#I love the new hairstyles everybody got though

[skullywullypully]

Ladies and Gentlemen, I have finally finished watching Bleach!

[tonicandjins]

all of the girls you loved before

CHARACTERS: lee donghyuck | haechan x fem reader

WORD COUNT: 3k

GENRE: best friends to lovers, all of the girls you loved before by taylor swift

WARNINGS: none, just fluff

AUTHOR'S NOTE: this has been in my drafts for way too long. hope you like it! please consider donating/tipping me

all of the girls you loved before is the fourth installment from 23 moments with donghyuck

lee naeun, June 2013 - July 2013

Lee Donghyuck’s first love turned out to be the quickest one.

It was a whirlwind romance, like how he would describe it whenever you’d ask him. At thirteen, you and Donghyuck were finally catching up to the rest of your homeroom’s growing pains—both literally and figuratively. Your legs were longer now, albeit Donghyuck’s becoming longer than almost everyone else’s, and you were prettier than most. Letting your bangs grow was a wise decision in the summer, after all. Long gone were your chubby cheeks and you’d learned how to put on some lip tint before jumping on the bus to school. The internet was a better teacher when it comes to styling your hair; you’d never expected hairstyles come with face shapes. Meanwhile, Donghyuck, though his cheeks are still as round as they were in primary school, has learned that the hugs and kisses he used to give everyone in homeroom erupted butterflies all over.

You’d wondered, of course, because among everyone in class, Donghyuck’s probably given you the most hugs and kisses, yet you haven’t quite figured out what they meant when they say he gives people butterflies.

In the same year, Donghyuck learned consent. His mother and father gave him a lecture on why kissing people randomly isn’t ideal at his age and why consent is important. Hence, he’d stopped giving everyone random kisses. The last one he’d kissed you on the cheek was a week before summer started—not that you were keeping a record of all the stolen kisses—right when you were about to jump off the bus you and him were on.

Lee Naeun gave the first consent at thirteen. On the last day of classes.

She was moving to the US the next school year. Donghyuck made you wait by the benches as she packed up her duffel back after soccer practice.

She was taller than everyone else. Sporty and ambitious, Lee Naeun was every boy’s kryptonite. Just like how Lee Donghyuck was every girl’s.

“Can I kiss you?” Donghyuck asked. Naeun blushed like crazy. She was taller than Donghyuck, so when she’d nodded, Donghyuck had to go on his tip toes to reach her lips.

You looked away when Donghyuck got his first real kiss, wondering if the sudden pain in your stomach is the same as the butterflies that people get when Donghyuck kisses them.

kim haerin, August 2016 - January 2018

Kim Haerin was Donghyuck’s girlfriend all throughout junior high school.

Contrary to popular belief, Haerin pursued Donghyuck from the first week of classes. You and Donghyuck had moved to a different school after middle school as the one in your hometown didn’t focus much on arts, leaning towards STEM more, which, if you and Donghyuck were being honest, is the last thing you’d want to do in high school. This also meant that you and Donghyuck were new in town—the new girl and the new guy—and that people your age were particularly curious about you and Donghyuck that school year.

Oddly enough, the first thing they needed to confirm was whether you and him were dating. As soon as it was a clear no, you and Donghyuck received flowers left and right. You wondered whether this is what high school should be like and expected Donghyuck to feel the same, but that school year was different. The people liked the extroverted, friends with everybody Donghyuck, so it was easier for him to adjust to the new place and the new people.

They’d started dating the week after school started. Haerin was a part of a big group, the ones who’d studied in the school’s sister middle school down the road, and she knew everyone. She was nice, or so you’ve heard because you didn’t have that many conversations with her to confirm if she truly is, and she’d say hi to you when you passed by her by the lockers.

Donghyuck tried to take you with him whenever they’d hang out, of course, but his attempts could only do much because you weren’t into the same things as they were. Eventually, you’d found your own group and adjusted to the new school all by yourself. It made you worry about Donghyuck less whenever you’d see him all happy and loud like the person he is. While Donghyuck’s name stuck with Haerin’s all throughout high school, yours remain independent. You’d decided you’d start dating when you’re ready.

The only times you’d see each other, apart from the classes you shared, were weekends with your families. You and him talk, of course. Donghyuck at home is different from Donghyuck at school. But it was different. The memories of you and him going to and from school gradually blurred between all the people you’d met in high school.

Kim Haerin broke up with Donghyuck as soon as you all came back from Christmas break on the last year of junior high. She’d started dating the new guy from the other class who transferred all the way from Germany. She’d given Donghyuck a kiss in the middle of the empty gymnasium and told him she’d loved him but the sparks were gone.

Donghyuck waited with you on the bus stop that same day. To this day, he waits with you.

im jieun, November 2019 – December 2019

Im Jieun was one of a kind, and if you could pick, she was your favorite from Donghyuck’s long list of lovers.

She was a couple of years older than you and Donghyuck. How Donghyuck even got the slimmest chance of dating her, you have no idea. She was a freshman in college. You and Donghyuck met her at one of your seniors’ birthday party; they’d hit it off easily. They had the same personality, almost like twins, and were pretty much the perfect couple in your newly found friend group.

That year was the most life changing for him because Donghyuck lost his virginity with her, and for quite some time, similar to when he’d dated Kim Haerin, he disappeared from your life, and not that you’d cared at much at that time because you were also dating your first boyfriend, Na Jaemin.

Jaemin was everything a first boyfriend should be. Gentle and sweet, determined and future-driven, truly the kind you’d want your parents to meet. He’s been in the same class as you since junior high, but he wasn’t the kind to approach women that easily. He was brought up loyal and kind, and it showed with the way he treated you. He asked you out on a dinner for the first date, at an amusement park for the second, and a picnic by the park for the third—which was the same day he officially asked you as his girlfriend.

When Donghyuck had learned, he was as surprised as a best friend would be.

“You never told me you liked Jaemin,” he commented when you’d told him the news. He was sitting on the swivel gaming chair you and him bought as pairs right beside your bed, where you were still half asleep because he barged in at seven on a Sunday morning. Apparently, he learned it because he saw Jaemin’s Instagram story from your date with him last night.

“Because I didn’t,” you groggily replied. You squinted, trying to make up your mind whether Donghyuck’s a dream or not. “I mean, I like him now. But it didn’t occur to me until he started asking me out for dates.”

Donghyuck leaned his head against your chair, kicking his feet off the floor to spin himself around. “You never even told me you went out on dates.”

You giggled. “Are you sulking now, Donghyuck?”

He sighed. “I tell you all about the girls I date. Even the ones I dream on dating. And this one time you finally decided to start dating, I wasn’t there for you.”

You sat up, watching as your child-like best friend spins himself dizzy on your chair. “Check your phone. Every time Jaemin and I went out, I texted you.”

He sighed again, pressing his foot on your bedroom’s floor, stopping so he could look at you eye to eye. “You didn’t tell me it was a date. You said you were having dinner with him, going to the amusement with him, and hanging out with him at the park.”

“We’re 19,” you pointed out. “What would 19-year olds do alone together?”

Donghyuck tilted his head sideways. “You and I are always alone together.”

“It’s different.” You throw a pillow at Donghyuck, kicking off the blanket from your body and moving to give him some space to lay on. “Come here, you big baby.”

Donghyuck’s mouth formed into a pout but occupied the space on your bed anyway.

“I’m a big girl,” you reminded him as he rested his head on your chest. “I don’t need you to be there for me on my first relationship.”

“Ouch,” he mumbled.

“I will always need you in my life, Donghyuck,” you clarified, knowing well how Donghyuck hates being not needed. “Just, not for this one. I might actually, truly like Jaemin. He’s a good guy.”

Donghyuck hummed. “But I’m still your best friend, right?”

You laughed. Because it’s the most ridiculous thing you’d ever heard. Donghyuck will always be your best friend. You were certain no relationship would break that. You and him were past being insecure about your friendship.

“Always.”

Donghyuck broke up with Jieun before Christmas break. The reason, you have no idea. But he’d told you it wasn’t as fun as it was in the beginning anymore. And Jieun was in university, after all, and you and him had SATs to pass and college essays to ace before the school year ends.

You and Jaemin took him out for clubbing that night, in hopes of cheering him up. It was a mystery to you why he’d suddenly decided to end it when the relationship seemed like it was smooth-sailing. They’d even talk about Donghyuck going to the same university as Jieun next year. You didn’t recall any fights within the relationship, so you wonder why.

Donghyuck leaves the club without you and Jaemin.

lee naeun (again), February 2020 – April 2020

Donghyuck learned from Lee Jeno that his first love returned from the US to take her bachelor’s degree in Seoul on Valentine’s day. He found her wandering around SNU’s main lobby on the first day of the spring semester. You and Donghyuck were visiting the university after receiving your acceptance letters, looking for an apartment to share. Jaemin was going to another university, so it wasn’t wise for you and him to move in together, hence Donghyuck offered to move in with you to save up some money for rent and other expenses.

Lee Naeun stood there, still taller than Donghyuck, still the first person who ever kissed Donghyuck’s lips, still the first person you’d ever compared yourself to, wondering what she had that you didn’t.

Like the day they kissed in 2013, you looked away when Donghyuck finally reached to where she stood, wondering why, all of a sudden, many years later, the butterflies were flying all over in your stomach once again.

ginny williams, September 2020 – October 2020

Of course, the first woman that Donghyuck officially dated in university is from the UK. Jeno said he only dated her to show everyone he’s immensely improved in English.

The break-up was proof Donghyuck never improved in English. He didn’t even understand why she was breaking up with him.

park yesol, September 2021 – February 2022

You introduced Donghyuck to Park Yesol because it’s what she wanted for her birthday.

She had invited you to her 21st birthday. You and her, if you were being honest, barely know each other. You only shared a class in Literature once, so at first, it was a mystery to you why she suddenly invited you. When she’d asked if you could ask Donghyuck to RSVP with you, you’d known that it’s all she wanted from you.

Eventually, they’d start dating. Donghyuck, at that time, had been single for almost a year. He thought he convinced you that college was finally catching up on him hence he’d put a stop to his “demanding” dating life. However, Donghyuck is your best friend, and you could see right through him. You knew he liked someone he wasn’t willing to share with you, and he was probably working up the courage to ask that person out, which, when you thought about it, was new. Donghyuck was cunning and ambitious and he knew what he wanted and how to get it. He was never one to shy away from the people he liked, so it was a little suspicious that it took him almost a year to start dating again. You did not figure out who he liked, and you knew he’d only started dating Yesol to get you to shut up about it.

You and him knew it wasn’t a serious relationship because Yesol was dating other guys while she’d dated him. Donghyuck told you it felt like the relationship was just for sex because of his oozing sex appeal; you’d thrown a cushion at him when he’d said that.

Meanwhile, you and Jaemin were almost at pointbreak.

You didn’t want to spend Valentine’s Day being uncertain of the relationship would go, so you broke up with him on the first day of February. Jaemin had gotten an internship in Japan a few months ago, and the company that hired him liked him so much that they wanted to keep him while he finishes his degree virtually. You wished you could say the same, that you loved him so much you also wanted to keep him.

It was finally catching up to you and him, the distance. So, it was better you’d break it off before you and him start failing subjects just to keep a relationship steady.

Two and a half years together wasn’t enough. You and Jaemin wanted to spend the rest of your college years, at least, together. But like he said the night you’d ended it: it wasn’t worth it if it was compromising your mental health and studies. You’d cried so much that night, and you wondered if Donghyuck pretended he couldn’t hear you sobbing from the other side of the apartment.

Come Valentine’s Day, Donghyuck asked you to dress up, throwing a paper bag at you.

The place he “luckily scored” a reservation from, on a busy, fully-booked Valentine’s night, was nice. It was romantic and you were flushed and giddy from all the wine and all of the Donghyuck.

“Why are you here with me and not with Yesol?” you’d asked after the waiter filled your glass.

Donghyuck smiled at you. “I broke up with her two weeks ago.” Around the same time you did with Jaemin. “I figured if my best friend would be miserable on Valentine’s day, I should be, too.”

You laughed. “Well, you don’t look too miserable for a newly single man.”

“I’m not,” he confessed. “I’m never miserable when I have you.”

You reached out one hand, palm facing Donghyuck. He intertwined his hand with yours. And it fit perfectly. Just like the dress he got you.

your name, June 2022 – present (or alternately, sometime in 2005 – forever.)

“Lee Naeun, Kim Haerin, Im Jieun, Lee Naeun again, then Park Yesol,” you enumerate. “You were a ladies’ man!”

Donghyuck whines, begging you to stop as you go through his things in his room, particularly the notes and letters from the girls he’d dated.

You and him are moving out. Graduation is just around the corner, and you and Donghyuck decided to move on to a better place. Your boyfriend got a job in one of the biggest companies in his industry, while you’re yet to find yours.

“Don’t forget Ginny Williams,” he teases, throwing you a love letter from the bunch.

“You did not date Ginny Williams, Donghyuck. It was an illusion,” you scoff. “Tell me one conversation you had with her. A real one.”

“I swear to God, she loved me,” he answers. “Stop playing around and help me in here.”

You stand from the carpeted floor and walk towards Donghyuck as he sorts out the things from his study desk. Donghyuck starts with the tower of books and folders, organizing them alphabetically as he carefully places them on the box labeled as books. The other box is labeled as essentials; hence you start throwing his headphones and speakers and its chargers in. While doing so, you get a hold of a small box that contains what you thought were miscellaneous items mixed in with trash, until you realize what’s inside.

There are a few polaroid pictures of you and him from high school, including a picture of you and him on your high school’s graduation day, some receipts from, now you recognize, the places you’d gone to. There’s a receipt from when you and him took the subway to visit a museum at the other side of the country back in 2018, another from Valentines day 2022, when you and him celebrated being newly single, the old ticket from your senior prom when he’d gone with you, and so many more that you could recognize just from its dates.

“Donghyuck,” you whisper as you look at the box of memories. Donghyuck turns, eyes wide when he recognizes the box you’re holding. “Where… where should I put these?”

Donghyuck loved many girls in his life. You can recall their names in the order of when he’d dated them. You had your favorites and the ones you didn’t like that much. Some of your friends wonder if you’ve ever been insecure knowing you weren’t the first kiss or the first person he had sex with and if you were okay with knowing all of that. You weren’t the first and you wish you’d be the last. The only thing you’re certain of, is that he had always loved you, and that alone erases all the other thoughts.

If you could say so, you’re thankful for all of the girls he loved before because they made him the one you’d fallen for. Every dead-end street led him straight to you.

He smiles. “Essentials.”

[jjkamochoso]

Summer Hair, Don’t Care

Choso x gn!reader (reader described as having enough hair to put into buns just fyi)

Fluff

Reader and Choso have the same hairstyle. Love and hijinks ensue !

Warnings: none

It was hot outside. Very, extremely, utterly hot. Summer had finally come around and with it, scorching temperatures. Thankfully it was the weekend so you didn’t have to brave your commute in work clothes that would end up being sticky and sweaty before you even made it to your job. No, today was a day for letting loose and living life in carefree and well ventilated clothes. As you went through your morning routine, you contemplated all the things you could do with your days off. Even though being outside was akin to walking on the literal sun, you decided that the day could be best spent surviving the trip to somewhere fun and cool—the mall. After you chose your outfit, all that was left before heading out was what to do with your hair. You were tired of the same old hairstyles that everyone else seemed to be doing. Ponytails, braids, and half updos were fun, sure, but you wanted more from your hair today. Going straight to Pinterest, experimentation with a new style was the name of your game. You scrolled through endless photos of perfectly poised ponys and crazy curled coifs. You were almost ready to give up and go back to your tried and true style when something caught your eye.

“Double spiky buns, huh? Looks interesting,” you mumbled to yourself, gathering the tools you needed. Your first attempt went well but the buns weren’t quite even. The second attempt was somehow worse, the buns in totally different angles on the top of your head. By the third try, thankfully, you figured it out because if you hadn’t, you were ready to just rip out your hair and go bald (your arms hurting from styling certainly didn’t help). You took a minute to admire your work in the mirror and you were glad you got out of your comfort zone because you looked great! Satisfied, you grabbed your belongings and hopped on the next train to the mall. Everybody standing near you looked as miserable as you felt because of the heat and your knee anxiously bounced up and down as you anticipated your destination. You had never clamored off a train as fast as you did then to escape into the sweet release of the air conditioned mall. Once the cool air touched your skin, you immediately got goosebumps, but unlike the winter ones, you appreciated these. You stood next to the directory for a few moments, making a plan of attack for what stores you were going to check out. Like any mall, there was an overwhelming amount of choices and you were in no mood to strategize so you just started walking. Little did you know, there was a group that had just arrived after you doing that exact same thing.

“Chosoooooo I’m bored,” complained Yuji, who was sprawled out on his bed. Usually the two boys slept in a lot later but the heat had them awake bright and early. Choso sighed as he took in the sight of his exasperated brother, running his fingers through his undone hair.

“Do you wanna stay home and play some board games?” he suggested, but Yuji shook his head.

“They’re fun but I wanna go somewhere. It’s too hot in these dorms.”

Choso couldn’t disagree with that. He didn’t know how his brother withstood the heat in his room during this time of year. Maybe they could buy some fans while they were out.

“Get your shoes on. We’re going to the mall.”

Yuji immediately got up, a huge smile on his face.

“Great idea! I’ll text Kugisaki and Fushiguro and ask if they wanna come too!”

As Choso began to put his hair up in his signature buns, he smiled softly at his younger brother’s antics. He was so relieved that Yuji found people he could have fun and act his age with. Sure, they were all going to run off and leave him behind with the bags, but what else were older brothers for? Choso was grateful he was able to be there for Yuji and his friends. Yuji, in turn, noticed how lonely Choso would get without knowing people who were his (physical) age and hoped he could help him find romantic companionship or at least some friends to start. That thought is what the three high schoolers were talking about as they walked in the mall while Choso was blissfully unaware, his attention occupied with finding the nearest electronics store.

“I’m glad he suggested it because malls are the best places to meet people. Especially girls, huh Fushiguro?” Yuji teased and Megumi’s face sported a blush.

“Shut up. I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said, looking away in embarrassment.

“It’s not fair that everybody flirts with Fushiguro when I’m right here,” complained Nobara.

“You’re so loud I think the whole mall knows you’re right here,” Megumi retorted. The two of them started to bicker when Yuji finally interjected.

“Guys! We’re here to help Choso, remember?

“I think he’s gonna need more help than we can give him,” Nobara grumbled, sparing a glance at the brunette who looked hopelessly lost trying to figure out where he was on the directory.

“I’ll help him with that. You two… just… whatever,” said Megumi, waving them off and walking toward Choso, who now had his face so close to the plastic map that his nose almost touched it.

“Okay, back to the plan. We’re trying to find a normal looking person for Choso to-”

“Yuji! They have the same hairstyle as your brother! I’m gonna go talk to them.”

Nobara marched away before Yuji could get another word in.

This is where you come back to the story.

You were almost in the door of the first store when you heard someone come rushing up behind you, calling for your attention.

“Excuse me! Excuse me!”

You spun around to be face to face with a spunky teenager with bright orange hair and a huge grin.

“Hi! I’m sorry to bother you, but I wanted to say I love your hair! Also, there’s this guy that I want you to please meet. He’s very lonely—well, no, that doesn’t sound right. Yes, he’s lonely, but not because he’s weird or anything, he just spends his time being a great big brother. I’m Kugisaki by the way.”

You had to take a moment to process everything this girl just told you. It was a surprise to be greeted like that but she seemed to be genuine and, to be honest, you were lonely too. The worst thing that could happen is that you didn’t get along too well but you could easily go your separate ways since you were at a mall.

“Nice to meet you, Kugisaki. I’m y/n. Would you like to show me this mystery man?”

You didn’t think her smile could get any wider but you were proven wrong.

“Come with me.”

She led you over to the directory where you were met with two teen boys and a man who seemed around your age. When the older guy turned around, you got a good look at his whole face and it almost took your breath away. He was absolutely handsome! His dark eyes suited his dark hair and light complexion perfectly. You were intrigued by what you thought was a tattoo across his nose. Whatever it was, you thought it was hot. The thing that caught your attention most, though, were the two spiky buns planted on his head in the exact manner as yours. You couldn’t help but laugh a little at the coincidence and you noticed the man’s face had a dusting of pink on it.

“I’m assuming you’re mystery man?” you asked as he nodded sheepishly.

“I’m so sorry, I didn’t know what the kids were up to. Please, don’t let us ruin your shopping trip.” The poor guy genuinely seemed distressed for seemingly bothering you. He was way too cute to be so nervous!

“So you’re not Tokyo’s most eligible but lonely bachelor?” you teased, making him blush some more.

“We’re gonna go shopping. I’ll text you later Choso!” yelled the pink haired kid who was dragging away his friends. You found the whole situation amusing and hoped the man opposite of you felt the same.

“Choso, is it? I’m y/n,” you introduced yourself and you noticed he had a shocked look on his face.

“It’s nice to meet you. I’m just surprised you’re not weirded out by my brother’s friends. I know if teens ran up to me like that I probably wouldn’t have handled it as gracefully as you.”

“I remember being a kid and how kids that age act. Trust me, they seem to have good hearts. Besides, it’s better shopping with other people if you’re up to hanging out. I trust you make good choices, judging by your hairstyle.”

Choso tilted his head in confusion until the realization dawned on him. You two wore the same double buns!

“Your hair!” he exclaimed, “It’s great! But I’m obviously biased.” You two shared a laugh and started walking deeper in the mall when Choso struck up a conversation.

“What are you here for? Anything in particular?”

You pondered for a moment.

“Mmm, no. I just wanted to get out of the house but stay out of the sunshine. It’s way too hot outside.” Choso nodded in agreement.

“I get that. I’ve been staying at my brother’s dorm and it’s too hot in there too so I’m buying some fans while I’m here.”

“Oh! There’s a great electronics store around here somewhere. You wanna check there first?”

Choso was relieved because even with Megumi’s help, he still couldn’t figure out the directions to the store. If you hadn’t shown up when you did, the mall directory would’ve felt Piercing Blood cut it in half. Already, you’ve proved to be a great addition to his life. You were kind, funny, and definitely attractive. If he didn’t screw this up, he’d have to thank Nobara for her spontaneity.

“Which of the boys was your brother?” you inquired, wanting to get to know the quiet man next to you.

“He was the one with the pink hair, Yuji. Fushiguro was the dark haired kid and the girl you met was Kugisaki, if she didn’t tell you already.”

“Oh! I would’ve assumed the dark haired kid was your brother.”

“Yuji and I are half brothers,” he explained, a gentle smile on his face, “so the family resemblance isn’t all there. But we’re close anyway. He’s such a great kid, he’s always looking out for others and doesn’t have a selfish bone in his body. I’m really lucky to call myself his big brother.” Your heart absolutely melted hearing Choso talk about his brother like that. Kugisaki wasn’t joking when she told you he’s a devoted family man!

“He seems lucky to have you, too. Everybody deserves a doting big brother like you in their life,” you said, earning a bigger smile from Choso.

“How about you?” he asked. “What’s your family like?”

You dove into your family life and you could tell he listened with such intensity, like he was a sponge soaking up every little word you said. He nodded when appropriate, asked questions at the right time. Even as the topic changed and you shared more mundane details about yourself, Choso looked at you like you were holding a seminar on the most interesting topic in the world. Alternatively, when Choso spoke, you found yourself appreciating every subtle movement he made and how he pronounced certain words because he was just so mesmerizing. You had only known this guy about 20 minutes but it felt like you were old friends, or even lovers of a bygone age, who were rediscovering all of each other’s quirks and culminations of what made up your personalities and life experiences. You never knew you could be so comfortable around someone so quickly but Choso was simply intoxicating. You didn’t even notice you had been stopped outside the electronics store, talking about whatever came to your minds, for longer than what was deemed normal to not notice your surroundings. Finally, you and Choso gained consciousness of the world around you once more and headed into the store. It was a little gesture, but you really appreciated how Choso held the door open for you. Even while browsing fan selections, you two had a great time debating on which option seemed the best, what color to get, it didn’t matter—you both had a lot to say and you both wanted to hear the other one speak. Finally, after the exasperated salesperson left you two to figure out your choice on your own, you settled on three medium sized black fans.

“I think they’d be cute if they matched you,” you had argued, gesturing to Choso’s black shirt and black pants outfit. He couldn’t disagree with someone who effectively called him cute so you guys took the products to the counter and asked if they could be held until you were done shopping. The store clerk was just happy that the two indecisive chatterboxes were leaving and he eagerly took the merchandise from you, charged Choso, and ushered you two from the store in a lightning fast manner. You and Choso were so wrapped up in each other that you didn’t notice the employee’s behavior and headed out to see what else the mall had to offer. You found yourselves looking through manga, circling aisles of knickknack stores, competing to see who could find the cutest plushies, and ended up with stacks of clothes in your hands, doing fashion shows for each other.

“Alright Choso! I’m on my last outfit!” you called out, walking into the communal area filled with uninterested boyfriends and phone scrolling girlfriends who were waiting for their significant others to finish trying things on. Choso stood out among the crowd as he eagerly awaited to see what you picked. When he saw you emerge, his eyes widened and he gulped. The weight of the whole situation he was in had finally dawned on him—was he on a date?! Yes, he was having an amazing time with you, yes you were easy to talk to, but these were attributes of a friendly hangout. Admittedly, he found you so attractive it made his heart skip a beat when you looked at him and his hands clammy when you brushed them with your own—these were not attributes of a friendly hangout, but of something more romantic. And now, as you stood in front of him, goofily modeling your look, he weighed his options. He either tells you that he’d never seen someone so captivating in his entire life, or he stays quiet and laughs along like a good friend would. When you looked at him expectedly, he made his choice.

“You look absolutely astonishing. I’ve never seen anyone come close to as stunning as you are.” You were taken aback. You definitely weren’t expecting him to say that! You searched his face for any sign of teasing and tried to find a hint of joking in his tone, but he was serious. You felt your face warm at the compliment as you looked away, suddenly shy. The eye rolls of the other shoppers went unnoticed by you both who were too engrossed in your moment of puppy love. Choso was nervous at your lack of reaction. Did he make you uncomfortable? Was he too forward? Should he have waited—

“Do you want to grab some food after this?” you suddenly suggested, and for the first time today, Choso had no words. He silently nodded as you went back to put your normal clothes on. When you were out of sight, he let out a sigh and pushed his bangs off his face for a moment as he was suddenly feeling the summer heat even in the cool mall. When you came out once more, the outfit you had worn last was in your hands.

“I take it you liked this one?” you said, trying to ease the tension.

“I liked all of them,” he confessed, and you lightly swatted his arm.

“Well, how am I supposed to choose what to buy then? I want an outfit that’ll make you want to take me out on a proper date.” You giggled to yourself as you saw Choso getting flustered. Usually he was so composed in all other areas of his life, but romance had been neglected for far too long.

Brothers, lend me your courage and strength, he thought to himself before answering you.

“I would take you on a proper date even if you weren’t wearing anything.”

You tried so hard not to burst out laughing but you failed as Choso realized what he had said. Quickly backtracking, he was getting more and more flustered.

“No, wait! I did NOT mean for that to sound like that. Y/n, I’m so sorry, I’m not that kind of guy, I promise. I just meant that you didn’t have to buy anything special for me. You’re perfect enough as you are.” You wiped the tears that had formed in your eyes from laughing so hard as you reached over and gave his hand a quick squeeze, butterflies in your stomach at the touch of his skin on yours.

“Choso, it’s okay. I knew what you meant, it was funny but I understand the intent behind it.” You put the clothes on the rack to be sorted by the employees. “If it makes you feel any better, I’d take you out as you are now too, no fancy new clothes needed, because you’re really handsome just like this.”

Choso tried to keep his big, giddy smile internal, but he couldn’t contain his joy at hearing you found him attractive too. As you walked to the food court, he had a newfound burst of confidence and softly took hold of your hand, another trait of his you found completely endearing. He was a pretty bulky and intimidating man, but you liked how he treated things with a gentle touch. You both decided to get ramen bowls but with different toppings so you could share. Choso insisted on paying for your meal and you thanked him profusely for his generosity. When he let go of your hand only to pay and bring over both your orders to the table, you found that your hand was uncomfortably empty without his in it, even during such a short amount of time. Enjoying your meals, you both still had tons to talk about. There was never a dull or awkward moment with him and it was nice that you could be yourself around him with no fear of judgement. As you were listening to Choso talk about a funny story, he took a break from speaking to finish eating the noodle he had picked up with his chopsticks. You, too, were trying your hand at finishing a noodle but it was extremely long. When you felt tension on the noodle and noticed it starting lifting from Choso’s side of the bowl as well, your heart did a flip.

“Have you ever seen the movie “Lady and the Tramp?” you asked him, noodle dangling out of your mouth.

“Uh uh,” he replied, meaning no.

“Just follow my lead,” you said. Choso looked at you curiously but heeded your directions. You both slurped away at the noodle until it was obvious you two were eating the same one. You put your finger up to signal Choso to refrain from breaking it. You continued to bring the noodle further into your mouth, as did he, and your faces were now close together. You knew PDA wasn’t totally acceptable but the food court was surprisingly quiet for the time of day and no one was in the booths around you. If you were going to kiss him, now was the time. You gave him time to understand what would happen if you ate any more of the noodle and he had the chance to break it off and back away if he didn’t want to kiss you. Choso’s lips curled into a tiny smile as his eyes bore into yours, leaning in ever so slightly. You did the same, and your lips ever so slightly ghosted Choso’s as you—

“Hey! Choso!”

You quickly clamped down on the noodle with your teeth so it was no longer connected to the piece in Choso’s mouth. You had never moved so fast in your life to sit back in your seat normally as Yuji and his friends came barreling over to your table. Normally Choso was ecstatic to see his little brother, but he couldn’t have picked a worse time to interrupt. You were sure Yuji didn’t notice his brother pouting in his booth, the neglected noodle hanging at the corner of his mouth. As Choso sat, brooding with his arms crossed, you couldn’t help but find the timing hilarious. While Yuji was none the wiser that his brother was about to kiss someone, you were sure that Fushiguro noticed because his face was tomato red and avoiding your gaze while Kugisaki gave you a thumbs up and a wink. You shook your head, a light chuckle tumbling out of your mouth.

“I take it you had a successful shopping day?” You eyed the bags that the kids hauled over and were now strewn across several unoccupied tables.

“Of course! I love shopping. I’m very good at it,” a smug Kugisaki replied.

“Are you good at shopping or overspending on things you don’t need?” grumbled Fushiguro while Kugisaki flicked the side of his head. While they dealt with each other, you pulled out your phone to check the time. The mall was about to close! It didn’t feel like you had been here all day but time flies when you’re having fun.

“I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but the mall is gonna close in like, 10 minutes and I should probably head home.”

Choso perked up at the sound of your voice while Yuji turned his conversation to his friends.

“I didn’t realize it had gotten so late, I was having such a good time with you. Can we walk you home?”

You beamed at him.

“I would love nothing more.”

The kids rounded up all of the bags as your eccentric little group headed to the train station. The entire time, Choso’s hand had found its home in yours and you couldn’t be happier at how today went. What started as a normal day ended with you potentially finding love. Even as you waited outside, sweat beginning to bead on your forehead and palms, Choso never let go of you. When you made it to your apartment door, you reluctantly let go of each other’s hands.

“I had an amazing time today with you, y/n,” said Choso, with the sincere look on his face that you had come to adore, “Would you like to go on a second date with me sometime soon?”

“I had a great time with you too, Choso. I’d love to go on another date with you.”

You both had huge smiles on your faces as you exchanged phone numbers. Before he turned around to leave, you caught his attention.

“Wait! Your hair got messed up on the train ride over here. Can I fix it for you before you go? I am an expert at this style, you know.”

He obliged, sitting on the steps so you could reach him easier. You couldn’t help but relish the feeling of running your fingers through his hair and he was equally just as happy getting his hair played with, letting out a content sigh. You twisted the hair into the right shape and got the ends to spike up to match the other bun. When you were done, you pulled out a Hello Kitty hair clip you had bought at the mall and placed it on the side of his head.

“Something to remember me by,” you explained as he stood up.

“I don’t think I could ever forget you,” he said earnestly. You leaned in to give him a kiss on the cheek goodbye and Choso didn’t know if his poor heart could handle any more love from you without it going into overdrive. As you entered your doorway, Choso bid you farewell with a lovesick grin on his face. Hurrying back to the others, he couldn’t wait to debrief with them everything that had happened and get advice on what to do for the second date. When their train arrived at the station, Choso sat down and immediately slapped his palm to his face, groaning.

“Yuji?”

“Huh?”

“I forgot the fans.”

[mrs-bakugou]

After the class

afab, fem!reader x bakugou, long haired female

⚠️ reader seducing bakugou, dirty! talk, dirty bakugou, ho!ny bakugou, smutty bakugou ⚠️

Something about you, the way you walked and moved, made the rough and tough, almighty 'Bakugou' lose his sense. It seemed like you cast a spell on him. It had been almost 2 years since you guys were in a relationship and still, he would fall over and over again for you, each day, every day.

When you entered the class, Mina came jumping towards you and hugged you in excitement. You were unsure what made her this happy and enthusiastic but you just loved the way she greeted you every morning. While your boyfriend just sat on his bench, observing every inch of you with a soft smile that he had put on ever since he met you. It was his way of showing that he loved you and is welcoming you to the class warmheartedly. " Hey, someone sure seems smitten" Denki commented while nudging Bakugou whose happy smile was now turned into his signature scowl.

You just laughed softly along with Mina while you both noticed the bickering between Denki and Bakugou and how Kirishima and Sero tried to stop Bakugou from beating the pulp out of Denki.

Mina returned to you. " you look so pretty today bestie, that new hairstyle sure suits you a lot" she said. you smiled so politely yet gently and said "Thank you so much bestie".

Bakugou finally calmed down and returned his gaze to you which immediately seemed to soften at your sight. He noticed that your usually neatly kept and clipped-up side bangs were hanging down on your face today. Your hair, which was usually up in a bun was in a medium ponytail. Your skirt is a little higher than usual and the stockings missing.

His heart seemed to be running a marathon by how stunning you looked today but Mr. Aizawa had already ruined the moment by assigning everybody with different tasks in the class itself. You, along with Mina, Momo, and Jirou were assigned to clean and decorate the class, while Bakugou, Kirishima, and Sero were assigned to make the decoration material out of origami.

You immediately got to work. While you worked, Bakugou kept staring at how your hip-length hair along with your thigh-length skirt, swayed side to side when you moved. Though you did not show it, you did this only because you wanted your man to get all red.

He knew it

His face started to heat up at the sight of your skirt moving along with your silky, soft and straight hair. His face started to heat up and turn pink at the sight of YOU.

It seemed like that thin thread of his patience had snapped. He got up leaving the work he was doing and reached for you. Sero was confused, Kirishima knew it.

"What happened suki?" you had a smirk on you and didn't even try to hide it. This was it. He was not a big fan of creating drama in the class but he pulled you closer and whispered in your ear " My dorm, after class".

You got what you wanted.

"You sure were acting bratty today, seems like my teddy bear demands a punishment." He says. "But I don't think I did anything wrong or dirty to make you this flustered Suki." innocent puppy eyes changed to a smirk. " Tell me, honey, did I?" you whisper in the most seductive voice you could. To your surprise, you thought his face would turn red and he would just look away. You were so damn wrong. What even made you think that?

Instead, he pinned you to his dorm room door, your skirt already down. The situation was turned the other way around. He should be getting flustered, not me! you thought to yourself.

"Earth to teddybear~"

He threw you over his shoulder and a yelp escaped your parted lips when he threw you on the bed. "let's finish what you started Teddy Bear ~"

oh boy, you were in trouble.

comment for part 2~

[bl4cktourmaline]

🍙﹒星 — day 4 featuring tenma tsukasa

knock knock!

heres some mail!

ଘ(੭´꒳`)°* ੈ‧₊ 💌

⌨️ᶻᶻᶻ...nian-7 is typing... ♡

↻ᴹᵉˢˢᵃᵍᵉ ˡᵒᵃᵈᵉᵈ !

❝sooo.. i know i don't really know mango very well but seeing as tsukasa is on their favorite characters how about tsukasa for their birthday event for slot 4? <3 ❞

━━❝I love hearing your voice even when we are so far away from each other❞

You loved being somewhere different. The scenery was gorgeous, the food was amazing, and the new fashion? You were in love with all of it… The diversity in clothing styles, makeup styles, and hairstyles was everything you wanted to see. 

You were glad to take the chance you’ve been dying for… But, something wasn’t right.

It was quiet. Too quiet.

You loved the rare quietness you got from time to time… But, being somewhere totally new with nobody was isolating.

Of course, there were other classmates, but they weren’t considerable as friends.

There were many friends back at home and it was never lonely. Hanging out with friends was awesome, but what was more awesome was being with him…

You sighed, reviewing the pictures you took on your camera on your laptop. ‘Who knew taking pictures all day was such an exhausting thing…’

As much as it was boring, it was also slightly entertaining to see where your day led you. Plus, you had many pictures to show your friends once you got home.

Call it unprepared, but you didn’t realize that you would need to purchase cellular internet for another country. So, you were offline for the next week until you could get the chance to make a plan.

Falling backward into the chair, you groan. “This sucks…”

Ring!

You jolted upwards, looking around the room. “What the hell?”

The noise was heard again, and it came from the hotel phone. You laughed softly before scooting the chair backward and stood up, walking towards the phone.

You pick the phone up and hold it to your ear. “Hello?”

“Ah- I finally got it!” The voice on the other end exclaimed.

Eyebrows furrowed, you tilt your head to the side slightly. Laughing awkwardly, “Who is this?”

“You don’t recognize the sound of my terrific and mighty voice, co-star!?”

…

“Tsukasa!”

“AHA! You guessed right, my amazing co-star! I can never get anything past you!.”

“Wait,” You paused. “How did you find my room’s number? I couldn’t even text anyone!”

It took a moment for Tsukasa to answer. “I asked your instructor what hotel you were staying at! The process was long but unimportant! What matters now is that we are speaking!”

You laughed at him with a small smile, sitting on the bed.

“Everybody has been missing you, my co-star!”

“Now?”

Even though you couldn’t see him, the smile on his face was screaming from the other end of the phone. “Of course! I wouldn’t dare lie to you!”

“Oh no, of course you wouldn’t.”

Tsukasa suddenly sighed. “I can’t believe you had forgotten the fact you had to buy a new plan when you left the country!”

“It slipped my mind…” You sighed, rubbing the side of your head. “I was busy planning everything else! I would have gotten the international plan for the time being if I remembered!”

“That’s why you should have a bright calendar like me!” He beamed. “Every shining star must have one, you know?”

“I’ll be sure to get a calendar once I’m home,” You smiled.

It was silent for a moment until Tsukasa mumbled something softly.

“Hm?”

“How is it there!?” He asked loudly, causing you to drag the phone away for a moment then back to your face.

“It’s honestly so nice here,” You explained. “It’s so beautiful. The sites are amazing and- I wish I could show you and everyone else. But- the culture here is fascinating! I had gotten the chance to speak to some locals and some traditional clothing stores and I’ve gotten a great chunk of history on some of the culture here! Oh and also- the food is so tasty!”

Tsukasa listened quietly with delight as you continuously spoke about the new place you had been staying at. He liked how much you loved the new place and how passionate you were about it…

“Sounds fun… We and our friends should all go to the shining future together!”

You laughed with a smile and nodded. “I think we should too- oh, but I have to go soon. I need to finish up some homework before tomorrow.”

“Oh. Of course! A light has to do their work to make sure they can truly become the shining stars they’re made to be! Just like me!”

“You get it.”

The silence came back. It felt like he had something to say but at the same time, not really… It was hard to tell…

“Co-star?”

You hummed a small tune in response.

“I love hearing your voice.”

You were silent, still smiling, before becoming confused. “Huh?”

“I truly love hearing your voice whenever I can,” He softly said, contrasting with how he usually spoke. “I love hearing your voice even when we are so far apart. It’s comforting to hear! Not as comforting as mine but-”

You burst into a small laughter before he could finish his sentence. “You’re so sweet, Tsukasa. I honestly feel the same about you… it’s pretty quiet and lonely without hearing your voice every so often,” You breathed out a laugh.

It was silent again but felt more complete. “I’m glad you feel the same way!” He laughed. “Nobody can get enough of the star! It’s an after-star effect!”

“What the heck is that?”

“The effect after seeing someone amazing on stage who was truly so amazing you want to see more of them!”

You laughed again with a fond laugh on your face.

…

“Well, I should let you get back to work now, huh co-star?”

“It’s probably for the best,” You shrugged. “Call me tomorrow around this time again. I’ll make sure to finish my work early so we can talk for longer.”

Tsukasa laughed. “Alright! Farewell, my amazing co-star! I shall speak to you tomorrow!”

“Goodbye Tsukasa.”

You put the phone down before pausing, just remembering the conversation then laughed. How much of a dork he was…

(っ'-')╮=͟͟͞͞💌 You receive a letter from Mango!

↻ᴹᵉˢˢᵃᵍᵉ ˡᵒᵃᵈᵉᵈ !

𝐍𝐨𝐰 𝐥𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠. . .

i hardly write on this blog but i hope to change that soon TT i love writing for tsukasa he is so silly 🩷 HEHHE

[meenawrites]

Spider Modern AU cause I can't help myself

I've seen so many people doing this and I love so much so I shall be participating as well. I'll also be doing other characters but this post is dedicated to Spider rn. I should really be working on my finals rn but here I am.

Spider is 100% a theater kid. Like no question about it. This kid can sing, he can dance, he can do gymnastics. He's the theatre troupe's pride and joy honestly, he's always pulling big stunts that wow the audience. This also ties into his love of storytelling in general so of course he's a theatre kid. Which ALSO means a lot of his playlist is musical songs cause.. ya know, obviously. I'd imagine Kiri actually secretly gave him access to her Spotify so he'd got access to premium (secret meaning everybody but Neytiri knows tbh). 

I think Spider actually does pretty well academically. He's a fast learner and his brain absorbs things like a sponge so once he understands a concept, it's all A's for him. It kind of pisses Kiri off how smart he is without trying sometimes, but she's also super proud of him for proving his haters (and her mom) wrong. 

This kid is the Anti-Bully of the school. He sees anyone bullying anyone and he's already aiming a punch at their face. Because of that, he's kind of seen as the protector of underclassmen and targets in general so he's pretty well liked generally, except for by the traditionally popular kids. Also not super popular with parents cause all that really sticks in their heads is violent Tarzan kid. He kind of stops with the physical violence once Kiri expresses her worry for him and how she doesn't want him to just blindly resort to violence all the time. But then he starts making comments to bullies that piss them off equally so there's no real winning for him here lol.

I think Spider likes working with his hands a lot so on top of acting in theatre, he also comes up with and constructs a lot of things for set and they always look incredible. 

Also, inspired by @be-the-glenn-to-my-maggie 's latest post, he joins the cheer team in solidarity with Lo'ak because he wants to get close to Tsireya. Refer to her post for more detail on that, I reblogged it if that helps. 

Despite being a year older than both Neteyam and Kiri, Spider and Neteyam actually share a lot of classes because Neteyam is a star student and skipped a grade. Kiri could probably also skip a grade if she wanted to, but her head's a little too in the clouds during classtime for any of her teachers to recommend it, even if she does get good grades. 

Spider still has his hair long, though I'm not sure if he would let it just endlessly keep growing or he would trim it here and there to his shoulders just to manage the curls a bit. I imagine his hair grows pretty fast so maybe once a year he chops it back to his shoulders and in like three months it's already almost to his elbows. He's gotten pretty good at braiding though, so when he can't be bothered to put effort into maintaining his curls, he just brushes his hair violently and braids it all in like dutch braids or other complicated hairstyles. The girls' soccer team probably starts recruiting him to braid their hair before games (based on my own experience lmao).

On a more serious note with his home situation... I think as a kid he was probably passed through multiple foster homes and all of them kind of said that he's too much for them. Then he ends up with the McCoskers and while they're not ideal they never say anything like that or try to get rid of him (yes they neglect him but seeing how he was treated before and they're not kicking him out, he's okay with them just giving him a place to stay). At least I'd imagine until maybe something big happens like he overworks himself or something and who notices other than the new family in town? The Tonowari family. And then they swoop in and are like 'mine now' and Spider's just like what? Unconditional love? A home where they notice I'm gone? Where I don't have to find my own food? What is this?

BUT IF TRUDY LIVED: so I imagine as a kid he'd still maybe be passed through the foster system a little, but Trudy is invested in his well-being, she's just still convinced there's some couple out there who'd be better for Spider overall until she sees all of them rejecting this perfect kid and she's like screw it and screw my own problems, I'll work through them for this kid but I'm taking him. And he's a happy boy thank you very much, loves his mama to death. 

I'll probably have stuff to add eventually but take this for now. 

[13eyond13]

still doing the ask meme? mikami and/or takada perhaps? i love those late-game kiras

Yes, of course! Thank you 🧡

MIKAMI + Realistic Headcanon: after his mother passes away he leads such a solitary existence that he often goes days at a time without ever speaking out loud to anybody, except maybe to say "thank you" to a cashier or to answer a question asked of him by the teacher in class

MIKAMI + Not Necessarily Realistic, but Hilarious Headcanon: he is so obsessed with punctuality and routine, and does his exercises so similarly every single day, that there is a ghostly image of him working out burned into the well-worn security tape at his gym

MIKAMI + Heartcrushing Headcanon: he spent more than one lunch period at school as a child standing on a toilet in a stall trying to hide from a violent bully, or pretending to talk into a payphone so it looked like he actually had friends

MIKAMI + Disregarding Canon Headcanon: I don't go by the anime version of things with Mikami in the warehouse, as in I don't think he actually exploded himself with a pen... Though it was definitely funnier for him to do that than to just shoot himself, or whatever else they could've made him do instead

--

KIYOMI + Realistic Headcanon: she initially met Light at a To-Oh freshman house party. She was a little bit drunk, and so he let her hold onto his shoulder for support while she put her shoes on at the door. He complimented her politely on her hairstyle, which was a new short look that she was a little shy about trying, so she got a crush on him due to that pretty much right away. She (incorrectly) assumed that his approval of girls with shorter hairstyles meant that he probably wasn't quite as traditional-minded and conservative and patronizing in his ideas about women as other men, and that gave her the courage to make the first move with him and ask him out on a date

KIYOMI + Not Necessarily Realistic, but Hilarious Headcanon: I think it would be funny if both Light and Kiyomi thought they were being super enviable main characters in that scene where they're sitting together in class, but in actuality everybody else is just pissed off at them for talking so much during the lecture about their good looks and their dates

KIYOMI + Heartcrushing Headcanon: the two people she trusted the most to have her back both simultaneously condemned her to die by burning to death all alone in the back of Mello's truck... just picturing her huddled in her blanket like that, doing exactly what Light told her to do is super sad

KIYOMI + Disregarding Canon Headcanon:

I don't really have anything like this for Kiyomi, I'm pretty sure!

[headcanon ask meme]

[koaly-ty]

Different Princess (Episode Reacts)

Spoilers for Different Princess from episode 18 to 20. Tis what this review covers. Expect nothing and be not disappointed.

Ep 18

bestie stands disapproving of you rescuing your traitor wife (fish guy needs an award for all those exasperated frustrated im done with this looks, also a promotion to eternally disappointed in you bestie)

so much shoving

dont suck it out dont suck it out (chants frantically) please dont please please please nooo, eternally frustrated bestie why did u have to say that, u r a doctor do not make such terrible incomplete medical statements, lovesick people have very different interpretations of such matters

nooooooooooooooooooooooooooo (cries, not in a goood way, in a very sad utterly done with these people way)

also doctor thank you for stating that like you thought it was gonna stop him, or be retained in the memory of any of these people

now they are going to kiss feed her and fight over that (facepalm)

bro u should atleast be awake to appreciate all these tropes going on over your head (and on your neck)(he makes a nice vampire, perfect amount of agony on his face while attacking her neck)

please just end me

i cant do this

gongye qi i am so sorry for you and i respect you, i would have left the continent by now

and they have music, background music for the medicine mouth to mouth (sinking into the ground, im never coming back)

also bro u r the prettiest in the room, why didnt they give you more space for your faint, why such a cramped fall (so disappointed)

bro you need to get paid, forget brotherhood of revenge, your bestie has clearly decided to lose every single one of his braincells

what they cant share the medicine, mouth to mouth, it just all perfectly pours into the other person's mouth?

wrong word. u r a physician not a saint

bro changed his hairstyle (hello zhao yunlan)

bestie mad about it

such a im a big tough guy nice stoic pose (rolls eyes) could look a little less constipated though

oh oh fish guy reciprocates

Female lead: i will not believe these villains but of course they have explained their side of the matter and i may have misunderstood them (lies on floor, what logic is she on)

Ep 19

secretary du u have an exemplary work ethic

new robes new hairstyle bro got a full makeover

and how do u not know he is gentle? he carried you out there while running from pursuers, caught you before you could fall etc etc

he smiled!!!!! (who are you)

proud man applauding his brilliant wife's achievements (so cheesy, pauses to stave off the second hand embarrasment, does not succeed)

lady realises son is still after his bro's wife (aishh)

bestie accepts his in-law

everybody get up give this princess a standing ovation, ostrich (accurate, died laughing)

well now we have two matchmakers for her main couple

i did not just read goo-goo eyes (my eyes oh my eyes my eyes)

bury head in book why not

Ep 20

bro u wrote him, what do u mean since when do u understand each other so well

look who is jealous (smirky face)

secretary du, are u scratched, u r the assassin arent you

im dead sorry, look at him, look at that man staring so adoringly at his wife

ive passed away…………………………..ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh (insert more incoherent screaming) proposed, he proposed (more screaming) bro is totally on full husband mode

and here is the obligatory mid-autumn festival scene, every single drama has it huh lanterns wonder and adoring looks

sorry bro your automated script lines are not gonna reach those ears tonight

oh no that male lead is gonna confess his love to her isnt he? bro u know she's ur bro's, why do u persist so futiley

yao yao adorable as always

ah hah mid autumn festival, the holder of all the all cliche cheesy and embarrasssing romantic scenes of dramas

yao yao is the general's kid

murder bro u cant flirt and reciprocate and then suddenly have a moral dilemna, the dilemna should be before you throw yourself in

princess (give her a standing ovation), forget your brothers, u would be the best queen on the throne, she is every self-insert's dream, a pro at wrapping her man around her fingers

okay look here bro, u betrayed your murder bestie for your wife, now you who recycle your outfits has gone and gotten a new outfit to tell your bestie off for falling in love, he hasnt even betrayed you

i can give them a chance, if (insert pointy finger) u agree to marry me, admit to being my wife etc etc

bro u could have called him delusional, u could have pretended u had so many options instead u stood there like a goldfish and admitted it, then u blame him (slaps hand onto forehead)

get off my screen and flirt you terrible cringy creature, even ur servants are in on this (wriggles fingers at screen, shoo shoo)

so du has been replaced by someone else, and no one noticed? poor guy :(

[theglitterypages]

Title: Haircut

Pairings: Levi x fem! Reader

Summary: You got a haircut but you're not confident of how it turns out so you avoided your boyfriend, Levi so he wouldn't see your new haircut but at the end of the day you still ended up meeting Levi.

Warnings; Mentions of 18+ thing at the end. Other than that, none.

Word Count: 1000+

(This idea just popped into my head today because I just got a new haircut and I feel awful about it :< so this is me tryin' to cheer myself up.)

••••••

You sighed as you looked at yourself in the mirror, “I look awful.” you told yourself as you comb your hair using your fingers, you just got a new haircut, Erwin suggested that you should cut your hair short because it's too long.

He's not lying though. Eren, Armin, Connie, Jean and the other people that are too many to mention, are always talking about your hair. Every damn time you'd pass by in front of them they'll talk about how long your hair is, your hair has always been in a ponytail down your back.

And when they saw you while your hair was flowing freely down your back to your hips, everybody's jaw dropped, realizing that your hair is much longer than they thought.

You've always loved your hair, if there's something that you love about yourself, it is your hair, especially your boyfriend, Captain Levi loves playing with it, he loves smelling it, he even tried braiding your hair. It was bad but he didn't stop trying to perfect the art of braiding.

But because of Erwin's order, you've decided that your hair could get in the way when you're fighting Titans, so you decided to give yourself a haircut.

You tied your hair up in a bun, nobody would notice the change in its length once you keep it that way, you find your new haircut awful and there's no way you would let anyone see this new haircut of yours.

••••

“Did somebody see Y/N around?” Levi asked Connie, the latter shook his head slowly, “I haven't seen her, Captain.” he answered as he proceeded in sweeping the floor.

“Where the hell is my brat?” Levi asked himself, he needs to see you as soon as possible, or else he wouldn't be able to focus on work. He just had to see you, hug you or talk to you for quite some time so he could finally start working.

It's already 12 o'clock in the afternoon and he hasn't seen you yet, Connie was the tenth person that he asked about you. Eren told him he saw you feeding the horses but when he went there you're already gone.

When he approached Armin, the kid just told him you're with Hanji but when he went to look for Hanji you were not with her.

He's already frustrated of what's happening, is it all coincidence that you're already gone before he could see you or you're purposely avoiding him?

He tried reflecting on himself, thinking if he did something to make you upset, he didn't sleep beside you last night but you usually don't mind such cases, because you understand that there's too many paper works. What did he do that made you avoid him?

•••••••

So far, operation avoid Levi Shorty Ackerman is doing good, you succeeded in avoiding him. When you entered the headquarters your gaze landed at Connie who was passionately sweeping the floor.

When the bald guy noticed your presence he immediately waved excitingly.

“Y/N! Captain Levi was looking for you, want me to tell him you arrived?” Connie asked you innocently as he smiles widely.

You just shook your head politely, “Where did he go?” you asked, you have to know where Levi went so you could go somewhere far from him. Connie thought for a second.

He actually didn't get to see which way Levi exactly went but he think he saw him headed to the left, “He turned left earlier.” he answered.

You smiled and pat Connie's bald head before heading to the kitchen, Sasha is probably the only person staying there, you just need some tea right now.

But instead of Sasha, you saw Levi instead, his grey eyes immediately met yours as he sipped onto his tea, when he placed down the teacup, he stood up and walked towards you.

You cussed Connie in your head for a hundred times, he told you Levi turned left! That bald kid!

“You've been avoiding me, I presume.”

“What? I was just busy.” you denied, you felt cold sweats formed in your forehead, Levi kept on stepping forward but you keep on stepping backwards. He was looking at you intensely, he stopped walking when he noticed that you keep on stepping back.

You finally get to breathe steadily but he suddenly snatched your arms and pulled you towards him, your body slapping onto his, you shut your eyes because of the impact, not that it hurts so bad, there's just a weird effect when your body slapped against his.

“I know it when you're lying, brat. What did I do? Is it because I didn't sleep beside you last night? Did I accidentally made you jealous? What did I do?"

“Nothing. I'm just busy today.”

“Cut the crap, Y/N. Just tell me why are you killing me like this?” he whispered as he hugged you, burying his face on the crook of your neck as he breathes heavily. “Levi, it's just that...” you gently pushed him away from you and pointed your head, he looked at you in confusion, still not getting it.

“Well, ahm I did something stupid last night.” you crossed your fingers as you bite your lower lip.

“What did you do, exactly?” Levi asked curiously, he's hoping you didn't get yourself hurt because he'd go crazy once that happens, you can be hard headed most of the times and you're the most unpredictable woman he'd ever met.

But that is the reason why he loves you, you're always full of surprises and random things he wouldn't find attractive nor important when it's other people but when it's about you, everything is important.

Your heart was beating crazy fast as you slowly lift your hands to reach your hair bun, you were closing your eyes as you freed your hair, you let it fall freely in your shoulders, it was cut that short—you still haven't heard Levi spoke yet and it's killing you for real.

After some moment of silence, Levi's low chuckle echoed through your ear and you clenched your fist, you knew it, he'll make fun of you.

“I know, I look ugly.” you trailed off but you felt Levi's strong arms made their way on your waist, he pulled you close to him before he leaned down to press a kiss on your lips.

“You look beautiful, Y/N. I just find it weird that you have to avoid me just because of this haircut.”

“You loved my long hair right? You told me you love playing with it.” you mumbled as you tried hiding your face from him but Levi nipped your chin using your fingers, before he raised your chin and pressed his lips on yours quickly.

“Brat, it is you that I love the most. My love is not based on your hairstyle or hair length. You look beautiful in any hairstyle. It will grow back anyways.”

He raked his fingers on your hair with a smile, “See? I can still play with your hair like this. Don't you ever think that my love for you is shallow. I love you no matter what, you can even shave every single hair in your body and I would still be here, ready to love you.” you don't know what to say, you were out of words at that moment so you decided to just act out what you feel.

You grabbed him by his collar and pulled him down for a deep passionate kiss, Levi even hummed as he pulled you closer and closer. Not wanting to leave any space between the two of you.

“I love you, Captain.”

“I love you too, brat.” he smirked before scooping you up.

“Levi!” you scolded as you try hitting his back so he could put you down but he didn't, he's not affected.

“I gotta keep you locked in the bedroom so no one could see how prettier you've become. Fuck my paper works, you're my priority.” he smirked as he playfully cupped your ass.

“Fuck you.”

“You already did, brat.”

[incorrectsmashbrosquotes]

Send in the Aegis'

Shulk: Mythra, you know how Pyra is basically an alternate you that you created?

Mythra: I mean, that's missing an entire segment of information and details, but sure. What is it?

Shulk: Well, was Pyra the only one you made?

Mythra: ....Honestly, no. There were others. I kinda panicked and made a whole bunch in case Pyra didn't fit. Though, handling them all was too much trouble, so I just put them on lockdown. 

Shulk: Come on, I'm sure they can't be that bad.

Mythra: You want to meet them? Alright. Don't say I didn't warn you.

Mythra closes her eyes and glows for a split second.

Shulk: ...Uh, Mythra?

Mythra: They'll be out in a second. 

She twitches. Her hair goes from blonde to white, and changes into ponytails. She has a big smile on her face.

Joyra: Hi, everybody! Isn't it a super amazing great day?

She twitches. Her hair becomes a dark blue while her hairstyle becomes long and droopy, covering an eye. She seems sad.

Gloomra: Ugh....She calls this a great day? I should've stayed in bed...

She then changes to pink, her hair in a bun. She didn't put it in a bun, it just got that way.

Lustra: Ah, but romance is in the air, my Aegis Sisters. Tis a beautiful day to fall in love.~

Her hair then goes to a floofy hairstyle, now being the color of a rainbow. Her sword has turned into a gigantic mic. 

Laughra: HAHAH! Hey everybody! It's great to be here, I'll be here all week. Hey, have you seen that Bowser? Talk about clingy, am I right? Ha! But seriously, these are all jokes. Laugh with me!

Shulk laughs, very confused. Her hair then changes to green, while the hair style changes to a short haircut. She now has sunglasses.

Coolra: Ey! Who's up for some football, huh?

She then changes into the last "alt", who has pitch black spikey hair.

Evilra: Heh. Nice place you got, Shulkie. I could have some serious fun with this stuff.

She then changes to Pyra, who simply blinked.

Pyra: ...Well, it's been a while since I've heard from them. Shulk? You okay?

Shulk: Give me a minute...it's a lot to process. But, I don't think they're that bad. You can probably have them talk to the other Smashers. 

Pyra: Really? Well, if you think so. Later, Shulk!

Later that day.....

Joyra goes over to Simon.

Joyra: Hello, grandfather dear! How're you this wonderful day?

Simon: Lady Mythra...Pyra? I can't tell who I'm talking to, but I'm not your grandfather. And I must say that I'm not doing all that great. These shoes of mine are too hard, the birds are getting to close...and the sun hurts my eyes.

Joyra, ignoring all that: Joy! Isn't it a beautiful day? Aren't these birds simply lovely? Isn't it great to be alive?

Simon: ....

Joyra, agressively: (｡◕‿◕｡)

Later....

Gloomra had her leg stuck in a door. Isabelle approached her

Gloomra: Ow...Ow.....

Isabelle: Oh, hi Mythra! I like what you did with your hair. Blue looks good on you! Do you think you could assist me with some tasks for the Mayor?

Gloomra: What's the point of doing any tasks for some Mayor? We do him, he thanks us, we some more, he thanks us some more, then what? Poof, we're gone. Nothingness, emptiness. We're all dust in the wind. The worst part is I'm going to probably outlive all of you. 

Isabelle, scared: ...I...I don't want to be dust in the wind...

Later, again....

Coolra is walking down the street with an unmatched level of coolness.

Coolra: She shoots, she scores! Ya girl Coolra is fo sho swag, bruh! (She begins checking herself out in the mirror) Oooo! Looking good! Who's that hottie? Oh, it's only me! 

Coolra sees Sonic.

Coolra: Ey, it's the Speedster himself! 

Sonic: Uh, Pyra? What're you doing?

Coolra: I'm walking 'ere! You got a problem with dat, ya skateboardin' Needlemouse Boi?

Sonic: Needlemouse Boy?

Coolra takes Sonic's skateboard and begins absolutely shredding with it, riding on buildings, doing flips, catching insane air. She even grinded on a bench.

Sonic: Woah, check it out! Pyra's got the moves!

CRACK!

Coolra, handing the broken board back to Sonic: Heh. How 'bout next time you get a board that can handle the Coolra style? Later, Prickles the Hamster!

Sonic: ....This was a birthday gift....

Later, once more...

Pit was playing on his Switch when Laughra approached him.

Pit: Hey, Mythra! Want to play the new Warioware with me?

Laughra: Do I? Does Bowser ever cry himself to sleep? Hey, why did Knuckles cover himself in mayonaise? Because he wanted a Knuckle sandwich! Hahahaha!

Pit: ????

Laughra: Hello! Anyone home in there? Don't tell me you need your mommy to tell you to think! Paging Mr. Pit! Palutena called. She wants her flightless idiot back.

Pit, a bit offended: Uh, Mythra? Are you okay? You're being mean in a weird way.

Laughra: I'm weird! HAHA! Come on! You want weird, you should see the type of fanfics Robin writes. And what's the deal with that Kazooie?

Later, after that...

Rex: (Eating a sandwich) Oh, hi Pyra. What's up?

Lustra: To read thee a book and to take in thine beauty, dear Rex. Is Nia around as well?

Rex: Uh, yeah. She's in the back.

Lustra: Ah. Then I will focus on you until she comes. Shall I compare thee to a summers day? Nay! Even Shakespeare is inadequate to describe thou's perfection!

Rex, blushing: P-Pyra, come on. The others will hear.

Lustra: As you wish, darling. But before that...could you gift me with a kiss?

Rex: ....(faints)

Later, hopefully the last time...

Evilra was standing on the side of the road with a pie. She saw Luigi coming and smirked.

Evilra: Hey, Stringbean. Want a pie?

Luigi: Oh boy! Sure!

Evilra proceeds to smack the pie in Luigi's face, knocking him to the ground.

Evilra: (snickers evilly) You can't beat the classics!

Luigi: I-I'll say...

Evilra: (poses)

[wisteria-lodge]

Crowley’s Roman Look is Very Strange

I didn’t. I didn’t want to be this person. But Aziraphale is sitting RIGHT THERE looking like A TOTALLY RESPECTABLE Roman citizen circa 40 AD. Maybe the hair might be unusual, but the Romans LOVED blonde hair. They thought it was cool and foreign and exotic in sort of a sexy way.

But Crowley is so historically confused. And I think the production design is too good and Neil Gaiman is too on top of his game for this to be accidental. It must mean something. 

I - HAIR

What is on your head Crowley. Are you the emperor? Are you a victorious general currently participating in a victory parade? 

Sure, you sometimes see laurel wreathes in portraits. But FUNERAL portraits.

That crown is a symbolic thing, to celebrate your victories in life. It’s not STREET WEAR. 

And okay. It’s 40-41 AD. Caligula is emperor. Military chic is in. If you’re a guy, you’re wearing your hair short and un-styled (LIKE AZIRAPHALE.) Those dramatic little spit curls wouldn’t show up until at least Nero. 

But actually, pulling back for a second - are you appreciating the absurdity that is this hairstyle? Because it took me a second to notice that only the FRONT HALF is curled.

Which is a Roman hairstyle. But it’s a Roman LADY hairstyle. 

(It tends to get called ‘Flavian Hair’ because the Flavian era ladies of the 70s-90s got pretty extreme about it, but you still had less... dramatic versions in the 40s.)

That’s you, Crowley. That’s your style reference. Honestly, if you had just kept your hair long everybody would have thought you were a cool barbarian chieftain or something. 

II - CLOTHES

The black is fine. It’s eccentric, but fine. Romans wore black. Wearing black was Cato the Younger’s *thing.* It gets associated with mourning and/or protest, but it would have been really visually confusing to have Crowley wear some other color. This gets a pass.

Nope, my question is about his articles of clothing. There’s a charcoal grey garment that seems to be a toga + undershirt. It’s looped over Crowley’s arm, which is a classic toga give away. 

That part’s fine. But over the top, he’s wearing a true black... short cape? Shawl? it’s really hard to tell, because whatever it is, he is NOT wearing it correctly (is it folded in half?) Also, that irregular red zigzag pattern is very strange and I do not recognize it from anywhere. Seriously, I can’t even decide on a continent for this garment.

III - JEWELRY

Emperor Nero usually gets credit for inventing the first sunglasses, after he started watching gladiators fight though a green gemstone. He won’t be emperor for about ten years. But hey, he probably got the idea from somewhere. And dark glasses are just a really sensible way to hide your snakey eyes. This is also the first time we see Crowley put up some proper emotional barriers, so it’s a good place for the glasses to be introduced. (@theladyzephyr has a wonderful meta that goes into a lot more detail here.) 

So the sunglasses are good. BUT THAT BROOCH.

Okay. This is Aziraphale wearing a fibula plate brooch

It’s a really Roman style, and a really Roman shape (a “pelta”)

I’ve never seen one that looks like angel wings, but a Roman citizen is going to look at that and see a soppily patriotic Imperial Eagle. How nice that this lovely man from Germania/Greece has made some money and become such an exemplary citizen!

But Crowley is wearing a penannular (pin-and-ring) brooch

That’s not roman. That’s a style from the British Isles (Irish, Pictish, Scottish, Welsh.) It says barbarian, boonies, outskirts of the civilized world. 

And nobody @ me with pictures of pin-and-ring brooches from Rome. Those are small, cheap, and undecorated. They’re the cultural equivalent of safety pins. This is patterned like a snake, and it’s the size of Crowley’s palm. 

AND THAT’S ANOTHER THING. They didn’t do snake-themed jewelry in the British isles. Snakes didn’t have the best cultural associations there, and there weren’t too many of them there to begin with. This isn’t something Crowley picked up because “hey, a snake, cool,” and then got attached too. This must have been commissioned special. 

But you know who LOVED snake jewelry? 

ROMANS. 

Romans associated snakes with healing and rebirth - clinics sometimes had lil snakes crawling around on the ground to give the place good vibes. 

You cannot tell me that Crowley could have existed in Rome for any length of time and not picked up some of this jewelry. Which leads me to my conclusion:

IV - CROWLEY IS EXTREMELY NEW IN TOWN

The unfashionable pin and hair? The clothing draped the wrong way? The cultural colorblindness of wearing a laurel crown when you’re not supposed to? Crowley looks like a tacky tourist because he is one. He’s not staying here long, he “just nipped in for a quick temptation.”

He’s in a bad mod because he’s had an awful day, everyone keeps looking at him funny, the temptation was a complete bust, he has culture shock, and now he’s just trying to get a drink. But they don’t have any PROPER drinks like ALE or MEAD here, so he just orders “whatever’s drinkable.” He’s even not sure what they drink in Rome. 

But then Aziraphale shows up and invites him to lunch some place fashionable. So everything’s going to be okay.

[sugar-petals]

So Caro how do you like "butter"?? 😳🤔

i’ll be cranking out my media major, let's review butter stylistically. ✍️ in four aspects — sonically, visually, lyrically, and concept-wise.

sonically: 9/10. here’s an interesting comparison i found, this can be calculated by looking at the stats of a musical piece. if you want to do harmonic mixing with another bts song, seesaw (!) is the most similar to it. with the exception that it’s written in f minor but other than that, the bpm/energy/danceability is uncanny. mindboggling. in other words, two bts songs can have the same anatomy and be entirely different worlds. that’s seriously hard to pull off. talking genre, recalling that namjoon said it's a "super retro disco pop new age acoustic ballad", that description is right on 😂it gets very daft punk after 1:38, groovy, the production is quite proper. especially in the second half, it’s a firework and all transitions VERY well. what i liked less, the voices are quite meddled with and as last time, the pitch gets higher and higher so the baritones need more pressure on the voice to be heard (i salute taehyung, my mezzo would be breaking apart). it’s a miracle that rapline can handle these songs. they put a heavier bassline under yoongi’s and rm’s bars, and separated hoseok toward the end since his tone is higher so, i hear you, someone knows what they’re doing. as for the tenors, looking forward to the live rendition of the mixed register bits and the vocal runs. bts are stable like that and jk’s timbre carries the song effortlessly (as is everyone’s great english pronunciation, these guys work so hard) so they wouldn't need autotune, figure it's been added for artistic effect, the retro vibes. a bonus on the other hand, jin getting his lines, hell yes, the spotlight for him. and the arrangement of their parts in general is quite ingeniously done, that looks like the workings of namjoon’s giant brain.

visually: 9/10. the dancebreak being the highlight — this is the sexiest thing i've ever seen — we get to see some really fancy moves from everybody and the hairstyles are quite a feast. jimin and jk have been much-talked-about so i'll emphasize the extravagance of hobi's 2013 MAMA g-dragonesque neon yellow here. he’s the smooth like butter guy they’re talking about indeed, butter hair, butter attitude, butter on his plat! 😂it’s seriously good thinking to have one member embody the concept with a color so, pretty clever. making him stand out as the ending fairy and then blending in the butter logo is equally smart. they wanted to catch our eye, they achieved it. the couture: yep, fashion youtube will have a good time going through all the outfits. from tae's chanel earrings, jin’s skirt, to white suits to jackets over the shoulder. very stylish. someone put a lot of thought into it, and i'm a sucker for some gnc undertones so very cool stuff. the only (very trivial) minus i noticed, a lot of the tailoring does not exactl fit the boys’ bodies to a t, see jungkook’s or jin’s sleeves, though you can’t expect bts to have a tailor come in and fix so many outfits with so many comebacks at once. the dance, it's a compilation of many classic bts moves. i feel like it could be tiny bit more distinguished with a whopping new complex signature formation that bts is famous for in creating, then again the full dance practice isn't out and the head nodding part is quite a visual anchor. also: i noticed they put yoongi in front row a lot. someone’s shoulder is finally better again, we can prepare for some good stuff.

lyrically: 4/10. the song fulfills its function, it creates the mood, but i’m hard to please in that regard as mentioned before. why: time and again i realize that yoongi, rm, and pdogg spoil us with comforting or on-fire lyrics that hit home and are on brand. same idea as in dynamite here, we're hit with a lotta english catchphrases that we usually wouldn't hear from bangtan. it's party mode, it's the summer hit kinda writing, so yeah it does what it’s supposed to do anyway and anybody can sing along. it’s catchy and solid for sure. the 'smooth criminal/superstar/heartbreaker' idea is carried through as a red string so thematically, it's coherent at least. a lot of lines are downright hilarious with random analogies and i don't know if the writers are serious or not. they could go all the way to make it clearer that humor and braggadocio is the concept here, exaggerate it even more. you can’t always tell if it’s a parody of a ‘yeah i’m the man you all fall for me’ sentiment or if it’s 100% business. in some parts of the song it works, in others it makes less sense. where i’ve seen bts execute this well with their own writing is converse high, that’s the bar. it’s also a personal lesson for me since i write crack often, butter tells you where to put the punchlines and where to keep it neutral. a lot of it is all over the place. on the other hand, it fits right on the beat. and perfectly executed pop so i'm a bit torn. i like the ‘got that heat’ part they gave jimin. 'side step right left to my beat' is a good chorus entry as well. making light of it, every lyric works as a witty gif or tweet tagline and we'll be circulating these phrases to eternity. every line works as a good comeback in any situation of life. yoongi's verse legit made me giggle. TLDR: the lyrics are partially confusing but they blend with the music well. 

conceptually: 8/10. hit the bell for that black and white intro, that was a good idea, same with the latest teaser. and: range, darling. only in a bts video could a cotton candy jimin go from a mugshot to being the president to a basket ball court hero to going full saturday night fever to flexing his legs in less than three minutes. jokes aside: it all fits in the universe of boy with luv and dynamite so points for consistency. bts's directors have outlined a new style for sure. the worldbuilding could go even deeper, but lumpens did a good job giving us many different eye candy serves and an innovative theme that hasn’t been tackled before, k-pop and pancakes why not! there are less actual film sets (and the difference shows, e.g. in Fire or Daechwita it really gave it some oomph), but it's not really needed. butter has no requirement for an agust d-ish plotline with historical buildings and the members' looks are in the center of attention. then again, i like those details of hoseok sitting in a retro apartment at the end — cozy, i love — with a radio. once again, they could exaggerate the vintage even more, it wouldn’t take away from the idea and visuals. i wish they would’ve expanded even more on the melting butter aesthetic shots as well, although it’s neatly tied into the song so it makes sense. the lyrics really have been blended with the choreograpy theme (the side step as a central move) so i’m thinking the art direction and choreographer had quite an in-depth discussion how to create a bigger picture. as for my weakness: cuteness melts me like butter, extra points for jungkook and yoongi being adorable in their seats.

[the-firebender-girl]

The Songbird (Zuko x Reader)

-> Takes place during “The Promise” comic timeline, about a year or two after his coronation and Zuko is 18 years old here.

Fire Lord Zuko is trying his absolute best to make good on all his promises. To his nation... his hopes and dreams of restoring it to what it was before Fire Lord Sozin’s reign. To the rest of the world... in helping them heal the wounds that his ancestors have inflicted on soo many innocents.

No, he doesn’t want any of them to forget or for history to be rewritten. He proudly shouldered the burden from all those heinous crimes against humanity, to serve as a reminder, especially for himself. Of what happened if kings or leaders become arrogant and greedy, if power is unchecked. The kind of leader that to Agni he prayed, he would never turn into.

And everyday he paid the price, even though it’s not even his to begin with, but still it passed down from generation to generation. Like a snowball, growing bigger with each tumble down. It’s taking its toll on him to the point that it’s not even possible to hide how worn out he is. The dark circles under his eyes more prominent than ever, sunken cheeks, hollowed eyes. But Zuko would never yield, not until he knows he has righted all the wrongs. But with each day, Uncle Iroh realized he has to step in or else this load that torment him would ended up killing his nephew. Literally.

And he has just the solution in mind.

———————————————————————

“I think we should establish an official court entertainers for this palace.” Uncle Iroh said in between sips of another one of his exotic tea.

Zuko merely looked up briefly from the correspondence that he has in hands, “There are more pressing issues than extravaganza, Uncle.”

“Indeed, indeed. But entertainers would bring life to this dreadful palace, Fire Lord Zuko! Agni knows the staffs and ambassadors need it. With all that’s been going on with the rebellion within this capital, we all deserve some distraction.” Uncle Iroh continued. “There is an unrest brewing in this palace, people are scared for their safety. We need to contain it and what’s more delightful than musics or dances to bring people together?”

Zuko only hummed and shifted his attention back towards the letter. His frown returned as he let out a loud sigh and slumped in his chair.

“Any news that I should be aware of?” Uncle Iroh asked. If Zuko doesn’t want to consider his idea then maybe he should try another approach and let him vent first.

“It’s about the Harmony Restoration Movement... I launched it with the aim of transferring the Fire Nation colonials back here to their true home. But new disputes arose and now we risked war with the Earth Kingdom if we don’t handle this delicately.” Zuko answered. “How am I supposed to deal with both this and the civil war that we already have in hand within the nation, uncle?”

“As I said before, Zuko. Sometimes we need to step back and renew one's assessment. To see the big picture instead of braving the storm without any solid plan in mind. That would be both foolish and futile.” Iroh replied, letting his words sinks into his nephew’s mind.

Zuko squared his shoulders and sit straighter, putting down the letter that he has been holding for hours and look at his uncle. “About that court entertainers idea, is there any candidate that you have in mind?”

Uncle Iroh mentally pat himself in the back and let himself smile now that he got Zuko where he wanted him to be. “There is this band of traveling musicians from North Chung-Ling that I constantly heard about. They said that the mysterious lead singer’s voice is so lovely that it can put whoever’s listening into a trance. I only know that they nicknamed her as ‘The Songbird’ but other than that nothing else, and I for one would like to find out.”

Zuko nod his head a few times, “Then I should find someone who can reach out to them and invite them here.”

———————————————————————

A month after the invitation has been sent out and the palace received the confirmation that this famed band accepted the offer, preparations are made. Not only to welcome and host them for the time being but also for the ball where they will perform before the ambassadors from other nations and all the palace staffs. Turns out Zuko haven’t had the slightest inkling as to how popular they actually are before he made the announcement and suddenly the whole palace is in a frenzy. Everybody wants to go and watch the performance.

And the night that they’ve all waited for is now upon them. Sadly Zuko cannot welcome them himself because he was held up in the meeting so it was only Uncle Iroh who greeted and escorted them. He has heard from the tittle-tattle exchanged between the staffs though that the band consisted of 9 person and they’re all women.

It’s been a while since Zuko got to relax and enjoy the luxury that came with his position. And not many know that their Fire Lord is actually a huge art nerd especially for theater, but music performances has a special place in his heart too. He could only hope that this band lives up to their reputation.

———————————————————————

Zuko sit at his ornate covered throne (minus the wall of fire that usually accompanied every reigning Fire Lord) and he’s embarrassed to admit that he may or may not be shaking from anticipation. Tapping his right foot on the floor to ease some of the tension. Even Uncle Iroh noticed his behavior and looked at him questionably to which Zuko only waved his hand in dismisal.

The Throne Room is crowded with people dressed to the nines in elaborate robes and gowns. But the center of the room remains empty for the musicians before they take their place there any minute now.

Some minutes later the door opened and nine women stepped in. Their colorful dresses so different from what he’s used to seeing amongst his people in their go-to black and red. Their hairstyle elaborate and completed with large hairpiece accessorized with beads, pins, tassels, or fresh flowers.

“Qitou” Zuko thought to himself. That’s why he recognized the style of hair from the time that he spent as a waiter in Jasmine Dragon. The women in the upper ring of Ba Sing Se sported that kind of hairstyle.

He spied them carrying various musical instruments ranging from pipa, guzheng, dizi, and others. Holding it close to their chest as if it’s a baby.

When they reached the center, they wordlessly take their designated position forming a half circle but left an empty space right in the middle of their formation.

Before Zuko could watch any further, the door swung open again and the last of the member entered. It’s her.... The Songbird.

She walks as if she’s floating, the fact that her feet are covered by her trailing dress produced an even more dramatic effect. But it works in her favor, Zuko realized, as all eyes in the room immediately goes to her.

There is something magnetic about her, he could feel it as he drink her in, a tug in his chest. She graced him with a small smile and a bow before she took her position and motioned to the rest of her companions that she’s ready.

Melodies filled the room as the musicians played their instruments expertly, hands moving with little to no effort as if it’s all already imprinted to their muscle memory.

Zuko never thought that it’s possible for her to dazzle him even more than she already did, but that was before she opened her mouth and starts singing that heavenly tune. After that, Zuko knew that he’s a goner.

He clings to the lull of her voice, letting it fill him, resounded in him. He never felt this serene ever since he found out that his mother had left. But The Songbird managed to accomplish the impossible and made him feel alive. Truly live instead of just existing.

It seems like he’s not the only one who she won over. Uncle Iroh’s gapping like a fish, some of the palace staffs eyes are either glazed or filled with tears, and the ambassadors for once are not in each other’s throats.

If he wasn’t convinced earlier on making them this palace’s official entertainers, he sure is now.

———————————————————————

On the next day after the ball he immediately approached one of the members when he saw her in the hall to inform her of his offer so that she can tell it to the others and discuss their decision.

He doesn’t need to wait long for in that same night he just got himself an official court entertainers.

Starting from there he invited them to play at dinners and afternoon tea times. Any excuse that he can get really to see her. Y/N... that’s her name, the girl who has been living in his head rent free ever since she walked into his life.

Sometimes it’s only her that he called for to sing for him as she strums her pipa. Her voice accompanying him while he sorts through correspondence, writing back a reply, or draft up a plan.

Zuko and Y/N grew closer and became friends, they share about their day to each other. All that they’ve been up to before they finally got the time to enjoy each other’s presence.

Spending soo much time with him daily makes Y/N aware of certain things. The most pushing matter is the fact that the Fire Lord is close to burning himself out yet there’s no sign of him stopping anytime soon.

“You know you should get more rest, you look awful.” Y/N said to him that night instead of jumping to another song as she just finished the last one.

“Ouch you’re hurting my feelings, Y/N. Do I really look that bad?” Zuko replied but his manners is all teasing.

“I don’t mean that you look ugly, I don’t think you’re even capable of it. It’s just that you look like you’re about to drop dead anytime, Zuko. It’s killing me to see you this exhausted but I couldn’t do anything to help it.” She murmured, looking at him tenderly, the man she has grown to care for much more than she ought to.

Something in her words served like a lock that turned open the vault of Zuko’s hidden emotions, to the ugly burden that he insisted on bearing alone. He let his guard down and made himself vulnerable in front of her, all his raw emotions on display.

“I have trouble sleeping, because of nightmares mostly, but some nights sleep just doesn’t found me at all.” Zuko confessed, the words pouring out before he could think it through.

The encouragement in her eyes made Zuko go on and he told her all about the things that troubles him so. The rebels inside the capital planning to usurp him, the conflict with the colonies, the impending possible war with the Earth Kingdom, even his own insecurities about his credibilities to rule. He bared it all to her and once he finished, he saw no judgement or pity in her eyes, only understanding.

“I can’t even begin to imagine what it’s like to be you... but you have been so strong, Zuko. And i’m proud of you, I bet so is your uncle, the Avatar, and the rest of your friends. Please stop doubting yourself too much, you’re capable of achieving soo many incredible and revolutionary things. And I want you to know that I believe in you.” Y/N said as she slowly took his hands in hers, running her fingers across his knuckles.

And Zuko felt himself beaming, because for once he truly believes that he is indeed capable and in the end he’ll figure it all out. All thanks to her, his Songbird, if she even wants to be his.

———————————————————————

Zuko and Y/N talked late into the night and she ended up falling asleep right where she sat in a divan across from his bed.

When she woke up sometime later, she saw that it is already 1 in the morning. And she felt like she’s overstaying her welcome by being in his chambers, it wouldn’t be appropriate at all if a servant were to discovers them.

So she stretched her body, hearing some cracks from the stiffness, but then she heard a whimper. It’s coming straight from Zuko’s bed where he’s trashing around and getting himself all tangled up in his silk blanket. At this rate she’s afraid he might accidentally choke himself to death.

Y/N lowers her feet to the rug covered floor and slowly padded her way to his bedside. She went down on her knees and reached out a hand to rub his hair back, hoping that he could feel her touch and that it would call him down from his nightmare.

“Shhh....shhhh” She cooed to him, her heart broke in her chest when she saw how pained he look. “It’s alright, Zuko. I’m here and it’s just a dream.”

Zuko flung himself up, his eyes wide open. Chest heaving frantically and she can see the sweats trailing down the side of his head.

It took him some time before he calmed down and became aware of her. “I’m sorry, did I wake you up?”

Y/N shaked her head, “Don’t worry about that, is it always this bad? the nightmares?” She asked him, her heart fluttering over the fact that he’s aware of her hands holding his yet he doesn’t pull away.

“Yeah... sometimes even worse, this is actually a mild episode compared to the others. Some night I actually woke up screaming.” He said as he lowered his head, avoiding her eyes.

But she softly grasped his chin and tilted his face back up, “Hey now don’t shy away from me, we’re way past that don’t you think?”

“Do you want me to sing you a song? I’ve been working on it for some time, it’s for you actually.” Y/N said.

Zuko stammered over his words, “Y—you wrote me a song?”

“Uh huh, scoot over if it’s a yes.” To which Zuko gladly did and gave her a generous amount of space.

“Sorry if it’s a weird request but can you hold me?” Zuko asked timidly.

Y/N answered with a nod and smile at him as she tugged him close, letting him rest his head on her stomach and draped her hands on his sides. Once she deemed that he’s comfortable enough with the position, she took a huge breath and starts to sing.

Sweetheart, you look a little tired when did you last eat?

Come in and make yourself right at home, stay as long as you need

Zuko’s eyes found hers as he listened to the words that she wrote with him in mind. A weary smile bloomed on his handsome face at the realization that all this time she was paying attention to how he has been doing.

Tell me, is something wrong? if something's wrong, you can count on me

You know I'll take my heart clean apart if it helps yours beat

He gulped, hard. This girl with a golden voice, wrote all this... for him? Agni, this is too much for him to even process. He could barely calm his heart, it’s pounding so hard he wouldn’t be surprised if it actually burst.

Like a force to be reckoned with

A mighty ocean or a gentle kiss

I will love you with every single thing I have

Y/N forced herself to hold his searing gaze, every part of her body feels warm and alive at the way that he’s looking at her. Like he’s truly at awe and he doesn’t deserve any of this. But she continued, pouring her feelings into every single word so that he would understand, could see how wonderful he is in her eyes.

Like a tidal wave, I'll make a mess

Or calm waters, if that serves you best

I will love you without any strings attached

There is a hidden but lingering promise in this song, one that Zuko founds himself debating whether or not he dare tread to. Because he knows that if he took that one step in, he could never go back.

No, I don't want to talk about myself

Tell me where it hurts

I just want to build you up, build you up

'Til you're good as new

And maybe one day I will get around to fixing myself too

Zuko reached out a hand and rub her cheek, marveling in the softness of it under his touch. He felt her breath hitched for just a second but she never faltered.

And what a privilege it is to love

A great honor to hold you up

Zuko let out a chuckle as he heard the word honor, how different he perceived it now from a few years ago.

She reached the final lyric and the song came to an end, for a while they can only look at each other.

“Thank you.... it’s lovely, you’re lovely.” Zuko murmured to her, with a hand still on her cheek.

“I’m glad you like it.” Y/N said, smiling down at him as she relishes in the feeling of his soft strands between her fingers.

“Would you stay here with me, Songbird?” He asked, hope alit in those amber eyes.

“Yes.. yes,” She replied. “Tonight, tomorrow, the day after that... as long as you want me here then I won’t go anywhere.”

Zuko grinned, “Then you’ll be staying here for a long, long time.”

Y/N leaned down and planted a kiss on the crown of his head, “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

So they stayed, together in that bed, all tangled up. For the first time in forever, the nightmares didn’t come and Fire Lord Zuko got the best sleep of his life.

[theres-an-impulstor-among-us]

Vaunna, my beloved. Are you aware that we now need some kind of Rendog fan fiction to celebrate the important news that are his dog ears?

Ahh Oca my beloved, of course I am aware. Here you go! 

(also pls don’t tag this as shipping, it’s just friendship)

…

  One hot afternoon, Ren is at his log farm, trying to stock up for his shop. Bigger Logz has seen a lot of traffic recently so he hopes he can restock quickly so as to not lose any business. But his long hair is causing him to sweat heavily in the hot sun and he’s not sure how much longer he can stay out here for. 

  “Yo, Ren!” Iskall unexpectedly appears on top of the tree he’s just about to chop down. “How’s it going?”

  “Hey!” Ren smiles up at his friend. “What’s up, Iskall?”

  “Nothing much, just coming over to check on the weirdo who’s chopping logs in the middle of a heatwave.”

  Ren laughs. “If I don’t get it done now, I’ll keep procrastinating until I hate everything. Now that you’re here, you wanna help?”

  “No, dude, I wanna go to the beach or something!” Iskall reaches down and tugs at Ren’s shoulder. “C’mon, let’s go do something fun. Aren’t you sweltering out here?”

  Their best friend considers this. “I mean, I AM really hot.”

  Iskall winks. “In more ways than one.”

  “Stop!” Ren giggles, swatting his best friend’s hand away. 

  “Yo, you’re so hot cuz you’ve got a whole mane covering your whole head and neck.” Iskall takes hold of a few strands of Ren’s hair and tugs gently at them. “Look at this. You gotta be sweating like a… um… whatever sweats a lot. Why don’t you get a haircut?”

  Ren’s smile falls and he takes a step back, tugging his hair out of Iskall’s grip. “I don’t need a haircut, I’m fine like this.” 

  Iskall raises an eyebrow. “Okay, what’s wrong?”

  “N-Nothing.”

  “Bro, I know you better than you know yourself. I heard the change in your voice just now so I know something’s wrong. You can talk to me about anything, you know.”

  Ren hesitates. He’s been best friends with Iskall for so long that maybe it IS time to tell them his secret. 

  “Okay. Here it is.”

  He lifts his long hair out of the way, revealing two furry dog ears on either side of his head. 

  Iskall stares at him, their eyes wide. “Ren… How long have you had those?”

  “My whole life,” Ren admits. “I’m just not confident enough to show them to everyone else.” 

  “You?” Iskall says in disbelief. “NOT confident?! You’re like the most confident guy I know.”

  Ren gives a slightly awkward chuckle. “Yeah. Not about this, though.”

  “But… how come? It’s not that bad, surely? You know the hermits would never judge you based on your appearance.”

  “I know, it’s just… it’s hard to shake old trauma. Know what I mean?”

  Iskall pauses. They know exactly what Ren means. Nobody likes talking about their lives before Hermitcraft, and this is the only time they’ve ever heard Ren mention anything about his. 

  Finally, they jump down beside Ren and link arms with him. “C’mon, bro. Let’s go get you a haircut. It’s time you get to show the world your full self.”

  Ren starts to protest but cuts himself off. For some reason, the idea of finally letting his ears show appeals to him. Even though he’s nervous at the idea, he knows deep down that the other hermits won’t treat him any differently. They already love him for who he is. 

  “O-Okay,” he says, nodding. “I’ll do it.”

…

  “-so we’d really like a style that shows off his ears but still encapsulates his rugged good looks,” Iskall finishes. “Can you do it?”

  Bdubs expertly twirls his shears. “What a silly question. You ready, Ren?”

  Ren squirms in the barber’s chair. “I don’t know. Y-You’ll be gentle, right…?”

  “Oh, of course!” Bdubs beams and flicks a piece of cloth over the mirror in front of him. “But no mirrors during the process, ‘kay? Gonna be a nice surprise at the end.”

  “I-I’m not gonna lose my ears altogether, am I?”

  Bdubs shakes his head confidently. “Nah, that hasn’t happened in ages! Okay, on we go!”

  Ren closes his eyes and leans back, forcing himself to relax. He trusts his friends; if Iskall and Bdubs say this is a good idea, he trusts their word. 

  Soon, he begins to relax for real, listening to Iskall and Bdubs chatter to each other about nothing in particular as the latter works. As much as he likes to talk, he also enjoys just listening to other people chat about building ideas and plans for the future. It helps distract him from his nerves.

  “Right! All done!”

  Ren opens his eyes. “That was quick.”

  “That was fifteen minutes,” Bdubs responds amusedly. “I think you fell asleep or something. Anyway, are you ready for the reveal?”

  Immediately, Ren’s heartrate skyrockets as he remembers where he is and what has just happened. “Y-Yeah.” 

  Grinning, Bdubs whips off the material covering the mirror. 

  Ren’s eyes widen. 

  Not for the first time in his life, he can’t stop staring at his reflection in the mirror. But this time, it’s different. This is the first time in so long that he can actually see his dog ears. He always thought he would hate any hairstyle where his ears are on show, but Bdubs has done such a good job keeping his hair long enough to still look good but short enough to show off the furry ears on either side of his head. 

  “Bro…!” Iskall circles Ren, unable to take their eyes off their best friend’s head. “You look amazing. Seriously. Your ears look so good with that haircut.”

  “Th-Thank you…” Ren reaches up to stroke his ears. He’s only ever touched them to sweep his hair over them or hide them from someone else; the feeling of touching them so gently is foreign to him. “Gosh… Y-You’ve done an amazing job, Dubadubs.” 

  Bdubs beams, placing both his hands on Ren’s shoulders from behind. “Dude, I can’t believe you’ve never shown off your ears before. You look great! Do you feel any different?”

  Ren simply nods, unable to put his feelings into words. Thankfully, Bdubs and Iskall can see the expression of pure joy on his face and they don’t press him to answer aloud. 

  A few minutes later, he steps out into the sunshine and closes his eyes, taking a deep breath. The breeze blows gently through his hair and ears. It’s amazing to Ren how this simple act has made him feel so free.   Iskall appears next to him, offering him his sunglasses. “You wanna go show off your new look?”

  “Heck yeah.” Ren grins and puts his sunglasses on. “How do I look?”

  “Niiiiice.” Iskall gives him an approving smirk. “Ladies get in line, huh?”

  Ren laughs at his own catchphrase being quoted back to him. He lets out a contented sigh, leaning casually on his shorter best friend’s shoulder. He’s never been happier in his whole life.

  “Ladies, gentlemen, and everybody in between.”

[c-c-cherry]

I got it, what stuffies do the bucci gang members have?? Cause no matter WHAT they say, each of them has a comfort stuffy

Hell yeah Bucci gang comfort stuffies Bucci gang comfort stuffies (because even our boys in Passione have at least one)

Go give @jjadegreen a follow because her thoughts make up 99.9% of the head canons I post!!!

◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇

Giorno

-Our boy’s got one medium sized plush ladybug. Narancia definitely gave it to him (he probably got it when he was sick or something just like what happened in The Unknown!)

-It was definitely the first stuffy he’d ever owned and he had no idea why they were giving it to him at first

-He has this external mindset that toys are for children but he literally loves this thing so much

-He’s too ashamed to tell anyone even though Narancia practically has a collection and he knows no one is gonna judge him for it

-It usually sits on a shelf but when Giorno has tough nights he hugs it to comfort himself and fall asleep

-It’s extremely well-kept because it’s Giorno's first stuffed animal. He adores it

-On one of his worse nights, Narancia walks in on him curled up under his blankets just—full-on crying into this poor ladybug. He skeets out of the room real quick and Giorno thought he’d completely fucked up and starts freaking out a bit only to see Nara run back in with more than an armful of stuffies and just dumps them all onto his bed

-They eat chocolate and take the best nap ever. This becomes a nice little weekly routine for the boys where the two of them can just sit and spill all their secrets and all that bro shit

-When Bruno catches wind of this via Narancia, he makes sure that they all give him a new plushie for his birthday

-Giorno acts like he could care less about it and politely thanks them, but Narancia gives Bruno all these little updates about how much Giorno loves every single one of them :’)

Bruno

-Surprisingly? Beanie baby collection

- He started collecting when he was a kid and paused the collection for the beginning of his time in Passione but started it up again about 3 years ago

-Beanie baby attic? Beanie baby attic

-When Fugo first moved in with him and just saw like—a room full of beanie babies he had no idea what to think but it's become a ritual at this point for each new member of the bucci gang to stare longingly at the vast collection when they first move in with them

- None of the beanie babies are exceptionally rare but he takes very good care of each and every one (like a good parent should)

- Although he doesn’t really have favourites, he does have a certain attachment to Smoochy the Frog because it was a gift from Leone (who begrudgingly denies that he has anything to do with the frog whenever one of them asks about it)

-What he DIDN’T know was that Polpo had a massive one. Like, a huge one because he was Polpo and of course he did

-Once he inherits all of Polpo’s shit he’s handed like, a million beanie babies and he is overjoyed

-He still keeps his own special collection separate from those ones, though. Because that shit’s special

Narancia

-Enormous plushie collection. Seriously.

-He cuddles with a different one each night like a devoted bro

-He has super tiny ones and huge ones that are bigger than him and a whole variety of them and they’re just fucking everywhere all over his room

-He can literally nap anywhere thanks to vast amount of comfiness in his room now

-They all have names which no one else can seem to remember other than Bruno.

-He always has special ones on hand specifically for lending out to the others (usually Giorno or Fugo) whenever one of them gets sad or overwhelmed

-Whenever he gets a new one he always asks everyone for name ideas (Mista is the best at coming up with names)

-Whenever one of his old animal plushies gets too old/can barely even function as a toy anymore, Giorno will turn it into an actual animal for him so it can still live on in a way :)))

-His favourite is a dirty, crusty, old plush lamb named Pecorey that he got from his mother when he was 2. When I tell you this thing is crusty, it’s CRUSTY

-But it’s very dear to his heart so it doesn’t matter ;-;

-Bruno has tried to clean her a few times but it seems like the grime will never come off. Narancia thinks the dirt gives her personality though.

Abbacchio

-Refuses to admit he has any plushies

-He has 2. One teddy bear he found at a garage sale that had Bruno’s hairstyle, so obviously he bought it.

-The second one is a tiny plushie that Narancia made by hand. Yes, the plushie also looks like Bruno. Abbacchio claimed it was ugly when narancia made it but he takes very good care of the tiny Bruno.

-Will not bring them out of his closet under any circumstances. Even when he’s sad ;(

-He helps Bruno dust off his beanie babies, even though he swears that he hates doing it

Mista

-His plushie is... can you even call it a plushie?

-It’s a teddy bear he got as a baby, but mista never took good care of it so it’s just.... a stuffingless husk. Just skin.

-Mista claims the bear is named Cattivo but the rest of Team Bucciarati usually refers to the bear as ‘it’. Abbacchio keeps trying to throw it out but he always fails.

-They always wonder why Mista still keeps it around and one night they find out that his eldest sister found him after he came out of jail and gave it to him and it's the only item that he has left that stuff connects him to his family (and also the last time he saw his sister)

-They start calling the bear Cattivo after that

-It sits on his bookshelf and he puts it next to his pillow when he gets sad

Fugo

-Has no plushies of his own, though he used to have hundreds back when he lived surrounded by wealth

-When he turned seven, his parents took away all toys that he owned and replaced them with books and school supplies, telling him that he’s fated to do well in academics and doesn’t need any distractions

-He still has it drilled into his head that he doesn’t need them or doesn’t deserve them and makes it clear to everybody that he doesn’t want any (even though he kinda does)

-He does frequently steal plushies from Narancia though

-He always returns them in the end because he just ends up feeling bad for wanting one but Narancia doesn’t mind.

-He usually takes this one huge dragon that’s big enough to hug with his entire body. While fugo will never admit it to his team, he really likes affection with those that he trusts, so having a huge plush (even if he’s just borrowing it) to hug is nice.

Trish

-Collects those tiny Japanese plushies which are like... food, drinks, etc,,but with those cute little eyes.

-She buys like, 4 of them a week.

-Her favourite changes almost daily, usually just whichever one she bought most recently :)

-Fugo and Giorno don’t really see the appeal in food with faces, but Mista and Narancia LOVE Trish’s collection

-If she orders one she ends up not liking, she gives it to Narancia for his collection (and sometimes Mista if he begs hard enough)

- Trish has an entire LED display wall in her room for her collection. Her impulse buying of these plushies knows no bounds. She tries to save up for huge ones but she ends up buying a bunch of small ones on impulse.

-Bruno did get her a few huge ones for her birthday, though!

-Whenever Abbacchio is out shopping and runs into one of them that she doesn’t have, he kind of just,,,sneakily buys it and puts it on her bed while she’s not there for her to find later

-She has no idea who keeps gifting her these blessings, but she has a feeling that its him hehehe

◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇

I  still have this cat stuffy in my room that Jade got me when I was 3 or 4 (but she was like 2 when she “gave” it to me so it was more like our mom bought it lmao) and I named it Kitty because I was super original. When I was 5, I lost it once and refused to sleep for days without it so my parents “found it” which really meant they went and bought me a second one and right after that WE ACTUALLY FUCKING FOUND IT LMAO

But like 6 months later my parents split and now I have one at each of their houses so it works! No Kitty is more superior than the other, I love my children equally😌😌

Listen, I know all y’all have at least ONE toy/item/memento somewhere, even if you haven’t seen it or thought about it in years. And I wanna know what it is. 

[tcm]

A Conversation with Patty McCormack on Growing Up on Screen By Kim Luperi

Not many child stars go on to enjoy long, successful careers in show business – and fewer still have earned a prestigious Academy Award nomination before they turned 18. Patty McCormack has achieved both. The actress, who made her first film appearance in 1951 and went on to star in THE BAD SEED (’56, for which she received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress as the murderous Rhoda at age 11); THE ADVENTURES OF HUCKLEBERRY FINN (’60) and THE YOUNG RUNAWAYS (’68), continues to work in Hollywood and shows no indication of slowing down.

I had the pleasure of speaking with McCormack recently about some of these titles and more, including the delightful film KATHY O’ ('58) in which she plays a famous child star – an apt springboard for a discussion about growing up on screen and transitioning into more mature roles over her incredibly long, accomplished career.   

(This interview has been edited for length and clarity.)

I was watching KATHY O’ last night, and I really enjoyed it. In that movie they talk about your blonde pigtail braids as a trademark, and I realized it kind of was; you had that hairstyle in THE BAD SEED and ALL MINE TO GIVE (’57), too. Do you know how that style came about, or was it something you did that caught on?

Patty McCormack: It seems to be! I believe I even had them early on in Mama, which was an old live TV show that was a weekly event. I don't know how that [trademark] happened. I think it just happened because of THE BAD SEED – I think it was the hairdo that I went in with or they just decided on. When you see the original artwork on William March’s book, there’s a very long face drawing of Rhoda, his Rhoda, and there were braids in it. I don't know if they were looped or what, but that could have been it – or I honestly don't remember if it was chosen by my mom because it was easy, but it stuck!

I loved KATHY O’ because I got to live the dream. I loved the notion of them cutting my hair off – except it was a wig that they cut. After a while it felt like I didn't want to look like an older person with braids – you have to get rid of them eventually. As soon as I could, I wanted hair that was like, in that era, a page boy or something like that, where it landed on your shoulder. But I carried that long hair for a long time. And then you know how you revert back to certain hairdos years later? 

They come back in style.

PM: Yes, they come back, but now I have shortish hair, and I'm growing it one length. So I got over the braids – just in the nick of time!

Circling back to Rhoda, you originated the role on Broadway before the film version, so you obviously had a lot of practice and familiarity with the part before you took it to the screen. Since she's such a chilling character, how did you get into that mindset at age nine, especially when you had to play the part multiple times a week?

PM: I always go back to the source, and the source was the director, Reginald Denham. He was so good with directing me. He made it fun, because I learned when I'd get an audience reaction on a face I’d make or something, I'd look forward to doing that again – you know, that kind of joy.

He made it so clear and simple, and his point of view was that Rhoda was always right. I know I've said this before, but it's the truth. No matter what anybody says, Rhoda is correct, and anything she wants, she feels entitled to – not using that word ‘entitled’ – but I really wasn't thinking of myself as a bad person, or especially not a murderer. I just thought it was their fault, which is classic, I guess. I had to kill him [the little boy] because he was so mean. So I think that was how I learned to be that character. I was aware of the murders – people were dead because of me, that I knew – but somehow it wasn't disturbing to my mind. If you take a look at it knowing that, you see it. I'm not coming from some sort of evil place, I don't think.

You were nominated for an Oscar for THE BAD SEED, which is amazing; it's a true testament to your talents, of course, but it’s also such a big accolade to have at such a young age. Do you remember there being any pressure on you for your next role?

PM: Well, the role was so odd for a kid to be so noticed, in that era anyway. I can't think of any jobs I didn't get after that that somebody else got, you know? What happened, though, was that each year I grew, and so I just experienced the typical kid actor dilemma which is going from category to category and establishing yourself in that category and learning how to be in that category. I did do something on Playhouse 90 – I did a few PLAYHOUSE 90s back then – and I did a lot of television –

You played Helen Keller [in the original 1957 Playhouse 90 teleplay “The Miracle Worker”].

PM: That's what I was going to say! That was after THE BAD SEED. But mostly, as far as movies went, there was KATHY O’ and a few here and there and at different levels of development. I was always aware that it had been a while since I worked, that I felt, but I didn't think business, like “What will I follow up that with?” I didn't have that kind of mentality, and I really don't think my mother did either, so it just sort of went the way it went.

As you mentioned too, you were still growing up. So, you’re a child, then a teenager, then young adult. You probably wouldn’t be thinking about the business part of it. 

PM: No, it's so strange. It's not an easy transition, and as you know famous people go through really hard things. You don't get to sit and relax in a certain mode for too long because before you know it you're in the next one. And then you go through your ‘ugly period’ in front of everybody, which is horrible.

The movie that you mentioned TCM is going to air, THE ADVENTURES OF HUCKLEBERRY FINN, when I see the headshots from that I just think, “Aw, I looked uncomfortable!” I could see it even in my body. I felt like I was at the awkward time – you know, part of me was getting bigger, developing – and that hairdo they gave me didn't help; it was still the braids but wrapped up.

I want to ask you about that transition. Did you find anything difficult or surprising about navigating Hollywood and growing up on screen? 

PM: The most difficult part, honestly, as a person growing up – I think at the time I always say Sandra Dee was the person we all looked to. She was just so beautiful, and no one else looked like that – maybe Carol Lynley a little bit – but the bar was set very high. With that, you’re insecure anyways because you’re at that age, and more than anything you don't want to be different. I think that's true for a lot of kids. So the maturing, that part of development, was difficult when I look back. You don't have the confidence that you had as a little kid when you don't think about anything. You become all self-conscious about how you look, if you're thin enough, if you’re pretty enough, if your hair looks nice. It's a little bit of an adjustment to get through all that and go back to what you like to do, which is to pretend, and take the focus off what you look like or who you look like or any of that stuff. I don't know if other kid actors had the same experience, but usually people grow out of a look that made them known – most of us anyway, not all of us. 

I know when you left Hollywood you went back to Brooklyn and finished high school there. What was that experience like for you?

PM: Well, I took my real name back, and I was going to the high school that my mother and older sister went to, so I was really excited. This is going to sound so weird, but it was almost like playing a part – I was playing the part of a high school student. My real name is Russo, so I was Patty Russo. The experience was really kind of shocking, because I think they expected me to be very conceited, and so I had to hide in the cafeteria in the early days, because it was Brooklyn and they were pretty tough – they were on me! But I made a best friend who helped me navigate through it, and it turned into a nice experience finally. I was glad to have had that.

Then I came back out here [Los Angeles], and I stayed with a friend of my mother's family for a while. I wound up leaving Utrecht [her Brooklyn high school] – it’s a long story – but I did a soap opera in between while I was going to Utrecht, and that was kind of tricky because they weren't flexible like California was. In California they were used to kid actors, and in New York at that time, they really weren't. Then when I came out here, I went back to finish high school at Hollywood Professional and got my diploma that way. But I'm so glad I got to go back to Brooklyn. I'm pleased about that.

It sounds like you had a pretty grounded childhood, especially in attending a regular high school. Do you think that helped how you adjusted when you returned to the film industry?

PM: It was a little bit too grounded, I think! I came from a really good family. I never thought that I was a big deal, and they [her mom and dad] made sure of that. So, coming back to the industry after, I really didn't know the ropes. People handled all that before – the only thing I knew was what I did, and so some things maybe didn't get handled so well, but I learned on my feet when I came back out here. Then I married my childhood boyfriend and we had our children, and I kept working.

Yes, you’ve worked steadily since then.

PM: I did work a lot! It’s true. Nothing on the level of nominations, but I was a journeyman, I like to say.

You've spent six decades in the industry, which is really astounding, especially since you started as a child. I read an interview from 1974 that featured a humorous quote from you that I’d like to share. You said that you lamented that you never got the guy in movies and just once you wanted to “kiss the guys instead of kill them.”

PM: That is funny!

But throughout your career, you played Helen Keller, you played a career woman in THE BEST OF EVERYTHING (’70), you played Pat Nixon more recently in FROST/NIXON (’08), so you've had a lot of experience with different characters. Was there any genre or any type of character that you wish you could explore further?

PM: Well, I'll tell you the truth, it's actually seven decades from when I started, although if you want to make me younger, I don't mind! At this point in time, I'm so grateful when I work, because there could be nothing now, you know? I do enjoy what comes along. The only thing I never got to do, which I would have loved, was to have been in a habit – I would have loved to have played a nun in a habit.

That’s interesting.

PM: Isn’t it? It’s the Catholic school thing.

We’ll have to find you a role like that!

PM: I know, wouldn't that be fun? And it would be a nice way, in your later years, to go from a killer to a nun, you know? I think it would be a good idea.

Going in the right direction!

PM: Yes! But anyways, little things change here and there, and I sometimes do voiceovers, and I did something recently that I had never done, which was so much fun. Did you notice on Netflix a show called ARSENE LUPIN [working title for LUPIN]?

I haven’t heard of it, but I know there’s an old movie with the same name.

PM: Yes, this is a remake. It's in French, and I dubbed a French woman into English, and it was so much fun to do, to have someone else's face up there. I know some people watch foreign movies and they say, “Oh it's so unfair to dub the other actors,” and I probably wouldn't love it if somebody dubbed me either, but I had such a ball doing it. So, if you catch that show, you'll see somewhere in there I'm speaking English for a French woman.  

I wanted to talk about two of your more recent roles. I know you starred in MOMMY in the 1990s, kind of a grown-up Rhoda, and you played a psychiatrist in the Lifetime remake of THE BAD SEED in 2018. This story has been filmed a few times; what do you think resonates with people, and how did it feel going back to that character and story but from different perspectives?

PM: Right. Well, to be honest, the Rob Lowe production [for Lifetime] was really a totally different story. There was no mom – he was the mom character – so the writing was really different.

There were two MOMMY movies: MOMMY (’95) and MOMMY’S DAY (’97). Those were written by a writer who lives in Muscatine, Iowa: Max Allan Collins. This is a long time ago now, but it was fun to grow her up, you know, physically. I talked to you about how that is the strange thing about transitioning, and it was so enjoyable to do that. It really was a journey for me internally.

There was also something about shaking hands with that, because in my day, it was never a good thing to have something so long ago be talked about all the time. I got that impression by other people's opinions, not my own, and as time went on, the world changed and people started knowing actors’ work from 20 years ago. So, the appreciation for that old work came back, and I learned to feel good about it through other people's feelings about it. I do have such a different perspective on it now, and it's a character that was so special. That really changed my ability as to how I could hold it [the role].

It’s nice to be able to do that.

PM: Yes, it is. 

I have one more question for you. I know we’re in a pandemic and many productions are halted, but do you have any upcoming appearances that I can share with fans to look out for? 

PM: Aw, I wish! It's funny, I did some Hallmark Christmas movies. Well, I did one, and then last year I was supposed to do another one, and they cut our parts because of COVID. So, I'm rooting for [the next one], and I have a good feeling, you know, when we have our vaccinations. Also, a downside was that they shoot in Canada, and they have to bring you up there, and at that time you had to stay in 14 days.

A lot of rules!

PM: Yes, a lot of rules. So hopefully there will be a new one. I can't honestly say, but there's no reason there shouldn't be!

My dad loves the Hallmark Christmas movies, and I watch a lot of them because of him, so I'll be rooting for you and looking out for you!

PM: I know, there's so many. People have blankets and all these things! There are real hard-core fans – it's amazing.