getting messed up?" you offered hoping that you could convince him. You would not be living this day without kisses it was illegal for you to go a day without kisses "what if someone see's me?" he asked picking up a limey green on his brush and moving the hair that had fallen in front of your face. "Then we say I dared you and that I bought all the makeup and followed a tutorial," you said bringing up a youtube video that looked similar-ish to the look he was doing on you "it couldn't hurt," he said and put on the lime green in the middle of your lid blending it into the white.

"I'm really proud of you Ei," you said and your lips turned upward while he applied a lighter version of the eyeshadow he used on your crease to the outer part of your eyelid following the flick upwards and blending it into the shimmery lime "why?" he pulled back to look at his work so far and smiled softly at how pretty you looked, you always looked pretty but this was your first time ever wearing makeup and he was doing it for you, something about the love he put into the makeup made you shine with beauty... and the light on the vanity made your eyeshadow sparkle. "Because you followed your passion even if you weren't sure what others would think. And that makes you the manliest guy alive" you complimented and he looked over at his poster of a crimson riot like it would somehow come to life and agree with your words "that means more than you could ever know pumpkin" you opened the eye he wasn't working on and saw him looking at his poster "plus your only 17 and you're famous as a Hero and a drag queen"

He went in with a white eyeliner cutting the crease with the pointy stick trying not to harm your eye "I hate these things" he said and grumbled something about how stupid and fiddly they are then slammed the liner on the vanity neatening up the lines a bit "wow we're almost done the first eye" he said applying the eyeshadows he used on your eyelid to your lower lashline and blended them out making them look soft and feathery and finally applied the shiny white to the corner of your eye. He picked out a tiny plastic container of tiny tiny diamonds and a tube of eyelash glue and gently pressed the diamonds onto the top of your cut crease. He used the same lash glue and put on the long eyelashes then moved on to fill in your brow.

Time skip brought to you by Autoglass repair Autoglass replace

He finished the second eye and grabbed a large fluffy brush and contoured your face bringing the warmth back into you. He grabbed a rosy blush and dusted it on and finished grabbed a smaller brush brightening your face with a greeny-blue highlighter making you glow in the white light of the vanity. "We're almost done," he said letting you know you could look forward to opening your eyes again. "But then you have to do yours" you reminded him and he hummed "it takes a quarter of this time to do it to myself" he teased and popped open a lipstick asking you to part your lips "why you gonna kiss me?" you chuckled and he leaned in close kissing you with his soft lips "obviously" and he put the lipstick on you adding some green rhinestones to seal the deal.

"Okay (y/n) open your eyes" he instructed and stood up letting you take in your face while he hunted through his wardrobe throwing stuff onto his bed "holy All Might" you leaned in close to the mirror admiring the gorgeous artwork on your face "I didn't know I could look so good in green" you mumbled and beamed at the reflection in front of you "you look gorgeous," he said coming up behind you and kissing your neck "but we aren't done yet" he dangled a green dress in front of you "so you get the rest of you ready while I get myself ready okay?" he said sitting himself down at the vanity and you jumped up and down enthusiastically grabbing the dress and pleaser heels he placed down for you and moving the wig out of your face.

About an hour later you were both fully ready

"meet my photographer," he said bringing you to the back of the dorms where Mr Aizawa was standing lazily checking his phone "MR AIZAWA IS YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER? How does he let you get away with those photo's" you whispered the last part asking yourself more than him and he shrugged "cmon after this we're going to a show" he smiled and pulled you over with him in front of the camera "Kiri can we do this like all the time?" you asked while your teacher photographer set up the camera "of course pumpkin". This would be the best photo in his book yet.

A/n: I wanted to make kiri a drag queen so I did

[sloppykyuu]

I have another idea but its angst and pretty cliche and I'm so sorry in advance cos u said it makes u upset but I'm in a mood forgive me please

The 3rd years (in this scenario they r in their mid-2nd year) r "secretly" full of shit and not as nice and lovely as everyone thinks even tho they act that way most of the time unless it's just them. So one day during lunch they're sitting in their classroom eating bento together and they're alone and the only other person that is somewhat around is a girl from their class that's sitting alone in the hallway and Iwa points out that she always on her own and that he thinks she has a crush on Issei to which Issei laughs and says that it's just bullshit so Makki bets him to try to talk to u and ask u out so they find out if u r actually into him or not and Issei says yes cos Makki bets a month lunch bentos so Issei starts talking to her the next day and it stays like that for a while and after a few weeks he asks he rout and she says yes and now they're together but Issei being the Idiot he is forgets about it the second he brags to the others about winning until the next day where Makki brings him a lunch and they're about to eat and the girl comes up and asks if she should eat with them and all of them look at her absolutely confused and a bit shocked and ask her why she is asking and when they hear her answer that she wants to spend more time with Issei they all laugh and shes confused and feels uncomfortable but then Oikawa points out that it was just a harmless joke, a prank nothing more nothing less and they're so prepared to see her lose her shit and scream but then it's just quiet and they slowly stop laughing and hear her laugh to herself and watch her walk out of the classroom with her bag and they're uncomfortable now but dont think any of it until a week passes and she hasn't shown up to school since then and they wonder what happend but they dont want to ask anyone cos their reputation and also no one else seems go care or to notice but its starting to stress Issei to the point where he cant sleep but he doesnt tell anyone until he sees her in a bookstore at the end of his 2nd year and sees her school uniform and is shocked to find out she changed school and he goes up to her and wants to apologise but she just laughs in his face and leaves and ever since then he cant sleep and one night he goes out to her place and knocks on her door and when she opens it she wants to slam the door shut again but he is so quick to put his arms around her and slowly he is falling asleep while leaving against her (◍•ᴗ•)

“You ever notice that girl over there?” Iwaizumi had noticed you awhile ago, sitting alone in the hallway, right across from the door. - seemingly content. “She’s always eating alone.”

The other three turn to look your direction. You don’t notice them as they not so inconspicuously stare at you eating your lunch and listening to music. Their silence is broken my a snort from Makki. “She’s probably got a crush on one of us.”

“I’m betting Mattsun.” Iwaizumi adds.

“Dude shut up. She doesn’t even know me how would she have a crush on me?”

“I don’t know man, but you know girls.” The other three boys just look at Makki, eyebrows furrowed because ‘no they don’t girls’. “You should ask her out.”

“That’s kinda fucked u-“

“I’ll give you a month worth of bentos.” Makki cut him. “Ask her out and find out if she likes you.”

He was hesitant at first but how could he pass up free bentos for a month? So, he picked himself up from the seat and made his way over to you. The other three couldn’t hear what he was saying to you but it must’ve been good because there a smile plastered on your face and a small smirk on his.

“Guess who just got himself a date.” He says throwing the piece of paper with your number down on the table.

It was going good. Really good. He hated to admit but being with you was enjoyable so the moment he found out you liked him, he asked you on a proper date. Not just going to some arcade or cafe. And he was going to until you showed up at lunch after Issei so cockily bragged the night before about how he had won and Makki better pay up.

“Do you guys mind if I eat with you?” The four of them looked up at you, confusion written all over their faces.

“Uh, why?” Makki asked you, looking at you like you were insane.

“I just wanted to spend more time with Issei.” You teeth tugged your bottom lip, anxiety creeping up your neck. Why were they looking at you like that?

“Oh, babe. You misunderstood.” Oikawa gave you a small smirk, on the verge of laughing. “We were just playing a little joke. Harmless prank.” Iwaizumi held back the urge to smack him, fully expecting you to break down in tears and scream at them for being terrible people.

But when you just laughed in their faces and walked off, it shocked them to say the least. Because, what the hell, that’s not what they were expecting but at least there wasn’t any scene. They shrugged it off and went back to eating.

The next day, Issei was expecting you to be in your normal spot glaring at him and his friends but you were no where to be found. He wasn’t concerned, the other didn’t even seem to notice. You were probably just trying to recover from the embarrassment right? Sure.

Until a week passed and there was still no sight of you. That’s when the other boys started to notice. Makki having been in a class with you, saw you weren’t showing up and none of the teachers even called your name out in class. It was weird but they wouldn’t show that, no they have a reputation to keep up.

“Be quick, dude I’m starving!” Makki groaned out rubbing his belly. Issei only rolled his eyes and walked into the convient store. He was strolling along the aisles looking for something to snack on. There was a girl in the aisle, nothing unordinary, but why did she look so familiar?

“Y/n?” He felt his heart dropped when you turned around a furrow in your eyebrows. You stood in front of him wearing a maroon skirt and white blazer, what the fuck?

You didn’t say anything, didn’t smile at him, didn’t glare at him or yell at him. You just looked at him. “Hey, I, uh, just wanted to apologize for the whole prank thing. It was fucked up and I actually really enjoyed being with you-“

There it was again, another laugh and shake of your head before you walked away. It was unsettling the way you reacted to him, he almost wished you would break down and cry so at least he knew how to feel but you just laughed at him like you didn’t care. Maybe, you didn’t.

“Fucking finally, dude. What took so long?” Issei just rolled his eyes throwing the bag of chips at Makki.

That night, he couldn’t sleep. Why weren’t you mad at him? Why didn’t you throw a fit when Oikawa told you, you were being pranked by the guy you liked? It made his chest ache, thinking of the look on your face- why didn’t you care?

It went on for a whole week, tossing and turning in his bed every night thinking of you. Why was he even thinking of you?? He hated it. Hated the way you swirled in his brain when he tried and failed to sleep each night, hated that you didn’t accept his apology, hated himself.

It was late at night when you heard the frantic knocking at your door. Maybe you shouldn’t have opened the door in case it was intruder but it was late and you weren’t thinking straight having been awoken from your sleep. You didn’t think about it until you were staring at a tired looking Issei.

He looked like shit. Face sunken, eyes dropping with heavy bags placed under them. You just rolled your eyes before attempting to close the door. Why couldn’t he just leave you alone? It was heard enough not to break down the day he embarrassed you or the day he saw you at the store.

He saw you reach to move the door closed and quickly wrapped his arms around you, pulling you into his chest. For the first time in two weeks, he finally felt tired, finally felt his heart rate slow down even as you squirmed in his hold. “Please, stop moving.” He mumbled into your hair. When you stopped he finally felt himself falling asleep, because you wrapped your arms around him.

[hamliet]

I find it interesting you think Hawks will be burn while oppsing Dabi. Why you think it will be necessarily an avversative behaviour that will led to tragedy? Icarus was a tragedy, but it’s differently portrayed in few version. In some, it was to underline to not chew more than what one can bite. Basically Icarus died of the ecstasy of flying itself, he died from hubris. But there’s no trace of it in Hawks. other interpretations stress how Icarus wants to get close to the sun, reaching a field it should prohibited. Basically while classics says icarus was too daring, some stress he liked the sun a lot. Hawks is an Endeavor ally. I strongly doubt he would do anything that would have the man he admired hurt. So what if instead he tries to stop Dabi, and he can’t and this results tragedy? The hubris of wanting to do all alone? Besides this is the meaning of Jin’s death to him: helping others and the sin of thinking killing was the only way.

Well, Hawks is the one flying around with giant wings and getting direct narrative shoutouts to Icarus. 

I’m teasing. Now that we’ve got the requisite sarcasm out of the way, I’ll answer. I think hubris is misunderstood a lot. It’s the oldest sin in the books, the oldest flaw known to man. It stretches across cultures and time. You might say it’s part of human nature. The story of the Garden of Eden records it as the cause of mankind’s fall from grace: shall we become like God? 

It’s thinking you are god, but rarely do people actually be like “hey I’m literally god.” Instead it’s shown in behavior: you can judge people. You can condemn, you can save, you can destroy. It’s pride. It’s assuming you know how the world should go, including how everyone should react to you and to life, should think, should behave. It’s assuming the rules of reality don’t apply to you, that you are the exception, that you are in control. 

That’s what happened to Icarus: he was given wings to become above the rest of humanity (literally and figuratively: literally because flying, and figuratively in that it is a feat left for the gods or mythical creatures). He fell and drowned; no one killed him, there was no villain, his hubris just led to a dead son and a heartbroken father. Icarus is not a bad guy. Neither is Hawks. Icarus was just a child who had been traumatized (he and his dad got imprisoned and left to the mercy of minotaurs) and the wings that his dad created helped them escape. Those wings saved them, if you will. The wings aren’t the problem either. 

Hawks’ flaw is absolutely hubris. The entire hero system’s flaw is hubris, actually. @linkspooky​ covered it excellently in their analysis of Hawks here. Also, because of the whole “human nature” concept, heroes with hubris are relatable. They’re likable, often. From Eren Jaeger to Herakles to Icarus to Antigone, they’re characters who are sympathetic, understandable, and we root for them. Icarus isn’t a villain in his story; he’s a sweet boy who didn’t listen. Which uh. We’ve all done. 

To answer your ask about why Hawks would hurt Endeavor: Hawks doesn’t know what Endeavor thinks of Touya/Dabi. Why would he? We know, but he does not know what we know. I explained this here. Plus, hubris is itself assuming you know better than someone else, so... it’s not a good recipe. I don’t think Hawks is out here being a bad dude or gonna turn into Moonfish 2.0, but instead that he’s going to continue to act on his hubris with predictable consequences--since he doesn’t appear to be drawn to personal reflection even after getting his wings burned off the first time. 

I do think you’re absolutely right though that one of Hawks’ issues is trying to do things alone! So I think that’ll be part of it--while I try to shy away from predicting specifics, it seems quite possible, as I said above, that Hawks will not directly ask Endeavor about things, and thereby land himself in... sunny hot water (I’m sorry I had to joke so I don’t cry). 

One more thing about tragic falls: the reason it is supposed to resonate is because the hero doesn’t deserve what they get. Sure, they do bad things, but we’re sympathetic to them and the punishment is supposed to be worse than the flaw. So when I say Hawks is tragic, that’s what I mean--not “he is bad and deserves this.” 

Also of note, I know I say often BNHA isn’t tragic, and that does give me hope Hawks will be able to rise like a phoenix from his eventual fall (bird! bird! bird!). But the reason I am still expecting a tragic moment is because Hawks is, unlike Toga, Dabi, or Shigaraki, not a major shadow parallel who must be saved by the main characters. In fact, he’s not very connected to the main characters at all, at least not in the way the other three are. Hence if you’re going to insert a tragic subplot... that’s where you’d do it. Tragic subplots in otherwise optimistic child-aimed stories are not unheard of, either. Twice’s subplot was tragic, and guess who’s been linked to Twice’s subplot and isn’t reconsidering things from it? (Toga is reconsidering.) 

That said, again, I do expect some kind of redemptive element to his story by the end. I don’t think he’ll just fall into the ocean and no one will care. My specific prediction is that he goes for Touya eventually, and Endeavor stops him by sacrificing himself, not by murdering Hawks, because he’ll realize that Hawks is also a sad kid, thereby giving Shouto the chance to go and save Touya. It’s what happens afterwards that I’m nervous about, but I do believe it’ll involve redemption of some sort. Right now I’m pessimistically sitting at a stew of redemptive death helping Shouto somehow, but again, BNHA is a happy story, so maybe he’ll be able to come up and stay up, but humbled. Not as a god.